cruise line out of baltimore

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Cruise from Baltimore, Maryland

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line both offer cruises departing from Baltimore, MD. Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas travels to Bermuda, Canada, New England, and the Caribbean while the Carnival Pride sails to the Bahamas and also the Caribbean islands. Both of these cruise ships sail year-round from Baltimore, so no matter what time of year, there will always be a cruise deal just for you! Best of all, a wide variety of cruise length options exist. Guests can choose to embark on short 5-day cruises from Baltimore or extend their vacation with a week-long Caribbean cruise adventure.

TIP: While last minute cruises from Baltimore md do exist, the team at Direct Line Cruises recommends that you secure your reservation at least 4 to 6-months before your desired sail date to lock-in early booking savings.

About the Port of Baltimore

For those that don’t know, the Port of Baltimore has a 300-plus year history. Then known as Whetstone Point, the location was designated as an official Port of Entry in 1706. Combined with five smaller nearby ports, it eventually became the Port of Baltimore and now covers 45 square miles of shoreline.

A mid-Atlantic seaboard location within driving distance of a major airport makes Baltimore an excellent departure point for a cruise. But, what if you are coming from out of the area? In this case, the Baltimore area has several hotels scattered about, in the city and greater metropolitan area and as far away as Annapolis. Bed-and-breakfasts, independent hotels, and chains all offer a comfortable place to sleep for the night, often with breakfast accommodations in the morning, before you set sail on your cruise. Larger chains, additionally, may offer parking accommodations for your trip or possibly provide shuttle service to the cruise terminal. Inquire, first, as you plan your trip.

With all of these cruise options from Baltimore, Maryland, there is no reason to ever consider flying again. Now the only tough part is deciding which cruise line to choose when sailing from the great city of Baltimore, Maryland. Whether your're looking to book a cheap cruise from Baltimore, MD or an all inclusive cruise from Baltimore, the team at Direct Line Cruises has your vacation needs covered. For more information, call Direct Line Cruises at 1-800-352-8088 .

Baltimore Cruise Destinations

Cruise lines sailing from baltimore, md, driving directions to the baltimore, md cruise pier.

South Locust Point Cruise Terminal 2001 East McComas Street Baltimore, MD 21230 1-866-ICRUZMD or 1-866-427-8963

Directions Traveling from the south:

- Follow I-95 North to Exit 55, Key Highway. - From the ramp, stay straight on East McComas Street. - The South Locust Point Cruise Terminal’s entrance is on the right.

Traveling from the north: - Follow I-95 South through the Ft. McHenry Tunnel, be sure to be in the right lane when going through the tunnel. - Take Exit 55, Key Highway. - Turn left at the traffic light onto East McComas Street. - Follow the signs to the South Locust Point Cruise Terminal’s entrance on the right.

Due to strict rules surrounding the close of check-in, please note that the arrival process can take as much as 25 minutes from the main entrance gate of the port to the doors of the terminal – please keep this in mind when planning your arrival.

Parking Parking is approximately $15.00 per day (subject to change) and is payable upon entering the facility in the form of cash, Travelers Checks, Visa, Master Card, or American Express.

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Cruises From Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore Departing Cruises Calendar

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Baltimore (Maryland)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-25 04:54

Port Baltimore cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Baltimore, Maryland. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Baltimore cruise port is a part of Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. It is located on Patapsco River banks in central Maryland (USA) and is operated by MPA (Maryland Port Administration). As homeport, Baltimore MD's cruise schedule includes roundtrip itineraries the whole year-round. Most popular destinations are Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas, as well as Bermuda (during summer) and New England (during fall). Most of the embarking passengers (up to 90%) arrive at Maryland Cruise Terminal by car. Of those, the largest numbers are residents of Pennsylvania, Washington DC , and NOVA (Northern Virginia).

In October 2016, the cruise port had a record number of ship calls and handled passengers due to homeported here large-sized liners of Carnival and RCI-Royal Caribbean International. The port was also visited by several luxury companies, among which Azamara , Silversea , Hapag-Lloyd . In 2016, the seaport signed a 5-year extension agreement with Carnival Corporation and a 3-year contract with RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd).

The largest companies homeporting ships in Baltimore on a year-round basis are Carnival (with Carnival Pride ), RCI Royal Caribbean (with Grandeur OTS /2013-2020, replaced by Enchantment OTS in 2021), and also ACL-American Cruise Lines (small-capacity boats). Most port calls here are on transition itineraries. In 2018, RCI added more summer voyages to Canada New England, while Carnival added 14-day "Carnival Journeys" itineraries (in January and December).

In 2023 (September) turnaround operation from Baltimore started also NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line with two ships -  Norwegian Sky (to New England USA and Canada) and Norwegian Sun (to Bermuda and the Caribbean).

Port Baltimore

Port Baltimore annually contributes nearly USD 3,3 billion (wages and salaries), USD 2,6 billion (business revenues) and USD 395 million (state and local taxes). Port’s average annual direct job salary is 9,5% higher than Maryland's average. In 2018, the port reported a cargo shipping record of 43 million tons handled its state-owned and privately-owned terminals. The previous record (40,9 million tons) was in 1974. FY2018, port's cargo throughput was valued USD 59,7 billion (USD 53,9B in FY2017). Port’s state-owned cargo terminals handled 10,9 million tons. Also in 2018, the port handled 1,023152 million TEU-containers and the record 850,147 mobile units (cars and light trucks).

Port Baltimore is currently ranked USA's largest for Ro-Ro shipping (autos and light trucks, heavy farm, and construction machinery) and for imported sugar. The port is ranked USA's second in exported coal (after Norfolk VA ). The port is also ranked USA's 9th (total cargo value) and 12th (foreign cargo tonnage). Port'ss businesses generate around 13,650 direct jobs, plus around 127,600 Maryland jobs (linked to its activities). The economic impact is nearly USD 3 billion (in wages and salaries) and USD 310 million (tax revenues).

In early-December 2018, Port Baltimore received USD 6,6 million in federal funding for building a second cargo berth with docking capacity two supersized boxships simultaneously. By the project will be deepened (to max draft 15 m / 50 ft) a second berth at Seagirt Marine Terminal. Additionally, the project (total cost USD 32,7 million) will be contributed to USD 7,8 million (by Maryland State) and USD 18,4 million (by Ports America Chesapeake, terminal's operator). Construction works were scheduled to start in 2019-H2 and completed in 2020-H2.

The second container berth project is via a public-private partnership signed in 2010 with Ports America Chesapeake. Dredging works (by US Army Corps of Engineers) started on December 12, 2018, and included 6 harbor channels. This project was budgeted USD 17,5 million and is part of the seaport's regular maintenance of shipping channels that go from Chesapeake Bay (Virginia) all the way to Baltimore. These waterways require periodic dredging (deepening) to ensure their max draft and safe navigation. Baltimore Harbor dredging involves removing material from Curtis Bay, Craighill (Entrance, Channel, Angle, Upper Range) and Cutoff Angle. Port's channels are dredged to max depth 15,5 m (51 ft).

In 2018, the port's largest container ship was Gunde Maersk (IMO 9359014, 11K-TEUs), surpassed in 2019 by Evergreen Triton (IMO 9728916, 15K-TEUs). In 2017, the port handled 596,972 TEUs (containers) Port's state-owned terminals have records for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 (10,976 million cargo tons) and 1-month TEUs (90152 - in May 2018).

Baltimore cruise terminal

Baltimore cruise terminal was moved in 2006 from Dundakl Port to South Locus Point. BWI Airport is only at 10 min drive distance from the cruise port. Less than 1 hour takes to reach Washington DC and Annapolis MD . Interstate 95 (I-95 highway) is only 0,7 mi (1,2 km) from the seaport.

