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United States Cruises

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Cruises in the United States

Whether you want to explore the dynamic cities and rocky shores of the East Coast, taste wines in the California sunshine, bask on Florida’s golden beaches, or see Alaska’s incredible wildlife, our United States cruises will deliver your dream vacation. Immerse yourself in Boston’s historic sites and exciting culinary scene. Ride the vintage cable cars in San Francisco and explore the dazzling colors of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Cruises to the United States take you to the heart of these iconic cities, as well as exploring some of the country’s most beautiful coastlines, from the icy peaks and forested inlets of Alaska to the lush landscapes of New England. The list of adventures in store is endless, from hiking, cycling, and kayaking to whale-watching, designer shopping, fine dining, and a rich, diverse culture. All this is yours, from the luxurious setting of one of our award-winning, contemporary ships.

USA Cruise Highlights

Cosmopolitan cities.

The USA can rightly claim to have some of the most exciting cities in the world. San Diego’s atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter is waiting to be explored, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a fascinating history lesson. Check out Pier 39 in San Francisco, and take a trip to Alcatraz. Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans.

Spectacular Nature

Wherever you sail in the USA, you’ll be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes. Hawaii is a lush paradise of rainforest, volcanic peaks, and tumbling waterfalls, while Alaska is wild and untamed, a world of snowy mountains, glaciers, and old-growth forest. Sail the coast of New England in fall and take in the dazzling shades of scarlet and orange on the trees. Or head south to Key West for a setting of coconut palms, sandy beaches, and colorful coral reefs.

Exciting Cuisine

Whether you want to taste award-winning vintages in Napa Valley, feast on lobster rolls in New England, or sample gumbo in New Orleans, you’ll discover an incredibly varied culinary scene on your travels around the USA. Don’t miss a salmon bake or the chance to try reindeer sausages in Alaska. In San Francisco, head for Chinatown for tasty dim sum. Key West is famed for its tangy Key lime pie, while Seattle’s claim to fame is artisan-roast coffee—and those powerful Washington State wines.

United States Cruise Regions

The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA, where you’ll find mile upon mile of jagged, snow-capped mountains and dense forest. On a cruise, you’ll be able to appreciate this wild beauty from both a land and sea perspective. You’ll see glaciers, rocky shorelines, historic gold rush towns, and flower-strewn mountain meadows. Along the way, you can hike, kayak, spot bears, go whale-watching, and feast on fresh salmon.

New England

New England has it all: cosmopolitan cities like Boston, arty seaside towns, windswept coasts, and verdant national parks. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston, and explore Portland’s seafaring history under Maine’s vast skies. Hike the woodlands and glacier-scoured peaks of glorious Acadia National Park. Time your trip for the fall and admire the fiery colors of the foliage. Everywhere you go, there’s delicious seafood to taste, like lobster rolls, or claws dripping in melted butter.

Visit some of the most exciting cities on the Pacific Coast with Celebrity. See the graceful sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge in hilly San Francisco, and ride the historic cable cars. Whizz up the Space Needle in Seattle and take in the colors and buzz of Pike Place Market. In Los Angeles, browse the designer shops on Rodeo Drive and marvel at the stars’ homes. Catalina Island, meanwhile, is another world of rugged coastlines, diverse marine life, and hiking trails with sweeping views.

Indulge in a relaxing journey across the warm Pacific from Vancouver to the lush, volcanic islands of Hawaii, where waterfalls tumble from verdant peaks and the ocean is home to abundant whales and dolphins. Visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls from Hilo, and admire the fiery antics of Mount Kilauea. Learn about history in Honolulu, the location of the only royal palace in the USA, and Pearl Harbor. Join a firelight luau in Lahaina, and visit a working pineapple plantation.

The Sunshine State is the perfect place to start your cruise. Admire the colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami’s South Beach, and taste Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Browse the shops along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and explore the canals by gondola. Take a boat ride through the watery Everglades in search of alligators. Treat your kids to a day in the theme parks around Orlando—and meet astronauts at the Kennedy Space Center. Make time to visit those glorious beaches, too.

USA Cruise Itineraries

Celebrity Cruises offers a vast range of USA cruise itineraries and departure ports. Sail from Boston, or Cape Liberty in New Jersey. In Florida, choose between Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and Miami. West Coast ports include Los Angeles, Seattle, and Seward. Cruises range from short getaways to Key West to 13-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu.

Itineraries

Why cruise to the usa with celebrity cruises.

There’s no more comfortable way to explore the exciting coastlines of the USA than with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll dock in the heart of some of the country’s most iconic cities and sail along exquisite coastlines, visiting multiple destinations and only having to unpack once.

As you sail, you’ll discover all the wonderful amenities that make a vacation on board our award-winning ships such a luxurious experience. Live life at your own pace, whether you want a workout in the Fitness Center or a private cabana by the pool. Unwind in the spa, take in the views from the Magic Carpet on Edge-series ships, or relax on the fragrant grass at the Lawn Club on Solstice-series ships. Savor world-class cuisine every day. Elevate your experience in The Retreat, where you’ll enjoy beautiful suite accommodation, an exclusive lounge, and the culinary delights of Luminae at The Retreat.

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The Best U.S. Cruises in 2023

By Janice Wald Henderson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Could close-to-home U.S. cruises satisfy that out-to-sea itch? An ever-growing group of voyagers emphatically say yes. The memories of the challenges European cruisers faced last year surely contribute to U.S. cruises’ popularity boost. Besides, it’s so much easier (and far less costly) to find ports to drive to, or only require a short flight. Most American cruises possess the added allure of international flair, visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada . Nearby waters deliver breathtaking natural beauty, adventurous shore excursions, and ship vibes that range from nonstop high-energy to pampering luxury. Here, several upcoming voyages sailing from American ports that rival any cruise in far-flung locales.

Booking tips for U.S. cruises

Where can you cruise in the united states.

American-flagged carriers like UnCruise Adventures offer Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii cruises. American Cruise Lines counts the coastal Southeast, Alaska, Puget Sound, and New England among its itineraries. NLC America, a Norwegian Cruise Lines division, features the American-flagged  Pride of America sailing the Hawaiian islands. Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic cruise line possesses four American-flagged ships that cruise Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. 

Are there any cruises that stay in the United States?

Only American-flagged cruise lines can sail solely in the United States. Most popular cruise companies sailing multiple ships are foreign-flagged and must abide by laws requiring at least one foreign port stop. That’s why so many close-to-home cruises include Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico. American-flagged cruise lines that can sail solely in U.S. waters include American Cruise Lines, UnCruise Adventures, and Lindblad Expeditions. 

What is the most popular cruise line in America?

Families love Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International for an abundance of amenities befitting multi-generations. Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruises are extremely popular for U.S. cruises , too.

How much does a cruise cost in the United States?

Prices vary widely depending upon the ship category. Contemporary lines are the most economical, premium fall in the middle, and luxury cruises are the priciest. You can find weeklong cruises that cost under $100 per person per day—talk about a deal. 

The 7 best U.S. cruises 2023

Celebrity cruises: an inaugural voyage through the eastern caribbean.

The fourth ship in this line’s game-changing Edge series, the 3,260-passenger  Celebrity Ascent  makes its inaugural eight-day sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023. This sunshine-blanketed itinerary promises four charming Caribbean ports including Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and three blissful sea days. You’ll want those onboard days to never end, with the ship providing so much outdoor space to soak up the balmy Caribbean sun and soft ocean breezes. A buzzy casino and 32 eateries, bars, and lounges are big-time lures, too. Shore excursions—chilling on powdery white sand beaches, snorkeling turquoise waters teeming with colorful coral and tropical fish, and sipping champagne on catamaran sunset sails—are mesmerizing. 

Departs December 3, 2023; fares begin at $1,299 per person.

