Port guides
Filter 2,700 cruise ports by region or search by name — each links to its guide and the cruises calling there.
Ports in US East Coast & Canada
73 ports
Port Canaveral, Florida
US East Coast & Canada
The beach is just the beginning of the adventures that await guests visiting Port Canaveral, located on the Atlantic coast of Central Florida. The white sands along the beach are made for long days in the sun, while the waters are ideal for sports, including some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Waterfront restaurants serve local seafood and festive drinks on patios overlooking the cruise ships’ arrivals and departures. Nearby, Cocoa Village offers tree-lined streets to stroll while shopping. Port Canaveral, on Florida’s Space Coast, is an ideal launching spot to get to the nearby Kennedy Space Center and to Orlando’s famous theme parks, which are between 60 and 90 minutes away by car. Guests get to see NASA treasures and experience a space-shuttle-launch simulator and even have the chance to meet a veteran astronaut among the adventures at the Kennedy Space Center. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort offer thrill rides, shows and attractions, and invite guests into their themed worlds of fun.
1,929 cruises
Halifax
Canada · US East Coast & Canada
Canada is a huge country that offers tourists a large number of wonderful attractions to visit and explore. One of those not to be missed is Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia found on the east coast of Canada and one of the places you can visit on an MSC Cruise. Each city has a symbol that represents it more than anything else: for Halifax, its citadel that dates back to the late 18th century, famous in Canada both for its beauty and for its historical importance, fills that role. Inside the star-shaped citadel, you can explore the history of Halifax on guided tours. The museum staff, dressed as soldiers of the army and navy, will show you the clothes used in the past and other items in maritime activities. To the south-west of the city, your MSC cruise will offer you an excursion to one of the most beautiful and evocative settings on the Atlantic coast, the small village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its red lighthouse that was built in 1868. In this fishing village, elements of nature and domestic intimacy coexist: it is a land of boulders eroded by glaciers where the presence of humans can be found only in a handful of colorful houses and fishing shacks over the waters of the marina. The village lighthouse stands on top of a granite outcropping, made slippery by the splashes of the ocean waves. Less than a kilometer from the public gardens of Halifax can be found another place of great historical-cultural interest that you can visit on your MSC cruise: the Fairview Cemetery, a Canadian cemetery, famous for being the resting place for 121 victims of the shipwreck of the Titanic. Halifax's connection with the famous naval tragedy on April 15, 1912 can also be seen at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibition on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deckchair in the world.
470 cruises
New York
USA · US East Coast & Canada
Wake up to be part of a city that never sleeps. Fly by helicopter over the Manhattan Skyline for flawless images of the Statue of Liberty, neon-lit Times Square, sprawling Central Park, the skyscraping Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Picasso, Pollock and others at the Museum of Modern Art. Then create your own kitsch masterpiece from a blank canvas at a painting party in Havana’s emporium. Pay your respects and honour gallant heroes at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum mission. Listen to backstage stories in the Broadway theatre district, shop in the East Village, eat streetside hotdogs, sip cocktails in elegant bars, take in a show. And as evening falls, take a walk with your loved one over Brooklyn Bridge. Big, bold and brash – there's a lot to bite off in the Big Apple.
447 cruises
Boston, USA
US East Coast & Canada
If there is any American city where you can breathe some “European air”, it is Boston: a large city built for people, thanks to its center area that can be easily visited on foot or by public transport. Your MSC cruise will take you on the discovery of the capital of Massachusetts offering many opportunities to relive its history, immerse yourself in its arts, visit its museums and taste the flavors of one of America's most famous breweries. What makes Boston different is the unique way that it combines attention to the past with an ambitious enthusiasm for modernity. Walking through the city, it is not unusual to find a historical house from the times of the American Revolution placed next to a futuristic skyscraper, a truly fascinating mixture. A walk along the famous Freedom Trail is one of the best ways to breathe in the atmosphere of Boston and absorb the spirit of a city rich in historical monuments. An absolute must to visit is the area of Cambridge, the cradle of the greatest minds in the country, home to MIT and Harvard, two of the most important universities in the world where both prominent figures and US presidents have studied. When it comes to Boston, there are not only things to see, but also delights to be savored. If you like gourmet food, take a trip to QuincyMarket: this lively market is a great place to buy fast food and be surprised by eccentric street artists. Do you want to swim, hike, explore the ruins of an ancient fort and camp under the stars in a national park? You can do all of this in Boston on your MSC cruise. The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area consists of 34 narrow islands scattered around the historic New England harbor where you can visit “hidden pearls” by boarding one of the seasonal ferries that sail from Boston Long Wharf.
303 cruises
Quebec City, Canada
US East Coast & Canada
For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king's council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec's formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade. By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec's fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada's most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city - Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) - feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris. Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto "Je me souviens" (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city.
