Cruise holidaymakers have been cautioned to “stay far, far away” from some of Europe’s most popular destinations. Travel guru Gary Bembridge reveals two cruises he took in 2024 served as a stark reminder that not every port remains “safe” – despite ships docking there regularly.

He warns that some of the Mediterranean’s most frequented ports present significant safety concerns. This situation often arises, he explains, due to pickpockets operating throughout these areas, deliberately singling out tourists.

These locations rank amongst the world’s largest ports for passenger embarkation and disembarkation whilst also serving as major tourist magnets.

Gary urges travellers to exercise extreme caution when stepping ashore at Barcelona in Spain, Rome in Italy, Athens in Greece, and Livorno in Italy – which serves as the entry point to Pisa and Florence.

During his Tips for Travel YouTube Channel broadcast, Gary characterised the criminal activity in these locations as “big city crimes”

Gary urges travellers to exercise extreme caution when stepping ashore at Barcelona in Spain, Rome in Italy, Athens in Greece, and Livorno in Italy – which serves as the entry point to Pisa and Florence.

During his Tips for Travel YouTube Channel broadcast, Gary characterised the criminal activity in these locations as “big city crimes”.

He explained: “These ports to watch out for are not only the major embarkation and disembarkation ports in the Mediterranean but several will also be on whatever Mediterranean itinerary you do, because they are major cities. Here it’s mostly about big city crime like pickpocketing and theft.”

“I have seen or have known people who have been victims in every single one of them.”

Gary warns that cruise passengers visiting Spain face the greatest danger when exploring La Rambla in Barcelona.

This tree-lined boulevard ranks amongst the city’s busiest thoroughfares, renowned for street performances and packed with dining establishments and retail outlets.

However, one expert has dubbed it a “pickpocket’s dream”. Gary revealed that during his last cruise to Rome, two passengers were pickpocketed at different locations in the Italian capital.

Meanwhile, in Athens, Gary reported that one of his followers fell victim to a pickpocket on public transport and lost her passport, which disrupted her cruise plans.

Cruise-goers heading to Livorno, the “gateway port” for those wishing to visit Florence and Pisa, should be vigilant when they venture into these larger tourist cities.

Gary advises travellers to heed travel warnings for each port and stick to organised excursions for safety.

If you decide to explore independently, he recommends noting down the contact details of the local port agent. He added: “They will be absolutely key if something happens to help you sort it out.

“Of course, don’t wear valuables, stay alert, and stay in busy tourist-filled areas. But even if you are going to ports considered safer, there are still risks around.”