american cruise ports

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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Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

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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• Carnival Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Celebration
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20 Cruise Ports You Can Drive To In The United States

With the tremendous increase in popularity of cruising over the past decade, it is now possible to drive to a cruise port from almost anywhere within the United States. Some ports operate seasonally, but many offer year-round departures to warm, cold and exotic destinations.

U.S. Cruise Ports

Our list includes the most popular cruise ports and some surprise cruise ports you never thought of cruising from.

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Baltimore, Maryland

The Port of Baltimore is located minutes away from the city of Baltimore with easy access off I-95.

Contact 2001 East McComas Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 1-866-427-8963 www.cruise.maryland.gov

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Pride Royal Caribbean International – Grandeur of the Seas

Operations Year-round service

Destinations Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England and Caribbean

Bayonne, New Jersey

Cape Liberty Cruise port is conveniently located from Staten Island and accessible via the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels.

Contact Cape Liberty Cruise Port 4 Port Terminal Blvd Bayonne, New  Jersey 07002 201-436-2080 www.cruiseliberty.com

Cruise Lines/Ships Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Summit Royal Caribbean International – Adventure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas

Boston, Massachusetts

Flynn Cruiseport Boston is conveniently located in South Boston’s Seaport District and accessible from I-90 and I-93.

Contact Flynn Cruiseport Boston 1 Black Falcon Avenue South Boston, Massachusetts 02210 617-330-1500 www.massport.com/cruiseport/

Cruise Lines/Ships Holland America Line – Maasdam, Veendam, Norwegian Cruse Line – Norwegian Dawn Royal Caribbean International – Serenade of the Seas Seabourn Cruise Lin e – Seabourn Quest Windstar Cruises – Star Pride

Operations Seasonal service (April – November)

Destinations Bermuda, Canada/New England and Caribbean

Charleston, South Carolina

The Port of Charleston is located close to popular beaches, historic plantations and world-class golf within the greater Charleston area.

Contact 176 Concord Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 843-723-8651 http://www.scspa.com/locations/cruise-terminal/

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sunshine Silversea Cruises – Silver Wind

Destinations Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba and Caribbean

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Port Everglades is one of the largest cruise ports in the world. It is conveniently located to many beaches, parks and points of interest.

Contact Port Everglades 1850 Eller Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 954-523-3404 http://www.porteverglades.net/cruising/

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Conquest, Carnival Magic, Carnival Triumph Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette Costa Cruises – Costa Deliziosa, Costa Luminosa Crystal Cruises – Crystal Symphony Holland America Line – Eurodam, Koningsdam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, Prinsendam, Veendam, Volendam, Zuiderdam Princess Cruises – Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess Royal Caribbean International – Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas Silversea Cruises – Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Wind

Destinations Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Repositioning

Galveston, Texas

The Port of Galveston is located within close proximity to the historic pier, water park and other attractions.

Contact 2502/2702 Harborside Dr Galveston, Texas 77550 409-765-9321 https://www.portofgalveston.com/9/Cruise

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor, Carnival Vista Disney Cruise Line – Disney Wonder Royal Caribbean International – Enchantment of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas

Destinations Caribbean, Panama Canal

Long Beach, California

The Port of Long Beach is located within a short drive of Los Angeles and and is the permanent home to the iconic Queen Mary classic ocean liner.

Contact 231 Windsor Place LongBeach, California 90802 800-764-7419 https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1045/~/long-beach-cruise-ship-terminal-directions-and-parking

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Splendor

Destinations Hawaii, Mexico

Los Angeles, California

The Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro is the busiest cruise port on the West Coast and is conveniently located within several area attractions.

Contact World Cruise Center 100 Swimford Street San Pedro, California 90731 310-519-2342 https://www.portoflosangeles.org/facilities/passenger.asp

Cruise Lines/Ships Azamara Cruises – Azamara Journey Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Eclipse Crystal Cruises – Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony Holland America Line – Amsterdam Oceania Cruises – Insignia, Regatta Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Star Princess Cruises – Coral Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Golden Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator Royal Caribbean International – Vision of the Seas Seabourn Cruise Line – Seabourn Sojourn Silversea Cruises – Silver Spirit Viking Cruises – Viking Sun

Destinations Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal

Jacksonville, Florida

The Port of Jacksonville is one of Florida’s smallest cruise ports servicing only ships from Carnival Cruise Line and is conveniently located off I-295.

Contact Jaxport Cruise Terminal 9810 August Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226 904-357-3006 https://www.jaxport.com/cruise

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation

Destinations Bahamas

Miami, Florida

PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world serving over 22 cruise lines and 5 million passengers per year. Conveniently located near downtown Miami via the PortMiami Bridge or directly off the MacArthur Causeway via the PortMiami Tunnel.

Contact Port of Miami – Dodge Island 1015 N. America Way Miami, Florida 33132 305-347-4878 http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/cruise.asp

Cruise Lines/Ships Azamara Cruises – Azamara Journey Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Victory, Carnival Vista Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity Crystal Cruises – Crystal Serenity Disney Cruise Line – Disney Magic Oceania Cruises – Insignia, Riviera, Sirena MSC Cruises – MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas Seabourn Cruise Line – Seabourn Quest Viking Cruises – Viking Sky, Viking Star, Viking Sun

Destinations Bahamas, Caribbean, Cuba, Panama Canal, Repositioning, South America

Mobile, Alabama

The Port of Mobile services only one ship from Carnival Cruise Line and is conveniently located in downtown Mobile with easy access from I-10 and I-65.

Contact Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal 201 S. Water Street Mobile, Alabama 36602 251-338-7447 http://www.shipmobile.com/

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Fantasy

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Port of New Orleans offers modern cruise facilities from a city rich with history and area attractions. The port is conveniently located to I-10 and US 90W.

Contact Julia Street Cruise Terminal 920 Port of New Orleans Place

Erato Street Cruise Terminal 1100 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 504-522-2551 http://www.portno.com/cruises

Cruise Lines/Ships American Cruise Lines – America, American Song , Queen of the Mississippi American Queen Steamboat Company – American Duchess Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway Royal Caribbean International – Vision of the Seas

Destinations Bahamas, Caribbean, Mississippi River Cruises, Panama Canal

New York City

New York City operates two cruise terminals, one in Manhattan and the other in Brooklyn. Both offer modern passenger services and convenient access from major routes throughout New York.

Contact Manhattan Cruise Terminal 9Carnival Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regents Sever Seas, Silversea Cruises) 711 12th Ave New York, New York 10019 212-641-4490 https://www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Cunard Line, Princess Cruises) 72 Browne Street Brooklyn, New York 11231 212-641-4400 https://www.nycruise.com/brooklyn-terminal/

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Horizon Crystal Cruises – Crystal Symphony Cunard Line – Queen Mary 2 Disney Cruise Line – Disney Magic Holland America Line – Rotterdam, Zuiderdam Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem Oceania Cruises – Insignia, Riviera Princess Cruises – Regal Princess, Royal Princess Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Navigator Silversea Cruises – Silver Spirit, Silver Wind, Silver Whisper

Destinations Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Panama Canal

Norfolk, Virginia

The Port of Norfolk offers seasonal cruises from Carnival Cruise Line. The port is conveniently located to I-264.

Contact Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center One Waterside Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23510 757-664-1000 https://nauticus.org/cruise-virginia/

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Triumph

Operations Seasonal service (April – October)

Destinations Bahamas, Caribbean

Palm Beach, Florida

The Port of Palm Beach is centrally located within Palm Beach county and easily accessible from I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike.

Contact One East 11th Street Riviera Beach, Florida 33404 561-383-4100 http://www.portofpalmbeach.com/101/Cruise

Cruise Lines/Ships Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line – Grand Celebration, Grand Classica

Port Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral is very accessible from its Central Florida location using State Roads 528, 520 & 50 and connecting with I-95 and I-4.

Contact Cruise Terminal #1 (Royal Caribbean) 9050 Discovery Road Port Canaveral, Florida 32920 866-562-7625

Cruise Terminal #5 (Carnival Cruise Line) 9245 Charles M Rowland Dr Port Canaveral, Florida 32920 800-764-7419

Cruise Terminal #8 (Disney Cruise Line/Norwegian Cruise Line) 9155 Charles M Rowland Dr Port Canaveral, Florida 32920 800-951-3532

https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise

Area Information: Go Port – Offering all-in-one packages include the room (or rooms) at hotels, transportation, and cruise parking for everyone at an unbeatable price. https://www.goport.com

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Breeze, Carnival Elation, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine Disney Cruise Line – Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Sun Royal Caribbean International – Enchantment of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas

Destinations Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Repositioning

San Diego, California

The Port of San Diego is located on San Diego Bay’s Embarcadero: a two-mile stretch of downtown waterfront offering dining, shopping, lodging, museums and attractions.

