When you imagine a cruise vacation, you often picture exotic islands and foreign destinations, making the idea seem so far away. However, many country-hopping cruises begin and end in the United States, making them easy to reach for those adventurers in need of a serious vacay. With cruise ports all around the country — including New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, Texas and California — Royal Caribbean® makes it easy for you to drive a short distance and then embark on an unforgettable vacation. Here are some exciting voyages to consider from each port.
Rock climbing on board near Perfect Day at CocoCay
Driving to Northeastern Ports
The cruise port at Cape Liberty, New Jersey, is a stone’s throw away from the Statue of Liberty. Just a 30-minute car ride from Lower Manhattan or less than two hours from Philadelphia, this port is easily accessible to millions of Northeasterners who are ready to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and escape to powder-soft beaches and swaying palms. From here, Royal Caribbean launches several popular itineraries, including the 7-Night Bahamas & Perfect Day that visits their private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and an 11- or 12-Night Southern Caribbean cruise that sweeps you away to the idyllic islands of St. Lucia, St. Maarten and Barbados, just to name a few.
Many itineraries from Cape Liberty embark on the Odyssey of the Seas®, the first Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship to sail in the U.S. On this innovative ship, you can enjoy gravity-defying fun on the RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator, bond over bumper cars and roller-skating at the largest SeaPlex® ever and scope out incredible 360-degree views from 300 feet up in the North Star® observation capsule.
An alternative in the Northeast is Baltimore, from which Vision of the Seas®, another fan favorite, heads out to the islands of pink sand on 5- or 9-Night Bermuda and Perfect Day voyages.
Swimming with whale sharks near Cozumel, Mexico
Driving to Texas Ports
The cruise port in Galveston is just one hour from Houston, four hours from San Antonio and four and a half from Dallas. However far you drive, the cruise vacation starting there will be well worth the miles. A popular Royal Caribbean voyage here is the 7-Night Western Caribbean aboard Harmony of the Seas®, which visits Roatán in Honduras, as well as Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. This itinerary includes three full days at sea, giving you ample time to make memories on board by racing down the tallest slide at sea, seeing deck-defying stunts at the AquaTheater and sipping perfectly mixed drinks at the robot-helmed Bionic Bar.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Driving to California Ports
The sun is always shining in California, which will make your drive to the Los Angeles port even better as you head out on the 5- or 6-Night Cabo Overnight aboard Quantum of the Seas®. The overnight portion of the cruise allows you to explore Cabo San Lucas, a playground for the rich and famous. Spend your day boating out to El Arco (The Arch) for an Insta-worthy picture, followed by a stroll along Lovers Beach before heading out to the local nightclubs. While the fish tacos here are some of the best, you can also enjoy Chinese-inspired cuisine you can cook tabletop at The Hot Pot, as well as Tuscan-inspired dishes served family-style at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, back on the ship.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Driving to Florida Ports
Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Tampa, Fort Lauderdale … Florida is abundant with ports to choose from for drivers across the South. Royal Caribbean’s newest and boldest ships — including UtopiaSM, Wonder® and Star of the SeasSM — launch from these ports, more often than not visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay along the way. Located in the clear, warms waters of the Bahamas, this private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests has all the beautiful beaches, gentle waves and thrilling experiences you need to have one of the greatest days ever.
Ready to drive, cruise and enjoy? Contact one of our Royal Caribbean travel specialists to plan your next adventure.