Cunard: Independence Day celebration on an iconic ship

What better way to cruise in the U.S. than to celebrate July 4 th in Boston, sailing 2,691-passenger Cunard flagship  Queen Mary 2 round trip New York? How fitting to walk the historic Freedom Trail and tour the Boston Tea Party ship on this holiday. The eight-day voyage also includes stops in Newport, Rhode Island (be sure to ogle those Gilded Age mansions), and Halifax, Canada, where passengers can stroll breathtaking public gardens and take an emotional moment to behold the single Titanic deck chair at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.  Queen Mary 2 , widely hailed for its transatlantic crossings, is a wonderful ship to call home. On board, elegance prevails, with a formal evening dress code reflecting Cunard’s sense of occasion. Afternoon tea, a humongous library, ballroom dancing, and a planetarium are among numerous onboard activities keeping passengers engaged. If in the budget, book a Princess Grill Suite; less costly than the Queens Grill, it’s still awash in extra amenities (such as an exclusive private restaurant) and especially attentive service. 

Departs June 30, 2023; fares begin at $799 per person.

Holland America Line: 10-day voyage through the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez

Revel in the Mexican Riviera’s splendor visiting ports like Loreto and Mazatlán when sailing round trip from San Diego on 2,650-passenger  Koningsdam . Dive, snorkel, jet ski, or kayak in pristine warm waters, gaze at UNESCO World Heritage Site cave paintings from pre-colonial indigenous peoples, or wander museums devoted to whales or archeology. Other port activities include ziplining, golfing, and sampling agave-based spirits. Onboard the ship, there are blues and rock-and-roll clubs that come alive at nightfall. Count on varied dining choices: New York-style pizzas, oysters on the half-shell, or juicy prime steaks, anyone? 

Departs November 25, 2023; fares begin at $849 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Explore Belize, Mexico, and Honduras

Some of the most popular ports for American cruises are in Florida. How simple to sail round trip from Miami for seven days on the 3,804-passenger  Norwegian Joy  and kick up the adrenaline in three Central American countries: Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. In Roatán, Honduras, embark on an eco-adventure, interacting with capuchin monkeys and sloths, and bouncing on an all-terrain buggy through an impossibly lush jungle. Costa Maya, Mexico, lures ocean-lovers with snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, teeming with marine life. Or, maybe your passion lies in exploring Tulum’s Mayan ruins. Parasail or zipline in Harvest Caye, Belize—Norwegian’s 75-acre resort-style island in southern Belize. Onboard the recently remodeled ship, indulge in 15 dining venues including specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse and three main dining rooms, party at nightclubs, try driving a race car on a two-level track or seek Lady Luck at the casino, revel in Broadway and Vegas-style shows. Feeling brave? Swirl down a double-loop waterslide over the ship’s side. For an exclusive ultra-chill retreat post-activities, book accommodations in the Haven, with its own restaurant, pool, and butler service.  

Multiple departures from March to April and October to December 2023; fares begin at $829 per person.

Royal Princess ' sailing along the California coast is one of the best U.S. cruises.

Princess Cruises: Seven-day classic California coast

Celebrate spring in California sailing round trip from San Francisco, with ports like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. The cruise unfolds on 3,560-passenger  Royal Princess , a most pleasing ship with a tranquil adults-only Sanctuary, and some compelling family lures such as high-caliber Broadway-style entertainment, the piazza-like Atrium, glass-floored SeaWalk, and a light and water show. In Santa Barbara, a notable curated outing promises a delicious meal at a leading local restaurant and a visit to a family-owned farm and “ground to glass” winery. Live it up at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, or admire the stunning art collection and striking modern architecture at Getty Center museum. The San Diego Zoo is a must, as is desert ziplining in Baja—although driving an ATV through Guadalupe Valley’s wine country is pretty darn cool, too. 

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

Departs April 16, 2023; fares begin at $349 per person.

Silversea: Nome, Alaska, to Vancouver

Among U.S. cruises , an Alaska itinerary is a must-do. Go far beyond the typical Alaskan ports in this adrenaline-charged expedition onboard 274-passenger  Silver Wind . The ice-class ultra-luxury all-suite vessel spends 18 days exploring authentic Alaska with an impassioned expedition team including biologists and geologists. This cruise is majorly inclusive; all passengers receive complimentary dining and alcohol, tuxedo-clad butler service, shore excursions, and expedition gear. Primo sustainable caviar and its accouterments are complimentary, anytime, anywhere, onboard, too. Venture ashore with seasoned guides to hike the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on St. Matthew Island, a bird-lover’s paradise of guillemots, auklets, and tufted puffins, and note the Shinto shrine left behind in the Aleutian Islands’ Kiska Harbor by occupying Japanese soldiers during World War II. More Aleutian explorations lead to jaw-droppers like pristine glaciers, fossilized forests, hot springs, and waterfalls, and wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, orcas, and blue foxes. 

Departs September 14, 2023; fares begin at $12,450 per person.

Viking: Canada and the Atlantic coastline

Spring and autumn are primetime for 16-day U.S. cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Toronto, Canada on 378-passenger expedition ship  Viking Octantis. This voyage features many inclusions, such as an enthusiastic expedition team, one complimentary landing or shore excursion in each port, and outings by kayak, rubberized small boats, and Special Operation Boats (12-seaters that leave the ship via a protected marina and can convert from open seating to enclosed cabin). As on other Viking ocean liners, 24-hour room service, king beds, spacious baths with heated bathroom floors, complimentary wine and beer with meals, and specialty restaurant dining also rank high among included amenities. Ashore, you’ll find a mix of fascinating cities (like Quebec City and New York City) and spectacular scenery. Bike about Toronto, hike Canada’s La Mauricie National Park, kayak or bird-watch in Charleston. And who knew there were more than 300 resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the inlets, creeks and marsh flats around Charleston? Chances are, sightings will enchant on a guided tour. 

Departs April 13, September 15, and September 26, 2023; fares begin at $10,395 per person.  

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

U.S. News Announces the 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Virgin Voyages earns its first No. 1 ranking in the Best for the Money category.

U.S. News 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines .

The 2023 rankings highlight 17 cruise lines to help every type of traveler find the cruise that’s right for them. For the first time, Virgin Voyages takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money ranking, offering the best value among cruise lines. U.S. News considered the overall cruise line quality and average base fare per night, as well as extra benefits such as free gratuities, Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

For the ninth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families . The family-oriented line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more. Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.

"After more than two years of sailing restrictions and limited voyage options due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruisers and cruise lines are excited to be on the seas again,'' said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings evaluate a variety of cruise types, making it easy for travelers to find the best options that fit their budgets, cruising styles and desired destinations."

U.S. News ranks cruise lines in six categories: Best Cruise Lines for the Money, Best Cruise Lines for Families, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in expert evaluations of ship quality, traveler ratings, health assessment results and more.

This year's rankings are accompanied by editorial roundups of the top gay cruises for 2023, the top cruise lines for solo travelers and the best cruise insurance ; each piece aims to provide helpful advice and planning information to a wide community of cruisers. U.S. News also offers additional cruise tips and recommendations, such as what to pack on a cruise , the top river cruise lines , fun adults-only cruises and more.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

See the full rankings here .

Best Cruise Lines for the Money 1. Virgin Voyages 2. Carnival Cruise Line 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Virgin Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For more information on the Best Cruise Lines , explore Facebook , Twitter and Instagram using #BestCruises.

Media Contact: Michelle Day, [email protected] , 202-955-2212

About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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Cruise Ship Ports - Full List & Map of US Departures [2023]

Here is a complete list of US Cruise Ship Ports We've also included a map. This should help find your nearest options for cruise daparture ports.

When deciding which cruise is perfect for your next vacation, one of the most important factors is "departure port." We're constantly asked the following.

What is the closest cruise ship port to me?

Many cruisers start our search based on closest port . In an ideal world, our cruise would depart from one of the U.S. cruise port within driving distance.

Once we get out of range, we have to start planning flights , ubers , and hotels . That adds a whole level of complexity and additional costs that we'd prefer to avoid.

Check out the map and list below to find your closest cruise port.

Make sure to pin that list to your "Cruise Search" board for easy reference!

Here's a complete list below by state. Also provided are links to find more detail on each departure port as well as links to shore excursions for each.

