norwegian cruises out of baltimore

Baltimore, MD

Cruises from Baltimore depart year-round. Baltimore is centrally located on the U.S. East Coast, within a four-hour drive or less of major cities such as New York, NY; Harrisburg and Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Trenton, NJ; and Washington, DC. Baltimore also is connected by rail to cities along the Northeast Corridor.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Cruise Maryland Terminal at the Port of Baltimore 2001 E. McComas Street Baltimore, MD 21230 The Cruise Maryland Terminal at the Port of Baltimore is approximately 30 minutes from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and curbside taxi service at the airport can take you to and from the port. Parking is $15.00 per day (rates are subject to change by the MD Port Administration). Traveling From the South - Follow I-95 North to Exit 55, Key Highway. From the ramp, stay straight on East McComas Street. The South Locust Point Cruise Terminal's entrance is on the right. Traveling From the North - Follow I-95 South through the Ft. McHenry Tunnel, and be sure to be in the right lane when going through the tunnel. Take Exit 55, Key Highway. Turn left at the traffic light onto East McComas Street. Follow the signs to the South Locust Point Cruise Terminal's entrance on the right.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Norwegian Cruise Line Has a Brand-new Home Port in Baltimore — Where It Will Sail

The cruise line will homeport two ships, the Norwegian Sky and the Norwegian Sun, out of the Maryland city.

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has docked two ships in Baltimore, calling the Maryland city a long term home for the first time ever.

The cruise line will homeport two ships, the Norwegian Sky and the Norwegian Sun , out of the Port of Baltimore for the first time, sailing cruises to Canada and New England , Bermuda , and the Caribbean , the company shared with Travel + Leisure . The ships will remain in the city for the fall and winter seasons.

 "Today marks a history-making moment for Norwegian Cruise Line, as we sail from the vibrant city of Baltimore for the first time," David J. Herrera, the president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement shared with T+L. "Our voyages from the Port of Baltimore offer guests the best that cruising on the East Coast has to offer, with a convenient homeport option that allows them to experience both the breathtaking fall foliage of Canada and New England and warm weather winter escapes in Bermuda and the Caribbean.”

The Norwegian Sky kicked off sailings from Baltimore on Friday with a 10-day voyage to New England and Canada, including stops in Martha’s Vineyard, Boston, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Starting in November, the Norwegian Sun will sail from the city to Bermuda as well as to the Caribbean. 

The Norwegian Sky will then return to Baltimore in September 2024.

In addition to Norwegian , both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line count the Port of Baltimore as a homeport. The Cruise Maryland Terminal sits just about 15 minutes southeast of the city itself and offers plenty of parking to make embarking and disembarking easy.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said in the statement Norwegian’s decision to call Baltimore home shows the cruise line recognizes “that Maryland’s Port of Baltimore is an amazing partner, offering convenient access and outstanding service."

With the new location, Norwegian now counts more than 50 homeport locations around the world.

Related Articles

Baltimore Cruise Guide > Cruise Lines > Norwegian Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises to Canada from Baltimore. The trips are on the popular Norwegian Sky ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the largest lines operating in the United States. They are known for their innovative "freestyle cruising", which gives you options for doing what you want, when you want on your cruise vacation. The cruises are affordable and casual.

11-day New England & Canada cruise on Norwegian Sky. One-way from Baltimore to Quebec City (Canada). Visit Boston (Massachusetts), Bar Harbor (Maine), St John (New Brunswick), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Saguenay (Quebec). • 2024 departure: September 7.

• Business Directory
• COUPONS, HAPPY HOURS, & SPECIALS
• Federal Hill
• Locust Point
• Port Covington
• Real Estate News
• Featured Listing
• Commercial Spotlight
• Rental Spotlight
• Middle Branch
• Barre Circle
• Ridgely’s D.
• Carroll-Camden
• Stadium Area
• Sharp Leadenhall
• Cherry Hill

Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to the Port of Baltimore

Norwegian Cruise Line has returned to the Port of Baltimore, joining Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. There are now five cruise ships scheduling trips out of Baltimore.