Maryland Cruise Terminal was redesigned to serve the increasing number of roundtrip itineraries out of Baltimore. The terminal building offers restrooms, payphones, vending machines, ATMs, check-in counters, VIP room, huge parking space (advanced reservations not required).

Terminal building's size is approx 75,700 m2 (815,000 ft2). The length of each of the 2 docking berths is 1139 ft (347 m) with water depth 35 ft (9) m.

In 2016-2017, Port Baltimore made several improvements. Among those were separate VIP check-in room, new public address system (electronic sound amplification-distribution system), new check-in counters, enclosed waiting area (for disembarking passengers), additional parking lot (capacity up to 500 cars).

The cruise ship terminal's convenient location (on I-95) and its large and cheap parking are beneficial for the port's business growth. Also convenient is that the terminal has separate docking areas for Carnival and RCCL ships, plus a third area ready for another major cruise company to homeport a vessel here.

Smaller-sized cruise vessels use for berthing Baltimore's Constellation Pier. Among the companies that dock ships there are American Cruise Lines .

• Fort McHenry: the historic highlight is half-a-mile away from the Baltimore cruise port. The place is famous for the 1982 battle between the American soldiers and the British forces. This inspired the Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. He was a witness of the battle from an anchored boat.
• Baltimore Museum of Industry: discover the 19th-century history of the commerce and industry in the region of Baltimore.
• Federal Hill: take an amazing look over Inner Harbor from a beautiful green area with a narrow path and high trees.
• American Visionary Art Museum: an interesting place to visit. The American Visionary Art Museum is dedicated to the untrained artist. Discover the surprisingly enjoyable exhibition of paintings and sculptures. Maryland Science Center: discover galleries like Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab, outer space, geology, dinosaurs, the human body, and Newtonian physics.
• Harborplace shopping center: 100 shops and 15 dining places, the paradise for any shopaholic.
• Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum: discover the USS Torsk, the Lightship Chesapeake, the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, USS Constellation, and USCGC Taney.
• National Aquarium: the great underwater world with exhibits like a large shark tank, acrobatic dolphin, a stingray pool and animal planet Australia.
• Fell’s Point: located a mile away from the Inner Harbor, direction East. It was a huge area for building privateer ships in the early years of the 19th century. Currently, you will find cobblestone streets, tall period houses, and narrow market places. You can have a coffee if you are tired of touring the city highlights.

Baltimore tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Baltimore - user reviews and comments

April 25, 2024

5 Star Cruises Out Of Baltimore Revealed

• December 21, 2023
• BY Baltimore Examiner

From the docks of the historic Port Of Baltimore , a growing fleet of luxurious cruises is embarking on voyages designed to exceed every expectation. As the cruise industry in Baltimore burgeons, the horizon brims with a promising blend of elegance, adventure, and relaxation. The variety of cruise lines and destinations accessible from Charm City’s shores now cater brilliantly to the wanderlust surging among travelers worldwide. It’s no surprise then that opting for sea-bound getaways has become increasingly vogue, carving unforgettable memories across the Atlantic blues and beyond.

Unveiling the Luxurious Selection of Cruises Out of Baltimore

Baltimore’s penchant for majesty and sea-faring tales runs deep, and today’s offerings of 5-star cruises from this vibrant harbor city are no exception. As much as the baltimore accent signifies the local charm, the selection of luxury cruise lines represents Baltimore’s quintessential commitment to providing a top-tier experience.

The promise of exceptional amenities, personalized services, and accommodations that rival the opulence of the most prestigious on-land resorts underscores the rich diversity aboard these floating palaces. The popularity of cruises as a vacation modality, especially 5-star experiences, has turned the tides on traditional holiday planning, making it the sail-away choice for many.

Indulge in Opulence: A Look at 5-Star Baltimore Cruise Offerings

It’s in the plusher-than-plush cabins and the attention to detail in the sumptuous dining halls where you understand the true spirit of 5-star cruising. Onboard these liners, you’ll find spas that transport you to lands of zen, and culinary feats that would make even the stringent stanley cup pink of food critics blush with delight.

Comparing these high-end cruise lines feels akin to distinguishing between stars in the sky; each sparkles with unique brilliance. Whether it’s the intimate settings offered by boutique ships or the grandeur of the larger vessels, the unique experiences woven into these luxurious voyages invite passengers to curate their adventure precisely to their tastes.

Short but Lavish Escapes: 3 Day Cruise from Baltimore Options

For many, the siren call of the sea beckons for brief yet brilliant escapades. Enter the prestigious, top-rated 3-day cruises from Baltimore – a perfect blend of convenience and extravagance. These mini-voyages serve up destinations that satiate the heart’s yearning for adventure without demanding a vast expanse of time. The on-board entertainment and dining experiences are distilled to their fine essence, giving travelers a taste of the deluxe life without the commitment of a longer itinerary, making 3-day cruises from Baltimore an increasingly popular choice.

Discover the Enchantment of the Seas with Royal Caribbean Baltimore Itineraries

Among the titans of the sea, Royal Caribbean stands tall, offering Baltimore journeys that redefine maritime luxury. The itineraries, latest ships, and exclusive features are honed to perfection, like a roadhouse cast prepping for an opening night that never ends. Seasoned cruisers recount tales of the splendid locales and top-tier entertainment on these voyages, with the intricacies of their experiences as vivid as the sunsets off the starboard bow.

A Personal Voyage: The Carnival Cruise Baltimore Experience

Opting for a Carnival cruise from Baltimore is like choosing a special edition from one’s favorite book series. There’s a familiar joy, a signature suite of activities, and themed events that leave guests grinning. The family-friendly atmosphere is palpable, accommodating memories-in-the-making for all ages. Data reveal that customer satisfaction scores have propelled Carnival to new heights, especially as they prepare to unfurl their sails for the 2024 season.

Set Sail Toward Pink Sands: Bermuda Cruise from Baltimore Explored

Bermuda – the name alone conjures images of pink-sanded beaches and turquoise waves. The itineraries to this slice of paradise provide guests an intimate encounter with both nature’s splendor and the island’s rich cultural tapestry. The best times to book a Bermuda cruise from Baltimore are dissected with precision, and one quickly sees the tapestry of unique shore excursions that elevate this cruise route to the top of many voyagers’ lists.

All Aboard for Adventure: Comprehensive Guide to Cruises from Baltimore MD

Baltimore’s smorgasbord of sea-bound escapades promises an adventure for every type of traveler. Contemporary options abound, just as much as those dripping with luxe – from the family-oriented fun ships to the quiet delight of adult-only vessels. One must not overlook the gems that lie within Baltimore itself, making pre-and post-cruise explorations an essential part of the vacation narrative.

A Year in Review: Highlighting the Best Cruises Out of Baltimore 2023

Taking a step back, we see the grand mosaic of 2023’s cruising highlights, a collage of successful voyages that set the year apart. Feedback from customers serves as the compass guiding future sails, ensuring that insights gained from these past adventures shape an even brighter path for cruises out of Baltimore.

Planning Ahead: What to Expect from Cruises Out of Baltimore 2024

Peering into the spyglass towards 2024’s offerings, one can spot the silhouettes of new ships, touted renovations, and routes waiting to beckon travelers. The conversation shifts to emerging destinations and enhanced experiences — whispers of marvels yet to be unfolded.

