closest cruise ship port to me

Cruise Ship Ports - Full List & Map of US Departures [2023]

Here is a complete list of US Cruise Ship Ports We've also included a map. This should help find your nearest options for cruise daparture ports.

When deciding which cruise is perfect for your next vacation, one of the most important factors is "departure port." We're constantly asked the following.

What is the closest cruise ship port to me?

Many cruisers start our search based on closest port . In an ideal world, our cruise would depart from one of the U.S. cruise port within driving distance.

Once we get out of range, we have to start planning flights , ubers , and hotels . That adds a whole level of complexity and additional costs that we'd prefer to avoid.

Check out the map and list below to find your closest cruise port.

Make sure to pin that list to your "Cruise Search" board for easy reference!

Here's a complete list below by state. Also provided are links to find more detail on each departure port as well as links to shore excursions for each.

• ALABAMA: Mobile Cruise Port
• ALASKA: Juneau Cruise Port
• ALASKA: Seward Cruise Port
• ALASKA: Whittier Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: Long Beach Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: San Diego Cruise Port
• CALIFORNIA: San Francisco Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Jacksonville Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Miami Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Port Canaveral Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Palm Beach Cruise Port
• FLORIDA: Tampa Cruise Port
• HAWAII: Honolulu Cruise Port
• LOUISIANA: New Orleans Cruise Port
• MARYLAND: Baltimore Cruise Port
• MASSACHUSETTS: Boston Cruise Port
• NEW JERSEY: Bayonne Cruise Port
• NEW YORK (BROOKLYN): Brooklyn Cruise Port
• NEW YORK (MANHATTAN): Manhattan Cruise Port
• OREGON: Portland Cruise Port
• SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston Cruise Port
• TEXAS: Galveston Cruise Port
• VIRGINIA: Norfolk Cruise Port
• WASHINGTON: Seattle Cruise Port
• PUERTO RICO: San Juan Cruise Port

Mobile Cruise Port

You'll find that Mobile serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Mobile Cruise Port Hotels
• Mobile Port Info

Juneau Cruise Port

You'll find that Juneau serves the following: Compagnie Du Ponant, Seabourne, and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Juneau Cruise Port Hotels
• Juneau Port Info
• Juneau Shore Excursions

Seward Cruise Port

You'll find that Seward serves the following: Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Seward Cruise Port Hotels
• Seward Port Info
• Seward Shore Excursions

Whittier Cruise Port

You'll find that Whittier serves the following: Holland America, Princess and Seabourn Cruise Lines .

• Whittier Cruise Port Hotels
• Whittier Port Info
• Whittier Shore Excursions

Long Beach Cruise Port

You'll find that Long Beach serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Long Beach Cruise Departures
• Long Beach Cruise Port Hotels

Los Angeles Cruise Port

You'll find that Los Angeles serves the following: Norwegian, Princess, Crystal and Oceania Cruise Lines .

• Los Angeles Cruise Departures
• Los Angeles Cruise Port Hotels
• Los Angeles Port Info
• Los Angeles Shore Excursions

San Diego Cruise Port

You'll find that San Diego serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Silversea Cruise Lines .

• San Diego Cruise Departures
• San Diego Cruise Port Hotels
• San Diego Port Info
• San Diego Shore Excursions

San Francisco Cruise Port

You'll find that San Francisco serves the following: Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Cunard, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines .

• San Francisco Cruise Departures
• San Francisco Cruise Port Hotels
• San Francisco Port Info
• San Francisco Shore Excursions

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

You'll find that Fort Lauderdale serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Silversea Cruise Lines .

• Fort Lauderdale Cruise Departures
• Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotels
• Fort Lauderdale Port Info
• Fort Lauderdale Shore Excursions

Jacksonville Cruise Port

You'll find that Jacksonville serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Jacksonville Cruise Departures
• Jacksonville Cruise Port Hotels
• Jacksonville Port Info

Miami Cruise Port

You'll find that Miami serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, MSC, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Miami Cruise Departures
• Miami Cruise Port Hotels
• Miami Port Info
• Miami Shore Excursions

Port Canaveral Cruise Port

You'll find that Port Canaveral serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruise Lines .

• Port Canaveral Cruise Departures
• Port Canaveral Cruise Port Hotels
• Port Canaveral Port Info
• Port Canaveral Shore Excursions

Palm Beach Cruise Port

You'll find that Palm Beach serves the following: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line .

• Palm Beach Cruise Port Hotels
• Palm Beach Port Info

Tampa Cruise Port

You'll find that Tampa serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

• Tampa Cruise Departures
• Tampa Cruise Port Hotels
• Tampa Port Info
• Tampa Shore Excursions

Honolulu Cruise Port

You'll find that Honolulu serves the following: Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines .

• Honolulu Cruise Port Hotels
• Honolulu Port Info
• Honolulu Shore Excursions

New Orleans Cruise Port

You'll find that New Orleans serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

• New Orleans Cruise Departures
• New Orleans Cruise Port Hotels
• New Orleans Port Info
• New Orleans Shore Excursions

Baltimore Cruise Port

You'll find that Baltimore serves the following: Carnival and Royal Careibbean Cruise Lines .

• Baltimore Cruise Departures
• Baltimore Cruise Port Hotels
• Baltimore Port Info
• Baltimore Shore Excursions

Boston Cruise Port

You'll find that Boston serves the following: Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Boston Cruise Departures
• Boston Cruise Port Hotels
• Boston Port Info
• Boston Shore Excursions

Bayonne Cruise Port

You'll find that Bayonne serves the following: Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

• Bayonne Cruise Departures
• Bayonne Cruise Port Hotels

Brooklyn Cruise Port

You'll find that Brooklyn serves the following: Princess and Queen Mary Cruise Lines .

• Brooklyn Cruise Departures
• Brooklyn Cruise Port Hotels
• Brooklyn Port Info
• Brooklyn Shore Excursions

Manhattan Cruise Port

You'll find that Manhattan serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean, and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• Manhattan Cruise Departures
• Manhattan Cruise Port Hotels
• Manhattan Port Info
• Manhattan Shore Excursions

Portland Cruise Port

You'll find that Portland serves the following: American Cruise Line .

• Portland Cruise Port Hotels
• Portland Port Info

Charleston Cruise Port

You'll find that Charleston serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Charleston Cruise Departures
• Charleston Cruise Port Hotels
• Charleston Port Info
• Charleston Shore Excursions

Galveston Cruise Port

You'll find that Galveston serves the following: Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line .

• Galveston Cruise Departures
• Galveston Cruise Port Hotels
• Galveston Port Info
• Galveston Shore Excursions

Norfolk Cruise Port

You'll find that Norfolk serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

• Norfolk Cruise Port Hotels
• Norfolk Port Info

Seattle Cruise Port

You'll find that Seattle serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Oceania Cruise Lines .

• Seattle Cruise Departures
• Seattle Cruise Port Hotels
• Seattle Port Info
• Seattle Shore Excursions

San Juan Cruise Port

You'll find that San Juan serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, SeaDream, Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

• San Juan Cruise Port Hotels
• San Juan Port Info
• San Juan Shore Excursions

We hope that this list helped you find the closest port for your next vacation.

Please use the buttons below to help spread the word with your favorite cruising community!

Gangwaze is your one-stop destination for shore tours, pre-cruise hotels, transfers, vacation insurance & more. We’ve partnered with industry leaders to bring you the best deals and the most convenience.

