Cruise Ships In United States

Passenger Cruise Ship Information

To assist cruise ship passengers, the U.S. Department of Transportation is sharing information and resources provided by other Federal agencies

Consumer Assistance

The Federal Maritime Commission requires operators of passenger vessels carrying 50 or more passengers from a U.S. port to be financially capable of reimbursing their customers if a cruise is cancelled. The FMC also requires proof of ability to pay claims arising out of passenger injuries or death for which the ship operator may be liable. If a cruise is cancelled or if there is an injury during the cruise, the consumer will have to initiate action on his or her own behalf against the cruise line.

The FMC reviews any problems or inquiries that passengers bring to its attention. The FMC’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services will contact a cruise line on a passenger’s behalf. However, the final resolution of such complaints or inquiries is a matter between the cruise line and the individual. The role of OCC essentially is to help ensure a quick and fair consideration of the issues involved. Consumer complaints can be reported to the FMC by telephone at 202-523-5807. See FMCs website for additional information.

Vessel Safety

Cruise Line Incident Reports

Criminal Activity Prevention and Response Guide

Baltimore Maryland Cruise Port

Extend your time in Baltimore and explore this city rich with personality. One of the best things to do in Baltimore is explore the Inner Harbor. Its an icon of the city and is home to a number of attractions. The USS Constellation is a historic ship built in the mid-1800s and used during the Civil War. Explore the numerous museums around the harbor. Get a bite to eat at Miss Shirleys Cafe or Phillips Seafood for some fresh crab!

For incredible boutique shopping, head to Fells Point. This area of Baltimore had residents before America was even a country! Fans of street art can visit the colorful Graffiti Alley for a glimpse into the local culture. You can visit Edgar Allen Poes house and final resting place near Lexington Market. If you need a break from the city, head to Druid Hill Park for some open space. Theres a conservatory with a botanical garden in the park. Keep an eye out for a Druid carved into an old tree!

The ease of access and variety of things to do in the area makes Baltimore one of the best cruise ports in the United States.

What Is The Best Time To Cruise To The Usa

The best time to cruise in the USA will vary greatly depending on the region. Cruises sailing from or stopping in Florida or Southern California are available year-round, but regions like Alaska, New England and the Pacific Northwest are primarily summer and early-fall destinations. Beyond ocean cruises, river cruises also depend greatly on the region.

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Crystal Cruises: Luxury Bermuda Escape

Indulge in eight days onboard 848-passenger Crystal Symphony, cruising roundtrip from New York. Count on two full days and nights in breathtaking Bermuda, unwinding on pink sand beaches, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site St. George, the oldest continuously occupied British settlement in the New World, with 17th century architecture. Take a ferry to Hamilton, admiring its pastel-hued colonial buildings and posh boutiques. Onboard, dine at global superstar chef Nobu Matsuhisas restaurant Umi Uma & Sushi Bar. Multiple departures through November 19 prices begin at $1,999 per person.

The Wintergarden on Viking Orion

Cruisers Without Hull Designations

The first three modern cruisers in the Navy, the Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago, were most successful as technology demonstrators that stimulated the U.S. industrial base, with features such as steel hulls and electricity generation. The last two protected cruisers which initially served without hull classification numbers, the New Orleans and Albany, were purchased from a British builder during mobilization for the 1898 SpanishâAmerican War.

Atlanta

Officially these ships were e.g., “Armored Cruiser No. 1”. Unofficially, top naval officers initially referred to these ships as battleships because they cost almost as much, shared many features with them, and were intended to accompany them in fleet actions they took care to ensure that Congress never heard their opinion. The 1905 Russo-Japanese War showed armored cruisers did not perform as well as either battleships or as other cruiser types. As battleship technology advanced they were judged obsolete for their original role about the time the last U.S. armored cruiser was commissioned , and so they were retained for other cruiser roles despite their deficiencies. During 1912â1920 the U.S. armored cruisers had their names changed from states to cities within those states to free up the names for battleships.

Maine

The CA/CL overlap of hull numbers would persist until the last armored cruiser of the original CA series, Seattle, was reclassed as IX-39.

Washington Naval Treaty

Salt Lake City

Wichita class

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Discover The Best Cruise Ships

There are so many reasons to get excited about a Royal Caribbean® cruise. Choose from itineraries that take you to top-rated destinations, from sun-soaked Caribbean isles to ancient temples in Asia and everywhere in between. And make the most out of every moment at sea onboard the worlds best cruise ships, loaded from bow to stern with game-changing thrills, dazzling entertainment, next-level dining and activities for all kinds of adventure-seekers. No matter which ship you choose to sail on, this is a fleet filled with incredible feats.

