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United States Cruises

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Cruises in the United States

Whether you want to explore the dynamic cities and rocky shores of the East Coast, taste wines in the California sunshine, bask on Florida’s golden beaches, or see Alaska’s incredible wildlife, our United States cruises will deliver your dream vacation. Immerse yourself in Boston’s historic sites and exciting culinary scene. Ride the vintage cable cars in San Francisco and explore the dazzling colors of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Cruises to the United States take you to the heart of these iconic cities, as well as exploring some of the country’s most beautiful coastlines, from the icy peaks and forested inlets of Alaska to the lush landscapes of New England. The list of adventures in store is endless, from hiking, cycling, and kayaking to whale-watching, designer shopping, fine dining, and a rich, diverse culture. All this is yours, from the luxurious setting of one of our award-winning, contemporary ships.

USA Cruise Highlights

Cosmopolitan cities.

The USA can rightly claim to have some of the most exciting cities in the world. San Diego’s atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter is waiting to be explored, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a fascinating history lesson. Check out Pier 39 in San Francisco, and take a trip to Alcatraz. Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans.

Spectacular Nature

Wherever you sail in the USA, you’ll be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes. Hawaii is a lush paradise of rainforest, volcanic peaks, and tumbling waterfalls, while Alaska is wild and untamed, a world of snowy mountains, glaciers, and old-growth forest. Sail the coast of New England in fall and take in the dazzling shades of scarlet and orange on the trees. Or head south to Key West for a setting of coconut palms, sandy beaches, and colorful coral reefs.

Exciting Cuisine

Whether you want to taste award-winning vintages in Napa Valley, feast on lobster rolls in New England, or sample gumbo in New Orleans, you’ll discover an incredibly varied culinary scene on your travels around the USA. Don’t miss a salmon bake or the chance to try reindeer sausages in Alaska. In San Francisco, head for Chinatown for tasty dim sum. Key West is famed for its tangy Key lime pie, while Seattle’s claim to fame is artisan-roast coffee—and those powerful Washington State wines.

United States Cruise Regions

The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA, where you’ll find mile upon mile of jagged, snow-capped mountains and dense forest. On a cruise, you’ll be able to appreciate this wild beauty from both a land and sea perspective. You’ll see glaciers, rocky shorelines, historic gold rush towns, and flower-strewn mountain meadows. Along the way, you can hike, kayak, spot bears, go whale-watching, and feast on fresh salmon.

New England

New England has it all: cosmopolitan cities like Boston, arty seaside towns, windswept coasts, and verdant national parks. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston, and explore Portland’s seafaring history under Maine’s vast skies. Hike the woodlands and glacier-scoured peaks of glorious Acadia National Park. Time your trip for the fall and admire the fiery colors of the foliage. Everywhere you go, there’s delicious seafood to taste, like lobster rolls, or claws dripping in melted butter.

Visit some of the most exciting cities on the Pacific Coast with Celebrity. See the graceful sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge in hilly San Francisco, and ride the historic cable cars. Whizz up the Space Needle in Seattle and take in the colors and buzz of Pike Place Market. In Los Angeles, browse the designer shops on Rodeo Drive and marvel at the stars’ homes. Catalina Island, meanwhile, is another world of rugged coastlines, diverse marine life, and hiking trails with sweeping views.

Indulge in a relaxing journey across the warm Pacific from Vancouver to the lush, volcanic islands of Hawaii, where waterfalls tumble from verdant peaks and the ocean is home to abundant whales and dolphins. Visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls from Hilo, and admire the fiery antics of Mount Kilauea. Learn about history in Honolulu, the location of the only royal palace in the USA, and Pearl Harbor. Join a firelight luau in Lahaina, and visit a working pineapple plantation.

The Sunshine State is the perfect place to start your cruise. Admire the colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami’s South Beach, and taste Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Browse the shops along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and explore the canals by gondola. Take a boat ride through the watery Everglades in search of alligators. Treat your kids to a day in the theme parks around Orlando—and meet astronauts at the Kennedy Space Center. Make time to visit those glorious beaches, too.

USA Cruise Itineraries

Celebrity Cruises offers a vast range of USA cruise itineraries and departure ports. Sail from Boston, or Cape Liberty in New Jersey. In Florida, choose between Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and Miami. West Coast ports include Los Angeles, Seattle, and Seward. Cruises range from short getaways to Key West to 13-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu.

Itineraries

Why cruise to the usa with celebrity cruises.

There’s no more comfortable way to explore the exciting coastlines of the USA than with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll dock in the heart of some of the country’s most iconic cities and sail along exquisite coastlines, visiting multiple destinations and only having to unpack once.

As you sail, you’ll discover all the wonderful amenities that make a vacation on board our award-winning ships such a luxurious experience. Live life at your own pace, whether you want a workout in the Fitness Center or a private cabana by the pool. Unwind in the spa, take in the views from the Magic Carpet on Edge-series ships, or relax on the fragrant grass at the Lawn Club on Solstice-series ships. Savor world-class cuisine every day. Elevate your experience in The Retreat, where you’ll enjoy beautiful suite accommodation, an exclusive lounge, and the culinary delights of Luminae at The Retreat.

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Can I Cruise Entirely Within the U.S.?

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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For a variety of reasons, some travelers are interested in cruising within the U.S. rather than hitting overseas ports. One reader asked simply:

“Except for Hawaii, I can’t seem to find any cruises that stay entirely within the U.S. Why is that?”

The short answer to the “why” part is easy: “Because some longstanding laws, designed to protect U.S. shipbuilding and cruising, had the unintended (but entirely expectable) consequence of virtually destroying them.” Specifically, any ship cruising only between U.S. ports must employ an almost totally U.S. crew. Hence the foreign registries (and foreign labor laws) applying to virtually all the big cuise ships. Until recently, U.S. laws also required use of U.S.-built ships, but some cruiselines have apparently been given a pass on that part. Still, these chauvinistic requirements have discouraged the mass-market lines from all-U.S. cruisers.

For whatever reason, if you want to cruise entirely within the U.S., you have only a few options. However, several cruiselines offer mainly-U.S. itineraries, stopping in a foreign country to satisfy the law.

Big-Ship Cruises

As far as I can tell, only one big-ship company, Norwegian Cruise Line , operates cruises entirely within the U.S. One ship—the Pride of America —cruises entirely within the Hawaiian Islands, with a crew that complies with U.S. citizenship requirements. Unfortunately, the several other U.S.-based companies that previously operated in this area have gone out of business.

Several big-ship cruise lines offer mainly-Hawaii cruises that get around the citizenship requirement by stopping in Ensenada or Vancouver/Victoria on trips between the Islands and the mainland, or detouring to Micronesia (about 1200 miles south of Hawaii) on cruises that don’t reach the mainland. You’ll find quite a few options with these itineraries. And most of the stops on the typical Alaska Inside Passage cruise itineraries are at U.S. ports—with, of course, the obligatory Canadian stops in Prince Rupert or Vancouver.

Over the last few years, New England-Canada cruises have become quite popular for the big-ship lines. Typical itineraries include some combination of New York, Boston, Portland, Halifax, Charlottetown, Quebec, and Montreal. And big-ship lines also now offer a few itineraries up and down the West Coast that call at some combination of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. Any good cruise agency will have full particulars on these trips.

The Great Lakes

Given the size and diversity of the U.S.-Canadian Great Lakes system, I find it surprising that so few cruiselines cater to this region. Ships must be necessarily smaller than today’s mass-market megaships in order to transit two systems of tight locks—the Soo Canals between Superior and Michigan and the Welland Canal bypassing Niagara Falls—but in the recent past ships as large as 400 passengers have cruised these inland shores. For now, however, I found only two small-ship cruises currently operating, both stopping in Canada as well as the U.S.:

• Travel Dynamics International runs a several-month program of Great Lakes cruises between Toronto and Duluth in the 110-passenger Celia II .
• Peral Seas Cruises will operate one Toronto-Chicago round-trip next summer in its 210-passenger Pearl Seas Mist flagship.

A few years ago, Hapag-Lloyd operated several summer-season Great Lakes cruises in its luxury 410-passenger Columbus. This year, however, Columbus operated in other areas, and no Great Lakes itinerary is planned for 2010.

Rivers, Canals, and Waterways

A few operators run cruises on U.S. rivers, canals, and inland waterways. Because these trips involve so many waterways, the ships are typical river ships: shallow draft, only two or three decks to allow transit under bridges, and such.

• American Canadian Caribbean Line , for now, appears to be the biggest player in this market. It operates a variety of river and lake cruises in North America in two 100-passenger riverboat-type ships: Grand Caribe and Grand Mariner . Main cruising areas include Chesapeake Bay, the Erie Canal, the New England Islands, and the St Lawrence, Hudson, and Sauguenay Rivers, plus seasonal positioning cruises through the Intracoastal Waterway between Rhode Island and Florida. The 84-passenger Niagara Prince operates several river-cruise links between Chicago and New Orleans on the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Illinois Rivers, plus some of the same destinations as the other ships.
• CruiseWest will operate a full 2010 summer season of cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest in the 96-passenger Spirit of ’98 and the 84-passenger Spirit of Discovery .

Sadly, as far as I can tell, the old-time (or fake old-time) riverboat liners Delta Queen, American Queen, and Mississippi Queen do not operate this year. In fact, Majestic America Line —parent of Delta Queen and American West Steamboat companies—is dormant and trying to find a buyer. Given today’s financial climate, I wouldn’t expect anything for 2010, either.

I suppose you might count the longer Alaska Ferry trips as “cruises,” in that the full-length trips last as long as some conventional cruises and the big ferries offer overnight cabin accommodations. However, the experience is completely different from a conventional cruise: no fancy meals, no variety of shipboard activities, and port stops too short (and often at odd hours) for any real touring. Moreover, if you buy cabin accommodations and onboard meals, ferry trips aren’t even less expensive than low-end cabins on big cruiseships.

Arranging the Deal

You can book all of the big-ship cruises through the “usual suspects” cruise agencies. Typically, the best rates are for last-minute options.

The big online sites, however, don’t cover small-ship cruises as well as they might. Consider going directly to the cruiselines or through specialist agencies such as Small Ship Cruises and Great Lakes Cruise Company . Wherever you buy, however, you can expect to pay a lot more, per day, than the “from” price for a megaship cruise on one of the mass-market lines.

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Cruise to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. croix shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in st. croix.

GET YOUR RUM ON

Cruzam Rum Distillery, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Taste your way through the history of rum on St. Croix as you tour the Captain Morgan and Cruzan Rum distilleries, where you’ll learn about the process of making the Caribbean’s favorite spirit.

FORTIFIED FINDS

Canon Fort Frederik, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Check out the hard-to-miss yellow brick Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted for a vivid history lesson— it’s the best preserved Danish-built fort in the Virgin Islands. You can also visit an art gallery and several historical exhibits in Frederiksted’s Fort Frederik.

A BETTER POINT OF VIEW

Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States. It’s about a half-hour drive from Christiansted, but well worth the journey— once you arrive at the rocky bluff, you can wander up a paved road to the overlook for the best views on the island.

LOCAL CUISINE

St. Croix’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape. Stop in at any small local eatery and you’ll find fresh seafood dishes, like Cruzan Style Gundy (balls of ground herring and spices), that nod to French, Thai and Dutch cuisine— with plenty of West Indian spice and favorites like conch fritters. You’ll also find boardwalk bars serving traditional American fare, like hamburgers with rum punch.

There’s no shortage of interesting dive shops in either Christiansted or Frederiksted. But the best places to shop in St. Croix are the duty-free shops offering jewelry, liquor, clothing and souvenirs.

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The Best U.S. Cruises in 2023

By Janice Wald Henderson

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Could close-to-home U.S. cruises satisfy that out-to-sea itch? An ever-growing group of voyagers emphatically say yes. The memories of the challenges European cruisers faced last year surely contribute to U.S. cruises’ popularity boost. Besides, it’s so much easier (and far less costly) to find ports to drive to, or only require a short flight. Most American cruises possess the added allure of international flair, visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada . Nearby waters deliver breathtaking natural beauty, adventurous shore excursions, and ship vibes that range from nonstop high-energy to pampering luxury. Here, several upcoming voyages sailing from American ports that rival any cruise in far-flung locales.

Booking tips for U.S. cruises

Where can you cruise in the united states.

American-flagged carriers like UnCruise Adventures offer Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii cruises. American Cruise Lines counts the coastal Southeast, Alaska, Puget Sound, and New England among its itineraries. NLC America, a Norwegian Cruise Lines division, features the American-flagged  Pride of America sailing the Hawaiian islands. Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic cruise line possesses four American-flagged ships that cruise Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. 

Are there any cruises that stay in the United States?

