Cruising From the U.S.A.

By Maureen L. King Vacationers can now choose from 25 departure ports around the country       In the past several years, there has been an increased demand among American travelers for more close-to-home cruise departure ports. According to statistics from Cruise Lines International Association, the official trade organization for the industry, people are more likely to cruise when given a greater choice of home embarkation options.       And the cruise lines are taking notice, positioning their ships in port cities down the East Coast, along the Gulf of Mexico and in the West. Getting to a cruise ship is easier and more convenient than ever, and vacationers who want to avoid the hassles of heightened airport security and long flights can drive, take a train or hop on a bus to a cruise ship.       Driving to a U.S.-based ship means saving on airfare, too. And more money in your wallet means you can splurge on bigger and better cruise accommodations.       Following is a description of 25 U.S. departure ports, listed from east to west. Some major lines offer cruises year-round from a particular city, while others have seasonal sailings or just one or two departures. Boston, MA       Massachusetts' capital city is best explored on foot or aboard a trolley. Stroll through 16 historic sites on the Freedom Trail or stop at Cheers Beacon Hill, the restaurant and bar that inspired the television show "Cheers." Across the Charles River, Cambridge is home to Harvard University, the nation's oldest institution of higher education. For discounts on cruises from Boston, click New York City, NY       Nothing quite compares to sailing into New York Harbor with Lady Liberty standing proudly and the skyscrapers of Manhattan Island filling the horizon. The possibilities are endless in this bustling city, with museums, universities, famous landmarks and world-class entertainment venues. Take in a dazzling Broadway show, experience the energy of Times Square, tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art or visit the Empire State Building. For discounts on cruises from New York City, click Philadelphia, PA       The birthplace of freedom offers numerous attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Nighttime entertainment abounds on South Street, where intimate jazz, comedy and rock clubs come alive. Clothes and shoes are tax-free here, making shopping another popular activity. For discounts on cruises from Philadelphia, click Bayonne, NJ       Once home to oil refineries, Bayonne is now a center of business and technology. Highlights include the Bayonne Bridge, more than 15 recreational parks and shopping in the town center. The city is convenient to the amenities of New York City. For discounts on cruises from Bayonne, click Baltimore, MD       At Baltimore's Inner Harbor, you can sample fresh seafood from Chesapeake Bay or see underwater creatures up close at the Baltimore Aquarium, home to more than 10,500 sharks, dolphins, stingrays and tropical fish. The Fort McHenry National Monument, birthplace of the national anthem, is open year-round. For discounts on cruises from Baltimore, click Norfolk, VA       Discover the city's rich seafaring heritage at Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, which features the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the USS Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Take a walking tour on Cannonball Trail, where 40 historic sites tell the story of Norfolk's past. For discounts on cruises from Norfolk, click Charleston, SC       Founded in 1670, Charleston boasts historic churches, forts, homes and estates, including the Boone Hall and Magnolia plantations. Experience this gracious Southern city on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the downtown district or board a tour boat and visit the Fort Sumter National Monument, a Civil War memorial. For discounts on cruises from Charleston, click Jacksonville, FL       Jacksonville's location along the St. Johns River and year-round mild climate provide the ideal setting for outdoor sports like golfing, fishing and kayaking. Shop at Jacksonville Landing, a waterfront marketplace with a variety of shops and restaurants, or visit the city's Zoological Gardens and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. For discounts on cruises from Jacksonville, click Port Canaveral, FL       Situated on Florida's Space Coast, this port city is a recreational playground with three waterside parks and miles of fun-filled beaches. The Cove, a retail district on the harbor, offers dining and shopping options. Port Canaveral is within access of Orlando attractions as well as the Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. For discounts on cruises from Port Canaveral, click Fort Lauderdale, FL       Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of beautiful beaches are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing. Popular excursions include glass-bottom boat tours over spectacular coral reefs and airboat tours through the Everglades, a subtropical nature preserve. For discounts on cruises from Fort Lauderdale, click Miami, FL       Sun-kissed beaches, exciting attractions and an array of interesting neighborhoods make Miami a world-class vacation destination. Tour the city's Art Deco Historic District on Rollerblades or shop for the latest fashions on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The port of Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world, hosting nearly 2 million departing passengers in 2003. For discounts on cruises from Miami, click Tampa, FL       White-sand beaches and blue-green waters await the thousands of cruise passengers who make their way to Tampa Bay each year. Charter a sunset