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Halifax, NS, Canada

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Your first look at Halifax, Nova Scotia is from across the enormous natural harbor that also hosts the verdant George’s Island. Ships have arrived at this key Atlantic seaport just like this for centuries, including both the million immigrants who passed through in the 1900s, as well as the Halifax salvage boats recovering wreckage from the Titanic. Besides a modern city abuzz with museums and shops, you’ll find a massive fort overlooking the waterfront and idyllic villages for postcard-perfect nature walks on your Halifax cruise.

• Meet a Scottish regiment at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
• Laze under the gazebo at the Public Gardens on Halifax cruises.
• Take in the views from the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.
• Hear heartbreaking stories of immigrants and war brides at Pier 21.

Things to do in Halifax

Gotta see halifax.

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* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

• Cruise Advice

Halifax Cruise Port: What To Do While Docked

Doug Parker

• October 12, 2020
• 1.3K shares

Situated on the eastern coast of Canada on one of the largest natural harbors in the world, Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and the largest metropolitan area on Canada’s Atlantic Coast. 

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Halifax?

A popular port of call on Canada and New England cruises, ships dock at piers 20 and 22 near the downtown area — providing passengers convenient ship-to-shore access.

Visitors can easily set out to explore Halifax’s compact downtown area on foot, or connect with public transportation, taxis, or rideshares at the terminal.

If multiple cruise ships are in port, they may dock at lower berths and passengers will be shuttled to the terminal. 

Background/History of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax has a long history as a military outpost thanks to its strategic position on Canada’s eastern coast. The Mi’kmaq people originally occupied the area , and inhabited much of present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

The city was officially established by the British in 1749 and named after George Montagu-Dunk, the 2nd Earl of Halifax.  

Halifax is best known for its role in the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic. At first, it was thought that the damaged Titanic would sail to Halifax since it was the closest major port to the ship.

Within hours of the Titanic sinking, Halifax sent out several of the city’s ships to help in recovery efforts, and so the city became the final resting place for many of the Titanic’s victims.

One hundred fifty bodies recovered from the Titanic were buried in three of the city’s cemeteries, all marked with black granite headstones inscribed with the same date, April 15, 1912.  

Unfortunately, Halifax was also the site of one of the worst maritime disasters in history. In December of 1917, a French munitions ship collided with a Norwegian vessel in the harbor and the explosion resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives and leveled much of the city’s northern end.

From the rubble, a prosperous economic and cultural hub was rebuilt and Fort Needham Memorial Park honors the memory of the victims of this horrific incident today.

Linked with disaster, another tragic accident was Swiss Air Flight 111, which crashed five miles off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on September 2, 1998.

A memorial was erected at the park, paying tribute to the 229 souls that perished that night. Visitors to the monument often lay a rose in front of the stone.

Local Food and Beverages in Halifax

Renowned for its seafood, you’ll find everything from fish and chips shacks to upscale eateries scattered throughout the downtown area. Halifax also has more pubs and clubs per capita than any other city in Canada.

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is open daily during the summer months and is the longest continuously operated market in all of North America.

The market is located along the waterfront, just a short walk from the cruise terminal, and features fresh seafood, produce, baked goods, and bread.

There are also vendors serving lobster rolls, seafood chowders, kebabs, and more. You’ll find excellent harbor views from the market’s rooftop patio.

Continue along the Harbourwalk, which, at over 4 kilometers, is one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world. You’ll also find Alexander Keith’s — Nova Scotia’s oldest brewery — right across from the boardwalk, open for tours.

The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse is a local’s favorite and frequently hosts live traditional Irish music sessions. 

No visit to Halifax is complete without trying donair, the official food of Halifax. This late-night favorite consists of spiced ground beef, tomatoes, and onions served on a grilled pita and smothered in its signature sugary sauce.

You can find donairs in most pizza shops, and you’ll also find donair-inspired donuts, egg rolls, poutine, and more around town. 

Shopping in Halifax

You’ll find plenty of boutique shops and independent retailers downtown and along the waterfront.

For unique Nova Scotian goods, check out the handcrafted gift shops at Pavillion 22 or pick up a rum cake from the Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory. 

Halifax is also known for its exquisite mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal. Located along the Halifax waterfront, NovaScotian Crystal is a workshop and showroom where you can watch master craftsmen melting and shaping crystal into fine art. 

