baltimore cruise tour

Cruises & Boat Tours in Baltimore

Experience Baltimore from a new perspective with cruises and boat tours. Take in iconic landmarks and breathtaking views of the city as you travel across serene waters. Baltimore cruises and boat tours will take you on an adventure like no other.

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Spirit of Baltimore Lunch Cruise

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Baltimore Inner Harbor Cruises and Boat Tours

One of the best ways to explore Baltimore's Inner Harbor and other waterfront tourist attractions is by boat, and there is no shortage of vessels traversing the water. From dinner cruises to a pirate ship excursion, below is a breakdown of the many ships and experiences that can be had onboard ships in the harbor.

Please be sure to check with individual companies on dates and prices, as these things change frequently.

Cruises on the Bay by Watermark

April through October Departs From:  Inner Harbor in front of The Baltimore Visitor Center Duration: 45-90 minutes Look For: Red- and purple-bottomed yachts Price: Adults $17; Children ages 3-11 $6; Children under age 2 are free

This cruise company offers narrated tours of the Inner Harbor where you'll learn about the city's maritime and industrial history as well as the resurgence of the waterfront, Federal Hill, and Fells Point . Besides daily 45-minute tours, the company also offers a daily 60-minute tour focusing on Fort McHenry, a 90-minute cocktail cruise on Friday afternoons, and a spectacular 60-minute "city lights" tour on Saturday evenings. Boats have full cash bar service and light snacks, and guests are welcome to bring food on board (but no drinks).Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket kiosks at the dock, or at The Baltimore Visitor Center. To find the boats, look for the red- and purple-bottomed boats. The company also offers cruises in Annapolis and the Eastern Shore of Maryland . For more information, call 800-568-9622.

The Fearless by Urban Pirates

May through October Departs From: Ann Street Pier in Fells Point Duration: 60 minutes on the water Look For: A wood-paneled pirate ship with flags and cannons Price: $20 for riders 3 and over and $10 children 2 and under for family cruises; $25 for all riders on adult cruises

Climb aboard The Fearless, a custom-designed pirate ship that sails through the Inner Harbor. Before you set sail, temporary tattoos, vests, and sashes will be provided, but cruisers are encouraged to come wearing their own pirate garb. The crew will teach you how to talk, sing, dance, and play games like a pirate. Up to six daytime "Family Adventure" cruises are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while the adults-only "Bring Your Own Grog" cruises are offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Food and drink ​are not available for purchase onboard the ship, but passengers may bring their own aboard. For the adults-only cruises, coolers full of adult beverages are welcome.

Seadog Cruise by Spirit Cruises

April through October Departs From: Inner Harbor in front of The Baltimore Visitor Center Duration: 50 minutes Look For: Bright yellow speedboats Price: $20 range

Adrenaline junkies of all ages will enjoy a 50-minute sightseeing tour of Baltimore aboard the Seadog, a bright yellow speedboat. Hold on tight as tour guides provide informative and amusing descriptions of Baltimore's most notable landmarks. Beer and wine are available for purchase onboard.

Spirit of Baltimore by Spirit Cruises

Year-Round Departs From:  561 Light St. (near the Maryland Science Center) Duration:  Various Look For: Y achts with panoramic views Price:  $42 and up

Experience the waterfront while enjoying lunch, brunch, dinner, or cocktails aboard the Spirit of Baltimore. In addition to great views of the city, most cruises include a meal and some form of entertainment, whether it be dancing or live performances. There are lots of themed and holiday cruises throughout the year, including moonlit jazz cruises and Independence Day excursions. With a capacity for more than 400 people, this ship is best for large parties.

Water Taxis

Year Round Departs From: 17 locations throughout Baltimore Duration: Time varies depending on location Look For: Blue and white boats Price: $12 for adults, $6 for children (tickets are good for unlimited rides for one day)

Another great—and inexpensive—way to experience Baltimore's waterfront is on a water taxi. These boats travel to and from various locations, including the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, Fells Point, and Canton . Stops are clearly marked on land, just find one and wait for the next boat.​

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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.

Baltimore Sightseeing Cruise

Dates available.

See highlighted dates below. Call for future dates/times. 410-268-7601 x 100

Upcoming Dates

Fri 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Fri 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Fri 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Fri 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Fri 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Description

The best way to see Baltimore! Join us for a 45-minute narrated sightseeing cruise through Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Learn about the renaissance of Baltimore’s waterfront and this interesting city’s history, and see the attractions of the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, the Domino Sugar sign, Under Armour headquarters, the Key Bridge, and more.

TUESDAY SPECIAL: Buy one adult ticket, get one child ticket free!

Please note that we only accept credit card, debit card, and contactless payments at our Baltimore location.

Click here for Baltimore parking information.

Departure Location

Baltimore Finger Piers 555 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202

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The 8 top alaska cruise lines of 2024.

Discover the best lines and itineraries for your type of travel style.

The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

A cruise vacation to Alaska is a profound adventure. The spectacular natural beauty, rugged wilderness, massive glaciers and endless opportunities for wildlife viewing make a trip to the 49th state a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. As an added bonus, cruise ships can reach remote parts of the state, including Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve: one of the most significant (and picturesque) marine and wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

With the ever-growing popularity of the destination and an extended cruising season (some lines now travel to Alaska between April and October), more ships are heading north to the shores of The Great Land. With these expanded itineraries, there's more than ever to think about when booking your Alaska cruise.

