As someone who loves cruises, I’m fortunate to live in Florida, where I have a host of cruise ports all within driving distance of my place. Not only is it convenient, it drops the price (and travel time) of any cruise significantly because I never have to pay for flights. But Florida is far from the only place in the U.S. with a significant cruise line presence. In fact, many Americans live much closer to an international cruise port than they might think. Here’s a list of the closest cruise ports for each part of the country, plus the best ships to try (in my opinion) from each port.
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Northeast
Maryland
Baltimore: Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride might be one of the line’s smaller ships, but it packs a punch with children’s activities, family-friendly entertainment, and free specialty dining options that appeal to even the pickiest eaters. The youth club has activities especially designed for various age groups. Meanwhile, teens get access to their own space and programming. The main attraction for families can be found on the top deck, where two thrilling water slides and a splash zone comprise the water park.
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Itineraries: Bermuda, Bahamas and Caribbean, Greenland and Canada, and the Panama Canal
Massachusetts
Boston: Norwegian Breakaway
If cruise ships could have personalities, Norwegian Breakaway would be super chill and always going with the flow. Passengers onboard seem to adopt similar attitudes—a testament to the line’s lack of set dining times and dress codes. Two water parks, including one designed with younger kids in mind, a sports complex with a ropes course, and children’s and teen clubs are highlights for daytime fun. At night, families can enjoy some of the best entertainment in the industry.
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Itineraries: Bermuda, Canada, and New England
New Jersey
Bayonne (Cape Liberty): Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
Everything about Independence of the Seas was designed with families in mind. This makes it easy to decide what to do during the day, where to eat, and how to spend your evenings. A water park, surf simulator, ice skating, kids’ clubs—you name it—there’s more than enough to fill every day of a weeklong cruise, and then some. To wrap it all up with a pretty bow, the ship offers several large cabins where the entire family can hang out with plenty of space to spare.
Itineraries: Canada, New England, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
New York
New York City: Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
If your family consists of all adults, the best option from New York City is Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. The adult-only ship is ideal for those who want to maximize their chill time and party time. One thing I love about Virgin Voyages is the incredible dining, which is all-inclusive and features specialty restaurants ranging from classic New York-style steakhouses to modern Mexican cuisine. And don’t forget to pack a splash of red for Virgin Voyages’ iconic Scarlett Night pool party.
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Itineraries: Bermuda, New England, and Canada
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia: Norwegian Jewel
A recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment injected new life into Norwegian Jewel, a longtime favorite of Norwegian Cruise Line regulars. The ship is the only option currently sailing from Philadelphia, but that just means the ship will be easy to access, and the port won’t be as chaotic as more popular destinations like PortMiami. Families onboard will appreciate separate kids’ clubs for youngsters and teens, an array of dining options, and classic fun by the pool. Where Norwegian truly excels is with its ongoing Free at Sea promotion, which can save families even more.
Itineraries: Bermuda, Canada, and New England
Southeast
Alabama
Mobile: Carnival Spirit
You might feel like a kid in a candy shop, because there actually is one on board. But there are far more temptations than sweets on Carnival Spirit. Kids can enjoy enriching youth programming, thanks to partnerships with big names like Dr. Seuss and Kennedy Space Center. Youngsters will especially love the ship’s Build-A-Bear workshop. Classic family fun comes in the form of mini golf, outdoor movies on the pool deck, and a water park. Feeling competitive? Families can face off in a game of Family Feud Live, on sailings of seven nights or more.
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Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Florida
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades): Princess Cruises Sun Princess
The newest cruise ship from Princess Cruises is Sun Princess, a beautiful ship that homeports in Port Everglades from late fall through mid-spring. While kids can enjoy the excitement of the kids’ clubs, parents can enjoy the serenity of The Dome, a covered lounge space with fantastic ocean views. Additionally, no one is going hungry on Sun Princess with plenty of included and specialty dining options. And as the sun sets, the magic truly comes alive inside Spellbound, a unique lounge made in partnership with the legendary Magic Castle.
Itineraries: Caribbean
Jacksonville: Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation was my first cruise as a teenager, and while the older ship may not have all of the bells and whistles of newer mega ships, it’s still a great vessel. In fact, I often tell people that if they are unsure about cruising, consider booking this ship for its short sailings, affordable price point, and easy home port. Onboard, you’ll find the guest-favorite Guy’s Burger Joint, an exciting water park, and family-friendly entertainment.