Maryland Port Administration press release:

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore today welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line to Maryland to begin a fall and winter sailing schedule. For the first time in the company’s history, Norwegian will have two ships homeporting from Maryland: Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun. The ships will offer cruises from Baltimore to New England and Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. “Norwegian is one of the top cruise lines in the world, and they recognize that Maryland’s Port of Baltimore is an amazing partner, offering convenient access and outstanding service,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line heightens the impact of cruising as an economic engine for our state. The industry already generates nearly 400 jobs and $63 million in annual local business revenues.” Norwegian Sky embarks today on a 10-day New England and Canada cruise, with visits to Martha’s Vineyard; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, Quebec; and Quebec City. On September 21, Norwegian Sky will sail on an 11-day New England and Canada cruise. In addition, Norwegian Sun will offer warm weather escapes with a five-day Bermuda cruise November 22 and three, 12-day voyages to the Caribbean on November 27, December 9 and December 21. Norwegian Sky also will return to the Port of Baltimore in September 2024. The Port of Baltimore has offered year-round cruising since 2009. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, the Port averaged more than 200,000 passengers annually. Following a cruise industry-wide pause during the pandemic, Baltimore’s passenger counts have strongly rebounded, with its ships currently sailing at full capacity. Baltimore’s cruise terminal is located right off Interstate 95 and offers plenty of onsite parking. “Today marks a history-making moment for Norwegian Cruise Line, as we sail from the vibrant city of Baltimore for the first time,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our voyages from the Port of Baltimore offer guests the best that cruising on the East Coast has to offer, with a convenient homeport option that allows them to experience both the breathtaking fall foliage of Canada and New England and warm weather winter escapes in Bermuda and the Caribbean.  As we continue to grow our fleet of now 19 ships, we actively look for new opportunities and communities to introduce the Norwegian Cruise Line experience. “This fall, we’ll also celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Military Appreciation program, where we honor active and retired service members with exclusive offers and onboard experiences,” Mr. Herrera said. “Given the strong military community in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, we look forward to having these service members participate in our program and join us at sea soon.” More than 40 million people are within a six-hour drive of Baltimore, and two-thirds of the nation’s population are within an overnight drive of Baltimore. “We’re very happy to have Norwegian, one of the top cruise lines in the world, sailing from the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Port Administration – Port of Baltimore Interim Acting Executive Director Brian Miller. “Our cruise terminal’s unique location allows for easy access for cruise passengers from many Eastern and Midwestern states. Our local market is also one of the wealthiest in the nation. These are significant reasons why we’ve been successful as a cruise port.” The Port of Baltimore generates about 15,300 direct jobs, with nearly 140,000 jobs overall linked to Port activities. The Port is first among the nation’s ports for autos and light truck volume, roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery and imported gypsum. The Port is responsible for nearly $3.3 billion in personal wages and salaries, $2.6 billion in business revenue and $395 million in state and local tax revenue annually.

Photo from Maryland Port Administration

Related Posts

About the Author: News Release

• StumbleUpon

Holiday Decorating Contest Gallery

Dogs of SoBo Gallery

• Real Estate

© 2024 SouthBMore.com. WordPress Theme by Solostream.

• Caribbean Travel Advisor
• Advertising

Frontier Launches Eight New Nonstop Flights to Puerto Rico 

Norwegian Launching Caribbean Cruises From Baltimore

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding a new port for Caribbean cruises: the Port of Baltimore. 

Norwegian has begun its first-ever season cruising out of the Port of Baltimore, from which it will be kicking off a Caribbean season beginning in late November. 

On November 27, Norwegian will begin operating a mix of 12-day voyages to the Caribbean on its Norwegian Sky ship. NCL is also sailing a five-day Bermuda cruise on November 22. 

Norwegian Sky will also return to Baltimore in September 2024. 

“We’re very happy to have Norwegian, one of the top cruise lines in the world, sailing from the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Port Administration – Port of Baltimore Interim Acting Executive Director Brian Miller. “Our cruise terminal’s unique location allows for easy access for cruise passengers from many Eastern and Midwestern states. Our local market is also one of the wealthiest in the nation. These are significant reasons why we’ve been successful as a cruise port.”

