Month: January 2020

Cruising the Western Seaboard

The United States is home to many beautiful and diverse cruise destinations. The Western Seaboard is a shining example of these incredible destinations, with Alaska and the West Coast offering an array of beautiful coastlines and unique experiences. These destinations often offer a more tranquil, relaxing vacation. A west coast cruise is a perfect vacation option for those looking for scenic views of beautiful mountains, to explore renowned wineries, or wish to sightsee massive glaciers and wildlife.

Which Cruise Lines Sail Along the West Coast?

Most of the major cruise lines are represented along the West Coast including Carnival, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others.

When is the Best Time to Cruise the West Coast?

The Western Seaboard refers to the west coast of the United States and includes the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. These states are diverse in climate with cruise ports located all along the coast. Therefore, you should consider your cruise’s itinerary of stops before determining the best time to cruise.

Favorable weather makes the West Coast home to multiple wine regions in California, Oregon, and Washington State. The textbook best time to visit is in the harvest season, taking place in September and October. Many west coast cruises visiting at this time will offer passengers excursions to take part in the local festivities. However, you may consider traveling in the winter, which is less busy than the summer and fall, for a more peaceful experience. In the spring the vines and wildflowers start to bloom, as do the crowds. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in this region, with fall foliage appearing by November.

The Pacific Northwest is best to visit late spring through early fall, as the famously overcast skies clear for a few months of favorable weather. Temperatures are the most comfortable and this is the best time to view local wildlife. However, visiting off-season for a less crowded cruise is certainly an option, as temperatures are mild year round in this region of the country.

While Hawaii is not technically part of the Western Seaboard, many cruises from the west coast ports travel there. If you are considering a Hawaiian cruise, the best time to travel is late spring (April – early June). Spring cruises see better weather as this is the first part of the dry season. Also, as it is one of two shoulder seasons, there is often a drop in fares, and the cruise ships are typically less crowded.

No matter what time of year you travel, you may want to consider cruise insurance. Depending on the plan, this insurance can protect you if you miss a leg of your trip, encounter severe weather, require an emergency medical evacuation, or encounter another disruption to your trip.

Where Do Cruises Leave from on the West Coast?

For those looking for a scenic cruise along the coastline of the Western Seaboard have several options when it comes to which port to depart from. Port locations in California can be found in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. West coast cruise ports are also located in places such as Astoria, OR; Seattle, WA; and Honolulu, HI. Internationally, Vancouver, BC is also a popular port location for west coast cruises. River cruises are also available along the West Coast, with popular ports in Portland, OR; Clarkston, WA; and Sacramento, CA, among many others.

How Far Off the West Coast Do Cruise Ships Sail?

Most of the cruise lines will have itineraries that travel to domestic ports, like Honolulu, San Diego, and Seattle. Some Pacific cruises go as far as Alaskan ports like Seward and Whittier. However, some do travel to international destinations like Canada and Mexico, so be sure to triple check your itinerary before booking if you plan to leave your passport at home.

Where Can I Find the Best Deals on West Coast Cruises?

You may have heard the phrase “wave season.” Wave season refers to the time of the year when the cruise industry offers discounted rates, usually from mid-January through mid-March. These deals make it the most popular time for cruisers to book their trips. The types of offers and discounts will vary by destination and cruise line.

Best Things to See While Cruising the Western Seaboard

The Pacific coastline offers scenic views of luxurious beaches and interesting cities ready to be explored. Certain Pacific cruise itineraries also include visits to wine country. These itineraries offer a much more relaxing vacation, as opposed to the slightly overwhelming pace of cities found in the Caribbean.

California cruises are perfect for families hoping to spot celebrities in Hollywood or to spend the day at Universal Studios. Cruisers can also explore Getty Center, which displays antiquities and breathtaking art. San Francisco is a great destination because of their high-quality restaurants, historic museums, and world-class shopping centers.

Seattle is one of the top walking cities in the country, with a plethora of popular spots a short distance from the cruise port. Cruisers looking for a cup of coffee can grab a drink at the first Starbucks location, located in Pike Place Market.

Astoria, OR is a picturesque town of less than 10,000 people with a rich history and charming local traditions.

Cruises departing from Victoria, British Columbia provide exciting excursions surrounding ocean wildlife exploration.

Pacific coast cruises offer a wide variety of locations and experiences, so be sure to check your itinerary and do your research to identify your must-dos before heading into your west coast cruise. If one particular activity or excursion is your main reason for taking a cruise, you may want to consider a cruise insurance policy that includes Pre-Paid Excursion Reimbursement. This coverage will provide a one-time reimbursement, up to the limit on your confirmation, for pre-paid, non-refundable activity expenses that you have lost. This coverage is available in most states.

The United States is home to many beautiful cruise destinations, with an expansive selection of itineraries departing from and traveling along the Eastern Seaboard. Famous for stunning fall foliage, picturesque towns, and historic lighthouses, the Atlantic Coast offers over two thousand miles of shoreline for domestic cruisers to enjoy without having to pack a passport. For cruisers interested in exploring cosmopolitan cities, Boston, MA and New York, NY are popular cruise ports on the Eastern Seaboard. For those looking to travel a little further from home, many east coast cruises offer itineraries to international destinations such as Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean Islands.

