DESTINATION

North America

From Alaska’s towering glaciers and breaching humpback whales to New England’s crimson autumn hillsides and Hawaii’s volcanic shores, North America delivers extraordinary cruise adventures without ever needing a transatlantic flight.

Your Own Backyard, Reimagined by Sea

There is something truly special about experiencing the landscapes you thought you knew from an entirely new perspective—standing on deck as a glacier calves thunderously into the sea, watching fall colors blaze across a New England hillside from the water, or feeling warm Pacific breezes as you approach the Hawaiian islands at sunrise. North American cruises combine the thrill of exploration with the convenience of departing from ports right here at home. With sailings ranging from quick coastal getaways to extended voyages spanning thousands of miles, our expert advisors will match you with the region, ship, and itinerary that fits your travel style perfectly.

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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A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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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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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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Jaw-Dropping Landscapes

Massive tidewater glaciers, volcanic island chains, fiery autumn canopies, and rugged Pacific coastlines—every day at sea reveals another postcard-worthy panorama.

Up-Close Wildlife

Spot humpback whales lunging through Alaskan waters, bald eagles circling overhead, grizzly bears fishing for salmon, and Hawaiian sea turtles gliding beneath your snorkel.

Flavors of the Continent

Crack into a Maine lobster roll, savor wild Alaskan salmon straight from the source, taste fresh Hawaiian poke, and dig into Southern comfort classics along the Mississippi.

North America’s Premier Cruise Regions

Each North American cruising region has a personality all its own. Whether you crave glacial wilderness, autumnal charm, or tropical paradise, our advisors have sailed these waters personally and will guide you toward the perfect fit.

Amazon Pink Dolphin
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Alaska

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

Known For: Massive glaciers, whale watching, bear viewing, gold rush history, stunning fjords

Ideal For: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and bucket-list travelers

Duration: 7–14 nights

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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New England & Canada

Key Ports: Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Québec City, Saint John, Portland, Newport

Known For: Fall foliage, maritime history, fresh lobster, French-Canadian culture, charming villages

Ideal For: History buffs, foodies, and autumn leaf-peepers

Duration: 5–12 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Hawaii & Pacific Coast

Key Ports: Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, San Francisco, Seattle, Victoria (BC)

Known For: Volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, luau culture, Pacific Coast scenery, wine country

Ideal For: Couples, multi-generational families, and those seeking tropical or coastal beauty

Duration: 7–15 nights

Side-by-Side: North American Cruise Regions

Feature Alaska New England & Canada Hawaii & Pacific Coast
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 5–12 nights 7–15 nights
Main Departure Ports Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier/Seward) Boston, New York, Québec City Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle
Best For Nature lovers, wildlife fans, adventure seekers History buffs, foodies, fall foliage enthusiasts Couples, families, tropical and coastal scenery lovers
Highlights Glacier calving, whale watching, gold rush towns, bear viewing Autumn colors, lobster dinners, colonial history, French-Canadian charm Volcanic landscapes, snorkeling, luaus, Pacific Coast Highway views
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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Let our expert advisors chart the ideal North American voyage for you.

The sheer variety of North American cruising can feel overwhelming—and that is exactly why our team of 23+ expert advisors exists. We have sailed Alaska’s Inside Passage from Seattle and Vancouver, experienced the Gulf of Alaska route into Whittier and Seward, watched fall color roll over Bar Harbor and Québec City, and island-hopped Hawaii aboard multiple cruise lines. We know which cabins offer the best glacier views, which departure ports save you the most travel hassle, and which itineraries pair perfectly with a pre- or post-cruise land tour.

Whether you want to witness humpback whales in Juneau, ride the historic White Pass Railroad in Skagway, stroll through Ketchikan’s totem-pole parks, feast on lobster in Portland, explore French-Canadian culture in Québec City, snorkel Kauai’s crystal waters, or cruise the mighty Mississippi through jazz-filled New Orleans—we will match you with the right ship, cabin, and sailing date. And because we monitor prices weekly after you book, you will never wonder whether a better rate slipped by. Talk to a cruise expert today—no fees, ever.

Extend the Adventure

Many North American sailings connect seamlessly with nearby regions and land-based excursions, letting you see even more of the continent in a single trip.

  • Mississippi River – Paddle-wheel voyages through the heartland with jazz, plantation tours, and Southern comfort cuisine
  • Mexican Riviera – Pacific-side beaches, vibrant markets, and world-class resort towns south of the border
  • U.S. East Coast – Repositioning sailings linking iconic cities from New York to Charleston and beyond
  • Canadian Maritimes – Rugged Atlantic coastlines, welcoming fishing villages, and rich maritime heritage
A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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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.

When to Set Sail Across North America

Choosing the right season can make the difference between a great cruise and an unforgettable one. Each North American region follows its own calendar, and our advisors will help you time your voyage perfectly.

Alaska (May – September): The season is brief, which is why demand is intense. May and June bring migrating wildlife and the longest daylight. July is the warmest month. August and September deliver salmon runs, early autumn tones, and slightly thinner crowds. We strongly recommend booking 9–12 months ahead—popular sailings and balcony cabins with glacier views fill up fast.

New England & Canada (May – October): Springtime blooms and mild summer weather give way to the world-famous fall foliage that peaks from late September through mid-October. Those autumn sailings rank among the most sought-after itineraries on the entire cruise calendar.

