United States cruises boast some of the world’s most famous ports, including those in New York, Hawaii and Alaska. Options abound, with Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean itineraries combining top home ports with exotic locales further afield. The most popular, and consequently more expensive, US cruises take place during warm weather in June and July.
US river cruises only experience minor fluctuation between fares, with distinct cruise seasons. The Lower Mississippi River, for example, offers itineraries from April to June, and November to December. High season for Hawaii cruises is December to April and it’s possible to find cheap deals in November, right before the holiday crowds descend.
Whether passengers embark on a cruise from New York or stop as part of a multi-country itinerary, there are plenty of famous sites to see. Excursions include guided visits to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and shopping meccas.
Vibrant San Francisco offers the chance to explore the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf, plus Sonoma Wine Country for tasting tours. Astoria, Oregon, is port of call popular with history lovers, for trips to Fort Clatsop, Astoria Column and the charming town of Wheeler. Landmark tours combine with coastal adventures to Cannon Beach and the shipwreck, “Peter Iredale”.
Disembarking a cruise in Miami means sunny weather on the famous South Beach, guided tours of the Everglades and explorations of Little Havana, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Then, there’s Los Angeles with all the glamour of Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre and Universal Studios. Boston is another regular port of call, for trolley tours of the old town and guided walking tours of the Boston Freedom Trail.
For a relaxing trip, a Mississippi river cruise takes guests through New Orleans, Memphis and St Louis. In terms of adventure, cruises that include Alaska offer passengers the opportunity to go on a dogsled adventure, trek through glaciers and spot magnificent wild life. Without a doubt though, Hawaii is at the top of the list for many cruisers, to surf at Waikiki Beach, go whale watching and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Princess Cruises offer regular sailings to discover Alaska, with many popular roundtrip cruises departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver, to explore the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. The Ruby Princess is a family-friendly ship, with movies under the stars, casual dining options, a casino, big production shows and children’s clubs, offering seven night cruises that typically depart from Seattle.
Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries encompass Pacific Coastal regions, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean. The Norwegian Gem offers a seven night cruise departing New York, with stops at Nova Scotia, Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine. Onboard activities are suitable for all ages, with Broadway-style shows, dozens of restaurants, a casino and suites that range from affordable comfort to romantic luxury.
Royal Caribbean International are renowned for adventurous onboard activities, with regular sailings to USA ports of call. The Explorer of the Seas cruises from Washington, to Oregon, San Francisco and British Columbia over seven nights. A rock wall, 10 pools and whirlpools, 15 bars, clubs and lounges, plus ice-skating shows keep passengers happy.
USA cruises cater to every desire, with sun-drenched beaches, dramatic natural wonders, historical landmarks and world-famous cities competing for a spot on a wide range of exciting cruise itineraries.
