With such a variety of options when it comes to cruising it’s easy to see why North America is the top cruise destination in the world. Boasting a wide range of cultures, cuisines, histories and landscapes to experience, taste and explore, as well as unmatched choice when it comes to choosing the best cruise line and package for your needs, North American cruises have it all.
As the region with the most cruise holiday options in the world you’re sure to find a cruise line and ship perfect for your needs. Choose a small luxury yachting experience ideal for a romantic getaway or hop aboard one of the giants of the sea with amusements for all the family.
Large Cruise Ships | Smaller Cruise Ships |
---|---|
Royal Caribbean | Oceania |
Norwegian | Regent |
P&O | CMV |
Carnival | Seabourn |
Cunard | Crystal |
Celebrity | Viking |
Princess | Ponant |
Virgin Voyages | Fred. Olsen |
To get the full American experience on your cruise holiday, go for one of the cruise lines providing the laidback American style of cruising like NCL, RCL or Carnival. They’re great for families looking to have fun in the sun between going ashore, with plenty of entertainment for everyone such as waterparks, kids clubs and open dining times. Alternatively, if looking for a classic no-fly transatlantic cruise, you’ll find no one rivals Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 when it comes to luxury and tradition between Southampton and New York.
Whether you’re a culture vulture, nature lover or city clicker, North America has the perfect cruise destination for you- and there’s nothing stopping you seeing everything you want in one grand trip!
West | East | North | Central |
---|---|---|---|
Yosemite National Park | The White House | Glacier bay | New Orleans |
Grand Canyon | Statue Of Liberty | Niagara Falls | Mount Rushmore |
Golden Gate Bridge | Gettysburg | Needle Building | Route 66 |
Alcatraz | Miami | Denali National Park | Mississippi |
The laidback west coast of the old frontiers is ideal for those looking to mix having a wild time in iconic cities and get back to nature in some of the world’s best national parks.
As well as classic west-coast cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco you’ll easily find many sailings going up to Seattle, Alaska and Canada or down to Mexico. In addition, many cruises along the western seaboard even cruise out into the pacific to visit the idyllic islands of Hawaii.
The land where the Pilgrim Fathers first landed and the nations of the United States and Canada were born. The east coast of North America is rich in history, natural beauty and iconic cities.
If you don’t like flying or simply have a passion for traditional ocean travel, a cruise direct from Southampton to New York is a must. This is a particularly special experience onboard Cunard’s ships with a style of classic British cruising complete with elegant balls, afternoon teas and celebrated white star service.
Alternately, if you’re looking for some fun in the sun in a more modern American style of cruising, head to Miami, the gateway to the Caribbean and Central America, on a fly cruise package.
A highlight of a cruise to the east coast is the wide options of cruise and stay packages available to make the most of your time at sea and ashore alike. With tours of the battlefield of Gettysburg, land tours through Amish Country or to Toronto and Niagara Falls, a land tour is perfect for culture vultures or those just wanting a hotel stay exploring New York either side of their cruise.
As well as some of the best cruise destinations in the world, North America is top when it comes to cruise and stay packages. These are as varied as rail and sail adventures aboard the rocky mountaineer, escorted land tours of Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon or Maine and Washington national parks. If you’re just wanting to spend a few days in New York or Miami either side of your cruise, that’s fine too- we have a plethora of hotels and flight connections available from our tailor-made packages.
Thanks to the unique American Queen Steamboat Company, there’s more to North American cruising than the oceans. Onboard this iconic paddle steamer, there’s never been a more romantic way to see the delights of the south than a trip down the mighty Mississippi all the way to New Orleans for vibrant Cajun dishes and jazz late into the night.
When it comes to the weather and terrain, North America is one of the most diverse areas on earth from the rocky canyons of Texas to the sweeping coasts of Maine, everglades of the south and vast fjords and glaciers of Alaska. Most holiday makers visit during the height of summer due to the school holidays so we’d advise you to go either side of the crowd if you can- you’ll also find the heat a bit more pleasant in the south while the cold isn’t as biting to the north!
In addition, make sure to catch these amazing annual highlights:
What | When | Where | Why |
---|---|---|---|
Mardi Gras | March/February | New Orleans | No one celebrates French culture like New Orleans. From all-day street parties to jazzy nightlife, throw in some Cajun cuisine and you’ve got the queen of fiestas |
Calgary Stampede | July | Alaska | The Super Bowl/Woodstock of all things cowboy. Grab your Stetson and catch a rodeo, wild west show, music concert and more |
Columbus Day Parade | October | New York | See the Big Apple come alive like no other day of the year. If you thought Time’s Square was colourful, just wait till you take in the festive season kick off with a bang |
Queen Mary 2 | 2695/1292 | Yes | Avoiding peak season is the best time to take a raft trip or a helicopter ride as part of an escorted tour package to truly engorge on this intimidating natural wonder |
Grand Canyon | June-August | Canada | Feel the spray on your skin while the pleasant weather warms you back up and allows for the best views out into the void before peak season hits |
Whale Watching | May-Septembe | West Coast | You’ll find many different species up and down the east coast year round but migration season is your best chance to spot orcas and humpbacks |