us cruise terminals

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.

Love cruising? Read this next:

• 40 Ocean Quotes for People who Love the Sea
• River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise: What’s the Difference?
• 26 Helpful Things to Know your First Time on a River Cruise

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Margaritaville Cruise: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea

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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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Breaking Down All Major Cruise Departure Ports In The U.S. And What Makes Each Unique

• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• News and Tips
• Travel Tips
• Types of Travel
• United States

Experience the explosive growth of the cruise industry firsthand as we explore the major departure ports in the United States. Don’t be left behind; join the millions of satisfied cruisers who have discovered the ultimate vacation experience. But we know that hopping on board can be intimidating, especially when choosing the right port, ship, and cruise line. That’s why I’m here to guide you through it all.

Starting in the North Atlantic and working our way down to the South Atlantic, including the bustling ports of Florida, we’ll cover everything you need to know. We’ll then move on to the Gulf of Mexico and, finally, the beautiful Pacific. Learn about several American ports, from suggestions on getting to the port to a detailed list of all the cruise lines that sail from each location.

But that’s not all — I’ll also highlight each port’s unique features and attractions so you can make the most of your vacation before and after embarking on your cruise. Get ready for a vacation that gives you the most bang for your buck — starting with the perfect departure port.

Buckle in and get your popcorn; this will be a long one.

North Atlantic

The North Atlantic region has quite a few ports. It primarily sails to Bermuda, New England, and Canada. However, they also do trans-Atlantic and other specialty cruises from a few ports.

Pro Tip : Always label and prepare your luggage for easy transport . When driving, simply drive to the cruise terminal and hand over your bags. No need to fret if you need tape or a stapler — the friendly baggage handlers will assist you. Remember to show appreciation by tipping them before parking or returning your car.

Boston Cruise Port – Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Terminal (Massachusetts)

Simplify your cruise parking experience at the Flynn Cruiseport in the Seaport District near Boston Harbor. Park easily at Congress Street parking or take a free shuttle from your hotel. Boston Logan International Airport is just a quick 10-minute drive away. The MBTA Silver Line bus stops within one block of the terminal for even more convenience.

Parking will cost you $27 per night.

Sailing From Here: Celebrity, Holland America , Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn

Points Of Interest: Boston Fish Pier, Fenway Park, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. 

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Red Hook Section, New York)

Discover the best cruise ports in New York. Brooklyn and Cape Liberty (in Bayonne, New Jersey) take center stage, with Manhattan playing a supporting role. As a premier cruise destination, New York offers voyages to Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.

Parking at Brooklyn Cruise Port may seem challenging, but a constant flow of arrivals and departures keeps things moving. While the $45 daily fee offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, other convenient options are available, such as private taxis, Uber, shuttles, or the subway. For a unique experience, consider taking the train from Penn Station or Grand Central Station.

Sailing From Here: Cunard , MSC Cruises, Princess

Points Of Interest: Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park

Fun Fact: Per CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), most cruise passengers arrive in a port city a day in advance and spend nearly $400 per person on food, hotel, and transportation.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port (New Jersey)

Parking is slightly cheaper here than at Brooklyn’s cruise port and there are overflow lots during the busy season with free shuttles available. Cars run $30 per day and RVs $60. 

Sailing From Here: Celebrity , Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Teardrop Memorial, Hudson River Waterfront, The Mills at Jersey Gardens (outlet mall)

Port Of Baltimore (Maryland)

I find the Baltimore cruise port one of the most accessible places to embark in the country. Parking is $15 daily (cashless) and you can walk to the terminal after parking. There is also RV parking for $30–$40 daily, depending on the size of your rig. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both offer shuttles to and from BWI airport. 

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess , Royal Caribbean 

Points Of Interest: National Aquarium, Inner Harbor, Maryland Zoo, Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

South Atlantic/Florida

Welcome to the sunniest region in the world, where cruise passengers flock in droves! With state-of-the-art terminals and buzzing activity, this destination offers an incredible array of choices. However, be prepared to master the art of patience, as navigating through crowds can be challenging. As someone who has been on 54 cruises, I can attest that more than half of my voyages have departed from these ports.

Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Prepare to be amazed! Contrary to popular belief, getting to Port Orlando (also known as Port Canaveral) requires a 48-minute drive, as Orlando is not on the coast. Despite the distance and expense of transportation (an Uber is $98), Port Orlando remains the country’s busiest and most powerful cruise port. Your best option is to take the cruise shuttle from Orlando (airport or hotel) to save the hassle of getting there, traffic, and parking fees. If you decide to drive, however, keep in mind that parking costs $17 per day, including RVs.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Disney , MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean 

Points Of Interest: Kennedy Space Center , Exploration Tower, Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum (in Orlando), Disney, Universal, Lake Eola Park, Harry P. Leu Gardens

Port Of Miami (Florida)

Discover the colossal cruise port just minutes away from Fort Lauderdale. PortMiami is a bustling hub, welcoming an impressive average of 12 cruise ships daily and 4.1 million passengers annually. Boasting 11 cruise terminals, it is the second busiest cruise port in the country.

While you can park at the port for $22 a day, I highly recommend avoiding the chaos by opting for Uber or a hotel shuttle. With my 10 years of experience living in Florida, I found navigating the port’s parking confusing and lacking proper signage. Thankfully, there are much simpler alternatives to reaching your cruise ship.

But fear not! Despite the initial challenges, PortMiami (known as the Cruise Capital of the World ) is renowned for its efficiency and seamless operation. Like a finely tuned machine, they ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Indulge in the modern marvel that is PortMiami and embark on your dream cruise effortlessly.

Pro Tip: It is important to park in the garage that coincides with your terminal letter (example: Cruise Terminal B — Multi-Level Garage B); though terminals F, G, and V all use Garage G.

Sailing From Here: Azamara Club, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, MSC Cruises , Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas , Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Virgin Voyages

Points Of Interest: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Bayside Marketplace, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Jungle Island

Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

This one may throw you for a loop since Port Everglades is the cruise port you’ll want for departing out of Fort Lauderdale. It is only 3 miles from FLL/Hollywood Airport and 25 miles north of Miami International Airport. Uber or Lyft is your best bet and is relatively inexpensive. Secure parking at Port Everglades (4,000 spaces) runs $15 per day or $19 for oversized vehicles.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal Cruises , Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking Ocean

Points Of Interest: Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Everglades Holiday Park

Port Tampa Bay (Florida)

Tampa is a treat to sail out of, as the cruise terminal and port are well-marked and laid out. It is secure and monitored 24/7. Parking is $16 per day, or you can use Uber or Lyft for getting dropped off or picked up. Tampa International Airport is 21 minutes from the Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal or 90 minutes from Orlando (MCO).

