Port Envy: West Coast Edition
With so many amazing destinations surrounding our conveniently located continent, it can be difficult to decide where you want to go, let alone which port of departure will give you the biggest bang for your buck. And while cruise lines will inevitably try to lure you into their tailor-made itineraries, including their own favorite ports, cruising is all about convenience—for you, not for them! Taking into account such factors as time, cost, and entertainment value, choosing a port of departure can be as important as your final destination.
For the sake of geographical convenience, US ports can be grouped into three categories: West Coast, East Coast, and Southeast. In this series of blogs, I’ll introduce you to some of our favorite US ports here at ShipIcons, beginning with the West Coast and making our way east.
Our Top West Coast Departure Ports
If you are planning to depart from anywhere along the Pacific coastline, you are probably headed to Alaska, Hawaii, or somewhere south of the border. And while there are several port cities to choose from, we think the best departure ports for these destinations are Seattle and Los Angeles.
Seattle
If you are preparing to set sail for Alaska, Seattle is definitely your best bet. There are a lot of Alaskan cruises offering plenty of ports of departure. However, Seattle seems to be a favorite among cruisers, as the port is right downtown, where all the action is, and features many hotels, restaurants, and bars for your convenience. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 25 miles away—usually smooth sailing when not attempted during rush hour—and offers a wide range of affordable flights from most US cities.
A major downtown attraction is the Pike Place Market, where you can watch fish fly across the room, or take a turn and try to catch one yourself (caution: slippery when wet!). Seattle is more or less responsible for the evolution of coffee culture in America and offers some of the best caffeinated beverages in the northern hemisphere. So, if you’d like a little less excitement, stop by any number of cafes that saturate the city center (including the first Starbucks, located right next to Pike Place Market). Or, if you just want a bird’s-eye view of this eco-conscious capital, take a tour of the Space Needle—only a monorail ride away—and enjoy a light lunch or cocktail, while spinning around in the sky!
Los Angeles
Heading out of Los Angeles is a great choice for itineraries going to Mexico and Hawaii. Located near Long Beach, the port can easily be reached from Long Beach Airport (15 miles) and is a short drive from Los Angeles International Airport (20 miles). Generally speaking, flights to LAX are some of the cheapest in the country and the airport itself is centrally located near the beach, allowing easy access to the port and plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
If you have a couple days to spare, LA offers a lot to see and do. Just south of the airport lies the beautiful beach cities of Venice and Santa Monica. Both draw a lot of tourist traffic, especially on the weekends, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and people watching to be experienced. Admire surfers, street performers, and graffiti artists in their natural habitat, or take a stroll down the Santa Monica Pier, where a carnival awaits! Head east and catch a glimpse of Hollywood Boulevard, where you can follow the Walk of Fame and see how your hands size up next to the stars of the silver screen. And just a few blocks adjacent are the flashing lights and prime celebrity-spotting opportunities of the Sunset Strip.
Special note: LA is definitely a driving city and does not offer much in the way of public transportation. If you are headed straight for the port, a cab will be cost-effective enough, but if you are hoping to see the city, a rental car is a must! If you are planning on staying overnight and have an early embarkation time, it is best to stay in Long Beach, as the notoriously jam-packed 405 freeway will be your primary route.