Cruises to America from the UK

USA - Cruises to America from the UK

See the best America has to offer with an unforgettable cruise holiday to the U.S.! Offering iconic cosmopolitan sights in the East, famous cultural landmarks in the West and natural wonders in Alaska and Hawaii, the United States of America truly offers something special for every cruiser.

History & culture

Touted as the center of modern Western culture, The United States has surely made its impact across the world while still in its early stages as a country. Colonising the North American region in the early 1600’s, British settlers held colonies in the northeastern region until independence was granted from British rule in 1776. Since breaking from the British, America has become a country shaped by migrants offering visitors unique experiences throughout the vast lands. Solidifying its place as a multicultural hub and global influencer, today the United States is widely considered among one of the superpowers of the world.

Food & drink

With major migrations of Irish and European families in the late 1800’s and current migrations of Latin and Asian immigrants, the American cuisine is diverse and distinct. Differing throughout each region and state, foodies will be fascinated by unique American twists on international dishes and regional specialities you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From Italian influence in the East and significant Mexican presence in the West, food lovers can expect traditional dishes – but with innovative American quirks. With cuisine shaped by various rich cultures, you are in for a fascinating, yet delightful, food journey.

New York

Famous for its iconic skyscrapers, world-renowned museums and unexpected natural wonders, New York is easily one of the most sought-after destinations for cruisers. From cultural landmarks in New York City to the charming seaside of The Hamptons, New York offers cruisers a destination full of diversity. Visit the world-famous Times Square in NYC for incredible shopping and impromptu street entertainment or take a day trip to the mesmerising waters of Niagara Falls. In between shopping and day trips, make sure to visit the scenic trails at Central Park.

California

For those looking for West Coast adventures, California offers cruisers a plethora of exciting cities and natural landscapes perfect for the ultimate American holiday experience. From famous boulevards and beaches in Southern California to iconic infrastructure and world-renowned national parks in the North, the state of California affords cruisers the perfect blend of cultural treasures and natural wonders. Offering family-friendly experiences through a wide variety of theme parks, children of all ages will certainly be pleased. For nature enthusiasts, California’s mountainous region offers hikers optimal views in many locations, such as Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

Times Square - New York City

Located in the Manhattan neighborhood in the Theater District, NYC’s Times Square is widely considered as the most well-known American landmark throughout the world. Offering incredible shopping, international restaurants and iconic street scenes, Times Square is certainly a must-see for any visitor to New York. Foodies will be fascinated by the cuisine selection in this famous area, from casual street food offering typical American treats, such as hotdogs and salted pretzels, to fine dining Japanese fusion. Of course, with Times Square being in the Theater District, you can expect fabulous entertainment for theatre lovers. Make sure to catch an iconic Broadway show for the ultimate NYC experience!

Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles

Offering visitors the perfect bird’s eye view of Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular attractions in the Southern Califorian city. Surrounded by Griffith Park and its many beautiful trails, Griffith Observatory sits atop the city boasting spectacular views, both with the naked eye and with the help of free-to-use telescopes throughout the property. Observe the twinkling lights of the city – and beyond – with daily demonstrations of the giant public telescopes and exciting planetarium shows.

Want to explore the surrounding area? Extend your holiday with a cruise and stay to view the iconic Hollywood Sign or take a tour of the famous Beverly Hills neighborhood.

Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco

Revered as the one of the most loved American attractions in all the land, the Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco in Northern California, brings awe to those that visit the orange coloured icon. Since the opening of the bridge in 1937, this suspension bridge has become a symbol for American innovation and modernity.

After viewing the modern marvel, make sure to catch a ferry ride to a nearby must-see attraction: Alcatraz Island. Infamous for housing the most notorious prisoners during the 1950’s, history buffs and curious minds will surely be impressed with the now defunct prisoner island.

Currency considerations

While some cruisers may prefer paying with cash onboard, many American restaurants and bars are increasingly becoming cashless establishments. Please be sure to bring active credit and debit cards for easy payments.

Customs & traditions

If you’re a foodie looking to enjoy the delectable selections in America, then please be aware of the traditional tipping service expectations. In the United States, it is common to pay between 15-20% for good service while dining in and receiving waiting service. Larger tips are also accepted, but not expected.

Making the most of short stays in port

Though America offers a variety of entertainment and dining options for cruisers, it’s important to keep in mind the size of the United States: it’s vast! Please consider the distance and time travel between preferred attractions, as it is most likely not within walking distance of the port. Make sure to download carshare apps for the fastest, and safest, method of travel, or research public transportation methods beforehand.

All destinations. 

We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

Do I need a visa to enter the United States? 

If you hold a UK or European passport, then it is necessary to hold a tourist visa, also known as an ESTA, to enter the country. However, please check with your official government website for more detailed and currrent information.

What do I wear on a cruise to the USA? 

Holiday attire for a cruise to the USA depends on the region and time of year. However, if you are cruising Florida, typical holiday wear will be perfectly acceptable regardless of the time of year, as it maintains a tropical climate year-round. Like Florida, California also maintains a year-round temperature, with the average being 19 degrees.

What is the legal drinking age in America?

Though the legal drinking age in the UK is 18, the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, so please be aware when travelling with underage passengers. In addition, states may vary between laws surrounding alcohol; for instance, is it illegal to buy alcohol in certain areas in the Southern region.