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Historic Ybor City

Port Of San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Discover why San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the ultimate destination for incredible cruise lines. From its advantageous Atlantic Ocean location to potential cost savings, this place is a true gem. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend arriving early and staying overnight to avoid airline hiccups.

While some hotels provide free shuttle services, taxis are readily available for a quick 8-mile journey to the cruise port. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to set sail from Old San Juan, which is a vacation before the cruise vacation begins.

Sailing From Here: Celebrity, Crystal, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Viking Ocean, Virgin Voyages  

Points Of Interest: Castillo San Felipe del Morro , Old San Juan, Casa Blanca Museum, Fortaleza Street

Gulf Of Mexico

Discover hidden gems and unbeatable prices on Gulf of Mexico cruises! Escape the crowds and embark on an adventure from Galveston, New Orleans, and Mobile. Immerse yourself in vibrant cities and soak up the magic of the gulf. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best-kept secrets of these charming destinations! I plan to include these three embarkation ports in my cruising future over the next few months.

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal (Alabama)

While Carnival is the only cruise line that sails from Mobile, it is an excellent option for those seeking a quick vacation option between Texas and Florida. Parking will run you $18 daily, though the closest airport is Pensacola, Florida, an hour away. This is definitely a drive to the cruise port destination. Check out the Mobile Carnival Museum or the USS Alabama in your free time.

Port Of New Orleans (NOLA, Louisiana)

A boatload of ships departs the Port of NOLA, making it the 6th busiest cruise port in the country. It is in the heart of the city with a plethora of amazing things to see and do. It is also a port for the three major river cruises (my bucket list!), which adds a feature most cruise ports don’t offer. Parking runs $25 daily at the Erato and Julia Street terminals.

Sailing From Here: American Cruise Lines , American Queen Steamboat Co., Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Viking River Cruises

Points Of Interest: New Orleans City Park, Jackson Square, Mardi Gras World, French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, National WWII Museum

Port Of Galveston (Texas)

Discover Galveston — the vibrant heart of Texas and the state’s sole major port. With its convenient location, you’ll have easy access to all the city offers. Enjoy hassle-free parking for just $18 per day (discounts available for prepaying) and take advantage of the close proximity to the cruise terminal from the lots.

Port of Galveston’s only downside? The nearest major airport is 40 minutes away in Houston. However, worry not! Numerous shuttle services are available to whisk you directly to the cruise terminal.

Fun Fact: It is hard to believe that 2.2 million cruise passengers use this terminal annually.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Moody Gardens , Pleasure Pier, Seawall, The Strand

The cruise ports on the West Coast of the United States offer a wide range of fabulous cities, diverse weather, and opportunities for sailing around the area, trans-Pacific crossings, and specialty cruises.

Port Of San Diego (California)

Experience the beauty and convenience of the exceptional Port of San Diego . Getting to the port is a breeze, with various parking options and a convenient cruise ship shuttle from the airport. And that’s only some of it — many cruise lines even offer a complimentary pre-night hotel room.

I personally loved taking advantage of this option before setting sail from the Port of San Diego. Book your cruise now and let the cruise line shuttle take care of the rest. San Diego’s weather is exceptional year-round and the flights are relatively quicker and smoother than in other parts of California. I call this a stress-free cruise port.

Sailing From Here: Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian , Princess

Points Of Interest: San Diego Zoo , Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum. 

Port Of Los Angeles (California)

Discover the luxury and cruise lines variety at World Cruise Center at Port of Los Angeles (actually in San Pedro, California). Arriving at this massive port is a breeze, whether driving a car or using transportation options like shuttles, taxis, or Uber. Parking is $20 per day.

Avoid the high cost of taxis and enjoy a ride from LAX for just $40 with a rideshare service. From John Wayne Airport, expect to pay around $60, though nearly $100 for a taxi. Embark on your dream cruise effortlessly and at a great price from the World Cruise Center.

Sailing From Here: Azamara , Celebrity, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea , Viking Ocean

Points Of Interest: Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios

Port Of Long Beach (California)

Discover the convenient and stress-free Port of Long Beach , just a stone’s throw away from the Los Angeles cruise port. As a cruise port owned by Carnival Corporation , it offers an easier and more accessible experience than LA. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Queen Mary , this gem provides an alternative West Coast sailing experience away from the bustling cities. Located just 23 miles from LAX, you can park your car for only $23 per day. Plus, ample parking options exist for oversized vehicles adjacent to the covered garage.

Points Of Interest: Knott’s Berry Farm , Long Beach Museum of Art, Aquarium of the Pacific 

Port Of San Francisco (California)

For a city this big, I was surprised that the Port of San Francisco was not busier and bigger, but honestly, it is not one bit intimidating. Parking runs around $18 per day and there are many options for getting there, including bus, Uber, Lyft, and shuttles.

Sailing From Here: Crystal Cruises, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park

Port Of Seattle (Washington)

The cruise port of Seattle is your gateway to Alaska , so hopefully in your lifetime, you’ll explore this one for yourself. There are two terminals (Piers 91 and 66), with parking running $22–$27 per day, though shuttles and Lyft are the most popular ways to get there. The airport is 40 minutes away.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania , Princess, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle , Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass

Melody and her daughter Taylor run both Wherever I May Roam and Travel The South travel blogs. She is a digital influencer, freelances for both print and online publications, and hosts an annual travel conference, Southern Travelers Explore. Melody has been traveling her entire adult life and has visited 49 states and 49 countries. She loves cruising, small towns, historical sights, and National Parks.

The Ultimate Guide to United States Cruise Ports

Table of Contents

Introduction to United States Cruise Ports

Embarking on a cruise journey is an exciting experience that often begins at a cruise port . The United States boasts a plethora of cruise ports, each with its unique charm and offerings. This section serves as an introduction to United States cruise ports , providing insights into what to expect at a cruise port and the importance of planning ahead.

What to Expect at a Cruise Port

A cruise port, often bustling with energy, serves as the gateway to your cruise vacation. It’s where the ship docks, allowing passengers to embark and disembark. At these ports, you can expect a myriad of services and facilities such as embarkation and disembarkation terminals, luggage handling services, parking facilities, and often, tourist information centers.