• ALABAMA: Mobile Cruise Port
• ALASKA: Juneau Cruise Port
• ALASKA: Seward Cruise Port
• ALASKA: Whittier Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: Long Beach Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: San Diego Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: San Francisco Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Jacksonville Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Miami Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Port Canaveral Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Palm Beach Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Tampa Cruise Port
• HAWAII: Honolulu Cruise Port
• LOUISIANA: New Orleans Cruise Port
• MARYLAND: Baltimore Cruise Port
• MASSACHUSETTS: Boston Cruise Port
• NEW JERSEY: Bayonne Cruise Port
• NEW YORK (BROOKLYN): Brooklyn Cruise Port
• NEW YORK (MANHATTAN): Manhattan Cruise Port
• OREGON: Portland Cruise Port
• SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston Cruise Port
• TEXAS: Galveston Cruise Port
• VIRGINIA: Norfolk Cruise Port
• WASHINGTON: Seattle Cruise Port
• PUERTO RICO: San Juan Cruise Port

Mobile Cruise Port

You'll find that Mobile serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Mobile Cruise Port Hotels
• Mobile Port Info

Juneau Cruise Port

You'll find that Juneau serves the following: Compagnie Du Ponant, Seabourne, and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Juneau Cruise Port Hotels
• Juneau Port Info
• Juneau Shore Excursions

Seward Cruise Port

You'll find that Seward serves the following: Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Seward Cruise Port Hotels
• Seward Port Info
• Seward Shore Excursions

Whittier Cruise Port

You'll find that Whittier serves the following: Holland America, Princess and Seabourn Cruise Lines .

• Whittier Cruise Port Hotels
• Whittier Port Info
• Whittier Shore Excursions

Long Beach Cruise Port

You'll find that Long Beach serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Long Beach Cruise Departures
• Long Beach Cruise Port Hotels

Los Angeles Cruise Port

You'll find that Los Angeles serves the following: Norwegian, Princess, Crystal and Oceania Cruise Lines .

• Los Angeles Cruise Departures
• Los Angeles Cruise Port Hotels
• Los Angeles Port Info
• Los Angeles Shore Excursions

San Diego Cruise Port

You'll find that San Diego serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Silversea Cruise Lines .

• San Diego Cruise Departures
• San Diego Cruise Port Hotels
• San Diego Port Info
• San Diego Shore Excursions

San Francisco Cruise Port

You'll find that San Francisco serves the following: Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Cunard, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines .

• San Francisco Cruise Departures
• San Francisco Cruise Port Hotels
• San Francisco Port Info
• San Francisco Shore Excursions

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

You'll find that Fort Lauderdale serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Silversea Cruise Lines .

• Fort Lauderdale Cruise Departures
• Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotels
• Fort Lauderdale Port Info
• Fort Lauderdale Shore Excursions

Jacksonville Cruise Port

You'll find that Jacksonville serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Jacksonville Cruise Departures
• Jacksonville Cruise Port Hotels
• Jacksonville Port Info

Miami Cruise Port

You'll find that Miami serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, MSC, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Miami Cruise Departures
• Miami Cruise Port Hotels
• Miami Port Info
• Miami Shore Excursions

Port Canaveral Cruise Port

You'll find that Port Canaveral serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruise Lines .

• Port Canaveral Cruise Departures
• Port Canaveral Cruise Port Hotels
• Port Canaveral Port Info
• Port Canaveral Shore Excursions

Palm Beach Cruise Port

You'll find that Palm Beach serves the following: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line .

• Palm Beach Cruise Port Hotels
• Palm Beach Port Info

Tampa Cruise Port

You'll find that Tampa serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

• Tampa Cruise Departures
• Tampa Cruise Port Hotels
• Tampa Port Info
• Tampa Shore Excursions

Honolulu Cruise Port

You'll find that Honolulu serves the following: Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines .

• Honolulu Cruise Port Hotels
• Honolulu Port Info
• Honolulu Shore Excursions

New Orleans Cruise Port

You'll find that New Orleans serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

• New Orleans Cruise Departures
• New Orleans Cruise Port Hotels
• New Orleans Port Info
• New Orleans Shore Excursions

Baltimore Cruise Port

You'll find that Baltimore serves the following: Carnival and Royal Careibbean Cruise Lines .

• Baltimore Cruise Departures
• Baltimore Cruise Port Hotels
• Baltimore Port Info
• Baltimore Shore Excursions

Boston Cruise Port

You'll find that Boston serves the following: Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Boston Cruise Departures
• Boston Cruise Port Hotels
• Boston Port Info
• Boston Shore Excursions

Bayonne Cruise Port

You'll find that Bayonne serves the following: Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

• Bayonne Cruise Departures
• Bayonne Cruise Port Hotels

Brooklyn Cruise Port

You'll find that Brooklyn serves the following: Princess and Queen Mary Cruise Lines .

• Brooklyn Cruise Departures
• Brooklyn Cruise Port Hotels
• Brooklyn Port Info
• Brooklyn Shore Excursions

Manhattan Cruise Port

You'll find that Manhattan serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean, and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Manhattan Cruise Departures
• Manhattan Cruise Port Hotels
• Manhattan Port Info
• Manhattan Shore Excursions

Portland Cruise Port

You'll find that Portland serves the following: American Cruise Line .

• Portland Cruise Port Hotels
• Portland Port Info

Charleston Cruise Port

You'll find that Charleston serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Charleston Cruise Departures
• Charleston Cruise Port Hotels
• Charleston Port Info
• Charleston Shore Excursions

Galveston Cruise Port

You'll find that Galveston serves the following: Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line .

• Galveston Cruise Departures
• Galveston Cruise Port Hotels
• Galveston Port Info
• Galveston Shore Excursions

Norfolk Cruise Port

You'll find that Norfolk serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Norfolk Cruise Port Hotels
• Norfolk Port Info

Seattle Cruise Port

You'll find that Seattle serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Oceania Cruise Lines .

• Seattle Cruise Departures
• Seattle Cruise Port Hotels
• Seattle Port Info
• Seattle Shore Excursions

San Juan Cruise Port

You'll find that San Juan serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, SeaDream, Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• San Juan Cruise Port Hotels
• San Juan Port Info
• San Juan Shore Excursions

We hope that this list helped you find the closest port for your next vacation.

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Every Princess ship is a destination in itself with wide-ranging amenities, elevated culinary experiences and delightful activities. Below you'll find the deck plans, stateroom details, ship dining information and more for every vessel in our fleet. Visit the links, and get to know what we offer and what makes the Princess experience unique.

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For elevated luxury and convenience, book one of our new Reserve Collection Mini-Suites. Along with priority services and enhanced amenities, you’ll be among the first to experience our new Princess Luxury Bed. And you’ll enjoy the private seating, special menus and other exclusive benefits of Reserve Dining.  Learn more about Reserve Collection Mini-Suites

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All four corners, one epic voyage.

The Ultimate World Cruise

The most epic world cruise ever to set sail.

Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents. Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.

Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

Dive deeper into the world's wonders

Ultimate world cruise.

Visit 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries. The Ultimate World Cruise features four distinct segments that traverse the globe in one incredible journey.

Dec 10th – Feb 11th

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Feb 11th - May 9th

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

July 10th - Sep 10th

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Chichén Itzá, Cozumel, Mexico

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Machu Picchu, Lima, Peru

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

The Taj Mahal, Cochin, India

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Berlin, Germany

Copenhagen, Denmark

New York, New York

Dec 10th 2023 – Feb 11th 2024

Venture across Three Continents

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Arica, Chile

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins December 2023, embarking from in Miami on the first segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ — the Ultimate Americas Cruise. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena.

Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada.

Feb 11th 2024 - May 9th 2024

Far East. Down Under. And up for anything

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Taj Mahal, India

Venture miles from ordinary in Australia and Asia on this leg of the Ultimate World Cruise SM . Explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Set out for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. And discover the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo, then take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.

May 9th 2024 - July 10th 2024

Beauty beyond belief

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

Explore the orange sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert in Namibia. Bask in the beauty of idyllic beaches in Cape Town. And hike mist-topped rainforests along the Ivory Coast. Plus, go back in time as you wander through the Colosseum in Rome and get lost in the Venetian-style streets of Corfu.

Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

July 10th 2024 - September 10th 2024

Set a course for the north

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive cultural exploration starting in the Med heading north. Discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Savor flavors across continents — like a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco.

Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

Amenities Included in your entire adventure

Join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and amenities — all included in your adventure. So you can complement back-to-back discoveries onshore with all your favorite comforts onboard, plus thoughtful touches to elevate every moment.

*New World Wonders Shore Excursions included for Crown & Anchor® Society Platinum members & above

Business Class Airfare

Premium Transportation Between Airport, Hotel and Ship

Pre-cruise Hotel & Gala

New World Wonders Shore Excursion*

Deluxe Beverage Package

Wash & Fold Laundry Service

VOOM Surf & Stream

A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

Explore More

Protect Your Trip »

The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

• New ships for 2023
• New ships for 2024
• New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an  Oceania  cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a  Carnival  cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore  Virgin Voyages  deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare  MSC Cruises  on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a  Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a  Norwegian Cruise Line  itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore  Silversea  cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare  Regent Seven Seas  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a  Celebrity Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Read: The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Sun Princess: February 2024

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a  Cunard  cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands and What They Offer

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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A new dawn may be coming to the SS United States , the fastest ocean liner ever, which has been tied up at a pier in Philadelphia since 1996. The ship is 990 feet long, more than a hundred feet longer than the Titanic.

The World’s Fastest Ocean Liner May Be Restored to Sail Again

Tied to a pier in Philadelphia for 20 years, the rusted, stripped, but still majestic S.S. United States could return to service as a luxury cruise ship.

In July 1952, on its maiden voyage, the S.S. United States shattered the record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic by a passenger ship, steaming from New York to Le Havre in less than four days. In 1969, when it went into dry dock in Newport News, Virginia, and its crew members left their belongings in their cabins, not knowing they’d never sail on it again, it still held the record. And it still does today—though it’s been retired for nearly 47 years, and motionless at a pier in Philadelphia for nearly 20.

On the enclosed promenade deck, first-class passengers once strolled and lounged in deck chairs. First class was at the center of the ship, where the motion was gentlest; cabin class was at the stern and tourist class at the bow.

“The ship is a little worse for wear,” Susan Gibbs said not long ago as we toured the rusting hulk. She is the granddaughter of the ship’s designer, William Francis Gibbs. “But it’s important to keep in mind that she was so overbuilt, she’s still structurally sound. The bones are solid. So it’s not a pipe dream to imagine she could be resurrected.”

On February 4, Crystal Cruises announced that it had signed an option to purchase the ship from the S.S. United States Conservancy , the nonprofit that Gibbs directs. Crystal—a subsidiary of a cruise-and-resort company called Genting Hong Kong —plans to spend this year studying the feasibility of restoring the United States as a luxury cruise vessel, which could cost as much as $700 million. In the meantime it will pay the $60,000 or so a month it costs to maintain the ship.

In the first-class dining room you can still see the stanchions that fixed the tables to the floors. On the back wall there was a sculpture of nymph-like figures representing the Four Freedoms.

Last fall those monthly costs were threatening to doom the great ship to a sad fate: hauled out by its anchor chains onto some Texas beach and scrapped. “I thought she was going down,” said Gibbs. But the Conservancy launched a last-ditch appeal that brought new interest and enough cash from the ship’s many fans to allow it to hang on a few more months. Against all odds, it now has a chance to return to sea. The ship’s age will make that a challenge; all sorts of standards have changed.

Among the Conservancy’s FAQ on the ship, I found this entry: “How do I research whether one of my ancestors traveled on the S.S. United States ?” Since I myself crossed the Atlantic three times on the ship, that shivered my timbers a bit.

Paint is peeling in great shards all over the ship, but at the stern, the railing is also bashed in. An accident happened when a crane was removing one of the propellers some years back.

If the United States were a building, it would be a National Historical Landmark. If it were an airplane, it would be in the Smithsonian. Because it’s an ocean liner—and surely one of the most beautiful, with its gracile lines and stacks swept back as if by the wind—it’s tied up at a pier on the Delaware River, between freighters offloading fruit and cocoa. When you stand on its bow today, you gaze not at foaming Atlantic breakers but across Christopher Columbus Boulevard at a Longhorn Steakhouse and a Lowe’s home improvement store.

“Why does this nation forget its historical accomplishments?” Gibbs mused as we took refuge in the Longhorn restaurant from a blustery January day. “Why is this ship languishing in obscurity?”

In the first-class ballroom, imagine cocktail tables and red barrel chairs surrounding the linoleum dance floor, which is still there. The bar isn’t original; it was brought in a few years ago for a movie shoot.

Through the venetian blinds we could see its blade-like bow, ready to slice across traffic into our booth. The shape of the hull below the water line was one of the secrets of the ship’s tremendous speed—and it was a military secret, as the United States was designed to be converted into a troopship in time of war (though it never was).

Classified too, until the 1970s, were the ship’s four, 18-foot bronze propellers. They were designed by an engineer named Elaine Kaplan. According to A Man and His Ship , a biography by Steven Ujifusa , William Francis Gibbs couldn’t quite comprehend that an attractive woman could be an excellent engineer—but he prized excellence above all else, and so he lived with that paradox.

Looking straight at the bow highlights the ship’s slender lines, which were made possible in part by the light-weight aluminum superstructure.

Gibbs himself, though he designed one of the greatest ships of the 20th century, as well as 2,700 Liberty ships during World War II, had no formal training in his craft. After getting a law degree from Columbia University, he’d lasted only a year as a lawyer. But he’d been drawing ships since 1894 when, as an eight-year-old boy, he’d watched the launch of a 550-foot steamship, the S.S. St. Louis, in the Delaware River, a few miles upriver from where the United States now floats.

In 1913, in his father’s attic, he began drawing what nearly four decades later would become the United States —a 990-foot ship intended, Ujifusa writes, “to be the fastest and best ever built, intended to surpass the ill-fated Titanic in every respect.” It was the year after the iceberg incident.

This way to tourist class (just kidding). A service ladder descends into the bowels of the ship near the stern.

Decades later, when Gibbs finally got the chance to design his ship in reality, he divided it into 20 watertight-compartments so a mere iceberg couldn’t sink it. He made it close to fireproof—he’d watched the Normandie burn and capsize at the pier in Manhattan—in part by using no wood on board except in the Steinway grand pianos. And he made it lightweight by building almost the entire superstructure of aluminum, giving it a power-to-weight ratio the seas had never seen.

In sea trials the United States broke 38 knots. On its record-setting maiden voyage, operating at two-thirds of full steam, it averaged more than 35 knots, four knots faster than the Queen Mary ’s record. As it was breaking the speed record, passengers were dancing conga lines down the promenade deck.

The swimming pool had large gutters to catch sloshing water as the ship rolled. First and cabin classes had access at different times; tourist class was out of luck.

Into the Depths

From that enclosed, sun-striped gallery, 400 feet long on each side of the ship, Susan Gibbs and I penetrated with flashlights into the engine room, to the edge of the swimming pool—back in its water-filled days you would slosh back and forth as the ship rolled—and even into the morgue, where the occasional unfortunate traveler was chilled until landfall.

All the furnishings, from the ship’s wheel to the silverware, were ripped out and auctioned off in the 1980s by a real estate developer. The next owner had the ship towed to Ukraine to rip out the interior walls: They were filled with that miraculous fire-retardant, asbestos. Today only the outlines of the cabins remain on bare floors; the toilet holes are the most recognizable feature. I was unable to locate the cabin where I had discovered seasickness.

On the United States, eight boilers made steam to drive four turbines that could generate more than 240,000 horsepower. It shattered the transatlantic speed record without ever running at full steam.

After the maiden voyage, William Francis Gibbs never sailed on his masterpiece again—and yet “he was obsessively devoted to the ship,” said Susan Gibbs. When the United States was at sea he would call on the ship-to-shore radio every day for a status report. Every two weeks when she returned to New York, he would rise at dawn and have his chauffeur drive him out to Brooklyn so he could watch her steam through the Narrows—then race over to Pier 82 on the west side of Manhattan to be there when she docked. His wife Vera claimed he took pictures of the ship to bed. Vera had a separate bedroom.