Hawaii (Year-Round): Warm and welcoming in every month, Hawaii cruises offer whale watching from December through March and the calmest seas during summer. Norwegian’s Pride of America sails inter-island routes all year long.

Pacific Coast (April – October): Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make spring through fall ideal for exploring the coastline between Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

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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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 America Cruise FAQs

Alaska’s cruise season spans May through September, and every month brings something different. May and early June are prime for wildlife migration and lighter crowds. July offers the warmest days and the longest stretches of daylight. August and September reward travelers with salmon runs and early touches of autumn gold. Because Alaska is consistently one of the top-selling cruise destinations in the world, we encourage our clients to secure their sailing 9–12 months ahead—especially if you have your heart set on a balcony or suite with glacier views. Our weekly price monitoring means that if the rate drops after you book, we will adjust your fare automatically.

The answer depends on your specific route. U.S. citizens on closed-loop sailings—those departing from and returning to the same American port—can technically board with a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate. However, any itinerary that includes a Canadian port of call or departs from Vancouver will require a valid passport. Our strong recommendation? Always travel with a passport. It protects you in the event of a medical emergency that requires flying home from a foreign port, and it speeds up the embarkation process considerably. Your Cruise Help advisor will confirm the exact documentation you need for your chosen sailing.

Alaska attracts an impressive range of cruise lines. Holland America, Princess, and Norwegian have long histories in the region. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Disney offer family-friendly and premium options. Carnival provides great value sailings. On the luxury end, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas deliver intimate, all-inclusive experiences. For guests who want to explore Alaska’s narrower waterways and remote inlets, smaller expedition operators like UnCruise Adventures and Windstar are excellent choices. With so many options, our team of 23+ advisors will narrow the field based on your style, budget, and must-see destinations—at no cost to you.

An Inside Passage cruise is typically a round-trip voyage from Seattle or Vancouver that threads through the sheltered coastal waterways of Southeast Alaska, calling on ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan before returning to your embarkation city. A Gulf of Alaska itinerary, on the other hand, is a one-way sailing between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage (using the ports of Whittier or Seward). This route covers more geographic ground and often includes scenic cruising through Glacier Bay or past Hubbard Glacier. Gulf sailings are especially popular with travelers who plan to add a land tour to Denali National Park before or after their cruise. Our advisors can help you decide which routing makes the most sense for your schedule and bucket list.

The most vivid autumn colors across New England and Eastern Canada typically peak between late September and mid-October. Sailings that depart during this two- to three-week window offer the most spectacular leaf-peeping, particularly around Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and the Canadian Maritime provinces. These voyages sell out remarkably fast, so we recommend securing your spot as early as possible. As always, our weekly price monitoring ensures you lock in the best possible rate even when booking well in advance.

Absolutely. Several cruise lines offer repositioning voyages between the West Coast—typically Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle—and the Hawaiian islands, usually in spring and fall. These are longer sailings of roughly 14–18 nights that include multiple relaxing sea days. If you prefer to maximize your time in Hawaii itself, Norwegian Cruise Line operates the only year-round inter-island itinerary aboard Pride of America, departing weekly from Honolulu with overnight port calls on Maui and the Big Island. Our advisors will help you weigh a mainland sailing against an inter-island trip based on your vacation time and priorities.

Dressing in layers is the golden rule for Alaska. Temperatures can swing from the mid-40s to the low 70s°F depending on the month and whether you are on deck watching a glacier or exploring a sunny port town. Pack a waterproof outer shell, warm fleece or merino layers, sturdy walking shoes with reliable traction, and binoculars for spotting whales, eagles, and bears from the ship. Sunscreen is a must—the summer sun at northern latitudes is stronger than most guests expect. If your ship hosts formal or elegant evenings, bring appropriate attire as well. Every Alaska booking through Cruise Help includes a customized packing guide tailored to your sailing dates and planned excursions.

They are a fantastic choice. Alaska cruises create lifelong family memories—children are captivated by breaching whales, calving glaciers, and bear sightings that no theme park can replicate. Hawaii sailings offer snorkeling, beach days, and cultural experiences that engage every age group. New England itineraries weave together nature and history in ways that keep both kids and grandparents entertained. Most major cruise lines provide robust kids’ clubs, teen hangouts, and family-friendly shore excursions. Our advisors specialize in multi-generational travel and will recommend the ship and itinerary that keeps everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—happy.

The excursion options in Alaska are extraordinary. Top picks include helicopter flightseeing over glaciers with an ice landing, whale watching tours in Juneau’s Auke Bay, riding the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad out of Skagway, bear viewing at Mendenhall Glacier or Anan Creek, sea kayaking through serene fjords, exploring Ketchikan’s iconic totem pole parks, dog sledding on glaciers, and traditional salmon bake feasts in the forest. Many ports also offer zip-lining, gold panning, and floatplane adventures over remote wilderness. Our advisors have done many of these excursions personally and will steer you toward the ones that match your interests and activity level.

For Alaska, we recommend starting the planning process 9–12 months before your desired sail date—desirable cabins and popular itineraries fill up that quickly. New England fall foliage cruises deserve similar lead time given their narrow seasonal window. Hawaii and Pacific Coast sailings sometimes allow a shorter planning horizon, but booking early always gives you the widest cabin selection and access to our exclusive group rates with savings of up to 50% off published fares. And here is the part that sets us apart: once you book, we check your fare every single week. If the price drops, we rebook you at the lower rate automatically. You get the peace of mind of early booking with the security of ongoing price protection—and never pay a fee for the service.