This fantastic holiday to the West Coast combines stays in Los Angeles with a cruise aboard Emerald Princess for a 16-night Hawaiian cruise.
USA CRUISE HOLIDAYS
Overview
Discover More On a Cruise
Discover the diversity of the United States from the comfort of a cruise. Whether you’re dreaming of bustling cities, charming coastal towns or breathtaking natural wonder, a USA cruise holiday offers something for everyone.
From the sunkissed beaches of Florida to the rugged coastline of New England, and the tropical scenery of Hawaii, you’ll enjoy an adventure-filled journey. With a range of itineraries, ships and departure points to choose from, it’s the perfect way to explore this vast and varied country in style.
Tailor Make your USA Cruise Holidays
A magical adventure awaits you on your perfect USA cruise holiday. From buzzing cities to rugged coasts and beautiful beaches, USA cruise holidays offer the best of the North America in impeccable style.
USA Cruise Holiday Deals Tailor Made For You
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure to North America, where you can explore vibrant cities, pristine beaches and rugged paradises. Whether you’re cruising to iconic destinations or hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.
Los Angeles & 16 Night Hawaii Cruise
Los Angeles & 16 Night Hawaii Cruise
18 Nights From €1769 per person
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Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise
Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise
14 Nights From €2499 per person
Discover the music and magic of the Deep South before cruising the Western Caribbean’s beautiful islands on this one-of-a-kind getaway.
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14-Night Boston, Maine & Canada Cruise
14-Night Boston, Maine & Canada Cruise
14 Nights From €3299 per person
Begin your American and Canadian cruise and stay holiday in Boston before boarding Celebrity Silhouette to discover Maine & Canada.
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Hawaii Stay & Cruise + West Coast
Hawaii Stay & Cruise + West Coast
14 Nights From €4399 per person
Explore Los Angeles, cruise Hawaii’s stunning islands aboard Norwegian Pride of America, and finish your adventure in vibrant San Francisco.
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Places to Visit on a USA Cruise
Miami
Miami is one of the most popular departure ports for Caribbean cruises. Spend a little extra time here before or after your trip to wander the colourful streets of Little Havana, relax on South Beach, or explore the Wynwood arts district. The Port of Miami is right in the heart of the city, making it easy to combine a cruise with a few days of sunshine and sightseeing.
Florida
Florida offers plenty of options for cruise travellers. Port Canaveral, near Orlando, is perfect if you want to add a visit to Walt Disney World or the Kennedy Space Center before you sail. On the Gulf side, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale both offer easy cruise departures with nearby beaches, shopping and family attractions.
Texas
Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind for cruising, but Galveston has become a popular departure point for cruising. It has a relaxed seaside feel with historic architecture, a long beachfront and a lively dining scene. Houston is just an hour away, offering great museums, restaurants and entertainment.
New Orleans
The city’s mix of music and Creole cuisine makes it a destination in its own right. Explore the French Quarter, listen to live music or take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi before you set sail.
Best Times to Travel on a USA Cruise
Winter is an ideal time to cruise from Florida or Miami, where the weather stays warm and sunny while much of the northern United States is cooler. It’s a popular season for short cruises to the Bahamas or longer sailings that include the Caribbean or Mexico. Hawaii is also a good option at this time of year, offering tropical scenery and highlights like whale spotting. Overall, it’s a great time to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant sailing conditions.
Spring offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a good time to explore regions like the East Coast and West Coast, with cruises departing from ports such as New York, Boston, or Los Angeles begin to pick up, with routes taking in scenic coastlines and vibrant cities. Florida remains a key departure port, and the Alaska cruise season also begins around May, offering departures from cities like Seattle. It’s a great time for those looking to travel before the busy summer period.
Summer is the busiest time for cruising across the USA, with a wide range of itineraries available. New England and the East Coast are popular for their historic ports and coastal charm, while the West Coast offers sunshine and city-hopping along California’s coast. This is also peak season for Alaska cruises. Florida and Miami continue to be busy departure points, with sailings to the Caribbean and beyond. With school holidays in full swing, ships tend to be livelier and more family-focused.
