In a country that is often larger than life, a Transatlantic cruise along the east coast of the USA is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, with our ships calling in at Boston, Portland and many Canada-based ports, such as Quebec, Sydney and St John’s.
Which US Ports Can I Embark From For My Transatlantic Cruise?
Currently, there’s only one port from which you can begin your USA cruise adventure, but it’s a big one and they don’t get any bigger than New York.
Ahead of departure, you won’t be struggling to pass the time in this humongous and remarkable city, with a range of excursions laid on by MSC Cruises.
In just four hours, you can take a bite of the Big Apple on the guided sightseeing New York Highlights Drive, which takes in Fifth Avenue, Times Square and the Empire State Building amongst many more of the city’s most celebrated landmarks.
With six hours to spare, there’s the opportunity to hop on a ferry over to see The Statue of Liberty and stand at the base of Lady Liberty.
Set aside seven hours and you can see even more of New York’s most sensational sights, including Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall, Chrysler Building, the Metropolitan Museum, Central Park and the Rockefeller Center with its 70-storey Top Of The Rock Observation Deck, as well as the 9/11 Memorial. These are just some of the New York excursions organised by MSC Cruises.
Slight disclaimer: It is possible to begin a voyage with MSC Cruises from another US city - Miami - but the itineraries heading out from here venture south to serve the Caribbean.
What Can I Do On A Cruise From the UK to the US?
Onboard the MSC Meraviglia - the ship currently serving US and Canada cruises - there’s no shortage of things to do.
As the fourth largest ship in the world, it is able to cram in lots of features without ever feeling cramped.
The entertainment is on par with anything you’ll find on Broadway, with no fewer than 12 exclusive performances by Cirque du Soleil At Sea every week in the purpose-built 1,000 sq.m. Carousel Lounge.
There’s also the first full-size bowling alley at sea, one of the most intricate and exciting water parks at sea with three exhilarating waterslides, two Formula 1 virtual reality racing car simulators, ten different areas for dancing, as well as a TV studio, spacious sportplex, multitude of clubs for the youngsters and an entertainment schedule spanning 20 hours every day.
You can also look forward to the best food at sea. MSC Meraviglia’s Kaito Sushi Bar was voted to have the best sushi at sea.
During your stay onboard an MSC Cruises ship, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of staterooms including balcony, oceanview, interior, interior studio, family oceanview/balcony, superfamily - again with/without a balcony or oceanview, a duplex suite, suite with an angle balcony.
Additionally, any guests who opt for the MSC Yacht Club can stay in a range of suites: royal, wellness deluxe, deluxe, and interior.
Deemed to be the epitome of elegance and luxury at sea, the MSC Yacht Club unlocks lavishly appointed suites, around the clock butler service and a dedicated concierge. There’s also a la carte dining in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club Restaurant at your preferred time, as well as unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club venues or from the mini-bar, exclusive access to The One Sun Deck and Top Sail Lounge, and complimentary beverage selection in all onboard bars and restaurants.
Which Ports Can I Visit During a Transatlantic Cruise?
Before booking a Stateside voyage with MSC Cruises, it’s worth knowing which destinations you can visit on a Transatlantic cruise.
Itineraries currently available set out from New York and can take in Bar Harbor, Portland and Boston, before potentially calling in at one of many Canadian ports: Quebec, Sydney, Charlottetown,, St John's, Halifax and Corner Brook - its northernmost stop.
Situated on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay, the town of Bar Harbor is the gateway to the picturesque mountains and cliffs of Acadia National Park. It is also home to the charming Cadillac Mountain, which also offers magnificent views at its summit, and Sand Beach, the island’s only real beach and a tiny 290 yard stretch that sits between mountains and rocky shores.
Time in Portland - Oregon’s largest city - would be well spent sampling its many coffee houses and craft breweries (Portland is considered to be one of the craft beer capitals of the world) or in Tom McCall Waterfront Park or Forest Park.
Meanwhile, Boston - Massachusetts’ largest city and one of North America’s oldest cities, founded in 1639 - offers plenty to unpack for anyone interested in art, music, food, sports and history.
Heading north in Canada, the possible first port call is St John’s. Despite being the largest city of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, it has a distinctively small-town vibe, thanks in part to its charming crayon-coloured Victorian houses on the hills around St John’s Harbour. Here, you’ll be able to embark on many trails or visit The Rooms art museum and Newman Wine Vaults.
Quebec is so vast and densely packed that it is often regarded as a country within a country, containing not just Quebec City but also Montreal - two bustling metropolises with as much life and culture as art and history.
Charlottetown packs in small-town charm and vibrant energy with the beautiful views of Victoria Park and Fort Amherst, which was erected by the British on the remains of Port la Joye to keep watch over the entrance of the bay.
Click here to plan your stateside adventure with MSC Cruises and book a USA cruise!
