North America Cruises: Your Extraordinary Coastal Discovery

From the majestic glaciers of Alaska to the charming harbors of New England and the sun-kissed shores of the Pacific Coast, discover why North America offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking cruise experiences on earth.

Your Extraordinary North American Adventure Awaits

North America’s coastlines are a study in contrasts—from the rugged, glacier-carved fjords of Alaska to the quaint lighthouse-dotted harbors of the Eastern Seaboard and the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Northwest. A cruise along these shores immerses you in stunning natural beauty, vibrant port cities rich in history, and wildlife encounters that will leave you breathless. Whether you’re watching humpback whales breach against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks or savoring fresh lobster in a New England fishing village, North American cruises deliver unforgettable moments at every turn.

A stunning panoramic view of a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and reflecting a clear blue sky. The serene waters create a mirror-like surface, showcasing the breathtaking landscape of Iceland's glacial region.
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A picturesque panoramic view of the historic Old Town Market Square in Warsaw, Poland, featuring colorful baroque townhouses and outdoor cafe terraces at twilight.
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A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic city center, featuring multiple bridges crossing the Vltava River, surrounded by lush green trees and purple lilac flowers in the foreground.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic city center, featuring the Prague Castle complex, colorful baroque buildings, and the Vltava River with the iconic Charles Bridge in the foreground.
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Breathtaking Landscapes

Towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, volcanic coastlines, and forested mountain ranges create a visual spectacle unlike anything else on earth.

Incredible Wildlife

Spot humpback whales, bald eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, and puffins in their natural habitats as your ship navigates pristine coastal waters.

Culinary & Cultural Richness

From fresh Alaskan king crab and Pacific Northwest wine country to Maine lobster and Cajun cuisine, each region offers a distinctive flavor all its own.

Explore North America’s Cruising Regions

North America offers an extraordinary range of cruising regions, each with its own distinct character and allure. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect voyage to match your travel style and aspirations.

A stunning winter view of the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic, with illuminated baroque buildings and a pastel pink and purple sunset sky.
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Alaska

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

Known For: Tidewater glaciers, whale watching, bald eagles, gold rush history, wilderness excursions

Ideal For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, and bucket-list travelers

Duration: 7–14 nights

A vibrant settlement with multicolored houses nestled on rugged terrain, set against a dramatic snow-capped mountain landscape. The scene showcases the unique architectural style and harsh yet beautiful Icelandic environment.
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New England & Canada

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

Known For: Spectacular fall foliage, historic lighthouses, fresh seafood, French-Canadian culture

Ideal For: History buffs, foliage enthusiasts, and culture-seeking couples

Duration: 7–14 nights

A stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks with towering basalt cliffs in the background. The scene features flowing turquoise water, golden-hued rocks, and a dramatic sunset sky.
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Pacific Coast

Key Ports: San Francisco, Seattle, Victoria (BC), Los Angeles, San Diego, Astoria, Catalina Island

Known For: Wine country, dramatic sea cliffs, cosmopolitan cities, whale watching, redwood forests

Ideal For: Wine enthusiasts, city explorers, and couples seeking scenic coastal voyages

Duration: 3–10 nights

Compare North America Cruise Regions

Feature Alaska New England & Canada Pacific Coast
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–14 nights 3–10 nights
Main Departure Ports Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier/Seward) Boston, New York, Montréal, Québec City San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle
Best For Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, bucket-list adventurers History buffs, foliage seekers, culture-loving couples Wine enthusiasts, city explorers, scenic voyagers
Highlights Glacier calving, whale watching, gold rush towns, wilderness hikes Fall foliage, lighthouses, lobster bakes, Québec’s Old World charm Pacific cliffs, Napa Valley wine, cosmopolitan ports, whale watching

A twilight view of Vancouver's Canada Place cruise terminal and downtown skyline, featuring modern architectural buildings with distinctive white tent-like structures against a blue evening sky.
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Our North America cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

With thousands of miles of coastline and an astonishing variety of experiences, choosing the perfect North American cruise itinerary can feel overwhelming. That’s where our expert advisors come in.

In Alaska, you can explore Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and the breathtaking Inside Passage — witnessing calving glaciers, breaching whales, and vast wilderness that stretches as far as the eye can see.

The New England & Canada route showcases Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Québec City, Saint John, Portland, and Newport — a tapestry of fall foliage, maritime history, and world-class seafood.

Along the Pacific Coast, discover San Francisco, Seattle, Victoria, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Catalina Island — where dramatic cliffs meet celebrated wine regions and vibrant city culture.

You can also extend your voyage to include Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, or combine an Alaska sailing with a Pacific Coast repositioning cruise for a truly epic journey.

