Close-To-Home Cruise Ports

Interested in Florida Ports of Call?

With nearly 4 million people boarding cruise ships leaving the Port of Miami each year, it has definitely earned its title as the "Cruise Capital of the World."

Sure, there are plenty of amazing cruises scheduled to leave Miami this season, but it certainly isn't the only port you can board a luxurious cruise ship headed to exotic, far-away places. In fact, some cruise ports are a lot closer to home than you might think.

Find out just how easy it is to plan a cruise vacation from a port near you.

Cruise From:
The Port of Baltimore

What Are You Waiting For?

The 2006 cruise season began in Maryland with the opening of the Port of Baltimore's new $13 million full-time passenger cruise terminal, designed to make cruise travel easy, convenient and customer-friendly.

This year, more than 30 cruises will leave the port, headed to beautiful Bermuda and the Caribbean. With as many as 200 million travelers living within an overnight drive to the port, you'll definitely have plenty of company.

Cruise From:
Cape Liberty Cruise Port

There's No Excuse Not to Go

This New Jersey port is located in the Northeastern part of the state, and less than 10 miles from both Manhattan and Newark. Don't feel like hopping on the NJ Turnpike to gain easy access to the port? Newark International Airport is just 15 minutes away.

With only one cruise ship leaving for such ports in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas and San Juan each day, there's less congestion. Here's an added bonus: from the terminal, passengers have a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline.

Cruise From:
Cruiseport Boston

It's Time to Set Sail

Formerly known as the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, Cruiseport Boston hosts more than 200,000 cruise passengers who take advantage of the New England port during the cruise season each year.

Taking up the western extremity located on the Massachusetts Bay, Cruiseport Boston is the largest port in Massachusetts, offering cruises from 16 major cruise lines that sail to such island favorites as Aruba and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and some off-the beaten path ports in Iceland and Holland.

Cruise From:
Port Charleston

Sun, Fun and You

As an origination point, a port-of-call and a destination, Port Charleston has consistently ranked high among cruise passengers. This season, cruises are planned for ports throughout the Bahamas, Key West, and Cozumel, Mexico.

But historic Charleston is more than just a port to many of its passengers; it's a chance to visit a living museum. With the passenger terminal located in the city's Historic District, dozens of shops, restaurants and attractions all within walking distance.

Cruise From:
JAXPort

Excitement Awaits!

Cruise ships sailing from the Jacksonville, Florida port use the St. John's River as the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. The small, temporary cruise terminal currently offers one cruise ship from its port, but only because electric power lines and the Dames Point Bridge cross the St. John's, keeping taller ships out.

That hasn't stopped Carnival cruise line from sailing to Nassau, Bahamas, Freeport and even Key West, Florida from JAXPort. And don't worry; a permanent terminal free of height restrictions is in the works.

Cruise From:
The Port of New Orleans

Let's Get Packing

With two passenger cruise terminals perched on the lower bank of the Mississippi River, the Port of New Orleans serves more than 700,000 passengers each year with ease. It's a good thing too, since more than 47 million potential passengers live within 500 miles of the port.

Several cruise lines offer weekly cruises to places such as Belize City, Belize or Cozumel, Mexico. Add in the French Quarter, world-renowned restaurants, shopping and an art district, all within walking distance of the terminal complex, and you've got two delicious vacations in one.

Cruise From:
The Port of Norfolk

This Is the Year to Do It

Officially known as the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, this sate-of-the-art facility in downtown Norfolk, Virginia is much more than a cruise terminal.

It's also a museum, where passengers can take a look at 400-year-old Jamestown artifacts before boarding one of many cruises to Freeport, Bahamas and Bar Harbor, Maine, or check out one of the nation's largest privately-owned ocean liner collections.

Cruise From:
The Port of Philadelphia

Your Cruise Ship Awaits

Imagine this; one day you're enjoying the historical sights of Philadelphia such as the Liberty Bell, the next you're on a cruise ship on your way to, let's say, Wilmstead, Curacao.

Sound inviting? Then plan a trip leaving from the Port of Philadelphia, which offers week-long cruises to Nassau, Bermuda, and two-week vacations visiting ports in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic.

Cruise From:
The Port of San Francisco

Traveling Is More Fun on a Cruise Ship

From 90-minute cruises that tour the San Francisco Bay to 19-night cruises that end up in South America, the Port of San Francisco has lots to offer.

Stretching more than seven miles along the San Francisco Bay shoreline, the Port of San Francisco hosts as many as 80 cruise ships a year. This year, enjoy trips to ports in Acapulco, as well as Catalina, and even Mazatlan.

Cruise From:
The Port of Seattle

Come On, What Have You Got to Lose?

With new ships and two downtown cruise terminals, boarding a cruise is easier than ever at the Port of Seattle. Passengers are taking note; the port is expecting well over 200 ship visits and more than 754,000 passengers this year alone.

Whether you choose to spend 3 nights sailing along the Pacific Coast visiting Astoria, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia, or spend 18 nights at sea enjoying Acapulco, Mexico, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and touring the Panama Canal, you'll love all that the Port of Seattle has to offer.

Cruise From:
The Port of Galveston

Treat Yourself

Nestled on the upper Texas coast at the mouth of beautiful Galveston Bay is the Port of Galveston, just 30 minutes away from the open sea.

This year's cruise schedule includes stops in various ports in Mexico, such as Cozumel, as well as stops at Caribbean ports such as the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. With more than $35 million invested in the port terminal, passengers can now enjoy a new and improved waiting area, expanded check-in stations with a VIP check-in, making cruising easier than ever.

Cruise From: The Port of Mobile

You Deserve a Little Sunshine

As the only deep-water port in Alabama and the 11th largest on the United States, the Port of Mobile has lots to offer when it comes to cruises.

Located on the Mobile River, the port recently started offering a year-round itinerary to ports in Mexico such as Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Costa Maya. The port also features a two-story, 66,000 square foot terminal to make getting around easy and convenient.

Be Inspired!

Whether you're an armchair traveler
or have an insatiable case of wanderlust,
AOL Travel gives you tips, tricks and
great ideas for your next big adventure.

Your Cruise Ship Is Calling
Need more inspiration to board a cruise ship this year? Find more cruise information and plan an exciting getaway with ideas from AOL Travel!

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