port of call

Meaning

A port of call is a harbor or port where a ship stops during a voyage, typically to load or unload cargo, take on fuel, or allow passengers to sightsee. Metaphorically, it refers to any place you visit or stop at during a trip, a series of errands, or a night out.

Examples

• Our cruise ship's first port of call was the beautiful island of Cozumel.

  Our cruise ship's first port of call was the beautiful island of Cozumel.

• Whenever I visit London, my first port of call is always my favorite bookstore.

  Whenever I visit London, my first port of call is always my favorite bookstore.

• The cargo ship had to bypass its scheduled port of call due to the severe storm.

  The cargo ship had to bypass its scheduled port of call due to the severe storm.

• When planning your itinerary, make sure to research each port of call for local attractions.

  When planning your itinerary, make sure to research each port of call for local attractions.

• The post office was our last port of call before we headed home for the day.

  The post office was our last port of call before we headed home for the day.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I made a port of call to my friend's house to say hello.

  ✓ I stopped by my friend's house to say hello. / My friend's house was my first port of call.

  'Port of call' is a noun phrase representing a destination or stop, not an action you 'make.' You stop at or designate a place as a port of call.

• ✗ This hotel is a very comfortable port of call.

  ✓ This hotel is a very comfortable place to stay.

  A port of call is a temporary stopover point along a larger journey, not a final destination or accommodation itself.

Related Expressions

Practice

• When we arrived in Paris, our very first ___ was a cozy local bakery.

  💡 A place visited on a journey.

  Show answer

  port of call

• The captain announced that the next ___ would be delayed due to port congestion.

  💡 A scheduled stop for a ship.

  Show answer

  port of call