We love hearing from you. Email us directly or holler through socials.

• Cruise From

DEPARTURE PORTS

Destination matters, but it's not the only thing. Every great vacation starts somewhere — how about yours?

Jacksonville

Dover (London)

Long Beach (Los Angeles)

New Orleans

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Civitavecchia (Rome)

San Francisco

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

Interactive world cruise map, cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips | river cruises | ferry ports.

Select Country and Port:

Select a Country Alaska Albania Algeria American Samoa Angola Anguilla/Barbuda Antarctica Antigua Argentina Aruba Ascension Australia Azores Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bonaire Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canary Islands Cape Verde Cayman Islands Channel Islands Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic Easter Island Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea Bissau Haiti Hawaii Honduras Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Madagascar Madeira Malaysia Maldives Malta Martinique Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Monaco Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niue Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Saba Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Singapore Sint Maarten Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Georgia South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Suriname Svalbard/Spitsbergen Sweden Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turks and Caicos Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay US Virgin Islands USA Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Western Sahara

Privacy Policy

Cruise Ports

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

• 60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Instant Savings + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

• 50% OFF Cruises + Take All FREE + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

• Up to 45% OFF + Up to $1,000 Onboard Crerdit + 50% Reduced Deposit + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE

Princess Cruises

• Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

• Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE Amenities Included: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

• Last Minute Cruise Deals
• Land Tour Deals
• View Golf Vacations
• Shop by Destination
• Shop by Cruise Line
• Cruise From Port Near You
• Holiday Sailings
• Luxury Cruises

Cruise from a Port Near You

Cruises now depart from many U.S. ports and cruising from a port near you is a great alternative that is not only convenient but can also prove to be a great value. Driving to a nearby port can save you time and the expense of airfare. The number of cruise ports has expanded considerably over the years and now include ports such as New York, Boston, Baltimore, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, New Orleans, Galveston, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Homeport cruising also allows travelers to easily take advantage of last minute cruise deals making quick getaways easy and convenient. Cruise destinations for homeport cruises include the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Mexico, Alaska and more.

Cruises from Baltimore sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Baltimore is close to many residents in the mid-Atlantic states including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and southern New Jersey.

Cruises from Bayonne sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and transatlantic cruises. Bayonne is convenient to many residents of the northeast including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Cruises from Boston sail to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada & New England. Boston is convenient to many residents of the northeast including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Cruises from Charleston sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Charleston is convenient to many residents of the south including South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

Cruises from Fort Lauderdale sail to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Panama Canal as well as transatlantic cruises and longer, more exotic cruises. Fort Lauderdale is convenient to residents throughout South Florida.

Cruises from Galveston sail to the Caribbean. Galveston is convenient to many residents of Texas and Louisiana.

Cruises from Jacksonville sail to the Bahamas. Jacksonville is convenient to many residents of Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Cruises from Long Beach sail to Mexico and Hawaii. Long Beach is convenient to many residents of southern California, Arizona and Nevada.

Cruises from Miami sail to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Panama Canal as well as transatlantic cruises and longer, more exotic cruises. Miami is convenient to residents throughout south Florida.

Cruises from New Orleans sail to the Caribbean. New Orleans is convenient to many residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Cruises from New York sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and transatlantic cruises. Bayonne is convenient to many residents of the northeast including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Cruises from Port Canaveral sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Port Canaveral is close to Orlando which makes it easy to combine Port Canaveral cruises with the many theme parks located in Orlando.

Cruises from San Diego sail to the Mexico, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Pacific Northwest & Canada as well as longer, more exotic cruises. San Diego is convenient to many residents of the California, Arizona and Nevada.

Cruises from San Francisco sail to the Mexico, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest & Canada as well as longer, more exotic cruises. San Diego is convenient to many residents of the California and Nevada.

Cruises from Seattle sail to Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Pacific Northwest & Canada as well as longer, more exotic cruises. Seattle is convenient to many residents of the Washington, Oregon and British Columbia.

Cruises from Tampa sail to Caribbean and the Bahamas as well as transatlantic cruises. Tampa is convenient to many residents of Florida.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

United States Cruise Ports Map and Information

There are so many amazing cruise ports in America. We're helping you locate them with a convenient United States cruise ports map and additionally useful information on a majority of the ports. We've included appropriate information, like how to get to the port, park and closest airports, and things to do nearby or while in port.

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

United States Cruise Port Map

On the map below. we've starred all the ports. If the port is colored in, we have information on it below. If it's white, it's not included below; however, check back for updates as we will continue to add to this post.

West Coast United States Cruise Ports

Seattle, washington cruise port.

By Chris, from the Amateur Traveler

Seattle has grown to be the largest cruise ship port on the West Coast of the USA. Most of the traffic is heading to an inside passage cruise to Alaska from Seattle, with over 200 departures in a typical year.

Most major cruise lines sail from Seattle, including Carnival, Oceania, Norwegian, Holland America, Princes s, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. Seattle has two different cruise terminals: Bell Street Cruise Terminal and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.

The Bell Street Cruise terminal is very close to downtown. It is around 1,500 feet from the Seattle Marina. This is a bit farther to the Seattle Great Wheel and just down the hill from the Pike Place Market. An able-bodied person can easily get to a number of popular attractions on foot from the terminal. 1,700 parking places across the street charge $23 a day. This terminal can berth one cruise ship.

The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is at Pier 91, 3.5 miles further northwest along the coast. It's not really close to anything. The closest of the well-known landmarks would probably be the Space Needle, which is about a 50-minute walk from the pier. It has 1,000 parking spaces and charges $27 a day. This terminal can berth two cruise ships.

There are lots of  things to do in Seattle , including world-class museums like the Chihuly Museum, The Pacific Science Museum, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Some of the more unique things to do include the underground tour near Pioneer Square and the  Locks Cruise . If you are heading to Alaska, stop at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to learn more about the history of Alaska.

Check out these Seattle tours:

• 20-Minute Scenic Tour Over Seattle in a Small Airplane (only a 15-minute Uber ride from the port)
• Premiere 3-Hour Seattle City Tour
• Chef-Guided 2-Hour Food Tour of Pike Place Market

San Francisco, California US Cruise Port

By Jyoti, from Story at Every Corner 

Few people would think of San Francisco as a cruise port city. And rightfully so, as many more visitors arrive by air, road, train or other means. The big commercial port of the area is across the bay in Oakland.

However, when considering the United States cruise ports map, ships sailing the western coastline of North America dock at one of the cruise terminals along Embarcadero street every summer. One could spend the day just on the piers visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf area for all sorts of entertainment: sailing the bay, visiting Alcatraz Island, dining etc. 

Parking is convenient but expensive in San Francisco so it’s best to take a rideshare, public transit or have someone drop you off at the terminal. There are bicycle rickshaws along the piers so it’s easy to travel between the piers and attractions.  

Some of the most popular things to see in the city are the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, The Seven Sister, Nob Hill, SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Missions, etc. The list goes on and on. 

Besides the famous landmarks, one can visit the lesser-known hidden gems of the community, such as beautiful mosaic steps and sunset sail in San Francisco Bay .

For chocolate lovers, Ghirardelli Square is an absolute must. And it’s close to the piers. 

There is so much to see and do just within the tiny Doty of San Francisco that you could spend the week. If you have more time, there are many incredible day trips you could take from San Francisco , such as Silicon Valley, Yosemite NP, Monterey Peninsula, and Lake Tahoe to name a few. 

