North America Cruises

Useful planning advice for your North America cruise

Consider what you want to be the highlight of your North American cruise and focus your travel plans around that. Trying to cram too much into a holiday and cover immense distances will take away the enjoyment. No doubt you’ll be back for more, once you’ve had a taste of this amazing continent!

Alaska

If you are searching for the unspoilt, where pristine glaciers meet rugged, snow-capped mountain ranges and seemingly everlasting forestland is host to wildlife not seen anywhere else on the planet, then Alaska is where your North American cruise should focus.

Catch a glimpse of the grizzly bear, caribou, wolves or red fox with an adventure amidst the six million acres of wild land in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Absorb the tranquillity, as you cruise amongst the breath-taking fjordland and icebergs, seeking out humpback and killer whales, who, curious by their visitors, blow huge cylindrical walls of bubbles, as they spiral to the surface.

For those craving civilisation, the modern city of Anchorage is known for its cultural sites and still enjoys the spectacular scenery of mountains, forests and waters, whilst the traditional settlements of Skagway and McCarthy, whose original wooden buildings have changed little in the last century, unveil the history of the rich, gold rush era. --> Alaska cruises

For an extraordinary experience in Alaska

Take to the air over Denali National Park. It is the best way to appreciate the incredible grandeur of the highest peak in North America, Denali, and its surrounding mountain range.

Canada

Canada is also a county where nature is at its most beautiful; the sky-high mountain ranges, the immense glistening lakes, surrounded by endless green forests and not forgetting the heart-stirring rush of Niagara Falls. However, juxtaposed alongside this astonishing display of nature is a modern, cool culture with elegant architecture, a prominent arts culture and food so widely diverse that a different delicious plate could be enjoyed on each day of your visit.

Vancouver is a frequent port of call for many cruises and is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. Set between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it offers a cosmopolitan vibe alongside an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. The eastern cities of Canada’s capital, historic Ottawa and its more sophisticated neighbour, Montreal provide further urban contrast and make for a great few days’ exploring. --> Canada cruises

Fascinating fact on Canada

Did you know that with over half its residents having college degrees, Canada is the world's most educated country?

Hawaii

A cruise around Hawaii is the ideal way to build pure relaxation into your holiday. Its immaculate, white sandy beaches, surrounded by warm, turquoise-blue waters and shaded by tropical palm trees are just metaphors for paradise and with its luxuriant, green rainforests and stunning mountain backdrop, Hawaii is the picture-perfect, sun-filled beach holiday.

Each of the island’s unique characteristics can be easily appreciated with an Hawaiian cruise; from the historical port of Pearl Harbour on Oahu, the striking scenery of Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, still glowing red with molten lava, to the stretching green crescent of Molokini Crater, just off Maui’s south-west coast, where snorkelling off the coral reefs may provide glimpses of yellow trumpet fish, parrotfish, manta rays and eels. Keep alert whilst aboard too, as you may catch a glimpse of humpback whales, dolphins and sharks, each of whom frequent the waters around the islands at different times of year. --> Hawaii cruises

Packing tip for Hawaii

The Hawaiian sun can be notoriously strong, so the use of sun protection is highly recommended. However, whilst on the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, journeying between islands, it can be also cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater for whilst onboard.

When is the best time to visit North America?

With such a range of climates, from the polar regions of the Arctic Circle to the California desert, where some of the hottest temperatures on Earth have been recorded, when planning your cruise, it is best to consider the activities you wish to engage in.

For example, if you are seeking out wildlife in Alaska and Canada, the autumn months can prove to be the most fruitful.

The heat of the summer can get extreme in the USA canyons, so these times should be avoided if looking to explore or hike here.

Equally, Florida’s rainy season lasts between June to September, when it can also get extremely hot, so ideally visit this state outside of these months.

New York has a more temperate climate, but visiting it in either spring or autumn allows for a continuation of the warm weather, but with fewer crowds.

Top sights in North America

New York

New York is an iconic city; its familiarity created through the backdrop it provides for many blockbuster movies and high-profile US TV programmes: Times Square, alive with the neon lights of Broadway theatres and cinemas, the Empire State Building, possibly the most famous skyscraper in the world and which also provides the perfect viewpoint of this spectacular city when you are otherwise dwarfed by the multi-storey maze and then, in contrast, serenely appearing on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty herself, probably the most symbolic landmark in the whole of the USA. --> New York cruises

Florida

Florida is famed for its amusement parks; the legendary home for Disney and Universal Studios. It also delights astrophysicists when visiting the site of many of the world’s most important space shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Centre and amazes all ages at Busch Gardens Tampa; an African-themed animal park, reportedly the second largest in the world. Miami Beach is also a draw for many visitors, with its golden sands, famous art deco architecture, fine dining restaurants and acclaimed nightlife. --> Florida cruises

San Francisco 

The illustrious Golden Gate Bridge, declared one of the modern wonders of the world, stands welcoming you to this thriving city in the West. San Francisco offers some of the best dining experiences in the world with an array of top chefs, gourmet restaurants and amazing fresh produce. Home also to Alcatraz Island, the infamous military and federal prison, nowadays drawing many visitors via a short ferry trip across the bay. --> San Francisco cruises

Regional dishes

America may have an unfortunate reputation as the home of fast food, but with such a range of cultural influences, it is also at the cutting edge of modern, top quality cuisine. Of course, there are also some all-American favourites that you just have to try!

Apple Pie

An American institution! The saying goes ‘as American as apple pie’, despite the fact that apples are not even native to the country! They were brought by the pilgrims in the 17th century. You may have had apple pie at home, but you have to try the American version, which has become the nation’s favourite.

The hamburger

America is home to this now international fast food favourite. If you get to visit New Haven, Connecticut, seek out Louis' Lunch, the birthplace of this tasty dish. With their secret five-meat blend, they have developed the perfect hamburger.

Grits

The name may not sound appealing, but this is a tasty staple of the South. Often served with shrimp or even as a breakfast dish, this versatile carb-rich side, made from ground corn, is warming and satisfying.

Biscuits and gravy

This may seem like an unusual combination, but for Southern workers on horse ranches and in the field, this dish provided much needed energy. The biscuit is more like a flaky European scone and the thick gravy is made from meat drippings and chunks of sausage.

To add to your pub quiz knowledge

• The world’s longest coastline is located in North America. Canada’s coastline is 202,080 kilometres in length, with its closest rival, Norway, far behind with 58,133 kilometres.
• 965 out of 5416 of the world’s species of mammals can be found in North America, including bears, wolves, beavers and coyotes.
• North America is also home to the world’s largest freshwater lake, aptly named Lake Superior, which can be found on the border of the USA and Canada and has a surface area of 82,100 square kilometres.
• In Canada, there are six time zones, demonstrating just how vast this country is.

Top Travelling Tip

The northern states of America and Canada can get extremely cold in the winter. Temperatures of –20°C in these areas is not uncommon. It is therefore worth investing in some proper winter clothing, if you are visiting at this time of year.