Tips and Tricks for Booking the Optimal Cruise from Baltimore

Savvy travelers know that securing the creme de la creme of cruising deals is an art form. From choosing the vessel that speaks to your soul to selecting that just-right cabin, the intricate dance of booking entails a symphony of choices. Seasoned sailors emphasize the norm of getting all your ducks in a row before peak season, ensuring you navigate away from the storms of high prices and overcrowded decks.

Making the Most of Your Cruise Out of Baltimore: Ports, Excursions, and Onboard Fun

From the resounding embrace of the ‘port of Baltimore’, destinations that span the globe await. Each port of call boasts excursions tailored to a variety of interests – whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a connoisseur of culture. Onboard, the array of activities blends the familiar with the novel, inviting every passenger to indulge in their preferences while possibly discovering new ones.

Conclusion: Charting the Waters of Luxury From Charm City’s Shores

The cruising out of Baltimore narrative is etched with the threads of luxury and the boldness of discovery. Passengers embarking from these hallowed docks step into a realm where high-quality experiences are not mere aspirations but certainties. With a trove of wisdom gleaned from this voyage through Baltimore’s cruise offerings, the only question that remains is – which horizon will you chase?

Set Sail with the Best Cruises Out of Baltimore

Ahoy, mateys! Are you ready to anchor down some amazing facts and trivia about the high seas fun that sails right out of our own charming city? The world of cruises out of Baltimore is as vast as the ocean itself, and I’ve got the scoop that’ll make you want to drop everything and climb aboard. So, pull up a deck chair and let’s dive in!

Cruisin’ Without Confusin’

First off, did you know that setting sail on a luxury liner from Baltimore could be as breezy as a day by the Inner Harbor? No need for mountains of credit history here—imagine getting the wind in your sails with a no credit history loan faster than you can say ‘Bon Voyage’! That’s right, with options available for everyone, you can embark on an adventure on high seas, no matter your financial forecast.

Smooth Sailing with Stellar Management

Now, think about this: Running a cruise ship is a tad bit like managing an enormous floating apartment complex. Talk about needing top-notch organization! Well, the captains of logistics on these cruises might just have a secret weapon akin to rent manager software . It’s how they keep thousands of passengers and crew shipshape and the amenities afloat—talk about a program that really holds water!

From Gridiron to Gangway

Let’s toss the ball around a bit. You ever wonder if the Baltimore Ravens quarterback ever thinks about swapping the field for the open sea? Maybe during the off-season, our home team’s hero dreams about trading the pigskin for some poolside relaxation. After dodging linebackers, a stress-free getaway departing right from Baltimore’s port might just be what the coach ordered.

Stepping Onboard in Style and Comfort

Flip-flops and deck shoes are fine, but for any sea-farer who’s ever dealt with a bout of Achilles heel, finding the best shoes For achilles tendonitis is like discovering buried treasure! Your feet need to be pampered as much as the rest of you while you’re trooping around the deck enjoying panoramic ocean views or dancing the night away at the ship’s tiki bar.

Now that you’re decked out with these fun facts, it’s clear as the Caribbean waters that cruises out of Baltimore are a blast and a half. From financial flexibility to knowing your ship is in top-notch order, from local sports heroes daydreaming about their own sea excursion to making sure you’ve got the comfiest kicks on the cruise – there’s a boatload of reasons to board a Baltimore cruise. So weigh anchor, dear readers, and discover a treasure trove of vacation splendor right in our backyard. Who knows, the next time you set sail, you might just bump into me, probably wearing my discovery of the best shoes for sore feet and writing the next sea-faring story!

Which cruise line departs from Baltimore?

Well, if you’re itching for a sea adventure, you’re in luck! Cruise aficionados can set sail from Baltimore aboard enchanting vessels from Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. Yep, you’ve got some swanky options for your maritime escape!

Does Princess Cruise Line leave out of Baltimore?

Hold your horses, partner. Princess Cruise Line, while a top choice for many, doesn’t launch its voyages from the Charm City. You’ll need to scout out another port for those particular sea shindigs.

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. A passport isn’t always mandatory for cruises, especially if you’re embarking on a “closed-loop” journey, returning to the same US port you sailed from. However, it’s a darn good idea to have one—you never know when you might need to fly back from a foreign port in a pinch!

Where does Carnival cruise leave from in Baltimore?

The spirited Carnival cruises wave goodbye to Baltimore from the bustling South Locust Point Terminal. Just imagine leaving from the heart of the city and finding yourself amidst sun, sea, and sky!

What cruise lines sail out of Baltimore 2023?

Ahoy, voyagers! Look out for Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line as your go-to choices for cruising from Baltimore in 2023. Bet your bottom dollar it’ll be a voyage to remember!

Do you need a passport to cruise from Baltimore to Bahamas?

Ah, the Bahamas—a slice of paradise. But can you visit without a passport? Sure, if you’re cruising from Baltimore on a closed-loop cruise, but listen up: it’s highly recommended to bring your passport along, otherwise you might be up the creek without a paddle if you need to get back by air!

Is Royal Caribbean sailing from Baltimore?

You betcha Royal Caribbean hasn’t hung up its sailing hat in Baltimore. This cruiser’s delight is still making waves and turning heads with departures from this historic port. Get ready to weigh anchor!

Is Princess Cruise Line adults Only?

Now, don’t go thinking Princess Cruise Line is just for grown-ups—this line rolls out the red carpet for all ages! So, whether you’re knee-high to a grasshopper or long in the tooth, Princess has something for everyone.

Is Princess Cruise Line the same as Carnival?

Don’t mix up your cruise lines, folks! Princess Cruise Line and Carnival Corporation might be part of the same big family, but they’re as different as chalk and cheese when it comes to their brand and experience. Variety is the spice of life, right?

What islands can you go to without a passport?

Dreaming of island hopping without your passport? You got it! U.S. territories, perky places like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are a hop, skip, and a jump away—no passport required.

What is the average cost of a cruise?

“Average” can be a bit wishy-washy, but let’s talk turkey. A cruise’ll typically set you back anywhere from $50 to a couple hundred bucks per person, per night. Still, that all hinges on the cruise line, your digs on the boat, and how swanky you wanna get.

Can you cruise to the Bahamas without a passport?

Yep, you can cruise to the Bahamas without a passport, but listen up—you’ll want to book a round-trip (that’s what they call “closed-loop”) cruise. Just remember, not having a passport can be about as convenient as a screen door on a submarine if plans go haywire.

What does it cost to park at the Baltimore cruise port?

Parking at Baltimore cruise port? You’re looking at forking over about $15 a day. Not too shabby for peace of mind while you’re off gallivanting on the high seas.

How much is parking at the Carnival Cruise port in Baltimore?

If you’re hitting the high seas with Carnival, ready your piggy bank for a parking fee at their Baltimore cruise port that’s pretty much neck and neck with the general rate—think $15 per day.

Is Carnival Pride a small ship?

Don’t be fooled by her size – the Carnival Pride may seem small compared to those floating skyscrapers, but she’s as cozy as your favorite chair and packed with enough fun to fill a fortnight!

What new cruise line is coming to Baltimore?

Drumroll, please… Baltimore’s welcoming Disney Cruise Line to its roster in 2023! That’s right, Mickey and the gang are set to make a splash, so you’ll be singing “yo-ho, yo-ho” before you know it!

Didn’t quite catch that? No worries, I’ll hit replay for ya. Yes, indeed, Royal Caribbean hasn’t sailed into the sunset—it’s still very much in the game in Baltimore.

Where does Princess cruise line sail out of?

Princess Cruise Line might give you the royal treatment, but you’ll have to embark from a different kingdom, ’cause they don’t sail out of Baltimore. Time to check your maps for the nearest port of call!

