Travel guides: Mexico, the United States & Canada
Our original travel guides cover the best things to do & see in port
Travel guides: North America ports
Cruiseable's editorial team has written the following guides to help travelers prepare for your time on shore during your cruise travels. Use them to prepare for your visit to a foreign city or port. Save bookmarked pages to your My Planner page. 
Mexico
Region: Mexico
Acapulco is Mexico's original resort town. Still a hugely popular tourist destination, the city sits on Mexico’s Pacific coast between the rugged Sierra Madre mountains and sun-splashed Acapulco Bay. Even with the high-rise hotel zone, streets congested with traffic and 1 million-plus residents and tourists who visit each year ... See more
Region: Mexico
Once a rough and rustic outpost, Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, has morphed into one of Mexico’s most elite resort destinations and a thriving port of call on Pacific Coast cruise itineraries. With its large marina and gleaming bay, ... See more
Region: Mexico
As one of the most popular beach destinations in North America, Cancún, on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, is famous for its 14 miles of white-sand shores, luxury hotels and endless nightlife. The popular resort destination attracts more than 2 million visitors a year from around the world. ... See more
Region: Mexico
Costa Maya is the best of two worlds: a modern port built from the ground up for cruise passengers and an evocative gateway into the Mayan culture of yesterday and today. Tucked into the Caribbean coast between Riviera Maya and Belize, Costa Maya has an enviable concentration of Maya archaeological sites and the largest existing Maya population in Mexico. ... See more
Region: Mexico
There are two basic types of tourists in Cozumel: scuba divers and cruise ship passengers. And there’s lots to interest both throughout this island, just 30 miles long, 10 miles wide and 12 miles off the Yucatán Peninsula mainland. ... See more
Region: Mexico
Stretching 15 miles along a beach-studded coastline, Mazatlán is one of Mexico’s most established and alluring tourist destinations. It’s also the country’s largest Pacific port and a popular retirement spot for Americans and Canadians. ... See more
Region: Mexico
Playa del Carmen, the wild heart of the Riviera Maya, isn’t a port of call for large cruise ships, but it is a popular day-trip destination for ships docking at Cozumel, 12 miles offshore, and at Calica, a small port five miles south. ... See more
Region: Mexico
Anyone who calls Puerto Vallarta a “fishing village” hasn’t been there in 50 years. Expect a resort city of 500,000-plus residents and tens of thousands of snowbirds and tourists, with all the attendant congestion. During the high season of November to March, as many as 8,000 visitors a day arrive by cruise ship alone.. ... See more
Region: Mexico
Stretching from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district that dazzles visitors with 75 miles of sun-splashed Caribbean shoreline. Along with a growing string of all-inclusive resorts and small ... See more
Region: Mexico
Stretching nearly 200 miles between Mexico’s Pacific coastline and the jungle-clad western Sierra Madre range, Riviera Nayarit offers travelers everything from bohemian surfer towns to exclusive gated hotels. It’s flanked on the south by the resort community of Nuevo Vallarta, just across the river ... See more
United States
Alaska
Region: United States
It’s almost impossible to overuse superlatives when it comes to Alaska. To start, there’s the vast, untamed wilderness, its glaciers, waterfalls, icebergs, deep forests and deeper bays, all defying adequate description. Mist-wringed peaks almost dare humans ... See more
Anchorage travel guide: What to see & do
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
You don't have to go looking for breathtaking scenery in Anchorage; it's everywhere. The vastness and drama of the Alaskan landscape cradles this city where 40 percent of the state's population lives. Set between shrouded peaks and the chilly sea ... See more
Guide to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
This awe-inspiring landscape of 15,000-foot peaks, fjords, coves, coastal beaches and forests and massive glaciers is not just part of the national park system, it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We can thank the perseverance of 19th-century conservationist John Muir for recognizing Glacier Bay's importance and unique attributes and for pushing President ... See more
Haines travel guide: What to see & do
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Haines is a small town in a huge landscape, arguably one of the most scenic settings of all towns on Alaska's Inside Passage. It sits on the shores of the Lynn Canal, the deepest, longest fjord in North America. Haines is 90 sea miles north of Juneau, 14 south of Skagway and just 40 miles from the Canadian border. That fact has ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island near the town of Hoonah, which was settled 2,000 years ago by the Tlingit and today is the largest Tlingit settlement in Alaska. Fur traders arrived in the 1880s, and in 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company opened the area's first cannery. In 1944, when a fire destroyed major parts of Hoonah ... See more
