About Ellie Simons: Cruise Port Guide Editor

Welcome!

I’m Ellie Simons

Practical cruise-port planning from someone who loves the details

Hi! I’m Ellie, and I’ve loved cruising since my first trip on the Disney Magic when I was eight. Since then, I’ve explored ports all over the world and learned that a little planning can completely change your day ashore.

I created Cruise Ports to share the tips I wish I had before visiting each port—from where your ship docks and what’s walkable to the places that are actually worth your time. Think of me as your cruise-obsessed friend helping you make the most of every stop.

Where I’ve Sailed

Practical port guides, transportation details, and honest planning advice to help you make the most of every day ashore.

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Behind the blog

How it all started

Cruise Ports started with one simple problem: every time I planned a cruise, I spent far too much time trying to figure out what to actually do in each port.

I wanted one place that answered the practical questions quickly, without digging through endless forums and outdated guides. What started as a passion project has grown into a collection of port guides designed to make exploring somewhere new feel much easier.

Get to Know Me

coffee order

oat milk flat white

favorite destination

patagonia

always in my carryon

airpods + a good book

AIRBNB or hotel?

hotel girlie!

On my bucket list

great barrier reef

Guilty pleasure

ben & jerry’s half baked

Window or aisle?

window always

currently planning

my next cruise

New here?

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FAQ

Patagonia will always be hard to beat for me. Sailing around the tip of South America completely reset my standards for scenery. I also love Alaska, smaller Caribbean islands, and ports where you can step ashore and have an amazing day without needing a large organized excursion.

Norwegian is probably my go-to because I like how relaxed it feels. That said, I’m an itinerary-first cruiser, and I’ll happily switch cruise lines for the right ports.

I’ve been creating travel content for years, and Cruise Ports has been around since 2024. I’m an engineer by background, so naturally I turned my habit of researching terminals, transportation, maps, and logistics into an entire website.

I can share what I’ve learned. I’ve built and run several websites over the years, and most of what I know came from testing, refining, and learning from plenty of mistakes along the way.

I’m open to partnerships that genuinely fit Cruise Ports, including cruise lines, destinations, hotels, tourism boards, travel brands, and hosted experiences that would be useful to readers.

Where are you sailing next?

View of the Agios Nikolaos cruise port area

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Hello! I'm Ellie