Contact 1140 N Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92101 616-686-6200 https://www.portofsandiego.org/maritime/cruise-operations

Cruise Lines/Ships Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Infinity Crystal Cruises – Crystal Symphony Disney Cruise Line – Disney Wonder Holland America Line – Amsterdam, Eurodam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Volendam, Zaandam Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Pearl Oceania Cruises – Regatta

Operations Seasonal service (September – May)

Destination s Baja Mexico, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Pacific Coastal, South America

San Francisco, California

The Port of San Francisco is located on the western edge of the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Contact Pier 27 Cruise Terminal The Embarcardo San Francisco, California 94111 415-274-0400 https://sfport.com/cruise

Cruise Lines/Ships Crystal Cruises – Crystal Symphony Cunard Line – Queen Victoria Holland America Line – Maasdam, Volendam Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Gem Oceania Cruises – Regatta Princess Cruises – Coral Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess

Destinations Alaska, Baja Mexico, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Pacific Coastal, Repositioning

Seattle, Washington

The Port of Seattle operates two terminals within a easy wake to famous landmarks and attractions including the Seattle Space Needle.

Contact Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International) 2001 W Garfield Way Seattle, Washington 98199 206-787-3911

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (Norwegian Cruise Line/Oceania Cruises) 2225 Alaskan Way Seattle, Washington 98121 https://www.portseattle.org/maritime/cruise

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Legend Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Solstice Holland America Line – Amsterdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Maasdam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Volendam, Zaandam Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Pearl Oceania Cruises – Regatta Princess Cruises – Emerald, Ruby Princess, Star Princess Royal Caribbean – Explorer of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas

Destinations Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal

Tampa, Florida

Port Tampa Bay is located near downtown Tampa’s Channel District with convenient access to the I-4  corridor.

Contact Cruise Terminal 2 (Carnival Cruise Line) 651 Channelside Dr Tampa, Florida 33602 813-905-5205

Cruise Terminal 3 (Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International) 815 Channelside Dr Tampa, Florida 33602 813-905-5205

Cruise Terminal 6 (Holland America Line) 1333 McKay St Tampa, Florida 33602 813-905-5205

Cruise Lines/Ships Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise Holland America Line – Rotterdam Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Pearl Royal Caribbean International – Brilliance of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas,

Destinations Cuba, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Repositioning

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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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This 11-night Cruise Is the Only One in the World to Dock in Washington, D.C. — How to Get on Board

Meet American Cruise Line's American Revolution cruise.

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

If you're looking to experience a little American history on your next vacation, look no further than American Cruise Lines' new American Revolution cruise. In 2018, the company became the first to dock in Washington, D.C. , in more than 60 years — and this year, it is upping its game. Now, it'll operate its 11-night itinerary round trip from Washington, D.C., instead of Baltimore.

Before embarking on the ship, guests sailing an American Revolutionary journey can stay at the Four Seasons Washington, D.C., for an overnight pre-trip. Then they'll board one of American Cruise Lines' new small ships American Constitution or American Glory for the voyage. The cruise will feature several of the company’s newest Coastal Cats catamarans sailing the itinerary in 2024-2025, each of which can sleep up to 100 passengers in 56 spacious cabins. (The cabins start at 300 square feet.)

After departing Washington, D.C. , guests will make three stops in Maryland, including one at Annapolis , where they can tour the U.S. Naval Academy on an excursion. Then it'll have a day at sea, followed by an overnight in Norfolk. (For excursions, guests can book a day trip to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina's Outer Banks or tour the MacArthur Memorial and Chrysler Museum of Art, among other options.)

Next up are visits to Virginia's “Historic Triangle,” including Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Finally, the ship will head for Mount Vernon, where guests can tour George Washington's famous home, before returning to Washington, D.C.

"American’s small U.S. ships offer guests opportunities to visit ports of call inaccessible by larger ships, plus itineraries that are the only cruises of their kind on the market; sailing fully in the U.S.A. throughout," Melissa Young, Director of Business Development at American Cruise Lines, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . "The American Revolution cruises are a testament to what is only possible with American’s extraordinary fleet. And this itinerary also features a fabulous new option for the drive-to market, allowing many guests to skip flights and jump on board hassle-free."

Rates for the American Revolution Cruise start at $6,160; book your trip at americancruiselines.com .

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

North America

North america’s cruise port guides:.

Find the Cruise Port Guides for the Alaska, North America underneath. In the Cruise Port Guides you will find free maps, docking location, port information, transportation options and lots more. Learn all you need to know before visiting the ports of call on your next cruise. Select the port of call you are looking for underneath.

Fort Lauderdale – USA Glacier Bay – Alaska Haines – Alaska Juneau – Alaska

Ketchikan – Alaska San Diego – USA Seward – Alaska Sitka – Alaska  

Skagway – Alaska Vancouver – Canada Victoria – Canada

Cruise ships returning to Port of Camas-Washougal, months after cruise line went bankrupt Updated 15 hours ago

Camas-washougal signs one-year agreement with american cruise lines to be ‘turn point’.

CAMAS — Two months after unexpectedly losing its docking agreement with American Queen Voyages, the Port of Camas-Washougal has partnered with another company to bring back cruise ships.

The port has signed a one-year contract with American Cruise Lines, a Connecticut-based company that operates 19 small cruise ships along the United States’ Eastern and Western seaboards, as well as several major U.S. rivers, including the Columbia River.

American Cruise Lines contacted the port after American Queen Voyages’ bankruptcy, Port CEO David Ripp said. ACL wanted a long-term contract, “but we felt more comfortable doing a one-year agreement as a start to see how this would work.”

ACL will move from Hayden Island and use the port as a “turn point,” according to Ripp. “A turn point is where a vessel begins or ends its cruise.”

ACL offers six- to nine-day cruise packages on the Columbia River, with stops between Astoria, Ore., and Clarkston.

Five vessels, ranging in size from 220 to 328 feet with the capacity for 125 to 200 passengers, will make 89 stops at the port’s breakwater dock between March 31 and Nov. 8, according to the agreement.

Passengers won’t disembark

In February, American Queen Voyages announced it was suspending operations and canceling all reservations. Under the terms of a five-year agreement with the port, the American Empress docked at Parker’s Landing Marina during its Columbia River cruises in 2022 and 2023.

When signing the original agreement in 2022, port leaders said that they hoped to bring the American Empress, a 360-foot paddle-wheeler, to the region in an effort to increase tourism.

Stops at the port included a “hop-on, hop-off” bus bound for Washougal’s Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Pendleton Woolen Mills and Cottonwood Beach before heading to downtown Camas’ shopping district.

Though the American Empress may return to the Columbia River — ACL has purchased four ships formerly operated by American Queen Voyages, including the American Empress — the new cruise ship agreement between ACL and the port won’t have the impact on tourism.

“With the ACL agreement, passengers won’t disembark and tour our community, so it doesn’t have that potential for local economic development,” Port Commissioner Cassi Marshall said during the commission’s April 3 meeting. “I like the one-year trial … because I just want to make sure we pay attention to the potential impacts to our own tenants. I mean, it’s big, and will be here a lot. So I would like to kind of know about the feedback from our own tenants.”

ACL will pay the port $2.50 per foot, or approximately $65,000, as well as a $10,000 deposit.

Commissioner John Spencer praised the agreement’s financial terms — “a 4.6-fold increase in revenue is a good thing” — and ACL’s commitment to sustainability.

Three of the five boats meet Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 final emissions standards, Ripp said. The vessels will not idle at the dock but will run on generators overnight.

“I do feel a lot better about these boats being Tier 4, theoretically the cleanest that we can get right now without going electric,” Spencer said. “I have some concerns about that much activity long-term. … But it’s only one year, so we’ll see how it goes.”

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American Cruise Lines

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

•   Fleet
•   Review
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American Cruise Lines fleet

Acl american liberty, acl american legend, acl american eagle, acl american glory, american harmony, american song, american independence, american star, american spirit, american serenade, american symphony, american melody, american jazz, american constitution, american constellation, review of american cruise lines.

ACL-American Cruise Lines Inc (AmericanCruiseLines.com) is a USA-based travel company founded in 1991 and headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut. Currently ranked USA's largest river cruise company , ACL operates traditional stern-paddlewheel riverboats and also several small-sized oceangoing ships. ACL ships cruise mainly in the USA, including Alaska, West and East Coast, the USA's biggest rivers (Mississippi, Tennessee, Potomac, Columbia, Snake, Hudson), also in Florida (St George River).