The atmosphere at a cruise port is usually filled with anticipation and excitement as travelers prepare to embark on their journey. Depending on the port, you may find local vendors selling goods, entertainers performing for the crowds, and a variety of dining options.

Some of the larger United States cruise ports may also feature shopping centers, hotels, and other tourist attractions within close proximity. However, the amenities and services can greatly vary from port to port. For detailed information on specific ports, consider visiting our cruise ports guide .

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Planning ahead can significantly enhance your cruise experience, starting from the moment you arrive at the cruise port. Being prepared can help ensure a smooth embarkation process and allow you to make the most of your time at the port.

Understanding the layout of the port, the available facilities, and the embarkation process can save you time and prevent unnecessary stress. It’s beneficial to research transportation options to and from the port, potential traffic or weather conditions, and if necessary, nearby accommodations.

Furthermore, if the port is located in a tourist-friendly area, you might want to arrive a day or two earlier to explore local attractions before setting sail. This extra time can also serve as a buffer in case of unexpected travel delays.

Planning ahead is particularly crucial for ports that you’ll be visiting during your cruise. Researching about these ports and their attractions can help you decide how to spend your day before the ship sets sail again. Whether you’d like to explore on your own or take part in an organized shore excursion, having a plan can help you maximize your experience in each port.

In conclusion, understanding what to expect at a cruise port and the importance of planning ahead are crucial first steps in preparing for your cruise vacation. The following sections will delve deeper into the various United States cruise ports , offering insights on what each port has to offer.

East Coast Cruise Ports

The East Coast of the United States is a popular region for cruise ports, offering a variety of unique destinations for vacationers. This section provides an overview of four major East Coast cruise ports: Miami, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; New York, New York; and Charleston, South Carolina .

Miami, Florida

Known as the Cruise Capital of the World , Miami is a bustling port city with a vibrant mix of cultures and activities. The Port of Miami is located near downtown Miami, offering easy access to a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Vacationers can explore the art deco architecture of South Beach, visit the lively neighborhoods of Little Havana and Wynwood, or simply relax on the beautiful beaches. For more information about Florida cruise ports, visit our Florida cruise ports page.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, often referred to as the Venice of America , is another popular cruise port in Florida. The port is conveniently located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and offers a range of activities for cruise passengers. Vacationers can take a water taxi tour of the city’s canals, visit the historic Stranahan House Museum, or enjoy the sun and surf at Fort Lauderdale Beach.

New York, New York

New York City, one of the world’s most iconic cities, is also a significant cruise port. The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is centrally located on the Hudson River and offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. Visitors can explore Times Square, visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or catch a Broadway show. The city’s diverse culinary scene also offers a wide range of dining options.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, offers a charming Southern experience for cruise passengers. The city’s rich history, well-preserved architecture, and renowned restaurant scene make it a captivating port of call. Visitors can explore the city’s historic district, visit Fort Sumter, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Each of these United States cruise ports offers its own unique experiences and attractions. By planning ahead and researching each port, vacationers can ensure they make the most of their time in each location. For more detailed information on these and other cruise ports, please visit our comprehensive cruise ports guide .

Gulf Coast Cruise Ports

The Gulf Coast is home to several popular United States cruise ports that provide access to a variety of exciting destinations. The region’s warm climate and proximity to the Caribbean make it an appealing choice for cruisers. The ports of Galveston, Texas , New Orleans, Louisiana , and Tampa, Florida are among the most frequented in the area.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston, situated off the Texas Gulf Coast, serves as a gateway to the Western Caribbean. The port’s historic charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities, offering visitors a unique blend of past and present. The city’s vibrant downtown area, filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, is a mere stone’s throw from the cruise terminal. Find out more about Galveston and other Texas cruise ports .

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, distinctive music, and exceptional cuisine. The city’s cruise port is closely located to the legendary French Quarter, allowing cruisers to experience the lively atmosphere and iconic jazz music before setting sail. Its strategic location also makes it a convenient departure point for cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Tampa, Florida

Tampa offers a diverse array of attractions for cruisers. From the bustling Channelside Bay Plaza, which houses numerous eateries and shops, to the city’s aquarium and historic Ybor City, visitors have plenty to explore. Tampa’s cruise port enables easy access to the Western and Southern Caribbean. For more on what Florida’s ports have to offer, visit our dedicated page on Florida cruise ports .

Each of these Gulf Coast cruise ports provides a unique starting point for your cruise journey. With a wide range of attractions, restaurants, and experiences available at each port, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had before you even set foot on your cruise ship. For more information on these and other United States cruise ports, explore our comprehensive cruise ports guide .

West Coast Cruise Ports

The West Coast of the United States is home to several popular cruise ports with a wealth of attractions for vacationers. Diverse in culture and scenic views, these ports offer a unique blend of city life, natural beauty, and historical significance.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California, is a favorite among cruise enthusiasts due to its beautiful weather, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. The port is conveniently located near the city’s downtown area, making it easy for vacationers to explore numerous attractions such as the famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, often referred to as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World,’ is a major port on the West Coast. Its proximity to Hollywood and other iconic landmarks makes it an exciting destination for cruise passengers. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Getty Center, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

Seattle, Washington

The cruise port of Seattle, Washington, serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The city’s scenic beauty, coupled with its rich cultural scene, makes it a must-visit. Key attractions include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.

Each of these ports offers a unique experience and a chance to explore some of the best cities on the West Coast. Before your arrival, it’s advisable to research the local attractions, dining options, and transportation facilities to make the most of your visit. For more information on United States cruise ports, check out our comprehensive cruise ports guide .

Alaska Cruise Ports

Anchored in scenic beauty, Alaska’s cruise ports are a gateway to awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating wildlife. The ports of Anchorage, Juneau, and Skagway are among the most popular in Alaska, offering a range of activities and attractions that capture the essence of this magnificent state.

Anchorage, Alaska

The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage serves as the starting point for many Alaskan cruises. This port city offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. From the port, it’s a short trip to downtown Anchorage, where visitors can explore museums, shops, and restaurants. For those looking to connect with nature, the nearby Chugach Mountains and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offer ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

• Distance from port to town: Approximately 2 miles
• Popular attractions: Anchorage Museum, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Chugach State Park

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is known for its stunning natural attractions. The city’s cruise port is located near the downtown area, providing easy access to local restaurants, shops, and historical sites. One of Juneau’s must-visit destinations is the Mendenhall Glacier, a massive ice formation located just a short drive from the city. Other popular activities include whale watching and exploring the Tongass National Forest.

