Can Canadians take a cruise without visiting a U.S. port? Yes. Canadian travellers can choose from many cruise itineraries that do not include U.S. ports, including sailings in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Caribbean, Europe, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Asia, and world cruises.
Watch our Cruise Chat that explores cruising without U.S. ports
There are many popular destinations that can be visited without entering the U.S. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when cruising these destinations.
Canada, Greenland and Iceland
For those wishing to experience Canada, Greenland or Iceland there are options for journeys focused on these incredible ports of call.
These cruise experiences may include: the Canadian East Coast, Greenland’s icebergs, Iceland’s volcanic coastlines, Labrador’s wild landscapes, Baffin Island, Nunavut, and the Northwest Passage. Cruises from Canada depart from Montreal.
Some cruise lines that offer these itineraries include: Azamara, Oceania, Seabourn, Holland America, Viking and more.
Planning a Canada or Atlantic cruise? Read about all that Canada’s East Coast has to offer in the Port of Halifax.
Caribbean Cruises without U.S. Ports
If you are planning a Caribbean cruise, there are options to fly into a Caribbean destination and embark on your cruise from there. Some amazing starting points for your Caribbean cruise include Barbados, St. Maarten, Colombia and Panama. Of course there are many other options and our travel advisors can point you to the one that best suits your needs.
Some of the cruise lines that offer Caribbean based itineraries: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC, Princess Cruises, Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar.
Listen to our podcast: The Caribbean, Reimagined: Cruising Without U.S. Ports
Europe
With a variety of European destinations from the Mediterranean to the Baltics, European ports offer diverse options. Some of the more popular European Cruise options for Canadian travellers include:
Most cruise lines offer European-based cruises, let our expert advisors find the perfect ship and itinerary for your budget and lifestyle.
Looking for inspiration, read our blog “Ten Must-See Mediterranean Cruise Destinations“
South Pacific
Island-hopping never looked better. For many travellers, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fiji, and Vanuatu are bucket-list destinations because they offer experiences that are difficult to replicate anywhere else in the world. Experience turquoise lagoons, unforgettable scenery, unique cultures, and the chance to visit places most people only see in travel magazines.
Cruise lines that offer South Pacific based cruises include: Paul Gauguin and Windstar
Australia and New Zealand
Discover two spectacular destinations, Australia and New Zealand. Explore vibrant cities like Sydney and Auckland alongside breathtaking natural wonders, from New Zealand’s dramatic fjords and geothermal landscapes to Australia’s stunning coastlines and unique wildlife.
Most cruise lines offer Australia and New Zealand based cruises, our expert advisors can help find the perfect cruise for your budget and lifestyle.
Long-Haul Cruising
If you are dreaming bigger, long-haul cruising opens the door to unforgettable destinations around the world. Options may include the culture of Thailand and Japan, wildlife encounters in the Galapagos, expedition cruising in Antarctica, and extended voyages across multiple continents. Many cruise lines offer extended voyages and “world” cruises for travellers who want a more immersive cruise experience.
Considering a world cruise? Watch our World Cruise Chat with special guests and avid cruises, Alex and Tammy Pettes.
Read all about the Holland America “Grand Voyages” and ask our advisors about other bucket list cruises to add to your list.
With so many destinations to choose from, it might be hard to find a starting point for planning your next cruise. You can always search for non-US port deals or contact your Vacations for Canadians Travel Advisor to help find the perfect cruise for you.
Are cruises from non-U.S. ports more expensive than cruises departing from Florida?
You may find that flight costs to international embarkation points are higher. Some international flights may be significantly more than flights to or from common U.S. cruise getaways depending on the destination, season, airline and routing. The itineraries on international cruises are typically longer than the standard 7-day US-based options, resulting in additional expenses for excursions, insurance, and gratuities. These factors will impact your overall budget, but they can also create memorable, once in a lifetime travel experiences.
What documents do I need for a cruise departing from Europe, the Caribbean, or Canada?
Travel document requirements vary by destination, passport, cruise line, and itinerary. Sherpa is a good website to check your travel requirements, including passports, visas, entry requirements, and travel insurance.
Because entry rules can change, we recommend reviewing requirements before booking and again before final payment and departure. Your Vacations for Canadians travel advisor can also help point you toward the right resources for your itinerary.
Which cruise lines offer cruises that don’t stop at any U.S. ports?
Depending on your itinerary, and departure port there are a wide variety of cruise lines from contemporary to luxury that offer non U.S. cruise itineraries.
Can I add extra days before or after a non U.S. cruise?
If you choose to add a few extra days to your vacation to take advantage of the opportunity to explore a more exotic departure port, either before or after your cruise, you can find pre-and-post cruise tours here or if travelling by land is more your style, visit our land tours page to learn more.
Ready to Plan a Cruise Without U.S. Ports?
Search our non-U.S. port cruise deals or contact a Vacations for Canadians travel advisor to start planning your next cruise. We can help you narrow down the best destinations, departure ports, cruise lines, and itineraries for your travel style and budget.