Only American-flagged cruise lines can sail solely in the United States. Most popular cruise companies sailing multiple ships are foreign-flagged and must abide by laws requiring at least one foreign port stop. That’s why so many close-to-home cruises include Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico. American-flagged cruise lines that can sail solely in U.S. waters include American Cruise Lines, UnCruise Adventures, and Lindblad Expeditions. 

What is the most popular cruise line in America?

Families love Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International for an abundance of amenities befitting multi-generations. Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruises are extremely popular for U.S. cruises , too.

How much does a cruise cost in the United States?

Prices vary widely depending upon the ship category. Contemporary lines are the most economical, premium fall in the middle, and luxury cruises are the priciest. You can find weeklong cruises that cost under $100 per person per day—talk about a deal. 

The 7 best U.S. cruises 2023

Celebrity cruises: an inaugural voyage through the eastern caribbean.

The fourth ship in this line’s game-changing Edge series, the 3,260-passenger  Celebrity Ascent  makes its inaugural eight-day sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023. This sunshine-blanketed itinerary promises four charming Caribbean ports including Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and three blissful sea days. You’ll want those onboard days to never end, with the ship providing so much outdoor space to soak up the balmy Caribbean sun and soft ocean breezes. A buzzy casino and 32 eateries, bars, and lounges are big-time lures, too. Shore excursions—chilling on powdery white sand beaches, snorkeling turquoise waters teeming with colorful coral and tropical fish, and sipping champagne on catamaran sunset sails—are mesmerizing. 

Departs December 3, 2023; fares begin at $1,299 per person.

Cunard: Independence Day celebration on an iconic ship

What better way to cruise in the U.S. than to celebrate July 4 th in Boston, sailing 2,691-passenger Cunard flagship  Queen Mary 2 round trip New York? How fitting to walk the historic Freedom Trail and tour the Boston Tea Party ship on this holiday. The eight-day voyage also includes stops in Newport, Rhode Island (be sure to ogle those Gilded Age mansions), and Halifax, Canada, where passengers can stroll breathtaking public gardens and take an emotional moment to behold the single Titanic deck chair at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.  Queen Mary 2 , widely hailed for its transatlantic crossings, is a wonderful ship to call home. On board, elegance prevails, with a formal evening dress code reflecting Cunard’s sense of occasion. Afternoon tea, a humongous library, ballroom dancing, and a planetarium are among numerous onboard activities keeping passengers engaged. If in the budget, book a Princess Grill Suite; less costly than the Queens Grill, it’s still awash in extra amenities (such as an exclusive private restaurant) and especially attentive service. 

Departs June 30, 2023; fares begin at $799 per person.

Holland America Line: 10-day voyage through the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez

Revel in the Mexican Riviera’s splendor visiting ports like Loreto and Mazatlán when sailing round trip from San Diego on 2,650-passenger  Koningsdam . Dive, snorkel, jet ski, or kayak in pristine warm waters, gaze at UNESCO World Heritage Site cave paintings from pre-colonial indigenous peoples, or wander museums devoted to whales or archeology. Other port activities include ziplining, golfing, and sampling agave-based spirits. Onboard the ship, there are blues and rock-and-roll clubs that come alive at nightfall. Count on varied dining choices: New York-style pizzas, oysters on the half-shell, or juicy prime steaks, anyone? 

Departs November 25, 2023; fares begin at $849 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Explore Belize, Mexico, and Honduras

Some of the most popular ports for American cruises are in Florida. How simple to sail round trip from Miami for seven days on the 3,804-passenger  Norwegian Joy  and kick up the adrenaline in three Central American countries: Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. In Roatán, Honduras, embark on an eco-adventure, interacting with capuchin monkeys and sloths, and bouncing on an all-terrain buggy through an impossibly lush jungle. Costa Maya, Mexico, lures ocean-lovers with snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, teeming with marine life. Or, maybe your passion lies in exploring Tulum’s Mayan ruins. Parasail or zipline in Harvest Caye, Belize—Norwegian’s 75-acre resort-style island in southern Belize. Onboard the recently remodeled ship, indulge in 15 dining venues including specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse and three main dining rooms, party at nightclubs, try driving a race car on a two-level track or seek Lady Luck at the casino, revel in Broadway and Vegas-style shows. Feeling brave? Swirl down a double-loop waterslide over the ship’s side. For an exclusive ultra-chill retreat post-activities, book accommodations in the Haven, with its own restaurant, pool, and butler service.  

Multiple departures from March to April and October to December 2023; fares begin at $829 per person.

Royal Princess ' sailing along the California coast is one of the best U.S. cruises.

Princess Cruises: Seven-day classic California coast

Celebrate spring in California sailing round trip from San Francisco, with ports like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. The cruise unfolds on 3,560-passenger  Royal Princess , a most pleasing ship with a tranquil adults-only Sanctuary, and some compelling family lures such as high-caliber Broadway-style entertainment, the piazza-like Atrium, glass-floored SeaWalk, and a light and water show. In Santa Barbara, a notable curated outing promises a delicious meal at a leading local restaurant and a visit to a family-owned farm and “ground to glass” winery. Live it up at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, or admire the stunning art collection and striking modern architecture at Getty Center museum. The San Diego Zoo is a must, as is desert ziplining in Baja—although driving an ATV through Guadalupe Valley’s wine country is pretty darn cool, too. 

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Kimberly Wilson

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Harrison Pierce

Departs April 16, 2023; fares begin at $349 per person.

Silversea: Nome, Alaska, to Vancouver

Among U.S. cruises , an Alaska itinerary is a must-do. Go far beyond the typical Alaskan ports in this adrenaline-charged expedition onboard 274-passenger  Silver Wind . The ice-class ultra-luxury all-suite vessel spends 18 days exploring authentic Alaska with an impassioned expedition team including biologists and geologists. This cruise is majorly inclusive; all passengers receive complimentary dining and alcohol, tuxedo-clad butler service, shore excursions, and expedition gear. Primo sustainable caviar and its accouterments are complimentary, anytime, anywhere, onboard, too. Venture ashore with seasoned guides to hike the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on St. Matthew Island, a bird-lover’s paradise of guillemots, auklets, and tufted puffins, and note the Shinto shrine left behind in the Aleutian Islands’ Kiska Harbor by occupying Japanese soldiers during World War II. More Aleutian explorations lead to jaw-droppers like pristine glaciers, fossilized forests, hot springs, and waterfalls, and wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, orcas, and blue foxes. 

Departs September 14, 2023; fares begin at $12,450 per person.

Viking: Canada and the Atlantic coastline

Spring and autumn are primetime for 16-day U.S. cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Toronto, Canada on 378-passenger expedition ship  Viking Octantis. This voyage features many inclusions, such as an enthusiastic expedition team, one complimentary landing or shore excursion in each port, and outings by kayak, rubberized small boats, and Special Operation Boats (12-seaters that leave the ship via a protected marina and can convert from open seating to enclosed cabin). As on other Viking ocean liners, 24-hour room service, king beds, spacious baths with heated bathroom floors, complimentary wine and beer with meals, and specialty restaurant dining also rank high among included amenities. Ashore, you’ll find a mix of fascinating cities (like Quebec City and New York City) and spectacular scenery. Bike about Toronto, hike Canada’s La Mauricie National Park, kayak or bird-watch in Charleston. And who knew there were more than 300 resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the inlets, creeks and marsh flats around Charleston? Chances are, sightings will enchant on a guided tour. 

Departs April 13, September 15, and September 26, 2023; fares begin at $10,395 per person.  

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The town of Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking harbors in the world. Once home to pirates of long ago, today visitors find treasures of a different kind, for now beautiful beaches and bountiful duty-free shopping are truly its claim to fame.

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10 Amazing Ways to See the U.S. by Cruise Ship

Hannah Lott-Schwartz is an award-winning lifestyle journalist and editor. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic Traveler , Fortune , Hemispheres , Time , Delta Sky , and Robb Report, in addition to Travel + Leisure .

The right cruise can put joy back into the journey, making everything from departure to the final destination and return trip part of the actual vacation. Maximize relaxation time by keeping close to home — because you don’t have to go far to find wonder in this world. “Domestic cruising is brilliant,” says Lisa Niver, a Virtuoso travel advisor and cruising expert who spent seven years working on cruise ships. “For a while, travelers felt they had to fly far away to see something interesting or exciting, and now they’re realizing how much the United States and nearby has to offer.” One major benefit: Because you won’t have to deal with jetlag for the most part, you won’t spend part of your vacation in recovery mode. In some cases, you can even drive to your departure port. “Everything is just easy ,” Niver says. “You get on the ship, you unpack once, and you go to many destinations.” Ready to say “Bon voyage!” and let someone else do the sailing? Here are 10 amazing excursions that touch all corners of the United States.

See the leaves change from New York to Quebec

A highlight reel of the Northeast, Crystal Cruises ’ Fall Foliage Sojourn departs from New York City during peak leaf-changing season and follows those warm autumnal hues through nautical New England and into Canada. Along the way, you can get lost in Newport, Rhode Island’s historic district; find the Freedom Trail in Boston Commons, America’s oldest public park; and salivate over Bar Harbor, Maine’s legendary lobster rolls. A lighthouse-dotted coast along Prince Edward Island keeps the cozy vibes alive before a little slice of Europe brings you back to earth in Quebec. (From $2,699 per person for eight days.)

Set your watch to Hawaiian Islands time

Once you make it to Hawaii, island hopping is a must. There’s Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island, the twisty Road to Hana on Maui — and there’s no need to book flights between them. Norwegian offers year-round roundtrip departures from Honolulu that hit all of the above plus rainforest-covered Kauai. And they come with big booking bonuses, like free airfare and shore excursion credits. No wonder it’s an award-winning trip. (From $1,449 per person for seven days.)

Discover wine regions of the Pacific

Booze cruising gets the grown-up treatment on the West Coast, where Princess Cruises’ Pacific Wine Country itineraries whisk wine enthusiasts from one wine region to another. In Santa Barbara, venture into the Funk Zone, a trendy downtown neighborhood packed with tasting rooms, galleries, and chef-driven restaurants, where you can drink in the Santa Ynez Valley. But make sure to save room in your suitcase: In Vancouver, you’ll have access to British Columbia’s top-rated wines, many of which aren’t available outside the province. (From $689 per person for six or seven days with departures from Los Angeles or Vancouver.)

Time travel with Lewis and Clark

For a fresh way to see the Pacific Northwest, take a note from history and go back in time 215 years to when explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark first set eyes on the region during their now-famed expedition. Launching from Portland, the Columbia and Snake Rivers Voyage travels through the Columbia River Gorge to the Idaho border, where adrenaline junkies can jet boat down rapids into Hells Canyon. Because every National Geographic–Lindblad departure comes with its own expedition team of industry pros, you’ll get insider info along the way on everything from culture and wildlife to photography tips for perfecting your shot. (From $4,990 per person for seven days.)

Sail under the Northern Lights in Alaska

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The world exists differently in Alaska, particularly at sea where it’s somehow more pure, more primal. The Northern Lights hang overhead while the Queen Elizabeth , your Cunard ship, pulls through a sea maze of fjords and glaciers to Victoria, Anchorage, Kodiak, and beyond. The journey comes to life with grizzly sightings and stories detailing First Nations heritage. (From $2,659 per person for 17 days.)

Leave New York behind for golfing greens and pink-sand beaches

A golfer’s dream, the Bermuda and the Old South departure from Azamara Club Cruises gives passengers plenty of time to tee up in Charleston, South Carolina, and Hamilton, Bermuda — the only two stops on this 11-day cruise. There’s also an option to attend the 83rd Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, for those who fully live the link life. For everyone else, there’s Civil War history and Southern hospitality to find in Charleston, while pink-sand beaches and pastel-hued colonial architecture line Bermuda — and then there’s the award-winning ship itself. (From $1,399 per person for 12 days.)

Go with the flow of the Mississippi

Just before the Mississippi River joins the Gulf of Mexico, it hits Louisiana — and Louisiana hits back with such mesmerizing character that you’ll feel wonderfully at her mercy. With USA River Cruises , you can float from New Orleans to the immaculately preserved historic river towns of St. Francisville and Nottoway in true Southern style: aboard the all-suite paddlewheel steamboat American Duchess . As Louisiana reveals her gifts in turn — be it antebellum remnants, a truly intoxicating melting pot of cultural influences, or a brass-tinged nightlife that wakes up the sun — just sit back and go with the river’s flow. (From $1,199 per person for six days.)

Test the crystal-clear waters of the Eastern Caribbean

An ideal place to catch the travel bug, the Eastern Caribbean comes with a certain ease that’s hard to replicate — and you’ll be hard-pressed to find nicer waters to dip your toes into. With Carnival , you can take turns at tropical adventure and idyllic leisure, whether that’s swimming among waterfalls in the Dominican Republic’s Rio Damajagua, rum tasting on St. Thomas, or exploring Puerto Rico’s Central Mountains by horseback. (From $399 per person for seven days.)