• Distance from port to town: Approximately 1 mile
• Popular attractions: Mendenhall Glacier, Tongass National Forest, Alaska State Museum

Skagway, Alaska

Steeped in history, Skagway is a small town with a big personality. This port town played a central role in the Klondike Gold Rush and maintains much of its 19th-century charm with preserved buildings and vintage streetcars. From the port, it’s a short walk to the historic downtown area, where visitors can explore the Skagway Museum and Archives or take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

• Distance from port to town: Less than 1 mile
• Popular attractions: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, Skagway Museum and Archives

By familiarizing yourself with these United States cruise ports , you can better plan your Alaskan cruise experience. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or stunning landscapes, these ports offer something for every traveler. For more information on other cruise port destinations, check out our cruise ports guide .

Tips for Exploring Cruise Ports

When you’re exploring the various United States cruise ports , it’s essential to have a game plan to make the most out of your visit. Whether you’re a food lover, a history buff, or a sightseeing enthusiast, there’s plenty to do and see. This section provides some tips on dining options, local attractions, and transportation options at the cruise ports.

Dining Options

One of the pleasures of traveling is the opportunity to taste local cuisine. In most cruise ports, you’ll find a range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to local street food vendors. Do some research ahead of your trip to find the best-rated eateries in the area. You can also ask for recommendations from locals or fellow cruisers to discover hidden gems.

Keep in mind that dining experiences can vary greatly from port to port. For instance, you might find fresh seafood dishes in coastal cities, while in other areas, local specialties might include spicy cuisine, BBQ, or unique desserts. Always be adventurous and open to trying new foods!

Local Attractions

Each of the United States cruise ports boasts its unique attractions. Some ports might be known for their historical landmarks, others for their vibrant arts scene, and others still for their stunning natural beauty. When planning your itinerary, consider what interests you the most.

If you’re a history enthusiast, look for ports with rich historical sites, museums, or cultural landmarks. If you’re a nature lover, consider ports near national parks or nature reserves. For more detailed information on what to expect, check out our cruise ports guide .

Transportation Options

Getting around in a new city can seem daunting, but with a little planning, it can be quite convenient. Most cruise ports offer a variety of transportation options, including taxis, public buses, bike rentals, and even walking tours. Depending on the size of the city and the distance to the main attractions, you might choose one or more of these options.

Before you arrive, research the most reliable and cost-effective modes of transport in each port. Also, check whether it’s possible to buy a day pass for unlimited public transportation. This can be a cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple sites in one day.

Remember, exploring the United States cruise ports is a big part of the cruise experience. With a little forethought and planning, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit to each port on your itinerary.

Common Questions About Cruise Ports

When planning a cruise vacation, it’s common to have several questions about the various United States cruise ports you’ll be visiting. Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions.

How Far is the Port from Town?

The distance from the port to the town varies depending on the specific port. In some ports, the town center might be a short walk away, while in others, you might need a short taxi ride or shuttle bus to get to the main areas.

It’s always a good idea to research this information in advance, so you can plan your day accordingly. Visit our cruise ports guide for more detailed information on specific ports.

What Should I Do in a Cruise Port?

The activities you can engage in at a cruise port largely depend on the port itself. Some ports are known for their beautiful beaches, others for their historic sites, and others still for their shopping and dining opportunities.

Before your cruise, take the time to research each port on your itinerary. This way, you’ll have a good idea of what attractions are available and can plan your day accordingly. Our popular cruise ports page offers a wealth of information on what to do in various ports.

How Much Time Do I Need to Explore a Cruise Port?

The amount of time you’ll need to explore a cruise port depends on several factors, including the size of the port, the number of attractions you’re interested in, and your personal pace.

Generally, it’s a good idea to plan for at least a few hours in each port. This will give you time to disembark the ship, explore the area, and return to the ship before departure. However, some ports may require a full day for a thorough exploration.

For a comprehensive list of the time needed at various ports, visit our major cruise ports page.

Remember, your time in port is your chance to explore and experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Plan ahead, but leave some room for spontaneity and discovery. Happy cruising!

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Schedules, terminals, wiki, news, live port maps,  hilo , hawaii island.

Hilo is a port town and the largest settlement on Hawaii island (aka Big Island), with population around 45,000. The town overlooks Hilo Bay, located upon two shield volcanoes: Mauna Kea (dormant...

 Roatan Island , Mahogany Bay-Coxen Hole, Honduras

Isla Roatan is a major cruise port (locode HNRTB) in the Southern Caribbean, located approx 65 km (40 mi) off the northern coast of mainland Honduras (North America). Roatan Island is the most...

 Barcelona , Spain

Barcelona cruise port is currently ranked the largest Mediterranean cruise port with turnaround operations (roundtrip itineraries) and the world's 4th busiest. Its harbor area is one of the world's...

 Baie-Comeau , Quebec Canada

Baie-Comeau is a port town in Quebec Canada, located approx 420 km (260 mi) northeast of Quebec City.. It is on the banks of St Lawrence River and close to the mouth of Manicouagan River. Port Baie...

 Alexandria , Egypt, Cairo

Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city (after the capital Cairo) and largest cargo port located on the Mediterranean Sea (Northern Africa). The city extends 32 km (20 mi) along the coast and has...

 Galveston , Texas

Galveston is a port city spread over Galveston Island and Pelican Island, in Texas USA. The city's land area is approx 208 mi2 (539 km2), with population around 50,000. The city is within the...

 Santorini Island , Thira, Greece

Santorini Island (Greece) is among the most popular ports of call on Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean cruises. The island is in the Aegan Sea and is the southernmost of the Greek Cycladic Islands...

 Kahului , Maui Island Hawaii

Kahului is a port town and CDP (census-designated place) on Maui Island and part of Maui County (Hawaii USA) with a population of around 27,000. In Kahului are Maui Island's main airport (Kahului...

 Lisbon , Portugal

Lisbon cruise port is part of Porto de Lisboa (locode PTLIS). This is an Atlantic port visited mainly on roundtrip cruises leaving from UK to Iberia (port cities in Spain and Portugal), Transatlantic...