If that sounds like a lot to navigate, rest assured — every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated North America cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond the Coastline

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

  • Hawaii – Volcanic islands, tropical beauty, and rich Polynesian culture
  • Mexican Riviera – Sun-soaked beaches, vibrant towns, and Pacific coastline charm
  • U.S. River Cruises – The Mississippi, Columbia, and Snake Rivers offer immersive inland journeys
  • Transatlantic Crossings – Connect your North American voyage with European destinations
A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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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.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise North America

North America’s vast geography means each cruising region has its own ideal season, giving you options nearly year-round.

Alaska (May – September): The Alaska cruise season runs from late May through mid-September. June and July offer the longest daylight hours — up to 18 hours of light — and the warmest temperatures between 55–65°F. August is prime whale watching season, and September brings autumn colors and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

New England & Canada (May – October): Fall foliage cruises in September and October are the most sought-after sailings, with peak color typically in early to mid-October. Summer sailings from June through August offer warmer temperatures and lively port festivals.

Pacific Coast (Year-Round): Repositioning cruises in spring and fall offer excellent value as ships move between Alaska and warmer waters. Summer sailings feature mild weather and calm seas, while winter voyages along the California coast enjoy temperatures between 55–70°F.

Holiday sailings during Thanksgiving and Christmas are popular on Pacific Coast itineraries, while summer is the premier season for multi-generational family Alaska cruises.

A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

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

The Alaska cruise season runs from late May through mid-September. June and July offer the warmest temperatures (55–65°F) and the longest daylight hours, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor excursions. August is prime time for whale watching and salmon runs, while September brings stunning fall colors and lower fares. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can help you choose the perfect window based on your priorities.

It depends on the itinerary. For closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port (even those visiting Canada), U.S. citizens can technically travel with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. However, we strongly recommend carrying a valid passport for all North American cruises. If your itinerary visits Canada or begins/ends in a Canadian port like Vancouver or Québec City, a passport is required. A passport also provides flexibility in case of emergency travel changes.

An Inside Passage cruise is a round-trip sailing — typically departing from and returning to Seattle or Vancouver — that navigates the sheltered waterway along Alaska’s southeastern coast. A Gulf of Alaska (or “cross-gulf”) cruise is a one-way voyage between Vancouver or Seattle and an Alaskan port like Whittier or Seward, offering the added experience of cruising past Hubbard Glacier and into the open gulf. One-way sailings are popular with travelers who want to add a pre- or post-cruise land tour into Denali National Park.

Peak fall foliage in New England and Eastern Canada typically occurs from late September through mid-October, though timing varies by year and location. Cruises departing in early October generally offer the most vibrant colors. These sailings are extremely popular and tend to sell out well in advance, so early booking is highly recommended. Contact your Extraordinary Adventures advisor to secure the best stateroom options.

A wide range of cruise lines offer North American itineraries. For Alaska, popular options include Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Disney, as well as luxury and expedition lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Windstar, and Hurtigruten. Pacific Coast and New England sailings are offered by many of the same lines. Our advisors will match you with the cruise line that best fits your travel style and preferences.

Layering is essential for Alaska cruises. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, and a waterproof outer jacket. Temperatures can range from 40–65°F depending on the month and port. Comfortable waterproof walking shoes, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a quality camera are must-haves. Don’t forget formal attire for elegant evenings aboard. For a comprehensive guide, check out the packing tips on our YouTube channel @cruiseandtravel.

Absolutely! Alaska is one of the top family cruise destinations in the world, with wildlife spotting, glacier viewing, dog sledding, and gold panning that captivate travelers of all ages. New England cruises offer educational history experiences, and Pacific Coast sailings provide beach days and city exploration. Most major cruise lines offer extensive kids’ clubs, teen programs, and family-friendly shore excursions throughout North American itineraries.

Top Alaska shore excursions include helicopter glacier landings, whale watching tours, dog sledding on glaciers, floatplane flightseeing over Misty Fjords, salmon fishing in Ketchikan, visiting the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, riding the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway, and bear viewing at remote wilderness lodges. Our advisors can help you select curated, immersive excursions that go beyond the standard tourist offerings.

Yes! Repositioning cruises in spring and fall are a wonderful way to combine regions — for example, sailing from Vancouver to San Francisco as ships transition between Alaska and California waters. Extended voyages and back-to-back sailings can also link Alaska with the Pacific Coast, or New England with Canada and even transatlantic crossings. Ask your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor about creative itinerary combinations for a truly extraordinary journey.

For the most desirable sailings — particularly Alaska summer cruises and New England fall foliage voyages — we recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance to secure your preferred ship, stateroom category, and sailing date. Early booking often unlocks the best fares and exclusive perks. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can also monitor for special offers and help you take advantage of any promotions that become available after you book.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.