270 cruises
Orlando
US East Coast & Canada
This is the place to shuttle from one exciting port to the next. Visit nearby Kennedy Space Centre for a day of inspiring and educational exhibits. Amuse yourself at any one of the world-class theme parks. Or spend the day watching for alligators from an airboat.
256 cruises
Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
US East Coast & Canada
When you cruise to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda you shouldn't miss out exploring the island and its many treasures, including pink sandy beaches and clear blue water. Explore the extensive reef system and shipwrecks that make this island ideal for snorkel enthusiasts and divers. Not to forget the beautiful nature reserves and caves that form Bermuda’s stunning natural landscape.
249 cruises
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
US East Coast & Canada
Surrounded by raw ocean and gorgeous coastal scenery, Cape Breton island's only city is a remote and awe-inspiring place. Formed around a former steel plant, Sydney now thrives on welcoming visitors, ushering them into the very heart of beautiful Nova Scotia. Delve deep into the heart of this scenic island, to see extraordinary natural sights and learn of the customs of the native Mi'kmaq people in Membertou Heritage Park. Wander the tidy new boardwalk, and hike among wild and rugged coastline, capped by flashing lighthouses. View less A place of thrilling, undulating coastal drives, pretty historic colonial houses dating back to the 1780s, and craggy coastal walks, Sydney is effortlessly easy on the eye. The waterfront is the best place to take a stroll, accompanied by the rustle of washing waves and the gentle melodies of musicians. There’s always a song in the air here, and you can even visit the unique monument to the region’s tuneful talents at the world’s biggest fiddle. The adjacent market will be music to any shopper’s ears. Open-air exhibitions like the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum, bring together the local culture, while elsewhere you can learn of the coal mining that transformed Sydney into a thriving steel capital. Alexander Graham Bell spent time on these shores in nearby Baddeck – and you can find out more about his life and innovations – which were far more comprehensive than just the telephone - in the dedicated museum. Although Sydney was founded by the British in 1785, there were plenty of tussles with the French over the years that followed. Get an insight into the region’s military past, brought to life at the Fortress of Louisbourg – a massive, reconstructed French fortified city, where soldiers clank along the streets and artisans stir thick bowls of melted chocolate.
234 cruises
Jacksonville
FL · US East Coast & Canada
Cruises from Jacksonville offer the perfect blend of beachfront and urban exploration. Get the best of a laid-back beach town and a buzzing city when you book a Carnival cruise from the beautiful port of Jacksonville, Florida. The Sunshine State’s largest city has a redeveloped and revitalized downtown, full of upbeat shopping and lively restaurants, bisected by the scenic St. Johns River and its Southbank Riverwalk. Jacksonville is a gateway to the islands of the Bahamas but you’ll also have 20 miles of sandy beach life and endless acres of wildlife parks to enjoy before you board your Carnival cruise from Jacksonville.
201 cruises
Charlottetown, Canada
US East Coast & Canada
Known as the birthplace of Canada, owing to its role as host of the conference that would eventually lead to the formation of the Canadian Confederation - Charlottetown is a celebration of all things Great White North. Perched just offshore on Prince Edward Island, there’s a small-town charm to the locals’ genuine smiles that is instantly disarming. Despite its capital status, the city’s welcoming demeanour, pretty timber lighthouses and low-key coastal location, make Charlottetown an easy-going, idyllic island escape. 1864 saw Charlottetown lead the Confederation Conference, welcoming delegations from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to Province House. Together, they thrashed out the plan to create the Dominion of Canada, which was formally enacted three years later. This key role in the birth of the nation is worn proudly as a badge of honour here, and the gargantuan Confederation Centre of the Arts pays tribute to this historic chapter, while also providing space for contemporary cultural pursuits to shine. The auburn pigtails of Anne of Green Gables are also a regular sight around these parts. Canada’s much loved, longest-running musical, premiered right here in Charlottetown in 1965. The abundant natural resources of the Atlantic make Charlottetown a haven for rich, juicy seafood - like tender lobster and mussel pots. Charlottetown’s cuisine is also imbued with quality via the Culinary Institute of Canada - which simmers the area in cooking talent - while its thriving craft brewing scene adds a hoppy tang to the area’s friendly bars.
