Top 10 United States Pacific Coast Cruise Ports
If you prefer smaller more relaxed ports, you can enjoy them in the Pacific northwest and onwards up to Alaska whilst if you prefer big cities, the southern California coast is the place to be.
Most of the main cruise ports on the west coast of the US offer a wide range of itineraries including cruises to Hawaii, the Mexican Riviere, and even trans-Pacific cruises to Asia.
For this list, we have taken lots of aspects into account including what is on offer in port, the choice of itineraries offered and also our own personal views.
Our Top 10 United States Pacific Coast Cruise Ports
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the gateway for cruises of the inside passage and up to the fjords and glaciers of Alaska and for any one has been fortunate enough to spend time cruising that region, they will know just why we have chosen this as our number one pick.
As well as been the starting port for a number of cruise ships from numerous lines heading north, there is also a good choice of attractions in the city for those wanting to spend some time before or after their cruise exploring.
The iconic Space Needle dominates the sky line whilst the famous Pike Place market is the place to grab a bite to eat.
Another great aspect of the port is that it has a good links by air to cities across the US and over here in Europe, including London.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles features high on many peoples bucket lists of destinations to visit thanks to its iconic status as the home of movies.
That makes many of its landmarks instantly recognisable across the globe so what better start to a cruise holiday than spending some time exploring all that LA has to offer?
The cities LAX airport also has good global connections and that makes it a popular choice for those that want to take advantage of the numerous ships departing its port to destinations such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and also Pacific coastal cruises.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is simply full of must visitor attractions and landmarks including its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and its Fisherman’s Wharf district been amongst the most popular.
The great news for those wanting to visit on a cruise is that it features on a number of itineraries for those just wanting to spend a day onshore exploring the best of what is on offer.
On the other hand, if you really want to make the most of your visit and explore everything offered in the city for visitors, there are a number of cruises that start or end in the city and allow you spend a few days either side of your cruise seeing the sights.
Seward, Alaska
If you are wanting to visit Alaska and would like to spend as much time sailing around the region and enjoying the stunning scenery found throughout, then Seward is the port for you.
Located close to the Alaskan capital of Anchorage, just getting to the port is spectacular as the main method is via the Alaskan railway which is an adventure in its own right.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is an often overlooked cruise destination that only tends to feature on Pacific Coastal itineraries but if you are fortunate enough to be on a cruise stopping there, you are in for a great time.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and coffee culture, Portland is surrounded by natural beauty and offers incredible views throughout.
Juneau, Alaska
There is little better than sailing into the port of Juneau via the Gastineau Channel, so you are already in a good mood before you put a foot on land but thankfully the city has lots to offer visitors to keep you happy and entertained.
The Mount Roberts Tramway allows you to take in the incredible views from a whole new prospective whilst there is the opportunity to visit the nearby Mendenhall Glacier.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria in the state of Oregon probably has the fewest ships calling in to out of all of the ports on this list but that in many ways is part of its charm.
The city is the least commercial of all of the ports on this list so you can get a true Pacific north west experienced in the small city that sits at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Out of all of the ports in Alaska, asides from maybe Icy Point Straight, Ketchikan is almost purpose built for tourists as it has a main street right out of the gold rush days, family fun in the from of the lumberjack show and lots of opportunities to enjoy some freshly caught fish and crab.
Skagway, Alaska
When you first visit Skagway, you will feel like you are stepping back in time to the gold rush days and little in many ways has changed since then.
A lot of hard work and sacrifice was made by the early stampeders which can be explored via a ride on the famous White Pass and Yukon railway that dominates the port.
Sitka, Alaska
The beautiful island city of Sitka offers a chance to enjoy a traditional Alaskan experience all whilst been surrounded by the natural beauty that can only be experienced on a cruise of the inside passage.
The city still retains a lot of its fromer Russian heritage and has lots of sights of interest relating to its indigenous Tlingit people.