Cultural Attractions in Halifax

History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum covers everything from the region’s first shipbuilders and tragic shipwrecks to the city’s involvement in the World Wars, the Halifax explosion, and the sinking of the Titanic.

Highlights include artifacts recovered from the Titanic, carved pieces of woodwork found near the wreckage, and a beautiful mahogany cabinet that survived the sinking. 

For art lovers, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is home to an extensive collection of local and Canadian art.

The gallery is the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada and displays historic and modern Nova Scotian paintings, photography, and sculptures, as well as rotating exhibits by international artists.

Another popular downtown Halifax attraction, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, pays tribute to Canada’s immigration history.

Pier 21 was the port of entry for over a million immigrants from 1928 through 1971 and is now a museum featuring photos, personal artifacts, and the stories of immigrants who traveled to Canada during this time.

The center also features a vast library and archives for visitors interested in researching their family history. 

Top Halifax Cruise Excursions

Here are some things to do if your cruise ship stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Check out 5 Things To Do in Halifax for more things to do.

Best of Halifax City Sightseeing Tours

Consider booking a guided city sightseeing tour to ensure you see all the top Halifax city sights . Tours visit such area attractions as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the Old Town Clock, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and more.

Tours include convenient round-trip transportation from the cruise port and interesting commentary about the city’s historical, cultural, and political significance from a local guide.

You can also opt for cycling or Segway city tours. 

Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove Tours

The picturesque red and white lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is one of Nova Scotia’s must-see sights. Peggy’s Cove day trip options are plentiful, and you can choose between guided hikes, coastal cruises, and tours that also include the Halifax city highlights.  

There are also food trucks, a dine-in restaurant, and a coffee shop by the lighthouse so that you won’t go hungry.

Annapolis Valley Wine Tours

Nova Scotia’s fertile soil and unique maritime climate make it an ideal place for producing wine. Located only an hour outside of Halifax, the Annapolis Valley is home to several award-winning wineries, and several wine-tasting tours are available for cruise ship passengers. 

Harbour Hopper Tours

Hop onboard one of the amphibious Harbour Hopper vehicles for a tour around Halifax by both land and sea. Landside sights that visitors will see along the way include the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and St. Paul’s Church.

Once the vehicle splashes into the sea, the driver becomes the captain, who takes passengers for a lively ride around the harbor to learn about Halifax’s connection to the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, and the history of the Canadian Naval dockyards.

Sights along the journey include Georges Island, Cable Wharf, the waterfront boardwalk, and the Historic Properties.

An Insider’s Perspective

If you’re looking for more of an off-the-beaten-path experience, head across the Halifax waterfront to Fisherman’s Cove, a quiet and quaint 200-year-old fishing village.

You’ll find a handful of colorful shops along the waterfront, plenty of seafood joints, and ice cream shops. You can even rent a kayak and explore the coast on your own or join a guided trip out to McNabs Island.

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Boston to Nova Scotia Cruise

Experience the best of Boston, Maine, & Canada

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The lush greenery of summer and the brilliant colors of fall are yours to enjoy on a luxury Boston to Nova Scotia cruise. Sailings begin in August and end in October, so you’ll experience the best seasonal weather and revel in the incredible beauty of the Atlantic coast shared by the U.S. and Canada.

On a cruise from Boston to Nova Scotia, you’ll stop in exciting ports throughout New England and Canada . Experience the birthplace of the American Revolution in Boston. See the world's largest fiddle in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Go on a wine and cheese tasting adventure in the Halifax. Bike along Maine’s picturesque coastline, spend the night in Quebec City , and explore the countryside of Prince Edward Island . 

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Departure ports, bountiful beantown.

Boston’s rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant city life make it a perfect place to explore before or after your Boston to Nova Scotia cruise. Soak in the history of the city by walking the Freedom Trail, touring the statehouse on cobblestoned Beacon Hill, and visiting the monuments at Boston Common. Savor the tastes and treats in the North End, the city’s oldest neighborhood, and Little Italy before you embark on your cruise from Boston.

Ports of Call

Halifax, nova scotia.

In Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, stroll along its bustling waterfront, stop in a sidewalk cafe, and explore local statues and memorials. Spend time at Peggy’s Cove, a quaint and active fishing village perched on the rugged coastline and home to the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, said to be the most photographed lighthouse in all of Canada.