Check out these San Francisco Tours:

• San Francisco 2-Hour City Tour in a VW Bus
• GoCar Tour of San Francisco (per 2 people)
• See San Francisco Sites for less with a CityPASS

Cruise Port at San Diego, California

By Maria of San Diego Explorer

The United States cruise port in San Diego is one of the most convenient ports in the world. It mainly offers cruises heading south to Mexico or up the California Coast. But you can also find itineraries to Hawaii and even the South Pacific.

Holland America and Norwegian are the most common cruise lines that sail from here, but some ships from Silversea, Celebrity, and Disney Cruise Line have added San Diego to their United States cruise ports map. 

Cruise ships dock right in the heart of Downtown San Diego. From here, cruisers can explore the top attractions of San Diego on foot, including the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway and Maritime Museum, Balboa Park , and much more.

If you still have not had enough time on the sea, you can do a  Flagship Harbor Cruise  to enjoy the sights of San Diego from the water. You can also hop on a ferry to cross the bay over to Coronado Island. Explore its quaint downtown, the famous Hotel Del Coronado, and its magnificent beaches.

Another fun excursion is a trip to La Jolla. Here, you can check out the seals sunbathing on the rocks, go kayaking around the caves, and watch the sunset over the stunning coastline. 

If San Diego is the starting and endpoint of your cruise and you need to park your car, your best option is airport parking; the airport parking lots are a short cab ride away from the San Diego cruise terminal. If you arrive by Amtrak at Santa Fe station , you can even walk to the cruise terminal. 

➜ Reserve Tours in San Diego

United States Cruise Ports in Alaska

Ketchikan alaska cruise port.

By Ellie, from Ellie's Travel Tips

As the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is one of the top cruise ports in the United States. While you can book a flight to Ketchikan through a 90-minute flight from Seattle, the easiest way to get to Ketchikan is through an ocean cruise from either Anchorage, Seattle, or Vancouver.

Most major cruise lines offer sailings to Ketchikan during the Alaskan cruise season, between April and September. Popular cruise lines visiting Ketchikan include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises.

One of the best  things to do in Ketchikan  is explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. This stunning Alaskan landscape stretches over 3 million acres and is the spot to find moose, sea lions, killer and humpback whales, wolverines, and much more!

Another fantastic Ketchikan activity is seeking out the Ketchikan totem poles. This beautiful Alaskan cruise port is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, each representing a unique story of the local native tribes.

When you are visiting Ketchikan, make sure to try some of the best salmon in the world. There are plenty of street vendors located downtown offering free samples. Overall, Ketchikan is truly one of the most remarkable ports in the United States, perfect for any cruising adventure.

Sitka Cruise Port in Alaska

By Dan and Mikkel, from Sometimes Sailing

Sitka quickly became a favorite cruise port and city when we arrived there one summer to explore Alaska. It's where we boarded our small cruise ship with Alaskan Dream Cruises to sail the Inside Passage, but large cruise ships stop in Sitka, too.

It's a very special city, and we recommend extending your vacation to spend time in Sitka before or after your cruise. There's plenty to do, from wildlife spotting tours to hiking, learning about salmon, and visiting Sitka National Historical Park with totem poles to admire.

It's unlikely you'll drive to Alaska to start your cruise, instead opting to fly to their small airport, which is just a five-minute drive from the center of downtown Sitka.

Cruise Port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska

When we think of the United States cruise ports map, one of the most magical ports is in Alaska, And it may not be as readily recognizable as a city like Juneau, their capital. But it's definitely one of the most interesting! This US Cruise Port, Icy Strait Point , earned the award for “Port of the Year” by Seatrade in 2020.

There is a ton to do here, including a Ziprider zip line that will knock your socks off, a salmon cannery to tour, whale-watching excursions, and an awesome gondola ride. Though it's possible to arrive at the port with a flight and a ferry ride, most people arrive via cruise ship.

Walk along the beach with a local beer in hand or try a Crabby Bloody Mary in Hoonah. Get to know the native people, the Tlingit, through cultural performances and interactions. Interestingly enough, the port is actually owned by about 1,450 native Alaskans, many with ties to the Tlingit.

Cruise lines that commonly sail to Hoonah, Alaska, to visit Icy Strait Point, are Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line , Cunard, Oceania, Windstar, and more.

Juneau Cruise Port

By Nicole, of Eat Live Travel Drink

Juneau is a fantastic United States cruise port to visit while taking either an Inside Passage or Glacier Bay cruise. It is usually one of the main ports on either itinerary.

Something unique to know about Juneau is that it is landlocked. The only way to get there is by boat or plane.

Some of the popular cruise lines that visit Alaska on their itineraries include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Windstar, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises , and more. There is definitely a wide selection of cruise companies and ships to choose from to reach Juneau.

If you do not wish to fly here to start your cruise, you can start in Seattle or in Vancouver, both of which have many itineraries that sail to Alaska.

Pro tip: get a room with a balcony so you can enjoy Alaskan scenery your entire cruise at any time of the day. The waters tend to be very calm, and you never know what wildlife you will see. (Alaska has bald eagles, whales, otters, and even bears.)

Alaska cruise season runs from about May to September. The weather can range from cold winter temperatures to high summer heat within a short time, so pack for any scenario; be prepared for the weather to change at any moment.

Things to do in Juneau include seeing Tracy Arm Fjord and Mendenhall Glacier, going white water rafting, whale watching, taking a seaplane ride, or even flying over glaciers.

Central United States Cruise Ports

Mobile, alabama.

By Lori, of Fitz5 on the Go

Mobile, Alabama, is a historic southern city located on the northwest side of Mobile Bay. The city is rich in history and charm.

Mobile's US cruise terminal was built in 2001, and hosts the Carnival Cruise line ships. Mobile has hosted several Carnival ships but was quiet from 2011 to 2016 until a new contract was signed and Carnival returned. Carnival's Fantasy has made its home in Mobile, before it was replaced by Carnival Fascination in 2022. But no matter the cruise ships currently in residence, cruises from Mobile are very affordable.

The cruise port of Mobile, Alabama, is easy to get to by car from I-10. The closest airport is Mobile, airport code MOB. It may be more cost-effective to fly into one of the surrounding airports, including New Orleans, Gulfport, and Pensacola.

The cruise terminal has onsite parking for 500 vehicles and overflow parking down the street. Parking rates are listed at $72 for a four-day cruise and $126 for a seven-day cruise. Several nearby hotels include Hilton's The Admiral hotel, Marriott's Battle House , and the Malaga Inn. 

Mobile has many activities to enjoy while visiting the city. The downtown area near the port is fun to explore and features museums, beautiful older buildings, and delicious food. The USS Alabama Battleship from the 1940s, at Battleship Memorial Park, is also a great place to visit. 

Mobile is a wonderful and easy choice as a location to sail off for your next cruise.

Galveston, Texas

By Lee and Stacey, from One Trip at a Time

The port of Galveston, Texas, on a barrier island 50 miles south of Houston, is one of the first ports developed for the mega-ships that visit sunny destinations on eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. It’s been steadily growing as a hub port in the Gulf of Mexico and features two cruise terminals for ships from Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

Because of Galveston’s location, it’s only about 30 minutes to the open sea of the Gulf of Mexico; it won’t take you long to start enjoying refreshing sea breezes!