 Mykonos Island , Greece

Mykonos Island is one of Cyclades Islands (Greece, Aegean Sea), located in the archipelago's center. The Cyclades form a circle surrounding the sacred Delos Island. Group's larges island is Naxos...

 Ketchikan , Revillagigedo Island Alaska

Ketchikan is a port city on Revillagigedo Island (part of Alexander Archipelago, Southeast Alaska) with population around 8,000. The cruise port is near Canada's southern border. All cruise ships...

 Saint-Raphael , France Riviera

Saint-Raphael is a French Riviera cruise port in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, southeastern France (Western Mediterranean Sea). The town covers a total area of approx 90 km2 (35 ml2) and has...

 Naples , Italy

Naples/Napoli is a major Mediterranean port (cruise, ferry and cargo) located in Southern Italy's Campania region. By population (around 970,000) the city is ranked Italy's 3rd largest (after Rome...

 Ponta Delgada , Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal

Ponta Delgada is a port city on Sao Miguel Island, also the biggest municipality (population around 70,000) and the executive/administrative capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of the Azores...

 Praia da Vitoria , Terceira Island Azores Portugal

Praia da Vitoria is a port town on Terceira Island in Azores (Portuguese archipelago), with population around 21,000. City's urban centre includes the parishes Santa Cruz and Lajes and fronts a...

Port & Cruise Facts

Our cruise partners at royal caribbean cruise line teamed up with the wall street journal to produce this fascinating video on how we dock the world's largest cruise ship, the wonder of the seas, at port canaveral., watch the video below:, port canaveral voted best u.s. cruise homeport for the third consecutive year in a row from cruisehive's annual cruise ship awards.

The Cruise Hive Cruise Ship Awards are an annual event recognizing the best in the industry, as voted on by Cruise Hive readers. One of the most closely contested categories is Best Homeport, which recognizes the top ports that serve as the starting point for cruise vacations. 

This year, Port Canaveral came out on top, earning 24% of the votes and taking the first-place spot. It is the third year in a row that Port Canaveral has taken the top spot, followed closely by Miami and Fort Lauderdale.  “We’re thrilled to have earned this valued distinction three years in a row,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “What an honor for us and our cruise partners to be so well recognized for providing a high quality guest experience. It’s tremendous gratitude of our efforts from the millions of cruise guests sailing from Port Canaveral year after year.”

Empty heading

2023 port map - cruise.

Cruise Terminal Locations 

   (north side) - exit 54a,   (south side) - exit 54b.

• ​ ​  Cruise Terminal #1 - 9050 Discovery Rd. • ​ ​  Cruise Terminal #2 - 180 Christopher Columbus Dr. • ​ ​  Cruise Terminal #3 - 220 Christopher Columbus Dr.  

2024 Port Canaveral Cruise Fast Facts

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It’s Time to Come to Port Canaveral

Today, Port Canaveral is ranked as the world’s busiest cruise port in multi-day embarkations. We’ve been in the top for years, but this isn’t yesterday’s Port Canaveral and now we’re aiming to stay at the top. Tomorrow’s Port Canaveral – a product of vision, tremendous effort and many man-hours – already is an in-demand port-of-call, a popular vacation destination in its own. We invite you to be front and center and join us as we welcome the world to cruising’s future and to its number one port of innovation.. Bring us your best; you’ll find we’re ready to provide the perfect home. 

The right facility, the right ship, the right match.

Sustainable Growth

Today, we have a homeported fleet that typically sails above 100 percent capacity, both because our predominantly family market typically results in more passengers per stateroom and because we know how to respond to our market’s needs and wants with:

On Track for World Leadership

A Proven Market - Port Canaveral/Orlando

"Setting new parallels in cruise terminal management"

Cruise Terminals of America (CTA) is an active cruise terminal operator in Seattle, Washington, currently leasing and operating the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. 

Cruise Terminals of America is a joint venture between three strong corporations, each bringing specialized terminal operations experience and in-depth knowledge to the partnership. The partnership consists of General Steamship Agencies, SSA Marine, and Columbia Hospitality, Inc.

SERVICES & SPECIALTIES

Our CTA team is expert at cruise terminal design planning, start-up and operational management, and security plan development and implementation, including...

CRUISE INFORMATION

Seven major cruise lines currently operate weekly service out of Seattle on eleven premier vessels. Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises depart from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.  Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines depart from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91.

What Cruise Ports Are On The East Coast? 10 Diverse Choices!

By: Author Tyler Bowman

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2023

Categories DESTINATIONS , LEARN

One of the best ways to make the most of your time and money when planning a cruise vacation is to choose a cruise port relatively close to home. That will minimize travel costs getting to your departure point. And, you can enhance your overall vacation by planning for some activities in your embarkation city. If you live along the east coast or it is easily accessible to you, you will have the most options for selecting a departure point. (Another advantage of the east-cost cruise ports is that they often host closed-loop cruises that don’t require a passport !)

In this post, we will review what cruise ports are on the east coast. Keep reading for details on your options, as well as some hotel and activity suggestions if you choose to arrive a day or two in advance of your cruise departure.

This post contains affiliate links that could result in a commission to this website (at no additional cost to you). Visit our  Disclosures Page  for more information.

What Cruise Ports Are On The East Coast: Florida Holds The Record

Florida has the most cruise ports in the world, and we have written about them before. We have provided a detailed report on the five different ports you can find in Florida . So, to briefly recap:

Port of Miami – PortMiami is used both as a home port and a port of call for several cruise lines . The home port cruise lines include Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. The port-of-call cruise lines are AIDA, Hapag-Lloid, Hurtigruten, P&O Cruises, Phoenix, Princess Cruises, SAGA, Scenic Luxury Cruises, Seabourn, TUI Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.

Our favorite hotel for family cruisers in Miami is: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay .

Port of Ft. Lauderdale – The port of Ft. Lauderdale is named Port Everglades but hosts fewer cruise lines than Port Miami. The cruise lines from Port Everglades include Balearia Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises.

Our favorite family cruise hotel in Ft. Lauderdale is the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort .

Port of Jacksonville – The port of Jacksonville, JAXport, offers the services of only one cruise line , the Carnival Cruise Lines, though you can book through a couple of different agencies.

