2 minute read
The United States of Cruising.
The United States is easily the world’s cruising epicentre, with routes extending far beyond its shores. Where to begin just depends on where you want to go!
Recommended by MARALYN WARD HOUSE OF TRAVEL TE AWAMUTU
1. Seattle
Cruising season: May to September Average length of cruise: 7 to 14 nights
Seattle is an ideal start point for cruises heading north to Vancouver and remote Alaska. You’ll have a perfect vantage point for the awe-inspiring glaciers and coastal scenery. Cruises make stops in historic Gold Rush towns surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges. Watch for whales, seals and sea otters alongside the ship.
Hot Favourite | Look for the lesser visited ports of Sitka and Prince Rupert for a more in-depth look at Alaska.
2. Los Angeles
Cruising season: Yearround Average length of cruise: 3 to 15 nights
The majority of cruises depart just outside of Los Angeles in the funky seaside port of Long Beach. Board ships bound for sunny western Mexico — stopping at famous beaches Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas — or get onboard for a voyage through the Panama Canal, with stops in Guatemala, Colombia and the Bahamas.
Hot Favourite | Short, sunny Mexican Riviera cruises are great value and make the perfect addon to a stopover in Los Angeles.
3. Houston
Cruising season: Yearround Average length of cruise: 4 to 10 nights
You’ll fly into Houston (direct from Auckland!) but you’re actually cruising out of nearby Galveston. Ships depart from this orderly terminal for ports throughout the Caribbean, Eastern Mexico and Central America. Spend one day soaking up sun on Grand Cayman Island and the next exploring Mayan ruins in Cozumel.
Hot Favourite | Ask us about itineraries that include a stop in Belize for something a little off-the-beaten-track.
4. New York City
Cruising season: May to September Average length of cruise: 7 to 14 nights
With three terminals, this is the perfect gateway for cruises to New England and Eastern Canada. Sample the fresh catch in Bar Harbor, Maine, and wander the craggy coastlines and friendly fishing villages of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. September departures are perfectly timed to the stunning autumn leaves along the coast.
Hot Favourite | You can’t go wrong! Just make sure you’re on deck for that shot of the Statue of Liberty as you cruise past.
5. Miami
Cruising season: Yearround Average length of cruise: 3 to 7 nights
The biggest cruise hub in the world, Miami boasts state-ofthe-art terminals that make boarding a breeze. Enjoy the city’s signature Cuban food and street art before setting off on a short cruise to the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean or even Eastern Mexico. Many cruise lines stop at private islands in the Caribbean.
Hot Favourite | Pick Eastern Caribbean for adventure and culture and Western Caribbean for beaches and shopping.
Alaska, Las Vegas & Waikiki
Recommended by CHERYL EDWARDS HOUSE OF TRAVEL ALBANY
ALASKA CRUISE
HANDS DOWN OUR most popular cruise package, this 14-day gem combines an incredible cruise, the best of western North America and just the right amount of sunshine on the way home. It’s the perfect ready-made holiday for Kiwis keen to experience the icy wonders of Alaska.
Fly to Seattle and start your holiday with the jaw-dropping sights of remote Alaska. A 7-night cruise offers the perfect vantage point for comfortably exploring pristine glaciers and ice-carved fjord.
LAS VEGAS & BEYOND
Leave the ship behind and head inland. Take in a show or roll the dice in iconic Las Vegas. Plenty of time to drive out of town, too, and look over the immense Grand Canyon.
WAIKIKI, HAWAI‘I
Stop for some sunshine en route home with a beach break in sunny Waikiki. You’ll have ample time to climb Diamond Head and shop the massive malls — or do perfectly, absolutely nothing at one of the city’s best resorts. ■