In its storage room below deck the chain of one of the ship’s anchors disappears into the shaft that leads to the sea.

Susan Gibbs never sailed on the United States . Her grandfather died when she was five and she barely knew him, or of him. Her own father, Frank Gibbs, never spoke of the great man.

When Frank died, she went through his belongings hoping to learn more about him. But she mostly found memorabilia about her grandfather. There were profiles in Fortune and The New Yorker. There was his portrait on the cover of Time, which dubbed him a “technological revolutionist.” Something clicked; a diluted version of the obsession that had animated that strange aloof man passed to his granddaughter. She went to Philadelphia to meet the ship.

Tourist class had its own theater toward the bow, flanked on either side by the first-class observation lounge—which you can now see into because the asbestos-laden walls have been removed. The three passenger classes were rigorously separated.

Gibbs anthropomorphizes the vessel now, she said—sees her as a woman, strong, tough, enduring, but in serious need of a little sisterly aid. The Queen Mary has become a hotel in Long Beach, California, the Rotterdam a hotel and museum in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. For a long time something of the kind was Gibbs’s dream for the United States . A return to sea seemed too much to hope for. And it’s far from a done deal.

The past few winters have gotten under the ship’s skin; the red-white-and-black paint is coming off in enormous flakes. “Every year I come, the funnels are a little lighter, there’s a little more wear and tear,” Gibbs said. “In 2016, it’s going to be a make or break year.”

The ship was divided into 20 compartments that extended 40 feet above the water-line and was designed to remain afloat if as many as five of them were flooded. Water-tight doors separated the compartments.

Mind Your Wake

“When individual memory fails, we need reminders to help maintain our connections with the past,” the author David Macaulay has written on the web site of the Conservancy . Macaulay emigrated to America from Britain on the United States as a boy in 1957. It was the year before the first passenger jet crossed the Atlantic, sounding the death knell for ocean liners. My own first voyage on the ship was in 1964, and since then some member of my family—a sibling, a parent, a child—has always been on the opposite side of the Atlantic. That’s made me a big fan of jets.

But not of the experience of jet travel—of being sealed in a can in one world and poured out into another hours later. On the United States, during the days in between, you felt space passing as you stepped onto the deck and the wind caught your body like a sail; felt it as you watched the foam part at the bow and rush along the sides. You watched the broad roiling wake disappear to the horizon, and it was as if the medium of life had been rendered visible, as if time had become a tangible ether. I admit I wasn’t actually thinking that when I was seven or nine or even 12.

“The last winter really beat it up,” says Ray Griffiths, a caretaker of the ship. In winter, water seeping under the peeling paint freezes and expands, accelerating the peeling.

Still, it’s one of my older brother’s first memories, from one of the first crossings of the United States , in 1952 (at least he thinks it was the United States) . He’s four years old and standing on the fantail with our father and our sister, then two. Each kid is holding onto Dad with one hand and has a balloon in the other. My brother lets his go and watches it veer and bank like a swallow into the distance, skipping off the winds, and what amazes him is how long he can watch it fly.

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Our Elegant Fleet Of Cruise Ships

Revel in spacious cruise ship rooms, breathe in expansive views and relax in easy elegance. With stately fine dining and enriching activities, Holland America Line's cruise ships welcome you aboard.

Compare dining, activities and other amenities across our fleet with the  Ships at a Glance Chart  (pdf), and  view all Deck Plans  (pdf).

Rotterdam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Our newest ship, Rotterdam , delivers the best of everything we do: exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, and world-class entertainment. Dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club or relive your favorite rock classics at Rolling Stone Lounge. Experience Rotterdam ’s Pinnacle Class luxury and find a mastery of the details that keep our guests returning again and again.

B.B. KING'S BLUES CLUB

BILLBOARD ONBOARD

PICKLEBALL AT SEA

GREENHOUSE SPA & SALON

WORLD STAGE

CASINO ACTION

EXPLORATIONS CENTRAL

Eurodam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Our first Signature Class ship, Eurodam epitomizes grace and excellence. Test your music trivia skills at Billboard Onboard or catch a performance at the stunning World Stage. During the day, head to top-level decks to play pickleball at sea amid an ever-changing ocean backdrop or rejuvenate with therapeutic spa treatments at the Spa & Salon.

Koningsdam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

If complete bliss is the destination,  Koningsdam  is the journey. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces, and a blend of 21st-century elegance and nautical tradition dazzle at every turn. The ship abounds with innovative dining and entertainment options. Head to B.B. King’s Blues Club for Memphis R&B, take in visually stunning entertainment at World Stage, revisit classic hits at Billboard Onboard, and head to the Rolling Stone Lounge for the best in rock music.  There’s so much to see and do on  Koningsdam , the first of the cruise ships in our Pinnacle Class.

Nieuw Amsterdam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

The second of our Signature Class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam, celebrates historic New York City with an inspired design and art collection. While on board, rejuvenate in the tranquil Spa & Salon, play pickleball at sea, or enjoy a tantalizing meal at fine dining restaurants. When you’re in the mood for music, Billboard Onboard fills the room with chart-topping hits. 

MOVIES ON BOARD

Nieuw Statendam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America  Nieuw Statendam  a modern beauty. The second in the line of our Pinnacle Class ships, her design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have many innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage.

Noordam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Named for the Northern compass point,  Noordam  dazzles with museum-quality art and lavish staterooms. Guests of this Vista Class ship will have their pick of onboard activities. Sing along to your favorite hits at Billboard Onboard. Enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center. Or savor the delights of one of our specialty restaurants. The Pinnacle Grill serves the juiciest steak at sea and Canaletto beckons with tantalizing Italian dishes.

STEP ONE DANCE COMPANY

Oosterdam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Oosterdam , our second Vista Class ship, brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork. Guests will have plenty to do on board when not taking in expansive views or stretching out in spacious staterooms. Begin with an exquisite breakfast in the Dining Room. Unwind with a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, indulge in pre-dinner craft cocktails at Ocean Bar, followed by delectable Italian fare at Canaletto. Top off the night with chart-topping hits at Billboard Onboard.

Volendam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Elegant and spacious,  Volendam  takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. Join friends in a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with the ocean as your backdrop. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Or enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of our fine dining restaurants.

ONBOARD SHOPPING

Westerdam view ship details.

A fascinating destination in her own right,  Westerdam  has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment and dining venues. During the day, rejuvenate with a spa treatment at the heavenly Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Head to the upper decks for a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with top-deck views. Catch a performance at the World Stage or spend your evening on the dance floor at Rolling Stone Lounge.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE NAVIGATOR

Zaandam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space,  Zaandam  is elegant and comfortable. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on board, rejuvenate with a spa treatment in the serene Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, indulge in a tantalizing meal at a fine dining restaurant or play a friendly game of pickleball at sea.

Zuiderdam VIEW SHIP DETAILS

Classic nautical finishes, modern amenities and a spectacular art collection make  Zuiderdam  a continued favorite and the new home for our annual Grand World Voyage. Numerous enrichment and entertainment activities keep guests going from the moment they wake on this cruise ship. When it comes to dining, there are options for everyone, from steak at the Pinnacle Grill to burgers and fries at Dive-In to exquisite Italian cuisine at Canaletto. Hear your favorite tunes all evening long at music clubs, such as the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.

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United States Cruise Ports Map and Information

There are so many amazing cruise ports in America. We're helping you locate them with a convenient United States cruise ports map and additionally useful information on a majority of the ports. We've included appropriate information, like how to get to the port, park and closest airports, and things to do nearby or while in port.

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

United States Cruise Port Map

On the map below. we've starred all the ports. If the port is colored in, we have information on it below. If it's white, it's not included below; however, check back for updates as we will continue to add to this post.

West Coast United States Cruise Ports

Seattle, washington cruise port.

By Chris, from the Amateur Traveler

Seattle has grown to be the largest cruise ship port on the West Coast of the USA. Most of the traffic is heading to an inside passage cruise to Alaska from Seattle, with over 200 departures in a typical year.

Most major cruise lines sail from Seattle, including Carnival, Oceania, Norwegian, Holland America, Princes s, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. Seattle has two different cruise terminals: Bell Street Cruise Terminal and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.

