Traveling in the US will expose you to a diverse world of cultures and landscapes. In 2023, the World Travel & Tourism Council revealed the US led the global travel and tourism sector with insights into the country’s strong expansion. The tourism sector grew by 16.9% in 2022, reaching $2 trillion. Today, the US hosts some of the world’s busiest airports, including Denver International, which served 2.2 million more passengers between 2019 and 2023, and Orlando International, which accommodated 1.8 million more in 2022 than in 2019.
Going by air — or even on a road trip — may be your first instinct when traveling to the US. However, there are other ways to enjoy US cities’ sights and local scenes, such as a cruise ship. In this post, we’ll discuss the top four cruise destinations in the US and what you can expect from them:
Hawaii
Hawaii is a tropical paradise where travelers can enjoy picturesque sunsets and Kona coffee in the backdrop of plummeting waterfalls and the island’s five volcanos. Aboard Explora Journeys, travelers leave port from Vancouver and dock at Hilo, the Orchid Capital of the World, where the sights of waterfalls and jet-black sands open into fertile rainforests, ranch lands, and macadamia nut and coffee farms. If you think beaches aren’t for you, there’s a variety of activities you can do on the Big Island, including sightseeing at the iconic Diamond Head Volcano or visiting the lush Honua’Ula Forest Reserve.
Explora Journeys’ 19-day Hawaii itinerary is sure to bring you the best views the Aloha State can offer, with stops at Kailua and Kona Coast as well as Kauai island, where you can marvel at the serpentine shoreline of Nawiliwili — known as The Garden Island — and, for dino-fans, a shooting location for Jurassic Park. Traveling by cruise instead of air ensures you get the full Hawaiian package without worrying about getting around the islands on your own.
Boston
Recently, MSC Cruises made headlines for rerouting their Bahamas itinerary to Boston over weather concerns. However, while certainly not the tropical Bahamas landscape travelers hoped for, there’s lots to do in the city. America’s oldest city, the Massachusetts capital, has deep historical significance and is home to The Freedom Trail, which consists of 16 historic locations, including the first public school in America and Boston’s oldest church building. The city is also a haven for sports buffs, home to the five-time world champion Patriots, the World Series-winning Red Socks, and the Celtics
Boston is also home to many museums, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which draws on a collection ranging from bohemian to fine luxuries of ancient cultures. Travelers can also visit the New England Aquarium, which hosts a 200,000-gallon saltwater Ocean Tank and is home to over 1,000 marine animals. Past that, Charles Street is a great starting point for those new to the city and want a glimpse of local life and businesses.
Seattle
Voted as one of the top destinations to visit in 2019, Seattle is home to diverse past-times, from shopping artisan wares at the Pike Place Market to breathtaking views of Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier on the 605ft tall Space Needle. A common misconception about Seattle is that it’s an entirely urban landscape. However, a deeper city exploration will lead you to abundant natural wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts would enjoy the hike through Discovery Park in Magnolia or the top of Mount Si.
The Port of Seattle recently completed a record-setting 2023 cruise season, hosting 291 cruises within six months. Cruise lines like the Norwegian Sun have contributed to a record of over 907,572 individual passengers, most of whom stay a couple of days in the city before or after their Alaska cruise. Today, the Port of Seattle continues collaborating with the cruise industry, namely Alaska and British Columbia ports, to establish a “Green Corridor” and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New Orleans
Finally, New Orleans is a must-visit by cruise for those seeking lively nightlife and an eclectic cultural scene. Deemed the hometown of jazz, there’s a lot of music influence wafting in the Louisiana city’s air, a vibe you can feel through the city’s many bars. Of course, you can also enjoy wholesome sightseeing itineraries from the New Orleans Museum of Art to the National WWII Museum. In fact, New Orleans is home to some of the most unique museums in the country. Travelers can also visit the French Quarter, which hosts a variety of modern boutiques, antique stores, and authentic restaurants.
The Port of New Orleans also reached its passenger record in March 2023. Carnival Cruise Line is among the many cruise line partners committed to the New Orleans market, bringing wide-eyed travelers to the vibrant city. The port also hosts river cruises, a fun and scenic way to experience the city while enjoying New Orleans-style cuisine and onboard jazz entertainment.
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