167 cruises
Portland, Maine, USA
US East Coast & Canada
Squint your eyes and admit it: Doesn’t that skinny, bearded hipster walking down the cobbled street look a lot like a 19th-century sea captain heading to the wharf to check his ship? Modern Portland, first settled in 1633, carries the marks of both subsets of Mainers. The restored brick buildings and warehouses of the Old Port and the fine upright houses of prosperous captains, merchants and shipbuilders make the city’s past a living part of its present. And the waterfront is a going concern, not a museum: Fishing boats chug into and out of their berths, buoys clang, harbor seals bark. Those shop windows aren’t displaying hardtack, rope or hand salve, though. Juice joints, art galleries, bookstores (and comic-book stores!), worshipful temples to coffee, locavore bistros with national press, bespoke menswear designers and gelato shops all jostle for attention. Don’t limit your visit to the Old Port, though. Wander through the terrific art museum or take a tour of one of the city’s historic homes. Jump on a ferry or whale-watching boat and get out into the busy harbor. Head to the coast—craggy, windswept, dramatic—a glorious and undeniably New England panorama. Get out and take it all in. Welcome to Vacationland.
160 cruises
Cape Liberty, New Jersey
US East Coast & Canada
This cruise port, the first to be built in New Jersey in 40 years, provides the perfect setting to the beginning or end of any voyage. From the vantage point of the deck, you can look out over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and all of lower Manhattan.
144 cruises
Baltimore
MD · US East Coast & Canada
Spend the morning walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbour, where majestic tall ships reveal this East Coast city’s rich maritime legacy. And be sure to visit the star-shaped Fort McHenry, birthplace of America’s 'Star-Spangled Banner' anthem. No visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the historic Inner Harbour. Step aboard a collection of impressive ships – a Pearl Harbour-era cutter, a 1930s lightship, a sail-powered warship dating back to 1797. Then stroll around brick walkways flanked by chic boutiques, restaurants serving mid-Atlantic seafood and photo-worthy views of the water. Relive the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, where in 1814, by dawn’s early light, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States’ national anthem. Enter this star-shaped citadel to follow a period-costumed guide around the grounds, watch an educational film and see a replica of the 15-starred American flag.
140 cruises
Montreal
Canada · US East Coast & Canada
Montréal, Canada is a city of contrasts, one that defies a simple description or a catchy tagline. It sits on the New World’s St. Lawrence River, yet it has an undeniable Old-World French flair. It is a historic city, founded in 1642, and the streets of Old Montréal are lined with sights that range from a 17th-century seminary to grand commercial buildings erected in the 19th century. But Montréal is also home to contemporary architectural masterpieces—most notably those erected for Expo 67, including Buckminster Fuller’s Biosphere. Montréal is at once the cultural capital of the Québecois and a decidedly global and cosmopolitan city, attracting migrants from around the world. The walls of its galleries and museums showcase leading artists from the province and the rest of Canada, while the city hosts festivals that feature the best international films, musicians and performers. Many of its restaurants serve traditional specialties—poutine, bagels and smoked meats; others are helmed by some of the continent’s most innovative chefs. Montréal is a vibrant urban center, with buzzing streets and attractions, yet crowned by peaceful, leafy Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also responsible for New York’s Central Park). Whichever of the city's many aspects appeals to you most, you are sure to be charmed by this unique city and find many things to do in Montréal.
140 cruises
Saguenay
Canada · US East Coast & Canada
The gateway to the Saguenay Fjord, the city lies at the intersection of a triad of sprawling national parks, amid some of North America’s most impressive scenery. Embark on adventures to witness leaping waterfalls, forest-clad fjord banks, and whales crashing athletically offshore. Learn more of Saguenay's heritage, with a tour of the picturesque pulp mill, which dates back to the 1800s, and now houses a museum. Elsewhere the Petite Maison Blanche is a humble wooden house that was one of the few buildings to survive the floods of 1947. View less It’s the expansive scenery of Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park that draws most visitors to this part of Northern Quebec, however, and you can venture out to immerse yourself in the immense Ice Age fjord's national park, as it gouges through a spectacular 60-mile route, before unloading into the St. Lawrence River. Said to be the Northern Hemisphere’s most southerly fjord – and one of the world’s longest - it's 270 metres deep in parts, and towered over by steep, scenic slopes. Get out to meet the area’s varied wildlife – which ranges from moose and wolves to orcas, belugas and blue whales. Sail on the surface in kayaks, or take a sightseeing cruise. Earthy trails invite you to hike in the fresh air, among fragrant pine needles, while daring strung bridges, mountain bike routes, and climbable rock faces cater to the adventurous. Secluded rocky beaches and rejuvenating spas offer a more relaxed way to experience Saguenay's charms.