The company's current President and CEO is Charles B. Robertson who succeeded ACL's founder Charles A. Robertson (1948-2020).

ACL's management team includes:

• Dawn Lancaster (Accounts Payable Lead/Groton CT)
• Kayleigh Yates (Pastry Chef/New Roads LA)
• Brad Csuka (VP of Marketing/Stratford CT)
• Susan Shultz (Director of Sales/Guilford CT)
• Shelly Hartfield (Director of Product Development/New Albany IN)
• Meghan Sturgeon (Creative Director/Guilford CT)
• John Foley (Director of Information & Technology/Bethel CT)
• Makena Hoyt (Travel Coordinator/Salt Lake City UT)
• Matthew Kelley (First Mate, from Kingston MA)
• Marcus Lemon (Line Cook/Orlando FL)

In August 2021, ACL announced a major refurbishment project for its entire paddlewheeler fleet. The redesigned boats were renamed "American Splendor" (fka America), "American Heritage" (fka Queen of the Mississippi) and "American West" (fka Queen of the West), and only American Pride retained its name. The refurb project was via partnership with Studio DADO (Miami-based interior design firm) which was commissioned for the American Melody's interior spaces. By this project (completed by March 2022), the ACL paddlewheelrs' staterooms, bars and lounges, dining rooms and public areas were completely redesigned, featuring new color schemes, artworks, furniture, carpets, textiles, accessories.

Since January 2022, all ACL deals with added domestic flights (between airports in the USA, which includes all the company's 19 ports in 16 US states) are with flat-rate priced airfares (fixed/not subject to future changes). ACL river voyages' prices are inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel overnight.

Since December 2022, all ACL deals are inclusive of port charges and fees (commissionable for travel agents).

ACL's main competitor is Viking Cruises USA .

One of the most prominent features of all ACL ships is that they are USA- flagged , which means that the company hires only American citizens as hotel staff and crews, and pays taxes in the USA (on all cruise deals).

ACL deals are not so cheap, and consist of:

• larger-than-average staterooms (with the first balcony cabins in the US coastal cruise shipping business)
• spacious public rooms (bars and lounges)
• gourmet cuisine, highly personalized service
• hassle-free experiences, complimentary drinks before dinner, intimate, relaxing and friendly atmosphere
• amazingly charming itineraries sailing the inland waterways and stopping at ports every day (these are smaller ports inaccessible to larger vessels)
• an evening enrichment program by professional onboard lecturers
• the cruise ship "Queen of the Mississippi" debuted in 2012 as the largest of all ACL ships. Her sister ship was recently launched (March 2015) under the name "American Eagle".

All ACL ships are USA-built/refurbished, by the shipbuilder Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corporation (Salisbury, Maryland).

Next infographic of the Queen of the Mississippi (now American Heritage) shows what is what and where on this unique riverboat.

In mid-February, 2020, ACL signed with Vicksburg MS a 20-year deal for preferential berthing rights and ACL investments for upgrading the riverfront docking facility. By the deal, ACL pays the city per-passenger fees and receives priority mooring along the waterfront. ACL also provides shuttle bus services for its customers for land transportation to nearby attractions and popular downtown businesses.

In January 2023 ACL announced the fleetwide introduction of high-speed (Starlink-provided) satellite internet and Wi-Fi services. Starlink's LEO satellites (positioned at low Earth orbit) provide stable and fast internet connections to moving marine vessels and ACL beta-tested the service in 2022. As a promo, in 2023, ACL offered the Starlink Wi-Fi and the shipboard Room Service complimentary.

ACL AQV assents acquisition (2024)

In a held in March 2024 auction in Texas, ACL became the highest bidder and purchased four riverboats plus other assets of AQV-American Queen Voyages/fka AQSC . These assets were auctioned following the bankruptcy of AQV's parent company Hornblower Holdings.

The acquired assets include four paddle wheelers - American Queen (US$2,15 million), American Empress and American Countess (each US$1,6M) and American Duchess (US$0,2M).

In addition, for US$0,75M ACL purchased two trademarks ("American Queen Voyages", "AQV"), website domains, and business records.

According to documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court in Houston, ACL paid for AQV's assets a total of USD 6,3 million in cash. A hearing to finalize the sale was scheduled for April 4th.

In late-October 2015, ACL announced the start of the construction of a new coastal cruiser (by Chesapeake Shipbuilding/Salisbury, Maryland USA), with scheduled delivery in 2017-Q1. The vessel ( American Constellation ) was followed by the sistership American Constitution (2018).

These boats have passenger capacity 170 and are sized slightly larger compared to ACL's old coastal cruisers. They are fully stabilized (active wing stabilizers by Rolls-Royce Marine) and have the USA river cruising industry's largest and most luxurious staterooms. All cabins are with marble-tiled bathrooms and floor-ceiling glass doors opening to step-out balconies.

Traditionally for large-sized US riverboats, American Song has a fore-located boarding ramp (bow-location on Deck 1) that allows passengers to go ashore at any place along the ship's cruise itinerary route. The ramp has an innovative design being constructed as a retractable gangway (passenger bridge). The technology is often implemented on some of the largest ferries and features an opening bow door.

In November 2016 ACL announced the start of the construction on a 3rd (larger / new-class "Modern Riverboat") vessel with capacity 195 passengers. In late-February 2017 were announced plans for a fleet of 5 newbuilds .

• The first vessel from the new "Modern Riverboat" series was launched in 2018 ( American Song ). Followed the sisterships American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), American Serenade (2023).
• In mid-June 2021 ACL signed with Chesapeake Shipbuilding the contract for constructing two more units (5th and 6th) of the "modern riverboat" series. Both vessels (yet to be named) are planned for inauguration in 2022 growing the company's fleet to 15 (5x small, 4x paddle-wheelers, 6x modern riverboats).

In January 2022 ACL announced a plan to grow its fleet to 25+ vessels by adding 12 units of a new class (Project Blue), each with max passenger capacity 109 (plus 50 crew), length 241 ft (74 m), beam/width 56 ft (17 m), 56 staterooms (~85% balconied). ACL's Coastal Cats/catamarans are currently planned for launch/inauguration two units per year - in 2023 ( Eagle , Glory ), 2024 ( Liberty , Legend ), 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Next video reviews the best features of ACL's 2021-2022-built Modern Riverboats (Melody, Symphony, Serenade).

USA river cruise excursions for free

Any ACL guest booking river cruises on Mississippi or Columbia rivers gets absolutely free shore excursions. This is a year-round deal and the complimentary land tours are offered in each port of call.

The list of tours includes:

• "Battle of Vicksburg" (in Vicksburg, Mississippi)
• "Oak Valley Plantation" (in Oak Alley, Louisiana)
• "Mark Twain Boyhood Home-Museum" (in Hannibal, Missouri)
• "Mount St Helens" (in Rainier, Washington)
• "Winery" (in Richland, Washington).

The next YouTube video is the company's official release about the signature "Mississippi River Paddlewheeler" cruising experience.

IN January 2020, ACL signed a 5-year preferential berthing agreement with Port NOLA (New Orleans) for Thalia Street Wharf/riverboat dock. By this deal, ACL also received 2 (optional) 5-year renewals. Preferential homeporting is for at least 50 voyages (guaranteed departures) annually. For 2020, ACL scheduled 68 calls at Port NOLA.

In 2023 (March-December) ACL had its ever-biggest Mississippi program with five ships (Melody, Heritage, Serenade, Splendor, Symphony) and 12 itineraries running between homeports St Paul MN and New Orleans LA. The season featured a new boat (American Serenade) and the new 8-day itinerary "The Tennessee Rivers Cruise" between Chattanooga TN and Nashville TN. ACL's entire Mississippi 2023 program included voyages with a complimentary pre-voyage 1-night hotel.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, ACL suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all vessels) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through May 2021.

Fleet operations resumed on the following dates (by ship) in 2021.

• American Independence (May 1 from Charleston SC)
• MS America (May 4 from New Orleans)
• Queen of the Mississippi (May 1 from Memphis TN)
• Queen of the West (May 15 from Clarkston WA)
• American Star (May 8 from Charleston SC)
• American Song (May 9 from Clarkston MI)
• American Pride (May 1 from Portland OR)
• American Constellation (May 7/Alaska from Seattle WA)
• American Constitution (May 10 from Boston)
• American Spirit (May 8/Alaska from Seattle WA)
• American Harmony (May 1 from New Orleans)
• American Jazz (May 2 from New Orleans)
• American Melody (Aug 27/ Maiden Voyage from New Orleans)

Note: Under CERTS (Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act), in August 2021 the company received USD 42,7 million (CAD 58,83M / AUD 58,3M / EUR 36,2M) grant from the USA's government. The CERTS provides grants to eligible (USA-based and all American-crewed) passenger transportation companies (motorcoach, school bus, shipping, pilotage) that have experienced 25% or more annual revenue losses due to the COVID crisis.

