United States and Canada Cruises

Because North America offers something new in every season, there’s never a bad time to holiday in the region. Because of this, North America cruises to the United States and Canada are available year-round with MSC Cruises. And while there’ll always be plenty to see and do, autumn is seen as a particularly enjoyable time to embark on a United States cruise or a Canada cruise, thanks to fall foliage igniting in cities like Boston, New York and Quebec, all boasting spectacular displays of orange, red and yellow leaves. Meanwhile, an Alaska cruise with MSC Cruises is available between May and October, ensuring that guests experience optimum weather and wildlife viewing conditions.

The weather in the United States and Canada is often comfortable, especially in the New England region and on Canada's east coast. On a United States cruise to ports like Boston and New York, guests might experience sunny days, with temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s (Celsius) during summer months, while spring and autumn welcome crisp, breezier days, with highs reaching single digit temperatures in Celsius. On a Canada cruise, cities like Quebec and Charlottetown experience pleasant and mild summers, with highs in the 20s (Celsius), while winter brings chillier temperatures and the possibility of snow. Alaska's weather is beautiful in the summer and early autumn months between May and October, with temperatures hovering between 10-20 degrees Celsius.

Spend your North America holidays with MSC Cruises and visit thriving, exciting port cities in the United States and Canada, including New York, Galveston, San Diego and San Francisco. Other ports on a United States cruise may include Boston and Los Angeles. Those setting off on an Alaska cruise will need to embark from Seattle, with ports of call during an Alaska cruise including Ketchikan, Icy Strait/Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Sitka and Victoria. When on a Canada cruise with MSC Cruises, some of the serene, nature-filled ports can include Halifax, Quebec, Sydney, Corner Brook, Charlottetown and Saint John.

Great news: MSC Cruises offers a range of North America cruise options that can fit any budget. This means you can immerse yourself in bustling cityscapes or serene natural environments without fretting about costs. So, whatever you’re dreaming about for your next holiday, rest assured that there’ll be a North America cruise deal to fit in with your plans. Start planning your next well-earned trip now.

On a United States cruise or a Canada cruise, it's a good idea to pack clothes suitable for both cooler and warmer temperatures. Think layers – add in a scarf and hat for later in the day when temperatures drop or pair your T-shirt with an overshirt to help out with any mildly chillier weather. If you’re planning on enjoying any nature-based excursions during your holidays with MSC Cruises, it's essential to pack trainers, socks and breathable tops and trousers to ensure maximum comfort – perhaps when you’re exploring the serene wilderness of Alaska or the misty mountains of Canada's eastern coast. It’s also a good idea to pack a few smarter options for onboard your cruise, as these will fit in well with some of the more formal evening dinners and gala nights.

The currency in the United States is the US dollar (USD), while Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD).

On your USA holidays, when visiting cities like New York and Boston on the East Coast, you'll be using Eastern Standard Time (EST). If you're embarking on an Alaska cruise from Seattle on the West Coast, you'll be in Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is three hours behind the East Coast. Most Alaskan cities (including the capital, Juneau) use Alaska Standard Time (AKST), which is one hour behind the West Coast. While visiting destinations on your Canada holidays, you will be in Eastern Standard Time in cities like Quebec, while Saint John, located in the New Brunswick province, along with Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia, are in Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT), or an hour ahead of Eastern Daylight time (EDT). Corner Brook in Newfoundland uses Newfoundland Standard Time (NT), which is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time (AST).

Cruises to the United States and Canada usually range between six to 10 nights in length. Itineraries include routes from ever-energetic and attraction-packed New York to sun-kissed and beach-blessed Bermuda. Other itineraries feature the wild, untamed beauty of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, and New England – on the United States’ East Coast – where it’s easy to combine city charms with scenic sightseeing. Cruises to Alaska (embarking from Seattle) are seven-night trips, allowing you to get the most from this unique region over the course of a week.

On cruises in the United States and Canada, the best things to do put you up close and personal with riveting history and replete natural beauty – not to mention unforgettable shopping and dining experiences. Get to the heart of modern life in the United States by exploring bucket list-worthy attractions in New York. Soak up the energy of Times Square, gaze in wonder at the Statue of Liberty and get a poignant history lesson at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration – and don’t forget to explore the green oasis of Central Park. Boston is another must-see on any United States trip, not least due to its connections to key historical sites and monuments. Learn more by following the Freedom Trail or on a walking tour of the city’s historic hotspots. A scenic cruise from Boston Harbour also comes highly recommended. Cruises to Canadian destinations boast seemingly endless views of natural wonders. Quebec is a great place to start appreciating Canada’s nature-rich lands, through a visit to gorgeous rural towns like Lac-Beauport. Plus, from Quebec it’s super-easy to access the immense Montmorency Falls. An Alaska cruise is a chance to stand and marvel at the glistening might of the Mendenhall Glacier – easily accessible from the Alaskan capital, Juneau, or to explore Alaskan culture in locations like colourful Ketchikan or via the thriving traditional crafts scene of Icy Strait and Hoonah.