20 Cruise Ports You Can Drive To In The United States
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Most taxis will charge a $35 flat rate from the airport to the cruise port, but it is a good idea to ask before departing, as the meter rate can be higher. 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.
Best Drive-to Homeport
And the best part is it’s only about half an hour from the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile offers many tourist activities to keep you entertained on your visit. From San Diego port, you can sail up the West Coast to Vancouver or through the exciting Panama Canal all the way to Florida.
New York City
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.
Isle of Palms Beach
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. 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. 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.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Cruise Port
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. This US Cruise Port, Icy Strait Point, earned the award for “Port of the Year” by Seatrade in 2020. 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. 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.
As a port town and a hub during the 19th-century gold rush, San Francisco is a major landmark and one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. Other unique items that are widely available are handwoven sweetgrass baskets. Since Charleston once served as a major tea exporter thanks to the many tea plantations surrounding the city, it continues to be a tea drinker’s ideal city. You’ll need more time to visit the fort, but it can be accessed via dedicated ferries from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center. Located half a mile from the Cruise Port, this departure point is the closest to the Charleston Cruise Port.
It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore, with many historic buildings and trendy restaurants. From Mobile, you can take a Carnival Fantasy operated by Carnival Cruise Line to Progreso, Costa Maya, or Cozumel in Mexico. These cruises are often as short as four days to enjoy relaxation on board and shore excursions.
New Royal Caribbean Terminal Opens in Galveston
Alongside them, American Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat Company deploy paddle wheelers along the Mississippi to ports like Baton Rouge and Vicksburg. The homeport shows no signs of slowing for either ocean cruise ships or riverboats. New Orleans has signed an agreement with Cuba that opens the way for future cruises, and Viking River Cruises has said it plans to sail Mississippi voyages within the next few years. On the other side of the Mississippi, new river cruise line, French America Line, has debuted river itineraries from Gretna, a town outside of New Orleans. A boatload of ships departs the Port of NOLA, making it the 6th busiest cruise port in the country.
Things to Do Near the Charleston Port
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. 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.
Explore The Best Cruise Ports In The U.S. - Part 1 - Orlando Magazine
Explore The Best Cruise Ports In The U.S. - Part 1.
Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. 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.
But PortMiami has lost its lead position to Port Canaveral, by roughly 50,000 cruise guests, annual passenger reports show. The Miami port, now the second-busiest port, could regain its top position after another large terminal debuts late in 2023. If you are cruising to or from popular cities in the United States like Boston, New York, or Cape Liberty, we have port guides with all the best things to do and plenty of shore excursion reviews. The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA, where you’ll find mile upon mile of jagged, snow-capped mountains and dense forest. On a cruise, you’ll be able to appreciate this wild beauty from both a land and sea perspective. You’ll see glaciers, rocky shorelines, historic gold rush towns, and flower-strewn mountain meadows.
Mallory Square and Pier is one of the disembarkation points for cruise ship passengers. The area is buzzing with street performers – human statues, sword swallowers, rope walkers, musicians, street food vendors, and more. You can take it away for a picnic to South Pointe Park, where cruise ships and other boats go in and out of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The best view at Port Canaveral is no longer from the top of a cruise ship but from the top of the Exploration Tower. This seven-story structure makes the cruise ships look not so massive after all. Cape Liberty cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey, is a popular departure point for cruises to the Caribbean with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara, and German cruise line TUI Cruises.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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. Known as the Cruise Capital of the World, Miami is a bustling port city with a vibrant mix of cultures and activities.
The city of Tampa provides easy access to downtown attractions and the Orlando area’s many shore excursion choices. Ships from Tampa typically cruise the Western and Eastern Caribbean, and the Bahamas. The cruise line will use the 161,000-square-foot terminal for the future home-porting of its Oasis-class, 5,500-guest Allure of the Seas, one of the biggest ships sailing. Cruise ships departing from Galveston primarily sail Western Caribbean itineraries, but some cruise lines offer Eastern Caribbean voyages as well. Built in partnership with MSC Cruises, the new terminal will have capacity to handle an additional 36,000 passenger movements per day.
Explore quirky neighborhoods in San Francisco and sample world-class wines from the rolling vineyards of Sonoma County. Admire the gorgeous coastal scenery of rugged cliffs, endless beaches, and pounding Pacific waves around Santa Barbara, taking time to visit the beautiful Old Mission. Hike wildflower-strewn meadows and towering cliffs on Catalina Island, and soak up the surf culture of San Diego. Parking is slightly cheaper here than at Brooklyn’s cruise port and there are overflow lots during the busy season with free shuttles available. Parking at Brooklyn Cruise Port may seem challenging, but a constant flow of arrivals and departures keeps things moving.
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