Which Cruise Lines Sail Along the East Coast?

Whether you are a loyal fan of one particular cruise line or you prefer to experience a variety of different ships, you have a wide selection to choose from when cruising the east coast. Most of the major cruise lines are represented along the eastern seaboard, including Carnival, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Costa – just to name a few. If you’re looking for a more quaint experience, you’ll want to check out the itineraries with American Cruise Lines and USA River Cruises.

How Far Off the East Coast Do Cruise Ships Sail?

East coast cruises offer a unique way to explore beautiful and historic cities and towns located along the Atlantic coastline. Some cruise lines, however, will have itineraries that include international destinations, like Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean Islands. So if you are looking for a trip you can leave your passport at home – or one that keeps the mainland in sight – be sure to carefully check the itinerary before booking. Just because you launch from Boston, MA doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be staying within the United States.

Where are the Cruise Ports on the East Coast?

The East Coast is home to many popular cruise ports offering cruisers vastly different experiences on land. Scenic New England ports from Bar Harbor to Boston offer travelers fall foliage, clam chowder, and small-town charm while New York and New Jersey ports offer a big city experience. The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic states offer a rich history, southern hospitality, and plenty of sunshine. Cruisers are encouraged to consider where you’re traveling from and what kind of excursions you are looking for before or after your cruise when choosing a departure cruise port.

New England

New England has ports in Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Maine’s Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park. However, be aware that the number of cruises available in these areas drops significantly in the colder months.

New York Harbor

The New York area offers a few options, with cruises sailing out of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Cruises also sail from Bayonne, New Jersey. (Cape Liberty).

Mid-Atlantic & South Atlantic

Moving further south, there are ports in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia; and Charleston, South Carolina. There are also ports in Annapolis, Maryland; Alexandria, Virginia; and Yorktown, Virginia. With these, however, you’d typically be looking at itineraries with smaller ships, as most of these ports are “inland” which would be almost like a river cruise along the coast.

Florida is commonly associated with cruise departure ports, and rightfully so as the ports in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Port Canaveral, and Miami are among the busiest in the United States. Most itineraries from Florida travel directly down to the Caribbean or to the Bahamas.

When is the Best Time to Cruise the East Coast?

The beauty of cruising the Eastern Seaboard is that every season makes for a great time to cruise – depending on the region. While early fall can often be rough with hurricanes in the southern half of the coast, the North is picturesque with fall foliage. And while the North can be bitterly cold between December and March, the South can warm travelers with much more comfortable temperatures.

Finding the right time to cruise your favorite itinerary is imperative to having a successful vacation. While you can plan for the best, always keep in mind that you cannot control the weather. Severe weather happening in one area of the country can have an impact on more than just the immediate area. For instance, a hurricane that strikes the Carolinas can cause rough water in New England. Plan for unforeseen weather patterns and you’ll be less surprised if something should alter your course.

No matter what time of year you travel, you may want to consider cruise insurance. Depending on the plan, this insurance can protect you if you miss a leg of your trip, encounter severe weather, require an emergency medical evacuation, or encounter another disruption to your trip.

Where Can I Find Deals on East Coast Cruises?

You may have heard the phrase “wave season.” Wave season refers to the time of the year when the cruise industry offers discounted rates, usually from mid-January through mid-March. These deals make it the most popular time for east coast cruisers to book their trips. The types of offers and discounts will vary by destination and cruise line.

Best Things to See While Cruising the Eastern Seaboard

For the majority of the year the New England Coastline is an absolute show stopper. It offers a comfortable climate and drips with picturesque charm. From the coastline of Maine to the cozy Boston Harbor, travelers will be delighted with all New England has to offer. Delicious seafood, charming little port towns and a gorgeous shoreline that matches no other. If you are really looking for a treat, take a New England cruise during the fall months. The shoreline dazzles travelers with the brilliance of fall foliage. But keep in mind the New England cruising season is from April – October as the area often experiences harsh winters.

The Chesapeake Bay area (the mid-Atlantic states) is rich with beauty and history. Trade, industry, and military have always been an important part of this historic area. From the cobblestone streets to the colonial architecture, travelers are immersed in the country’s rich history in these small ports and towns dating back to the 1600s.

The Southern region of the United States offers just as much history as the Chesapeake Bay area with a little bit more Southern charm. If you ever wondered what the “Old South” truly was, cruise this region to immerse yourself in southern traditions. Along the way, you’ll see southern plantations, Colonial architecture and famous battle sights of the Civil War.

Atlantic coast cruises offer a wide variety of locations and experiences, so be sure to check your itinerary and do your research to identify your must-dos before heading into your east coast cruise. If one particular activity or excursion is your main reason for taking a cruise, you may want to consider a cruise insurance policy that includes Pre-Paid Excursion Reimbursement. This coverage will provide a one-time reimbursement, up to the limit on your confirmation, for pre-paid, non-refundable activity expenses that you have lost. This coverage is available in most states.