Join the revolution in Chesapeake Bay

Ghosts of the American Revolution stir off the coast of Baltimore and the nation’s capital, particularly in Chesapeake Bay aboard the American Constitution . The new 175-passenger ship from American Cruise Lines docks at a new port every day, putting the Revolutionary War’s most important sites — like Yorktown’s monumental battlefield and the Founding Fathers’ homes — at your doorstep, with period experts on hand both at sea and on shore. (From $4,805 per person for 11 days.)

Discover what makes the Great Lakes so great

Traveling between Chicago and New York entirely by boat feels like getting backdoor access to a trendy nightclub, only without the secret handshakes. As you traverse 12 waterways — from the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal and on into the Hudson River — Great Lakes Cruising ’s Great American Waterways tour makes you feel like you’re getting exclusive access to a side of America that doesn’t often get seen. The cruise connects industry with interest, with excursions to a working Blacksmith shop and the Henry Ford Museum, along with the opportunity to marvel at master engineering each time your ship passes through the canal locks. (From $5,149 per person for 16 days.)

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6 Places to Cruise Without a Passport

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If you thought you needed a passport to head overseas on every single trip, think again. Those long waits for passport applications or renewals , even if you finally secured an in-person appointment , aren't needed for some cruise vacations. 

Yes, it can come as quite a surprise that you can cross a U.S. border and visit a foreign country without this important document, but it’s true. The secret: closed-loop cruises. These are cruises that depart from a U.S. port, visit other countries, then return to a U.S. port of entry.

This loophole, if you want to call it that, is the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative designed to allow travel to and within North American countries on a cruise ship. Instead of a passport, passengers will need to carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization should suffice). 

Armed with this piece of advice, international travel aboard these no-passport cruises can be your ticket to a unique vacation. You no longer have to deal with bureaucracy and long waits for first-time applications or renewals.

Here are six cruises that don’t require a passport.

Places to cruise without a passport 

1. alaska-canada.

Wait a minute, you’re thinking. Alaska is a U.S. state. True, but Alaskan cruises can sometimes make stops in parts of British Columbia, like Victoria. If so, you can still visit as long as the cruise you take begins and ends in the U.S. 

Alaska is a popular vacation destination for its majestic scenery, glacier-filled landscape and outdoor adventures from dog-sledding to helicopter rides over the mountains. Seeing this part of the country by ship is one of the most convenient and beautiful ways to get around.

You can also find Alaskan cruises that start and end in Vancouver, British Columbia, which don't technically qualify as passportless cruises unless you cross the border from the U.S. into Canada by land using two pieces of approved government identification: an enhanced driver’s license (currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state only) and a U.S. birth certificate.

With those two approved documents and traveling overland into Canada, it is possible to do a one-way cruise starting or ending in Vancouver as an American without a passport. Note that flying across the border would require a passport, however.

Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas, for example, departs from Vancouver and disembarks in Seward, Alaska.

2. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. Because of its proximity to the U.S., there are often shorter three-night cruises from Florida that make it easy to snag a good deal on a whim. Plus, it qualifies as an option for cruises without passports.

For many people without or in between passport applications, it can be disappointing to have to ignore last-minute deals . That’s no longer the case when you take advantage of cruises you can go on without a passport.

There's excellent shopping, dining and water sports activities in many ports like Nassau and Freeport. Another popular option is buying a day pass to mega resorts like Baha Mar and Atlantis , both of which welcome cruise visitors for the day.

Three-day cruises aboard Carnival Conquest depart Miami for the Bahamas, but return back to Miami. This means U.S. passengers don't need a passport for this closed-loop sailing.

Cruises to Bermuda are almost always closed-loop sailings from a U.S. port, save for a few transatlantic trips. This means you can visit the British territory without the worry of having a valid passport.

Bermuda has beautiful golf courses, historic forts and excellent dining. Many cruises overnight here to give passengers time to get out and explore. 

There are sailings aboard Celebrity Cruise Line's Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Eclipse that don't require passports as they depart a U.S. port, travel to Bermuda for a few nights, then return to a U.S. port.

4. U.S. Northeast-Canada

If you’re looking for culture and history in the northeast, cruises that depart New England for parts of Canada are a great option.

Closed-loop cruises that depart and end in the U.S. negate the need for a passport (despite stops in Canadian ports), and like Alaskan cruises, one-way sailings remain an option if you choose to drive across the U.S.-Canada border and hold an enhanced driver’s license to cross.

From urban destinations like Boston and Halifax to picturesque destinations like Bar Harbor, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick, cruises like these trade palm trees and sunscreen for evergreens and rain jackets. This itinerary on Celebrity's Celebrity Summit ship doesn't require a passport because of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

» Learn more: Your guide to the U.S.-Canada border crossing

5. Other Caribbean islands

There are a lot of options when it comes to visiting Caribbean islands.

U.S. cruise ports line the coastline including places like:

Fort Lauderdale.

Port Canaveral.

Galveston, Texas.

Mobile, Alabama. 

New Orleans.

As long as your cruise departs and returns to a U.S. port, you won’t need to bring a passport.

Various cruises that depart locations like these visit several islands in the region, including:

Grand Cayman.

St. Maarten.

Aside from water sports and outdoor adventure, you can visit markets, explore historic sites, meander through the town center on some islands and discover what makes the Caribbean a diverse region.

If you are wary about taking advantage of this benefit (perhaps some people in your party have a passport and others don’t), consider a cruise to U.S. island territories instead. These include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John). Traveling by plane or ship to these island paradise destinations is considered a domestic trip. 

Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.

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You can find cruises from either U.S. coast to Mexico with its glittering beaches, historic landmarks and incredible cuisine.

As long as the ship you are taking departs and returns to a U.S. port, these are some of the cruises that don’t require a passport. Passport-free, you can visit ports like:

Cabo San Lucas.

Puerto Vallarta. 

This four-night departure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas makes a visit to Cozumel before returning back to Texas.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Can you cruise without a passport?

Yes, there are several cruises without passport requirements that you can book. This is welcome news for those whose passports may have expired, for families who want to opt out of buying short-term passports for children , or haven't had a chance to renew their passport. 

However, it is preferable to have a passport with you (in the event you need medical care and have to stay in the country, for example). Purchasing cruise travel insurance or booking your trip with a credit card that includes coverage can also mitigate the risks of travel emergencies.

A cruise is an easy way to visit many new places without having to unpack and pack again. When you discover a place you want to return to, you can plan another trip, perhaps with a new passport in hand.

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Sailing America: 10 of the best spots to cruise in the US

• Steve Walburn
• May 6, 2022

Sailing America opens up wide and varied cruising grounds, taking in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as well as temperate and tropical locations to explore under sail. Steve Walburn shares his 10 best spots

Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, offers cruisers wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. Credit: Getty

From the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, America boasts the world’s eighth-longest coastline.

Throw in an abundance of freshwater sailing in the Great Lakes, along with myriad tropical destinations accessible from US waters, and the United States presents nearly endless cruising opportunities for visiting sailors.

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, offers plenty of sailing, including Chicago Harbor, guarded by the automated lighthouse on the northern breakwater. Credit: Getty

Whether you sail across the Atlantic or fly to the States and charter a boat, UK cruisers will find sailing adventure as varied as the country itself.

With both major coastlines stretching north and south, there is always year-round cruising at one latitude or another.

Starting in the Northeast during summer and working clockwise around the country, here are ten great destinations to set sail in the New World and beyond.

Penobscot Bay, Maine

Maine has a strong boat building heritage and you will see plenty of examples as you cruise the bay, including Casco. Credit: Getty

With its craggy coastline and rich maritime heritage, Maine may be the ultimate US cruising ground.

From Casco Bay in the south to the Bay of Fundy in the north, a labyrinth of wilderness islands, picturesque villages, and secluded anchorages await adventurous mariners.

Roughly in the middle of that ragged coast are the celebrated waters of Penobscot Bay.

There Maine’s tradition of wooden boat building thrives in places like Brooklin Boat Yard and Center Harbor.

Pink granite outcrops and evergreen forests line the scenic coast.

Gunkhole in a private cove for a day or two, then grab a mooring ball or a slip in any of dozens of Penobscot Bay harbors.

Excellent hiking and camping await on islands such as Warren Island State Park, where in summer the lush maritime woodlands are ripe with wild blueberry and raspberries.

Sailing America: Getting to Penobscot Bay, Maine

Peak Maine cruising season is July through August. During that time, the prevailing wind is a light southerly of about 5 knots.

The bay’s 20-mile breadth poses little difficulty entering either west or east Penobscot Bay.

However, a big tidal range, frequent fog , and a gauntlet of lobster pots make for challenging sailing.

Granite headlands call for vigilance against underwater ledges and obstructions.

Provisioning opportunities can be limited, so stock up in ports such as Rockland or Camden before venturing out.

Bareboat charters are available through Johanson Boatworks in Rockland ( www.jboatworks.com ) and Northpoint Yacht Charters in Rockport ( www.northpointyachtcharters.com ).

Buy Waterway Guide—Northern Edition 2022 at Amazon (US)

Buy A Visual Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast by James Bildner at Amazon (US)

Buy A Visual Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast by James Bildner at Foyles (UK)

Buy A Visual Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast by James Bildner at Amazon (UK)

Buy Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast by Hank and Jan Taft at Amazon (UK)

Sailing America: Newport, Rhode Island

The harbour at Newport is usually crowded but there are plenty of places to anchor in the bay. Credit: Getty

Newport, Rhode Island, is arguably the capital of US sailing. Nautical influences on this classic New England town range from the world’s largest fleet of 12 Metres to the Golden Age of Sail.

Consistent winds in relatively protected Narragansett Bay make for pleasant sailing in a light chop. The local climate is warmed by proximity to the Gulf Stream, and the sailing season can run through October.

Downtown Newport offers world-class dining, haul-out and repair facilities, and a bustling city centre full of diverse American architecture.

The Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame are in nearby Bristol, and the famed Newport International Boat Show is in September.

Just outside Narragansett Bay lie the famed cruising grounds of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island, all within a day’s sail.

The entrance to Long Island Sound (and New York Harbor via the East River) is about 40 miles south.

Sailing America: Getting to Newport

Narragansett Bay is divided into three sections: West Passage, East Passage, and the Sakonnet River. Conanicut Island lies in the middle and offers shelter on either side during strong southerly or northeasterly blows.

There are various mooring fields in all three sections of the bay, with popular anchorages off the east shore of Aquidneck Island.

Upon entering the bay from Rhode Island Sound, Newport Harbor is just beyond a relatively narrow channel south of Castle Hill Lighthouse at the mouth of East Passage.

The water widens inside, with plenty of room to maneuver until you enter the harbor proper, which is usually crowded with moored vessels.

Sail in a 12 Metre regatta with www.12meteryachtcharters.com .

Bareboat in Narragansett Bay through www.bareboatsailing.com.

Buy A Cruising Guide to Narragansett Bay and the South Coast of Massachusetts by Lynda Morris Childress, Patrick Childress and Think Martin at Amazon (US)

Buy A Cruising Guide to Narragansett Bay and the South Coast of Massachusetts by Lynda Morris Childress, Patrick Childress and Think Martin at Amazon (UK)

Buy A Cruising Guide to Narragansett Bay and the South Coast of Massachusetts by Lynda Morris Childress, Patrick Childress and Think Martin at Foyles (UK)

Sailing America: Chesapeake Bay

Spring and fall are the best times to cruise Chesapeake Bay. Credit: Getty

Chesapeake Bay is the largest inlet on the Atlantic Coast.

Its massive watershed drains six states and the District of Columbia, but the saltwater ecosystem is confined primarily to Virginia and Maryland.

With more total shoreline than the entire US west coast, scores of major cities and small towns line the bay.

The upper reaches are highlighted by Annapolis, Maryland, famous for its sailing heritage and annual boat show.

Baltimore Harbor is a little farther north, and Washington DC is just to the west on the Potomac River.

In contrast to the west side of the bay, the Eastern Shore is mostly farmland, with endless creeks, bays, and narrows offering a gunkholer’s delight.

Popular small ports on the eastern side include St. Michaels on the Miles River and Oxford on the Tred Avon River.

The southern bay is home to busy Virginia ports such as Virginia Beach and Norfolk, the site of a huge US naval station.

Sailing America: Getting to Chesapeake Bay

Offshore sailors enter the bay at the 17-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting mainland Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore.

For inshore travellers, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway joins the bay with protected North Carolina waters farther south.

The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects the upper Chesapeake Bay to Delaware Bay. Both stretches are important ICW corridors for snowbird cruisers migrating with the seasons.

Mid-summer brings stifling heat and humidity, but spring and fall offer pleasant sailing in temperate climates.

Bareboat rentals with Waypoints Annapolis ( www.waypoints.com ).