Juneau port guide: Rugged beauty & small-town heart
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Tucked into a narrow stretch of shoreline along the Inside Passage in southeast Alaska, Juneau is a relatively small city (population of about 31,000) where nature looms spectacularly large. Descendants of the Tlingit people still call Juneau home, giving Alaska's capital multicultural appeal. Narrow streets, totems, art galleries, ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Ketchikan lies at the southern end of Alaska's Inside Passage and at the meeting place of three Alaska native cultures: Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Evidence of the rich artistic and dance traditions of the native cultures is apparent throughout town, most visibly in the totem poles scattered through the historic district and found in larger groupings in totem parks near town. ... See more
Seward travel guide: What to see & do
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Seward is located on Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Cruise lines typically list the Gulf of Alaska port as Seward/Anchorage because it's the gateway to Anchorage, 125 miles to the north, to which passengers are transported via road or on the ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Sitka is the only major city on Alaska's Baranof island. Its intriguing history and cultural appeal is matched by an embarrassment of riches when it come to scenery. Perched at the edge of Sitka Sound, the city has been influenced by Tlingit, Russian and U.S. culture, and visitors will find signs of all three throughout the region ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
The Klondike Gold Rush lives on in Skagway, where time hasn't entirely caught up with the future. Skagway is perhaps most famous as the setting for part of Jack London’s book “The Call of the Wild.” Although its population reached 10,000 at one time, today just 920 residents call Skagway home ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Alaska
Valdez is set on Prince William Sound with Chugach National Forest and the Chugach Mountains behind it. It has a storied past, including ties to the heady days of the Klondike Gold Rush, but it's hard for anything here to compete with the magnificence of ... See more
California
Region: United States / Port in: California
Whether you embrace or dismiss pop culture's one-dimensional portrayal of Los Angeles, everyone can agree that when the weather is spectacular, which is most of the year, the City of Angels is a dreamy destination. Residents who are intrinsically happy ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: California
With arguably the best weather in the United States, picture-perfect waves, a steady stream of visitors and some of the friendliest people around, San Diego is nothing if not unrelentingly pleasant. San Diego’s downtown ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: California
As with any world-class city, San Francisco offers both iconic landmarks as well as hidden jewels. Travelers who parachute in and out without staying a couple of days on either end of a cruise are missing out on a wide range of sights and experiences in this diverse, ... See more
Hawaii
Hawaii overview: Balmy, blissful land of aloha
Region: United States
Land of swaying palms, swaying hips and big-wave surfers? Sure, there's some truth to that conventional view of Hawaii, along with the densely packed resort hotels lining Oahu's Waikiki and Maui's Kaanapali beaches. But development, rampant as it is, has ... See more
Big Island of Hawaii travel guide & photo tour
Region: Hawaii, United States
At 4,028 square miles, the island of Hawaii, commonly referred to as the Big Island, is by far the largest in the archipelago. And it’s still growing, with active volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea, which recently sent lava flowing through the town of ... See more
Region: Hawaii, United States / Port in: Hawaii
The largest city in Hawaii, Honolulu is a montage of white-sand beaches, high-rise hotels and condominiums, with a myriad of shopping, dining and entertainment. While it has a tropical ambience, Honolulu is the state’s political, economic, military, ... See more
Kauai travel guide & photo tour
Region: Hawaii, United States
The oldest and fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is lush, rugged and not as heavily developed as the other major islands of Hawaii. Visitors come to explore the island's beaches and natural wonders, and maybe do a little canoeing or ... See more
Maui travel guide & photo tour
Region: Hawaii, United States
Just the word — Maui — is for most folks enough to get the fantasies flowing. And it’s all here, from a sweet, flower-kissed climate to perfect waves, perfect beaches and scenery so lush it won’t give your eyes a break even for a minute. The surprises ... See more
Oahu travel guide & photo tour
Region: Hawaii, United States
Most people know the island of Oahu for the state capital, Honolulu, home to the famous Waikiki Beach district. This storied piece of real estate, a miles-long, white-sand strand lined with high-rise hotels, is hands-down the premier urban beach resort ... See more
Florida
Key West & Florida Keys travel guide
