Top U.S. Cruise Ports — Arrive Early or Linger Longer in These Irresistible Cities

When you book a cruise with Holland America, your vacation doesn’t start at sea — it begins the moment you arrive in port. Some of the most iconic cities in the U.S. are also our departure points, making them ideal for a pre- or post-cruise adventure. From Seattle’s coastal cuisine and Miami’s vibrant arts scene to Boston’s cobblestone streets and cultural landmarks, these urban hubs invite you to start your journey a little earlier and enjoy the sights or extend your vacation when your cruise is complete.

Check out these top U.S. cruise ports and learn why you’ll love lingering in them before boarding or exploring after disembarkation. And with departure ports all over the world, Holland America makes it easy to set sail wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Gateway to Alaska and home to coffee, Northwest culture, and stunning skyline views

With its snow-capped mountain backdrop and ferry-dotted harbor, Seattle offers a magnetic start to any journey. Before or after you cruise to Alaska’s glacial waters, spend time getting lost amid the bustling stalls of Pike Place Market, sip your perfectly pulled flat white at the original Starbucks, or soar on the Seattle Great Wheel for bird’s-eye views of Elliot Bay. Art aficionados should explore Chihuly Garden and Glass, a surrealist wonderland of multi-colored, glass-blown art installations at the base of the Space Needle.

Insider Tip: For a serene escape within the city, catch a ride to Washington Park Arboretum. Roaming winding paths and lush greenery offer more than a moment of Zen. While you’re there, head to the nearby Japanese garden; there’s a small entrance fee that’s well worth it.

Ready to explore the “Emerald City?” Discover Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Sunshine, waterways, and boat culture

Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is a breezy blend of beaches, boating canals, and laidback luxury vibes. Cruise down Las Olas Boulevard for boutique shopping and waterfront dining, or relax on soft, palm-lined beaches before your Caribbean cruise begins. As the gateway city to the Everglades National Park, known as the “Sea of Grass,” it seems apropos to take an airboat ride. Feel the breeze as you spot alligators, manatees, turtles, herons, and more. With its sunny weather and easygoing charm, Ft. Lauderdale is a perfect spot to slip into vacation mode.

Insider Tip: Take a kayak eco-tour at the Ann Kolb Nature Center to spot marine life or a lively water taxi along the Intracoastal and enjoy a waterfront bar hop!

Want to explore the “Venice of America?” Find cruises from Ft. Lauderdale.

Beach chic, cosmopolitan charm, and bold flavors

Miami is more than just sun-drenched beaches and trendy nightlife. From exploring architectural wonders like Viscaya Museum & Gardens and the Biltmore Hotel to the Art Deco glam of South Beach, there are so many things to do in Miami. For modern art enthusiasts, the Rubell Museum features the works of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Prefer an urban art scene? Head to the perennially popular Wynwood Walls, a cultural mash-up of impressive murals and street art, coupled with a diverse food truck scene. For something more upscale, book a table at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution celebrated for its namesake dish.

Insider Tip: Rub elbows with locals over a cafecito and tres leches at Versailles, an iconic Cuban eatery in Little Havana or cruise from mainland Miami to Miami Beach on a public e-bike and ride along the Venetian Causeway for lovely, crowd-free views.

Want to experience The Magic City? Check out our cruises from Miami.

SoCal culture — history and coastal vibes effortlessly blend

Start your San Diego adventure in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where Victorian-era architecture meets buzzing restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. A quick ride over the bridge lands you in Coronado Beach, where you can stroll along Orange Avenue, visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado, or relax on wide sandy shores.

For families or animal lovers, the world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is a must — home to rare and adorable species, such as pygmy hippos, red pandas, and giant pandas thriving in lush, immersive habitats. With 70 miles of scenic coastline, mild ocean breezes, and endless sunshine, San Diego is your introduction to laid-back Southern California living.

Insider Tip: If you can build in some extra time, head to La Jolla, where you can hike along sea cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, explore hands-on exhibits at Birch Aquarium, or descend a tunnel to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, the only sea cave in California accessible by land—a quirky and memorable hidden gem.

Take a look at cruises to Mexico or the Pacific Coast from San Diego.

History, harbor views, and fresh Atlantic seafood

It’s easy to be wooed by Boston’s historic charm. Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, offering a diverse range of attractions that span from Revolutionary-era landmarks to vibrant modern culture. Begin your day with harbor views and fresh Atlantic seafood, then dive into history along the Freedom Trail, where you can visit the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and even reenact the Boston Tea Party.

Tap into local vibes with a tour of Fenway Park or catch a Red Sox game if the timing’s right. Animal lovers should make time for the New England Aquarium, home to a massive Caribbean coral reef tank, playful penguins, and a mesmerizing four-story Giant Ocean Tank teeming with sea turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish.

Insider Tip: Book lovers, reading enthusiasts, and architecture fans, should add a visit to the Boston Public Library. Roam the grand Bates Hall and step back in time, then explore the library’s hidden gem—an extensive collection of vintage travel posters.

Is Beantown on your bucket list? Cruise to Canada and New England from Boston.

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