Buy Cruising the Chesapeake: A Gunkholers Guide by William Shellenberger at Amazon (US)

Buy Cruising the Chesapeake: A Gunkholers Guide by William Shellenberger at Amazon (UK)

Buy Cruising the Chesapeake: A Gunkholers Guide by William Shellenberger at Waterstones (UK)

Buy Waterway Guide Chesapeake Bay 2022 at Amazon (US)

Buy Waterway Guide Chesapeake Bay 2022 at Amazon (UK)

Beaufort to Beaufort, The Carolinas

Beaufort, North Carolina is a good base for exploring the Outer Banks to the north

A cruise from Beaufort, North Carolina, to Beaufort, South Carolina, features the historic ports of both cities, as well as the antebellum city of Charleston, SC.

On the northern end lies Beaufort, NC (pronounced Bō-fert), with its quaint waterfront, maritime history museum, and quick access to the wild Outer Banks.

Beaufort’s immediate neighborhood includes the pristine Rachel Carson marine reserve, Shackleford Banks and its herd of wild horses, and Cape Lookout National Seashore, the southern terminus of one of the longest undeveloped coastlines on the Atlantic seaboard.

South Carolina’s identically named town (pronounced Bū-ferd) is home to classic Lowcountry marshes graced with vibrant green spartina grasses and an afternoon light that is downright ethereal.

In between lies Charleston, a sprawling seaport of historic antebellum homes, world-class restaurants, and graceful southern charm.

Sailing America: Getting to Beaufort to Beaufort

It is roughly 350 miles between the Beauforts, which can also include stops at salty towns like Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC. Well-travelled sections of the ICW connect all three cities.

Extra caution is advised when entering or exiting any of the inlets that bisect the mid-Atlantic barrier islands, especially on strong southeasterly winds or at low tide.

Frying Pan Shoals off the cape at Bald Head Island extends well offshore and deserves a very wide berth.

Transient boat slips are available in all three harbours through Safe Harbor Marinas ( www.shmarinas.com ).

Buy Waterway Guide Atlantic ICW 2022 at Amazon (US)

Florida Keys

There are hundreds of islands to cruise in the Florida Keys including Wisteria Island in Key West. Credit: Getty

The Florida Keys are often perceived as simply a jumping-off point for passage to the Caribbean , but they offer excellent cruising in themselves.

Charter a boat in Miami, and you have more than 800 islands and islets stretching 150 miles from Key Biscayne to Key West.

Beyond that lie the Marquesas and Dry Tortugas island groups, both US territories and the centrepieces of a US national wildlife refuge and a national park.

The 70-mile passage from Key West to Dry Tortugas is a popular trip accessible to most intermediate-level cruisers.

The Keys are also home to the only barrier coral reef in North America, and the third largest in the world.

Ashore any of the Keys you will find a kitschy, flip-flop vibe unlike anywhere else in the States. And best of all, the Keys are indeed a great staging area for any itinerary that takes you deeper into the Caribbean.

Sailing America: Getting to the Florida Keys

Most marine areas from Key Biscayne to the Dry Tortugas are protected by the 3,800-square mile Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

There are mooring balls located up and down the reef. Contact the sanctuary for a free map of mooring ball locations ( www.floridakeys.noaa.gov ).

If anchoring , keep in mind that much of the Keys is marl bottom, which can make getting a good anchor set difficult.

When in doubt, use the clear waters to dive on your anchor. Bareboat charters are available through Miami Yacht Charters ( www.miamicharters.com ).

Buy Waterway Guide Florida Keys at Amazon (US)

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Continues below…

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US Virgin Islands

St John is a popular sailing destination in the USVIs, but you can find a quiet anchorage, off Hawksnest Bay. Credit: Getty

The US Virgin Islands (USVI) offer classic cruising in cerulean water against a backdrop of green volcanic islands.

Distinct from the flatter and more arid Bahamas to the north, the USVI is a tropical paradise lying at the dividing line between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

In addition to the group’s three main islands, there are scores of smaller islets and cays scattered throughout the archipelago.

They are renowned for sandy white beaches and lush tropical forests. Maho Bay on St. John is one of the more popular destinations, known for the opportunity to snorkel with green and hawksbill sea turtles.

There are numerous national parks, monuments, and marine preserves throughout the islands. More than half of St. Thomas is a US national park.

Point your bow toward the USVI, and you will end up at the centre point of the entire Virgin Islands archipelago, with the British VI lying due east and the lesser-known Puerto Rican VI to the west.

Sailing America: Getting to the US Virgin Islands

There are several ways to sail to the Virgin Islands. A rhumb line from the US mainland at Miami is known as the Thorny Path due to the labyrinth of islands, reefs, shoals, currents, and upwind slogs complicating the route.

This nearshore passage is best handled in short hops over a long period of successive weather windows. That means taking several weeks instead of days.

The alternative is known as the I-65 Expressway, so named because it takes you east of Florida offshore to longitude 65°W.

From there you sail south across the trades in true offshore conditions. Or you can just fly into St. Thomas and charter with Waypoints USVI ( www.waypoints.com ).

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands 2022 by Simon Scott at Amazon (US)

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands 2022 by Simon Scott at Amazon (UK)

Channel Islands, California

All moorings at Avalon harbor on Catalina, one of the Channel Islands, are allocated on a first-come, first, serve basis. Visiting yachts should stand by the harbor entrance to be assigned a mooring. Credit: Getty

California’s Channel Islands consist of eight major islands divided into a northern group and a southern group.

Cruisers visiting southern California will find either destination a short sail off the mainland.

Characterised by arid, rugged terrain and abundant wildlife, this pristine area presents challenging sailing that rewards mariners with stunning scenery in remote anchorages.

A menagerie of whale, dolphin, sea lion, and seal species inhabit these waters, most of which are encompassed in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Onshore you will find scattered beaches, sea caves, and excellent hiking in places such as the Pelican Bay Trail on Santa Cruz Island. Flora and fauna range from cacti to buffalo.

Because much of the Channel Islands are protected or private, you may need a permit to go ashore.

When you are ready to regroup in port, check out the scenic town of Avalon on Catalina Island.

At a population of only 3,460, it is the most developed town in these otherwise pristine islands and a great place to re-provision, shop, or dine out for a night or two.

Sailing America: Getting to the Channel Islands

The closest of the Channel Islands is less than 15 miles from the mainland, but the entire archipelago is known for ocean swell, confused seas, and strong winds.

To the north, Point Conception is sometimes referred to as the “Cape Horn of the Pacific” due to frequent gales that threaten seas in the northern group.

And the downslope Santa Ana “Devil Winds” blowing offshore from the mainland are a force to be closely monitored

All the islands offer plenty of anchorages, but relatively few are fully protected.

Perfect your anchoring technique and ground tackle before setting sail to the Channel Islands.

Charter or bareboat from Santa Barbara Sailing Center ( www.sbsail.com ).

Buy the Cruising Guide to California’s Channel Islands by Brian Fagan at Amazon (US)

Buy the Cruising Guide to California’s Channel Islands by Brian Fagan at Amazon (UK)

Buy the The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands by Brian Fagan at Amazon (US)

Buy the The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands by Brian Fagan at Amazon (UK)

San Francisco Bay, California

It is best to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge on the slack before the flood. Credit: Getty

When you have had your fill of California’s wild coastal islands, head north for some urban cruising in beautiful San Francisco Bay.

Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge is a milestone for any mariner.

Host of the 2013 America’s Cup, the bay is a colourful mix of cityscape and nature, from local green spaces to surrounding recreation areas, parks, and mountains.

Hip and progressive, America’s iconic west coast city reflects cultural influences ranging from the Beat Generation to nearby Silicon Valley.

At the nautical epicentre are Aquatic Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, including its flagship Balclutha , a 301-foot square-rigger built in 1886.

Take a couple of days or a couple of weeks to cruise past the exhilarating port cities lining the bay, and you’ll find plenty of sightseeing—and wind—to keep any sailor entertained.

Sailing America: Getting to San Francisco Bay

Most cruisers chart a counterclockwise route through the bay, always mindful of the powerful winds running through the narrows under Golden Gate Bridge, a long fetch known as The Slot.

Notorious for fog and chill ocean winds, even in the peak of summer bay sailing is a bracing experience.

Major shipping lanes, stacked seas, and strong currents add to the challenge (and accomplishment) of sailing in San Francisco Bay.

Some of the more popular anchorages include Clipper Cove, Richardson Bay off of Sausalito, Ayala Cove at Angel Island State Park, and Aquatic Park Cove on the northern edge of the city.

Bareboat or skippered charters are available through Spinnaker Sailing ( www.spinnaker-sailing.com ).

Buy Cruising Guide to San Francisco Bay by Bob and Carolyn Mehaffy at Amazon (US)

Buy Cruising Guide to San Francisco Bay by Bob and Carolyn Mehaffy at Amazon (UK)

San Juan Islands, Washington

Lummi in the San Juan Islands offers a sheltered anchorage, with a view of Mount Baker, an active volcano. Credit: Getty

What Maine sailing is to America’s northeast coast, the San Juan Islands are to its Pacific Northwest.

This archipelago of temperate rainforests scattered between Washington State and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, offers some of the best cruising in North America.

Situated above the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Salish Sea, the islands also mark a starting point for passages farther north along the magnificent BC coast and up the Inside Passage to Southeast Alaska.

The San Juans are former British territory charted in 1792 by Royal Navy officer George Vancouver, after whom many of the region’s most prominent landmarks are named.

Today, the islands are a serene outpost of sparse human inhabitation coexisting with towering fir and hemlock trees, black-tailed deer, sea otters, shorebirds, migrating waterfowl, and America’s highest concentration of its national symbol, the bald eagle.

Pods of resident orcas roam the myriad passes and inlets in pursuit of salmon and seals.

Cruisers needing to stretch their legs ashore will find pebble beaches and excellent hiking on nearly every island.

Sailing America: Getting to the San Juan Islands

You can spend a week and see plenty of the San Juans or spend years and still not see it all.

These compact islands are a labyrinth of passages, coves, and bays that make for world-class anchorages.

There are 11 Washington state marine parks in the San Juans, all of which offer moorings, campsites, and other essential facilities.

Underwater rocks and strong tidal flows abound, so large-detail charts and tide tables are a must. Shore-tying skills are also critical in anchorages that are too confined to permit standard anchoring.

Charters are available from San Juan Sailing ( www.sanjuansailing.com )

Buy Waggoner Cruising Guide 2021 Volume 2 at Amazon (US) Buy Waggoner Cruising Guide 2021 Volume 2 at Amazon (UK) Buy Waggoner 2022 Cruising Guide

Hawaiian Islands

Yachts can only stay 72 hours in a single anchorage before moving on in Hanalei Harbor on Kauai, and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Credit: Getty

Although Hawaii is more than 2,000 miles from the American mainland, no US cruising guide would be complete without a nod to this storied Pacific destination.

Surrounded by steady trade winds, Hawaii offers year-round sailing in azure waters against a backdrop of lush volcanic islands.

Cruising sailors share the waters with humpback whales, spinner dolphins, monk seals, manta rays, green turtles, and a kaleidoscope of reef fishes.

Onshore, these isolated islands present a spectrum of micro-climates determined by altitude, wind, topography, and weather patterns.

The result is a rich diversity of ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to desertscape and alpine slopes.

The state is also among America’s most culturally diverse because of its central location between North America and East Asia. Its state flag still incorporates the Union Jack.

Sailing America: Getting to the Hawaiian Islands

The trade winds in Hawaii average about 15 knots from the east. However, wind accelerating through the passes between islands can make things very spicy.

The leeward or western side of the archipelago offers calmer seas most of the time.

Sailors depart for the Hawaiian Islands from all corners of the Pacific, including Mexico , Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska.

And, of course, you can always sail across from the US mainland. But that is a whole other story!

Bareboat options are limited in Hawaii due to the challenging conditions.

For a skippered charter, check out Yacht Charters Hawaii ( www.charter-hawaii.com ) or Honolulu Sailing Company ( www.honsail.com )

Buy Cruising Guide to the Hawaiian Islands by By Carolyn and Bob Mehaffy at Amazon (US)

Buy Cruising Guide to the Hawaiian Islands by By Carolyn and Bob Mehaffy at Amazon (UK)

Buy Charlie’s Charts: Hawaiian Islands by Charles and Margo Wood at Amazon (US)

Buy Charlie’s Charts: Hawaiian Islands by Charles and Margo Wood at Amazon (UK)

Sailing America: Hidden Attractions

Museum hopping.

Herreshoff Marine Museum’s Hall of Fame is a must visit. Credit: Getty

Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame

Brothers Nathanael and Francis Herreshoff are America’s most celebrated naval architects.

They built everything from canoes to torpedo boats but are best remembered as the authors of hundreds of sailing designs, five of which won America’s Cup titles.