Region: United States / Port in: Florida
The 125-mile island chain that makes up the Florida Keys starts at mainland Florida just south of Miami and reaches out over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Keys’ five regions include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each has its own vibe, but all offer the beauty of the water, plus lovely flora and fauna ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Florida
A destination of vast diversity and energy, Miami — self-proclaimed cruise capital of the world — boasts year-round warm weather and miles of beaches, making it an urban playground for U.S. residents and global travelers. Two million people call Miami ... See more
Orlando & Port Canaveral travel guide
Region: United States / Port in: Florida
As one of the most popular and family-friendly vacation destinations in the world, Orlando, Florida, is a one-stop shop for theme parks. In addition to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando thrill everyone from ... See more
Region: United States / Port in: Florida
Tampa is one of the country's busiest seaports. From its modest beginnings as a small port town, Tampa has grown into a center of commerce for West Coast Florida, and this growth is reflected in the diverse attractions located inside the city. ... See more
Galveston, Texas
Region: United States / Port in: Texas
Big dreams and heart make the island of Galveston, Texas, a special place. Stretched along the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is a destination where travelers can experience the Texan spirit while enjoying southern hospitality. The island's 32 miles of pristine coastline and its Victorian architecture perfectly manifest the culture that makes the place ... See more
New Orleans
Region: United States / Port in: Louisiana
New Orleans is the country's most quixotic city. A stroll through New Orleans will usher you through time, with remnants of the city's French Colonial history still standing today, almost 200 years after the Louisiana Purchase. At the same time, the city doesn't dwell on the past, ... See more
New York
Region: United States / Port in: New York
Is it any surprise that the city that never sleeps also never runs out of incredible things to see, do and eat? If you're here during a cruise excursion, or a visit before or after you cruise off, you can go about your visit in one of two ways ... See more
Portland
Region: United States / Port in: Oregon state
Portland has attracted a following over recent years as this small town has grown into the biggest metropolis between Seattle and San Francisco. Many people have come from all over the country not only to visit but to also put down roots here thanks to its scenic beauty, small-town feel and eco-friendly vibe ... See more
Seattle
Region: United States / Port in: Washington state
Once known as a West Coast town with less than ideal weather, Seattle has exploded into a bustling powerhouse on the Pacific Rim. The city of Pearl Jam and Frasier Crane has undergone quite a transformation over the last couple of decades. Starbucks and ... See more
Canada
Halifax & Nova Scotia travel guide
Region: Canada
Halifax, the largest city in maritime Canada, is known abroad for its beautiful North Atlantic coastline, preserved architectural monuments and, occasionally, tropical storms. Serious weather has not stopped Nova Scotia’s capital city from growing into maritime Canada’s largest city and, arguably, its cultural center. ... See more
Region: Canada
With a mix of old-world European flavor and modern urban vitality, Montreal charms guests just by being itself. High fashion boutiques, cutting-edge art galleries, fantastic restaurants and cafes dot the city, and make Montreal the Canadian epicenter for ... See more
Region: Canada
Ontario supposedly derives from an Iroquoian word meaning “shimmering” or “glittering lake.” Bordered by Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to the southeast, Lake Huron to the south, Lake Superior to the southwest and Hudson Bay to the north, the Canadian province ... See more
Region: Canada
Occupying the northeastern corner of North America, Quebec is Canada’s largest province by area. Its preserved French heritage and Francophone culture sets it apart, and it’s the only province where French is the official language and all the signs are in French. ... See more
Region: Canada
Québec City is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. This distinct characteristic is one of the facets that make Québec City a magnificent place to visit. The atmosphere, official language and culture of the town is French, and this becomes evident as you find out that 95 percent ... See more
Region: Canada
Vancouver offers an exciting mix of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Start with the stunning harbor and glorious mountain setting. Spend time checking out the locally sourced dining options and dig into the region’s diverse cultural heritage. ... See more
Region: Canada
The landscape of British Columbia is as diverse as it is beautiful, and the west coast, home to glorious Victoria, is no exception. From beaches to mountains, exquisite parks to enchanting architectural sites and museums, Victoria has it all. ... See more
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