The A to Z of North American cruise ports

Cruising through North America offers a chance to explore diverse cities, stunning coastlines and rich cultural experiences. From the sunny beaches of Florida to the rugged beauty of Alaska, here, we highlight the most exciting cruise ports across the continent. 

Here’s an A to Z guide to North American cruise ports: 

Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island in British Columbia, is a charming coastal village known for its rich Indigenous culture and scenic beauty. It is home to the ‘Namgis First Nation and features the world’s tallest totem pole, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s vibrant history and traditions. 

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, sits between the mountains and the sea, offering stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing and viewing the Northern Lights while also providing cultural attractions and modern amenities. 

Baltimore, known as “Charm City,” is a vibrant harbour town famous for its historic ships, seafood and rich cultural heritage. The city blends modern attractions like the National Aquarium with historic landmarks such as Fort McHenry, where the US national anthem was born. 

Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Bar Harbor is a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning ocean views and as the gateway to Acadia National Park. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking and whale watching, and its charming streets are filled with shops, seafood restaurants and local art galleries. 

One of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is rich in history and known for landmarks like the Freedom Trail and Boston Tea Party sites. It’s also a vibrant, modern city with world-class universities, sports teams and a thriving arts and food scene. 

Cape Liberty, located in Bayonne, New Jersey, is a major cruise port offering stunning views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a convenient departure point for cruises to destinations like the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada. 

Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California, is known for its crystal-clear waters, rugged landscapes and charming town of Avalon. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like snorkelling, zip-lining and hiking or relax by the beach and explore local shops and restaurants. 

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic city known for its cobblestone streets, colourful antebellum homes and Southern charm. With beautiful waterfront views and a rich cultural heritage, it offers visitors a blend of history, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. 

Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is known as the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation. This charming coastal city is filled with historic sites, beautiful waterfront views and vibrant arts and culinary scenes. 

Corner Brook, located on the west coast of Newfoundland, is a picturesque city surrounded by rolling hills and stunning fjords. Known for its outdoor adventures, it offers hiking, skiing and breathtaking views along the Humber River.

Florida’s Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches, boating canals and vibrant nightlife. Often called the “Venice of America,” it’s a popular destination for cruising, waterfront dining and exploring arts and culture. 

Galveston, Texas, is a charming coastal city known for its sandy beaches, historic architecture and lively pier attractions. It’s a popular spot for family holidays, offering everything from seaside fun to fascinating museums and ghost tours. 

Alaska’s Glacier Bay is a breathtaking national park filled with massive glaciers, towering mountains and diverse wildlife. Visitors can see glaciers calving into the sea and spot whales, seals and bald eagles in this stunning natural wonder. 

Haines is a picturesque town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine waters. Known for its wildlife and outdoor adventures, it’s a great place to spot bald eagles, hike scenic trails and experience the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. 

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich maritime history and lively waterfront. Visitors can explore the iconic Citadel Hill, enjoy fresh seafood and stroll along the bustling harbour filled with ships and local shops. 

The capital of Bermuda, Hamilton, is a colourful and bustling city known for its picturesque harbour and charming pastel buildings. It offers a mix of shopping, dining and cultural attractions, making it a lively hub for visitors exploring the island. 

Hubbard Glacier in Alaska is a massive and active tidewater glacier known for its striking blue ice and dramatic calving events. Visitors can witness huge chunks of ice crashing into the sea, creating an unforgettable display of nature’s power and beauty. 

Icy Strait Point in Alaska is a scenic destination known for its rich Indigenous culture and stunning wildlife. Visitors can spot whales, explore nature trails and ride one of the world’s longest zip lines while enjoying the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. 

The Inian Islands are a remote and wild group of islands known for their rugged beauty and abundant marine life. Strong ocean currents attract sea lions, whales and sea otters, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing and kayaking adventures. 

Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is a stunning coastal city surrounded by mountains, glaciers and forests. Visitors can explore the famous Mendenhall Glacier, spot whales in the nearby waters and enjoy the unique charm of this remote yet lively destination. 

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is famous for its rich Native culture and colourful totem poles. Nestled along the waterfront, the town offers scenic views, wildlife encounters and access to the beautiful Misty Fjords National Monument. 

Key West, Florida, is a laid-back island city known for its colourful streets, lively atmosphere and stunning sunsets. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling in clear waters, visit historic sits like Ernest Hemingway’s home, and relax at the beach with a slice of key lime pie. 

Klawock is a small coastal town in Alaska known for its rich Indigenous heritage and impressive collection of totem poles. Surrounded by lush forests and waterways, it’s a peaceful spot for fishing, wildlife viewing and learning about Tlingit culture. 

Kodiak is known for its rugged coastline, lush forests and famous brown bears. As a fishing hub and gateway to outdoor adventures, it offers visitors stunning scenery, wildlife viewing and rich Native Alutiiq culture. 

