Our Top 5 Cruise Destinations In America

America is hugely diverse, offering some of the most captivating landscapes and fascinating cities in the world. Taking a cruise allows you to explore this vast area with ease, not worrying about long road trips, internal flights and switching hotels. However, with so much to see, where should you go first?

Here’s our lowdown of some of the best cruise destinations in America.

1. The Caribbean

Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular, and with good reason. Their year-round tropical climate and idyllic beaches, fringed by palm trees and lapping clear waters, make for the most relaxing holiday. Cruise lines offer a range of varied itineraries, taking in islands, such as the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia and Barbados.

Each has its own unique culture, often with a rich colonial heritage. Meanwhile, popular beach activities include swimming with dolphins, scuba diving or snorkelling to explore the multi-coloured reefs and their abundant marine life, paddleboarding, and sea kayaking.

2. Alaska

If you love an adventure in the wild, then Alaska is the cruise destination for you. Sailing on the serene fjords, you’ll witness the pristine beauty of epic glaciers and waterfalls, home to incredible wildlife, including many species of whales and seals. In Denali National Park, North America’s tallest peak, ‘The Great One’, also known as Mt. Mckinley, can be seen from afar, while the taiga forests of pines and spruce hide black and brown bears, moose and red squirrel.

3. Hawaii

Hawaii is made up of eight major islands, including Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. A cruise provides the best opportunity to see them all and make the most of your time in this Pacific paradise. From the sun-soaked white beaches to the verdant green rainforests, intersected with shimmering waterfalls and reaching up towards Maui’s active volcanoes, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. Discover the traditional Polynesian culture, go dolphin and whale watching, play a round of golf or just sit back and soak up the laid-back vibe of this colourful destination.

4. East Coast of the USA & Canada

Cruising this Atlantic stretch of America encompasses some of the most iconic cities in the world with a wealth of history and culture, as well as stunning national parks and incredible wildlife. Itineraries can include stops in New York, Boston and Washington, where history, arts and entertainment are ubiquitous.

For nature-lovers, autumn is a glorious time to cruise the east coast, as New England’s fall foliage turns the landscape into a spectacular blanket of reds, ambers and yellows. Head further north towards southern Canada, and the rocky shores become dotted with historic lighthouses. Some itineraries also take you inland to the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Toronto. Meanwhile, cruises south visit popular sunshine destinations in Florida, such as Key West and Miami.

5. California and West Coast

Along its 840 miles of coastline, California hosts the fascinating modern metropolises of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. This Golden State is renowned for its relaxed culture, infamous wines and rugged landscape. Take in iconic views, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Sign, the notorious Alcatraz island and the bright lights of Las Vegas. With cruise lines offering a wide range of itineraries, you can extend your cruise either north to Seattle, Vancouver and Alaska or south towards Mexico.