The Bell Street Cruise terminal is very close to downtown. It is around 1,500 feet from the Seattle Marina. This is a bit farther to the Seattle Great Wheel and just down the hill from the Pike Place Market. An able-bodied person can easily get to a number of popular attractions on foot from the terminal. 1,700 parking places across the street charge $23 a day. This terminal can berth one cruise ship.

The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is at Pier 91, 3.5 miles further northwest along the coast. It's not really close to anything. The closest of the well-known landmarks would probably be the Space Needle, which is about a 50-minute walk from the pier. It has 1,000 parking spaces and charges $27 a day. This terminal can berth two cruise ships.

There are lots of  things to do in Seattle , including world-class museums like the Chihuly Museum, The Pacific Science Museum, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Some of the more unique things to do include the underground tour near Pioneer Square and the  Locks Cruise . If you are heading to Alaska, stop at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to learn more about the history of Alaska.

Check out these Seattle tours:

• 20-Minute Scenic Tour Over Seattle in a Small Airplane (only a 15-minute Uber ride from the port)
• Premiere 3-Hour Seattle City Tour
• Chef-Guided 2-Hour Food Tour of Pike Place Market

San Francisco, California US Cruise Port

By Jyoti, from Story at Every Corner 

Few people would think of San Francisco as a cruise port city. And rightfully so, as many more visitors arrive by air, road, train or other means. The big commercial port of the area is across the bay in Oakland.

However, when considering the United States cruise ports map, ships sailing the western coastline of North America dock at one of the cruise terminals along Embarcadero street every summer. One could spend the day just on the piers visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf area for all sorts of entertainment: sailing the bay, visiting Alcatraz Island, dining etc. 

Parking is convenient but expensive in San Francisco so it’s best to take a rideshare, public transit or have someone drop you off at the terminal. There are bicycle rickshaws along the piers so it’s easy to travel between the piers and attractions.  

Some of the most popular things to see in the city are the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, The Seven Sister, Nob Hill, SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Missions, etc. The list goes on and on. 

Besides the famous landmarks, one can visit the lesser-known hidden gems of the community, such as beautiful mosaic steps and sunset sail in San Francisco Bay .

For chocolate lovers, Ghirardelli Square is an absolute must. And it’s close to the piers. 

There is so much to see and do just within the tiny Doty of San Francisco that you could spend the week. If you have more time, there are many incredible day trips you could take from San Francisco , such as Silicon Valley, Yosemite NP, Monterey Peninsula, and Lake Tahoe to name a few. 

Check out these San Francisco Tours:

• San Francisco 2-Hour City Tour in a VW Bus
• GoCar Tour of San Francisco (per 2 people)
• See San Francisco Sites for less with a CityPASS

Cruise Port at San Diego, California

By Maria of San Diego Explorer

The United States cruise port in San Diego is one of the most convenient ports in the world. It mainly offers cruises heading south to Mexico or up the California Coast. But you can also find itineraries to Hawaii and even the South Pacific.

Holland America and Norwegian are the most common cruise lines that sail from here, but some ships from Silversea, Celebrity, and Disney Cruise Line have added San Diego to their United States cruise ports map. 

Cruise ships dock right in the heart of Downtown San Diego. From here, cruisers can explore the top attractions of San Diego on foot, including the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway and Maritime Museum, Balboa Park , and much more.

If you still have not had enough time on the sea, you can do a  Flagship Harbor Cruise  to enjoy the sights of San Diego from the water. You can also hop on a ferry to cross the bay over to Coronado Island. Explore its quaint downtown, the famous Hotel Del Coronado, and its magnificent beaches.

Another fun excursion is a trip to La Jolla. Here, you can check out the seals sunbathing on the rocks, go kayaking around the caves, and watch the sunset over the stunning coastline. 

If San Diego is the starting and endpoint of your cruise and you need to park your car, your best option is airport parking; the airport parking lots are a short cab ride away from the San Diego cruise terminal. If you arrive by Amtrak at Santa Fe station , you can even walk to the cruise terminal. 

➜ Reserve Tours in San Diego

United States Cruise Ports in Alaska

Ketchikan alaska cruise port.

By Ellie, from Ellie's Travel Tips

As the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is one of the top cruise ports in the United States. While you can book a flight to Ketchikan through a 90-minute flight from Seattle, the easiest way to get to Ketchikan is through an ocean cruise from either Anchorage, Seattle, or Vancouver.

Most major cruise lines offer sailings to Ketchikan during the Alaskan cruise season, between April and September. Popular cruise lines visiting Ketchikan include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises.

One of the best  things to do in Ketchikan  is explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. This stunning Alaskan landscape stretches over 3 million acres and is the spot to find moose, sea lions, killer and humpback whales, wolverines, and much more!

Another fantastic Ketchikan activity is seeking out the Ketchikan totem poles. This beautiful Alaskan cruise port is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, each representing a unique story of the local native tribes.

When you are visiting Ketchikan, make sure to try some of the best salmon in the world. There are plenty of street vendors located downtown offering free samples. Overall, Ketchikan is truly one of the most remarkable ports in the United States, perfect for any cruising adventure.

Sitka Cruise Port in Alaska

By Dan and Mikkel, from Sometimes Sailing

Sitka quickly became a favorite cruise port and city when we arrived there one summer to explore Alaska. It's where we boarded our small cruise ship with Alaskan Dream Cruises to sail the Inside Passage, but large cruise ships stop in Sitka, too.

It's a very special city, and we recommend extending your vacation to spend time in Sitka before or after your cruise. There's plenty to do, from wildlife spotting tours to hiking, learning about salmon, and visiting Sitka National Historical Park with totem poles to admire.

It's unlikely you'll drive to Alaska to start your cruise, instead opting to fly to their small airport, which is just a five-minute drive from the center of downtown Sitka.

Cruise Port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska

When we think of the United States cruise ports map, one of the most magical ports is in Alaska, And it may not be as readily recognizable as a city like Juneau, their capital. But it's definitely one of the most interesting! This US Cruise Port, Icy Strait Point , earned the award for “Port of the Year” by Seatrade in 2020.

There is a ton to do here, including a Ziprider zip line that will knock your socks off, a salmon cannery to tour, whale-watching excursions, and an awesome gondola ride. Though it's possible to arrive at the port with a flight and a ferry ride, most people arrive via cruise ship.

Walk along the beach with a local beer in hand or try a Crabby Bloody Mary in Hoonah. Get to know the native people, the Tlingit, through cultural performances and interactions. Interestingly enough, the port is actually owned by about 1,450 native Alaskans, many with ties to the Tlingit.

Cruise lines that commonly sail to Hoonah, Alaska, to visit Icy Strait Point, are Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line , Cunard, Oceania, Windstar, and more.

Juneau Cruise Port

By Nicole, of Eat Live Travel Drink

Juneau is a fantastic United States cruise port to visit while taking either an Inside Passage or Glacier Bay cruise. It is usually one of the main ports on either itinerary.

Something unique to know about Juneau is that it is landlocked. The only way to get there is by boat or plane.

Some of the popular cruise lines that visit Alaska on their itineraries include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Windstar, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises , and more. There is definitely a wide selection of cruise companies and ships to choose from to reach Juneau.

If you do not wish to fly here to start your cruise, you can start in Seattle or in Vancouver, both of which have many itineraries that sail to Alaska.

Pro tip: get a room with a balcony so you can enjoy Alaskan scenery your entire cruise at any time of the day. The waters tend to be very calm, and you never know what wildlife you will see. (Alaska has bald eagles, whales, otters, and even bears.)

Alaska cruise season runs from about May to September. The weather can range from cold winter temperatures to high summer heat within a short time, so pack for any scenario; be prepared for the weather to change at any moment.

Things to do in Juneau include seeing Tracy Arm Fjord and Mendenhall Glacier, going white water rafting, whale watching, taking a seaplane ride, or even flying over glaciers.

Central United States Cruise Ports

Mobile, alabama.

By Lori, of Fitz5 on the Go

Mobile, Alabama, is a historic southern city located on the northwest side of Mobile Bay. The city is rich in history and charm.