What ports does Royal Caribbean sail from?

Royal Caribbean is quite the globetrotter; they pull up their anchors in popular ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and a whole bunch more. Wherever you are, they’re likely not too far off!

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Cruises From Baltimore, Maryland

Cheap cruises from baltimore, cruise lines out of baltimore, carnival cruises out of baltimore, royal caribbean cruises out of baltimore, norwegian (ncl) cruises out of baltimore, cruise ships out of baltimore, duration of cruises, ports of call, things to see and do in baltimore.

• The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the best aquariums in US. Here you can find 17,000 specimens representing over 750 species including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, many types of sharks, crocodiles and turtles. The aquarium also features a 4D Immersion Theater.
• Fort McHenry - a star-shaped fort - is a unique historical place in US as it helped defend the Baltimore Harbor from British attack in 1812‑1813. This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words for the Star Spangled Banner, which is the national anthem of the US.
• Inner Harbor is one of the favorite places for locals. Here you can find excellent museums, stores selling interesting memorabilia, live entertainment. There are also many great restaurants in this area that feature delicious Maryland seafood.
• Little Italy of Baltimore is a great place to take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in Italian culture. Also, if you are fond of Italian food, you'll find here truly authentic Italian restaurants that serve great pasta and other traditional Italian dishes.
• Those who are sports enthusiasts can visit Orioles Park at Camden Yards and see a baseball game by Baltimore Orioles. Alternatively, one can visit M&T Bank Stadium and root for the Baltimore's native football team - the Ravens.
• Those who are science enthusiasts can visit Maryland Science Center in Inner Harbor that features a planetarium and an observatory. This a great place to visit with kids as they can see many dinosaur skeletons, explore the human body and learn about our solar system.
• Another place that you may want to visit is the The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. It's a well kept zoo located in a vast, green, beautiful park. The zoo features an Arctic area, interesting African animals as well as animals that are native to the Baltimore/Maryland region.
• A unique place that's worth a visit in Baltimore is the American Visionary Art Museum. This place has been designated by Congress to be America's national museum for self-taught art. Here you can find thousands of pieces of art created by non-so-famous people.
• Port Discovery Children's Museum is a great place to take the kids up to 10 years old. It has three floors of exhibits, interactive and hands-on programs that help children to learn through play.

14 - Day Panama Canal from Baltimore, MD

Cruise itinerary.

Carnival Journeys

Some take vacations… and some take their vacation further. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there. Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more.

Day 1: Baltimore

Day 2 & 3: Fun Day at Sea

Day 4: celebration key.

Day 5: Fun Day at Sea

Day 6: ocho rios.

Day 7: Fun Day at Sea

Day 8: limón, day 9: colón (panama canal).

Day 10 & 11: Fun Day at Sea

Day 12: grand turk.

Day 13 & 14: Fun Day at Sea

Day 15: baltimore.

Get to Know Carnival Pride

Carnival Pride charms, alright — it's a treat for your eyes, your taste buds... and of course, your fun buds. Invite them all to come enjoy the vacation that this ship is proud to offer. Carnival Pride invites you to dine refined, from the zen-like simplicity of Bonsai Sushi ™ to the art deco ocean liner inspiration of the Normandie Restaurant, to the American-Traditional style of Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. And of course there's real, delectable substance under all that style. But for something a little more casual, loosen your tie... or maybe just throw it away and grab a main course (and fries) from our main man Guy Fieri, at Guy's Burger Joint ™ . The Mexican heat's optional at BlueIguana Cantina ™ , but make your next stop Cherry on Top ™ — our candy-and-more store — where everything's sweet. And to raise a glass to important sacrifices of the past, Heroes Tribute Bar makes remembrance its primary objective. You'll find yourself with room to move at the Beauties Dance Club, and a hard time sitting still at Playlist Productions ™ . All around this cruise ship you'll discover even more ways to stay cool, like an adult-only pool at Serenity, a fun-only midship pool featuring a retractable roof, plus Carnival Pride's splashy onboard waterpark, Carnival WaterWorks ™ . And if all the waterslide action leaves you needing a little extra unwinding, we recommend you dry off and head to the Cloud 9 Spa ™ . Alongside the pool is the big-screen, big-fun Carnival Seaside Theater ™ , while Seuss at Sea ™ is a good time for kids who love a good rhyme too. (Like we do!) Camp Ocean ® , Circle "C" ® and Club O2 ® prove that we've got spots for cool kids of all ages.

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Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Baltimore

With Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and (obviously) the city of Baltimore all nearby, it’s easy to see why the cruise lines enjoy having ships sail from the Port of Baltimore. While no one would confuse Maryland with a cruise mecca like Florida, there are millions of potential passengers within a short drive.

Meanwhile, those living in the area don’t have to deal with the hassle and expense of flying to get to a cruise ship. A vacation to The Bahamas or Bermuda can start with just a short drive to the port.

Indeed, the port is now a solid cruise hub on the East Coast, the perfect midpoint between the busy ports of Florida and the New England ports of New York and Boston.

You can sail year-round to points in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and New England. You also have your choice of two cruise lines — Carnival and Royal Caribbean — which each have ships at the port.

If it’s your first time sailing from Baltimore, you likely have a few questions about your cruise… how to get there, where to park, where to stay, and even more. So to help you get started, we’ve covered the basics of the port to give you a better idea of its location and layout. The links below should also help you answer some of the common questions about sailing from the port.

Port of Baltimore Location & Cruise Maryland Terminal

The Cruise Maryland terminal is located south of Baltimore’s historic downtown on a spit of land called Locust Point, just off of Interstate 95. The port is about three miles (10 minutes) from downtown and 11 miles from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). If you are in the Washington, D.C. area, then it’s about a 40-mile trip to Baltimore.

The cruise port address is:

2001 East McComas Street Baltimore, MD 21230

There is only one terminal at the port, which helps to keep things more sane on cruise day compared to busier ports like New York or Miami. For convenience, parking is on site, just steps away from the ship.

Cruise Lines Served: Carnival, Royal Caribbean

Distance to Airports: Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) – 10.5 miles | 15-25 minutes Washington Dulles – 61 miles | 1-2 hours Reagan National Airport – 43 miles | 50-90 minutes

Transportation to the Port of Baltimore

For many people, getting to the port is as simple as hopping in the car and driving to the terminal. With millions living in the area, it’s a short drive for many that set sail from Baltimore. The port is about an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. and roughly two hours from Philadelphia.

Flying in for your cruise? Or maybe you simply don’t want to drive? In that case there are a few options to get to the port. Uber and Lyft are perhaps the most convenient option and the cheapest price. As well, taxis are available.

Expect an Uber or Lyft from the airport (BWI) to cost about $25 each way . Taxi rides run about the same rate. 

While we suggest using a taxi or rideshare as they are the best combination of price and convenience, you can see all your transportation options to the cruise port, at our port transportation page here .

Dropping off passengers? Not sure where to go once you get to the port? We have turn-by-turn directions to find your cruise terminal. See our page on dropping off passengers here .

Baltimore Cruise Parking

If you’re driving in for your cruise, then you have to find a place to park your car. Parking is very convenient at the cruise terminal. It’s literally steps away from the ship and there are plenty of spots available.

You’ll have to pay $15 per night for parking. There is also space for oversized vehicles. Payment is due at arrival. Cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted.

You can get all the details on parking at our Port of Baltimore Cruise Parking page .

Want to save some money? A few hotels in the area offer parking packages. The premise is simple — stay for a night before your cruise and the hotel will let you park there at a discount. You’ll still need transportation to the port, but that’s a small price to pay for saving a ton on parking. For our list of Baltimore park & cruise hotels, click here .