Cruise Port At San Diego California

The United States cruise port in San Diego is one of the most convenient ports in the world. It mainly offers cruises heading south to Mexico or up the California Coast. But you can also find itineraries to Hawaii and even the South Pacific.

Holland America and Norwegian are the most common cruise lines that sail from here, but some ships from Silversea, Celebrity, and Disney Cruise Line have added San Diego to their United States cruise ports map.

Cruise ships dock right in the heart of Downtown San Diego. From here, cruisers can explore the top attractions of San Diego on foot, including the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway and Maritime Museum, Balboa Park and much more.

If you still have not had enough time on the sea, you can do a Flagship Harbor Cruise to enjoy the sights of San Diego from the water. You can also hop on a ferry to cross the bay over to Coronado Island. Explore its quaint downtown, the famous Hotel Del Coronado, and its magnificent beaches.

Another fun excursion is a trip to La Jolla. Here, you can check out the seals sunbathing on the rocks, go kayaking around the caves and watch the sunset over the stunning coastline.

If San Diego is the starting and endpoint of your cruise and you need to park your car, your best option is airport parking the airport parking lots are a short cab ride away from the San Diego cruise terminal. If you arrive by Amtrak at Santa Fe station, you can even walk to the cruise terminal.

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Where To Stay The Night Before Your Cruise

We always recommend arriving at the cruise port the day before your cruise begins. Unexpected delays and airline cancellations are all too common, so planning to arrive a day ahead of time gives you more wiggle room in case of any mishaps.

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If you arrive in Houston late at night, your best bet is to stay near the airport and catch a shuttle or rideshare service to Galveston the following morning. Be sure to still allow yourself plenty of time to travel between Houston and Galveston in case of traffic or other delays.

If you arrive earlier in the day, however, we recommend traveling to Galveston the day before your cruise and spending the night there instead. This ensures you are already at the cruise port and will not have to travel the morning of your cruise.

Several Royal Caribbean Blog readers have shared their best hotel recommendations in our message boards:

• Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

Key West Florida Us Cruise Port

Key West, Florida, the Southernmost City in the USA, is one of the most popular and busiest ports-of-call in the Caribbean as reflected by the number of major cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean that now include the port in their itineraries.

Fishermans Wharf at Mallory Square receives the lions share of scheduled cruise ships, which gives cruisers a great starting point for exploring the Conch Republic. Depending on the ships schedule, time ashore varies from 6-10 hours.

If this doesnt sound like much time to you, you may be right. But there are plenty of fun things to do in Key West for those who want a quick taste of the island. Cruise ship tourists can easily walk to Duval Street where there are island-y restaurants, Jimmy Buffett-style watering holes, souvenir shops, art galleries, trolley tours, and trolley tours. And just off Mallory Square is Key Wests most famous fun bar of all, Sloppy Joes Bar.

Its easy to get around this part of town and everything is close by, from unique museums, funky architecture, and historical sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Just off of Duval Street is the Mel Fisher Museum, Audubon House, and the Key West Aquarium, definitely worth a visit.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, Key West will have you singing Its Been a Lovely Cruise.

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Current Coastal And Ocean

What Time Should I Schedule My Return Flight After The Cruise

Because Houstons airports are located 40-70 miles from the Port of Galveston, its important to budget enough time to disembark the cruise ship, travel to Houston, check-in for your flight, and go through security.

Even if your cruise itinerary says you will arrive at the Port of Galveston at 6 or 7 in the morning on disembarkation day, you may not disembark until 7:30-9AM.

Following disembarkation, youll need to catch a rideshare/taxi service or board a shuttle bus to the airport. Factoring in traffic and any potential delays, it might take longer than you anticipate to travel from the cruise ship to the airport.

Therefore, the earliest we recommend booking a flight home from Galveston/Houston is 1PM or later on disembarkation day.

If you live within driving distance of Galveston and plan to drive to the port yourself, youll find many parking options for the duration of the cruise. Here are some of the most convenient and/or best priced options.

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Sail The East Coast West Coast Or Off The Continental Us

The highlights of a cruise to the USA will vary greatly depending what region you visit. No matter where you sail, though, you can expect to find beautiful parks and beaches, energetic cities, and delicious cuisine.

New England

The New England region of the United States is a great place to cruise due to the states being so close to one another. You can visit great American cities like Boston and New York City and incredible outdoor areas like Acadia National Park. Plus, time your trip in the fall and youll see stunning fall foliage.

Pacific Coast

The west coast of the USA is home to the Pacific Coast Highway, an iconic road trip. Guess what? Our Pacific Coastal cruises sail down that coastline, too. Youll have gorgeous views and the chance to see whales and dolphins from your balcony. Youll also stop in some of the wests best destinations.