cruise or experience a heart-pounding thrill ride on one of the many roller coasters at Busch Gardens. Other area favorites include the Florida Aquarium and Ybor City, once known as the cigar capital of the world. For discounts on cruises from Tampa, click Mobile, AL       Situated on Alabama's Gulf Coast, Mobile exudes Southern charm. History buffs will enjoy touring the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and Fort Conde Museum, a replica of the 18th-century fort, where tour guides fire muskets and cannons. Take a relaxing river cruise through Bellingrath Gardens, a magnificent floral display on more than 65 acres. For discounts on cruises from Mobile, click New Orleans, LA       With its thriving jazz scene and unique Creole heritage, the Big Easy has a culture all its own. New Orleans is well known for its famous hot spots, the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Feed a hungry alligator on an exciting swamp tour or join other partygoers in celebrating Mardi Gras. For discounts on cruises from New Orleans, click Galveston, TX       Surfers, boaters and birders alike are drawn to Galveston's 32 miles of beaches on the Texas Gulf Coast. More than just a resort destination, this city boasts a rich history preserved in hundreds of historic homes and landmarks. Stroll down the Strand, home to quaint shops, restaurants and art galleries, or visit Moody Gardens, where a tropical rain forest is enclosed in a 10-story pyramid. For discounts on cruises from Galveston, click Houston, TX       The fourth-largest city in the nation offers a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions, including NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Houston Zoo. The Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts are among 15 top-notch museums near downtown. Catch performances of the Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony in the renowned Theater District. The Port of Houston and the Port of Galveston both serve cruise passengers. For discounts on cruises from Houston, click San Diego, CA       With beautiful weather and 70 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, San Diego draws numerous tourists every year. Check out Balboa Park, America's largest urban cultural park, with 15 museums, spectacular gardens and the famous San Diego Zoo. Watch killer whales perform at SeaWorld or explore Gaslamp Quarter, one of the city's many diverse neighborhoods. For discounts on cruises from San Diego, click Long Beach, CA       Situated about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach is the permanent home of the Queen Mary ocean liner, which transported thousands of passengers in its heyday. The ship retired to Long Beach in 1967 and now serves as a hotel. The Aquarium of the Pacific showcases more than 12,000 underwater creatures from the Pacific Ocean. For discounts on cruises from Long Beach, click Los Angeles, CA       The second-largest city in the nation has everything from fascinating cultural attractions and museums to star-studded neighborhoods like Hollywood and Bel Air. Must-sees include Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios and Chinatown. Don't leave L.A. without shopping on Rodeo Drive or driving down Sunset Strip. For discounts on cruises from Los Angeles, click San Francisco, CA       Sail under the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge into the sparkling waters of San Francisco Bay. Favorite activities range from touring Alcatraz Island and the lush wine country of nearby Napa Valley to riding a classic cable car through downtown. Home to a playful sea lion population, Fisherman's Wharf is another popular destination. For discounts on cruises from San Francisco, click Seattle, WA       Located on Puget Sound in the scenic Pacific Northwest, Seattle is rich with maritime heritage. Shop for fresh fruits and seafood at Pike Place Market or enjoy breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains from the 607-foot Space Needle. Take a whale-watching excursion or sightsee aboard a ferry. For discounts on cruises from Seattle, click Fairbanks, AK       Once a booming mining town, Fairbanks serves as the gateway to Alaska's interior. For a truly Alaskan adventure, go on a dog-sledding expedition or try your luck panning for gold. From late August to April, watch the Northern Lights create a colorful display in the sky. For discounts on cruise tours that visit Fairbanks, click Whittier, AK       About 65 miles from Anchorage, this small port town is accessible by the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America's longest vehicle tunnel. Enjoy a relaxing wildlife or glacier cruise through the Prince William Sound and watch for humpback whales, sea lions and bald eagles. For discounts on cruises from Whittier, click Anchorage (Seward), AK       Vast wilderness expanses and majestic mountains surround Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Discover the beauty of Chugach State Park and Denali National Park and Preserve, where Mount McKinley dominates the scenic landscape. In Seward, take a day cruise into the Kenai Fjords National Park. For discounts on cruises from Anchorage (Seward), click Honolulu, HI       As Hawaii's capital city and major port, Honolulu offers the ultimate tropical paradise for cruise passengers. Thrill-seeking surfers can ride the colossal waves of the North Shore or relax on Waikiki Beach. If you prefer to stay dry, you can tour historic sites like Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor, home of the USS Arizona Memorial. For discounts on cruises from Honolulu, click For more information on cruises from any of these ports, call Vacations To Go at 800-338-4962.

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