About the Port
Surabaya, known as the City of Heroes for its central role in Indonesia's independence movement, is East Java's largest city and a working port with genuine urban energy. Landmarks and monuments across the city commemorate that history, while the Arab Quarter near the old harbor retains narrow lanes, historic architecture, and markets that reflect Surabaya's long history as a trading crossroads. Street art along Jalan Tunjungan and a lively café scene add a contemporary layer to the city's heritage core.
Beyond its own sights, Surabaya serves as the principal gateway to eastern Java, making it a practical starting point for excursions into the island's volcanic highlands and rural landscapes. Traditional Javanese cooking, built on bold, aromatic spice blends, is easy to find in local eateries near the center. Travelers with limited time can focus on the old town and harbor district, both reachable without a long transfer from the pier.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Surabaya.
Explore the Arab Quarter
Wander narrow lanes near the old harbor lined with historic mosques, trading houses, and bustling market stalls selling spices and textiles. It's an easy walk from the historic center and gives a real sense of Surabaya's crossroads past.
Visit Heroes Monument
This towering memorial and its underground museum commemorate the 1945 Battle of Surabaya, the event that earned the city its nickname. A short stop here adds context to the city's identity before continuing on.
Snap Photos on Jalan Tunjungan
Colorful murals and street art cover walls along this historic avenue, now paired with cafés and shophouses worth a slow stroll. Good for an hour of people-watching and a caffeine break between sights.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Surabaya
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2026 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Venus | 12 | $7,099 | |
| Oct 30, 2026 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Orion | 26 | $13,698 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 34 | $9,129 | |
| Nov 13, 2026 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Orion | 12 | $6,099 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 20 | $5,909 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 6 | $1,339 | |
| Nov 22, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 11 | $10,299 | |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 14 | $5,349 | |
| Dec 7, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 14 | $5,220 | |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 27 | $9,799 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 12 | $3,960 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Holland America | Volendam | 130 | $28,009 | |
| Jan 11, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Splendor | 141 | $94,399 | |
| Jan 11, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Splendor | 127 | $86,099 | |
| Jan 17, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 14 | $3,825 | |
| Feb 10, 2027 | Holland America | Volendam | 40 | $9,099 | |
| Feb 10, 2027 | Holland America | Volendam | 18 | $4,199 | |
| Feb 16, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 14 | $12,999 | |
| Feb 21, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 43 | $20,449 | |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 51 | $25,449 |
Showing the next 20 of 111 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.