130 cruises
Norfolk, USA
US East Coast & Canada
Norfolk was chartered in 1682 when 10,000 pounds of tobacco was paid to Nicholas Wise for 50 acres of land to lay out the town. In 1736, it became a borough and is the region's oldest city. Originally established as a port city for the purpose of exporting tobacco and importing goods for the colonists, Norfolk has seen extraordinary events during her 320 years of existence. The city was burned by British soldiers during 1776, occupied by Northern troops during the War Between the States, and home to thousands of transient military personnel during World War II. Norfolk experienced a severe overcrowding problem during the postwar years, resulting in one of the first urban renewal programs in the country. During the past two decades, Norfolk has seen the waterfront warehouses replaced by the Waterside Festival Marketplace, elegant condominiums, as well as hotels, parks, additional attractions and new office buildings. Harbor Park baseball stadium and Nauticus, The National Maritime Center now anchor either end of the rejuvenated waterfront. The battleship USS Wisconsin is permanently berthed at Nauticus with the top deck open for touring. The brand new MacArthur Center has brought world-class shopping to downtown Norfolk. With a population of approximately 235,000, Norfolk is Virginia's second-largest city.
127 cruises
St John, Canada
US East Coast & Canada
St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and the largest city in the province. Surrounded by a narrow landlocked harbor on the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula it is the most easterly city in North America. This remarkable port city has experienced a long and colorful history. Europeans arrived in the 16th century to exploit nearby fishing grounds and have left an indelible print on the city. As such, St. John's is known as the oldest city founded by Europeans in North America and much of its history is steeped in legend. Although the most popular theory regarding the origin of the city's name dates back to John Cabot's 1497 arrival, the most likely source stems from Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real, who first visited the harbor in 1500 and named the distant Waterford River St. John's River. St. John's retains an Old World charm with its narrow winding streets similar to those in London and much of its architecture resembles that found in small Irish towns. The city boasts an impressive array of churches and parkland while spectacular vistas abound from Signal Hill and Cape Spear.
82 cruises
Philadelphia
USA · US East Coast & Canada
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed) and other American Revolutionary sites. Also iconic are the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film "Rocky."
73 cruises
Gaspe
Canada · US East Coast & Canada
Gaspé is a city with an intoxicating mix of regional cultures, sitting at the tip of the GaspéPeninsula in the immense region of eastern Quebec. It's surrounded by dramatic rock faces, pounding surf and jagged coasts dotted with lighthouses. It's also home to an abundance of flora and fauna. The Gaspé Peninsula, situated along the coast of the majestic St Lawrence River, is the birthplace of Canada, where Jacques Cartier first claimed the land for France. It contains four national parks, including Bonaventure Island, and the massive Perc Rock (one of the world's largest natural arches sitting in water), as well as over 200,000 northern gannets. In town you can explore Gaspé maritime heritage and legendary hospitality. The modern Gaspé cathedral is built almost entirely of wood, with beautiful stained glass. The Muse de la Gaspsie tells of Jacques Cartier's voyages, and the Anglo-French struggle for power over this region.
70 cruises
Sept-Iles
Canada · US East Coast & Canada
One of Quebec’s most northerly towns, Sept-Iles lies on the cusp of wild and wonderful scenery - from island-speckled archipelagos to rivers flush pink with salmon. This small city enjoys dramatic staging, perched on a bay overlooking the wide St. Lawrence River, as it begins to open up into the Atlantic. The heavy industry that powered the city's growth has gradually been overshadowed by the majesty of nature, and with sweeping panoramas and dramatic coastline spreading all around, Sept-Iles is one of Quebec's most attractive assets.
69 cruises
Newport, Rhode Island
USA · US East Coast & Canada
A prime slice of New England coastline, Newport serves up colonial splendour, striking seascapes, and some of the freshest seafood around. One of America’s most historic cities, drop in on the oldest library in the country, visit an incredible fortress city, and wander beside spectacular summer houses. With wild beaches, wineries, breweries and festivals for every season, Newport has lost none of its enticing allure. View less The fresh, ocean air of Newport was much sought after during the Gilded Age, as the rich and powerful made their mark, building grand and stately mansions overlooking the waves. These magnificent houses - and landscaped gardens - add whitewash grandeur to the beautiful stretch of coastline. Take the 3.5-mile coastal walk, out across rugged cliffs with birds calling out, and wildflowers dotting the path. Be warned that the walk does become a little more difficult as it progresses. Stroll the coast, and sit to watch surfers catching Atlantic rollers, or take the twists and turns of Newport's incredible ocean drive, to soak in the wonderful views by road. Laced with underground tunnels, Fort Adams is Newport’s sprawling complex military fortress. Surrounded by Fort Adams State Park, you can enjoy the relaxed surroundings, absorbing scenic views of the harbour and Narragansett Bay. Unpack a picknick on the grass, as the swells of music carry on the sea breeze - especially during the annual folk and jazz festivals. Or try great Newport seafood in the bustling eateries of repurposed wharves - serving up Rhode Island specials like steamed lobster and clams.
59 cruises
Toronto
Canada · US East Coast & Canada
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It's a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower. Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo.
59 cruises
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Regions are derived from each port’s coordinates. Sailing counts reflect active upcoming departures, refreshed through our scheduled feed.