Galveston is also a beach resort area with island vibes and a vibrant port. Within walking distance of the cruise terminals, you can stroll the historic Strand District with its pretty Victorian-era buildings that are home to restaurants, galleries, and museums.

Or, go aboard the Tall Ship Elissa, a three-masted, iron-hulled 1800s ship that is part of the Seaport Museum. If you're cruising with children, a visit to Moody Gardens is a must, especially to explore their aquarium and rainforest ecosystems. You can even sign up for lessons in building amazing sandcastles on the beach!

We recommend arriving a day or two before your cruise to extend your vacation with so many things to see and do in Galveston . Many hotels offer “Park & Cruise” deals if you stay with them.

There are several other cruise parking lots, like Galveston Park N Cruise, within walking distance of the port. This means you'll have easy luggage drop-off and embarkation on your ship to start your cruise vacation as soon as possible!

East Coast United States Cruise Ports

Boston, massachusetts.

By Mikkel, from Sometimes Sailing

The cruise port of Boston, MA, is just a short car ride from the heart of the city. We sailed from Boston to Quebec City on a New England and Canada cruise with Holland America Line.

As many cruise ports have, the Boston port is partially industrial. But the cruise passenger terminal has some pops of color to spark some interest and is well-labeled with signage everywhere.

There are elevators and escalators, bathrooms, and even a water bottle filling station (though you cannot go through security with water).

There's plenty to do in Boston, from historic sightseeing to eating at great restaurants where local seafood (like lobster) is a highlight to taking a duck boat tour in the Boston Harbor.

Port of Boston Parking

Parking at the terminal is in an uncovered, open-air lot. The rate for cruise passengers is $20 per day. Cash, Visa or MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.

Uber and Lyft are available in Boston. Additionally, there is a cell phone lot for anyone waiting to pick up passengers at the port.

Cape Liberty, New Jersey Cruise Port

Just a few miles outside of Manhattan is the Cape Liberty Cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Though the area is particularly attractive immediately surrounding the cruise port (it's an industrial port for the most part, even though some of the drive there is really pretty along the waterfront), there's something very special here: you can see the Statue of Liberty from the cruise while it's in port, on a clear day. It's truly breathtaking!

You can also very clearly see the NYC skyline too.

Cruising from this NJ USA cruise port is beneficial because of the abundance of airports nearby, including Newark, Westchester, JFK, and LaGuardia.

If you want to extend your trip, there are endless things to do in NYC, from world-class restaurants to Broadway, Central Park, The High Line, and more.

Parking or Getting to Cape Liberty Cruise Port

You can drive to the cruise port, take a car service like Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation.

Without traffic from the west side, central or south Manhattan, it could be a 35-minute drive to the port. With traffic, it could be over an hour. We spent about $60 from NYC to NJ to board Celebrity Beyond . From NJ to NYC was more expensive, at around $80.

You can also take the PATH train to NJ, then call a cab to go the rest of the distance from the station to the cruise terminal in Bayonne. Go from Manhattan to one of these NJ stations on the PATH: Jersey City, Newport, Exchange Place, or Hoboken.

Alternatively, take the NJ Transit Light Rail on the NJ Hudson-Bergen line toward 8th street Bayonne. Exit at the 34th Street Station in Bayonne, NJ. You'll be just two miles from the cruise port, accessible by cab or ride share, like Uber.

Baltimore, Maryland Cruise Port

By Pamela, from the Directionally Challenged Traveler

The Baltimore Cruise Port is a great destination to start off any vacation! The Baltimore Cruise Port is located in the heart of the city, right off Route 95. There is parking available on-site within walking distance of the port.

Passenger vehicles only cost $15 per night; recreational vehicles range from $30-$40 per night based on size. No advanced reservations are required to use the parking lot. Royal Caribbean and Carnival are the two most popular cruise lines that leave from Baltimore. 

Extend your time in Baltimore and explore this city rich with personality. One of the best things to do in Baltimore is explore the Inner Harbor. It’s an icon of the city and is home to several attractions.

The USS Constellation is a historic ship built in the mid-1800s and used during the Civil War. Explore the numerous museums around the harbor. Grab a bite at Miss Shirley’s Cafe or Phillips Seafood for fresh crab! 

Another great thing to do in Baltimore is take a food tour of the area. Be sure to sign up for a day tour if you need to return to the cruise ship or embark at a certain time.

🦀 Reserve Your Baltimore Tour

For incredible boutique shopping, head to Fells Point. This area of Baltimore had residents before America was even a country! Fans of street art can visit the colorful Graffiti Alley to glimpse at the local culture.

You can visit Edgar Allen Poe’s house and final resting place near Lexington Market. If you need a break from the city, head to Druid Hill Park for some open space. There’s a conservatory with a botanical garden in the park. Keep an eye out for a Druid carved into an old tree!

The ease of access and variety of things to do in the area makes Baltimore one of the best cruise ports in the United States.

Port of Palm Beach, Florida

This port is located just 20 minutes from West Palm Beach airport and is where Margaritaville at Sea will sail from. It's a very easy port to reach with key cities nearby, like West Palm Beach and Lake Worth.

You can easily reach Fort Lauderdale, which is just under an hour away from here.

Port Canaveral, Florida Cruise Port

By Mikkel, from Sometimes Home

One of the most exciting things about driving to the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is seeing Disney Cruise Line's ship in port as you drive over the highway to reach your destination. Disney Cruise Line has its own terminal next to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line terminals. (You can check the current list of cruise lines leaving from this port on the Port Canaveral website .)

On a United States cruise ports map, it's on the east coast of central Florida, about an hour away from Orlando.

Naturally, if you're going to Port Canaveral, an obvious choice of nearby things is to visit Lake Buena Vista, where Walt Disney World is, and Orlando, where Universal is. (There's plenty to do in Orlando besides the theme parks, though.) Or, you can enjoy Cape Canaveral and a visit to Kennedy Space Center, which takes an entire day to enjoy.

You can also head to the beach – like Cocoa Beach to enjoy the pier or Satellite Beach just south of the area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can kayak to find manatees and dolphins in the area on a guided tour.

Parking at Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals

There are several parking garages at the terminals, which is your best bet for getting your car close to your cruise ship. It costs $17 per day, even for partial days.

Offsite parking is also an option here, like at Park Port Canaveral . Rates are better than at the port, and you may save some extra money if you reserve online and prepay.

Alternatively, you can fly to a major airport, like Orlando International Airport (MCO) and take a shuttle over to Port Canaveral. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is also close to the port; a drive between MLB and Port Canaveral would take about 45 minutes.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Cruise Port (Port Everglades)

By Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh, from Robe Trotting

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of America’s premier cruise ports. It's called “ Port Everglades .” Conveniently, the cruise ship terminal is only three miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport.

There are some shuttle options, but the best way to reach the terminal from the airport is to take an Uber or taxi. The cost is around $10-15, and most of the shuttles are similar or more in price, but on a fixed schedule.

For example, the Carnival shuttle is $16. Parking at the cruise port is about $15 per day, and many lots require an advanced reservation, so make sure to research before your departure.

The port of Fort Lauderdale services some of the biggest cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America. It’s a popular departure point for many themed cruises on these lines, whether Biker-themed, Star Trek-themed, or an LGBTQI+ cruise , for instance.

It's worth noting that Fort Lauderdale is an incredibly gay-friendly city . (This popular south Florida destination and has one of the largest LGBTQI+ communities in the United States of America.)