Our recommended hotel for family cruisers in Jacksonville is the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

Port of Tampa – Port Tampa Bay homeports a few different cruise lines throughout the year. The cruise lines at Port Tampa Bay include Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Our favorite hotel in Tampa for a pre-cruise stay is The Westin Tampa Waterside .

Port Canaveral – The last of Florida’s cruise ports, Port Canaveral, offers five different cruise lines . The cruise lines of Port Canaveral include Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.

For information about stopping at the Key West Port on your Caribbean cruise, read more here .

The Cruise Port In Baltimore, Maryland

This home port in Baltimore, Maryland, is called Cruise Maryland and functions as a home port for cruises to Bermuda , as well as those going to New England, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Canada. Though you may be more interested in getting on the ship, there is a lot to see and do in the area, so be sure to look around. 

Baltimore offers you the chance to catch up on some art, history, and more if you want to visit one of the city’s three museums. In addition, if you want a close-up experience with your favorite sea critters, you can also visit the massive National Aquarium, which offers a 4D theater experience for those feeling adventurous. 

The Cruise Maryland port is a home port for two different Cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International, but it also functions as a port of call for other cruise lines. These cruise lines include AIDA cruises and MS Amadea.

If you are lucky enough to have Baltimore as a port of call, want to extend your vacation, or want to arrive in town a bit earlier, there are plenty of things to keep your children busy if you wish. One of these brilliant places includes the Maryland Science Center in Downtown Baltimore, where your children can have a look at the child-friendly displays and get a new science experience.

In addition, you and your children can enjoy some activities at one of the top-ranked children’s museums in America by going to the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in downtown Baltimore. If you have children looking for something more adrenaline-inducing or want them to get a good night’s rest after a day out, you can visit iFly in Baltimore for an indoor skydiving experience.

Our recommended hotel for a stay in Baltimore is the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel .

The Cruise Port In Bayonne, New Jersey

The cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey, gets called the Cape Liberty Cruise Port and offers cruises between the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Canada, Greenland, New England, and the Americas, with three different cruise lines throughout the year.

The three cruise lines that use this port as a home port are Royal Caribbean International Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and TUI Cruises. Other cruise lines also come past the port that may use it as a port of call.

In 2014 Cape Liberty Cruise Port hosted the biggest and one of the most luxurious cruise ships ever to use this port, called Quantum of the seas, a ship operated by the Royal Caribbean International Cruises line. Hosting the Quantum of the seas is a fantastic feat that shows the growth, development, and progress made on the port since its creation in the 1930s and its use during the second world war .

If you aren’t rushing to get on the ship, you can do some things in Bayonne, including taking your children to one of the city’s water parks or theme parks. If you feel up for taking to the skies, you can also go on an air tour of the city by booking a helicopter ride or one of the other tour activities.

The Cruise Port In Boston, Massachusetts

The Flynn CuirsePort , found in Boston, Massachusetts, boasts a 10-minute drive from Boston Logan International Airport, allowing you to get to the cruise port quickly if needed. This port offers cruises between Boston and Bermuda, Canada, New England, and The Caribbean and is a port of call for many other cruise ships.

If you are looking to board a cruise ship from this port, there are plenty of options for the cruise line you want to use.

These include American Queen Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceana Cruises, P&O Cruises, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, The TUI Group, Vantage Cruise Lines, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Windstar Cruise Lines.

The Flynn Cruiseport is such a popular cruise port that in September of 2022 alone, their 11 Homeport Vessels had over 37 000 passengers. Though that is a significant number, in the same month of 2022, they received over 47 000 passengers as a port of call port, from 26 different cruise ships for the month.

One of the recommended things to do in Boston, whether you’re waiting for your ship or using it as a port of call, is to go to the Aquarium, where you can be closer to the sea critters. If you’re interested in it, you can also visit the LegoLand Discovery Center in Boston with your children, be sure not to step on any tiny Legos if you need to return to the cruise ship on time.

For a stay in Boston before or after a cruise, we recommend The Lenox Hotel ; or alternatively, the Seaport Hotel .

What Cruise Ports Are On The East Coast In New York City, New York

The cruise port in New York City called NYCruise has two main Terminals, one in Brooklyn and another in Manhattan. This port was awarded the title of “ Best US Homeport” by TravelAge West Magazine and offers trips to Canada/New England, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas through ten possible cruise lines, depending on the one you choose and the terminal.

The cruise lines that use this as a home port include Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, the Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, Holland America Line, and Vantage Travel. Other cruise lines also use this port as a port of call, like many other ports on the east coast.

With New York City undoubtedly being one of the US’s most popular tourist attractions, it is easy to understand why NYCruise had to develop a way to make boarding and disembarking more efficient, something they won an award for in 2011 at the Manhattan terminal.

Whether you’re just visiting this port as a part of the cruise or want to use it as a home port, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area, ensuring you can keep yourself and your children busy. One of the most popular places to see in New York City is the Statue of Liberty, so if you are in the area, it is best if you don’t skip on having a close-up.

The Cruise Port In Charleston, South Carolina

The Port of Charleston offers many cruises as a home port and port of call. The following cruise lines come through this port Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, TUI Cruises, American Queen Voyages, and Princess Cruises.

With Charleston being named 2021’s Top US City by Travel and Leisure magazine, it is easy to understand why so many cruise lines choose to start or make a stop at this port. This port is a part of a city known for its history and natural beauty, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore if your cruise ship docs at this port.

If you are looking to pass the time with your kids, some of the activities you may want to look into include exploring the Charleston Historic District and the Fire Museum.

For a hotel stay in Charleston, we recommend either the French Quarter Inn ; or alternatively the Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront (note that there are 2 different Courtyard properties in Charleston).

Closing Thoughts

The east coast offers a bounty of choices for cruisers, so start making your plans now!

Keep up with the latest cruise tips and insights! Follow us on Pinterest:

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Seattle Cruise Terminal: What To Do In This PNW Port

The Seattle Cruise Terminal, with two locations, serves as a critical gateway for Alaskan cruises. Many cruise guests who live in the United States prefer embarking at a Seattle port, eliminating the need for an international flight.

One port is conveniently located downtown, and the other is further north. The cruising season typically runs from April to October, with April, May, September, and October being shoulder season.

If you’ve chosen to begin your journey at the port of Seattle, learn how to reach the ports, which cruise lines dock where, and the options for a pre-cruise stay.

Where Are The Seattle Cruise Terminals?

Major cruise lines use two terminals in Seattle.

• Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal, or Pier 66.
• Smith Cove Cruise Terminal or Pier 91.

Neither cruise terminal offers complimentary Wi-Fi. However, most travelers from the United States or Canada usually have cell phone coverage.

Bell Street Terminal

The Bell Street Cruise Terminal is at 2225 Alaskan Way in Seattle, Washington. Also known as Pier 66, it’s conveniently located downtown, close to the Pike Place Market. From here, you can see the ships docked at Pier 91, further north (see image above).

If you need a pre-cruise stay, consider these options:

• Seattle Marriott Waterfront (2100 Alaskan Way) offers the most convenient stay across the street from the cruise port.
• The Edgewater Hotel offers a waterfront location within walking distance to Pier 66.
• The Belltower Inn – A little further away, but budget-friendly.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises primarily use this port. While the port offers no long-term parking, the Bell Street Pier Garage offers long-term stays across the street. However, being downtown, expect to pay a hefty fee of USD 35 per day.

When staying near this port or stopping here on a  Pacific Northwest cruise,  you’re within walking distance of popular Seattle attractions. You can easily reach Pioneer Square, Seattle Great Wheel, Pike Place Market, and Seattle Aquarium on foot. 

Use the Seattle Center Monorail to reach the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal

Located at 2001 West Garfield Street, the Smith Cove port sits on the Seattle waterfront but not within walking distance of downtown. This port sees the lion’s share of Seattle’s cruise ship traffic and can simultaneously accommodate a couple of ships.

Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises use the Smith Cove terminal. Here, you’ll find 1,000 long-term parking spots, reservable for USD 28 daily. Drop-in rates are USD 1 more and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

During peak times, this terminal gets congested. There is a long, covered walkway to the check-in area, ideal if it’s busy and raining.

While there aren’t any hotels within walking distance, some offer cruise shuttles (for a small fee). Here are some options for a pre-cruise stay.

• The Mediterranean Inn is affordable and offers a shuttle service for USD 10.
• MacQueen Hotel – Guests liked the large rooms and shuttle service.
• Hollywood Suites by Hilton – The closest location but not so budget-friendly.

During the Alaska cruise season, hotels in Seattle fill up fast with cruise passengers. Expect to pay higher prices for locations closer to the port during peak times. To save money, consider an airport hotel instead and travel to the cruise port the following morning.

Cruise passengers arriving in Seattle for the day need a shuttle to reach downtown. Major cruise lines provide one, usually at USD 20 roundtrip. The buses usually drop guests at The State Hotel at 2nd Avenue and Pike Street.

If you are disembarking at Pier 91, it can be mass confusion about where to get a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle. We asked several port staff where we needed to wait for Quick Shuttle, and they gave different answers. However, shuttles wait a while to pick up their customers, so it wasn’t a problem.

If you are flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or coming from Vancouver, British Columbia, here are your transportation options.

Planning your trip to Seattle, Washington?

• 🏠 The Mediterranean Inn offers a budget-friendly stay near Pier 91
• 🏠 The Edgewater Hotel boasts lovely views on the waterfront
• 🏠 The Seattle Marriott Waterfront books up fast due to its location across the street from Pier 66

Getting To The Port

From Vancouver, you can drive and find a long-term parking lot near your departure port. Expect the journey on Interstate 5 to the Mercer Street exit to take up to three hours, depending on traffic. However, be prepared to pay up to USD 200 for seven days of parking.

Amtrak Cascades takes 3-1/2 hours, leaving from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver. There are usually two daily departures, and the train journey is quite scenic. You may need a hotel stay and additional transportation to your embarkation port.

If the train schedule doesn’t work for you, several bus companies offer inexpensive transportation. FlixBus and Quick Shuttle have multiple time options. The latter has drop-off points at either cruise port.

I found the Quick Shuttle comfortable and convenient, and I liked that I didn’t need a taxi to reach the cruise terminal. However, the bus takes an hour longer than the train due to the number of pick-up and stopping points.

Passengers must disembark at the border, show passports, and go through security. However, this process was swift. Quick Shuttle or Amtrak are great options if you’re embarking in Seattle but ending in Vancouver or vice-versa.

From Sea-Tac Airport, you could pre-arrange a shuttle through your cruise line. The cost varies, and bear in mind that prices are per guest, so if you’re traveling with two or more, it may not be the most economical option.

Shuttle Express also offers trips to the port for USD 44 roundtrip, regardless of which port you’re going to.

LINK Light Rail offers a budget-friendly way to travel from the airport to downtown Seattle’s Westlake Station. Once there, you can use a taxi or rideshare to reach your terminal. Travel time estimates from Westlake Station are as follows:

• Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is a little over five minutes.
• Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 is about 15 minutes via taxi or ride share.

If you are disembarking in Seattle and have a later flight, you can benefit from the Port Valet. A complimentary service, the Port Valet will collect your luggage from the cruise ship and deliver it to the airport. You’ll be able to track your luggage online for peace of mind.

Alternatively, a post-cruise excursion lets you see Seattle and offers convenient airport drop-off.

Cruising From Seattle

When taking an Alaska cruise from Seattle, vessels stop in Victoria, British Columbia, to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Your stop at the  Victoria cruise port  may last four to five hours or all day.

Since entering another country, you must clear customs and immigration at the Seattle cruise port even if you don’t intend to get off in Victoria. 

If you have a recent DUI, you may be denied boarding. Allowing you to embark on the cruise ship is at the discretion of the CBSA agent. Should you get onboard, it’s advisable not to disembark in Victoria,  drive from Skagway to the Yukon , or take the White Pass Railroad.

When comparing Seattle Alaska cruises to ones from Vancouver, Seattle departures tend to have shorter port times. Most itineraries arrive in Juneau in the afternoon due to the longer travel time.

They may also experience rougher seas once they’ve cleared Puget Sound. Since vessels tend to cruise on the west side of Vancouver Island, they’re not protected from the swells.

Things To Do In Seattle 

If you arrive a few days before your cruise, explore the city center and see Seattle’s best sights. Seattle is a walkable city with many major attractions near the waterfront.

Pike Place Market

Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market combines a mix of fresh seafood and ingredients with a myriad of unique shops. You can shop, dine, or enjoy the sights and smells.

Below the fresh market, you’ll find a rabbit hole of tunnels and walkways leading to shops selling vintage goods, paper items, and clothing. If you love to browse, you can easily spend a few hours in your element.