ACL boats initially operated with reduced (75% of the max) passenger capacity. All affected bookings were fully refunded (100% monetary refund). With rebooking was offered 125% FCC (Future Cruise Credit based on the fares paid for the canceled sailings) valid before December 31, 2021.

Itinerary of American Cruise Lines

ACL-American Cruise Lines itinerary program includes the USA's Eastern and Western coasts. ACL also offers Alaskan cruises during summer as well as the USA's river cruise regions Mississippi-Ohio (northbound and southbound itineraries) and Columbia-Snake (eastbound and westbound itineraries).

In 2022, ACL ships sailed 35+ USA-only itineraries visiting ports in 31 states.

New itineraries and cruisetours (2024)

ACL's schedule 2024 groups 50+ itineraries across 35 US states, 19 vessels (ships and riverboats) and a total of 125 ports in the USA. The program features two new ports - Sag Harbor (Long Island NYC) and Washington DC .

In 2024, the company also introduced "National Park Cruises", two of which are in Alaska.

• The 18-day "Grand Alaska National Parks" itinerary offers 11 days for cruising (Glacier Bay NP, Inside Passage, Frederick Sound) plus 7 days for guided tours in Denali NP and Kenai Fjords NP (from Fairbanks to Juneau).
• The 15-day "Alaska National Parks" itinerary offers 8 days of Glacier Bay cruising plus 7 days for Denali and Kenai Fjords tours (from Fairbanks to Juneau).

In 2024 ACL debuts two more NP cruisetours.

• The 11-day "Great Smoky Mountains National Park" itinerary is on two rivers (Tennessee and Cumberland) and offers 2 days for land tours (Great Smoky NP) between Knoxville TN and Nashville TN (both ways).
• The 15-day "National Parks and Legendary Rivers" itinerary offers 8 days for cruising (Columbia and Snake rivers) plus 7 days for guided touring (Glacier NP, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP) between Jackson WY and Portland OR (both ways).

Also new are the three 8-day itineraries "Downeast Maine" (roundtrip from Bangor ME ), "Yankee Seaports" (between Boston MA and NYC) and "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys" (roundtrip from St Petersburg FL, which includes tours in Dry Tortugas NP and Everglades NP).

In 2024 (spring and fall) ACL introduced voyages leaving roundtrip from Washington DC, with the ship ( American Constitution ) mooring/docking at The Wharf (along the city's southeastern waterfront).

Themed as "American Revolution Cruise", they traverse the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and the York River, with Washington DC serving as homeport. These are also the only cruises on the Potomac River. The 10-night/11-day "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary visits Annapolis MD, St Michaels MD, Cambridge MD, Norfolk VA (overnight), Williamsburg/Yorktown VA, Mount Vernon VA, and ends with an overnight in Washington DC.

ACL ships and riverboats' deployment

Follows the list of all ACL ships and riverboats, in brackets (Year Built)

• American Heritage riverboat/fka Queen of the Mississippi (2015)
• American West riverboat/fka Queen of the West (1995)
• American Splendor riverboat/fka America (2016)
• American Constellation (2017) - the new ship offers 2 new Canada and USA itineraries - "Grand New England" and "Grand Historic South"
• American Constitution (2018) - the new ship offers 2 new Canada and USA itineraries - "Grand New England" and "Grand Historic South"
• American Pride riverboat (2015, fka "American Eagle") - 8-day Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises (one-way itineraries) leaving either from Portland Oregon or Clarkston Washington
• (Modern Riverboat class) - American Song (2018), American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), American Serenade (2023)
• American Spirit (2004) - 7- and 11-day Alaskan itineraries from Juneau AK and Seattle WA
• American Independence (2010)

ACL's Coastal Cats (Project Blue catamarans) are a separate fleet of 12x newbuilds scheduled for launches in 2023 ( American Eagle , American Glory ), 2024 ( American Liberty , American Legend ), 2025 (TBN), 2026 (TBN), 2027 (TBN), 2028 (TBN).

In 2021, ACL introduced 3x new itineraries - "Cape Codder" (New England/ Cape Cod Canal ), "Music Cities" (American music-themed / 8-day between Nashville and Memphis) and "Alaskan Explorers" (11-day Glacier Bay cruise), also 50x new land tours and more pre-cruise hotel packages (Four Season Hotel deals in select USA river ports).

The classic 10-night "Grand Puget Sound Cruise" itinerary visits Washington's San Juan Archipelago .

In 2023, ACL introduced new for the brand ports - San Francisco and New York City (including Sag Harbor and Port Jefferson on Long Island NY ). ACL's catamaran cruises (2023-2024 schedule) added Florida's Key West , St Petersburg , Key Biscayne and Fort Myers Beach/Estero Island .

ACL itineraries scheduled for the Coastal Cats/catamarans

Next are listed all currently announced/operated itineraries (as themes, lengths, homeports and call ports) scheduled for ACL's Coastal Cats (Project Blue catamarans).

8-day / 7-night " Chesapeake Bay Cruise " is a roundtrip from Baltimore MD . Call ports include Yorktown-Williamsburg VA, Crisfield MD (Tangier VA), Cambridge MD (Oxford MD), St Michaels MD, Annapolis MD.

8-day / 7-night " Cape Codder Cruise " (visiting 8 ports and featuring navigation on the Cape Cod Canal ) is a roundtrip departing from Boston MA . Call ports include Glouchester MA, Plymouth MA, Martha's Vinyard Island MA, Falmouth MA, New Bedford MA, Provincetown MA.

8-day / 7-night "Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip from Portland ME . Call ports include Bar Harbor ME, Belfast ME, Camden ME, Rockland ME, Boothbay Harbor ME, Bath ME.

8-day / 7-night " New England Islands Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from Providence RI . Call ports include Baltimore MD, St Michaels MD, Norfolk VA, Kitty Hawk NC, Beaufort NC (Morehead City NC), Wilmington NC, Charleston SC, Beaufort SC, Hilton Head SC, Savannah GA, St Simons Island GA, Jekyll Island GA, Amelia Island FL (Fernandina Beach).

8-day / 7-night " Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from NYC/New York City NY . All call ports are in the New York state and include Catskill, Albany, Kingston/Hyde Park, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, and NYC (overnight stay before debarkation).

8-day / 7-night " Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL ( Amelia Island ). Call ports include Charleston SC, Beaufort SC, Hilton Head Island SC, Savannah GA, Jekyll Island and St Simons Island (GA), Amelia Island FL (overnight).

8-day / 7-night " Yankee Seaports Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports NYC and Boston. Call ports include Long Island (Sag Harbor/day 2, Port Jefferson/day 3), New London Connecticut (Mystic Seaport/days 4-5 overnight), Newport Rhode Island (day 6), Plymouth Massachusetts (day 7).

15-day / 14-night " East Coast Inland Passage Cruise " (visiting 15 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports Baltimore and Jacksonville FL/Amelia Island. Call ports include Baltimore MD, St Michaels MD, Norfolk VA, Kitty Hawk NC, Beaufort NC (Morehead City NC), Wilmington NC, Charleston SC, Beaufort SC, Hilton Head SC, Savannah GA, St Simons Island GA, Jekyll Island GA, Amelia Island FL (Fernandina Beach).

Florida Gulf Coast and Keys

In 2023, ACL-American Cruise Lines introduced the 7-night/8-day "Florida Gulf Coast & Keys" itinerary.

The roundtrip from Tampa was specifically designed for ACL's catamarans/Coastal Cats and was introduced with the ship American Glory.

On this ACL ex-Florida voyage, on days 3 and 4 the ship stays in Key West overnight. This allows tourists to explore Key West City on Day 3 (with a complimentary guided tour to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum) and the Dry Tortugas National Park on Day 4 (visiting Fort Jefferson/Civil War prison)

"The Civil War Battlefields Cruise" (2024)

In May 2023 ACL announced the introduction of the 34-night/35-day "Civil War Battlefields Cruise" visiting all major battlefields from the American Civil War (1861-65) in 13 states.