Mobile's US cruise terminal was built in 2001, and hosts the Carnival Cruise line ships. Mobile has hosted several Carnival ships but was quiet from 2011 to 2016 until a new contract was signed and Carnival returned. Carnival's Fantasy has made its home in Mobile, before it was replaced by Carnival Fascination in 2022. But no matter the cruise ships currently in residence, cruises from Mobile are very affordable.

The cruise port of Mobile, Alabama, is easy to get to by car from I-10. The closest airport is Mobile, airport code MOB. It may be more cost-effective to fly into one of the surrounding airports, including New Orleans, Gulfport, and Pensacola.

The cruise terminal has onsite parking for 500 vehicles and overflow parking down the street. Parking rates are listed at $72 for a four-day cruise and $126 for a seven-day cruise. Several nearby hotels include Hilton's The Admiral hotel, Marriott's Battle House , and the Malaga Inn. 

Mobile has many activities to enjoy while visiting the city. The downtown area near the port is fun to explore and features museums, beautiful older buildings, and delicious food. The USS Alabama Battleship from the 1940s, at Battleship Memorial Park, is also a great place to visit. 

Mobile is a wonderful and easy choice as a location to sail off for your next cruise.

Galveston, Texas

By Lee and Stacey, from One Trip at a Time

The port of Galveston, Texas, on a barrier island 50 miles south of Houston, is one of the first ports developed for the mega-ships that visit sunny destinations on eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. It’s been steadily growing as a hub port in the Gulf of Mexico and features two cruise terminals for ships from Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

Because of Galveston’s location, it’s only about 30 minutes to the open sea of the Gulf of Mexico; it won’t take you long to start enjoying refreshing sea breezes!

Galveston is also a beach resort area with island vibes and a vibrant port. Within walking distance of the cruise terminals, you can stroll the historic Strand District with its pretty Victorian-era buildings that are home to restaurants, galleries, and museums.

Or, go aboard the Tall Ship Elissa, a three-masted, iron-hulled 1800s ship that is part of the Seaport Museum. If you're cruising with children, a visit to Moody Gardens is a must, especially to explore their aquarium and rainforest ecosystems. You can even sign up for lessons in building amazing sandcastles on the beach!

We recommend arriving a day or two before your cruise to extend your vacation with so many things to see and do in Galveston . Many hotels offer “Park & Cruise” deals if you stay with them.

There are several other cruise parking lots, like Galveston Park N Cruise, within walking distance of the port. This means you'll have easy luggage drop-off and embarkation on your ship to start your cruise vacation as soon as possible!

East Coast United States Cruise Ports

Boston, massachusetts.

By Mikkel, from Sometimes Sailing

The cruise port of Boston, MA, is just a short car ride from the heart of the city. We sailed from Boston to Quebec City on a New England and Canada cruise with Holland America Line.

As many cruise ports have, the Boston port is partially industrial. But the cruise passenger terminal has some pops of color to spark some interest and is well-labeled with signage everywhere.

There are elevators and escalators, bathrooms, and even a water bottle filling station (though you cannot go through security with water).

There's plenty to do in Boston, from historic sightseeing to eating at great restaurants where local seafood (like lobster) is a highlight to taking a duck boat tour in the Boston Harbor.

Port of Boston Parking

Parking at the terminal is in an uncovered, open-air lot. The rate for cruise passengers is $20 per day. Cash, Visa or MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.

Uber and Lyft are available in Boston. Additionally, there is a cell phone lot for anyone waiting to pick up passengers at the port.

Cape Liberty, New Jersey Cruise Port

Just a few miles outside of Manhattan is the Cape Liberty Cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Though the area is particularly attractive immediately surrounding the cruise port (it's an industrial port for the most part, even though some of the drive there is really pretty along the waterfront), there's something very special here: you can see the Statue of Liberty from the cruise while it's in port, on a clear day. It's truly breathtaking!

You can also very clearly see the NYC skyline too.

Cruising from this NJ USA cruise port is beneficial because of the abundance of airports nearby, including Newark, Westchester, JFK, and LaGuardia.

If you want to extend your trip, there are endless things to do in NYC, from world-class restaurants to Broadway, Central Park, The High Line, and more.

Parking or Getting to Cape Liberty Cruise Port

You can drive to the cruise port, take a car service like Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation.

Without traffic from the west side, central or south Manhattan, it could be a 35-minute drive to the port. With traffic, it could be over an hour. We spent about $60 from NYC to NJ to board Celebrity Beyond . From NJ to NYC was more expensive, at around $80.

You can also take the PATH train to NJ, then call a cab to go the rest of the distance from the station to the cruise terminal in Bayonne. Go from Manhattan to one of these NJ stations on the PATH: Jersey City, Newport, Exchange Place, or Hoboken.

Alternatively, take the NJ Transit Light Rail on the NJ Hudson-Bergen line toward 8th street Bayonne. Exit at the 34th Street Station in Bayonne, NJ. You'll be just two miles from the cruise port, accessible by cab or ride share, like Uber.

Baltimore, Maryland Cruise Port

By Pamela, from the Directionally Challenged Traveler

The Baltimore Cruise Port is a great destination to start off any vacation! The Baltimore Cruise Port is located in the heart of the city, right off Route 95. There is parking available on-site within walking distance of the port.

Passenger vehicles only cost $15 per night; recreational vehicles range from $30-$40 per night based on size. No advanced reservations are required to use the parking lot. Royal Caribbean and Carnival are the two most popular cruise lines that leave from Baltimore. 

Extend your time in Baltimore and explore this city rich with personality. One of the best things to do in Baltimore is explore the Inner Harbor. It’s an icon of the city and is home to several attractions.

The USS Constellation is a historic ship built in the mid-1800s and used during the Civil War. Explore the numerous museums around the harbor. Grab a bite at Miss Shirley’s Cafe or Phillips Seafood for fresh crab! 

Another great thing to do in Baltimore is take a food tour of the area. Be sure to sign up for a day tour if you need to return to the cruise ship or embark at a certain time.

🦀 Reserve Your Baltimore Tour

For incredible boutique shopping, head to Fells Point. This area of Baltimore had residents before America was even a country! Fans of street art can visit the colorful Graffiti Alley to glimpse at the local culture.

You can visit Edgar Allen Poe’s house and final resting place near Lexington Market. If you need a break from the city, head to Druid Hill Park for some open space. There’s a conservatory with a botanical garden in the park. Keep an eye out for a Druid carved into an old tree!

The ease of access and variety of things to do in the area makes Baltimore one of the best cruise ports in the United States.

Port of Palm Beach, Florida

This port is located just 20 minutes from West Palm Beach airport and is where Margaritaville at Sea will sail from. It's a very easy port to reach with key cities nearby, like West Palm Beach and Lake Worth.

You can easily reach Fort Lauderdale, which is just under an hour away from here.

Port Canaveral, Florida Cruise Port

By Mikkel, from Sometimes Home

One of the most exciting things about driving to the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is seeing Disney Cruise Line's ship in port as you drive over the highway to reach your destination. Disney Cruise Line has its own terminal next to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line terminals. (You can check the current list of cruise lines leaving from this port on the Port Canaveral website .)

On a United States cruise ports map, it's on the east coast of central Florida, about an hour away from Orlando.

Naturally, if you're going to Port Canaveral, an obvious choice of nearby things is to visit Lake Buena Vista, where Walt Disney World is, and Orlando, where Universal is. (There's plenty to do in Orlando besides the theme parks, though.) Or, you can enjoy Cape Canaveral and a visit to Kennedy Space Center, which takes an entire day to enjoy.

You can also head to the beach – like Cocoa Beach to enjoy the pier or Satellite Beach just south of the area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can kayak to find manatees and dolphins in the area on a guided tour.

Parking at Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals

There are several parking garages at the terminals, which is your best bet for getting your car close to your cruise ship. It costs $17 per day, even for partial days.

Offsite parking is also an option here, like at Park Port Canaveral . Rates are better than at the port, and you may save some extra money if you reserve online and prepay.

