North American Cruises

Discover North America on a Cruise Adventure

North America is a destination bursting with diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the picturesque coastlines of the Caribbean to the bustling streets of New York City, cruising through North America allows you to experience a melting pot of experiences, history, and natural beauty. Fun fact: North America is home to the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, which holds around 10% of the world’s freshwater! A cruise to this vast and vibrant continent is truly an adventure you shouldn’t miss.

Top Harbours in North America to Visit

As you set sail for North America, here are five must-visit harbours that showcase the region’s splendour:

Exploring Other Key Ports Outside North America

While cruising through North America, you might also dock at several prominent ports that aren’t in the region but are typically included in itineraries:

When to Cruise North America

North America offers year-round cruising possibilities, but the prime cruising season is from May to September, when temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C in many regions, making it perfect for beach adventures and outdoor activities. During the shoulder seasons, April and October, you can expect milder weather with temperatures averaging 15°C to 20°C, offering a pleasant atmosphere for sightseeing without the summer crowds.

Cruise Costs Overview for North America

When planning your North American cruise, anticipate a price range of about $1,200 to $2,500 for a 1-week standard cruise, while 2-week options typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. For luxury alternatives, costs can soar between $4,500 to $10,000 for cruise packages. The most affordable times to take a cruise tend to be during the shoulder months of April to early June and late September, while peak summer months usually see a jump in prices. Dining costs can vary, with meals typically around $20 to $50, and drinks averaging $8 to $15.

Major Cruise Lines Serving North America

• Princess Cruises
  With a fleet of 17 ships, Princess Cruises offers 16 vessels sailing to North America, particularly Caribbean Princess and Majestic Princess. Departures often happen from domestic ports in Sydney or Brisbane, as well as international ports like Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. Known for their family-friendly ships, Princess Cruises features an extensive range of onboard activities, entertainment options, and stunning dining experiences tailored to all ages.
• Holland America Line
  Holland America encompasses a fleet of 11 ships, all of which sail to North America, with Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam being the standout vessels. Commonly departing from Sydney or international ports like Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, Holland America is famed for its enriching cultural experiences and exquisite dining options that highlight local fare from every port of call.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
  With a massive fleet of 29 ships, Royal Caribbean offers 28 vessels serving North America, particularly Grandeur of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. Departing from popular international ports like Fort Lauderdale or Tampa, Royal Caribbean is celebrated for its innovative ships featuring thrilling onboard activities and world-class dining experiences, ensuring a fun-filled vacation.
• Norwegian Cruise Line
  NCL boasts a fleet of 20 ships, with 18 dedicated to North American itineraries, including Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Escape. Most sailings launch from Miami or New York, and NCL stands out for its flexible ‘freestyle cruising’ concept, which offers a wide range of onboard dining and entertainment options, ideal for cruisers seeking personalized experiences.
• MSC Cruises
  MSC encompasses a fleet of 23 ships, with eight dedicated to North America, especially MSC Divina and MSC Seaside. The primary departure ports include Miami and Port Canaveral. Renowned for its family atmosphere, MSC provides a wealth of activities, stunning pools, and lively entertainment options, perfect for guests of any age looking for a fun-filled vacation.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Oceania Cruises
  With a fleet of eight ships, Oceania offers itineraries to North America on all of them, specifically on Insignia and Vista. Departures predominantly take place from Perth (Fremantle), with numerous international options such as Miami or New York. Oceania is distinguished for its fine dining experiences and destination-focused itineraries, making it a gastronomic delight for cruise enthusiasts.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  Regent operates a fleet of six ships, five of which sail toward North America, with Seven Seas Grandeur and Seven Seas Splendor leading the charge. Commonly departing from Miami or Vancouver, Regent Seven Seas is well-known for its all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, providing premier service, elegant accommodations, and gourmet dining options without the need to worry about additional costs.
• Viking Ocean Cruises
  With 11 ships in its fleet, Viking features seven vessels that cover North America itineraries, including Viking Orion and Viking Neptune. Departing frequently from Sydney or international ports like Fort Lauderdale and Vancouver, Viking is recognised for its culturally immersive voyages and destination-centric programming, ensuring an unforgettable cruise experience.
• Silversea
  Silversea operates a fleet of 13, with eight ships visiting North America, including Silver Shadow and Silver Moon. Departures primarily occur from Fort Lauderdale or Puerto Williams. Silversea promises an ultra-luxury experience characterised by intimate service, memorable excursions, and high-end amenities for an extra special cruise journey.
• Explora Journeys
  With a fleet of two, Explora has both ships offering North American itineraries—EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. Departures common to Miami or San Juan, Explora focuses on creating meaningful journeys that combine luxury with unique cultural experiences that connect you with the regions visited.

Alternative Regions to Explore

If North America interests you, consider these alternative regions for your cruise adventure:

• Caribbean: Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cultures, and plethora of water sports, the Caribbean offers something for everyone—from relaxation to adventure. Each island boasts its own unique charm and experiences, perfect for a sun-soaked holiday!
• Alaska: For those who are more nature-inclined, cruising to Alaska reveals breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the majestic aurora borealis. It’s ideal for adventure seekers who love the great outdoors and scenic views.
• British Columbia: This region’s stunning coastal landscapes and outdoor opportunities, including hiking and whale-watching, create unmatched experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. From Vancouver to Victoria, the natural beauty is a sight to behold!
• Eastern Caribbean: Experience beautiful beaches, lively cultures, and incredible diving spots. The Eastern Caribbean offers a delightful mix of relaxation and exploration opportunities, with islands that delight every traveller.
• Amazon River: If you are keen on experiencing rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures, a cruise along the mighty Amazon River offers a unique immersion into the vibrant ecosystems and communities that call the rainforest home.

Embark on a remarkable journey through North America by booking your cruise with CruiseAway. This region is sure to enamour you with its vibrant cultures, stunning vistas, and diverse experiences waiting to be discovered!