Starting on May 4, 2024, from New Orleans, the unique itinerary ends in Gettysburg (on June 6th). This is a B2B/back-to-back cruise involving 3x ships (American Melody, American Symphony, American Eagle), cruising on 3x rivers (Mississippi, Tennessee, Potomac), as well as coastal navigation (along ICW-Intracoastal Waterway/East Coast USA, and the Chesapeake Bay).

Prices started at US$24700 per person or US$726 per night. Fares were inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, daily excursions, onboard entertainment/meals/beverages/WiFi/tips/gratuities, all land transportation and hotels between the segments, all port charges.

Next are listed the itinerary's call ports and ships.

American Melody (Days 1 to 8) "The Anaconda Plan and the Vicksburg Campaign" segment from New Orleans to Memphis.

American Symphony (Days 9 to 14) "Major Land Campaigns of the Civil War’s Western Theater" segment from Nashville to Chattanooga.

American Symphony (Days 15 to 17) "Scorched Earth"

American Eagle (Days 18 to 26) "The Union Advantage: a focus on naval power" segment from Jacksonville to Norfolk

American Eagle (Days 27 - 33) "Eastern Theater of the Civil War" segment from Norfolk to Washington (disembarkation) and bus travel from Baltimore to Sharpsburg MD (for Antietam).

(Days 34 to 35) "Battle of Gettysburg: The Turning Point for the North" segment is a Land Package to Gettysburg PA.

• DAYS 1-2 Pre-Cruise Hotel in New Orleans
• DAY 3 Houmas House, LA
• DAY 4 Baton Rouge, LA
• DAY 5 Siege of Port Hudson | St. Francisville, LA
• DAY 6 Battle of Port Gibson | Natchez, MS
• DAY 7 Siege of Vicksburg | Vicksburg, MS
• DAY 8 The Anaconda Plan | Day of River Cruising
• DAY 9 Memphis Naval Battle | Memphis, TN
• DAY 10 Battle of Stones River | Nashville, TN
• DAY 11 Battle of Fort Donelson | Clarksville, TN
• DAY 12 Paducah, KY
• DAY 13 Battle of Shiloh | Savannah, TN
• DAY 14 Florence, AL
• DAY 15 The Battles for Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN
• DAY 16 Battle of Chickamauga | Atlanta, GA
• DAY 17 Sherman's March to the Sea | Atlanta to Jacksonville
• DAY 18 Battle of Olustee | Jacksonville, FL
• DAY 19 Brunswick, GA
• DAY 20 Savannah, GA
• DAY 21 Hilton Head, SC
• DAY 22 Beaufort, SC
• DAY 23 Day of Cruising
• DAY 24 Fort Sumter | Charleston, SC
• DAY 25 Beaufort, NC
• DAY 26 Kitty Hawk, NC
• DAY 27 Battle of the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac" | Norfolk, VA
• DAY 28 The Peninsula Campaign | Yorktown, VA
• DAY 29 Battle of Fredericksburg | Washington, D.C.
• DAY 30 Alexandria, VA
• DAY 31 St. Michaels, MD
• DAY 32 First Blood of the Civil War | Baltimore, MD
• DAY 33 Antietam | Sharpsburg, MD
• DAY 34 Battle of Gettysburg | Gettysburg, PA
• DAY 35 Transfer to Airport from Gettysburg

"The Great United States Cruise" (2024)

In late March 2023, ACL announced the 60-day B2B/back-to-back "The Great United States Cruise". The unique itinerary combines 4 rivers and coast-to-coast travel on 3 ships, ranking it ACL's longest-ever domestic itinerary.

"The Great United States Cruise" departs from  Portland OR on August 14, 2024, and visits 20 American states and 4 time zones within the continental USA. It also includes a national parks package visiting Grand Teton NP, Glacier NP, and Yellowstone NP.

The first leg of the itinerary is from the Pacific Coast (Portland OR) for cruising on Columbia/Snake rivers (ship American Jazz ). The second leg is on the Mississippi River (ship American Symphony /from New Orleans to Saint Paul). The third leg is from Maine to New York/up the Hudson River (ship American Independence ).

The 60-day voyage ends in NYC/New York Harbour on October 14th (2024).

Flights from Jackson Wyoming to  New Orleans  and  Saint Paul  to  Portland ME  are included.

The price per person ranges between US$51060-77945. The pricing includes all flights, a pre-cruise hotel stay, hotels between the cruise segments, all meals and beverages, daily land tours, Internet, port charges, and gratuities.

San Francisco Bay Cruise itinerary (2023-introduced)

ACL's 2023 schedule (ship American Jazz) included the company's first-ever California voyage.

The 7-night/8-day "San Francisco Bay Cruise" itinerary (roundtrip from San Francisco ) visits four other Californian ports ( Stockton , Sacramento , Napa , Vallejo ) and ends with an overnight in San Francisco. Overnight port stays are offered in either Sacramento or Napa. A pre-cruise hotel package (inclusive of San Francisco Four Season Hotel overnight stay) is optional.

ACL's San Francisco Bay Cruise itinerary features scenic cruising in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay (an evening stop in Vallejo), as well as cruising on the Napa River and San Joaquin River.

The voyage includes passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island. A guided San Francisco city tour visits Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf. The cruisetour's signature experiences also include NASCAR-style driving (at Stockton 99 Speedway) and visiting a Napa Valley Winery (wine-tasting excursion). A guided Old Sacramento tour visits the underground city, the port, and the California State Railroad Museum.

"Grand New England" itinerary

The new 10-night / 11-day cruise itinerary of the company (named "Grand New England") covers New England destinations, among which are charming islands and coastal towns located within the Northeast.

The itinerary visits the following ports of call:

• Day 1 (Boston MA)
• Day 2 (Provincetown MA)
• Day 3 (Newport RI)
• Day 4 (Martha's Vineyard MA)
• Day 5 (Kennebunkport ME)
• Day 6 (Camden ME)
• Day 7 (Bar Harbor ME)
• Day 8 (Rockland ME)
• Before the Rockland arrival, the cruise ship passes through the 10-km / 6-ml Merchants Row passage.
• The itinerary is operated by the new ACL ships American Constellation and American Constitution .

"Grand Historic South" itinerary

The 10-night / 11-day "Grand Historic South" itinerary is roundtrip from Charleston SC to destinations along southeast USA's Intracoastal Waterway.

The new itinerary visits the following ports of call:

• Day 1 (Charleston SC / South Carolina)
• Day 2 (Wilmington NC / North Carolina)
• Day 3 (Beaufort NC / North Carolina) - horse-drawn carriage ride tour
• Days 4 and 5 (Savannah GA / Georgia)
• Day 6 (Sapelo Island GA / Georgia) - Oyster Roast
• Day 7 (Jekyll Island GA / Georgia) - "Millionaires Village"
• Day 8 (Fernandina Beach FL / Florida) - Amelia Island
• Day 9 (cruising)
• Day 10 (Beaufort SC / South Carolina)
• Day 11 (Charleston SC / South Carolina)

The itinerary route features architecturally significant traditional homes, grand plantations, wildlife, amazing coastal landscapes. Also included are locally inspired cuisine specialties prepared by the ship's master chef.

"American Revolution" itinerary

The 12-day "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary visits some of the most historically significant port cities along the Chesapeake Bay.

• The itinerary also includes new ports - Washington DC, Chestertown MD, Mount Vernon VA. In Washington DC, passengers can enjoy private tours of any of Smithsonian Museums or a guided tour of the National Mall. In Chestertown MD, they can visit Schooner Sultana (replica of Royal Navy Frigate Sultana / in the British Navy between 1768-1772). At Mount Vernon VA, the cruise company's expert guides offer an exclusive tour through George Washington's Estate.
• Passengers also travel to the last battlefield of the Revolutionary War in Yorktown and Jamestown's first English settlement.
• In addition to the ashore enrichment program, the shipboard expert is Dr. Harold Cones (biology professor, emeritus / retired from professional life at Christopher Newport University).
• The "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary is leaving roundtrip from Baltimore MD . Voyages started in spring 2018 on the new ship American Constitution . Available departure dates in 2018 include Oct 29, and Nov 8.

American Cruise Lines ship tracker

Our American Cruise Lines ship tracker is a function integrated into all review pages. At page-bottom in each page, you'll find a map with the ship's current location (AIS position). All the real-time tracking data is provided by VesselFinder. It's all about convenience - you will find where is your riverboat (ship) cruising today and now along its current itinerary!