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Sydney’s location on Nova Scotia’s southeast coast, the gateway to Cape Breton Island, makes it as perfectly suited for relaxed historical walking tours as it is for leisurely passing time around the port. Tour Old Sydney with a guide and hear the island’s history through rich storytelling. Venture farther afield during your Nova Scotia cruise for unique exhibits and artifacts at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Stroll, shop, and dine near the port. Be sure to see the Big Fiddle, a tribute to the city’s Celtic heritage, and hear how it came to stand outside the cruise port terminal. 

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Halifax – Nova Scotia

Last updated on June 7th, 2023 at 09:25 am

Experience the vibrant maritime spirit of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Immerse yourself in history at the iconic Citadel Hill, stroll along the historic waterfront, or visit the captivating exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Sample delicious seafood, explore charming neighborhoods like Peggy's Cove, and embrace the lively music and cultural scene that makes Halifax a truly unforgettable destination.

Halifax, the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, is home to rich maritime history. A city of 370,000 people, it has a friendly and upbeat culture with a walkable downtown surrounded by quaint rural communities.

Because of Halifax's large, ice-free harbor, the British established a colony and built a fort in 1749. Not only was the city involved in various aspects of North American military conflict including the American Revolutions and Napoleonic Wars, but it also became a hub of trade and industry.

Halifax gained international notoriety after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 when more than 150 Titanic passengers were laid among Halifax cemeteries, and again after the Halifax Explosion of 1917 when more than 2000 people were killed after a French munitions ship collided with a Belgian relief ship in the harbor, creating the largest man-made explosion before the nuclear bomb.

See all Halifax Shore Excursions

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Where You Dock in Halifax – Nova Scotia

You will dock at either Pier 20 or 22 at the Port of Halifax, which is located just south of downtown. You will find a vibrant arts and cultural community called Halifax Seaport which extends from Piers 19 to 23.

At the Halifax Seaport, you will find local artisans, cafes, galleries, the Canadian Museum of Immigration, the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market (the oldest continuously running farmer’s market in North America), and much more.

Getting Around Halifax – Nova Scotia

Downtown Halifax is located a couple of kilometers from the port and taxis are plentiful and will offer local tours or take you as far as famed Peggy’s Cove!

Yellow Cab , for instance, charges a flat rate of $10 to go downtown from the cruise pier, or will do an hour city tour for $45 CDN. They also have wheelchair accessible taxis available.

Renting a car may also be a good idea if you wish to explore outside Halifax. There are no rental companies right at the cruise port, but CruiseHalifax’s guest services will help arrange for your transportation needs, and most car rental companies will pick you up and drop you off portside.

Shopping In Halifax – Nova Scotia

A quick taxi ride will take you to the heart of downtown Halifax, home to many unique shops and boutiques.

If an indoor shopping mall is more up your alley, Atlantic Canada’s largest shopping mall – Halifax Shopping Centre – is located only 15 minutes by car from the port. With more than 160 stores, you’ll find everything from Walmart to Michael Kors.

Dining In Halifax – Nova Scotia

From local delicacies to international cuisine, Halifax is home to more than 600 dining establishments ranging from fine dining to casual.

If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in town, Fredie’s Fantastic Fish House , is one of the city’s hidden gems – an unassuming little casual restaurant, located in a strip mall approximately 11 kilometers from the port.

If a pub with amazing eats and craft bear is more up your alley, check out The Auction House Brew Pub in downtown Halifax. They are open for lunch, and have Happy Hour every day from 4-6:30 pm!

Things To Do in Halifax – Nova Scotia

Top tours & excursions in halifax – nova scotia, annapolis valley wine tour.

Annapolis Valley, a Nova Scotia region of some of the richest farmland in Canada also became home to French Acadians in the 1600s. You will visit two different wineries on this scenic tour....

• Duration: 5 hours
• Activity Level: Low
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Food: Wine tasting and snack included

Best of Halifax and Peggy's Cove

Begin your with a highlight tour of Halifax, a city founded in 1749 and steeped in Maritime history. Drive the scenic coastal route to Peggy's Cove, one of Canada's most photographed places....