— CJ

From Belize to Grenada, 10 Little Caribbean Beach Resorts to Visit Right Now 

There are different resorts for different vacations, different tastes, different moods. For some, there’s something delicious about a pint-sized, tiny Caribbean resort, where the emphasis is on the intimate, the serene. Where the soundtrack isn’t a piped-in DJ set, but […]

Marriott Is Opening Its New St Regis Resort In Aruba 

It was more than a decade ago that Marriott opened its first-ever Ritz-Carlton resort in the Dutch Caribbean: the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, which at the time was the island’s first true five-star resort.  Fast forward to 2024, and Marriott is set […]

Curacao Travel Is Booming, With More Hotels, Added Flights and a New Energy 

The colorful streets of Willemstad; the floating bridge; the all-day party at Mambo Beach; the endless possibilities at Jan Thiel. Curacao has always been one of the most diverse places to visit in the region. Now, travelers have finally started […]

How to Attend Eric Ripert's Legendary Cayman Cookout

It’s one of the most legendary culinary events, well, anywhere in the world: Cayman Cookout, Chef Eric Ripert’s gastronomic festival at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.  And it’s back again this winter for what will be its 16th annual event.  The […]

Travel Leaders President John Lovell Talks Caribbean Tourism

Internova Travel Group’s Travel Leaders Group has a massive footprint in the travel industry, generating gross travel sales of almost $21 billion every year, through its consortia, host agency and its specialty agencies in everything from cruise to leisure. That […]

How to Fly to the Perfect Caribbean Beach  

When it comes to the perfect beach, you know it when you see it.  The brightness of the sand, the brilliance of the blue, that perfect permutation of palm trees dotting the shore.  We’ve been to more Caribbean beaches than […]

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.

• GET EMAIL ALERTS
•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Norwegian cruise line launches inaugural voyage from baltimore.

Baltimore becomes home port for Norwegian Sky, Sun with voyages to New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Norwegian Cruise Line launched its first season from Baltimore, offering new fall and winter voyages to New England and Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore on Friday welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line to Maryland. For the first time in Norwegian's history, two of its ships will have a home port in Maryland, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun.

"The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line heightens the impact of cruising as an economic engine for our state. The industry already generates nearly 400 jobs and $63 million in annual local business revenues," Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said in a statement.

"Today marks a history-making moment for Norwegian Cruise Line, as we sail from the vibrant city of Baltimore for the first time," David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement. "Our voyages from the Port of Baltimore offer guests the best that cruising on the East Coast has to offer, with a convenient homeport option that allows them to experience both the breathtaking fall foliage of Canada and New England and warm weather winter escapes in Bermuda and the Caribbean."

More than 40 million people are within a six-hour drive of Baltimore, and two-thirds of the nation's population is within an overnight drive of Baltimore, according to the Maryland Port Administration.

"Our cruise terminal's unique location allows for easy access for cruise passengers from many Eastern and Midwestern states," Brian Miller, interim acting executive director of the Port of Baltimore, said in a statement. "Our local market is also one of the wealthiest in the nation. These are significant reasons why we’ve been successful as a cruise port."

Norwegian Sky on Friday embarked on a 10-day New England and Canada cruise, with visits to Martha's Vineyard; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, Quebec; and Quebec City. The Sky will sail on an 11-day New England and Canada cruise on Sept. 21.

The Norwegian Sun will offer warm-weather escapes with a five-day Bermuda cruise setting sail on Nov. 22, in addition to three 12-day voyages to the Caribbean on Nov. 27, Dec. 9 and Dec. 21.

The Sky also will return to the Port of Baltimore in September 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line to Sail from Baltimore in 2023

• September 11, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding Baltimore to its homeport lineup in 2023, according to published deployment.

Returning to the company’s schedule for after a long hiatus, the port will host the Norwegian Sky for a short fall program according to cruises available to book on Norwegian’s website.

Between September and October, the 2,000-guest vessel is set to offer a series of Canada and New England itineraries that either depart from or end at the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

With visits to several ports in the region, the ten- and 11-night cruises will be operated in the open-jaw format, sailing between Baltimore and Quebec City.

In addition to popular ports, such as Halifax and Bar Harbor, the itineraries also include stops at unusual cruise destinations, including Shelburne, Oak Bluffs and Baie-Comeau.

Upon completing its season in the Northeast, the Norwegian Sky is set to sail back to Miami to resume its schedule of Bahamas and Caribbean cruises.

A return to Baltimore is planned in 2024, when the vessel is poised to another short program in Canada and New England.  

Built in 1999, the Norwegian Sky was originally launched in 1999. Extensively refurbished over the years, the 77,000-ton vessel was subjected to a major refit in 2019 .

At the time, it received new venues and updates to its spaces and public areas.

All staterooms and suites were also redesigned, receiving new televisions and USB outlets, as well as brand new carpet, artwork, furniture, lighting and balcony decking.

The vessel was also saw the addition of a Starbucks coffee shop, becoming one of the first to have a full-service licensed store in the fleet.

