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North America

From the rugged glaciers of Alaska to the charming harbors of New England and the sun-kissed shores of the Mexican Riviera, discover why North American cruises offer some of the most diverse and breathtaking voyages on Earth.

Set Sail on a North American Cruise

North America is a cruise destination like no other—offering everything from towering glaciers and pristine wilderness to historic coastal towns and vibrant port cities. Whether you’re watching humpback whales breach in Alaska’s Inside Passage, savoring fresh lobster in a quaint New England village, or soaking up the sun along Mexico’s Pacific coast, every itinerary delivers unforgettable experiences. With convenient departure ports across the U.S. and Canada, a North American cruise is one of the most accessible and rewarding voyages you can take.

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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An aerial view of a sleek white yacht with a person relaxing on the bow, surrounded by sparkling deep blue ocean waters. The image captures the tranquility and luxury of marine leisure.
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A large cruise ship navigates through a stunning Norwegian fjord surrounded by steep green mountains, with a small village nestled along the shoreline. The landscape showcases dramatic natural beauty with blue waters, lush vegetation, and rugged mountain terrain.
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Stunning Natural Scenery

Towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, volcanic coastlines, and lush rainforests create awe-inspiring backdrops at every turn.

Incredible Wildlife

Spot humpback whales, bald eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, and dolphins in their natural habitats along the coast.

Rich Culture & Cuisine

From New England clam chowder and Pacific Northwest seafood to Mexican street tacos, savor diverse flavors and traditions at every port.

Explore North American Cruise Regions

North America offers four distinct cruising regions, each with its own character and appeal. Our expert cruise advisors have sailed these waters and will help you find the perfect match for your dream vacation.

Norwegian Fjords
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Alaska

Key Ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point

Known For: Massive tidewater glaciers, whale watching, gold rush history, totem pole heritage, wilderness excursions

Ideal For: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers

Duration: 7-14 nights

A picturesque historic street in Skagway, Alaska, featuring preserved gold rush-era buildings with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. A small stream runs through the foreground, lined with purple lupine flowers.
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New England & Canada

Key Ports: Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Quebec City, Saint John, Portland, Newport, Sydney (Nova Scotia)

Known For: Spectacular fall foliage, colonial history, fresh seafood, charming lighthouses, French-Canadian culture

Ideal For: History buffs, foodies, and autumn travelers

Duration: 5-12 nights

A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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Mexican Riviera

Key Ports: Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Ensenada, Loreto

Known For: Stunning Pacific beaches, vibrant nightlife, authentic Mexican cuisine, whale watching, deep-sea fishing

Ideal For: Sun seekers, couples, and those wanting a shorter warm-weather getaway

Duration: 3-7 nights

Compare North American Cruise Regions

Feature Alaska New England & Canada Mexican Riviera
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 5–12 nights 3–7 nights
Main Departure Ports Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier/Seward) Boston, New York, Quebec City, Montreal Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco
Best For Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers History buffs, foodies, fall foliage fans Sun seekers, couples, short getaway cruisers
Highlights Glacier viewing, whale watching, dog sledding, gold rush towns Fall colors, lobster dinners, lighthouses, French-Canadian heritage Pacific beaches, snorkeling, tequila tasting, zip-lining
View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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Our North American cruise advisors will help you chart the perfect course.

North America offers an incredible range of cruise experiences, and choosing between them can feel overwhelming. In Alaska, you can witness calving glaciers, go whale watching, pan for gold, and explore charming frontier towns like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Along the New England and Canadian coastline, you’ll find iconic lighthouses, spectacular fall foliage, world-class lobster, and the European charm of Quebec City. The Mexican Riviera delivers sun-soaked Pacific beaches, vibrant port towns like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, and authentic cultural experiences. And for those looking for something closer to home, the Pacific Coast and Hawaii offer stunning coastal scenery and tropical island escapes. With so many options to explore, our team of 23+ expert advisors—many of whom have sailed these routes themselves—are here to help you narrow down the perfect itinerary. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Beyond the Coastline

Many North American itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more memorable voyage.

