Cruising in America

A huge & diverse, yet quintessentially Western country, the United States of America is larger than life.

From the outgoing personalities of America’s friendly people (who are genuinely interested in travellers and provide great service) to the iconic attractions, the vibrant buzz of some of the world’s greatest cities, amazing food (think Chinese food in San Francisco, Mexican in Austin, Indian in New York City, Southern home cooking in New Orleans and $2 giant pizza slices everywhere you go), to the immense landscapes that line the shores and inland; America does nothing by halves.

US cruises depart from enormous mega ports along the East Coast, including New York city and Boston, West Coast cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, and down south in the tropical Gulf Coast where the mighty port of Miami Florida, the busiest in the world, welcomes almost 5 million cruise passengers per year. Within the Sates you can cruise the mighty Mississippi River aboard a paddle steamer, sail on a small ship into an Alaskan fjord or southern waterway, or take a river cruise from Portland or an ocean cruise north along the Pacific Coast to Canada. Travelling out of the USA you can get to just about anywhere.

---

The best West Coast cruise ports

Hawaii

There are several cruise lines and ports available to cruisers in Hawaii. The islands are popular for their wealth of adventure sports activities, lush rainforests and beaches. Hawaii also has lovely resorts and some great shopping. The iconic Hawaiian cruise is aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America visiting Hilo, Maui and Honolulu. 

Best for: Everyone.

Who goes there? Carnival, Hapag-Lloyd, HAL, NCL, Princess, Regent and Seabourn.

Los Angeles

Home to the rich and famous, the City of Angels has a temperate climate that makes it a lovely place to holiday. Some of the highlights of the city include Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. The kids will have a blast at Disneyland in Anaheim or at the Staples Center for an NBA game. For luxury shopping, hit Rodeo Drive for big brand names from Saint Laurent to Chanel. If you want to have a drink like a rockstar, visit the Chateau Marmont. 

Best for: Everyone

Who goes there? Carnival, NCL, Princess, Regent and Viking Ocean.

San Francisco

The cosmopolitan city of San Francisco is known for its lovely climate (despite the fog), hilly streetscapes and authentic Chinese food. The sight of the Golden Gate Bridge is the first thing many cruisers see. American department stores Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are in Union Square. Head to Pier 39 for a bowl of chowder – delicious and warming, especially if you’re cruising during winter. 

Best for: Everyone.

Who goes there? Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, NCL, Ponant, Princess, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea.

Seattle

Seattle is a popular port for cruising to Canada and Alaska. The city is known for the 360-degree views from its iconic Space Needle building. The Pike Place farmers’ markets are worth a stop and to learn about the city’s history, take the Underground Tour. Much of Seattle was destroyed during the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and the city was rebuilt over the top of the ruins. 

Best for: Nature lovers and couples.

Who goes there? Carnival, Celebrity, HAL, NCL, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn.

---

The best East Coast ports

Boston

Boston has a rich history and is filled with museums (most are accessible on foot). The Freedom Trail passes 16 sites from early US history including the Boston Public Garden, Louisburg Square mansions and Fenway Park. Visit the Quincy Market which has been transformed into a mall to see street performers and the fantastic food court. 

Best for: History buffs and couples.

Who goes there? Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, NCL, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking Ocean and Windstar.

Fort Lauderdale

It’s one of the biggest cruise hubs in the world and Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the biggest cruise names. If you’re looking for things to do pre- or post-cruise, Fort Lauderdale has lovely golden sand beaches and waterways. Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s chic Las Olas is lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries and hip cafes. 

Best for: Everyone.

Who goes there? Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, HAL, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea.

New York

Bright lights, big city – New York is one hell of a town! It’s home to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Empire State Building. Take a stroll around Central Park, give your credit card a workout on 5th Avenue or grab a meal in Chinatown or Little Italy. Visit the American Museum of Natural history to see skeletons of a mammoth and dinosaurs. You can also catch an NBA or baseball game or a show on Broadway while you’re in town. 

Best for: Everyone.

Who goes there? Carnival, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, HAL, MSC, NCL, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Silversea and Windstar.