In addition to Norwegian, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are set to sail from Baltimore in 2023.

Both cruise lines sail from the port on a year-round basis, offering itineraries to varied destinations, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and more. 

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

62 Ships | 142,732 Berths | $46.7 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise from Baltimore, Maryland

Start your next cruise adventure from baltimore.

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

THE BUZZ ABOUT BALTIMORE 

What draws so many people to Baltimore? Perhaps it's the top places to visit in Baltimore the world-famous and historic inner harbor which boasts tall ships and reveals the city's maritime legacy. Or maybe it's the star-shaped Fort McHenry, the birthplace of America's "Star-Spangled Banner" anthem. Or maybe it's the world-renowned museums, award-winning restaurants or jazz music scene. Not to mention, the city is a gateway to everywhere from the Northeast and Canada, to the exotic Caribbean islands and Bermuda. Celebrate sports at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, view world's largest collection of art by Henri Matisse at the Baltimore Museum of Art or gaze at the 55 centuries worth of art within the walls of The Walters Art Museum. Whatever you choose to experience during your cruise from Baltimore, you'll surely come to understand why so many return to Charm City.

ANCHORED IN ADVENTURE

Cruise from Baltimore to a one-of-a-kind escape that has something for every kind of adventurer. Soak up the sun along the turquoise waters of the Bahamas or revel in the southern charm and laid-back coastal culture of Charleston, South Carolina .

VISION OF THE SEAS

If you love memory maxing, you’ll love Vision of the Seas® — where you’ll always find plenty of incredible ways to fill your days at sea. Reach new heights on the rock-climbing wall 40 feet above deck. Indulge in gourmet globe-trotting with mouthwatering dishes from Italy to Japan. And applaud dazzling Broadway-style entertainment.

EXPLORE VISION OF THE SEAS

FROM BALTIMORE TO THE BAHAMAS

Baltimore is your gateway to a thrilling getaway to the tropics. From postcard-perfect beaches at Grand Bahama Island to record-breaking thrills and endless ways to chill at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay — memory maxing adventures await you onboard Enchantment of the Seas®.

EXPLORE BAHAMAS CRUISES

Baltimore Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in baltimore.

Nautical Ties

Inner Harbor Downtown Dock Ship, Baltimore, Maryland

No visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the historic Inner Harbor. Step aboard a collection of impressive ships— a Pearl Harbor-era cutter, a 1930s lightship, a sail-powered warship dating back to 1797. Then stroll around brick walkways flanked by chic boutiques, restaurants serving Mid-Atlantic seafood, and photo-worthy views of the water.

Star Of The Show

American Flag Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland

Relive the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, where in 1814, by dawn’s early light, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States’ national anthem. Enter this star-shaped citadel to follow a period costumed guide around the grounds, watch an educational film, and see a replica of the 15-starred American flag.

Water Logged

Cruises from Baltimore facilitate encounters with almost 20,000 sea creatures spanning seven stories of interactive exhibits at the National Aquarium. Widely considered one of the best in America, this mind-boggling aquatic space includes a rooftop rainforest, multistory shark tank and reef recreations that are home to sea turtles, stingrays, bottlenose dolphins, sharks and more.

Local Cuisine

You can’t leave Baltimore without feasting on Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, which are steamed in Old Bay seasoning or served as golden brown cakes. Little Italy’s trattorias serve up pasta, tiramisu and cannoli— and National Bohemian Beer, lovingly nicknamed Natty Boh, is a local staple. Lexington Market is a foodie’s paradise where nearly 100 vendors shuck raw bar fare, plus enjoy deli sandwiches and the famous Berger cookie.

Satisfy all your souvenir needs and more at Harborplace, a festival marketplace during your Baltimore cruise. Mount Vernon’s Antique Row houses a string of retailers dating to the 1840s. The Hampden neighborhood is known for indie stores and vintage clothing outfitters— or browse Thames Street in Fells Point for vinyl records, books and trendy clothing.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Cruise Ships Resume Sailing from Port of Baltimore After Bridge Collapse

The sailings come just days after the Port of Baltimore officially reopened the channel.

Cruise ships are once again sailing out of Baltimore, just a couple months after a deadly bridge collapse causing voyages to change course.

The port, which shut down in March following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, welcomed Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas on Sunday, followed by the Carnival Pride on Monday. The Vision of the Seas sailed a 5-night voyage to Bermuda , while the Carnival Pride embarked on a 14-day voyage to Greenland and Canada.

