Best Cruise Ports for First Time Cruisers
If you are planning your very first cruise, choosing the right departure port can make a big...
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Category: Departure Ports
US Departure Ports
Choose the Best Port to Start Your Cruise
Cruises departing from the United States provide travelers with a wide array of regional experiences before even setting sail. Whether you're looking for sun-soaked Caribbean getaways, scenic voyages to Alaska or Pacific Coast adventures, there's a convenient port to start your journey. With departure cities spread across the East Coast, Gulf Coast, West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii, U.S. cruise ports make it easy to explore the world without international flights.
Browse the list below. Learn more about each U.S. departure port: including average temperatures and weather by month:
Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska
A scenic departure point for Alaska cruises, Whittier is surrounded by fjords, glaciers and wildlife. Many cruise-tours start here, with access to the Alaska Railroad and interior destinations.
Baltimore, Maryland
Conveniently located on the East Coast, Baltimore is a gateway to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Its Inner Harbor offers history and entertainment before your cruise.
Boston, Massachusetts
A historic city with sailings to Canada, Bermuda and Europe. Cruise passengers can explore Freedom Trail landmarks and the bustling waterfront before departure.
Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey
Located across from Manhattan, this modern terminal offers cruises to the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda and transatlantic destinations with views of the NYC skyline.
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for Cape Liberty
Charleston, South Carolina
This charming Southern city is home to historical architecture, local cuisine and sailings to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Used in many cruise-tour combinations, Fairbanks connects interior Alaska with southbound voyages, offering a base for Denali exploration.
Galveston, Texas
A vibrant port city on the Gulf Coast with cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Visitors enjoy historic districts, beaches and family attractions.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The primary departure port for Hawaiian island-hopping cruises. Cruise guests can enjoy Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and rich island culture pre- or post-cruise.
Jacksonville, Florida
This Northeast Florida port is known for short sailings to the Bahamas and family-friendly convenience.
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for Jacksonville
Los Angeles, California
A West Coast hub offering access to cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and the Panama Canal. It's also a great city for pre-cruise sightseeing.
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for Los Angeles
Long Beach, California
This port is primarily used by Carnival Cruise Line, with frequent sailings to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera.
Miami, Florida
Known as the cruise capital of the world, Miami offers a wide variety of sailings and vibrant culture, beaches and nightlife.
Mobile, Alabama
A smaller Gulf Coast port offering affordable cruises, with a walkable downtown area and Civil War history.
New Orleans, Louisiana
This lively city pairs Caribbean cruises with jazz music, Creole cuisine and French Quarter charm.
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for New Orleans
New York (Brooklyn), New York
Sailings from this borough include Caribbean and transatlantic routes. The terminal offers views of the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan.
New York (Manhattan), New York
Located in the heart of the city, this terminal offers easy access to top attractions before cruises to Bermuda, Canada and Europe.
Norfolk, Virginia
With a revitalized waterfront and naval history, Norfolk serves cruises to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Though limited, occasional sailings depart from Philadelphia, offering access to local history and culture before cruising.
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for Philadelphia
Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida
This family-friendly port is close to Orlando theme parks and launches a wide range of Caribbean itineraries.
Learn More about Port Canaveral
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for Port Canaveral
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida
Located near beaches and the airport, this is one of the busiest cruise ports for Caribbean and transatlantic voyages.
Learn More about Port Everglades
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for Port Everglades
San Diego, California
With year-round sunshine and a walkable downtown, San Diego offers cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and the Pacific.
San Francisco, California
A departure point for Alaska, Hawaii and world cruises, this port features iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city landmarks.
Learn More about San Francisco
See average monthly temperature and rainfall for San Francisco
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The gateway to Southern Caribbean itineraries, San Juan blends historic Old San Juan with tropical beauty.
Seattle, Washington
Cruises to Alaska depart from this major Pacific Northwest port, surrounded by mountains, markets and coffee culture.
Seward, Alaska
Set between mountains and Resurrection Bay, Seward is a picturesque port for one-way Alaska itineraries.
Tampa, Florida
A central Gulf Coast port with Caribbean sailings, nearby beaches and a revitalized waterfront.
From coast to coast, these U.S. departure ports offer travelers countless options to start their cruise adventure with ease and flexibility.
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