Major cruise ports along the US East Coast connect you to Caribbean, New England and Bermuda destinations. You can sail from five key terminals:
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Bayonne, New Jersey
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Jacksonville, Florida
Each port provides:
- Quick check-in processes
- Secure parking facilities
- Easy transport to city centres
You’ll find handy pre-cruise activities near each terminal. You can try local seafood restaurants, visit historical landmarks or explore the surrounding neighbourhoods. Each port city offers its own unique attractions within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
These terminals serve as practical starting points for your cruise, with clear signage and helpful staff to guide you through embarkation. You can reach all ports easily by car or public transport, making your journey smoother from start to finish.
Baltimore, Maryland Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Baltimore cruise terminal sits on the Patapsco River at South Locust Point. You can sail to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada/New England from this port.
You’ll find the terminal easily from I-95, just a short drive from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The terminal offers both short and long-term parking right on site.
Your cruise experience starts in the modern terminal building. You can relax in comfortable waiting areas and use clean facilities while your check-in moves quickly and smoothly.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean operate regularly from Baltimore, making this terminal a convenient starting point if you live in the Mid-Atlantic area.
The layout helps you move from arrival to boarding without hassle, with clear signs pointing you to each step of the process.
Bayonne (Cape Liberty), New Jersey Cruise Ship Port Guide
Cape Liberty Cruise Port sits in Bayonne, New Jersey, 7 miles from New York City. You can see Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the port.
Your cruise departure steps:
- Take your luggage to the porters at the terminal entrance
- Park your car in the secure lot next to the terminal
- Find your check-in counter based on your deck number
- Use the free shuttle to visit Hudson Mall’s shops and restaurants
The port serves two main cruise lines:
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Cruises
Your destination options include:
- Caribbean
- Bermuda
- Canada/New England
All routes operate throughout the year.
Boston, Massachusetts Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll find Flynn Cruiseport in South Boston’s Seaport District at the Black Falcon Terminal. The port welcomes 400,000 passengers each year and sits just minutes from downtown Boston.
You can reach popular attractions easily:
- Faneuil Hall
- Freedom Trail
- North End historic district
- Logan International Airport
The terminal offers:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Comfortable seating
- Helpful staff
Major cruise lines operating from Boston include:
- Norwegian
- Royal Caribbean
- Holland America
Your cruise options cover:
- New England/Canada routes (spring and autumn)
- Bermuda voyages (summer)
The terminal’s central location makes your transport connections straightforward, with taxis, buses and trains readily available. You’ll find check-in procedures simple, with clear signage guiding you through the building.
Charleston, South Carolina Cruise Ship Port Guide
Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal connects you directly to the city centre. Your cruise ship docks within walking distance of downtown’s main attractions.
You can explore Charleston’s key spots:
- The French Quarter offers art galleries and shops along its historic streets
- Charleston City Market sells authentic local crafts and traditional foods
- Magnolia Gardens and Boone Hall showcase classic plantation architecture
- Waterfront restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional Gullah dishes
Tips for your visit:
- Walk straight from the terminal to downtown attractions
- Browse local shops in the historic district
- Try Lowcountry cuisine in nearby restaurants
- Book plantation tours in advance
- Allow 2-3 hours for market exploration
Your cruise terminal facilities include:
- Luggage storage
- Taxi rank
- Tourist information desk
- Basic amenities
- Security checkpoints
You’ll find clear signage directing you between the terminal and city centre, making navigation straightforward.
Gloucester, Massachusetts Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll find Gloucester, Massachusetts – America’s oldest seaport – ready to welcome cruise visitors with its blend of maritime history and modern coastal culture.
Your cruise ship docks at Cruiseport Gloucester, placing you minutes from the town centre. The historic fishing port offers clear views of working boats and the famous Fishermen’s Memorial, which honours local sailors.
You can explore several key attractions within walking distance:
- Downtown shops and galleries
- Waterfront seafood restaurants
- Maritime Heritage Centre
- Rocky Neck Art Colony
The port specialises in two popular activities:
- Whale watching tours (seasonal)
- Fresh seafood tasting
Your visit can include both cultural and outdoor experiences:
- Watch fishing boats unload their catch
- Visit local art studios
- Taste just-caught lobster and cod
- Walk the historic harbour front
The town centre’s compact layout makes it easy to explore independently, and you’ll find friendly locals happy to share stories about their historic port.
Jacksonville, Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide
The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal sits on Jacksonville’s northeastern coast, offering you easy access to both city and beach destinations. This modern port serves as your main departure point for Bahamas cruises.
Getting Started at the Terminal:
- You can hand your luggage to porters at the entrance
- You can park your car in the secured lot next to the terminal
- You’ll find several restaurants within walking distance
- You can use free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building
The terminal’s straightforward layout helps you move quickly from check-in to boarding. Your cruise experience starts with simple, organised processes that get you onto your ship efficiently.