If you’re sailing from Fort Lauderdale and book a few extra nights in town, you will have plenty of options for entertainment.

There are dinner cruises on the Intracoastal Waterway or you can dine at any of the incredible seafood restaurants in town. The magnificent beaches in Fort Lauderdale are clean and popular with cruise guests before or after their departure, because there is no such thing as too much sand and sun.

🗓 Reserve Fort Lauderdale Tours

Port of Miami (or “PortMiami”), Florida Cruise Port

By Dan, from Sometimes Home

The Port of Miami is an incredibly popular port for many cruise lines to start their sailings. It's been deemed the Cruise Capital of the World with good reason, having four active cruise ports with more in the works. It's at the southern tip of mainland Florida, and their nearby major airports make it easy to get there. (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about 45 minutes to an hour from the Port of Miami, and Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 30 minutes away from the port.)

Parking at the Port of Miami will cost about $25 a day, or you can park offsite. There are a few nearby parking options that will shuttle you to the port as part of the parking arrangement (aka: for free), including Safe Cruise Parking and We Park in Miami . These are just two of many options.

Many cruise lines have contracts to dock at the Port of Miami, including Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line. Virgin Voyages does as well, and recently opened their brand new dedicated terminal there.

There is plenty to do in the area, like visiting the famous Wynwood, Miami neighborhood, most famous for its mural walls. Or heading to South Beach to start your pre-cruise vacation in the sand.

Key West, Florida US Cruise Port

By Lori, from Travlinmad

Key West, Florida, the Southernmost City in the USA, is one of the most popular and busiest ports-of-call in the Caribbean as reflected by the number of major cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean that now include the port in their itineraries.

Fisherman’s Wharf at Mallory Square receives the lion’s share of scheduled cruise ships, which gives cruisers a great starting point for exploring the Conch Republic. Depending on the ship’s schedule, time ashore varies from 6-10 hours.

If this doesn’t sound like much time to you, you may be right. But there are plenty of  fun things to do in Key West  for those who want a quick taste of the island.

Cruise ship tourists can easily walk to Duval Street where there are island-y restaurants, Jimmy Buffett-style watering holes, souvenir shops, art galleries, trolley tours, and trolley tours. And just off Mallory Square is Key West’s most famous fun bar of all, Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

It’s easy to get around this part of town and everything is close by, from unique museums, funky architecture, and historical sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Just off of Duval Street is the Mel Fisher Museum, Audubon House, and the Key West Aquarium, definitely worth a visit.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, Key West will have you singing “It’s Been a Lovely Cruise.”

San Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise Port

By Annick, from The Common Traveler

San Juan, Puerto Rico is the largest and busiest port in the Caribbean, accommodating up to nine cruise ships at once. Used both as an embarkation point and destination stop, San Juan features on many Caribbean itineraries and is the starting point for many Southern Caribbean cruises. 

There are two cruise ports in San Juan. Royal Caribbean and other cruises depart from the Pan American Pier, about a 10-minute car ride from Old San Juan. The three piers next to Old San Juan are mostly used as port stops (as opposed to departure/arrival ports). The only exception is Carnival Cruise Line which departs and arrives in Old San Juan. Celebrity mostly uses the Pan American Pier, even for port stops.

Parking decks are available near both the Pan American and Old San Juan piers. Pan American Pier parking is available at the Sheraton or neighboring Isla Grande Airport. Parking is outdoors and varies greatly between $8.56 per day to $22 for valet. Several covered garages are located in Old San Juan, including a few near the piers. Most travelers arrive by taxi to avoid the cost of long-term parking.

San Juan offers a lot to visitors. Old San Juan is a great city to visit on your own as everything is within walking distance. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites or sample a pina colada where they were first created. There is lots to do on a port day in Old San Juan !

Check out these San Juan Tours:

• Old San Juan Walking Tour
• Flavors of Old San Juan Food Tour
• Puerto Rico Craft Cocktail Walk in San Juan

Hawaii United States Cruise Ports

Port of hilo.

By Noel, from This Hawaii Life

One of the Easiest port cities to visit is Hilo, Hawaii located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Servicing the cruising industry that travels to all the islands, Hilo is one of the first stops on the circle island cruise before it goes around the island to the Kona side. 

Most of the cruises arrive at the port in the early morning, allowing for a full-day tour of the highlights, which typically are Hilo town, East Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park or even an adventure tour type of package or helicopter tour.

The choices are limitless and since you have the entire day, there's plenty to see. Even renting a car is feasible so you can actually do your own DIY tour and visit more places if you want to see more.

Most visitors opt to tour the Hilo area and highlights and maybe squeeze in some beach time to local beaches that are an easy cab ride or walk from the harbor area.

Although the walk from the port to town is a trek, it's easier to do on a Hop On Hop Off bus that allows you to see all of the best highlights in town in an affordable setup. Check out the  top things to do in Hilo  for more inspiration and touring the city and surrounding area.

United States Cruise Port at Oahu

By Nicole, of Eat Love Travel Drink

Cruise ships in Oahu, Hawaii, dock close to the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which is conveniently located about a 10-20 minute drive from Honolulu International Airport. It's very easy to book a tour from the Oahu, Hawai cruise port too.

The most popular cruise line sailing the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Line. They are docked at Port of Honolulu Pier 2 and are easy to access. You can get a taxi/Uber/Lyft from the airport and is about $30 USD each way.

For parking, the public parking is about ¾’s of a mile away, and the cost is about $21 a day. It may be easier to just take a taxi from the airport, so you don’t have to pay for a rental car and to park it for the duration of your stay.

Norwegian’s Cruise Ship in Hawaii used to do 7-day sailings around the island but has now included French Polynesia in some of their itineraries. It is like getting two vacations in one, and you get to stay on the same boat.

Most cruises originate in and out of Oahu, so you will want to plan to stay an extra day or two as not to miss anything.

Some things you should have on your Oahu bucket list include : a visit to the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, piping hot malasada from Leonard’s Bakery, shaved ice, and some snorkeling.

Love cruising? Read this next:

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

Similar Posts

All About Hatteras Saltworks: Outer Banks Sea Salt from NC

Complete Guide to Closed-Loop Cruises (and Open Jaw Itineraries)

First Time Snorkeling Tips for Non Swimmers

Guide to Mississippi River Cruises: Discover The Heart of America

Complete Guide to Alaskan Cruises in 2024, Including Ports of Call + What to Pack

Complete Guide to Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (Port Everglades)

You left out the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in Long Beach CA, as well as the Los Angeles Cruise Port in San Pedro CA. They are hope great Cruise Ports that usually have tours going into Hollywood, or any of the many amusement parks within a couple of hours drive. Not to forget that Long Beach California is a beautiful city with beachfronts & restaurants & shops to wander & enjoy along the waterfront, with the iconic Queen Mary docked permanently next to the Long Beach Terminal. It’s worth the time to mention this!

Hi Bill! Thanks for your comment! There are many cruise ports around the United States, as you’ll see from the map we included. Not all are mentioned in the text but we’re looking forward to expanding on the piece in the future. Thanks for your input! Long Beach is a wonderful destination and cruise terminal as is Los Angeles!

Distance of the port in Baltimore?

If you’re driving from the center of Baltimore to the cruise port, it’s about a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic.

Don’t forget PORT of TAMPA Cruise Terminals in your next review.

