Royal Caribbean cruises depart from more than 50 ports around the world, with 16 of them right here in the US. The US ports served by Royal Caribbean are exciting destinations in themselves, making for a great pre-cruise or post-cruise visit. Plan a few days before or after your sailing to enjoy the following port city’s attractions. Here are the US ports that Royal Caribbean sails from—and the attractions to enjoy when you get there.
Mount Marathon Trail; Photo by mhgstan/stock.adobe.com
ALASKA
SEWARD
Royal Caribbean’s sailings to The Last Frontier offer some of the most spectacular natural scenery. But for a different perspective, take the 60-minute historical city tour before shuttling to the cruise terminal. The Main Street, Mount Marathon Trail, Resurrection River Trail, and the Tonsina Point Trail are also within walking distance to the port.
Santa Monica Pier; Photo by Zarnell/stock.adobe.com
CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
Wander around glitzy Sunset Boulevard in LA, ride the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier, and drive by the sprawling mansions in Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Calabasas. The City of Angeles has endless possibilities when it comes to shopping, dining and entertainment.
SAN DIEGO
In America’s Finest City, you can bask in the sun along the sandy beaches, enjoy authentic cuisine from all over the world, and watch hundreds of sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship in Miami, FL; Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean
FLORIDA
ORLANDO/PORT CANAVERAL
Spend a few days relaxing at the beaches or playing the golf courses near Royal Caribbean’s port in the Orlando/Port Canaveral area. Enjoy fresh Florida seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and take in thrilling experiences at the Kennedy Space Center and Disney parks nearby.
FORT LAUDERDALE
Royal Caribbean sails from Port Everglades, but it’s worth checking out the beaches and waterways at nearby Fort Lauderdale, aka the “Venice of America.” Stroll the Beach promenade, Las Olas Boulevard, and meander along the Riverwalk to the Arts District.
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TAMPA
Before getting your sea legs, stroll along Tampa Riverwalk, savor Cuban-Spanish cuisine in Ybor City, visit the Museum of Science and Industry, watch NFL’s Buccaneers and NHL’s Lightning in training (in season), and spend some time at the nearby beaches at St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
MIAMI
This vibrant city is not only Royal Caribbean’s international headquarters, but it’s also a great place to soak up the sun along expansive white sand beaches. Explore a variety of cuisines throughout the diverse neighborhoods, do some shopping at Bal Harbour, and sample nightlife at South Beach.
Diamond Head; Photo by Maridav/stock.adobe.com
HAWAII
OAHU (HONOLULU)
Downtown Honolulu is right across the street from the port, Honolulu Harbor, making it convenient to take a hike to the iconic Diamond Head, surf at the island’s famous north shore, learn about Hawaiian culture at Bishop Museum at Iolani Palace, and shop at the Waikiki International Market Place.
Bourbon Street; Photo by travelview/stock.adobe.com
LOUISIANA
NEW ORLEANS
Royal Caribbean’s New Orleans port is conveniently located close to Creole-style architecture, the French Quarter’s jazz clubs, and hundreds of eateries serving beignets, po’boys and jambalaya.
Inner Harbor in Baltimore;Photo by Richard/stock.adobe.com
MARYLAND
BALTIMORE
Before heading off to the tropics, enjoy Charm City’s acclaimed seafood restaurants, maritime history at the Inner Harbor, and the birthplace of America’s “Star-Spangled Banner” at Fort McHenry. Take the Baltimore Water Taxi near the Port of Baltimore to explore the waterfront.
Boston Common Park; Photo by Travellaggio/stock.adobe.com
MASSACHUSETTS
BOSTON
Take a 10-minute ferry or taxi from the Port of Boston to downtown Beantown. Hop on a trolley and experience New England’s charming city at Newberry Street, Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, Boston Common Park and Boston Public Green.
Edge Observation Deck; Photo by francois-roux/iStock.com
NEW JERSEY
CAPE LIBERTY
No matter what your interest, you can find everything from theaters and shopping to museums and outdoor activities in New York City, just a short drive from this New Jersey Cruise Terminal in Bayonne. Stroll through Central Park, soak in views from the Edge Observation Deck, and check out the hip cafes and bars in Greenwich Village.
San Juan National Historic Site; Photo by Wild Boer Photos/stock.adobe.com
PUERTO RICO
SAN JUAN
The Caribbean’s busiest cruise port is also a cultural paradise where you can enjoy Latin food, nightlife and historic sites. Be sure to visit Old San Juan, San Juan National Historic Site fort, and the Catedral de San Juan.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier; Photo by khalid/stock.adobe.com
TEXAS
GALVESTON
The Port of Galveston, the fourth-busiest cruise port in the US, is located on a barrier island and within walking distance to many hotels and attractions. Explore some 32 miles of beaches, Moody Gardens, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the Galveston Railroad Museum, and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum while in the city.
Pagoda and Oriental Garden; Photo by Jenny Thompson/stock.adobe.com
VIRGINIA
NORFOLK
Before boarding your cruise from Norfolk, you can walk or bike around the Mermaid City, making your way into the Chrysler Museum of Art, Pagoda and Oriental Garden, and the Nauticus museum. Also, be sure to shop in the Historic District and dine along Colley Avenue.
Seattle, Washington; Photo by kanonsky/stock.adobe.com
WASHINGTON
SEATTLE
Near the Port of Seattle, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The Emerald City is filled with historic and cultural attractions within an easy drive of the port. As you explore, be sure to soak in beautiful views from Discovery Park and Olympic Sculpture Park, and stop by Pike Place Market and the Seattle Center, home to the iconic Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture.
The excitement surrounding these port cities is just a small part of the many wonders that await on a Royal Caribbean cruise.