Located in Bristol, RI, the museum is easily visited during a cruise of Narragansett Bay.

www.herreshoff.org

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Immerse yourself in Chesapeake Bay’s nautical history by sailing to St. Michaels, Maryland.

The local maritime museum consists of 35 buildings and 85 vessels, including the last working log-bottom bugeye, Edna Lockwood, a Chesapeake Bay oyster dredger declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

www.cbmm.org

North Carolina Maritime Museums

This network of state history museums is dedicated to the story of North Carolina’s rich nautical history.

One of the best in the system is in Beaufort, NC, where you will find colorful exhibits of maritime history ranging from pirate ships to wooden skiffs.

www.ncmaritimemuseums.com

San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park

Encompassing 50 acres, this US National Park Service facility is one of the west coast’s most important nautical history centres.

Among other attractions, it includes a museum, a fleet of six historic vessels, and a research centre housing thousands of photographs, articles, books, artwork, and naval drawings.

www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm

Bonus Cruising Grounds

Sanibel Island is a good place to stop for cruisers sailing up and down the Intracoastal Waterway, with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: Getty

The Great Lakes

Straddling the US and Canadian border, the world’s largest group of inland lakes presents myriad freshwater cruising opportunities.

There is even access from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The grandaddy of them all, Lake Superior, offers stellar freshwater sailing around Isle Royale National Park, The Apostle Islands, and St. Ignace Island (in Canadian waters).

Gulf of Mexico

Oil and gas development and a relatively homogenous coastline tend to steer cruisers away from the Gulf of Mexico.

Yet America’s best white-sand beaches are found along the Gulf Coast. If you are cruising the tip of Florida, consider tucking around to its southwest side.

There you will find shallow-water cruising along the edge of Everglades National Park, 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and the sugar-white beaches of Sanibel Island, Captiva, and Pine Island Sound.

Sailing America: What you need to know

Credit: Getty

All temporary visitors to the US are required to have a passport, but not necessarily a visa.

Visit the US State Department website ( Travel.State.Gov ) and search ‘Visa Waiver Program’ for a list of participating countries.

Whether you clear in at the helm of your own vessel or plan to charter for a few days or weeks, here are some additional tips to keep in mind.

Clearing In

Cruising sailors must clear in at an official port of entry. A list of ports is available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website ( www.cbp.gov/contact/ports ).

Arriving sailors should have the standard portfolio of passport and visa (if required), boat registration, insurance documentation, crew lists, free pratique, and port clearance from their previous destination.

Keep these and other documents well organised and backed up by photocopies or stored in the cloud. Have your boat stamp at the ready and maintain the vessel in inspection condition.

While cruising, monitor VHF 16 as a listening channel. Visit the US Coast Guard Navigation Center web page for additional VHF radio channel information.

There you will find a wealth of cruising resources, including links to the frequently updated Local Notice to Mariners available by region.

Another great resource is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) United States Coast Pilot Series.

This free downloadable booklet gives a written summary of all navigation standards, hazards, and highlights throughout the country.

Find the guides online here .

Bareboat Chartering

Bareboat charter requirements vary according to location and company policy.

In general, the US standard is certification from either the American Sailing Association (ASA) or US Sailing.

The ASA bareboat certification is course 104, which can be obtained only after completing the organisation’s basic keelboat and coastal cruising courses.

Be ready to produce a sailing resume with at least 80 hours of experience.

Consult your charter company to find out whether other credentials, such as the International Certification of Competence, are acceptable.

The bottom line is to conduct your research specific to the location you plan to visit.

Regardless of experience or coursework, the decision on whether to rent a boat to you will ultimately be up to the individual charter operator.

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The 11 Best Cruises In And Around The U.S.

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

Taking a cruise is an excellent way to explore the country and world without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. The U.S. offers a variety of cruises, both on the ocean and river, that cater to different interests, ranging from exploring the wonders of Alaska to savoring the Pacific wine country.

With so many options, finding a cruise that fits your itinerary and budget is easy. In this post, I will share the 11 best cruises in and around the U.S. for seeing the wonders of our country and having an unforgettable vacation. Here they are, in no apparent order.

1. New England/Canada

Holland America offers several New England and Canada cruise options, including a 10-day getaway from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale or a 6-to-8-day journey from Boston to the culturally rich Montreal or Quebec City. The latter option includes stops in Bar Harbor, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and back. 

If you prefer a more extended cruise with more days at sea, Holland America has a 10-day itinerary from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale with stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, and Portland instead of Bar Harbor, Maine.

Highlights Of New England/Canada

These Holland America cruises are ideal for those seeking fall foliage, sandy beaches, fresh seafood, the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, the Anne of Green Gables house and farm, and the East’s most famous attraction — Acadia National Park. I found the 8-mile Confederation Bridge on Prince Edward Island truly fascinating. It stands over the Northumberland Strait and costs $50.25 to cross.

Fun Fact: Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge in the world over icy waters .

2. California Coastal And Wine Country 

Princess Cruises offers several itineraries, with my favorites being California Coastal or the Pacific Wine Country and Coastal, with stops in San Francisco and Santa Barbara , ending in Vancouver, Canada. The 7-day itinerary, which currently runs less than $500 for an inside cabin, is particularly popular. It has been named “Best Cruises from the West Coast” by Cruise Critic.

The California Coastal departs Los Angeles and stops in San Francisco; Astoria , Oregon; and Seattle, and ends in Vancouver. Princess Cruises offers a variety of onboard amenities, such as culinary experiences, the best afternoon tea at sea, and Broadway-style entertainment.

FYI: I’ve been on 54 cruises and this is one of the two I couldn’t get into a port due to the weather. In this case, it was Santa Barbara and because of the fog. Don’t be discouraged when these things happen; the cruise line’s #1 priority is keeping you safe, so you have to roll with the punches. 

Carnival Cruises takes you on a 10- or 11-day journey to wondrous Alaska, departing from Seattle or San Francisco. Expect breathtaking views of natural wonders such as glaciers, fjords, and Alaska wildlife, namely bears, moose, and whales. 

This Alaska itinerary boasts stops in Juneau and Ketchikan where you can explore charming towns and embark on exciting excursions. Carnival Cruises emphasizes fun and entertainment and is one of the many cruise lines that sail to Alaska . 

4. American Rivers (Multiple)

Viking River Cruises offers an exciting journey from Minnesota’s Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico along the Mighty Mississippi River. Three options for the American rivers that I found intriguing were Heart of the Delta (New Orleans to Memphis ), America’s Heartland (St. Louis to St. Paul), and America’s Great River (St. Paul to New Orleans). The journeys take you through iconic landmarks and scenic spots, including the St. Louis Arch, Mark Twain’s boyhood home, and Civil War battlefields. 

Viking River Cruises is ideal for those interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes, with onboard activities such as lectures, workshops, and demonstrations. All guided tours are included. 

5. Columbia And Snake Rivers

The Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise with American Queen Voyages is a must-do for anyone interested in American history. This cruise follows the path that Lewis and Clark once charted through dense forests, rocky shorelines, and rich wine country.

Departing from Richland, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, this cruise is a bit pricey but well worth the investment for its educational enrichment and natural beauty. Learn about the Native American history of the area, take in breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge , and indulge in delicious regional cuisine.

6. Cumberland And Tennessee Rivers

Immerse yourself in the charm of small-town America and the Great Smoky Mountains on a cruise down the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers with American Queen Voyages. With all guided tours, Wi-Fi, beverages (including alcohol), and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay included, this trip offers the ultimate vacation.

Learn how to get a National Parks senior pass before you go. 

Highlights Of The Cumberland And Tennessee Rivers

Expect moonshine, Civil War historical sites, country music, Nashville traditions, and the birthplace of the blues — Memphis. While in Memphis, visiting the one and only home of Elvis Presley at Graceland is a must! I’m most intrigued by seeing Paducah, also known as Quilt City and a UNESCO World Heritage Creative City . 

7. Great Lakes

A third cruising option with American Queen Voyages uncovers the grandeur and natural beauty of the Great Lakes (which meet eight states and the Canadian province of Ontario), from Chicago to Niagara Falls. Watch the mesmerizing cascade of Niagara Falls, take a horse-drawn carriage through Mackinac Island, and soak in the fragrant pine forests of the Georgian Bay. 

With carefully selected destinations and daily educational enrichment, this cruise offers a remarkable way to discover America’s northernmost wonders.

Highlights Of The Great Lakes

Having been to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, this is truly one of the treats on this itinerary. Other highlights include:

• Chicago’s photogenic architecture
• Magnificent Mile shopping
• Milwaukee’s craft beer scene
• The Henry Ford Museum
• Traveling through the locks system

8. National Parks And Legendary Rivers

For adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, the National Parks & Legendary Rivers cruise with American Cruise Lines is a natural fit. This 15-day, 14-night cruise on land and sea takes you through some of America’s most iconic national parks: Glacier, Grand Teton , and Yellowstone . Included are guided excursions with an adventure guide, three daily meals, and breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and Snake River, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and hotels. 

This cruise is perfect for those seeking an educational experience or mature adults seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This might be my future dream cruise itinerary.

9. Mississippi River

A list of the best cruises in the U.S. would only be complete with mentioning a classic Mississippi River cruise. This iconic American river flows through a stunning variety of landscapes, from rich forests to revered southern cities and towns. Enjoy live music, thrilling riverboat casinos, and impeccable southern cuisine on a cruise with American Queen Steamboat Company while taking in the beauty and history of the Mississippi River.

Potential city port visits among these Mississippi River cruise options include Natchez, Mississippi; Cincinnati; Madison, Indiana; Hannibal, Missouri; Dubuque, Iowa; Baton Rouge; and Memphis.

10. San Juan Islands And Puget Sound

A rare and delicious cruise itinerary I found while researching this post is yet another with American Cruise Lines . Have you ever considered cruising in Washington? I know I hadn’t. This enchanting 8-day cruise takes you through the San Juan Islands, with abundant wildlife and natural scenery, to the Puget Sound and Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada.

11. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is another unique cruise with American Cruise Lines that will allow you to witness breathtaking vistas. A few ports of call on this itinerary, or the Olympic National Park one, are lesser-known towns like Port Townsend and Anacortes.

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.

• Cruise Advice

6 Most Visited Cruise Destinations in the US Territories

Doug Parker

• May 16, 2022

Contents Show

Cruises offer fantastic resort-style facilities. No flights, taxi cabs, or hotel check-ins are needed.

Planning your next vacation on a cruise?

To help you with your next fun-filled vacation, we compiled this list of the 6 most visited cruise destinations in the US territories.

1. St. Thomas, The US Virgin Islands

There are different cruise ship types, each offering a unique experience. 

If you are a US citizen who loves to cruise without the bother of a passport, there are several options for you. One such option is St.Thomas of the US Virgin Islands . 

The US Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands and an unincorporated territory of the United States. These islands have a tropical climate and minimal seasonal variation throughout the year.

St. Thomas, the most beautiful of them all, is a popular island cruise destination. If you have never been on an ocean cruise, you need to add this to your bucket list. 

2. Nassau, The Bahamas

The Bahamas is made up of a string of 700 islands that connect the US with the Caribbean. 

Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital, is a popular cruise destination with one of the region’s busiest ports. This jewel in the Caribbean has much to offer, and once you’ve disembarked for some sightseeing, you’ll be astounded by the natural beauty of these islands. 

Nassau is a mecca for sailing enthusiasts, beachgoers, and water sports enthusiasts. Here, you can have fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities and a variety of excursions led by tour guides.  

What’s more, you can do island-hopping and get to know the territory at your own pace. And if you’d like to explore, a Caribbean catamaran charter is the way to go.  

3. Grand Cayman, The Cayman Islands

A world favorite among cruise destinations, the Cayman Islands is another excellent choice for you to consider. 

The Cayman Islands is a 102-square-mile self-governing British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea. The Caymans comprise three islands: Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, and Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman, the most populous of the three islands, offers the region’s best scuba diving and snorkeling. Though a cruise to the Caymans usually is only for a day, visiting The Cayman Islands will surely be the best day of your life.

4. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea, off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This island has been developed into a thriving resort island and cruise destination with all the entertainment you’d expect from an island holiday.  

What’s even more interesting is Cozumel is a dream destination for those into the cultural heritage and ancient history. 

5. Glacier Bay, Alaska

Alaska might be one of the most remote destinations in the US, but don’t disregard it when planning your next vacation, as Glacier Bay in Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for many years.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, and a cruise is the best way to explore the area, as ground transportation is limited here. 

You’ll be awe-struck by the sheer magnificence of the arctic rainforest, icy fjords, and glacial walls of white. Here, you can also enjoy whale watching. 

6. St. Martin

Despite its small size, this French/Dutch-owned island is an extremely popular cruise ship destination.  Unbelievably, this area of less than 40 square miles is home to 120 nationalities with over 80 languages.

