Looking for a way to extend your cruise vacation just a little longer? Cruisers will be happy to know that their point of embarkation may also work as the perfect weekend getaway! The U.S. is home to so many great port cities that make for the perfect vacation-within-a-vacation, so stay an extra day or two in the cities on this list!
#1 Boston, Massachusetts
Featuring historic sites, cobblestone streets & amazing seafood, Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most charming port cities in the U.S. From this port of embarkation, travelers can sail the east coast or venture to Canada. While exploring Beantown (a nickname lovingly bestowed upon this city in honor of its famed regional dish Boston baked beans), cruisers can explore the city by trolley, enjoy an immersive American history tour & even hop on a boat in hopes of seeing some local whales! History lovers will also enjoy the opportunity to walk America’s Freedom Trail & the opportunity to see the legendary Boston Tea Party ships which have been converted into a museum.
#2 Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a great bucket list city, and it also happens to be the perfect port city for cruisers looking to visit Alaska! According to some sources, 7 cruise lines sail from Seattle to Alaska each season – so there are plenty of cruises to choose from! While in the “Emerald City”, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Space Needle, a stop at The Museum of Flight & of course lunch at the famous Pike Place Market! Those who spend a few days in this fabulous city may also want to make arrangements to see Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park or Snoqualmie Falls.
#3 Charleston, South Carolina
South Carolina might not be the 1st location to come to mind when you think cruising, however, Charleston is home to a cruise ship terminal that acts as a home base for Carnival southeast, Florida, & Bahamas cruises primarily. Charleston was named Travel + Leisure’s “Top US City” of 2018 for its natural beauty, rich history and southern charm. Top attractions in the area include historical walking tours, carriage rides, the South Carolina Aquarium, and a visit to Middleton Place (an 18th century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark with impressive terraces, reflection ponds and wildlife).
#4 Savannah, Georgia
Ocean or river cruises, the city of Savannah plays host to both! Located in the Deep South, cruisers can beat the sizzling heat with a glass of sweet tea, but be polite – Georgians take their manners very seriously. Savannah is small yet mighty city with great food, interesting museums & plenty of haunts, like an old pirate’s home, battle grounds forever stained by blood spilled during the Civil War and a dark history with slavery make Savannah one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. Locals have embraced the city’s spookiness and travelers can enjoy one of the many walking tours or pub crawls any day of the week.
#5 San Francisco, California
In the heart of the city, the Port of San Francisco is the perfect area to explore this fantastic destination. San Francisco is a city filled with lots of notable attractions, so don’t miss an afternoon in Fisherman’s Wharf, take a stroll, or ride along the wacky Lombard Street & you can even visit the infamous Alcatraz Island! You may want to enjoy local museums and attractions such as Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, the Walt Disney Family Museum and Exploratorium. When it comes to day trips, nature lovers must take some time to visit Yosemite National Park or Redwood National State Park for a vacation that checks off many other bucket list items for many travelers!
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