Hawaii

You dont have to deal with long flights to get to Hawai. Instead sail to the Hawaiian Islands from Vancouver or Los Angeles and spend time at sea getting pampered with spa treatments and 4-course meals before exploring Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Alaska

The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA and a cruise in Alaska lets you see it from both the land and the sea perspective. Youll visit glaciers, historic mining towns, bustling fish markets, and mountaintop vistas. Along the way you can hike, whale watch, pan for gold, and so much more.

Which Cruise Lines Go To The Usa

All of the major U.S.-based cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, Holland America and Disney among others have ships that homeport in the U.S. and some itineraries that feature port stops in U.S. destinations . Princess Cruises offers a number of itineraries that call on the ports of the scenic Pacific coast. Some international cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Cunard also have ships that homeport in the U.S.

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United States Of America

The following companies based in the United States of America recruit candidates to work on cruise ships:

We cater specifically to the cruise industry and we only accept candidates with a genuine interest in working on cruise ships.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub runs fully equipped gyms, fitness classes, delightful facials and body treatments on world’s biggest cruise ship Queen Mary 2.

Century Casinos is an international casino company led by a team of gaming industry professionals who have developed and operated more than 100 casinos in 20 different countries. We also operate our casinos on cruise ships and cruise resorts, such as Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, The World of ResidenSea, etc.

CTI Group is one of the worlds largest human resource providers for cruise lines, cargo ships, resorts and private clubs. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality service to our corporate clients as well as to our employment candidates.

EFFY is the leading Fine Jewelry brand in cruise retail, across 8 Cruise Lines globally and we are seeking Charismatic individuals, with dynamic personalities for positions such as: Jewelry Associates, Brand Ambassadors Port Shopping Experts & Supervisors!

We represent many highly rated entertainers, and are always looking for additional “First Class” established entertainers, as well as fresh new talent entering the entertainment world to add to our roster.

Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port

As the Salmon Capital of the World Ketchikan is one of the top cruise ports in the United States. While you can book a flight to Ketchikan through a 90-minute flight from Seattle, the easiest way to get to Ketchikan is through an ocean cruise from either Anchorage, Seattle, or Vancouver.

Most major cruise lines offer sailings to Ketchikan during the Alaskan cruise season, between April and September. Popular cruise lines visiting Ketchikan include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises.

One of the best things to do in Ketchikan is explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. This stunning Alaskan landscape stretches over 3 million acres and is the spot to find moose, sea lions, killer and humpback whales, wolverines, and much more!

Another fantastic Ketchikan activity is seeking out the Ketchikan totem poles. This beautiful Alaskan cruise port is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, each representing a unique story of the local native tribes.

When you are visiting Ketchikan, make sure to try some of the best salmon in the world. There are plenty of street vendors located downtown offering free samples. Overall, Ketchikan is truly one of the most remarkable ports in the United States, perfect for any cruising adventure.

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Hull Reclassifications And Skipped Hull Numbers

CA-1, CA-6 and CA-10 were never used, as ACR-1 Maine, ACR-6 California/San Diego and ACR-10 Tennessee/Memphis were lost prior to the 1920 redesignation, and their sisters’ original hull numbers were carried over. CA-20 through CA-23 were skipped with the merger of the CA and CL sequences, which allowed the reclassification of the Washington Treaty CLs as CAs without re-numbering.

Heavy cruisers CA-149 and CA-151 to CA-153, light cruisers CL-154 to CL-159, hunter-killer cruiser CLK-2, and nuclear guided missile cruiser CGN-42 were canceled before being named.

Guided missile cruisers CG-1 through 8 and CG-10 through 12 were converted from World War II cruisers. CAG-1 USS Boston and CAG-2 USS Canberra retained most of their original gun armament and were later returned to their gun cruiser designations CA-69 and CA-70. CGN-9, Long Beach, originally held the last designation in the heavy-light cruiser sequence, CLGN-160.

CG-15 was skipped so the Leahy-class guided missile frigates could be redesignated without renumbering. The other missing numbers in the guided-missile cruiser series, 43â46, were not used so that DDG-47 Ticonderoga and DDG-48 Yorktown could be similarly redesignated.

Featured United States Cruise Ports

Youll find ports of call along the coastline of California, Hawaii, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and New England as well as stops in Charleston, South Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Florida is also home to cruise ports, but these are generally used as embarkation homeports to the Caribbean and not a port of call destination. However, we do stop in the lovely Florida Keys during cruise itineraries that call in Key West, Florida.

Youll also find many Caribbean cruise itineraries that sail to and from Puerto Rico, which is an easy embarkation port for U.S. residents to fly into since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States.

San Francisco, California

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