Autumn brings cooler weather in the north and fewer crowds overall, making it a good time for cruises along the East and West Coasts. New England is especially popular in early autumn, with colourful foliage and scenic sailings. Florida remains a strong year-round option, particularly for those seeking winter sun later in the year. Cruises during November and December often include seasonal touches on board, offering a way to end the year with some sunshine.
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Guides
Staff Tips
Explore the ship, plan your nights and learn where the restaurants are. It still amazes me how huge cruise ships are. It’s crazy! I think it’s a great idea to take a tour of the ship or go out exploring on your own, to learn where everything is.
Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, swimsuit, exercise clothes and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.
Amanda O'BrienPersonal Travel Planner
Get to know the staff early in the cruise. They can give you some wonderful inside information regarding the ports of call, excursions, activities, and so on.
Kristin SkinnerPersonal Travel Planner
It’s always worth having a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses on arrival at your destination and for any purchases you make at your ports of call. We also recommend you carry a major credit or charge card (American Express®, MasterCard® or Visa®), or sufficient funds in U.S.$ travellers cheques which can be cashed on board.
Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
There will be a laundry service on board all ships; the service is not “self service” and prices vary by garment type
Tracy CrowleyPersonal Travel Planner
USA Cruise FAQs
What regions of the USA can I explore by cruise
USA cruises offer a surprisingly wide range of regions. You can explore the tropical beauty of Hawaii, sail past lighthouses and autumn colours in New England, or discover rugged coastal charm along the Pacific Coast. There are also options along the Gulf Coast, Alaska, and even river cruises through the heartland.
Where do most USA cruises start—are the main departure ports easy to reach from Europe?
Most USA cruises depart from major cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Los Angeles (San Pedro) and Seattle. These cities are well connected with flights from Europe, making the journey over relatively straightforward.
How long are typical USA cruise itineraries—are short 3–4 day options available as well as longer voyages?
Yes, cruise lengths vary to suit all schedules. You’ll find everything from quick 3 or 4-night getaways to week-long holidays and extended sailings. Shorter cruises often explore nearby coastal areas, while longer itineraries allow you to discover multiple regions.
Do I need a visa or ESTA for a USA cruise, even if I’m only visiting by ship?
Yes, travel authorisation is still required for entry into the USA, whether you arrive by air or sea. For the most up-to-date advice, you should check GOV.UK if you are a UK citizen or DFA.ie if you are an Irish citizen, to get the latest travel information and advice regarding entry requirements.
Are there themed cruises within the USA, like jazz and culture sailings from New Orleans or wine cruises along the West Coast?
Yes, themed cruises are quite popular in the USA. Options include jazz and blues-themed sailings from New Orleans, wine-focused cruises in California, culinary cruises, and even film or sports-themed trips.
Are USA cruises family-friendly, and what sort of onboard activities are offered for children?
Most cruise lines sailing in the USA are very family-friendly. Ships often have kids’ clubs, splash zones, movie nights, games rooms and family-friendly excursions, so there’s plenty to keep younger guests entertained at sea and on shore.
Can I extend my holiday with extra days in ports like Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Honolulu before or after the cruise?
Definitely. It’s easy to add extra nights in most major departure or arrival ports. Many travellers choose to extend their stay to explore cities like San Francisco or Boston more fully, or to enjoy a beach break in Hawaii before heading home.
How does the onboard experience balance with time spent in port on USA itineraries?
USA cruises usually offer a good mix of both. Days at sea are well spaced between port stops, so you can enjoy the onboard facilities while also having plenty of time ashore to explore each destination.
What kind of excursions are available?
There’s a wide mix of excursions depending on your route. Expect everything from historic walking tours in old port towns to Hawaiian beach days, jazz tours in New Orleans, Alaskan glacier hikes, and wine tasting along the West Coast.
Are there scenic cruising days where the ship itself is the highlight, such as along the New England coast or the Hawaiian islands?
Absolutely. Some itineraries include days where sailing is the main event. Think dramatic coastlines, volcanic backdrops, island-hopping views and iconic landmarks like lighthouses or cliffside towns, all best seen from the ship’s deck.