Aerial view of New Orleans and the Mississippi River riverfront

Gulf and West Coast Cruise Ports

Texas to Seattle, plus Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

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Beyond the Atlantic, U.S. cruises depart from the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast, Alaska and Hawaii. Each region has its own seasons and destinations.

Gulf Coast: Galveston, New Orleans and Mobile

Port of Galveston is the Gulf’s largest cruise port, about an hour’s drive from Houston, with sailings to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize and other Western Caribbean ports. Port of New Orleans has terminals on the Mississippi riverfront close to the French Quarter, so ships begin with a few hours on the river before reaching the Gulf. Mobile’s cruise terminal in downtown Mobile, Alabama, offers a smaller program.

New Orleans skyline lit at night across the Mississippi River

Gulf sailings usually reach their first port after a day or more at sea. They are popular with drivers from Texas, the South and the central states, and with travelers who want a food-and-music city stay before boarding.

California

Port of Los Angeles operates the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, and Long Beach has its own cruise terminal beside the Queen Mary. Port of San Diego uses the B Street Pier on the downtown waterfront, and Port of San Francisco the cruise terminal at Pier 27. Together they offer short Baja cruises, week-long Mexican Riviera voyages, Pacific coastal sailings, and longer trips to Hawaii and Alaska.

California ports suit West Coast travelers who want to avoid a cross-country flight. Seasons vary: Mexico sailings run through much of the year, while Alaska and Pacific coastal voyages concentrate in spring and summer.

Battleship USS Iowa museum moored in the Los Angeles harbor at San Pedro

Pacific Northwest and Alaska

The Port of Seattle has two cruise terminals on Elliott Bay and is the main departure point for Alaska round trips. One-way Gulf of Alaska cruises start or finish at Seward or Whittier, linked to Anchorage by road or rail. Many Alaska cruises also start in Vancouver, Canada, which is outside the scope of this U.S. directory.

Hawaii and Puerto Rico

Honolulu, overseen by the Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors, is the base for inter-island Hawaii cruises. San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a homeport for Southern Caribbean sailings. Why only certain ships can sail purely between U.S. ports is explained at Cruising America.

Gulf and West Coast Ports: FAQ

Which is better for the Western Caribbean, Galveston or New Orleans?

Both reach the same region. Choose by how you will get there and what you want before sailing: Galveston is closer for most of Texas, while New Orleans adds a lively city stay.

Can I cruise to Alaska from California?

Yes, some lines offer longer Alaska voyages from San Francisco or Los Angeles, usually in spring and summer. Round trips from Seattle are shorter and far more common.

Do Hawaii cruises from Honolulu need a passport?

A cruise that starts and ends in Honolulu and visits only Hawaiian islands does not leave the United States, but always follow your cruise line’s document rules.

Cruise From the Gulf or West Coast

Tell us your nearest port and your dates; our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare every sailing.

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