Key Benefits:
- Close proximity to Jacksonville city centre
- Direct motorway connections
- Easy-to-navigate terminal building
- Quick check-in procedures
Remember to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. You’ll need your passport and booking documents ready for the smoothest check-in process.
New York – Brooklyn Cruise Ship Port Guide
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal sits on Red Hook’s waterfront as your gateway to sea travel in New York City. You can board ships from Princess, Cunard and Norwegian cruise lines here. Your journey options include the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada/New England routes.
You’ll find yourself just minutes from Brooklyn’s vibrant neighbourhoods and a 30-minute journey from Manhattan. Your transport choices to the terminal include:
- Subway
- Taxi
- Rideshare services
- Personal vehicle (secure parking available)
You should plan to arrive early on your sailing day to avoid delays, as the terminal gets crowded during peak seasons.
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New York – Manhattan Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Manhattan Cruise Terminal sits on the Hudson River in Midtown West, New York. You can easily start your cruise journey from this central location.
The terminal offers:
- Three modern terminals at Piers 88, 90 and 92
- Quick access to Times Square (15-minute walk)
- Direct links to the subway network
- Taxi ranks at each terminal entrance
- Clear views of Manhattan and the Hudson River
You’ll find these transport options to reach the terminal:
- Subway: A, C, E lines to 42nd Street
- Bus: M42 crosstown service
- Taxi: 20 minutes from most Manhattan hotels
The terminal connects you to:
- Theatre District: 10-minute walk
- Restaurant Row: 12-minute walk
- Central Park: 20-minute walk
- Hell’s Kitchen shops: 5-minute walk
You can check in your luggage at your assigned pier number, which your cruise line will provide before departure.
Norfolk, Virginia Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Half Moone Cruise Centre sits on Norfolk’s Elizabeth River waterfront in downtown Virginia. You can easily walk from here to Nauticus maritime museum and the Battleship Wisconsin. The terminal offers check-in services, seating areas and free Wi-Fi for all passengers.
You’ll find Granby Street district next to the terminal, packed with restaurants, shops and entertainment spots. Your car fits safely in the connected parking garage, and your luggage moves smoothly through the handling system. Carnival Cruise Line uses this port for trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
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Portland, Maine Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland, Maine welcomes you just steps from the city centre. You can walk straight into the Old Port district, where local shops, art galleries and seafood spots line the historic streets.
Must-see Portland attractions:
- Waterfront markets – Try Maine’s famous lobster rolls
- Exchange Street – Find local boutiques and craft shops
- Portland Head Light – Explore Maine’s first lighthouse
- Congress Street – Walk through the bustling arts quarter
You can easily discover Portland’s maritime heritage by foot, as the city centre is compact and well-connected. The traditional cobblestone streets and brick buildings create an authentic New England atmosphere, making your exploring straightforward and enjoyable.
Top tip: Visit the fish markets early for the freshest seafood and shorter queues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Book East Coast Cruises?
The best cruise deals along the East Coast appear between September and November. You’ll enjoy milder temperatures and fewer tourists during these months. You can find even better prices if you book during the quieter periods of hurricane season, but you’ll need some flexibility with your travel dates.
Are There Any Cruise Lines That Offer Year-Round East Coast Itineraries?
You can find year-round East Coast cruises from several major operators. Royal Caribbean and Carnival run regular sailings from Florida ports throughout all seasons. Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises offer additional East Coast routes that you can book any time of the year. These cruise lines give you consistent sailing options regardless of when you want to travel.
Which East Coast Ports Offer the Most Caribbean Cruise Options?
The top Caribbean cruise ports on the East Coast are right at your fingertips. Miami leads with the most options, offering daily departures throughout the year. Fort Lauderdale follows closely behind, with its Port Everglades terminal running hundreds of Caribbean cruises annually. Port Canaveral gives you another excellent choice, sitting just an hour from Orlando. You’ll find these Florida ports provide the most frequent and varied Caribbean sailings in the US.
Do East Coast Cruise Ports Provide Long-Term Parking Discounts?
East Coast cruise ports offer mixed parking options for long stays. You can find discounts at some terminals, but rates and availability vary by location. You’ll get better deals when you book online in advance, typically saving 20-30% off standard prices. Many ports’ loyalty programmes provide regular travellers with additional discounts on multi-day parking. Check your specific departure port’s website or call directly for current rates and discount options.
Can Passengers Switch Boarding Ports During Multi-City East Coast Cruises?
You typically cannot switch boarding ports during a multi-city East Coast cruise. Cruise lines require you to start and finish your journey at your designated ports. This policy helps maintain accurate passenger records and ensures security protocols are followed throughout your voyage.