Note that if you don’t plan to stay in the area anyway before you cruise, it’s not worth it to book a hotel just for the parking package.

Where to Stay for Your Cruise

Plan to stay in the Baltimore area the night before your cruise? We mentioned that there are a number of hotels with park and cruise specials. You’ll have more options, however, if you aren’t worry about the parking deals.

If you’re simply looking for close, high quality hotels, then your options are going to be around the downtown and Inner Harbor section. This is the more “touristy” spot in the city and about 10 minutes from the cruise terminal. There you’ll find a number of name-brand hotels all within a short ride to the cruise port on embarkation day.

Highly-rated hotels near the port include:

• Courtyard by Marriott McHenry Row (closest hotel)
• Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
• Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor

See our list of hotels convenient to the Baltimore cruise port .

Things to Do Near the Port

Have some time before your cruise? There are a number of things nearby that might be of interest.

Inner Harbor: A touristy part of town just south of downtown, the harbor features wide-open areas to walk next to the waterside, along with the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, shops, and restaurants.

Camden Yards/M&T Bank Stadium: Sports fan? Near Inner Harbor, the two stadiums of the Oriels and Ravens are just about 10-15 minutes from the cruise port. Check schedules to see if there is a ball game while you’re in the area.

Baltimore Museum of Industry: Just across the point from the cruise terminal, this museum “tells the story of Baltimore” through the city’s industrial history. It receives extremely high reviews and costs about $12 for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Way to Get to the Port of Baltimore for a Cruise? There’s nothing that is as convenient as driving to the port. If you live in the area, it’s by far you best choice to get to the cruise ship. If you are flying in or don’t want to pay for parking, then the next best option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi. 

Unfortunately, the location of the port doesn’t lend itself to public transportation. Given the relatively modest size of the port’s operations, there are also few third-party options like cruise shuttles available as you find in larger ports.   

How Much is Parking at the Baltimore Port? Parking at the Port of Baltimore costs $15 per night, so expect to pay about $105 for a 7-night cruise. Driving an RV? Recreational vehicles are charged $30 per night if under 30 feet long and $40 per night if over 30 feet long. 

What Cruises Are Offered From Baltimore? If you plan to cruise from the Port of Baltimore, then your options include trips aboard both Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Both cruise lines offer trips to classic places like The Bahamas and Caribbean on 7-day (or longer) cruises. If you’re expecting to find short 3/4-day getaways, the port’s location doesn’t lend itself to being able to reach foreign ports in that sort of time frame.

One bonus of sailing from Baltimore is that trips to New England and Canada are also an option, providing a unique itinerary not available from most spots.

Feature Photo: Joe Loong

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Cruise from Baltimore, Maryland

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THE BUZZ ABOUT BALTIMORE 

What draws so many people to Baltimore? Perhaps it's the fabulous places to visit in Baltimore: the world-famous and historic inner harbour which boasts tall ships and reveals the city's maritime legacy. Or maybe it's the star-shaped Fort McHenry: the birthplace of America's 'Star-Spangled Banner' anthem. Or maybe it's the world-renowned museums, award-winning restaurants or jazz music scene. Not to mention, the city is a gateway to everywhere from the Northeast and Canada, to the exotic Caribbean islands and Bermuda. Celebrate sports at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, view world's largest collection of art by Henri Matisse at the Baltimore Museum of Art or gaze at the 55 centuries worth of art within the walls of The Walters Art Museum. Whatever you choose to experience during your cruise from Baltimore, you'll surely come to understand why so many return to Charm City.

ANCHORED IN ADVENTURE

Cruise from Baltimore to a one-of-a-kind escape that has something for every kind of adventurer. Soak up the sun along the turquoise waters of the Bahamas or revel in the southern charm and laid-back coastal culture of Charleston, South Carolina .

VISION OF THE SEAS

If you love memory maxing, you’ll love Vision of the Seas® — where you’ll always find plenty of incredible ways to fill your days at sea. Reach new heights on the rock-climbing wall 40 feet above deck. Indulge in gourmet globe-trotting with mouthwatering dishes from Italy to Japan. And applaud dazzling Broadway-style entertainment.

EXPLORE VISION OF THE SEAS

FROM BALTIMORE TO THE BAHAMAS

Baltimore is your gateway to a thrilling getaway to the tropics. From postcard-perfect beaches at Grand Bahama Island to record-breaking thrills and endless ways to chill at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay – memory maxing adventures await you onboard Enchantment of the Seas®.

EXPLORE BAHAMAS CRUISES

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Nautical Ties

Inner Harbor Downtown Dock Ship, Baltimore, Maryland

No visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the historic Inner Harbour. Step aboard a collection of impressive ships – a Pearl Harbor-era cutter, a 1930s lightship, a sail-powered warship dating back to 1797. Then stroll around brick walkways flanked by chic boutiques, restaurants serving Mid-Atlantic seafood and photo-worthy views of the water.

Star of the Show

American Flag Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland

Relive the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, where in 1814, by dawn’s early light, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States’ national anthem. Enter this star-shaped citadel to follow a period-costumed guide around the grounds, watch an educational film and see a replica of the 15-starred American flag.

Water Logged

Cruises from Baltimore facilitate encounters with almost 20,000 sea creatures spanning seven stories of interactive exhibits at the National Aquarium. Widely considered one of the best in America, this mind-boggling aquatic space includes a rooftop rainforest, multi-storey shark tank and reef recreations that are home to turtles, stingrays, bottlenose dolphins, sharks and more.

Local Cuisine

You can’t leave Baltimore without feasting on Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, which are steamed in Old Bay seasoning or served as golden brown cakes. Little Italy’s trattorias serve up pasta, tiramisu and cannoli – and National Bohemian Beer, lovingly nicknamed Natty Boh, is a local staple. Lexington Market is a foodie’s paradise where nearly 100 vendors shuck raw bar fare; you can also enjoy deli sandwiches and the famous Berger cookie.

Satisfy all your souvenir needs and more at Harborplace, a festival marketplace during your Baltimore cruise. Mount Vernon’s Antique terraced houses: a string of retailers dating to the 1840s. The Hampden neighbourhood is known for its indie stores and vintage clothing outfitters – or browse Thames Street in Fells Point for vinyl records, books and trendy clothing.

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Baltimore Cruise Guide > Cruise Ships > American Cruise Line

American Cruises from Baltimore

American Cruise Lines offers coastal cruises on new ships. The small ships are able to navigate America's smooth, inland waterways and dock in untraveled ports. American Cruise Line itineraries let you experience each area's local culture, history and natural beauty.

Take one of the American Cruise Line small ships on a cruise from Baltimore to the little towns of the Chesapeake Bay . Or sail down the east coast on the protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.

American's small ship cruises feature friendly all-American crew. Skilled chefs prepare feasts that highlight the flavors of the regions you'll visit. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before dinner. Dining is informal and you can sit with whomever you like. Each table has an outside view, so take your time and savor your cooked-to-order meal.

All staterooms face outside and are the largest in their class - featuring private baths and large, opening picture windows. Some staterooms also have private balconies.

Chesapeake Bay

7-night Chesapeake Bay cruises on American Cruise Lines. Round-trip from Baltimore to Yorktown/Williamsburg (Virginia), Cambridge (Maryland), St Michaels (Maryland) and Annapolis (Maryland). • 2024 departures: May 4, May 9, May 11, May 16, May 18, May 23, June 17, October 28, October 30. • 2025 departures: May 3, May 8, May 10, May 15, May 17, May 22.