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

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Unforgettable South American Cruise Ports

Table of Contents

Introduction to South American Cruise Ports

Embarking on a cruise journey is a delightful way to experience the world, and the South American cruise ports are a must-visit for any avid traveler. Offering a mix of exotic locales, rich history, and vibrant cultures, these ports serve as gateways to some of the most captivating destinations in the world.

The Allure of South American Cruises

The allure of South American cruises lies in their unique ability to showcase the continent’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling cities and charming coastal towns to the majestic Andean peaks and the lush Amazon rainforest.

South American cruises offer a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether it’s tangoing in the streets of Buenos Aires, exploring the architectural wonders of Cartagena, or relishing the culinary delights of Lima, there is something for every traveler in these breathtaking destinations.

The journey itself is equally enchanting. Cruising along the South American coast, one can marvel at the stunning sunset over the Pacific, be awed by the towering glaciers of Patagonia, or be mesmerized by the diversity of wildlife in the Amazon river.

What to Expect from South American Cruise Ports

South American cruise ports are characterized by their warm hospitality, vibrant local cultures, and a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.

Upon disembarking, travelers can expect to be greeted by bustling port cities teeming with life. From artisan markets and historic landmarks to world-class restaurants and lively entertainment venues, these ports offer a plethora of attractions to explore.

Local cuisine is another highlight of visiting these ports. With an array of regional delicacies and fine dining options available, food lovers will find plenty of reasons to indulge.

But perhaps what sets these ports apart is their proximity to some of South America’s most iconic attractions. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu near Lima, the stunning Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, or the vibrant carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro, these ports serve as convenient launching points for unforgettable adventures.

In the next sections, we will delve deeper into what each of the major South American cruise ports has to offer, from local attractions and cuisines to tips on how to make the most of your visit. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, this guide will help you navigate the incredible world of South American cruise ports . For more global cruising options, check out our comprehensive guide on cruise ports .

Unforgettable Ports in South America

South America’s treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty is wonderfully showcased in its cruise ports. From vibrant metropolitan cities to quaint coastal towns, each port offers a unique blend of experiences that leave a lasting impression. Here, we explore some of the best South American cruise ports .

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Attractions near the port.

Buenos Aires fits the description of a city that never sleeps. Just a few miles from the port, the city center bustles with life. Key attractions include the historic Plaza de Mayo, the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca, and the famous Teatro Colón.

Local Restaurants and Cuisine

Buenos Aires is renowned for its culinary scene. Local specialties include Asado (barbecued meat) and Empanadas (stuffed pastries). Numerous restaurants near the port offer these and other Argentinian delicacies.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The port in Rio de Janeiro is in proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the famous Copacabana beach.

Brazilian cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors. Local eateries near the port serve traditional dishes like Feijoada (black bean stew with pork) and Pão de queijo (cheese bread).

Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso is a city known for its steep funiculars and colorful clifftop homes. Near the port, visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage city center and the house of famous poet Pablo Neruda, La Sebastiana.

Seafood is a staple in Valparaiso. Restaurants near the port serve a variety of dishes, with Ceviche and Empanadas de Mariscos (seafood stuffed pastries) being popular choices.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s port is a gateway to the city’s rich historical treasures. Attractions include the walled Old Town, the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood, and the imposing San Felipe Castle.

Cartagena offers a unique blend of Caribbean and Colombian cuisine. Local restaurants serve dishes like Arepas (corn cakes) and Cazuela de Mariscos (seafood casserole).

Lima (Callao), Peru

The port of Callao serves as the perfect entrance to Peru’s capital, Lima. Attractions like the Plaza Mayor, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the Larco Museum are within a short distance.

Lima is often referred to as the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas. Near the port, visitors can indulge in Peruvian specialties like Ceviche, Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef), and Pisco Sour cocktails.

Each of these South American cruise ports offers a unique blend of attractions and culinary experiences. They serve as perfect springboards to immerse oneself in the diverse cultures, tastes, and sights of South America. For additional insights on world cruise ports, visit our cruise ports guide .

Tips for Exploring South American Cruise Ports

Visiting South American cruise ports can be an enriching and unforgettable experience. To make the most out of your journey, it’s important to have a game plan. Below are some tips to help you navigate from port to town, maximize your time at each port, and embrace the local culture and cuisine.

Navigating from Port to Town

The distance from the port to the town center can vary greatly from one port to another. Some ports may be located within walking distance of the town, while others may require a short taxi ride or shuttle service.

It’s advisable to research the layout and transportation options of each port in advance. This will help you to plan your day more effectively and ensure that you have ample time to explore the local attractions.

In most cases, you can find local maps and tourist information at the port, which can be very useful for navigating your surroundings.

Maximizing Your Time at Each Port

To maximize your time at each of the South American cruise ports , it’s helpful to have a rough itinerary of the sights you want to see and the activities you want to do.

Start your day early to make the most out of your time. Prioritize the attractions that are of most interest to you and keep a flexible schedule to accommodate unexpected discoveries.

If possible, try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. This can greatly enhance your interactions with locals and may open doors to experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise had.

Embracing the Local Culture and Cuisine

One of the greatest joys of visiting South American cruise ports is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

Take the time to explore local markets, interact with locals, and sample traditional dishes. Each port offers a unique cultural experience, from the tango performances in Buenos Aires to the vibrant street art in Valparaiso.

Embrace the local cuisine and try the dishes that the region is known for. Whether it’s feijoada in Rio de Janeiro or ceviche in Lima, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Remember, the goal is not just to see the sights, but to experience the culture, meet the people, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more detailed information on what to do and see at each port, check our comprehensive cruise ports guide .

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These Are the World’s Most Stunning Cruise Ports

Posted: November 9, 2023 | Last updated: November 9, 2023

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Nothing beats the thrill of seeing a destination come into view from the water as you travel on board a cruise ship. The first glimpse you'll get of a destination as you come in to dock is its port, and while some can be unattractive, others are simply beautiful and will inspire you to explore the destination further. These ports often offer something special for the visitor, whether it’s their top-notch facilities, stunning and iconic scenery or proximity to the area's hustle and bustle. Here is a look at some of the best cruise ports and ports of call worldwide.

Piraeus port, Athens, Greece

This ancient city port has three harbours, making it the largest port in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. Piraeus has religious and historic landmarks of its own, but Athens is only eight miles (13km) to the northeast and is easily accessible via a 30-minute metro ride or a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride. The port connects the peninsula with most Greek islands, and it’s the main stop for cruise ships touring the Aegean Sea. The port is reached by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Azamara, Silversea and Virgin Voyages.

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Port of Singapore

The port of Singapore is one of the biggest in the world. There are two berthing facilities at the Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre, located next to the Marina South Pier. The port is close to attractions such as Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown and Marina Bay Sands. Singapore’s strategic location means the destination is often described as the gateway to southeast Asia. Some of the major cruise lines operating from there are Princess, Celebrity, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Holland American Line (HAL) and Silversea.

Ports of Dubai, UAE

The glamorous emirate of Dubai remains a major port of embarkation and a call for cruise travellers on itineraries to destinations in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf. The city has two cruise ports, with two terminals in Port Rashid and two at the new Dubai Harbour, which opened in 2020. The latter have entertainment venues, leisure spaces and premium retail shopping areas. Dubai Harbour is directly linked with the city's transport network and monorail system and is visited by Carnival Corporation cruise line brands, while Port Rashid welcomes other major cruise lines.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York City, New York, USA

Seeing the port of Manhattan from the water is arguably one of the most iconic sights to be had from a cruise ship. Passengers can take in the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Governors Island. Manhattan Cruise Terminal is situated on the Hudson River on the city's west side in the Hell's Kitchen area. New York City has been serving cruise passengers longer than any other US city. From the port, it’s a taxi or subway ride into the city. Cruise lines berthing there include NCL, Cunard, Princess, P&O, Carnival, Oceania, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen and Viking.

Port of San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico

San Miguel de Cozumel port is at the heart of this Mexican island and is surrounded by beautiful clear water, a coral reef and miles of beaches offering snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities soon after you disembark. The buzzing city of San Miguel is also a short walk away and has many seafront shops and restaurants. Visitors can walk along the sea wall, El Malecon, and head to the main square. If there is time, ancient Mayan ruins can be explored too. Many ships docking at this port head on to the Caribbean and some of the cruise lines stopping here include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Marella, MSC and Princess.

Port of Cape Town, South Africa

The cruise terminal at the port of Cape Town is operated by the V&A Waterfront, a 304-acre neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options. On the approach to the port, passengers can view the scenic bay and harbour and the mountains beyond. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to get a beautiful vista of the city that's within walking distance of the port. The major cruise lines heading to and from the port include Oceania, Seabourn, NCL, MSC and Regent Seven Seas.

