Visiting Tunisia from a Cruise Ship: Our Experience Exploring North Africa

When we visited Tunisia in March 2014, the country was still going through a period of political transition following the 2011 revolution. There were ongoing concerns about security and unrest in some areas, which influenced how we chose to explore the country. Because this was a cruise port stop, we decided to visit through a ship-sponsored excursion rather than travel independently.

Just two days after our visit, Tunisia experienced a tragic event that resulted in cruise lines changing some itineraries and reevaluating port stops. Looking back, it was a reminder that travel can sometimes place us in the middle of history as it is unfolding.

Arriving in Tunisia: First Impressions of La Goulette Port

Our first glimpse of Tunisia came as we arrived at the port of La Goulette, the cruise port serving the capital city of Tunis. After a rainy morning, we were greeted with an unexpected welcome — a beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky from our balcony.

It was a memorable first look at a country that was completely different from the European Mediterranean destinations we had visited.

When many people in the United States think of Africa, they often imagine safaris, wildlife, deserts, and wide-open landscapes. I realized that was exactly the picture I had in my mind — something you would see in a movie with jeeps crossing the savanna.

Tunisia introduced me to a completely different side of Africa.

Located along the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Tunisia has a unique blend of Arab, Berber, Mediterranean, and European influences. Instead of wildlife reserves, we found ancient ruins, colorful markets, beautiful architecture, and cities filled with thousands of years of history.

From the moment we stepped off the ship, I knew this was going to be a memorable day.

Once we disembarked from the ship, we headed to our first stop, Bardo National Museum, you can check out both of my post about the museum here.  After we left the museum, we headed to the Medina where we had lunch.

We made a stop here, on our way to  Carthage, to see this portion of these Roman Aqueducts. 

One of the small details that caught my attention was seeing road signs written in Arabic and English. After visiting several European ports where we were used to seeing languages like Spanish, French, or Italian, seeing Arabic reminded us that we were truly experiencing a different part of the world.

One of my favorite surprises in Tunisia was the architecture. Everywhere we looked, there were beautiful details — carved doors, colorful accents, arches, and patterns that reflected the country’s rich history.

The place was very clean with no trash to be seen anywhere.

I loved this picture of the vendors setting up for the day.

The important elements of Tunisian culture are diverse and represent a unique, mixed heritage. This heritage can be experienced first-hand in museums such as the Bardo Museum, the contrast and diversity of city architecture such as Sidi Bou Said or the medina of Tunis.

I was also surprised to find much of the area around Tunisia to be in the blue and white which I thought was only found in the tourist town of Sidi Bou Said. As you read my post about my visit to North Africa, you will notice that Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco have similar architectural styles.  The style is unique and beautiful and unlike the European places that I visited.  

Of the places we traveled around the Mediterranean, I think Africa had the most beautiful doors.

Final Thoughts: Is Tunisia Worth Visiting?

Looking back on our visit to Tunisia, I am so glad we decided to get off the ship and explore. We visited during a complicated time in the country’s history, and I understand why some travelers were hesitant. However, our experience was filled with history, beautiful scenery, fascinating culture, and welcoming people.

Tunisia was unlike any other stop on our Mediterranean cruise. It was not the Africa I had imagined from movies and documentaries, but something much more interesting — a place where ancient civilizations, Mediterranean influences, and North African culture come together.

From the incredible mosaics at the Bardo Museum, to the ancient ruins of Carthage, the winding streets of the Medina, and the blue-and-white beauty of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia offered a little bit of everything for curious travelers.

One of my favorite parts of travel is discovering places that challenge my expectations, and Tunisia did exactly that. It reminded me that the world is much bigger and more diverse than the images we often have in our minds.

For anyone visiting Tunisia, especially for the first time, my advice is simple: do your research, check current travel information, choose experiences that fit your comfort level, and keep an open mind. Some of the most memorable travel experiences come from places that are a little outside your comfort zone.

Tunisia was a place that surprised me, inspired me, and gave me memories I will never forget.