• Duration: 4 hours

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Sydney NS (Nova Scotia Canada)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time 2024-04-26 02:20

Port Sydney NS cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Sydney NS, Nova Scotia Canada. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Sydney, Canada is situated on the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island, north-eastern Nova Scotia. Cape Breton's craggy coast has been carved through the ages by the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic Ocean. On this remote Nova Scotia isle, picturesque valleys and massive rolling hills still harbour Gaelic speaking descendants of Acadian French and Scottish settlers.

Located in a coal-producing region of great importance, Sydney is a major industrial area and a seaport on Sydney Harbour. The community, settled in early 1780s by United Empire Loyalists, is christened in honour of British statesman Thomas Townshend, First Viscount Sydney. It served as Cape Breton Island's capital between 1784-1820, and then after the isle became part of Nova Scotia Province.

Port Sydney NS

In 2016, a total of 99,370 cruise passengers visited Sydney NS, boosting the local economy with CAD 22,9 million. In January 2017 started construction works on Sydney Harbour's second cruise ship berth (read more in the terminal section below).

In 2017, the cruise port had 82 scheduled ship calls and handled a total of 118,361 passengers plus 63,759 crew ( 67% increase over 2016). The port's projected budget was nearly 1/2 of its revenue - CAD 936,000 from passenger tax. The 2017 season started on April 30 with the Holland America Line's ship ms Veendam . Initially, in 2017 there were 90 ship bookings, but due to weather and efforts to slow down vessels navigating in Gulf of St Lawrence resulted in itinerary changes and 8 booking cancellations.

Port's 2018 cruise ship schedule (officially announced on February 1st) showed a record berth booking with a total of 90 ship calls and estimated 149,231 passengers plus 64,779 crew. Season 2018 (May 1 thru Nov 5) featured 11x 2-ship days and 3x 3-ship days.

In 2023 the cruise port reported a record year with scheduled 112 ship calls/booked berthings (estimated 200,000+ tourists).

For 2024, the cruise port had booked a total of 115 ship berthings (including 7 maiden). For summer 2024 (June-July-August) was reported a 17% increase in cruise calls (over summer 2023).

Sydney NS cruise terminal

On January 22, 2017, started the construction of Sydney Harbour's second cruise ship berth, scheduled for completion in 2019-Q4 (December 31). The second berth project was equally funded by the Canadian Government's all three levels (federal, provincial, municipal). For the USD 19 million project, in September 2018 was contracted the company Zutphen Contractors Inc (SW Mabou, NS Canada). Dredging works were completed in July 2019. New berth's main structural support consists of 43 pilings and a concrete deck.

The new berth has length 287 m (942 ft) and allows docking of larger liners in the harbour - like Cunard's RMS Queen Mary 2 . The projections are for doubling port's cruise shipping business. As part of the new project, upgrades were also done to the existing Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.

North Sydney Ferry Terminal (MARINE ATLANTIC)

North Sydney NS is located on the Sydney Harbour's northern side and along Cape Breton Island's eastern coast, North Sydney is a major Atlantic Canada ferry port, as well as the MARINE ATLANTIC service's western terminus that links the Trans-Canada Highway with Newfoundland Island (Port aux Basques and Argentia).

North Sydney Ferry Terminal has a new building (opened on June 3, 2015, project cost USD 20 million). Wi-Fi coverage is throughout and complimentary. On Floor 1 are located ticket counters, security offices, public washrooms, waiting hall with TVs (satellite reception), baggage area, gift shop, indoor kids play area, Info Centre, Atrium (lower level). On Floor 2 are located drivers lounge, quiet area, staff lounge, Atrium (upper level, with skylight), terminal administration and staff offices passenger-accessible outdoor / open-air terrace. Food service at the terminal is not available.

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Nova Scotia Cruises, Adventure

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Halifax attraction pass, halifax, nova scotia.

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See Halifax’s main attractions at your own pace by riding around town in a motor coach that allows you to get on and off whenever you please at the places that sound most intriguing. The vehicles make continuous loops around Halifax, following a route with more than a dozen stops. As you approach each attraction, you will hear enlightening commentary about it so you can decide if you want to visit or continue on to the next attraction. If there is an entrance fee, just show your Attraction Pass and you will get in free or at a reduced rate. You might hop off for a tour of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, to board the Royal Canadian Navy ship HMCS Sackville and to browse the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. If museums are of interest, the motor coaches stop at the Maritime Museum of The Atlantic and the Canadian Museum Of Immigration, among others.