Geirangerfjord Port, Norway

Cruise guests will enjoy magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord area as they head to the small cruise port. Lined by mountains and waterfalls, the fjord has a magical looking landscape and a very small village. Cruise lines offer excursions from the port, such as kayaking along the waterways, helicopter rides and hiking tours to amazing viewpoints like Eagle Bend and Dalsnibba mountain. Lines including Viking, Hurtigruten, Windstar, Silversea, HAL, Ponant, Celebrity and Cunard all have itineraries to the destination.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay is a 2,400-acre island retreat in the Bahamas, located 10 miles (16km) southeast of Nassau. The island is owned by Carnival Corporation and is therefore only a port of call for Carnival and Holland America Line, which use the island as part of their Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. The paradise island has facilities for families, couples and groups. There are beach cabanas, bars with thatched roofs and hammocks for relaxing days spent swimming and sunbathing. For more active pursuits scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, parasailing, glass-bottom boating, cycling and hiking are all part of the offering.

Port of Valletta, Malta

Cruise ships enter the Port of Valletta via the impressive and historic Grand Harbour, which extends for about two miles (3.6km) inland on the island of Malta. Passengers disembarking the ships at Valletta Cruise Port can head to the neighbouring historic Valletta harbour. The waterfront venue offers food, shopping and entertainment and some of the island's most impressive views and iconic ancient buildings. Malta is strategically positioned in the centre of the Mediterranean offering eastern and western itineraries and is visited by cruise lines such as Celebrity, Marella, P&O, Oceania, Fred. Olsen, Princess and HAL.

Port of Skala, Santorini, Greece

The journey to the Greek island of Santorini offers some of the most beautiful views from the Mediterranean Sea. On the approach to the old port, passengers are met with scenes of whitewashed villages with cobalt-blue cupolas set high on the cliffs. Santorini's capital, Fira, can be reached from the port by tender dock and then by cable car, or by walking up 580 or so steps. Santorini is often the most popular cruising destination of all the Greek isles and is visited by lines including Marella, Celestyal, HAL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.

Port of Jeju, South Korea

Cruise passengers arriving at the port on the UNESCO-listed Jeju Island in South Korea have the opportunity to explore secluded beaches, underground lava tunnels, caves and waterfalls. Jeju city is one mile (2km) from the port. The island was once a honeymoon destination for South Korean couples and is also home to an adults-only theme park called Love Land, which features more than a hundred erotic sculptures. Quirky cruise itinerary excursions also take in the Teddy Bear Museum. Among the cruise lines stopping at the island are Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania and Seabourn.

Port of Haifa, Israel

The Port of Haifa is directly linked with downtown Haifa and it only takes a few minutes to walk to the railway station, or around 15 minutes to walk to the city centre. Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and its main attraction is the Bahá’í World Centre and surrounding Bahá’í gardens. The National Museum, Mount Carmel national park, Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space and the Haifa Museum of Art are also worth a visit. The port welcomes HAL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Azamara, Princess Cruises and NCL, among other cruise lines.

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Dubrovnik Cruise Port, Croatia

Dubrovnik's main cruise port is located around two miles (3km) away from the Old Town. Most of the cruise ships dock here although some moor in front of the old port, where visitors can then take a tender boat to shore. The old port has UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the busiest and most beautiful cruise ports in Europe. Dubrovnik’s medieval walled town can be discovered on foot and offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The port of call is reached by cruise lines including NCL, HAL, Costa, P&O, Marella, Cunard, Celebrity, Emerald, Marella and Viking.

Port of Lisbon, Portugal

The Port of Lisbon is the third-largest port in Portugal. While cruising into it along the Tagus River, the impressive structures of the Belem Tower, Discoveries Monument and Cristo Rei statue of Christ – as well as the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge – are all within sight. Lisbon centre and all its attractions can be reached on a short walk from the cruise port. From Lisbon, it's easy to take day trips to resort towns such as Estoril, Sintra and Fatima. Princess, Virgin Voyages, Cunard, P&O, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Carnival, Windstar and Oceania all include ports of call at the destination.

PortMiami, Florida, USA

The port of Miami is often referred to as the cruise capital of the world, welcoming more cruise passengers to its terminals than any other port. Miami's geographic position makes it easily accessible to the Caribbean and Latin America on cruise itineraries. MSC Cruises recently began work on its new £265 million ($350m) terminal at the port, which is expected to be finished by the end of 2023. It will have three berths for mega cruise ships, making it North America’s largest cruise terminal. Virgin Voyages opened a dedicated cruise terminal there earlier this year. The three-storey Terminal V hosts the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, and will be joined by Valiant Lady later this year. 

Port St. Maarten, Caribbean

Passengers are immediately welcomed to Harbour Point Village when they arrive ashore on the small island of St. Maarten, affectionately known as "the Friendly Island". The island’s colourful capital, Philipsburg, can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. This town has plenty of Dutch charm, great shopping in the form of duty-free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls, as well as bars and restaurants. There are plenty of watersports available too. This beautiful island is visited by Carnival, Costa, Disney Cruise Line, Princess,  P&O, NCL and HAL, to name a few.

Port of Barcelona, Spain

The Port of Barcelona is a launching-off point for many Mediterranean cruises and has one of the highest concentrations of cruise passengers in Europe. Within it is the old harbour, Port Vell, and at the foot of the port is the city’s famous boulevard, La Rambla, which stretches through the heart of the city centre. The thoroughfare can be reached on foot or by a cruise shuttle bus from the cruise terminals. The port is a draw for major cruise lines including Viking, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Marella and Virgin Voyages.

Havana Port, Cuba

Havana Harbour and the cruise terminal at Havana port are located on the eastern edge of this Cuban city, while Old Havana is almost on the doorstep of the cruise terminal. From there, passengers can walk to Plaza San Francisco, one of Old Havana's four main squares, while further south is seaside boulevard the Malecón. The city's central park is also accessible on foot, although a journey in a vintage taxi is a must. If your cruise is coming from Tampa, Key West, Miami or Cozumel, Havana is likely to be on your route, with cruise lines including Viking, Marella, Variety and Royal Caribbean all paying a visit. 

Port of Livorno, Italy

The Port of Livorno is considered a major Italian port and is located on the western coast of the beautiful region of Tuscany. The destination is a popular cruise centre, thanks to its close proximity to Pisa and Florence. Both cities are easy to reach by train after a shuttle bus transfer from the cruise terminal. It's then a 15-minute train journey from Livorno to Pisa, or just over an hour to Florence. The port destination is used by cruise lines including P&O, Marella, Royal Caribbean, HAL, Fred. Olsen, Carnival, MSC, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas.

Port of Stockholm, Sweden

The port of Stockholm is one of the busiest in Europe and shortly after arriving ashore, passengers can visit the stunning city from one of two major cruise terminals: Stadsgarden and Frihamnen. The Millesgården is an art museum and sculpture garden located on the island of Lidingö in front of Frihamnen port. More of the city’s famous museums – such as ABBA The Museum, the Viking Museum and the maritime-focused Vasa Museum – are conveniently located on the city's island oasis of Djurgården. NCL, Royal Caribbean, Viking, Regent and Ponant all include itineraries to Stockholm.

Port of Key West, Florida, USA

At the port of Key West in Florida, the main attractions are all in close proximity as the island city is only four miles long by two miles wide. The old town has historic buildings, art galleries, tropical gardens, shops, vintage saloons, restaurants and bars. Also situated there are The Hemingway Home and Museum and the famous Sloppy Joe's bar, which has been in Key West since 1933. Thanks to its year-round tropical climate, cruise passengers can snorkel or dive in the coral reefs and wrecks surrounding the port. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Princess, Celebrity, P&O and Virgin Voyages regularly call here.

Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

With its central Caribbean location, San Juan cruise port in Puerto Rico is a modern world cruise capital. San Juan offers old world charm and natural wonders. Old San Juan is a historic landmark, with 16th- and 17th-century Spanish-style buildings and the fortresses of San Cristobal and El Morro. There are also many shops, lively cafés and restaurants to visit. Natural beauty lies in San Juan's beaches and verdant El Yunque National Forest. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, P&O, Celebrity, Silversea and Disney Cruise Line all head here.

