Who wouldn’t be excited about visiting an actual movie set or location? Even casual screen goers can appreciate the excitement of seeing sites where legendary films took place. Imagine the thrill of visiting the Kings Landing Exteriors from Game of Thrones or the church from the musical sensation, Mamma Mia. You may be surprised to discover that many movie locations are accessible by cruise. Be sure to check around, there are even shore excursions tours of these great sets.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones fan will instantly recognize Kings Landing’s medieval walls in Dubrovnik, Croatia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, The Old City, stands within imposing stone walls nestled along the coast. Aside from “Kings Landing,” Dubrovnik is also home to many other Game of Thrones locations like St. Dominic Street, Fort Lovrijenac, Gradac Park and more.
Cruises to Dubrovnik: Windstar, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, Carnival
Wonder Woman
The scenes shot in the fictional Themyscira are in a little known part of Italy’s Cilento Coast, Palinuro. Unlike many other famous beaches, the coast’s rugged shores and untouched beaches offer a reprieve from the crowds. The town is also renowned for its’ magnificent caves and grottos. Most ships sail into Salerno, the closet port to The Cilento Coast.
Cruises to Salerno: Princess, PONANT, Royal Caribbean
Jurassic Park
Known for its breathtaking locations, Jurassic Park‘s set is brimming with cascading mountains, magnificent waterfalls, and lush rainforests. You’ll find most of the extraordinary scenery in Kauai, Hawaii. Be sure to check out Jurassic Kahili Ranch, Manawaiopuna Waterfall, and Allerton Garden.
Cruises to Kauai: Most
Lost
Filmed in Oahu, the popular series follows the survivors of a plane crash. Many of the Lost set locations are open to visitors. Explore the beach scenes and plane wreckage from Season 1 on Oahu’s North Shore at Mokule’ ia Beach which is also the film location for Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, and Godzilla. Take the Hollywood Movie Site Tour of Kualoa Ranch to see a large variety of sets.
Cruises to Oahu: Most
Pirates of the Caribbean
Explore the primary location of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean at Wallilabou Bay. Close by on the windward side of the island lies Black Point, where the dead Kraken was beached in the third movie. Another notable location is Petit Tabac. A quick google search will pull up the many tour companies that will give you an inside look at many sites used by the franchise.
Cruises to St Vincent and the Grenadines: MSC, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean
Mama Mia
Aside from the beauty of the island, Skopelos and Skiathos offer fans of the 2008 Mama Mia a look into the musical classic. For an authentic experience be sure to stop by Glysteri, Kastani Beach, a hot spot for many of the film’s scenes. And, of course, the storied church where the famous wedding took place, Agios Ioannis located in the region of Kastri. The Mamma Mia Island tour gives you a complete look into the film.
Cruises to Skopelos and Skiathos: Azamara, SeaDream
The Sound of Music
Salzburg, Austria draws more than 30,000 fans each year, hoping to follow the footsteps of the famous Von Trapp Family. Don’t miss the singing Sound of Music Tour and the “Sound of Music” performance at the Marionette Theater in Salzburg. Other locations include: Frohnburg Palace, Nonnberg Abbey Convent, and more.
Danube River Cruise: Avalon, Viking River Cruises
Jaws
The film that had beachgoers leery of going into the water for years took place in the fictional town of Amity Long Island, but the actual filming was done in Martha’s Vineyard. Some of the recognizable locations include the American legion Memorial Bridge and Sengekontacket Pond.
Cruises to Martha’s Vineyard: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Fleet, American Cruise Line
The Godfather
Corleone, Sicily not only lends its location, but its name as well to the Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 hit The Godfather. The town of Savoca and Forza d’Agro is recognized for noteworthy sites: Church of St. Nicolò and Bar Vitelli. In fact, Norwegian Cruise lines offer a Godfather tour to both cities where you will make a stop at the iconic sites but also learn the history of the beautiful cities.
Cruises to Savoca: NCL, Princess, Royal Caribbean
That’s a wrap! We hope these inspire you to add a little something different to your next shore excursion.
