Travelers can find less crowded and more convenient cruise departure points outside of major hubs like Florida.
How to find the best prices and offers when booking a cruise
Use these tips to find a cruise that fits your budget.
problem solved
Norwegian Cruise Line has resumed sailings from Philadelphia, rejoining the city as a U.S. cruise departure point for the first time in 15 years.
Florida has the world’s busiest ports, and while cities like New York and Seattle may seem like obvious choices to start your voyage, there are other more convenient and less crowded cruise ports across the United States.
“These are all great ports for people who don’t like flying or don’t want to spend the money to fly,” says travel advisor and Dream Vacations franchise owner Edward Sisinato. He helped USA TODAY compile a list of five (often underrated) alternative ports across the country.
Galveston, Texas
Frequent cruisers and Texas residents are likely familiar with this island city, which is expected to account for 4.1% of American embarkation and disembarkation this year, according to AAA’s recent projections.
However, newcomers may be less familiar with Galveston, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. MSC Cruises became the latest brand to base its ships there in November. “First of all, we don’t have the problem that other small ports have bridges and ships have to go under them, but some of the larger ships can’t go under the bridges,” Chisinato said.
That means some of the newest and biggest ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which will homeport at the port from 2027, will be able to sail from there.
Ships currently operating from Galveston include MSC Seascape and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubilee.
However, Chisinato noted that there may not be as much variety in destinations for repeat travelers, as many itineraries from the city visit the Western Caribbean, and the nearest major airport is about an hour’s drive away.
new orleans
The Big Easy’s cruise terminal is centrally located, about a 10-minute drive from the historic French Quarter.
Not only is this port easily accessible, but cruise guests can enjoy popular tourist destinations before and after sailing. “Who wouldn’t want a few more nights in New Orleans?” Chisinato said.
Currently, oceangoing vessels departing from the city include Norwegian Escape, Carnival Liberty, American Cruise Line, and Viking riverboats.
The ocean itinerary will primarily stop in the Western Caribbean and some of the Bahamas, while the river boat will sail along the Mississippi River, Sisinato said.
baltimore
Due to height restrictions associated with the bridge, smaller, older ships tend to sail out of Baltimore. “For some people, that’s a drawback,” Chisinato says. “If you’ve never cruised before, it’s no big deal because you haven’t cruised anywhere yet. So a small ship is actually preferable to going to a big port and getting on a huge ship where you can easily get lost.”
He said the port is easily accessible and the hotel offers packages that include transportation to and from the port. Carnival Pride, Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas and American Cruise Line’s American Independence currently sail from Baltimore.
According to Cicinato, itineraries starting in this city typically include Bermuda and the Eastern Caribbean (though American Independent offered Chesapeake Bay cruises through May, according to CruiseMapper).
Sisinato said Baltimore is a good alternative to New York because it’s closer to popular warm-weather destinations and has one less day at sea. “You can get to the Bahamas and the islands that the Bahamas call on much faster than you can (by boat) out of New York,” he said.
philadelphia
Norwegian Jewel began sailing from Philadelphia in mid-April. The ship will offer Bermuda itineraries until late August, followed by Canada and New England cruises (with embarkation options in both Philadelphia and Quebec City). The ship will be replaced by Norwegian Pearl later this year, according to a news release.
“(The port) is right next to the airport, so the location is great,” Chishinato said. “So if you have to fly, you’re right there.” Center City is about a 15-minute drive. He hopes other cruise lines will follow Norwegian’s lead.
The cruise line’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is working with Tinicum Township and Philaport to build a new cruise terminal, scheduled to open this season. Guests will temporarily check in at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia Airport before boarding the ship.
mobile, alabama
Sisinato said mobile options are limited compared to other U.S. cities, but finding a port is easy because of its small size. The hospitality is also “outstanding” and the location makes it convenient to choose from in many other states.
“So if you live in northwest Florida, Alabama or Arkansas, you can easily get to (eastern) Mississippi,” he said.
Carnival Spirit, which operates from Mobile, is scheduled to depart in early April for the start of the Alaska season and return in October, according to Cruise Mapper.
This article has been updated to update the headline.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