• Ride around Halifax in a motor coach and stop at attractions that sound appealing to you. • Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it. • Board another motor coach when you are ready and ride it to another attraction. • Choose from a variety of well-known attractions as the motor coach loops around Halifax.

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• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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Easiest and best itinerary / map tools - Nova Scotia Forum

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What apps or tools do folks use to figure out their itinerary / routes?

Google maps?

Trip advisor?

Are there pre done itineraries that can be downloaded and modified?

5 replies to this topic

Look at amount of time available to travel and approximate budget as well as who you are travelling with (kids, etc).

Look at previous forum posts with what other ls have proposed and done (trip reports). That would be a good place to start

You can also use the very excellent Nova Scotia tourism site for research, ideas, and itinerary guides. Check under the Trip Ideas tab on their site.

https://www.novascotia.com/

Here are the links to our Top Questions. There is one on planning and one with Trip Reports. Then look at the information about our various regions.

Then come here and tell us how many nights you have, a bit about yourselves and what things are of interest to you and we can suggest a possible plan.

As well as the suggestions above, we also like to use some of the popular commercial Travel Guides, e.g. Frommers, Fodors and others Travel Guides to Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. These often have itinerary suggestions as well as details on interesting and popular sites. They're available to order online and also often in the travel section of libraries.

We also like The Nova Scotia Atlas for its detailed maps showing all the smaller side roads and interesting sights including parks, trails, beaches etc. Sometimes we like to look for scenic, more off the beaten track routes rather than the shortest route given by Google maps. This too can be ordered online.

Here is the link to our Top Questions:

You will likely need to copy and paste these links into your browser to get them to open:

http://bit.ly/2ltXQbm Planning your trip

http://bit.ly/2mfOrsd Trip Reports

http://bit.ly/2lGS07p Bay of Fundy

http://bit.ly/2Ehz7Al South Shore

http://bit.ly/2mfMDiD Annapolis Valley

http://bit.ly/2libRZF Northumberland Shore

http://bit.ly/2qorRyf Eastern Shore

https://bit.ly/2IXU9d0 Halifax

https://discoverhalifaxns.com/

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Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island, which is linked by causeway to the rest of Nova Scotia. Sydney’s attractions start at the harbor, where visitors can shop for locally made crafts and see the world’s largest fiddle, which towers beside the port’s cruise pavilion. Some of the city’s historic houses and churches date back to the 1700s and 1800s and are open for tours. Restaurants often provide live music (expect fiddles and sea chanteys) along with meals of seafood fresh-caught in nearby waters. Sydney’s galleries give visitors a chance to meet local artists and purchase their work.  

Cape Breton's natural wonders include the spectacular scenic drive known as the Cabot Trail. Hikers in Cape Breton Highlands National Park will find stunning vistas around every turn, while a boat ride on massive Bras d’Or Lake, which is ringed by wild hills, offers a different perspective on the province. Explore the region’s past with a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, and learn about the area’s First Nations communities at Membertou Heritage Park. If you decide to go deep underground at the Cape Breton Miners Museum, your tour guide is likely to be a man who toiled for years in the island's coal mines and has many stories to tell. Another must-see: the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where the famous inventor made his summer home.

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Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

For the first time, we’re spotlighting new cruise ships on Travel + Leisure ’s It List, as these exceptional vessels become more and more like floating resorts — celebrity chefs, crystal chandeliers, and Rolex boutiques included.