Port of Sydney, Australia

With iconic sights such as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Sydney is one of the world’s great port cities. Cruise ships glide past these iconic structures and through the dramatic sandstone passage cliffs of The Heads that lead to and from the Pacific Ocean. Sydney is the only Australian city to have two dedicated cruise terminals and thanks to its size, visitors will be able to see plenty there in a day or two. Cruise lines docking here include NCL, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, HAL, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Oceania and Virgin Voyages.

These cruise ships will never sail again

Port of Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most stunning cities to cruise into, passing sites such as St Mark’s Square as the ship leaves the Adriatic Sea to enter a narrow entrance called the Porto di Lido, on the way to the piers at the Venetian Lagoon and the Venice Cruise Terminal. However, since 2021 ,  medium and large cruise ships have been banned from Venice's historic centre until further notice, due to environmental concerns. Instead, they currently moor at Marghera, a district of Venice on the Italian mainland. P&O, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Marella, Princess, Azamara, MSC, HAL, Oceania and many others call at the destination.

Port of Kotor, Montenegro

Cruise passengers are in for something special as they enter the port at the Bay of Kotor. The ship wends its way through a 17-mile (27km) waterway offering fjord-like views of mountains and leading to the old walled city of Kotor. The old city dates back to the Middle Ages and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with attractive buildings, churches, squares and stone streets. It is a short walk from the cruise port and has small shops and restaurants to stop off at. The destination is reached by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). 

Now read these fascinating facts about the world's most luxurious cruises

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Port to plate in 48 hours? How Holland America Line brings fresh fish to guests

The semi truck carrying my dinner backed into its parking spot at the Port of San Diego on a late morning in early April.

Shortly before noon, the vehicle opened to reveal roughly 2,800 pounds of fish that had been caught just days earlier. Workers transferred boxes of mahi-mahi and other seafood from the chilly trailer to a warehouse-like space. The fish was inspected and moved onto an extension lift – think a utility vehicle modeled on Mr. Fantastic – parked near Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship.

Its mechanical arm reached across the edge of the pier into a square opening toward the vessel’s aft, where it disappeared from view. But by about 7 p.m., a piece of that mahi-mahi was on my plate in the ship’s main dining room.

Prepared with cilantro rice, guajillo chiles, chipotle and tomato, the fish was mild and sweet with a kick from the spicy sauce.

As part of its Global Fresh Fish Program, Holland America brings a wide range of seafood from port to plate within 48 hours across its fleet. Last week, the brand took that a step further, revealing it is the first global cruise line to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications for more sustainable and responsible seafood sourcing.

USA TODAY got a behind-the-scenes look at how the program works during a recent cruise.

What is Holland America’s fresh fish program?

The cruise line sources fish locally from more than 60 ports around the world. During Koningsdam’s April 5 voyage, the crew picked up the mahi-mahi along with rockfish, swordfish, rainbow trout and sea bass in San Diego.

The 48-hour window applies on most voyages, but on repositioning sailings or crossings, fresh fish may be served over a longer window. In those circumstances, however, the fish is not served under the “port to plate” banner.

On our sailing, they initially loaded enough for five or six days and would later restock. “So out of the 22-day voyage, hopefully, we can do maybe 12 or 13 times fresh fish upstairs and in the dining room,” said executive chef Darran Yardley-Salisbury in a storeroom lined with metallic shelves on one of the vessel’s lower decks.

Michael Stendebach, the line’s Vice President of Food & Beverage and Guest Services, told USA TODAY the program was born in response to increasing guest demand for seafood and a desire to make the procurement process more sustainable. He said at least 75% of Holland America passengers order fresh fish once – if not twice – per cruise.

“We were looking into the destinations where we are cruising, like Alaska or the Caribbean, and we wanted to get away from the delivery of (shipping) containers into ports,” Stendebach said. “We wanted to build relationships in the single destinations we are in with suppliers.”

The cruise line previously announced in 2022 that it was certified by Responsible Fisheries Management by serving only fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood on its ships sailing there before scaling up its efforts.

Unlike frozen fish, which is prepared in larger portions – though they vary based on the ship’s size – Stendebach said the fresh fish is cooked “á la minute.”

“The fresh fish is kept cold until the order is coming in and then they start to produce it, so there's no overproduction,” he said. “It's really on the spot, and I think that is the freshest way you can experience the fish.”

During the first few days of the April cruise, other fresh fish dishes included sea bass with lemon butter sauce and tapenade at brasserie Rudi’s Sel de Mer and trout with a bread crumb and cashew crust served in a curry sauce with at Asian restaurant Tamarind.

Fresh fish is not available in all ports, though, Yardley-Salisbury said, and the line also still serves seafood that has been frozen (outside of Alaska). The percentage of fresh versus frozen fish compared varies by sailing.

What kinds of fish are part of the program?

The program features more than 80 kinds of fish, with different selections depending on where the ship is sailing. The Caribbean has options like summer flounder and yellowfin tuna, while Hawaii offers striped marlin and Hawaiian pink snapper, among others (a full list can be found on Holland America’s website ).

Getting fresh supplies is easier on some cruises than others. On sailings like ours with many sea days, the kitchen staff has fewer options than in Europe for instance, where vendors are plentiful. "In Europe, it's a little bit like heaven for a chef," said Yardley-Salisbury. "We can go from port to port and we can get the most amazing stuff."

The cruise line denotes which options are fresh on the menus, and will label items that are MSC and ASC certified as well. MSC certifications apply to wild-caught seafood, while ASC certifications are for farmed seafood.

“Overfishing, unregulated fishing, excessive bycatch, these are all things that have a huge impact on the oceans,” said Erika Feller, Regional Director, Americas at the MSC.

MSC issues certifications to fisheries that meet its sustainability requirements, as well as Chain of Custody certifications that affirm the fish customers are buying comes from a certified fishery. The process is voluntary and the certifications are based on third-party audits.

The fishery certification lasts five years, while the Chain of Custody certification is good for three. Both undergo annual audits to ensure they are maintaining those conditions.

The crew on Koningsdam did a quality check of its own kind.

Yardley-Salisbury and members of the kitchen staff tasted dishes, including fish, before service to make sure the dishes are prepared according to the recipe and the flavor profile is "as it should be." Gathered around a table in a galley, they each grabbed spoon or fork-fulls of every dish.

They repeat that process every day before service. "Any alterations that we need to make should only be seasoning issues, temperature issues, volume issues, maybe a little bit of sauce," he said.

What happens to uneaten cruise food?: These lines are working to reduce waste

Does fresh fish cost more?

Fresh fish may be more expensive, but passengers shouldn’t worry about seeing higher fares or food costs as a result. Stendebach said the line is saving money on logistics costs by cutting back on containers “being shipped from A to B.”

“So for that reason, you can spend more money on the product,” he said.

The program and the new certifications help offer guests a user-friendly way to eat more sustainably . Feller said “the whole idea here is to make it easy for people to find that good choice.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Watch CBS News

Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades

By Hunter Geisel

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 4:52 PM EDT / CBS Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE  — A search is underway for a cruise ship crewmember who went overboard while the vessel was still at sea before docking in South Florida this weekend.

Around 11:18 a.m. Saturday, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office Port Everglades District responded to a report of a missing crewmember on a Holland America cruise ship.

According to Holland America, the crew member was reported missing when the Rotterdam vessel docked in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. After reviewing the security camera video, the crew member went "purposefully overboard" around 9:45 p.m. Friday while the vessel was still en route between Cuba and Key West, the cruise line told CBS News Miami.

BSO's Homicide and Crime Scene units have responded to Port Everglades to investigate, while the U.S. Coast has been notified and is currently searching the sea for the crew member.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member's family at this difficult time," the cruise line shared in a statement with CBS News Miami.

This is a developing story. Tune into CBS News Miami on-air and online for the latest updates.

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Deputies respond to port everglades after cruise line employee vanished at sea.

Andrea Torres , Digital Journalist

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Deputies responded to Port Everglades on Saturday to investigate how a Holland America Line employee vanished at sea.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the unidentified man was last seen on Friday evening aboard a cruise ship owned by the Carnival Corporation subsidiary.

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Deputies were at the port’s Cruise Terminal 26 near Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Port records showed the MS Rotterdam was at the terminal.

Deputies asked anyone with information about this or other cases to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Joyce Grace Ortega contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

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Andrea torres.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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Spain to deport dozens of Bolivians whose false visas held up cruise ship in Barcelona

FILE - Passengers are photographed on the cruise ship MSC Armony, moored in the port of Barcelona, Spain, on April 3, 2024. Spain is to deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false. Spanish government officials said 65 of the 69 Bolivians that arrived would be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

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MADRID (AP) — Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises, which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil.

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain.

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.