  • Hawaii – Tropical islands, volcanic landscapes, and Polynesian culture
  • Pacific Coastal – San Francisco to Seattle scenic sailings with wine country visits
  • Transatlantic Repositioning – Combine a North American cruise with a European adventure
  • Panama Canal – Transit one of the world’s great engineering marvels connecting two oceans
Silversea Silver Endeavour
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise North America

The best time to cruise North America depends on your chosen region, as each destination has its own ideal season.

Alaska (May – September): The Alaska cruise season runs from late spring through early fall. May and September offer lower prices and fewer crowds, while June through August brings the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures—perfect for glacier viewing and wildlife spotting.

New England & Canada (May – October): Fall foliage season from mid-September through October is the most popular time, with breathtaking autumn colors along the coastline. Summer sailings offer pleasant weather and longer port days.

Mexican Riviera (October – May): The dry season provides warm, sunny days ideal for beach excursions and outdoor adventures. Winter sailings are especially popular as an escape from colder climates.

Our expert advisors will help you choose the perfect timing to match your schedule and budget—and with our weekly price monitoring, we’ll make sure you always get the best rate available.

A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

North American Cruise FAQs

The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September. June through August offers the warmest weather, longest daylight hours (up to 18+ hours), and the best chances for wildlife viewing. May and September provide lower fares and fewer crowds, with September also offering beautiful fall colors and the northern lights becoming visible. Our advisors can help you weigh the pros and cons of each month based on your priorities.

The Mexican Riviera is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers, with convenient departures from West Coast ports like Los Angeles and San Diego, shorter itineraries of 3-7 nights, warm weather, and a relaxing mix of beach days and cultural excursions. For East Coast departures, New England and Canada cruises from Boston or New York offer a wonderful introduction to cruising with historic ports and spectacular scenery.

An Inside Passage cruise is a round-trip itinerary, typically departing from Seattle or Vancouver, that sails through the sheltered waterways of Southeast Alaska. A Gulf of Alaska (or Glacier Route) cruise is a one-way voyage between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage (Whittier or Seward), covering more of Alaska’s coastline including Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. Your cruise advisor can help you decide which route best fits your travel plans.

North American cruises vary widely in duration. Mexican Riviera cruises can be as short as 3-4 nights, while New England and Canada itineraries typically run 5-12 nights. Alaska cruises are usually 7 nights for Inside Passage or 7-14 nights for Gulf crossings and more comprehensive itineraries. Pacific Coastal cruises range from 3-7 nights. Our team will help you find the perfect length for your schedule and budget.

Passport requirements depend on your itinerary. For closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port that visit only U.S. territories, a government-issued ID and birth certificate may suffice. However, cruises visiting Canada or Mexico require a valid passport. Alaska cruises departing from or arriving in Vancouver also require a passport. We strongly recommend all cruisers carry a valid passport for maximum flexibility and peace of mind.

Alaska cruising requires layered clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions. Pack waterproof outerwear, warm fleece or sweaters, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, binoculars for wildlife viewing, sunscreen (the sun can be strong even in cooler temperatures), and a camera with extra storage. Most ships also have formal nights, so bring appropriate evening attire. Your cruise advisor can provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific sailing dates.

Major cruise lines offering North American itineraries include Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival. Luxury options include Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, and Windstar. Smaller expedition lines like UnCruise Adventures offer more intimate Alaska experiences. Our team of 23+ expert advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line for your preferences and budget—with no fees, ever.

North American cruises are fantastic for families. Alaska cruises offer educational wildlife experiences and adventure excursions that kids love, like dog sledding, whale watching, and glacier exploration. The Mexican Riviera provides beach fun and water activities, while New England cruises combine history lessons with fun port experiences. Most major cruise lines offer kids’ clubs and family-friendly programming on these routes.

Alaska’s most popular excursions include helicopter rides to glaciers with dog sledding, whale watching tours in Juneau, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, totem pole heritage tours in Ketchikan, kayaking through pristine fjords, bear watching at Anan Creek or Pack Creek, salmon fishing, and flightseeing over Denali and the surrounding mountain ranges. Our advisors can recommend excursions based on your interests and mobility level.

Yes! Repositioning cruises in spring and fall often combine regions—for example, sailing from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera via the Pacific Coast, or from New England to the Caribbean as ships move south for winter. Back-to-back sailings are another option for exploring multiple regions. Ask your Cruise Help advisor about combo itineraries and repositioning cruise deals for exceptional value on extended North American voyages.