Los Angeles is a vibrant city known for its entertainment industry, sunny beaches and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign. From exploring movie studios to relaxing on the coast, visitors can experience a mix of glamour, culture and outdoor fun. 

Miami, Florida, is famous for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and colourful Art Deco architecture. It’s a melting pot of cultures, offering delicious food, vibrant music and exciting festivals all year round. 

Montréal in Canada is a vibrant city known for its mix of French and English culture, historic architecture and lively festivals. Visitors can explore cobblestone streets in Old Montréal, enjoy world-class cuisine and experience the city’s rich arts and music scene. 

New Orleans is famous for its lively music, rich history and vibrant festivals like Mardi Gras. Known for its Creole cuisine and French Quarter charm, the city offers a unique blend of culture, art and fun around every corner. 

New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. With endless museums, Broadway shows and diverse neighbourhoods, it offers something exciting for everyone to explore. 

Newport, Rhode Island, is known for its stunning coastal scenery and historic mansions from the Gilded Age. Visitors can tour the famous Cliff Walk, enjoy sailing and experience the charm of this elegant seaside town. 

Florida’s Port Canaveral is a busy cruise port known for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and beautiful beaches. It’s a popular departure point for cruises and offers visitors opportunities to watch rocket launches and enjoy waterfront dining. 

Portland is known for its vibrant arts scene, lush green spaces and quirky, creative vibe. The city offers everything from food trucks and craft breweries to scenic trails and stunning views of Mount Hood. 

Prince Rupert, located on the coast of British Columbia, is known for its rich Indigenous culture and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy wildlife tours, explore the local museums and experience the beauty of the nearby rainforests and waterways. 

Québec City is a charming destination known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture and French heritage. Visitors can explore landmarks like Château Frontenac and Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while enjoying the city’s rich culture and delicious cuisine. 

The Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda is a historic site that now serves as a popular destination with shops, restaurants and museums. Visitors can explore the National Museum of Bermuda, enjoy water activities, and enjoy stunning ocean views from this lively waterfront area. 

Rudyerd Bay in Alaska is a breathtaking fjord located within the Misty Fjords National Monument. Known for its towering cliffs, waterfalls and lush rainforests, it’s a peaceful spot where visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours and wildlife viewing. 

Saguenay, located in Québec, is known for its stunning fjords, outdoor adventures and vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore the Saguenay Fjord, go whale watching and experience the region’s rich culture and history. 

Saint John, located in New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest city and is known for its historic charm and stunning coastal views. Visitors can explore the famous Reversing Falls, stroll through the historic Uptown area and enjoy the lively waterfront. 

San Diego, California, is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather and family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, explore historic sites in Old Town and relax along the scenic waterfront. 

San Francisco is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars and steep hills. Visitors can explore Alcatraz Island, enjoy diverse neighbourhoods like Chinatown, and enjoy stunning views of the bay. 

Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal city known for its Spanish-style architecture, sandy beaches and scenic mountain views. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, stroll along Stearns Wharf and relax in the city’s laid-back, sunny atmosphere. 

Seattle is a vibrant city known for the iconic Space Needle, fresh seafood and stunning views of Puget Sound. Visitors can explore Pike Place Market, enjoy coffee at local cafes and experience the city’s mix of nature and urban life. 

Sept-Îles, located on the northern coast of Québec, is known for its beautiful beaches, rugged landscapes and rich Indigenous culture. Visitors can explore nature, learn about local history at museums and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and whale watching. 

Seward is a picturesque coastal town known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors can enjoy stunning glacier views, wildlife cruises, and outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing at this scenic destination. 

Sitka is a beautiful coastal town known for its rich Russian and Native Alaskan history. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it offers visitors stunning wildlife, historic sites, and opportunities to fish, kayak, and explore nature. 

Tampa is a lively city known for its sunny weather, waterfront attractions and rich Cuban influence. Visitors can explore Bush Gardens, stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy delicious food in historic Ybor City. 

Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska is a stunning glacial fjord known for its towering cliffs, waterfalls and floating icebergs. Visitors can see the impressive Sawyer Glaciers and spot wildlife like seals, eagles and whales along the way. 

Valdez is a picturesque town in Alaska surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. Known for its fishing, hiking and breathtaking scenery, it’s a gateway to outdoor adventures and stunning views of Prince William Sound. 

Vancouver, Canada, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural scenery, with mountains, forests and ocean all around. Visitors can explore Stanely Park, enjoy diverse cuisine and experience the city’s lively arts and culture scene. 

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is known for its charming harbour, historic architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the famous Butchart Gardens, visit the Royal BC Museum and enjoy the city’s relaxed coastal vibe. 

Wrangell is a quiet and scenic town known for its rich Native Tlingit heritage and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs, go fishing and enjoy wildlife viewing in the nearby Stikine River and Tongass National Forest.