“Just a week ago, this terminal was being utilized as an incident command post. In one week, it’s been transformed back to starting out that guest experience,” Jonathan Daniels, the director for the Port of Baltimore, said in a video posted to X as cruisers got ready to board the Royal Caribbean ship in the background. “[The] Port of Baltimore is back — cruising is back. It’s absolutely great to be able to welcome everybody here.”

The sailings come just days after the Port of Baltimore officially reopened the channel following the refloat and removal of the cargo ship that crashed into the bridge. The channel now has a depth of 50 feet and a horizontal clearance of 400 feet.

The port is home to three major lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival were forced to reroute their ships after the bridge collapsed in the early hours of the morning on March 26.

Norwegian, which first launched cruises from the Maryland port last year , previously told Travel + Leisure the company wasn’t scheduled to return to the port until September. 

While smaller than some other homeports, Baltimore hosted 444,000 passengers on cruises out of the city’s port in 2023, according to the government . The port also brings in more than $63 million to Maryland's economy and is responsible for 400 jobs.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

• Cruise From

Baltimore, MD

• Carnival Pride

* Coming Soon

Set sail from the Charm City’s historic harbor on Carnival cruises from Baltimore, Maryland. Many of Baltimore’s vibrant neighborhoods and most important sights — including the original Star-Spangled Banner waving over Fort McHenry — can be found near the lively seaport, making it a snap to get a taste of the city. A collection of museums, markets, and maritime activities — like a thriving centuries-old marketplace — will start your Carnival cruise from Baltimore in style. Then, once you’re aboard, your ship will open the door to a host of new adventures. With destinations like Bermuda, The Bahamas and the Caribbean, cruises out of Baltimore have the variety to please everyone in your party.

• Stroll among the buzzing shops and maritime sites of the Inner Harbor.
• Cheer for the hometown Baltimore Orioles during the summer baseball season.
• Catch an artillery demonstration at the Revolutionary War-era Fort McHenry.
• Snack on sweet treats at an old-world cafe in Little Italy.

See it all from Baltimore.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• cruise ship

Cruise ships set sail out of Port of Baltimore for the 1st time since bridge collapse

BALTIMORE -- Two cruise ships set sail for the sea from Baltimore this weekend for the first time since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Sea left Baltimore on Saturday for a five-night voyage to Bermuda, according to Port of Baltimore Director Jonathan Daniels.

"Cruising is back at the Port of Baltimore," Daniels said in a video posted on X from the Port of Baltimore account.

Carnival Cruise's Pride followed suit on Sunday when the ship headed off for a 14-day voyage to Greenland and Canada.

"Just a week ago, this terminal was being used as an incident command post. In one week, it's been transformed back to starting out that guest experience," Daniels announced in the video, as tropical cruise music played in the background, "The Port of Baltimore is back, cruising is back. It's absolutely great to be able to welcome everybody here."

In a news release posted on the state's website Tuesday, the Port of Baltimore administration had said, "The Port of Baltimore's permanent 700-foot wide, 50-foot-deep channel is expected to be reopened by the end of May."

The Port of Baltimore was temporarily blocked following the March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The 1.6-mile structure fell after the 213-million-pound cargo ship Dali collided with the bridge and struck one of its crucial support columns.

In 2023, 444,000 passengers departed on cruises from the Port of Baltimore. The Port supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in Maryland, according to the state's website. The cruise industry adds $63 million to Maryland's economy, the website notes.

(The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

Related Topics

• CRUISE SHIP
• BALTIMORE BRIDGE COLLAPSE
• U.S. & WORLD

Cruise Ship

Mom speaks out after Air Force rescued her son from cruise ship

Norwegian teams up with nudist travel company to offer naked cruise

How these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded

Here's where Disney Cruise Line is sailing in summer 2025

Top stories.

Worker killed in fall at UChicago hospital ID'd, another injured

Former suburban HS student sues, accuses teacher of sexual assault

5 CPD officers, 1 civilian injured in Englewood crash: CFD

California man charged with stabbing woman outside Union Station: CPD

YouTuber arrested, video shows fireworks shot from helicopter at Lambo

Cook Co Assessor to correct thousands of errors in south, west suburbs

South Side march brings attention to missing, murdered women of color

Strange fungus turns cicadas into 'sex-crazed zombies'

Protect Your Trip »

Celebrity ascent: the best dining, amenities and more on celebrity cruises' newest ship.

