Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Language
Sinhala, Tamil, English
Time Zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Best Time to Visit
Jan–Apr
Typical Duration
18-92 nights
Price Range
From $3,357 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Colombo serves as a gateway to Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and is a key stop on world cruises exploring Asia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond.
Cruises that visit Colombo
- cruises to Colombo
- Colombo sailings
- Colombo cruises
- 17-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 18-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 18-night Silversea cruise
- 32-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 36-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 40-night Holland America Line cruise
- 42-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 44-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 46-night Holland America Line cruise
- 53-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 55-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 63-night Holland America Line cruise
- 64-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 96-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 108-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 112-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 115-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 115-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 115-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 115-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 124-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 124-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 128-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 128-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 129-night Holland America Line cruise
- 141-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 141-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Colombo
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Big Plate
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Diyatha Uyana Park
A total full package of play area, nature, lake, food court, plant shop.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
One Galle Face Mall
Hub for shopping, dining & entertainment
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Sigiriya
Water garden, boulder garden, the frescoes.
Abid's Restaurant Sri Lanka
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Majestic City
The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Floating Market - Pettah
📸😊 A calm escape within the city!
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Galle Face Green
There's plenty to do for young kids as well
Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
A fun, educational day out with lots of photo-worthy moments!
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Liberty Plaza
You can visit multiple shops and compare prices to find a good offer 💰.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Viharamahadevi Park
There is also a play area for kids, and lots of fun activities.
House of Fashions
The garments are if varying quality and has some European brands.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Gangaramaya Temple Colombo
It is like a temple mixture with museums and mixtures with garage sells.
Independence Square
There is a museum under the Independent square hall opened to public
Colombo Lotus Tower
The Pixel Bloom Exhibition was a fun, interactive highlight.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Arcade Independence Square
A nice shopping mall with branded shops and delicious food in Food court.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Marino Mall
You can buy goods under very high quality and very high level brands.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Excel World Entertainment Park
Many playing equipment and activities available including a Jumping Castle.
Closed · Opens 2 PM
Crescat Boulevard
Super cool shopping mall you can find many shops and a great food court
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Colombo National Museum
I spent about 2 hours at the museum and I could have easily spent more time.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
Some souvenirs are also available at very reasonable prices.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Ministry of Crab
Everything from the food to the service and atmosphere was excellent.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Mount Lavinia Beach.
Highly recommend for photoshoot 🥹❤️
LeisureWorld Water Park
Very fun and amazing Budget friendly
Closed · Opens 9 AM
WILDISH
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Graze Kitchen
Dine-in·No delivery
Crow Island Beach Park
Best and economical and a playing events available for kids.
The Gallery Café
The food was excellent, and the ambiance was out of this world.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Colombo City Centre Mall and Residences
Offers high-end stores and popular international brands.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Seema Malakaya Temple
If you need to escape the city without leaving it, this is the place.
Life’s Good Kitchen
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM
The Lagoon
Delicious meals, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Cheers
Cozy pub vibes, tasty food, good drinks, live music and friendly service.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Taphouse by RnR Colombo
The atmosphere is lively with good music, lighting, and crowd energy.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
ON14 Rooftop Lounge & Bar
Great atmosphere, heavenly views and soothing drinks!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Gangaramaya Park
You can take Swan Boats to paddle around and explore the lake as well.
Temporarily closed
SunsetBlu
The food was exceptional—each dish was flavorful and beautifully presented.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
In...on the Green
Warm welcome, cold beers and a historic venue.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Shoulders By Harpos
Live music, friendly staff and great drinks made the experience even better!
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Virticle by Jetwing
The food was absolutely delicious,beautifully presented, and full of flavor.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Colombo Lighthouse
Best of all, no tickets or prior permissions are required.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Love Bar at Flamingo House
Good drinks, good layout and good music
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Bellevue Beach Club
Comfortable seating, great weather, and the food and drinks were delicious.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
SKY YARD - MaRadha Colombo
The roof top vibe and the drinks were amazing!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Lakarcade
It has a good selection of clothes, artifacts, tea, spices, and jewelry.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Gatz
Lovely atmosphere, good music, excellent service, good food and cocktails.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Pixel Bloom
Go for the observation deck and skip Pixel.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kampong
extremely curated cocktails, intimate atmosphere and a highly trained team.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Colombo
Colombo stands as one of the Indian Ocean's most compelling cruise destinations, offering visitors a captivating blend of colonial heritage, vibrant culture, and tropical charm. As Sri Lanka's bustling capital and primary port of call, this historic harbor welcomes cruise passengers from five major cruise lines, including Oceania Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, MSC Cruises, Silversea, and Holland America Line. Whether you're embarking on an extended 18-night voyage or enjoying a brief port stop, Colombo serves as an ideal launching point for exploring some of the world's most exotic destinations.
Colombo's strategic location makes it a natural hub for long-distance cruises traversing the Indian Ocean and beyond. Many itineraries feature Colombo as a port of call en route to Southeast Asian treasures like Singapore and Bali, or on epic journeys toward the South Pacific's Tahitian islands and beyond to Sydney. The peak season runs from December through April, when favorable weather and calm seas make for ideal cruising conditions.
During your time in port, you'll discover that Colombo rewards both adventurous explorers and those seeking relaxation. The city's colonial architecture, bustling markets, and nearby beaches provide authentic experiences within easy reach of the harbor. Modern port facilities ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation, while the warm hospitality of local residents and the region's renowned cuisine create memorable moments that linger long after you set sail.
Colombo's strategic location makes it a natural hub for long-distance cruises traversing the Indian Ocean and beyond. Many itineraries feature Colombo as a port of call en route to Southeast Asian treasures like Singapore and Bali, or on epic journeys toward the South Pacific's Tahitian islands and beyond to Sydney. The peak season runs from December through April, when favorable weather and calm seas make for ideal cruising conditions.
During your time in port, you'll discover that Colombo rewards both adventurous explorers and those seeking relaxation. The city's colonial architecture, bustling markets, and nearby beaches provide authentic experiences within easy reach of the harbor. Modern port facilities ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation, while the warm hospitality of local residents and the region's renowned cuisine create memorable moments that linger long after you set sail.
Cruise Lines at Colombo
- Viking Ocean Cruises (14 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (8 cruises)
- Seabourn (7 cruises)
- Holland America Line (6 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (4 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (3 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
- Silversea (3 cruises)