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Itineraries: Bahamas
Miami: Celebrity Beyond
If you’re sailing from Miami, one of the best options is Celebrity Beyond, especially if you’re traveling with older teens or young adults. The ship feels upscale and glamorous without being too pretentious. Celebrity is known for its flair shows at the martini bar, which will captivate adults, while the onboard entertainment, particularly “Elements” in the Theatre, is worth arriving early for. And when it comes to dining, families can indulge at dozens of restaurants, from the included main dining that feels a world away from mass-produced dinners to incredible specialty restaurants like my favorite, Raw on 5, which combines fresh seafood and Asian cuisine.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Orlando (Port Canaveral): Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Line has multiple ships sailing from Port Canaveral (often labeled as Orlando due to its proximity), but the one that’s best for families is the Disney Treasure. The new Wish-class ship features a host of amenities for families, including multiple pools, movie theaters with first-run movies, fantastic dining (hello, Donald’s Cantina and Plaza de Coco), and more. And with a kids club with something for young cruisers of any age, parents can enjoy some time on their own, too. Whatever you do, don’t miss seeing Disney The Tale of Moana inside The Walt Disney Theater, which is easily one of the best shows Disney Cruise Line has ever produced.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
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West Palm Beach: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
In true Jimmy Buffett fashion, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise undoubtedly caters to those who believe it’s “five o’clock somewhere.” The pickings are slim out of Palm Beach, but that doesn’t mean this ship can’t serve up a refreshing two-, three-, or four-night escape to the Bahamas for those traveling with kids. (You’ll be in the company of more families if you sail during the summer or over a holiday.) Note: The lack of amenities beyond a pool makes this ship a better option for teens, who can kick back pool-side with you before a fun day in paradise.
Itineraries: Bahamas
Tampa: Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas
If your family is looking for a smaller ship, consider Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas from Tampa. The vessel holds fewer than 3,000 people, which may still feel large to some, but compared to Royal’s mega ships, this is tiny. And while small, the ship packs in the fun with activities like an arcade, casino, dance parties, game shows, a rock climbing wall, outdoor movie nights, and more.
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Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Louisiana
New Orleans: Norwegian Escape
Book a cruise on Norwegian Escape, and you’ll get just that—an escape for everyone in the family, with plenty of fun, thrills, and gelato to go around. As with the rest of the fleet, there are no schedules or dress codes. The endless list of activities, dining venues, and entertainment provides more than enough to fill your days onboard the ship. For your daily dose of action, hit the top deck for the water park and ropes course with zipline-style sky rails and two planks that jut out over the side of the ship. Family game shows, mini golf, an escape room, and the kids’ clubs offer more laidback fun.
Itineraries: Caribbean
Virginia
Norfolk: Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine is a bit of a multitasker since it’s easy to get to for those living in southern, central, and even some northern regions. With a water park, colorful sports deck with a ropes course and mini golf, Dr. Seuss programming, and an array of free eateries, Carnival Sunshine makes its budget cruises an incredible value. Parents and caretakers: Don’t feel guilty about sending your little sailors to the kids’ club, so you can revel in the line’s largest adults-only sun deck.
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Itineraries: Bermuda and Bahamas
Southwest
Texas
Galveston: MSC Seascape
Everything is bigger in Texas, including its best option for family cruises. One of the coolest ships departing from Galveston is MSC Seascape. The ship features plenty of thrills for older kids and teens, including the Robotron, a robotic coaster at sea. For families with older teens and families of just adults, the MSC Yacht Club is worth the splurge. The ship-within-a-ship concept features a private pool, lounge, and restaurant, plus 24-hour butler service. On my last MSC cruise, I was able to get a full pizza delivered to my Yacht Club cabin for movie night, which was a lot of fun.
Itineraries: Caribbean
West
California
Los Angeles: Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas
The world’s newest and biggest cruise ships always steal the limelight. But for many families, it’s the “smaller” ships like those in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class that are the best fit. My top pick is Navigator of the Seas. It offers all the line’s most-loved bells and whistles (a la a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, and fun-filled youth clubs) plus two water slides, an eye-catching pool deck with lots of lounge space, specialty restaurants for every craving, and entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
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Itineraries: Mexican Riviera
San Diego: Disney Wonder
For more than 25 years, Disney Wonder has taken families across the high seas to make some of their best vacation memories. Routine refurbishments, including one in 2023, have kept the ship in magical condition. Those who book a sailing out of San Diego will get the full Disney Cruise Line experience—top-quality service, entertainment, dining, and more, melded with character encounters, including a few surprises. “Frozen” headlines the main stage, while other highlights include a water park with a slide and splash pad, and Tiana’s Place, a Southern-style eatery inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” that you’ll only find on this ship.
Itineraries: Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Coast
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San Francisco: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess
Conjure up a traditional family cruise, and it probably looks a little something like Ruby Princess. “The Love Boat” line has romantic roots, but it’s evolved into a top choice for families who want to replace the frills and thrills with more laid-back means of bonding. Food tastings bring the adventurous side of your kids, while the line’s popular Movies Under the Stars experience invites everyone in the family to snuggle up under a fleece blanket with popcorn in hand, and enjoy an outdoor movie on the pool screen. Separate children’s and teen clubs serve up fun with an educational twist.
Itineraries: Alaska, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast
Washington
Seattle: Princess Cruises Star Princess
No one does Alaska cruises like Princess Cruises, which has been sailing the region for decades. One of the most beautiful ships sailing through the Inside Passage is Star Princess, and even better, it’s sailing from Seattle, so it’s easy to get to for many people in the U.S. With large windows in nearly every space, from the Piazza to The Dome, you’ll never miss a single mountain, whale, or glacier.
Itineraries: Alaska
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Editor’s Note: This story features additional reporting from Gina Kramer.