Here, you’ll have plenty more to do than just the usual sightseeing and duty-free shopping. You may explore ancient ruins, stroll through verdant tropical forests, relax on the pristine beach, or go ziplining.

The island also has a buzzing nightlife and eateries to cater to every taste. So treat your tastebuds and indulge in some of the island’s sumptuous cuisine.

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Travel | Travel: Alaska is ready for another…

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Travel | travel: alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season.

Alaska is home to more than 30,000 grizzlies, but the state’s cruise industry is experiencing anything but a bear market as momentum of last year’s record-breaking season is expected to continue in 2024.

Looking at the most-visited Alaskan port as a proxy for the ship-shape southeastern side of the state, Juneau set a new mark a year ago with 1.65 million passengers descending on the capital city during cruise season, which generally runs from early April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Danali-sized jump of 30% compared to the previous mark set in pre-pandemic 2019.

Coinciding with Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood, the upcoming cruise season appears to be just as robust with 19 cruise lines sending 43 ships to the Last Frontier. Kicking things off for the second straight year is the 4,008-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which is scheduled to dock in rustic Skagway on April 8. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ) has nearly 100 more after that. Impressive, but two competing companies have staked out larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush; Holland America Line ( hollandamerica.com ) is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises, and at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises ( princess.com ), which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich that they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pitstop, this cruise season will see more than 800 trips of mostly seven to 10 days starting or ending on this side of the Pacific. Where they’re all going is a destination rich in unparallel wilderness, wildlife and native culture. In other words, bucket list stuff.

“Alaska is one of those places that draws you in and sets the hook right away,” said Kristi Switzer, destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau ( traveljuneau.com ). “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears, and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city and other places within this magnificent state.”

Although Switzer recommends visits lasting several days instead of several hours, the city’s destination evangelist hopes that a partial day in Juneau and each major Alaskan cruise port has over 1.5 million passengers wanting more.

“This magical corner of the world has so much to offer beyond being a checkmark on people’s bucket lists,” she said. “Make time to enjoy the fascinating culture, spectacular outdoor recreation, unique shopping, amazing restaurants and artist galleries that Juneau and all of Southeast Alaska have to offer.”

Alaska is a checkmark for about three-quarters of all passengers headed there, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and the same can be said for two ships this season.

Starting with a six-day sail out of Vancouver on May 11, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises’ ( celebritycruises.com ) popular Edge class will make her Alaskan debut with weeklong roundtrips from Seattle through Sept. 13. The 2,918-passenger vessel features a unique “outside-in” architecture that provides more floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior and expanded outdoor spaces to soak up the Alaskan coastlines.

Edge will be joined by a pair of fleet mates for the season, albeit Summit’s seven-day roundtrips are turnarounds out of Anchorage or Vancouver and Solstice’s weeklong jaunts are solely based in the British Columbian seaport. Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line, meaning it’s between the economical mainstream class and pricy luxury level, has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises ( silversea.com ) ship in the luxury fleet to ever service Alaska. Capped at 728 guests, Silver Nova was launched last year and has the goods to do justice to a dreamlike place that captures the imagination of wilderness lovers and history buffs.

“Silver Nova is the ideal ship for Alaska cruising,” said company spokesman Brad Ball. “Her innovative design, which prizes openness over symmetry and incorporates an unprecedented use of approximately 4,000 square meters of glass, immerses guests into the incredible scenery of Alaska from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn.”

The ship’s reimagined pool deck, which overlooks the water on her starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues — the Dusk Bar and the Marquee — allows unique openness to view spectacular Alaskan glaciers and wildlife. Those who want to experience an older and smaller Evolution-class Silversea vessel can book the Silver Muse, which also will sail mostly seven- to 14-day trips between Anchorage and Vancouver.

Because nearly every Alaskan cruise includes the staples — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, and Denali with a land add-on — some cruise lines like to shake things up with unique itineraries.

Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise, part of the premium line’s Legendary Voyages collection of journeys from 25 to 59 days, departs on Aug. 31 from Seattle or Sept. 1 from Vancouver aboard the 1,916-passenger Westerdam. The near-four-week-long itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn ( seabourn.com ) strives to offer a more tasteful Alaskan cruise and not only because it’s an ultra-luxury cruise line. “Caviar on the Ice” is a savory and swanky soiree on every Alaskan voyage, and when the 450-passenger Odyssey is in Sitka, a town originally built by Russian traders in the early 1800s, Seabourn guests can enjoy a culinary adventure that includes a scenic drive to a taproom for a sampling of local brews and a few eateries to try Siberian-rooted pelmeni dumplings and a hot dog made with caribou that the locals call “reindeer dawgs.” Sorry, vegetarians and friends of Santa, but Blitzen on a bun is da bomb.

Carnival Cruise Line ( carnival.com ) is staying with a three-ship deployment in Alaska this season. Sharing the workload of 55 roundtrips generally lasting seven to 11 days are Carnival Spirit (2,610 passengers) and Carnival Luminosa (2,260) out of Seattle, and Carnival Miracle (2,667) from San Francisco. Another mainstream cruise line, Royal Caribbean ( royalcaribbean.com ), has four ships making 85 runs to Alaska from Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage: Ovation of the Seas, (4,905) and older sister Quantum of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (2,543) and Radiance of the Seas (2,466).

Disney Cruise Line ( disneycruise.com ) is sending its 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder out of Vancouver for 15 week-long roundtrips, one five-day spin leaving on July 24 and an extended nine-day voyage on July 15.

Other cruise lines showing passengers a whale of a time in Alaska include Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Lindblad/National Geographic, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

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Guam (US Territory), Guam

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military attacked the United States. While Pearl Harbor got all the press, that same day the Japanese bombed three other military bases. The idea was to remove any possibility that the United States could join the war in the Pacific. Bad idea. The target that got hit the worst was Guam: Not only was it bombed, it was invaded and occupied for nearly three years, which turned the island into a kind of slave camp for the indigenous Chamorro. Because of Guam's history—and because it's a U.S. territory, not some fascinating foreign country—a lot of people pass the island by, looking for something more exotic. Another possible reason for the tourism lag was that the island was actually sealed off from visitors for many years. Yet somehow modern Guam, the largest of the Mariana Islands (yep, the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, is right out there), has become a sampler plate of the Pacific. Fully a third of the island, including the best beaches, is off-limits to anyone but military personnel, and roads near the base will make you think you're driving through suburban Des Moines. Yet the southern part of the island is wild enough that a Japanese soldier continued to fight WWII here until the 1970s. In between these two extremes, you'll find a beautiful island with a unique mix of American, Pacific and Spanish cultures.

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Is there a Cruise that remains only in US territory

• Thread starter disneyfan1992
• Start date Aug 4, 2015

disneyfan1992

Mouseketeer.

• Aug 4, 2015

Stupid question. A post on a different board has me questioning my thinking. Does Disney offer a cruise that only stays within US waters/territory? Specifically any sailings from Florida that are part of a land/cruise package thst remain entirely within the US? If not, then every adult passenger must have a passport, correct? Passport for children is strongly recommended but not required? Thank you.  

Only one I can think of is the two night San Diego cruises to nowhere .  

HOWEVER, it is possible that one or more of the Caribbean Islands on your itinerary, does require you to have a passport to enter their country. Click to expand...

DIS Veteran

If a foreign flagged vessel makes any port calls, they are required to make a foreign port call before returning to the US. Disney's ships are foreign flagged (Bahamas) so any itinerary they have that makes a port call, will make a foreign port call. Therefore you need some type of proof of citizenship as well as photo id. If you have a passport, great -- covers both the proof of citizenship and photo id requirements (adults and children). There is a provision - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - that has a clause for cruises that start and end in the same US port (called a closed loop cruise). If you travel on a closed loop cruise you may use a government issued birth certificate as proof of citizenship (adults and children) and adults (18 and over) must have a government issued photo id (driver's license is most common). But you should know all the rules before deciding you are going to cruise without a passport. If for any reason you need to leave the cruise and you have to fly back into the US, you do need a passport to fly into the US from any of the islands in the Bahamas or Caribbean or foreign countries (including Mexico and Canada)  

Growing older but not up.

There was a recent change in certain rules that affect passenger vessels in US waters. Basically the cruises to nowhere have been banned for lack of a better term. Basically any ship, with the exception of the Pride of Aloha (I think that's her name, the NCL ship in Hawaii) has to make at least 1 stop in a foreign port. As far as passports go, unless the ship is shifting homeports, then you can use a government issue ID such as a dl and birth certificate combo. However, as mentioned above, if for whatever reason that you have to leave the ship, and fly some where else, or home, then you will need a passport to reenter the US. You can have one made at a consulate or embassy, but it will cost you. So choose wisely. The only other time that you may need a passport, is if you visit a specific territory, or island, that requires one. The British Virgin Islands I believe are one for example. Aruba which was one of the stops on the canal crossing would be another.  

com_op_2000

Dvc member since '93; one hour from wdw.

You can take a river cruise (IE: Mississippi River, Columbia River, etc) and stay within US territory. DCL does make a few two night cruises to no-where (IE: NY City, San Diego. etc)  

Donald Duck

truck1 said: There was a recent change in certain rules that affect passenger vessels in US waters. Basically the cruises to nowhere have been banned for lack of a better term. Basically any ship, with the exception of the Pride of Aloha (I think that's her name, the NCL ship in Hawaii) has to make at least 1 stop in a foreign port. Click to expand...

Tonka's Skipper

adamki said: Only one I can think of is the two night San Diego cruises to nowhere . Click to expand...

Former WDTC Guy

Tonka's Skipper said: Sorry to say, but the feds have stopped all cruises to nowhere. Click to expand...

Thats really interesting about Project America @Quellman ! Just had a little read up on it. I didn't know the PVSA not only requires a mostly American crew, but that the ships have to be built in the States as well, and an exemption was made for POA. http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMIII/MMIIIJan18a.html  

JW9DVC said: I'm sorry. You are wrong on this as it doesn't happen until 2016. Disney has such a cruise out of San Diego, in October. Thanks Ok...I was not aware it was not being imploymented until 2016......but the point is that they are being stopped. AKK Quellman said: Close, but not quite. The Pride of America is the only remaining US Registered cruise ship and ports from Honolulu. The Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawaii were both also US registered ships until NCL pulled them out, made them bigger, and then rebranded them. One of the continuing challenges as a US registered vessel is the staffing of the crew which is largely American. Labor standards for the US are much different than other countries so that in itself is a unique issue. I'm not an insider but I suspect that the pay scales are different and it skews in favor for the US registered ships vs. others. Which is why there aren't many US registered cruise ships. Fun fact, did you know that there was a building initiative called Project America, where the goal was to develop US shipyards for commercial building purposes, not just military applications. Even with government subsidies, the company in charge of it ended up going bankrupt. So the unfinished Pride of America was sold to NCL and sent to Germany for completion. Go figure. Click to expand...

MakiraMarlena

It's a big black fish to you.

Florida, no. At some point you're in international waters anyway. Pride of America is the only major US flagged ship so it can hop around Hawaii without going to a foreign port. Maybe they can sell a cruise where the ship never leaves the dock.  

Quellman said: Close, but not quite. The Pride of America is the only remaining US Registered cruise ship and ports from Honolulu. The Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawaii were both also US registered ships until NCL pulled them out, made them bigger, and then rebranded them. One of the continuing challenges as a US registered vessel is the staffing of the crew which is largely American. Labor standards for the US are much different than other countries so that in itself is a unique issue. I'm not an insider but I suspect that the pay scales are different and it skews in favor for the US registered ships vs. others. Which is why there aren't many US registered cruise ships. Fun fact, did you know that there was a building initiative called Project America, where the goal was to develop US shipyards for commercial building purposes, not just military applications. Even with government subsidies, the company in charge of it ended up going bankrupt. So the unfinished Pride of America was sold to NCL and sent to Germany for completion. Go figure. Click to expand...

Just for the record, there are many major US shipyards that are building Comercial vessels, tankers, freigthers , container vessels, special purpose. Etc. Large and small and the finist in the world. One of the big reasons the other countries biuld for less, is thier goverments work with thier banks to subidize the shipyards. China, South Korea, Turkey do that big time. GERMANY and ITALY as well. So the next time your on a DCL vessel thank German and Italian banks and goverments.  

Its wise to have a passport if you are going anywhere near another foreign country. This includes a Seattle to Alaska and back cruise because you pass Canada. In the event that you have a medical emergency that requires evacuation, they will take you to the closest port. Not necessarily an American one...without a passport, you are spending extra time, stress and money trying to get your ill loved one back to the States and frankly, the US doesn't care that you are stranded. They will do their best to expedite (at your cost) and get you home, but they do not make exceptions. On our Panama Canal Cruise a family was taken ill from the ship on to a tug boat off the coast of Guatemala and then taken to shore. We had no scheduled stops there, but it was where the ship was closest to, so that is where we turned to get them the treatment they needed.  

bumbershoot

disneyfan1992 said: If not, then every adult passenger must have a passport, correct? Passport for children is strongly recommended but not required? Thank you. Click to expand...