10-night Chesapeake Bay cruises on American Cruise Lines. This is the "American Revolution cruise" itinerary. Round-trip from Baltimore to Norfolk (Virginia), Williamsburg (Virginia), Yorktown (Virginia), Washington (DC), Mount Vernon (Virginia), Cambridge (Maryland), St Michaels (Maryland) and Annapolis (Maryland). • 2024 departures: March 16, March 26, April 4, April 5, April 14, April 15, April 24, April 25, May 5, May 15, May 25, June 4, October 31, November 10, November 12, November 22, December 2, December 12, December 22. • 2025 departures: April 12, April 22, May 3, May 13, May 23, June 7, June 17, June 27, October 21.

14-night East Coast Inland Passage cruise on American Cruise Lines. One-way from Baltimore to Amelia Island (Florida). Visit St Michaels (Maryland), Norfolk (Virginia), Kitty Hawk (North Carolina), Beaufort (North Carolina), Wilmington (North Carolina), Charleston (South Carolina), Beaufort (South Carolina), Hilton Head (South Carolina), Savannah (Georgia), St Simons Island (Georgia), Jekyll Island (Georgia) and Fernandina Beach (Florida). • 2024 departures: November 2, November 4, November 6, November 10. • 2025 departures: November 5, November 7.

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Cruise Lines Are Rerouting Voyages From Baltimore Following Bridge Collapse — What to Know

Prior to the collapse, the port was home to three major cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Cruise lines sailing out of Baltimore are working to make alternative arrangements following Tuesday’s fatal bridge collapse.

All ship operations at the Port of Baltimore have been suspended after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning, causing it to collapse, according to the White House . Six workers who were on the bridge at the time remain missing and are presumed dead, according to The New York Times .

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line told Travel + Leisure it temporarily moved its sailings on the Carnival Legend to Norfolk, Virginia. The company will provide a complimentary bus service from Norfolk back to Baltimore when the ship returns from its current voyage on Sunday for passengers who boarded in Baltimore prior to the collapse.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden… to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line, which first launched cruises from the Maryland port last year , told T+L the company isn’t scheduled to return to the port until September. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that recently took place in Baltimore. Our sincerest thoughts are with the community and all those affected,” the Norwegian spokesperson told T+L. “At this time there is no impact to our itineraries, as we do not have any voyages scheduled to depart from the city until later this year in September and October. We will remain in contact with the Port of Baltimore and provide updates to our guests and travel partners if anything changes. In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event.”

A representative for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its plans from T+L. But the company told The Washington Post it was “closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

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The 10 best cruises for teens in 2024.

The best cruises for teens provide the right mix of autonomy and time with family.

The Best Cruises for Teens

Amy Smith | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Teen spaces on cruise ships foster friendships through games, music, events and more.

Cruises make the perfect family vacation, especially when traveling with teens. Teens can mix and mingle with others their age in teens-only clubs, play games, listen to music, or grab a pizza and watch a movie under the stars. If your tweens and teens need more action-packed fun to keep them entertained, some cruise ships act like floating amusement parks with zip lines, racetracks, roller coasters, ice skating rinks, laser tag, waterslides and more.

The following lines offer the best cruises for teens and tweens, along with their parents.

Find your perfect cruise

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers plenty of family fun and activities for teens on its ships, including sports tournaments, waterslides and a family disco. On select ships, you'll also find the full-size MSC Formula Racer simulator, an interactive XD cinema, a virtual reality experience, zip lines and an arcade room. The Young Club programming by MSC Cruises offers daily activities for 12- to 14-year-old tweens, while teens 15 to 17 can participate in sports and dance competitions as well as video game tournaments at the Teen Club. Older kids can also participate in fun themed events, karaoke, piloting practice at the Drone Academy and flash mobs – and there's a teens-only disco.

On MSC Seascape , teens can stay busy in three new concept spaces. "Future" features a state-of-the-art technology area with the latest-generation consoles, VR and video screens for hours of entertainment. "Chill Out" is just as it sounds – a place to hang out, chat, and play foosball and pingpong. Meanwhile, "Music" is a dance club where kids can choose their own tunes and dance the night away with cool lighting and sound effects. If all that isn't enough, Robotron, the first of its kind at sea, is an amusement park-like ride that combines the thrill of a roller coaster with personalized music and lighting.

MSC World Europa boasts the largest and most engaging kids area in the fleet with an impressive 8,245 square feet of action-packed space. The new Teens Lab features an immersive area for teenagers with more than 20 of the latest consoles, seven VR stations and dozens of video games. Drone Academy 2.0 is a high-energy relay race for drones. There's even more onboard fun at Z Active, a sports program that offers basketball, football and zorb ball alongside two firsts for the line – pickleball and hoverboards. Teens can also take a spin on the bumper cars at the MSC Sportplex.

MSC Euribia – the line's newest ship, which set sail on its inaugural cruise in June 2023 – has a total of 7,500-plus square feet of space dedicated to kids ages 0 to 17. The new Teens Club Extra Space offers three different areas: the Young Club (ages 12 to 14), the Teens Club (15 to 17) and the Teens Lab (12 to 17). Some of the activities include those found on other MSC ships, such as Z Active, Drone Academy 2.0 and the MSC Dance Crew competition. Teens will also have access to new video games; pingpong; World Quest, an interactive game show based on trivia and geography; and Caravaggio, an immersive spy game show about an art heist.

Compare  MSC Cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a teens-only venue, Entourage, which caters to young adults 13 to 17 years old. This supervised space – available on 16 of the line's 19 ships – keeps teens busy in an adults-free lounge that's filled with video games, movies, music, arts and sports. Teen counselors on Norwegian Cruise Line plan activities and challenges to keep kids entertained throughout the cruise. A list of detailed activities is available on embarkation day so teens can plan out their schedule for the cruise.

Norwegian Prima , the first vessel in the Prima class, features many first-at-sea innovations perfect for entertaining families and energetic teens, including the three-level Prima Speedway. With cars reaching up to 30 miles per hour, this quarter-mile-long racetrack is one of the highest-rated attractions on Prima. Adventurous teens will also want to check out The Drop and The Rush. Billed as the fastest slides at sea, these chutes offer thrill-seekers a heart-pumping 10-story freefall plunge.

If that's not enough action, teens can also play The Bull's Eye, a classic game of darts that uses a video tracking system, or check out Tee Time for a pumped-up version of mini-golf set against a Las Vegas backdrop. In the Galaxy Pavilion, an indoor gaming complex, you'll find more than a dozen attractions, including immersive simulator experiences, escape rooms and the Topgolf Swing Suite – all of which are unique to Norwegian Prima. When it's time to cool off, the Tidal Wave waterslide is another first for the brand, letting guests ride inner tubes to catch the surf.

Norwegian Viva, the second vessel in the Prima class, is set to launch in August 2023. As the newest ship in NCL's fleet, Viva will also feature these exciting high-tech attractions, including Viva Speedway. If you and your teens are fans of the movie "Beetlejuice," you're in for a treat: The Broadway musical adaptation will debut on the new ship.

The line's Breakaway Plus class – Norwegian Escape , Joy , Bliss and Encore – is also popular with families as these ships offer plenty of activities and attractions suited for active teens, such as go-kart tracks, outdoor laser tag and VR games in the Galaxy Pavilion.

Find  Norwegian Cruise Line deals on GoToSea .

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line features two cool spaces dedicated to teens and tweens, who can hang out on comfy couches, watch shows or movies, and play video games. These hangouts, called Edge (for ages 11 to 14) and Vibe (ages 14 to 17), are available on all Disney Cruise Line ships.

On Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream , the space at Vibe also features a private outdoor deck with chaise lounges, wading pools, foosball and more. While indoors, teenagers can mingle with others their age, or just kick back and relax in individual nooks. There's a dance club area for karaoke contests, talent shows and dance competitions. The trendy indoor-outdoor space – at almost 9,000 square feet – is accessible with a teens-only card or DisneyBand+. On the new Disney Wish ship, Vibe has a French twist inspired by a Paris artist's loft with neon signs and funk pop art.

For tweens sailing on Disney Fantasy or Dream, Edge is a bright, loft-style gathering spot – located in the funnel – that has individual computer stations for gaming and a massive video wall for screening television, movies and games. There's also a lit-up dance floor for dance parties. Two nifty features of the space – and its location – are views of the pool decks below as well as three portholes that allow for glimpses of the riders on the water coaster, AquaDuck, as they zoom by.

On the first night of the cruise, kids receive information on what activities and events will be available during their vacation so they can curate a personalized entertainment itinerary. Some fun options throughout the week may include "Gotcha," a game of elimination where one teen will become the ultimate victor. For a special treat – and a bit of pampering – guests ages 13 to 17 won't want to miss an afternoon at Chill Spa, located inside Senses Spa & Salon.

Book a  Disney cruise on GoToSea .

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

The newly updated space for teens 13 to 17 years old on Royal Caribbean International vessels is hidden behind a secret speakeasy entrance. The dedicated venue, which has a gaming lounge and music, is a cozy place to hang out to meet other teens on the ship. There's also an outdoor patio where you can relax in the sun or chill out under the stars. Teens will find planned activities throughout the day at the lounge, including sports tournaments, a nightly teen disco and themed parties.

Social 100 is an exclusive new space for ages 13 to 17 on Wonder of the Seas . The outdoor space sits next to the waterslides and boasts a hot tub, lawn games, cozy seating, a selfie area, and a bar serving zero-proof cocktails and shakes. The indoor part of Social 100 features a gaming area, foosball tables, a vending machine and more comfortable spaces for teens to mingle.

Teens have plenty of activities they can do with their families on Royal Caribbean's ships, especially on the new Icon of the Seas, the first vessel in the Icon class. Slated for its inaugural sailing in January 2024, Wonder of the Seas will be the  world's largest cruise ship .  Cruisers of all ages will have endless opportunities for fun with more venues, activities and attractions than you've ever seen on a cruise ship.

Teens and their parents will appreciate Chill Island, a three-level pool deck with the first swim-up bar at sea. The new water park, Thrill Island, boasts six waterslides, including exciting firsts at sea, such as Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide. If that's not enough to get the adrenaline pumping, teens can check out Crown's Edge – a combination thrill ride, skywalk and ropes course – or other Royal Caribbean favorites like Adrenaline Peak, Sports Court, the FlowRider surf simulator or the reimagined mini-golf course.

If you're hanging out in the new Surfside neighborhood on Icon, a dedicated space for young families, teens will have easy access to the supervised teens-only club, Social 020, from this open-air space.

When you head ashore to Perfect Day in CocoCay, one of the best  cruise line private islands , teen cruisers will find plenty of fun land-based activities like Thrill Waterpark and 1,600-foot-long zip lines. Be sure not to miss another thrilling experience: Up, Up and Away. The helium balloon ride soars 450 feet above the ground to the highest vantage point in the Bahamas , offering incredible panoramic views of the island and surrounding turquoise waters.

Explore  Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea . 

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

The Kids Club on Holland America Line offers a fun supervised program for 13- to 17-year-old guests in an adult-free zone known as The Loft. The name is in the process of changing to High Score!, and you'll already find the updated concept on Oosterdam and Eurodam . The line's other ships will change over to the new venue throughout 2024. High Score! is a family game room that serves as a secret getaway for teens by day. In the evenings, entire families can come to play skeeball, board games and join in other activities.

The teens-only space (during the day) on Holland America Line resembles a New York artists loft where kids can listen to music, watch movies, play games and meet and hang out with same-age cruisers. Programs and activities at the current space, The Loft, include themed events, karaoke, a teen disco and nighttime activities such as Poker Night and video game tournaments. Youths can also participate in pingpong, basketball and other teens-only sporting events. If they still need more entertainment to keep them busy, the Kids Club offers origami lessons and watercolor painting as well as competitions in "Mario Kart," air hockey, foosball, pinball and more.

The Kids Club is complimentary for guests. The space is open daily, and you'll also find teen events around the ship. When it comes to dining, there are many teen-friendly dining options – where teens can even enjoy mocktails like nonalcoholic mojitos – at venues throughout the ship.

If you're cruising to Alaska with Holland America or other adventure-filled destinations, look for excursions that will appeal to younger family members like zip lining tours, trail hikes, float trips, helicopter tours and wilderness safaris. Alaska is a teen favorite, especially in Skagway (one of Alaska's top destinations ), where travelers can get a thrill out of dog mushing with a team of Alaskan huskies, taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, or going on a rock climbing excursion.

Find  Holland America Line cruises on GoToSea .

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Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The modern Beach House lounge is the go-to place for passengers ages 13 to 17 to socialize and meet others their age when sailing on a Princess Cruises ship. Fun activities for teens include late-night movies and tournaments where they can challenge their peers in video games or at air hockey, foosball and table tennis. For more energetic activities, join in the fun during indoor dodgeball and basketball games. Or, learn new dance moves from some of the dancers in the crew, then hit the dance floor for one of the competitions. At the "Rock the Boat Party," teenagers can dress up and party the night away with mocktails and new friends on the ship.

"Movies Under the Stars" is one of Princess' signature events. Guests can watch movies, sporting events and concerts while bundled up with cozy blankets on the pool deck outdoors. Teens will enjoy the complimentary snacks – not to mention the special movie nights designed with them in mind, such as "Scary Movie Night." You might even find teen makeovers and glitter tattoos some evenings on the ship.

The line's three newest ships – Discovery Princess , Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess – offer the most activities for teens, but all of the ships in the fleet host youth programs in partnership with Discovery, along with plenty of other family-friendly activities. These offerings include Discovery Family and Animal Planet shore excursions and onboard entertainment like "The Voice of the Ocean," a musical competition.

Parents will be able to keep track of their busy teens anywhere on the ship with the state-of-the-art Princess MedallionClass system. The quarter-size wearable medallion and accompanying app allow guests to personalize their itinerary and locate family members and friends on board.

When Sun Princess launches in February 2024, as the first vessel in the line's Sphere class, it will feature Park19. This top-deck family activity zone boasts many outdoor adventures, including Sea Breeze – the first Rollglider at sea. The ADA-accessible seated ride offers a hang-gliding experience with panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. Families and teens can also check out the climbing obstacle course, cargo nets and lookout points. The ship also has a recreational court – which offers pingpong, shuffleboard, fitness classes and more – and a splash zone where you can cool off after all the outdoor activities.

Inside Sun Princess, tweens and teens will find two centers just for them: Neon Grove and The Underground. Both spaces offer cozy and colorful areas for young adults to hang out, socialize, and play video games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. They'll also find foosball, skeeball and air hockey on top of planned activities like movie nights, dance parties and scavenger hunts.

Explore  Princess Cruises on GoToSea .

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney offers river and expedition cruises for the whole family; the itineraries span many choices and experiences for tweens and teens with a focus on culture, history, gastronomy and adventure. The river cruises are operated in partnership with AmaWaterways, while the expedition cruises are a collaboration with luxury French cruise line Ponant.