One of the most popular rivers to cruise in the United States is the Mississippi River. Lower, middle, and upper Mississippi River cruises are a great option for first-time cruisers as well as regular cruisers. The culture of the ports along the banks of the Mississippi is as diverse as the scenery. For travelers who are looking for a luxury river cruise experience without the time or investment in a transcontinental flight, a sail down the Mississippi River may be a great option.

Which Cruise Lines Sail the Mississippi?

There are two main Mississippi River cruise lines throughout the year: American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company. Both have excellent itineraries and perks that they include in their cruises.

American Cruise Lines has the newest and most environmentally friendly small cruise ships and riverboats in North America. They also have an open bar cocktail hour every night prior to dinner. A few cruise itineraries include free shore excursions for travelers. If you are trying to keep your budget tight, you’ll want to look for those options. Also, American Cruise Lines offers discounts to travelers who book early.

American Queen Steamboat Company has several great options as well. Every itinerary available through them has free shore excursions in each port. This is a great way to keep costs down while you are traveling. Also, they offer a night at a hotel free prior to the cruise launching. So, you won’t have to try and cut costs and can prepare adequately for any travel delays that may occur on the way. They also offer money saving options for travelers who book early and/or in full.

While these are both amazing options for any river cruiser, another option is on the way! Viking River Cruises has announced they are working on a Mississippi River cruise but have not released dates or details.

Regions of the River Available to Cruise

The Mississippi River has three major regions that are available for itineraries from cruise lines. Depending on the time of year, one region may be better to cruise than another.

Lower Mississippi River Cruises:

Itineraries that sail the lower Mississippi River will typically travel from New Orleans to Memphis. You may be able to find a round trip cruise, although those itineraries are longer and rare. Usually, these itineraries last five to seven days and will travel either way (up or down the river). There are several port options that include southern sites like old plantations and vibrant cities. The cruising season for this region is November and December and then April through mid-June. It has the longest season of any of the regions, but American Cruise Lines offers itineraries all year long.

Middle Mississippi River Cruises:

Cruises that travel the middle of the river are typically five to seven days sailing between Memphis and St. Louis. This region is more scenic than the lower region but typically has fewer ports. If you are interested in spending more time on the ship, these itineraries may be for you. They will generally have more cruising days than any other itinerary.

Upper Mississippi River Cruises:

Traveling between St. Louis and St. Paul, these cruises typically last five to seven days. Round trip options are available as well. The itineraries in the Upper Mississippi are the most scenic and often the most popular. However, the cruising season for the upper part of the river is short and sometimes volatile. The water is sometimes too high to cruise in the spring and early summer for riverboats to sail. However, on American Cruise Lines you can sail at any time in the year.

Which Ports are Most Popular for Mississippi River Cruises?

Vicksburg, MS

This port would be perfect for the big history buff. It’s the site of a famous Siege of Vicksburg in the Civil War. It’s also the home to several plantations and train depots. Popular attractions include the National Military Park and the Old Depot Museum.

Baton Rouge, LA

This city is rich in culture and dripping with delicious food. The cuisine is something you want to miss as it’s a unique mix of Creole and Cajun. Popular attractions include the LSU Rural Life Museum and Louisiana Old state capitol.

Memphis, TN

Of course, this is the home of rock and roll and Elvis. There is more to the town than Graceland, although you could fill a day with just reminiscing in Rock ‘n Roll. Popular attractions include the National Civil Rights Museum and Shelby Farms.

Hannibal, MS

This is the port for any book lovers and literary scholars. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn is focused around this town. You could spend the day reliving the story you knew as a kid and learning more than you once did! Popular attractions include the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, the Huckleberry Finn house and the Becky Thatcher House.

Travel Tips for Cruising the Mississippi River

1. Be Prepared for Wet Weather During the Summer

The humidity throughout the river banks is very high, especially in the summer months. This often brings on sudden thunderstorms. If you like to frequent the viewing deck on cruise ships, you may want to be prepared with an umbrella, a raincoat, or to get inside quickly if the weather turns!

2. Bring Bug Spray

Just like rain, with humidity comes bugs. Whether you are on the ship or on a shore excursion, you’ll most likely need it to keep the bugs at bay.

3. Listen for the River Expert on the Loudspeaker

When you are on the viewing deck, keep an ear out for the river expert on the public address system. Often times they will chime in throughout the cruising time to tell travelers what sites are on the river banks. It could really add to the experience of your trip.

4. Weather May Affect the River Cruise Itinerary

Bad weather on the rivers can alter itineraries. A riverboat may reroute if a significant drought makes water levels so low that riverboats cannot sail upstream. Similarly, too much rain can flood the river, making it impossible to travel under bridges. Cruise lines do plan for this and often have backup plans in place to keep the experience interact. Our best advice is to be flexible with your ports or invest in cruise insurance to ensure you see the sights important to you.

Do I Need Insurance for a Mississippi River Cruise?

While cruise insurance is not required for Mississippi River cruises, travelers should consider buying coverage. Even on river cruises, passengers can experience delays, become ill, miss connections, or lose personal items. To protect you and your family from these unexpected events, think about purchasing cruise insurance.