Thanks, Thomas! We are looking forward to writing about Tampa’s cruise port!

Thanks for the information! In the section “Baltimore, Maryland Cruise Port” you have the word porn instead of port. Thought you’d want to know.

Oh my gosh, thank you! Definitely a mistake! Updated it. Whew, thank you SO much, Tricia!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Ports of Departure

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

12 Seattle Cruise Hotels In Easy Walking Distance of the Port

Having sailed from Seattle to Alaska, we can tell you personally that it is a wonderful city to visit before or after your cruise. It’s a shame if you don’t stay for at least a day to explore. To help you out, we’ve put together some details on places to stay that are both near the cruise port and within lots to do and see.

All of the hotels listed below are within a mile of the Pier 66 cruise terminal . This places you squarely in downtown, near many of the major attractions that Seattle has to offer. Unfortunately, there are no hotels directly adjacent to Pier 91 , as it is primarily industrial and residential in the adjoining neighborhoods. Still, a short Uber/Lyft ride can get you to the Pier 91 in about 10 minutes.

The honest truth is there are dozens of hotels that meet these requirements. We found nearly 90. For that reason, we’ve looked for the highest-rated hotels in each price point to share. Expect prices to vary. Click each hotel name to see reviews on Kayak.com

Visit our other pages for details on Seattle hotels with cruise parking , budget hotels near the port , and Seattle hotels with cruise shuttles .

Note: This article contains affiliate links to Kayak. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you. Review ratings come from Google and are rounded to the nearest half point.

High-End Hotels Near Seattle Cruise Port

Seattle Marriott Waterfront Want to be next to the port? We are talking right next to the port. The Seattle Marriott is the closest hotel to Pier 66 and sits just across the street from the cruise pier. Not only are you right at the ship, but you also are in a great location to explore everything in the area and have wonderful views of the bay. The only issue? Be prepared to spend a little extra for the location.

• Distance to Port: Across the street
• Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Inn at the Market This hotel occupies a unique niche if you’re staying in Seattle — it’s the only hotel that is located in the famous Pike Place Market (though there are several right nearby). The hotel is small, with only about 75 rooms that look out onto the waterfront. It’s floor-to-ceiling windows will also make sure you have a great view of the bay and the buzzing activity of the city. On cruise day you can easily walk to Pier 66.

• Distance to Port: 0.5 miles

Hotel 1000 Hotel 1000 is a five-star luxury hotel that’s just a couple of blocks from the waterfront. This is a great location if you want to explore the Seattle Aquarium or the Seattle Art Museum. And did we mention the ability to walk to almost everything, a golf simulator, and a full-service spa?

• Distance to Port: 0.1 miles

The Edgewater Hotel The Edgewater Hotel might be the most famous hotel in Seattle. It’s where The Beatles stayed in 1964 during their first world tour. As you might guess, it sits right on the waterfront at the pier next to Pier 66. In fact, wake up on cruise morning and you’ll see your ship out the window. The hotel gets great reviews, but just know that the premium location can cost a bit more. 

• Distance to Port: 0.8 miles

Four Seasons The venerable Four Seasons in Seattle has an epic location among the best the city has to offer. It’s just one block from the famous Pike Place market and two blocks from the aquarium. For those who want a room with a view, this is the place. Rooms have sweeping views of the waterfront. Of course, it also offers the service that the Four Seasons is known for.

• Distance to Port: 0.6 miles

Mid-Range Hotels Near the Seattle Cruise Port

Grand Hyatt If you’re looking for a mainstream luxury hotel without the price tag, then Grand Hyatt might be your answer. The hotel is located on the edge of Seattle’s business district. This makes it a little long of a walk to waterfront attractions, but it still offers plenty of restaurants and activities within a short ride. In addition, the hotel offers plenty within its building, including a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and a Starbucks.

• Price: $$-$$$
• Distance to Port: 1 mile

The Sound Hotel Seattle A relatively easy half-mile walk to Pier 66, The Sound Hotel is a good option for those that want to be near the port and have a nice place, without spending as much as some higher-end hotels. The hotel features a modern, trendy vibe and includes some rooms with great views of the Space Needle.

The Paramount Hotel The Paramount is in the heart of downtown, putting it a little far from the waterfront. Still, if you are looking for a comfortable place to stay during the busy cruise season, it’s a good choice. Expect all the conveniences of a modern luxury hotel, including a fitness center, contemporary styling, and well-appointed rooms.

Hyatt at Olive 8 The Hyatt at Olive 8 is next door to the Paramount Hotel, putting it somewhat far from Seattle’s famous waterfront and a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market. Still, there’s lots to see and do nearby. One of the coolest features of the hotel is its indoor pool and spa that look out onto the city. At this spot you’re also a short ride on the Link train from T-Mobile Park where the Mariners play.

Inexpensive Hotels Near the Seattle Cruise Port

Ace Hotel If you’re like us, then you may not want to spend a ton of money just to get a spot near the port. That’s where places like Ace Hotel come in. The minimalist hotel’s location is just about five blocks from the port, putting you right in the heart of all the city has to offer. It’s unique in that it offer standard rooms with a shared bath (one of the reasons it can be affordable in such a prime location). If you don’t want to share a bathroom, deluxe rooms with private facilities are also available.

• Distance to Port: 0.3 miles

MarQueen Hotel If you want to feel some of the history of Seattle while still being near the cruise port, this may be your best bet. The hotel markets itself as “stepping back into the time of speakeasies, eclectic style and charming hospitality” as it sits in the historic Uptown neighborhood. It’s near the Museum of Pop Culture and the Space Needle and right in between Pier 66 and Pier 91, making it a good location no matter where you sail from.

• Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
• Review Rating: 4 out of 5

La Quinta Inn Seattle Downtown La Quinta — the well-known national chain — offers a cozy spot to stay nearly a straight shot down Bell Street to the Pier 66 cruise terminal. Here you’re right next to a park and main thoroughfares that than get you to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and more. The walk to the port will only take about 20 minutes and is less than a mile. In addition to clean and comfy rooms, wi-fi and breakfast is also included.

• Distance to Port: 0.7 miles

Moore Hotel Staying at a budget hotel doesn’t mean your hotel has to sacrifice being trendy and hip. The Moore Hotel sits in a historic building and has been updated with a clean, minimalist design. It offers a great location, just a few minutes from Pike Place and the port via walking. One thing it doesn’t have is air-conditioning, but most of the weather in Seattle is cool anyway.

More on Cruising From Seattle

Getting to the Port of Seattle — Transportation options from airports and the Seattle area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Seattle Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.

Dropping Off at the Port — Dropping off passengers? Not sure where to go once you get to the port? We have turn-by-turn directions to find your cruise terminal.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 10 best miami cruise hotels for passengers (close to port), 15+ hotels with cruise shuttles between orlando and port canaveral, 15+ convenient port canaveral “park & cruise” hotels, 15+ seattle hotels with free (or discounted) cruise parking, 12+ easy seattle hotels with shuttles to the cruise ports, seattle cruise parking (where to park): prices, profiles, & map, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Carnival set to return to baltimore two months after bridge collapse, this cruise line is offering month-long “working from hammock” cruises from..., 11 wild ways cruise ships are way crazier than you think, 6 easy houston to galveston cruise transport options (uber, shuttles, taxis,..., this cruise line is offering month-long “working from hammock” cruises from miami… starting at..., 6 easy houston to galveston cruise transport options (uber, shuttles, taxis, & more).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Florida Cruise Port Home to MSC, Norwegian, and More Is Expanding — What to Know

Port Canveral's new terminal is expected to be up and running by 2026.