If you're sailing on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise itinerary, for example, guests can choose between various exciting excursions. While you're docked in Strasbourg, France , for the day, teen-friendly options include a tour of the Black Forest, complete with a toboggan run and a visit to a woodworking museum. Another choice here is to visit Germany's Europa-Park, a one-of-a-kind theme park located between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. In Melk, Austria, on the Danube itinerary, families can go for a bike ride along the Danube River, hike to the castle in Dürnstein or visit a family-run apricot farm.

Another great feature of these cruises is that teens can opt to have dinner and evening get-togethers with same-age cruisers, so they don't have to dine with their parents or younger siblings every night. Adventure Guides also curate special activities for teens like game shows and pool parties.

In destinations like Antarctica, the Adriatic and the Galápagos Islands , expert naturalists lead tours during these bucket list trips. You might even find a bit of Disney storytelling woven into the presentations by the Adventure Guides.

Keep in mind if you have younger kids as well as teens that children need to be 5 or older to sail on the river cruises. For the Galápagos Islands expedition cruises, the minimum age for Junior Adventurers is 7, and for expeditions to the polar regions, kids need to be 10 years of age or older.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Carnival Cruise Line

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration, which launched in November 2022, is the line's newest Excel-class ship. It features an expanded family and youth program, including its offerings for teens. The line also rolled out the new program fleetwide in spring 2023.

The Carnival Cruise Line teen programming at Circle "C" is for tweens ages 12 to 14, while Club O2 is for ages 15 to 17. In these venues you'll find entertainment like themed dance parties – and even a Carnival prom – as well as video games, movies and karaoke. Circle "C" stands for "Cruise, chill and connect," and that's what teens can do in this colorful, contemporary space with engaging counselors. New activities include anime drawing lessons and pop culture games at Circle "C." Older teens can foster new friendships while engaging in Japanese crafts and authentic tea ceremonies at Club O2.

Teens will appreciate Carnival's onboard water park, Waterworks, which includes a splash park and slides. Carnival Panorama even has the trampoline park Skyzone. Teenage passengers won't want to miss the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT, on Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras , Celebration and the upcoming Jubilee, scheduled to launch in December 2023.

For even more action, Vista-class ships feature Skyride. This two-lane, bike-like ride is suspended above the top deck of the ships and extends out over the ocean. More indoor fun can be found at Thrill Theater (on Horizon and Vista ), an immersive cinematic experience where you'll feel the seat rumble, the wind blow through your hair and even a spritz of water during the action-packed video.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea .

Celebrity Cruises

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

This line's Teen Club features activities focused on kids 13 to 17. Some of the events offered for teens in the Camp at Sea program on Celebrity Cruises range from video game tournaments and sports competitions to culinary classes and silent disco parties. Teen cruisers can even book glass-blowing classes on Celebrity Solstice , Equinox and Eclipse . The offerings for young passengers are similar at either The Basement on Edge-series ships ( Edge , Apex , Beyond and Ascent, set to launch in November 2023) or at X Club on Solstice- and Millennium-class ships. Note, however, the line's three Galápagos expedition vessels do not have the teen venues. Families who need accessible accommodations, activities and programs will also find autism-friendly cruises on Celebrity.

When it comes to pampering, Celebrity's spas offer spa menus for 13- to 17-year-olds. Teens can book facials that are designed for young sensitive skin or have express pedicures and manicures. When you're ready to relax, schedule a two-by-two massage, where parents and kids can have a side-by-side treatment.

Celebrity also offers family-focused excursions that highlight cultural attractions, wildlife sightings and adventure. Some of these tours include seeing gentoo, king and Magellanic penguins in the Falkland Islands; taking an aerial tram through the treetop canopies of a rainforest in Costa Rica ; and going on a small culinary or sightseeing group excursion in Europe and other destinations around the world. On Caribbean sailings – especially when school is out for summer or on holidays – Celebrity has additional family-friendly shore excursions on its five- and seven-night sailings.

Find a  Celebrity Cruises deal on GoToSea .

Cunard Line

Cunard Line offers programs and activities for passengers ages 13 to 17 years old in its Teen Zone. This dedicated space is a place for teens to hang out with cruisers their own age and play video and team games, table tennis, and more. On the first day of the cruise, you'll find an activity program for young guests delivered to the stateroom so your teens can plan out their vacation experience, which may include entertaining theme days, deck sports, quizzes and dancing at the disco.

Teens on Cunard Line can participate in the activities around the ship, hit the pool for a dip, practice their putting or try their hand at croquet. If you're sailing on Queen Mary 2, those interested in science, wildlife and the solar system can watch up to four 3D films a day (on sea days) in the largest planetarium at sea.

Compare  Cunard Line cruises on GoToSea .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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Baltimore port to open deeper channel, enabling some cargo ships to pass after bridge collapse

Maryland Bridge Collapse The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers debris removal vessel The Reynolds works near the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Baltimore. The FBI confirmed that agents were aboard the Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) (Julia Nikhinson/AP)

BALTIMORE — (AP) — Officials in Baltimore plan to open a deeper channel for commercial ships to enter and leave the city's port starting on Thursday — a significant step toward reopening the major maritime shipping hub that has remained closed to most traffic since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed last month .

The new channel will be 35 feet (12 meters) deep, which is a substantial increase over the three other temporary channels established in recent weeks. It puts the cleanup effort slightly ahead of schedule, as officials previously said they hoped to open a channel of that depth by the end of April.

Five of the seven cargo ships that have been stuck in Baltimore’s harbor will be able to pass through the new channel, including one loaded car carrier, officials said Tuesday, marking one month since the deadly disaster. Other ships are scheduled to enter the port, which normally processes more cars and farm equipment than any other in the country.

“Four weeks ago, our way of life was dealt a huge blow with the collapse of the Key Bridge,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said during a news conference.

The cargo ship that toppled the bridge had lost power and veered off course shortly after leaving the Port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka. The Dali remains grounded amid the wreckage as crews work to remove massive pieces of mangled steel that came crashing down onto the ship's deck.

Six members of a roadwork crew — all Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras — plunged to their deaths in the collapse. Four bodies have been recovered from the underwater wreckage while two remain missing.

Relatives of the victims have been granted visitor visas, which will allow them to enter the U.S. for memorial services and, in some cases, bring their loved ones back home for burial. The immigrant aid organizations CASA and Catholic Charities’ Esperanza Center announced Monday evening that 16 family members have arrived in the U.S. with another eight expected this week.

Officials said salvage crews have now cleared enough debris — over 2,900 tons so far — to open the new channel to “commercially essential vessels” from Thursday until the following Monday or Tuesday. Ships will be required to have a Maryland pilot on board and two tugboats escorting them through the channel.

The passage will then be closed again until roughly May 10 while crews work to remove steel from the Dali and refloat the ship, which will then be guided back into the port, officials said.

The port’s main channel, with a controlling depth of 50 feet (15 meters), is set to reopen next month after the ship has been removed. That will essentially restore marine traffic to normal.

“We are going to work efficiently and we are going to work safely and we are not going to choose between the two,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said during the news conference.

In a court filing Monday, Baltimore's mayor and city council called for the Dali's owner and manager to be held fully liable for the bridge collapse, which they said could have devastating economic impacts on the region. They said the port , which was established before the nation's founding, has long been an economic driver for Baltimore and the surrounding area. Losing the bridge itself has disrupted a major east coast trucking route.

The filing came in response to an earlier petition on behalf of the two companies asking a court to cap their liability under a pre-Civil War provision of an 1851 maritime law — a routine procedure for such cases. A federal court in Maryland will ultimately decide who's responsible and how much they owe.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.