Explora Journeys’ Explora I

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

It’s not every day a new cruise line arrives. The debut of the remarkable Explora I was a moment years in the making for Explora Journeys , the upstart luxury operator that aims to bring a European sensibility to the world of vacations at sea. So far, the project is a smashing success, thanks to the ship’s low-key vibe, standout food and beverage, and intriguing itineraries that visit in-demand ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. My own August 2023 trip on Explora I , from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany, included fulfilling visits to places such as Oslo and the town of Stavanger, Norway, a gateway to adventurous hiking with a postcard-perfect Old Town. The ship itself was also a destination, with its abundance of outdoor space — including an alfresco fitness center — and pools at seemingly every turn. The 461 suites, all of them with balconies, are filled with luxurious touches such as Frette linens and robes, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. But Explora I truly shines when it comes to food: During the week I was aboard, it was impossible to find a bad meal — and I was often astonished at the quality of, in particular, the pasta served in the Emporium Marketplace and the sushi on offer at Sakura, two of the nine restaurants aboard. The most ambitious of them all is Anthology, a rotating-chef concept that has seen a residency from seafood whiz Mario Ulaissi, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on Italy's Adriatic coast, and that recently welcomed Emma Bengtsson, from Aquavit , in New York City. Much has been made of Explora I ’s Rolex boutique — the first on any cruise ship — but for my money, the other shops on board were more interesting: The company has tapped family-owned businesses around the world to create capsule collections of resort wear, handbags, fragrances, sunglasses, and beautiful gifts that can’t be found elsewhere. From $2,050 per person for a six-day sailing. Accessible ship. — Paul Brady

Oceania Cruises’ Vista

Nick Tortajada/Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

The new Oceania Vista is in a class of its own; no really, it’s the first in Oceania Cruises ’ new Allura class. Of its 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings–owned brand — including a high-end cocktail spot called Founders’ Bar, serving 26 intricate drinks that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. As Oceania levels up, the cruise line has produced a ship that feels more like a floating resort than the vessels that came before. There’s pickleball; a health-conscious restaurant, Aquamar, serving made-to-order salads and pressed juices; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: There are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor and two massive terraces (2,400 square feet). But the most hotel-like touch? A celebrity chef–driven restaurant, Toscana, where Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I was particularly excited to try her signature, Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti, and lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers didn’t disappoint. From $2,499 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur , sailed its inaugural season in December, joining sibling ships Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as the newest member of the luxury fleet. The cruise line is a favorite among T+L readers for its gorgeous ships and all-inclusive pricing that covers unlimited shore excursions, dining at specialty restaurants, and even round-trip airfare. Grandeur lives up to its name thanks to stunning, art-filled spaces designed by cruise ship interior experts Studio Dado: signature restaurant Compass Rose is enchanting with interiors inspired by a fairy-tale forest; the Observation Lounge sparkles with an undulating chandelier and swanky bar; and the $11,000-per-night Regent Suite has a private en suite spa and custom Treesse mini pool. As I boarded Grandeur for the ship’s inaugural sailing, I was mesmerized by the grand staircase and glittering chandelier. And with a maximum capacity of 744 guests, I found it easy to take time to myself in the myriad of quiet spots tucked throughout the ship, whether in the Serene Spa and Wellness area, in the Library, or on the Sports Deck overlooking the ocean. Seven restaurants include specialty steakhouse Prime 7, pan-Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, and breakfast and lunch buffet La Veranda, which refines the cruise buffet experience with daily specials like paella and sushi. Several bars and lounges, a pool and hot tubs, a casino, Broadway-style productions, and cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen make the ship a destination in itself, though guests will want to take advantage of those included excursions on Caribbean, Central American, North American, and European itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 nights, during the ship’s 2024 season. From $4,669 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Silversea’s Silver Nova

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Carrying 728 passengers, Silver Nova is big for the luxury sector, but boasts a hugely important metric: a capacious passenger space ratio — that is, the number of guests relative to the size of the ship. Simply put, this ship offers more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel. Silver Nova is wrapped in glass, with an asymmetrical layout; the funnel is positioned off-center, so is the pool, offering an expansive, uncluttered pool deck. Many features of the brand-new ship recall previous Silversea successes, my favorite of which is the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program, expanded for Silver Nova . S.A.L.T. perks include a gorgeous, sea-facing lab for hands-on culinary lessons (at no additional cost), plus a new concept, the Chef’s Table, where an 11-course menu is prepared for just 24 diners. All facets of the S.A.L.T. ecosystem, including ingredients, a bar, lectures, and shore excursions, are keyed to the region Nova is sailing. While food is a drawing card for Silver Nova , accommodations also received a revamp. Tied to the theme of bringing the outside in, there are brilliant new suites found in the aft starboard corner of the ship, with wraparound balconies revealing a 270-degree view.  This is where you can tuck me in when I win the lottery and head off on a world cruise. But until then, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top-deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding. From $3,250 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — David Swanson

It List 2024

Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.