Education Images/Getty Images

A cruise port on Florida’s Space Coast is going bigger, planning to build a brand-new cruise terminal to meet demand.

Port Canaveral’s new, expanded cruise terminal will be built at one of the existing berths and is expected to be operational by summer 2026, according to the port . When complete, it will have the ability to serve multiple cruise lines. 

"A new cruise terminal and the business it will deliver builds on our Board’s commitment to the economic prosperity of our Port community," Micah Loyd, the chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. “This proactive, business-oriented strategy reaffirms our commitment to ensure the State of Florida continues to prosper from cruise tourism and remains the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’.”

When finished, the new terminal will extend the current North 8 berth by more than 300 feet to  accommodate larger cruise ships. The project will also include a new multi-story parking facility with the ability to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles along with roadway improvements.

Port officials expect disruptions to current operations to be minimal during construction due to the project’s location.

Capt. John Murray, the Port Canaveral CEO, said in the statement the planned new terminal is “key to retaining and growing this important business segment that supports many jobs and delivers high value to our regional and state economy.”

Currently, several major cruise lines call Port Canaveral home: Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. In fact, the site welcomed an all-time high 6.8 million cruise passengers in the 2023 fiscal year, according to the port .

From Port Canaveral , which is nestled along Florida’s Space Coast , travelers can explore NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , hang out on the sand at Cocoa Beach , tour mangroves, keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins, and more.

Related Articles

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports

Cruise Ports Schedules

Schedules, terminals, wiki, news, live port maps,  marietta oh , ohio.

Marietta OH is an Ohio River cruise port and town in Ohio USA (Washington County), with a population of around 15,000. The town is located at the mouth of Muskingum River's confluence with Ohio River...

 Palma de Mallorca , Majorca Island Balearic Spain

Port Palma de Mallorca is located on Majorca Island's southeastern coast (Western Mediterranean Sea). Currently, the seaport (locode ESPMI) is among the busiest homeports/departure ports for cruise...

 Santos , Sao Paulo, Brazil

Santos is the cruise port to Sao Paulo - Brazil's largest city with population over 12,18 million (metro over 21,57 million). The cruise port is approx 70 km (45 mi) southeast of Sao Paulo City and...

 Newhaven , England

Newhaven is a small town and cruiseferry port in East Sussex (England UK). Besides cruise port, Newhaven is also homeport for regularly scheduled English Channel crossings to France (Dieppe). The...

 Labadee Haiti , Royal Caribbean private island

Labadee is an exclusive (privately-owned) Caribbean island port and resort destination located on Haiti's northern coast. This "private island" (area sized 260 acres/105 hectares) is leased until...

 Panama City , Fuerte Amador, Balboa

Cruise ships to Panama City dock either at Port Fuerte Amador (Cruise Terminal) or Port Balboa (locode PABLB). Both seaports are located at Panama Canal's Pacific Ocean entrance. On December 14...

 Cozumel , Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya

San Miguel de Cozumel is a major cruise port and city on Cozumel Island. Cozumel is part of Mexico's Quintana Roo state, located on Yucatan Peninsula's northeastern part. This is the most visited...

 Praia da Vitoria , Terceira Island Azores Portugal

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

 Messina , Sicily Italy

Port Messina is cruise port known as “the door to Sicily”. The city is located on Sicily Island, separated from mainland Italy by Strait of Messina (width 5 km / 3 mi). The city has population around...

 Whittier , Alaska

Port Whittier (locode USWQF) was established during the WW2 (1939-45) as a military supply seaport. As cruise port, Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound and Chugach National Forest (south...

 Manila , Luzon Island Philippines

Manila is Philippines' capital city and the country's largest seaport. It has an excellent deep and sheltered harbour with built-up modern waterfront. On the south bank of Pasig river is situated the...

 Belize City

Belize City cruise port is located in the second smallest Central America‘s country (the smallest is El Salvador). Belize borders Guatemala, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Belize is the only country...

 Macapa , Brazil

Macapa is an Amazon River cruise port and city in Brazil, located on river's northern channel and close to its mouth on Atlantic Ocean. The city has population around 400,000 (metro over 0,5 million...

 Kahului , Maui Island Hawaii

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

 Mykonos Island , Greece

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

Texas A&M Galveston to close for days after barge slams into bridge to island

A barge slammed into a bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, spilling oil into the bay, forcing a shutdown of the span and prompting the university on the other side of the bridge to close its campus through the weekend, officials said.

Texas A&M University at Galveston said Wednesday evening that the campus on Pelican Island would be closed Thursday through Sunday , citing an " extended outage of the bridge through the weekend," according to the university announcement.

Aerial images showed that a section of a rail line alongside the bridge appeared to have collapsed, with slabs of concrete piled on the barge.

No injuries were immediately reported at the Pelican Island Causeway after the incident, which unfolded shortly before 10 a.m. CT, the city of Galveston said in a statement .

Two operators were on the barge at the time of the impact, said Spencer Lewis, a spokesperson for the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management.

Lewis said that one of the operators fell into the water but was immediately rescued and that the other remained on the barge and was eventually rescued, as well. The Texas A&M marine unit rescued the operators.

The bridge, which was closed earlier Wednesday, had been reopened as of 7 p.m. CT to slow vehicular traffic, and a large line of cars was trying to exit Pelican Island, Lewis said.

The bridge is open only for outbound traffic, he said.

About 200 people were on the island at the time of the incident, and “substantially more than half” have been evacuated, Lewis said.

About 450 people — most of them students — live full time on Pelican Island. Faculty members and other workers make up the rest of the residents, he said.

Texas A&M University at Galveston is offering accommodations to students and faculty members who live on Pelican Island — which is also home to a fishing pier, a naval museum and other industries — but it also encouraged those who stay on campus to prepare to leave if necessary.

The university, which held its graduation ceremony last week, briefly lost power on campus earlier Wednesday, but it was restored quickly, the school said.

Classes scheduled for Thursday and Friday will either be canceled or held remotely, the school said in its evening update, and it encouraged employees to work at alternative locations. Dining services will remain open until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The barge that hit the bridge was “carrying a base petroleum product,” the Coast Guard said in a statement .

The city said: “The collision has resulted in an oil spill in the bay. The U.S. Coast Guard is responding and will determine the extent of the spill, as well as initiate the containment and cleanup processes.”

The accident is the latest to plague American bridges and highways.

A container ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 6, killing six people .

The Fort Madison Toll Bridge , which turns 97 in July and connects Fort Madison, Iowa, with Niota, Illinois, over the Mississippi River, was struck by a barge Thursday .

Two weeks ago, Interstate 95 in Connecticut was closed after a tanker truck filled with gasoline burst into flames and forced the closure of the one of the Eastern Seaboard's most important thoroughfares.

In late March, a family out fishing on the Arkansas River captured video of a barge hitting a bridge near Sallisaw, Oklahoma. And in April, more than two dozen barges broke loose from moorings and floated down the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, striking the Sewickley Bridge .

Galveston fire spokesperson Marissa Barnett said barges go under the bridge multiple times a day.

She pushed back against any comparisons between the Baltimore bridge collapse and Wednesday's incident.