Alternatively, you can fly to a major airport, like Orlando International Airport (MCO) and take a shuttle over to Port Canaveral. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is also close to the port; a drive between MLB and Port Canaveral would take about 45 minutes.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Cruise Port (Port Everglades)

By Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh, from Robe Trotting

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of America’s premier cruise ports. It's called “ Port Everglades .” Conveniently, the cruise ship terminal is only three miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport.

There are some shuttle options, but the best way to reach the terminal from the airport is to take an Uber or taxi. The cost is around $10-15, and most of the shuttles are similar or more in price, but on a fixed schedule.

For example, the Carnival shuttle is $16. Parking at the cruise port is about $15 per day, and many lots require an advanced reservation, so make sure to research before your departure.

The port of Fort Lauderdale services some of the biggest cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America. It’s a popular departure point for many themed cruises on these lines, whether Biker-themed, Star Trek-themed, or an LGBTQI+ cruise , for instance.

It's worth noting that Fort Lauderdale is an incredibly gay-friendly city . (This popular south Florida destination and has one of the largest LGBTQI+ communities in the United States of America.)

If you’re sailing from Fort Lauderdale and book a few extra nights in town, you will have plenty of options for entertainment.

There are dinner cruises on the Intracoastal Waterway or you can dine at any of the incredible seafood restaurants in town. The magnificent beaches in Fort Lauderdale are clean and popular with cruise guests before or after their departure, because there is no such thing as too much sand and sun.

🗓 Reserve Fort Lauderdale Tours

Port of Miami (or “PortMiami”), Florida Cruise Port

By Dan, from Sometimes Home

The Port of Miami is an incredibly popular port for many cruise lines to start their sailings. It's been deemed the Cruise Capital of the World with good reason, having four active cruise ports with more in the works. It's at the southern tip of mainland Florida, and their nearby major airports make it easy to get there. (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about 45 minutes to an hour from the Port of Miami, and Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 30 minutes away from the port.)

Parking at the Port of Miami will cost about $25 a day, or you can park offsite. There are a few nearby parking options that will shuttle you to the port as part of the parking arrangement (aka: for free), including Safe Cruise Parking and We Park in Miami . These are just two of many options.

Many cruise lines have contracts to dock at the Port of Miami, including Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line. Virgin Voyages does as well, and recently opened their brand new dedicated terminal there.

There is plenty to do in the area, like visiting the famous Wynwood, Miami neighborhood, most famous for its mural walls. Or heading to South Beach to start your pre-cruise vacation in the sand.

Key West, Florida US Cruise Port

By Lori, from Travlinmad

Key West, Florida, the Southernmost City in the USA, is one of the most popular and busiest ports-of-call in the Caribbean as reflected by the number of major cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean that now include the port in their itineraries.

Fisherman’s Wharf at Mallory Square receives the lion’s share of scheduled cruise ships, which gives cruisers a great starting point for exploring the Conch Republic. Depending on the ship’s schedule, time ashore varies from 6-10 hours.

If this doesn’t sound like much time to you, you may be right. But there are plenty of  fun things to do in Key West  for those who want a quick taste of the island.

Cruise ship tourists can easily walk to Duval Street where there are island-y restaurants, Jimmy Buffett-style watering holes, souvenir shops, art galleries, trolley tours, and trolley tours. And just off Mallory Square is Key West’s most famous fun bar of all, Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

It’s easy to get around this part of town and everything is close by, from unique museums, funky architecture, and historical sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Just off of Duval Street is the Mel Fisher Museum, Audubon House, and the Key West Aquarium, definitely worth a visit.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, Key West will have you singing “It’s Been a Lovely Cruise.”

San Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise Port

By Annick, from The Common Traveler

San Juan, Puerto Rico is the largest and busiest port in the Caribbean, accommodating up to nine cruise ships at once. Used both as an embarkation point and destination stop, San Juan features on many Caribbean itineraries and is the starting point for many Southern Caribbean cruises. 

There are two cruise ports in San Juan. Royal Caribbean and other cruises depart from the Pan American Pier, about a 10-minute car ride from Old San Juan. The three piers next to Old San Juan are mostly used as port stops (as opposed to departure/arrival ports). The only exception is Carnival Cruise Line which departs and arrives in Old San Juan. Celebrity mostly uses the Pan American Pier, even for port stops.

Parking decks are available near both the Pan American and Old San Juan piers. Pan American Pier parking is available at the Sheraton or neighboring Isla Grande Airport. Parking is outdoors and varies greatly between $8.56 per day to $22 for valet. Several covered garages are located in Old San Juan, including a few near the piers. Most travelers arrive by taxi to avoid the cost of long-term parking.

San Juan offers a lot to visitors. Old San Juan is a great city to visit on your own as everything is within walking distance. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites or sample a pina colada where they were first created. There is lots to do on a port day in Old San Juan !

Check out these San Juan Tours:

• Old San Juan Walking Tour
• Flavors of Old San Juan Food Tour
• Puerto Rico Craft Cocktail Walk in San Juan

Hawaii United States Cruise Ports

Port of hilo.

By Noel, from This Hawaii Life

One of the Easiest port cities to visit is Hilo, Hawaii located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Servicing the cruising industry that travels to all the islands, Hilo is one of the first stops on the circle island cruise before it goes around the island to the Kona side. 

Most of the cruises arrive at the port in the early morning, allowing for a full-day tour of the highlights, which typically are Hilo town, East Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park or even an adventure tour type of package or helicopter tour.

The choices are limitless and since you have the entire day, there's plenty to see. Even renting a car is feasible so you can actually do your own DIY tour and visit more places if you want to see more.

Most visitors opt to tour the Hilo area and highlights and maybe squeeze in some beach time to local beaches that are an easy cab ride or walk from the harbor area.

Although the walk from the port to town is a trek, it's easier to do on a Hop On Hop Off bus that allows you to see all of the best highlights in town in an affordable setup. Check out the  top things to do in Hilo  for more inspiration and touring the city and surrounding area.

United States Cruise Port at Oahu

By Nicole, of Eat Love Travel Drink

Cruise ships in Oahu, Hawaii, dock close to the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which is conveniently located about a 10-20 minute drive from Honolulu International Airport. It's very easy to book a tour from the Oahu, Hawai cruise port too.

The most popular cruise line sailing the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Line. They are docked at Port of Honolulu Pier 2 and are easy to access. You can get a taxi/Uber/Lyft from the airport and is about $30 USD each way.

For parking, the public parking is about ¾’s of a mile away, and the cost is about $21 a day. It may be easier to just take a taxi from the airport, so you don’t have to pay for a rental car and to park it for the duration of your stay.

Norwegian’s Cruise Ship in Hawaii used to do 7-day sailings around the island but has now included French Polynesia in some of their itineraries. It is like getting two vacations in one, and you get to stay on the same boat.

Most cruises originate in and out of Oahu, so you will want to plan to stay an extra day or two as not to miss anything.

Some things you should have on your Oahu bucket list include : a visit to the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, piping hot malasada from Leonard’s Bakery, shaved ice, and some snorkeling.

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You left out the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in Long Beach CA, as well as the Los Angeles Cruise Port in San Pedro CA. They are hope great Cruise Ports that usually have tours going into Hollywood, or any of the many amusement parks within a couple of hours drive. Not to forget that Long Beach California is a beautiful city with beachfronts & restaurants & shops to wander & enjoy along the waterfront, with the iconic Queen Mary docked permanently next to the Long Beach Terminal. It’s worth the time to mention this!

Hi Bill! Thanks for your comment! There are many cruise ports around the United States, as you’ll see from the map we included. Not all are mentioned in the text but we’re looking forward to expanding on the piece in the future. Thanks for your input! Long Beach is a wonderful destination and cruise terminal as is Los Angeles!

Distance of the port in Baltimore?

If you’re driving from the center of Baltimore to the cruise port, it’s about a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic.

Don’t forget PORT of TAMPA Cruise Terminals in your next review.

Thanks, Thomas! We are looking forward to writing about Tampa’s cruise port!

Thanks for the information! In the section “Baltimore, Maryland Cruise Port” you have the word porn instead of port. Thought you’d want to know.

Oh my gosh, thank you! Definitely a mistake! Updated it. Whew, thank you SO much, Tricia!

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