USA Cruises

Realistically, you’ll need weeks, months even, to be able to explore the entirety of the USA. A deep dive into a region is an excellent way to maximise your time. The cruise regions can be divided into Alaska, New England, Pacific Coast, Hawaii and Florida. Exploring mega metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York City can already take up to a whole week if you really want to experience everything. However, you do so much and cover the major attractions even with limited time if you plan accordingly.

Tipping in the USA is expected and customary, especially in sit-down restaurants and bars. Generally, according to the insider advice, 20% of the total bill is the standard for gratuities unless a service charge is already included. For self-service shops, tipping is discretionary but is still very much appreciated. For airport and hotel door attendants, the norm is 2 USD per bag and a minimum of 5 USD per cart. Giving a tip to hotel housekeepers daily is also recommended. And for cab drivers, you can tip between 10% to 15% of the fare.

In most large cities across the states, it’s convenient to get around using cabs and subways whilst buses offer an affordable alternative. If you plan to hop cities, the best thing to do is to rent a car for  hassle-free transfers. Note that some states require an International Drivers Licence and select car rental agencies have age limits, so be sure to check the rules and regulation of the state you’re visiting prior to your trip.

The best time depends on which region you’re cruising to. If you’re visiting Alaska, the best time would be from May to September. For New England cruises, you can book between September to October, just in time for the fall foliage. Meanwhile, summer is the most ideal season for those who plan to go to the Pacific Coast, including California and Seattle, which normally runs from May through October. For pleasant weather, the most favourable months for cruising to Hawaii would be in April, May, September, and October — with a peak season being in May. Finally, you can enjoy Miami’s best weather from February to May.

With the USA's vast size, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and find it difficult to decide which state to go to. Good things about cruises, you get to visit a lot of destinations in just one trip. If you’re having a hard time choosing the best cruise itinerary, you can consider cruises to Hawaii and Alaska if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Florida is the perfect place for the sand and sea lovers, with miles of pristine beaches in Miami. California has eclectic offerings for those who want to try it all, from sun-drenched beaches to iconic landmarks and spots! And if you’re after action-packed experiences, you’ll find non-stop fun and hustle and bustle in Las Vegas and New York City.