Spotlight on the USA
From sunny California beaches and the craggy Arizona desert to the bright lights of NYC and the national parks of New England, the USA has it all. We have had a look at some of our favourite cruise ports around the USA and want to share with you, our readers, why we think you should visit on your next Elite Ocean or Expedition Cruise!
East Coast USA
New York City, New York
New York is without a doubt the most vibrant and multicultural city in the USA. There is something to do all hours of the day so you will never be bored. You can go to a café at Central Park or look at the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island ferry. You can experience places you have seen on TV in real life. Visit pasta restaurants in little Italy, eat dumplings in China Town, enjoy an evening at jazz clubs in Greenwich Village, and take a trip to Broadway. Don't forget a ride to the top of the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Centre before marvelling at the neon lights of Times Square. The Big Apple is alive with culture, architecture, art and cuisine, with its many fascinating museums, clubs, galleries, and bars.
Miami, Florida
The gateway to the Caribbean, Miami is one of the most common ports seen on a USA itinerary. Miami has a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant restaurants, bars, dance clubs, art, and architecture. The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright, brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any holiday-goer. If you visit Miami during your cruise holiday, take the time to enjoy the excitement of the city - or if that's not for you, relax on Miami's golden beaches for the ultimate R&R.
Newport, Rhode Island
Visit the beautiful beaches and varied attractions in the sailing capital of the world, Newport Rhode Island. It is no longer just a destination for the summer, visit the Newport winter festival and the Rhode Island international film festival. A summer beachside retreat, Newport is a great place for both laidback travellers wishing to lounge on the beach, and active travellers keen to take part in thrilling water sports in a stunning location. Plus, visit the historic Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue, some of which are now museums open to the public.
Boston, Massachussetts
Boston is a hub of historic culture, but is also home to a new generation of youthful vibrance due to the vast number of colleges and universities located there. There are beautiful ivy-covered buildings that represent the history of the city and the country’s oldest public park, Boston Common. Visit the information centre at Boston Common to take part in two of the main attractions, which are both beautiful scenic walking tours. The Freedom Trail explores the city’s revolutionary past, whilst the Black Heritage Trail illustrates Boston’s vital place in Black American history. The city holds the first public library and public school as well as beautiful architecture, gardens, museums, galleries, and colonial churches.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Have a walk down West Street in Bar Harbor, Maine, and experience the beautiful old houses of the national historic district. The city serves as a gateway to the mountains and cliffs of Acadia National Park. Towering over the park, Cadillac Mountain has trails and views of the town, the bay, and the beautiful Cranberry Islands, where you will discover the unexpectedly vast biodiversity around the coast, including seals, falcons, ospreys, whales, and puffins as well as more animals inland such as deer, beavers, coyotes, and foxes. Bar Harbor has been a resort town since the 19th century and is the artistic, culinary, and social centre of Mount Desert Island. It is known as the summer haven of the very rich because of its cool breezes, natural landscapes, and blissful quiet away from the hubbub of the larger East Coast cities.
West Coast USA
Los Angeles, California
Experience first-hand the farmed land of the modern mythology, wonderous optimism, and immense creativity. Enjoy the sun-kissed beach culture and popular attractions in the famous City of Angels. LA is not just about Hollywood though, here you will find a variety of attractions and world-famous amusements. You can visit traditional herbalists in China Town, sushi bars and Japanese gardens in Little Tokyo, and enjoy the sounds and tastes of Latino-influenced Olvera Street. There is a rich diversity and culture within LA which is seldom found elsewhere in the world. There are comedy clubs, museums, cinemas, poetry readings, and every kind of music you can imagine. With its bold billboards, bright lights, and fancy cars, LA is a place that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is a historic coastal town nestled by the Pacific Ocean with the Santa Ynez Mountains as its dramatic backdrop. Santa Barbara has beautiful weather, clean air, and revolves around a laidback beach-centred lifestyle. There is so much more to do than just relaxing on beaches however; Santa Barbara attracts both the wealthy weekenders and tourists seeking respite from their chaotic lifestyles. There are lots of bike trails, it is one of the best land-based whale watching sites with over 30 species, plus see the scenic waterfront including Stearns Wharf, which is one of the oldest wharfs on the West Coast. The area also includes highly rated Mexican food and is an excellent destination if you wish to go inland to some of the state's finest wineries.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco prides itself on being individual, down to earth, and cultured. It is one of Americas most attractive cities and is adored because of its colourful history and dramatic setting. San Francisco is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets, Alcatraz, and speakeasies. A popular place to eat and shop is Fisherman’s Wharf where you may be able to spot some seals. San Francisco is populated by diverse cultures that were initially attracted to the city after the discovery of gold in 1848. Now, it is one of the most popular cities to visit in the USA and is home to an electric and vibrant restaurant and bar scene.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle's trend-setting and fashionable nature saw it voted as one of the most liveable cities in the US. The iconic Space Needle represents the young, dynamic, and high-tech population of the city. The city is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and is only an hour away from the wilderness of the USA's most beautiful National Parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Park. This landscape as well as its position along the Pacific Ocean makes Seattle one of the most adventurous cities in the US, offering opportunities for exciting outdoor adventures.
Want to experience this? Give the Panache Cruises team a call on 0161 513 8200 and they'd be happy to help!