Top-notch eateries, adults-only areas and entertainment options stand out.

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois

Key Takeaways

• There are 32 different dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the line's iconic Martini Bar.
• The onboard entertainment is incredible. The "Awaken" show combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars. 
• The Solarium adults-only pool area is a relaxing spot with comfortable lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs; head to Eden for delightful cocktails and optimal sunset views.

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Find your perfect cruise

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• The Best Solo Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best salem tours.

Lyn Mettler June 6, 2024

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon June 5, 2024

The Best Graceland Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 5, 2024

Top Things to Do in Orange County, CA

Brittany Chrusciel and Sharael Kolberg June 4, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Arkansas

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Florida

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

Road Trip Essentials

Alissa Grisler and Amanda Norcross May 29, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

John Rodwan and Suzanne Mason May 29, 2024

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

Suzanne Mason May 28, 2024

Could ships be rerouted to New Jersey ports following Baltimore Key Bridge collapse?

In the wake of a devastating bridge collapse in Baltimore, shipping routes for cargo and cruise ships may undergo significant alterations, potentially rerouting vessels to ports in New Jersey.

Port Director of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Beth Rooney said her organization offered assistance and resources.

“The Port Authority is in touch with our counterparts in Baltimore, and we stand ready to assist with emergency resources and any other assistance that may be needed,” she said. “The Port of New York and New Jersey is proactively working with our industry partners to respond as needed and ensure supply chain continuity along the East Coast.”

At about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a vessel leaving the Port of Baltimore struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A video shows the ship hitting one of the bridge's columns before part of the bridge fell onto the ship and then fully collapsed into the Patapsco River.

As of Tuesday afternoon, a massive search was underway as multiple vehicles along with contractors repairing potholes were on the bridge at the time of its collapse, as reported by USA TODAY .

Data from ship tracking and maritime analytics provider MarineTraffic shows that on the day of the crash, 29 ships were expected to arrive at the port within 24 hours and 14 more were expected in the coming days.

Two people were rescued during the initial hours of the search.

The mayor of Baltimore, Brandon M. Scott, issued an executive order Tuesday morning declaring a state of emergency for the city. It is set to remain in place for 30 days.

"The Executive Order mobilizes the City of Baltimore's Emergency Operations Plan to deploy emergency resources to protect the persons affected by the incident and expands the resources available to tackle the emergency situation," the press release stated.

The Port of Baltimore announced that vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore will be suspended until further notice.

Between cargo ships and cruise ships, numerous vessels sail in and out of the port each day. In the wake of this tragedy, where will they all go?

Major ports nearby

The Port of New Jersey and New York is the largest port on the East Coast and a relatively short trip from the Port of Baltimore, making it a viable option for rerouting.

Other major ports along the East Coast that could see rerouted ships include:

• Port of Savannah
• Port of Charleston
• Port of Virginia
• Port of Miami
• Port of Boston

Cruise ships

Three major cruise lines run voyages in and out of the Port of Baltimore: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, all using the port for Caribbean, Canadian and other Atlantic destinations.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the company is working on alternatives for its ships.

"Our Port Logistics team is currently working on alternatives for our ongoing and upcoming sailings. We will message our guests and travel partners directly once our plans are finalized."

Royal Caribbean's, Vision of the Seas is on a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing that is not due back into port until April 4.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise ships leave from Baltimore for the first time since the collapse of the Key Bridge

• Cruise ships left the Port of Baltimore for the first time since March 26.
• The port's terminal was blocked after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed and killed six workers.
• Rebuilding the bridge will take four years and could cost up to $1.9 billion.

Two months after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, cruise ships are now taking off from the Port of Baltimore.

A Royal Caribbean ship called Vision of the Seas left from the port on Saturday for a trip to Bermuda. And a Carnival Cruise ship called Pride destined for Greenland and Canada left Baltimore on Sunday.

The two trips are notable as the first cruise ships to leave Baltimore since the port was blocked by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship, killing six workers. The Francis Scott Key Bridge services about 30,000 people a day.

"We've been working through this process for the past two months," Jonathan Daniels, the director for the Port of Baltimore said in a video posted to X on May 25 by the port.

One week ago, the port's terminal was the headquarters for the recovery operations for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Daniels added. The terminal is also a massive area of tourism for Maryland, bringing in 440,000 cruise passengers a year, Daniels told the Baltimore Sun.

The project to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge will take four years and is estimated to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation said in May 2023.

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

• Main content