MakiraMarlena said: Florida, no. At some point you're in international waters anyway. Pride of America is the only major US flagged ship so it can hop around Hawaii without going to a foreign port. Maybe they can sell a cruise where the ship never leaves the dock. Click to expand...

PrincessShmoo

Dis veteran.

bumbershoot said: The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Click to expand...

My suggestion would be to get a passport anyway, have it for a possible future use and not have to think about it then. They are good for 10 years.  

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Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Resilient Lady

An adults-only, LGBTQ-friendly cruise ship, Resilient Lady has a capacity of 2,770 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Since setting sail in May 2023, Virgin Voyages' third ship has received praise among travelers for its exceptional dining scene and exciting entertainment options. With onboard experiences ranging from acrobatic performances to comedy shows to themed parties, Resilient Lady is best for travelers who are seeking an upbeat and social atmosphere.  

When you've worked up an appetite from your activity-filled day, grab a bite at one of the ship's 20-plus eateries, which serve everything from Mexican to Asian to Italian fare. Although all food is included, reservations are still required at many restaurants. There is also no shortage of bars to choose from, whether you want to sample The Loose Cannon's signature cocktails or sip some bubbly in the Champagne lounge.

Standard Insider rooms range from 105 to 177 square feet. All accommodations come equipped with comforts like flat-screen TVs, rain showers, mood lighting and convertible Seabeds. For more room, opt for one of the ship's RockStar Quarters. These upgraded suites feature extras like a terrace with a hammock, European king-size mattresses and spacious marble bathrooms.

Resilient Lady sails to a variety of destinations in Europe and the South Pacific, including top destinations such as Athens, Greece ; Sydney ; and Dubrovnik, Croatia .

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Wake boasts the most ambiance of all eateries on Virgin Voyages vessels by far, so make sure to lock in reservations when you can. This upscale restaurant offers prime entrees with plenty of upgrade options for those who want to splurge. This establishment also features huge windows that provide incredible views of the ocean from the back of the ship. –  Holly Johnson, Contributor

Symphony of the Seas

The 6,680-passenger, 2,200-crew-member Symphony of the Seas set sail in 2018 and features 18 decks packed with activities.

For heart-pounding fun, travelers will find a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line and a 10-story slide. Meanwhile, relaxation seekers can unwind in the spa, sip cocktails made by robotic bartenders or stroll through the Central Park -inspired neighborhood.

Onboard snacks and meals are served at 20 quick-service and sit-down eateries. The Main Dining Room is where the ship's traditional, complimentary dinners are provided nightly, but specialty options like a steakhouse, a bistro and a Johnny Rockets outpost are also available. What's more, cruisers can dine at Jamie's Italian, a restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

After filling up on gourmet fare, passengers can retreat to their cabins, all of which include work desks, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Guests can choose from 149-square-foot Interior Staterooms, some of which have virtual balconies with real-time views of the ocean, or opt for upgraded cabins with furnished balconies and up to 1,524 square feet of space. Select suites also feature two bedrooms, whirlpool tubs and dining rooms.

Symphony of the Seas departs from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Miami , Fort Lauderdale, Rome and Barcelona for sailings throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re on one of the 19 Royal Caribbean ships that have a FlowRider, like Symphony of the Seas (which has two!), reserve a private lesson with a pro. For a small fee, you'll save yourself some embarrassment and get more ride time. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Odyssey of the Seas

Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. As a member of this class, Odyssey of the Seas offers standout amenities like RipCord by iFLY, billed as the only skydiving simulator available at sea, and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. There is also the North Star observation capsule, which hoists guests 300 feet above sea level over the cruise ship to enjoy unparalleled views below. 

In addition to these thrilling activities, the ship comes equipped with standard facilities like pools, an arcade, a spa, a fitness center with classes, kids clubs and shopping venues. There are also 15 dining options, ranging from Japanese fare to all-you-can-eat buffets to Starbucks. For drinks, the ship offers nine bars and lounges, giving passengers plenty of places to enjoy libations. Entertainment options include theatrical performances, live music, a casino, outdoor movie nights and more. 

As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship. 

Odyssey of the Seas sails to ports in Europe, as well as to various destinations in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

Scarlet Lady

The first ship within the Virgin Voyages fleet, the adults-only Scarlet Lady welcomes more than 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew members. Debuted in October 2021, the Scarlet Lady boasts a collection of unique amenities not often found on cruise ships, including a tattoo studio, a record shop and a blow-dry bar. And instead of a buffet or a dining hall, the Scarlet Lady offers a collection of more than 20 specialty restaurants, all covered by the cruise fare. Standouts include Extra Virgin, a traditional Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, and Gunbae, a Korean barbecue eatery.

The Scarlet Lady also deviates from cruise industry tradition when it comes to onboard entertainment. Instead of Broadway classics, cruisers will be treated to six original shows, along with "micro plays" that are performed throughout the ship.

Cabin sizes range from 105 to 177 square feet for the Insider rooms to nearly 2,150 square feet for the RockStar Quarters suites. The latter are outfitted with marble bathrooms and serviced by RockStar Agents who are available to assist guests 24/7. All accommodations feature mood lighting, minibars, free Wi-Fi and adjustable Seabeds, which allow travelers to transform their beds into couches when they want to entertain.

The Scarlet Lady sails to destinations in the Caribbean, like the Bahamas , from Miami .

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Use the app to book dinner reservations as far out from your sailing as you can, or 45 days out for most sailors. If you wait until closer to time or until you're on board, you will likely find that the most popular restaurants and dining times are all booked up. –  Holly Johnson, Contributor

MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia, named after the Greek goddess of mastery of the sea, launched in June 2023. MSC Euribia stands out with its commitment to sustainability (the ship runs on liquid natural gas, or LNG) and art-filled aesthetic (with original works of art throughout the ship and a "Save the Sea" motif on the hull).

Entertainment options abound, with an immersive gallery, a sports center, a theater, a casino and seven rooms dedicated to kids and teenagers. Five pools and a water park are also available. The Galleria, the main promenade featuring a dazzling LED sky dome, is a hub for shopping and dining.

With MSC Euribia's 10 dining venues, passengers can choose from formal Italian, fast-casual tacos, a sushi bar, a buffet, a crepe shop and more. What's more, the ship offers 21 bars, including a British pub, a wine bar and upscale cocktail lounges, as well as the Carousel Lounge, where passengers can dance to music of varying genres.

MSC Euribia holds up to 6,327 guests and 1,711 crew members. Staterooms range from the 129-square-foot Interior Studio to the 420-square-foot Grand Suite with a whirlpool and terrace. MSC Yacht Club Suites, which offer access to exclusive perks like butler service and a dedicated sun deck, are also available.

Most MSC Euribia itineraries sail through northern Europe, particularly the Norwegian fjords and destinations including Amsterdam ; Paris ; Hamburg, Germany ; Copenhagen, Denmark ; and Bruges, Belgium . Cruises to the Middle East, including ports like Doha, Qatar, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, will also be offered. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re dead set on cruising in the MSC Yacht Club, you’ll want to be selective with the vessel and itinerary you choose. Many older MSC ships do not offer a Yacht Club section, including the Poesia, Armonia, Lirica, Musica and Opera. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

Carnival Panorama

A member of Carnival Cruise Line's Vista class, the Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 as the first new Carnival ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years. With a capacity of 4,008 guests and 1,450 crew, Panorama is one of Carnival's largest ships.

Among the ship's standout amenities is the Sky Zone – a trampoline park that offers dodgeball and basketball games, toddler bounce sessions and more. Other unique Carnival amenities found on the ship include a suspended bicycle in the air called SkyRide, a sprawling water park, the Cloud 9 Spa and an open-air recreation area and ropes course.

Dining options on board are just as diverse. In fact, there are more than a dozen dining venues aboard Carnival Panorama, including multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery and more.

Carnival Panorama offers the line's typical range of accommodation classes (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. Havana Cabana Suites feature rain showers and patios equipped with hammock chairs, along with exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. Meanwhile, Family Harbor accommodations are located next to the ship's Family Harbor Lounge and afford guests special perks, such as a free evening of babysitting and complimentary kids meals in the onboard specialty restaurants.

Sailing from Los Angeles , the ship cruises to destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas . It also departs from Singapore for transpacific voyages. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival freedom cruise ship catches fire for second time in less than 2 years.

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The Carnival Freedom cruise ship experienced its second fire in less than two years, and passenger footage caught the flames with smoke coming from the ship’s exhaust funnel Saturday afternoon. 

“That’s nutty,” X user @breezebreeze_ can be heard while showing the fire aboard the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line put out several tweet replies regarding the incident they say happened at 3:15 ET. 

“Carnival Freedom reported a fire on the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel,” one of the posts read. “The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, heading to Freeport after a canceled call to Princess Cay due to weather.”

The news prompted passengers of the ship’s upcoming departure from Port Canaveral on Monday to ask the cruise line if their itinerary would go off as planned.

“Is the cruise for the Carnival Freedom March 25 departing cruise from Port Canaveral still planning on going?” one X user asked Carnival. “We need to know for travel purposes!”

“I can almost guarantee it’ll be canceled,” another X user wrote about the ship’s next planned cruise. “This isn’t the first time this has happened ironically to this ship, and the following sailing when it happened that time were canceled, but obviously not confirm[ed].”

Carnival quickly responded to quell any rumors, saying it does not expect any impact on the next Carnival Freedom voyage. 

The Freedom’s exhaust funnel caught fire in May 2022 while the ship was docked at Grand Turk Island in Turks and Caicos. Video from then also showed the ship’s funnel – referred to by some as the whale tail – consumed by flames and smoke. 

The part of the ship that caught fire is designed to help direct the flow of exhaust gases away from the ship, according to the Crown Cruise Vacations website. 

“The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames,” Carnival said about Saturday’s fire. “Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike and that is being investigated.”

Carnival said the captain made “multiple announcements to guests and crew” about the fire. The port side of the funnel fell onto Deck 10, Carnival said. No injuries were reported.

The Carnival Freedom was in Freeport as scheduled Sunday, according to CruiseMapper. Carnival said there are no operational issues with the ship’s systems.

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Putin dismissed US warnings about a potential terror incident as 'blackmail' just 3 days before concert hall attack

• Shooters attacked a Moscow concert hall on Friday, killing at least 60 and injuring more than 100.
• Earlier this month, the US embassy issued a security alert warning of a potential terror attack.
• Just days ago, Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea as "blackmail" from the West.

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed US warnings about a potential terror incident in Moscow just days before shooters attacked a concert hall in the city on Friday.

At least 60 people are dead and more than 100 are injured after multiple armed individuals stormed the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, an investigative committee reported . The state-run news agency TASS reported 40 deaths earlier in the day, citing Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, which called the incident a "terrorist attack."

Graphic videos posted to social media purport to show the attack unfolding. In some of the footage, gunshots and concertgoers' screams can be heard.

According to Russian state media , the unidentified attackers were armed with assault rifles and opened fire in the lobby of the building before moving into the main concern hall, where a band was scheduled to perform. It added that an explosion inside the venue sparked the fire, which engulfed at least a third of the building and spread to the roof .

Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia issued a security alert warning that "extremists have imminent plans" for a terror attack in Moscow and urged people to avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates, and be aware of their surroundings.

"The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours," the March 7 security alert said.

Putin addressed the warnings a couple of weeks later, criticizing the warning as "provocative."

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TASS reported that Putin said on March 19 the aim of "the recent provocative statements of a number of official Western structures about the possibility of terrorist attacks in Russia" was harming Russian society .

"All this resembles outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society," Putin said, state media covering his remarks reported.

The US embassy issued another alert on Friday saying it was "aware" of the attack and urged Americans to avoid the area.

"We strongly condemn the horrendous attack carried out at a concert hall in Moscow," Russia's foreign ministry said in an official statement. "We express our deepest sympathies with the families of the victims."

Shortly after Friday's attack, ISIS claimed responsibility, according to a post on Telegram from a news agency affiliated with the terrorist group. US officials later confirmed that a branch of ISIS, Islamic State-Khorasan, or ISIS-K, was responsible and had been planning an attack.

The group has been known to operate in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran and was suspected to be active inside Russia, two US officials told The Washington Post, which reported that the embassy alert was based, at least in part, on intelligence about ISIS-K activity in Russia.

A White House official shared more information Friday evening in a statement reported by multiple outlets.

"Earlier this month, the US government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow — potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts — which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia," Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said.