Since the market and shops are indoors, it makes for a good  Seattle activity when it rains.

The Pike Place Fish Co. is an iconic venue that throws fish across the stall once purchased. Located near the large Penny Pig at the entrance, which collects money for people in need, it’s a must-visit to see the flying fish in action.

The market has a lovely selection of fresh flowers. Consider purchasing a bunch to adorn your cruise stateroom on embarkation day.

The Seattle Gum Wall provides a colorful and interesting stop outside the market. Located in Post Alley, visitors leave unwanted gum on the walls, windows, and even gas meters. While it’s disgusting and gross, you’re viewing a piece of Seattle history!

Starbucks First Coffee Shop

Visit Pike Place Starbucks if you need coffee to start your day. While it’s the first store of the famous chain, despite moving locations, it looks the same as it did originally.

In 2008, Starbucks made a special Pike Place Blend. The shop draws big crowds daily, some to listen to the summer street performers and others to say they enjoyed a brew at the iconic location.

Further up the street, at 1124 Pike Street, you can visit another Starbucks called the Seattle Roastery . Here, you can book a tour and see how the coffee chain roasts its beans.

Seattle’s Great Wheel

Seattle’s Great Wheel stands 175 feet tall, making it the tallest Ferris wheel on the United States’ west coast. Located on the waterfront, it’s similar to the London Eye but on a smaller scale. 

The wheel features 41 gondolas, each holding up to 8 people, or you can opt for a private cabin with VIP tickets. When it’s not busy, you can enjoy a gondola to yourselves as we did.

The ride lasts about 12 minutes and provides excellent views of the city. During our spin, we saw the Norwegian Bliss docked at Pier 66. 

After riding the Great Wheel, visit the Seattle waterfront. It stretches from Pioneer Square to Olympic Structure Park. The harbor area is ideal for seafood, with options like the Crab Pot, Elliott’s Oyster House, The Salmon Cooker, and Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

Located at the foot of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass is my favorite place in Seattle. You can use the Seattle Center Monorail to cut down on the walk from Pier 66. From the Seattle cruise terminal at Pier 91, it’s a 15 minute taxi ride.

Seattle’s Chihuly Garden & Glass showcases the art of Dale Chihuly, a renowned glass artist. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly revolutionized the studio glass movement. He’s known for his ambitious architectural installations and large-scale works featured in hotels worldwide.

Opened in 2012, the Seattle venue displays his stunning work in an indoor/outdoor museum. The Exhibition Hall features eight galleries and the Glasshouse, a centerpiece with a massive suspended sculpture. This vibrant, 100-foot-long piece sparkles in natural light. 

The float boats mesmerize with simple wooden vessels filled with giant glass balls of varying colors, a crowd favorite and mine too. Chihuly’s chandeliers are equally stunning, reflecting Chihuly’s unique style and his mastery of color, form, and scale. 

The outdoor garden harmoniously blends Chihuly’s installations with lush flora. Artworks here emerge organically from the landscape.

This museum isn’t just about viewing glass art; it’s an immersive experience suitable for all ages.

Space Needle

An alternative to Seattle’s Great Wheel, the Space Needle provides aerial views of Seattle Center. The Seattle landmark, built for the 1962 World’s Fair, is 605 feet tall. While it’s shorter than observation towers like the CN Tower, it still offers impressive views.

You can enjoy views of Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains from the observation deck.

Recently, a massive renovation added glass floors, enhancing the viewing experience. With close proximity to the Chihuly Garden & Glass, you can combine both visits on the same day.

Seattle Museum Of Pop Culture

You can take the Seattle Center Monorail from the Space Needle to the Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP. Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000, this vibrant hub is dedicated to contemporary pop culture. 

Its eye-catching exterior design, created by renowned architect Frank Gehry, mirrors the museum’s innovative spirit. MoPOP houses various exhibits spanning science fiction, music, and pop culture. 

It’s particularly famous for its extensive collection of memorabilia from iconic figures like Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Also, the museum hosts interactive installations, allowing you to engage with various aspects of pop culture. 

Educational programs and workshops are regular features, making MoPOP a must-visit for music lovers, especially fans of Jimi Hendrix.

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Cruise Terminal 29

2200 SE 35th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Featured Art Installation:

• Mural Ocean Footprint by Laura Atria
• Oil paintings  Corresponding Vibrations  by Mimi Botscheller
• Digital tapestry Starfish Shuffle by Xavier Cortada
• Photo collection Nature's Allure by Rick Flores

First Floor

Second Floor

Cruise passenger dies after shuttle bus crash

One woman has died and 10 others were injured after a shuttle bus crashed into the transportation area outside a Honolulu cruise terminal Friday, according to police.

The ship, Carnival Miracle, was on a 15-day journey, departing Long Beach, California, on April 6, according to Carnival Cruise Line. Nine of the people hit by the vehicle were cruise ship passengers.

"Sadly, one guest has died from her injuries. She was traveling with her husband, who was also injured and is expected to recover. Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests. Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones," Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement to ABC News.

A 57-year-old man was dropping off customers at pier 2 when a bystander told him that his vehicle was moving forward. He then jumped into the drivers seat, trying to stop the vehicle, but he accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brakes, colliding with two concrete barriers and eleven pedestrians, according to the Honolulu Police Department.

Five pedestrians were transported to the hospital -- one of whom was later pronounced dead and four others are in good condition. Six other pedestrians refused treatment on the scene, police said.

According to police, speed does not appear to be a contributing factor in the collision and it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.

The investigation is ongoing.

1 dead after shuttle bus crashes at a Honolulu cruise ship terminal

HONOLULU — One person died and multiple people were injured when a shuttle bus collided with pedestrians and concrete barriers at a Honolulu cruise ship terminal, authorities said Friday.

The crash occurred when the shuttle bus driver mistook the gas pedal for the brake, Honolulu police said in statement.

The driver had dropped off customers at Pier 2 when bystanders noticed the bus was moving forward, police said. The driver jumped in the driver’s seat and attempted to stop the vehicle when he stepped on the gas, police said.

One pedestrian, a 68-year-old woman, died. Paramedics took four others in their 50s and 60s to the hospital in serious condition. They also took a man in his 70s to the hospital in stable condition.

Paramedics evaluated and bandaged six others who declined transportation to the hospital, said Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Shayne Enright.

Police said speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash. It’s unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved, police said.

The Associated Press

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