From the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska, North America offers one of the world’s most varied and rewarding cruising landscapes. A vast range of cruise itineraries, offered by multiple cruise brands, allow guests to explore the many different sides of the continent, connecting them with its natural beauty and cultural diversity.
The Caribbean remains the cornerstone of world cruising, with 43 per cent of all cruise passengers embarking on a cruise to the region in 2024 according to Cruise Lines International Association’s State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025. Itineraries depart from major US homeports such as Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston, offering guests an easy route from city skylines to palm-lined beaches. “These itineraries are successful because they strike a perfect balance between accessibility, affordability and variety,” says Ugo Savino, senior director of deployment and itinerary planning at Carnival Cruise Line. “North American guests love that they can embark from ports close to home and enjoy a mix of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture and relaxed sea days.”
The region’s appeal extends beyond the convenience of its homeports. The rich diversity of Caribbean destinations – from the colourful Dutch architecture of Curaçao and the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the unspoilt bays of St Lucia – allows guests to experience multiple cultures and landscapes within a single voyage. With a wide range of itineraries available across The Bahamas and the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, cruise lines can offer guests everything from short introductory sailings to extended voyages visiting multiple island nations within one trip.
“The short getaways to The Bahamas are especially appealing for first-time cruisers, while longer Caribbean voyages attract repeat guests looking for a broader experience,” says Savino.
Sailing north along the Eastern Seaboard, Canada and New England offers a unique blend of coastal scenery, seafaring legacy and rich culture. Shore experiences across the region feature tours to lighthouses and fishing villages, guided visits to heritage towns, wildlife excursions and local culinary experiences, such as seafood tastings and maple farm visits.
Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line, says the region’s appeal is “the blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. You can spend the day viewing the stunning scenery from the ship’s deck, wandering cobblestone streets in Quebec City, exploring maritime history in Halifax or eating fresh Prince Edward Island oysters.”
Holland America Line is one of several major operators offering cruises through Canada and New England, with itineraries that highlight the area’s natural and cultural diversity. However, it is one of the few to explore the region year-round.
“The autumn foliage is legendary, but each season offers its own charm – from whale watching in the summer to experiencing French-Canadian heritage in autumn,” says De Bruin. “For many travellers, it feels both close to home and transportive.”
Further inland, the rivers and lakes of the continent offer an insight into America’s heartland. American Cruise Lines sails over 50 itineraries along domestic waterways around the USA, including the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake Rivers. It has also launched the first domestic cruises in decades across the Great Lakes onboard an American ship.
On the West Coast, Alaska offers the opportunity to take in an entirely different kind of grandeur with a journey into one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks and ancient forests form a backdrop to excursions in the state. Cruise ships chart their way through the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska, connecting ports such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with breathtaking views of glaciers and wilderness adventures.
Savino points to the kinds of excursions that draw guests to the region. “Guests consistently highlight experiences that blend relaxation with adventure,” he says. “Alaska itineraries offer bucket-list excursions like glacier viewing, dog sledding and wildlife encounters.”
That sense of enduring discovery is echoed by Holland America Line, a brand with deep roots in Alaskan cruising.
“As we approach our 80th year exploring the Great Land, we’re proud to offer cruises and Cruisetours that deepen our legacy of expertise and enrich every guest’s experience,” says Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line. “From tasting locally sourced seafood and engaging with park rangers at Glacier Bay, to watching bears roam under the guidance of wildlife experts – our Alaska cruises and Cruisetours are crafted to be unforgettable.”
Together, these perspectives highlight Alaska’s continued appeal as a leading cruise destination, where itineraries emphasise scenic landscapes and opportunities for nature-focused exploration from Glacier Bay to the Inside Passage. Extended itineraries – including those developed through Carnival Journeys, which offers longer and more immersive sailings, and Holland America Line’s Cruisetours, which combine a cruise with guided overland exploration – give travellers the opportunity to go deeper into the landscape.
From the coral reefs of the Caribbean to the historic harbours of Halifax and the icy stillness of Glacier Bay, North America’s coasts offer a journey through contrasts. For cruise lines and travellers alike, North America remains a key market – a region that continues to evolve and inspire new itineraries.
The Caribbean remains the most popular cruise destination in the world
Destination highlights
CFIP profiles some of the outstanding destinations cruise lines can visit on a North American itinerary
Port Canaveral, Florida
Homeport to some of the world’s largest and newest ships sailing to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, Port Canaveral is the world’s second busiest cruise port with nearly nine million passenger movements annually. Cruise guests can experience uncongested access, easy-to-navigate cruise terminals and adjacent parking facilities, friendly service and proximity to recreation options, including the beach at Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park. The port is also a short drive away from theme parks and attractions, including Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center, adding to the memorable, high-quality experiences guests can enjoy before or after cruising.
Port Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Located on Lake Michigan, Port Milwaukee is a turnaround port with two dedicated cruise docks and a third expected to be operational by 2026. Positioned in the North American heartland, Milwaukee offers access to world-class attractions, such as the Harley-Davidson Museum, Pabst Mansion, and Milwaukee Public Market. Visitors can visit parks, trails and beaches, as well as the city’s vibrant culinary scene featuring artisan microbreweries and James Beard-recognised restaurants. Together, these attractions position Milwaukee as an increasingly relevant port of call for Great Lakes operators.
Port of Seattle, Washington
In 2025, cruise lines operated 20 non-Alaska ship calls from Seattle to destinations including Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Northwest. In 2026, demand beyond Alaskan routes is set to increase, building on a record 328 total calls supported by a lineup of seven- to 28-day Alaska itineraries. Seattle plays a significant role as a destination itself, where more than half of all Alaska cruise passengers choose to stay overnight before and after their voyage.
Tampa Bay, Florida
Port Tampa Bay serves as a gateway to exploring the Caribbean and offers walkable attractions and secure parking from its terminals. The port continues to experience growth of its cruise business and is expected to welcome over 1.6 million passengers by the end of the 2025 season. This will include eight homeported vessels – three from Royal Caribbean International, two from Carnival Cruise Line, and one each from Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Margaritaville at Sea. In early 2025, luxury brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises had an overnight call in Tampa and in March 2026 Oceania will offer a 10-day cruise from Tampa to Panama City.
Vancouver, Canada
Nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the award-winning Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver is a gateway for Alaskan cruises, offering passengers scenic views, vibrant city life and direct access to the Inside Passage. The terminal is equipped with facial biometric scanning technology, accessibility features, and a full suite of operational services, supporting the smooth handling of more than 300 ship calls and 1.2 million passenger visits annually.
Victoria, Canada
After spending one day in Victoria, passengers discover why it’s recognised as one of the friendliest cities in the world. Cruise visitors can walk or take a shuttle to the city’s Inner Harbour and nearby iconic attractions, including the Butchart Gardens, Fisherman’s Wharf, historic Government Street and Chinatown, plus shopping, cafes, restaurants and more for a full day’s exploration. Three deep-sea berths and enhanced port services make Victoria a convenient, crew-friendly stop on Alaska cruise itineraries.
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