“People have asked if this is like the Baltimore bridge. This is not that,” she said.

CORRECTION (May 15, 2024, 9:24 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the last name of the spokesperson for the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management. He is Spencer Lewis, not Jones.

David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say.

• People considering cruising might wonder what would happen if they were running late to the ship.
• In a Q&A on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead shared what to do.
• Call the ship agent if you're running late so the captain can decide if they have time to wait.

On March 27, eight travelers on a Norwegian cruise in Africa were stranded on the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe after their private excursion arrived back at the ship more than an hour after boarding closed. The cruisers chased the ship for almost a week before reboarding in Dakar, Senegal.

More recently, on May 13, a couple sailing in the Mediterranean with the same cruise line was left stranded in Motril, Spain, after their excursion (not organized by Norwegian) had an hour bus delay getting back to the ship due to rain,  CNN reported .

On any cruise, travelers have the freedom to experience multiple destinations on one trip with port stops where they can exit the ship and explore a new place.

But cruise ships run on a tight schedule, often only allotting passengers around seven or eight hours for a one-day stop, sometimes even less. This leaves many to wonder what happens if you're running late getting back to the ship : Will the crew wait up, or will you end up stranded, chasing the ship from stop to stop?

Will the captain wait for you?

The answer is maybe. 

On an April 2022 cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , Business Insider attended a Q&A with Captain Rob Hempstead, where he answered this very question. 

Hampstead, who's been a Royal Caribbean captain for two decades, started his career in Alaska's fishing industry. After 14 years of fishing, he became a captain. Before Wonder of the Seas, Hampstead served as captain of seven other Royal Caribbean ships, including Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas .

Related stories

The most stressful part of a cruise for the crew is getting out of the ports on time, he said, "Because the faster we go, the more fuel we have to burn."

Some people come late, and as a result, are left behind, he added. 

However, this doesn't mean he won't wait for you — you just need to know what to do. 

Two cruise ships docked at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas — Coco Cay. Joey Hadden/Insider

When will a cruise ship wait for passengers.

There are two instances in which the ship will wait. The first is if you're late returning from a cruise-line organized excursion. Since the excursion is supposed to only take place within the allotted port time, the ship will wait for passengers coming from a cruise line excursion that's running late.

However, if you've spent the day independently on your own, or with a private tour company, there are certain steps you must take to avoid being stranded.

If you're behind schedule, call the ship agent to alert the cruise that you're running late, he said. On Royal Caribbean cruises, this number can be found at the bottom of Cruise Compass, a daily flyer all passengers receive in their stateroom each day detailing the day's activities.

The agent may also be referred to as a port agent, according to a copy of Cruise Compass obtained by BI.

Whether the ship can wait for you, however, will depend on how late you'll be, he added.

"If I know you're 10 minutes away, I can make an educated decision about whether or not we can wait," Hampstead said. "We will wait if we can." 

Of course, if that's you, you'll have to run up the dock to the ship with many passengers watching, wondering what is holding up the departure, as they quickly realize it was you. Instead, always plan your day with ample time to return to port, or better yet, book your excursions through the cruise line.

• Main content

Travel | Royal Caribbean’s Port Canaveral-bound Utopia…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Entertainment
• Theater and Arts
• Things to Do
• Restaurants, Food & Drink

Things To Do

Subscriber only, travel | royal caribbean’s port canaveral-bound utopia of the seas heads out for sea trials.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas sails from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 to begin five days of sea trials ahead of its July debut from Port Canaveral. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean)

The sixth Oasis-class vessel set to become the second largest cruise ship in the world has five days of sea trials ahead of it, sailing from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on Tuesday where it has been under construction since April 2022.

With 10 weeks before its July 19 debut, the ship will perform hundreds of tests as it travels more than 1,000 miles.

“More than 900 experts, specialists across areas such as naval architecture, engineering, navigation and design, are on Utopia to push the ship to its limits and make sure it’s ready for smooth sailing,” according to a Royal Caribbean news release.

On the list will be confirming expected ship movement through the open water and making sure its navigation systems and engines perform as expected.

Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand

The ship is taking over the three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries currently being performed by Allure of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, part of a strategy of parking two Oasis-class ships at the Orlando-area port that has led to record passenger numbers.

Each sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas island Little Stirrup Cay, which the company has rebranded Perfect Day at CocoCay. The destination features a water park with 14 waterslides and a massive wave pool, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and the Bahamas and a new adults-only area called Hideaway Beach.

As the sixth Oasis-class ship, the ship is 236,860 gross tons and 1,188 feet long with 18 decks and a 5,668-passenger capacity based on double occupancy. Oasis of the Seas was the largest in the world when it debuted in 2009 followed by 2010’s Allure of the Seas, 2016’s Harmony of the Seas, 2018’s Symphony of the Seas and 2022’s Wonder of the Seas.

All but Symphony have spent some time calling Port Canaveral home.

It’s the first time Royal has assigned the short sailing duties to a ship of that size for its debut.

Port Canaveral head says it’s getting Royal Caribbean’s next new world’s largest cruise ship

It will not become the world’s largest ship because of the debut this year out of Miami of the even larger Icon of the Seas, the first in a new class of ship whose sister Star of the Seas will come online in 2025 and also make its way to Port Canaveral.

For now, though, Utopia of the Seas at No. 2 brings with it the Oasis-class favorites including the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. Utopia’s will be the longest at sea at 295 feet long — 43 feet longer than those on its sister ships. The ship’s outdoor features include eight hot tubs, five pools, three Perfect Storm waterslides, a surf simulator, mini golf, climbing walls and the Splashaway Bay water play area.

It will be home to seven neighborhoods that carve up the ship including the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade and Central Park.

Royal Caribbean details new dining on Port Canaveral-bound Utopia of the Seas

A new dining venue is called Royal Railway – Utopia Station will bring travelers on board a virtual train, offering a thematic dinner experience similar to the new Empire Supper Club that debuted on Icon of the Seas. The railway cars diners sit in will mimic train travel with digital screens showing a variety of destinations with matching cuisine.

The ship will also feature a new poolside food truck with quick bites called The Spare Tire, a walkup window for Japanese restaurant Izumi with Japanese-inspired street food and sweets, a repositioned, two-deck Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and new outside terrace Gio’s Terrazza and the second iteration of the popular Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar that debuted on Wonder of the Seas.

Also on board will be Hooked Seafood, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, Sorrento’s, Boardwalk Dog House, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Windjammer buffet, the main dining room and chef’s table experience.

One of 23 bar options, a new venue called the Pesky Parrot will feature fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks on the Promenade taking place of the Bionic Bar found on some of its sister ships.

Utopia of the Seas will also be the first Oasis-class ship to run on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that is among the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce their ships’ carbon footprint. Port Canaveral was the first North American port to home port an LNG cruise ship when Carnival’s Mardi Gras arrived in 2021 followed by Disney Wish in 2022.

For its main show entertainment, new show titles have yet to be revealed, but it will have its three main performance venues with Broadway-style shows at the Royal Theater, a new diving and aerobatic show in the AquaTheater, new ice-skating performances in Studio B as well as comedy in The Attic.

More in Travel

Travel | New issue of ‘Explore Florida & the Caribbean’ is going places

Travel | Bison in Florida? They roam with wild horses at Paynes Prairie State Park

Universal Orlando | First look: DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios

Travel | MSC Cruises to bring a 2nd ship to Port Canaveral