If there’s one type of vacation travelers can’t get enough of, it’s cruising. Forecasts from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) suggest that nearly 42 million passengers will sail the oceans annually by 2028 — an increase of more than 10 million passengers from 2023 figures.
That kind of growth creates serious revenue opportunities for travel advisors. But booking the sailing alone is only part of how the cruising boom can benefit your bottom line.
“Tailoring a pre- or post-cruise experience for a client adds significant value by enhancing either the beginning or the end of the journey,” said Marcos Ramírez, luxury travel advisor at NUBA. “Personalized extensions often lead to higher client satisfaction and repeat clients.” Not to mention extra commissions for advisors, too.
From vibrant cultural capitals to design-forward Nordic hubs, certain port cities lend themselves especially well to a pre- or post-cruise stay. Keep reading for where to encourage clients to linger and how to position these extensions as an essential part of the journey.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires often serves as the pre- or post-cruise gateway for Antarctica expeditions and Patagonia journeys. Tacking on a couple of nights in this vibrant city offers an artsy, urban contrast to the remote, nature-driven journeys passengers may be about to embark on (or have just returned from).
“It has a unique energy that blends European elegance with a vibrant, expressive local culture,” said Carolita Urrestarazu, who used to live in Buenos Aires and heads up USA business development at NUBA.
A prime destination for culture seekers and foodies, Buenos Aires is best experienced through its neighborhoods and atmosphere, she noted.
“Standout experiences include a private tango evening in San Telmo, exploring the buzzing food scene through curated parrilla (traditional barbecue) dinners and wine tastings, and discovering the city’s hidden side through speakeasies,” Urrestarazu added.
For clients who love shopping, be sure to include an afternoon in Palermo, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. In between browsing designer boutiques, travelers can wander leafy parks, admire colorful street art and linger over coffee at one of the area’s many cafés, an essential part of the city’s culture.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
A stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a thoughtful add-on for cruise passengers who want to ease into (or unwind after) their time at sea without complicated logistics, said Jonathan Alder, founder of Jonathan’s Travels. As one of the region’s busiest homeports, it offers a balance of convenience and rich experiences, from historic landmarks to a dynamic dining scene.
“I often advise clients to visit in the spring, when the weather is especially beautiful and crowds are lighter before summer tourism peaks,” Alder said. “A stay at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the perfect bookend to a cruise, and I always encourage clients to explore San Juan’s vibrant art and food scenes.”
He encouraged travel advisors to include a reservation at Marmalade in Old San Juan on clients’ itineraries so they can savor its inventive tasting menus, then stroll through the neighborhood’s pastel-colored Spanish colonial streets. Travelers can round out their trip with visits to two historic fortresses and a round of piña coladas in the destination where the creamy cocktail was invented more than 70 years ago.
Marseille, France
Marseille serves as a major gateway for Mediterranean cruises, with itineraries from lines like MSC, Crystal and Costa regularly embarking and disembarking in the southern French port.
While the city itself offers plenty for travelers who wish to extend their trip, like strolling the lively Old Port, which dates back to 600 B.C., and seeing the ornate Byzantine mosaics of Notre Dame de la Garde, advisors can elevate their clients’ pre- or post-cruise stay in Southern France by looking beyond the coast to Bordeaux.
“It’s my absolute favorite city in France: smaller than Paris but just as charming, with a friendlier feel,” Alder said. “Bordeaux is home to one of the world’s greatest wine regions and located near the stunning medieval city of Saint-Émilion, with excellent access to the Bay of Biscay and the Loire Valley.”
Ideal for wine lovers and travelers seeking a slower pace to soak up the culture, this destination gives clients the chance to see the side of France that feels intimate, immersive and distinctly local.
Cartagena, Colombia
A single port day just isn’t enough to experience everything that makes Cartagena one of the most exciting destinations right now.
“Cartagena feels incredibly alive and deeply cultural. There is music everywhere, people dancing in the streets and such a strong sense of color and personality,” Urrestarazu said. “It’s one of those places that instantly immerses you and is perfect for a two- to three-night stay because everything is so walkable.”
Cartagena resonates with travelers who want to feel a destination as much as see it, especially anyone who loves exploring distinct neighborhoods and creative dining and nightlife scenes. Urrestarazu suggested advisors build in time for clients to wander the Old Town — especially around sunset along the city walls — and explore Getsemaní for its street art.
“Pairing the city with a day trip to the Rosario Islands adds a beautiful contrast, giving clients both culture and a relaxed Caribbean beach experience in a very short time,” Urrestarazu added.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is a natural extension for Northern Europe and Norwegian fjord cruises, offering a quieter, more refined counterpoint to the continent’s busier capitals. Adding a few days here gives advisors the chance to introduce clients to a side of Scandinavia that feels intentionally unhurried, design-driven and close to nature.
“I love how it offers something completely different: a sense of calm, space and refined simplicity. It’s a very easy city to navigate, making it ideal for a short stay, yet it still delivers a rich combination of nature, architecture and culture,” Urrestarazu said.
If you’re looking for highlights to include on your clients’ Oslo itineraries, Urrestarazu had a few recommendations. “Standout experiences include walking on the roof of the Oslo Opera House at sunset, visiting the impressive Munch Museum and enjoying a fjord-side sauna followed by a cold plunge,” she said, adding that you can easily extend their stay with two or three nights in the Norwegian fjords.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a smart choice for a pre- or post-cruise stay in Asia, with both the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal and nearby Yokohama Port serving as major gateways for itineraries across Japan and beyond. Alder calls the city a “must” for travelers to Japan, a country that remains one of the most popular destinations among his clients for its blend of culture, history and cuisine.
“The city offers world-class hotels, and I highly recommend my clients stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, The Palace Hotel or Shangri-La Tokyo to get the most out of their visit,” Alder said.
Just a few days in Tokyo is enough for travelers to experience several quintessential Japanese experiences, from bathing in onsen and lighting incense at Senso-Ji Temple to slurping ramen and catching city views from the Tokyo Skytree. Advisors can also position the city as a jumping-off point for deeper exploration in other destinations like Mt. Fuji and Kanazawa, offering a more traditional counterpoint to the modern bustle of Tokyo.
The real magic of a cruise often happens off the ship. By building in pre- or post-cruise stays, advisors can transform a fixed itinerary into something more tailored and memorable for their clients. It also opens the door to additional commissions and gives travelers a taste of destinations they may be eager to return to for a longer, more immersive trip — and they’ll know exactly who to call to plan it.
Originally appeared in Summer 2026 issue of The Compass magazine
Joni Sweet
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