"The U.S. government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding 'duty to warn' policy," Watson said, referring to the US policy in the intelligence community to notify potential victims, regardless of whether they are US citizens, of certain credible impending threats.

Watch: Why the Putin-Kim meeting has world leaders worried

• Main content

Russia-Ukraine latest: Terror group behind Moscow concert hall shooting attempted attacks in France, Macron says

Four suspects have appeared in court in Moscow after gunmen attacked a concert hall on Friday, with three pleading guilty to terror charges. The number of people killed in the Crocus City Hall shooting has risen to 137.

Monday 25 March 2024 14:32, UK

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• Heavily bruised Moscow attack suspects appear in court with one in a wheelchair
• Number of people killed rises to 137
• Macron says group behind shooting attempted attacks in France
• Russia warns US to 'think again' after confirming Islamic State responsibility
• 'Explosions heard' in Kyiv - reports
• Russia will not stop if it wins war in Ukraine, US ambassador warns
• Analysis: West is waking up to Russia's threat to Europe - but is it too little too late?
• Live reporting by Katie Williams

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has called for the gunmen and anyone else involved in Friday's attack near Moscow to be killed.

The deadly attack has prompted discussions among Vladimir Putin's allies about resurrecting the death penalty, which has not been used in Russia since 1996.

In a post to Telegram after the four suspects were placed in pre-trial detention, Mr Medvedev said: "Everyone asks me. What to do? They were caught."

He continued: "Do they have to be killed? They have to be. And will be. But it is much more important to kill everyone involved. Everyone. Who paid, who sympathised, who helped. Kill them all."

Vladimir Vasilyev, parliamentary leader of the United Russia faction in the lower house of parliament, also said people in Russia were "asking questions" about the death penalty.

The Kremlin, however, said it was not taking part in such discussions (more in our 9.39 post).

Capital punishment is legal in Russia but no executions have been carried out since 1996, when it was subject to a de-facto moratorium.

 Vladimir Putin has held another phone call with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in the wake of the concert hall attack.

All four men suspected of carrying out the massacre have been identified as Tajik nationals by Russian media.

According to Russia's foreign ministry, Mr Rahmon said today that there "could not be any justification" for the attack.

In a previous phone call, the Tajik president condemned the "terrorist attack" and told Mr Putin that "terrorists have no nationality, no homeland and no religion," Mr Rahmon's office said in a statement.

The two leaders noted that their security services were working "closely together" to counter terrorism and would "build up their cooperation", Russia said.

Russia's ambassador to Poland did not attend the foreign ministry in Warsaw today despite being summoned to do so.

Poland has demanded an explanation from Moscow after one of its missiles briefly entered Polish airspace during a major missile attack on Ukraine in the early hours of yesterday.

Defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the airspace was penetrated by around 0.6 miles to 1.2 miles as Russia was targeting the Ukrainian border region of Lviv.

Poland's deputy foreign minister said Warsaw was intending to hand a protest note to Russian ambassador Sergey Andreyev - however he did not attend the ministry today on being summoned.

A diplomatic note will be sent by another means, the foreign ministry said.

 Russia has targeted Ukraine with more than 1,000 bombs, drones and missiles in the past seven days, the Ukrainian foreign ministry has said.

The ministry said 190 missiles of various types had been launched, along with 140 drones and 700 aerial bombs.

"Our sky defenders shoot down practically all targets, but even the most agile need support to defend our people from Russia's terror," it wrote in a post to X.

More pictures are coming out of Kyiv this afternoon, showing the extent of the damage from Russia's missile attack.

Ukraine said it intercepted the two ballistic missiles launched from Crimea, but the missile debris has caused significant damage - especially in the capital's Pechersk district.

In an update to our 12.38pm post, officials have now confirmed that 10 people are injured as a result of the attack.

Details are beginning to emerge of some of those killed when gunmen attacked a concert shortly before a rock band were due to take to the stage on Friday.

The attack on Crocus City Hall - the deadliest inside Russia for two decades - killed at least 137 people and injured over 150 more.

Ice hockey player Alexey Rudnitsky, 39, was among those killed, according to the finance ministry of Russia's Yaroslavl region, where he used to work.

The ministry said it was a "great shock" to learn of the death of Mr Rudnitsky, who it described as a "cheerful person" and a "true professional".

Tatyana Anatolyevna Abdulova, a vet at a clinic in Moscow and a local search and rescue volunteer, was also among the dead, her workplace said.

"We lost a colleague, friend, wonderful person and doctor," it said in a post to the Russian social media site VK.

"This is an irreparable loss and a huge pain for our entire team. We express our sincere condolences to Tatyana's family and everyone who lost a loved one in this terrible terrorist attack," it said.

Another victim has been named as 52-year-old Irina Firsova, a former professor at the Moscow State Pedagogical University. 

The university's history and law faculty said students and staff were mourning Ms Firsova's "untimely" death and sent condolences to her loved ones.

Tatyana Pikhnovskaya, 51, was killed in Friday's attack, Moscow State University said.

Ms Pikhnovskaya worked in the university's management department before moving to the banking sector, and lived and worked in Moscow "for a long time", it said in a post on VK.

Four more people are confirmed to have been injured in the missile attack on Kyiv today - bringing the total number of casualties to nine so far.

Ukraine's state emergency service said the victims were all from the Pechersk district of the Ukrainian capital.

Two have been taken to hospital, and rescue work is ongoing, it said.

It marks the third Russian missile attack on Kyiv in just five days.

 Two new armies announced by Russia last week are likely to suffer from "resourcing problems" despite significant recruitment efforts, the UK's Ministry of Defence has said.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu announced on 20 March that the new armies, formed of 14 divisions and 16 brigades, would be formed some time in 2024.

The MoD said the units would likely comprise a mix of "mechanised, armoured, artillery and logistics".

Moscow's previous successful recruitment efforts mean it is likely the armies will be "sufficiently staffed", it said.

But despite this, the MoD said Russia's "limited training", widespread use of older equipment and infrastructure issues mean they will suffer "similar resourcing problems".

By Sean Bell , military analyst

The tide of the war in Ukraine has turned. 

Last year the West was optimistic that Ukraine's much anticipated spring offensive would be the "beginning of the end" for Russia; however, Ukraine was unable to make significant progress, and now Russia is back on the offensive.

Ukraine is critically reliant on a diminishing flow of weapons from the West, and with Vladimir Putin emboldened by a fresh six-year mandate, the prospects for Ukraine in the coming months are looking increasingly difficult.

The West has been extremely reluctant to risk any escalation or contagion of the war in Ukraine, but is this hesitancy playing to Putin's agenda?

Despite the supportive political rhetoric from Western leaders towards Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the harsh realities are that it has not demonstrated the long-term commitment required to support Ukraine with a robust and sustainable supply of weapons. 

In contrast, Russia has tripled its defence industrial base and has augmented its military capability by importing ammunition and missiles from Iran and North Korea, funded by its huge oil revenues.

However, individual European nations now recognise the potential national threat, and are increasing defence spending accordingly; however, it risks feeling too little, too late.

If Ukraine was to lose its battle, the European continent would face an increased threat from a battle-hardened Russia.

A Western no-fly zone would undoubtedly provide a game-changing military capability for Ukraine, as would putting Western troops into Ukraine with access to state-of-the-art modern missile capability. This would be an escalation, but would not threaten Russia's existence and thus would not trigger a nuclear conflict - despite Putin's continued sabre-rattling.

On a positive note, former US president Donald Trump has clarified that he would not seek to withdraw the US from NATO if "Europe pays its way". 

Following years of underinvestment in defence, the West is starting to realise that the post-Cold War dividend is a distant memory, and that the legacy of years of under-investment in defence might leave Europe vulnerable.

But that will be little solace to Ukraine.

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One Thing Most Countries Have in Common: Unsafe Air

New research found that fewer than 10 percent of countries and territories met World Health Organization guidelines for particulate matter pollution last year.

By Delger Erdenesanaa

Only 10 countries and territories out of 134 achieved the World Health Organization’s standards for a pervasive form of air pollution last year, according to air quality data compiled by IQAir , a Swiss company.

The pollution studied is called fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, because it refers to solid particles less than 2.5 micrometers in size: small enough to enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 is the deadliest form of air pollution, leading to millions of premature deaths each year .

“Air pollution and climate change both have the same culprit, which is fossil fuels,” said Glory Dolphin Hammes, the CEO of IQAir’s North American division.

The World Health Organization sets a guideline that people shouldn’t breathe more than 5 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic meter of air, on average, throughout a year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed tightening its standard from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter.

The few oases of clean air that meet World Health Organization guidelines are mostly islands, as well as Australia and the northern European countries of Finland and Estonia. Of the non-achievers, where the vast majority of the human population lives, the countries with the worst air quality were mostly in Asia and Africa.

Where some of the dirtiest air is found

The four most polluted countries in IQAir’s ranking for 2023 — Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Tajikistan — are in South and Central Asia.

Air quality sensors in almost a third of the region’s cities reported concentrations of fine particulate matter that were more than 10 times the WHO guideline. This was a proportion “vastly exceeding any other region,” the report’s authors wrote.

The researchers pointed to vehicle traffic, coal and industrial emissions, particularly from brick kilns, as major sources of the region’s pollution. Farmers seasonally burning their crop waste contribute to the problem, as do households burning wood and dung for heat and cooking.

China reversed recent gains

One notable change in 2023 was a 6.3 percent increase in China’s air pollution compared with 2022, after at least five years of improvement. Beijing experienced a 14 percent increase in PM2.5 pollution last year.

The national government announced a “war against pollution” in 2014 and had been making progress ever since. But the sharpest decline in China’s PM2.5 pollution happened in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced much of the country’s economic activity to slow or shut down. Ms. Dolphin Hammes attributed last year’s uptick to a reopening economy.

And challenges remain: Eleven cities in China reported air pollution levels last year that exceeded the WHO guidelines by 10 times or more. The worst was Hotan, Xinjiang.

Significant gaps in the data

IQAir researchers analyze data from more than 30,000 air quality monitoring stations and sensors across 134 countries, territories and disputed regions. Some of these monitoring stations are run by government agencies, while others are overseen by nonprofit organizations, schools, private companies and citizen scientists.

There are large gaps in ground-level air quality monitoring in Africa and the Middle East, including in regions where satellite data show some of the highest levels of air pollution on Earth.

As IQAir works to add data from more cities and countries in future years, “the worst might be yet to come in terms of what we’re measuring,” Ms. Dolphin Hammes said.

Wildfire smoke: a growing problem

Although North America is one of the cleaner regions in the world, in 2023 wildfires burned 4 percent of Canada’s forests, an area about half the size of Germany, and significantly impaired air quality.

Usually, North America’s list of most polluted cities is dominated by the United States. But last year, the top 13 spots all went to Canadian cities, many of them in Alberta.

In the United States, cities in the Upper Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic states also got significant amounts of PM2.5 pollution from wildfire smoke that drifted across the border.

Risks of short-term exposure

It’s not just chronic exposure to air pollution that harms people’s health.

For vulnerable people like the very young and old, or those with underlying illnesses, breathing in large amounts of fine particulate pollution for just a few hours or days can sometimes be deadly. About 1 million premature deaths per year can be attributed to short-term PM2.5 exposure, according to a recent global study published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

The problem is worst in East and South Asia, as well as in West Africa.

Without accounting for short-term exposures, “we might be underestimating the mortality burden from air pollution,” said Yuming Guo, a professor at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and one of the study’s authors.

U.S. disparities widen

Within individual countries, air pollution and its health effects aren’t evenly distributed.

Air quality in the United States has generally been improving since the Clean Air Act of the 1970s. Last decade, premature deaths from PM2.5 exposure declined to about 49,400 in 2019, down from about 69,000 in 2010.

But progress has happened faster in some communities than in others. Racial and ethnic disparities in air pollution deaths have grown in recent years, according to a national study published this month .

The census tracts in the United States with the fewest white residents have about 32 percent higher rates of PM2.5-related deaths, compared with those with the most white residents. This disparity in deaths per capita has increased by 16 percent between 2010 and 2019.

The study examined race and ethnicity separately, and found the disparity between the census tracts with the most and least Hispanic residents grew even more, by 40 percent.

In IQAir’s rankings, the United States is doing much better than most other countries. But studies that dig deeper show air quality is still an issue, said Gaige Kerr, a research scientist at George Washington University and the lead author of the disparities paper published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. “There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said.

Dr. Kerr’s research showed that mortality rates were highest on the Gulf Coast and in the Ohio River Valley, in areas dominated by petrochemical and manufacturing industries. He also noted that researchers have seen a slight uptick in rates of PM2.5-related deaths starting around 2016, particularly in the Western states, likely because of increasing wildfires.

Delger Erdenesanaa is a reporter covering climate and the environment and a member of the 2023-24 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Delger Erdenesanaa

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