To assist in your decision-making process, U.S. News listed the top cruise lines to consider across five categories, including the best options for families , luxury-seekers and adventurers. U.S. News consulted data provided by Cruiseline.com and the results of our 2024 Best Cruise Lines rankings to help develop this list of the top cruise lines sailing to Alaska.

• Best Overall: Holland America Line; Princess Cruises
• Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean International

Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises

• Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Silversea Cruises

Best Small-Ship Expedition Line: UnCruise Adventures

Find your perfect cruise

Best Overall: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises

Holland america line.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Alaska cruise ships: Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , Zaandam Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Anchorage , Fairbanks and Whittier, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $379 per person for seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on May 1, 2024, or Sept. 22, 2024. Round-trip from Vancouver.

Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska's pristine glacial waters for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. On top of that, the line features more voyages to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than its competitors. Seven-night round-trip sailings depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, while cruisetours – Holland America Line 's sea- and land-based packages – leave from several cities and extend each trip to nine to 18 days.

If this will be your first visit to Alaska, consider booking the comprehensive 14-day Yukon + Denali cruisetour. This Alaska adventure includes a voyage aboard Koningsdam, plus a three-night stay at Holland America's exclusive lodge in Denali National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to see Alaska's big five: moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves – and book bucket list activities like flightseeing over Denali. If it's a picture-perfect day, your pilot might even be able to land on the tallest mountain in North America, also known as "The Great One." Other excursions include meeting dog mushers from the Iditarod, landing on the Yanert Glacier, heli-hiking or embarking on a covered wagon adventure on the Alaska tundra. The Yukon Territory portion of this trip is exclusive to Holland America; while there, visit the mining town of Dawson City and learn about Northern Canada's Klondike Gold Rush of August 1896.

Another highlight of sailing Alaska with Holland America is the Alaska Up Close program, which immerses guests in an array of expert-led lectures and excursions on board and shore. When it comes to dining , Holland America is the only cruise line to achieve the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, which means cruisers will enjoy certified sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board (think: Alaskan king crab legs and fresh salmon). You may also have access to culinary excursions in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, as well as special offerings like Alaska salmon bakes.

Cruisers should also consider one of the Holland America's new itineraries for 2024: the 28-night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard Westerdam, round-trip from Seattle. This sailing, which departs on June 9, 2024, features highlights like crossing the Arctic Circle; celebrating the summer solstice in Nome, Alaska; and watching Kodiak bears – the largest bears in the world – on Kodiak Island.

Insider tip: Sample Holland America Line's famous Dutch pea soup while glacier viewing on the outside decks. The crew passes around mugs of the warm soup in this Holland America tradition that gives a nod to the line's heritage – and keeps guests warm on chilly summer days in Alaska.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Grand Princess , Sapphire Princess , Royal Princess , Ruby Princess , Majestic Princess , Discovery Princess , Crown Princess Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle; Anchorage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; San Francisco ; Fairbanks, Alaska Starting from: $398 per person for seven-night cruise from Anchorage (Whittier, Alaska) to Vancouver on May 18, 2024

Princess Cruises has a long history in Alaska, boasting more than 50 years of sailing to the Great Land. Cruise itineraries last between seven and 14 nights, and many visit the Inside Passage. Princess Cruises also owns and operates five wilderness lodges for guests of its cruisetours, plus exclusive "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to those properties. The line's wide selection of cruisetours includes independent adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. For travelers seeking the highest level of service and the most time on land, the Connoisseur cruisetour is a good option, including up to 10 nights ashore following the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. The Connoisseur trip is hosted by a tour director and includes select sightseeing outings and most meals in the fare.

Princess' special programming, North to Alaska, offers guests unique insights into the history and culture of the region with visits from local Alaskans, photography sessions, demonstrations on lumberjacking and excursions like Cook My Catch, where guests will go fishing (with a guide), then bring their fish back for chefs to prepare for dinner at one of the designated Princess lodges.

There are two new Princess cruisetours to consider for 2024. The 15-night National Parks Tour includes a seven-day cruise, visits to five national parks, scenic rail travel and a total of eight evenings across four Princess wilderness lodges. Meanwhile, the Katmai National Park Tour is a nine-day adventure that takes guests to the famed Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve to see bears feasting on wild salmon in Alaska's wilderness.

Insider tip: While visiting Denali National Park, be sure to check out the Princess Treehouse at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Built by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," the treehouse offers a different perspective of Denali and features "Sappy Hour" and other fun activities.  

Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Alaska cruise ships: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun , Norwegian Spirit Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle ; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $349 per person for seven-night sailing between Seward and Vancouver (itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier and Skagway, or Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau). Available on Norwegian Jewel in April, May and June 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the longest seasons in Alaska, extending from April through October. The line operates two of its larger ships in Alaska: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. These ships feature a plethora of onboard activities to keep kids and adults entertained, like racetracks, laser tag, mini-golf, complimentary kids and teen clubs, video arcades, themed parties, live performances and more. Families will also enjoy entertainment by Nickelodeon, character breakfasts, salmon bakes and sessions with a park ranger who comes on board to narrate the Glacier Bay passage. You'll find many spacious room options on board perfectly suited to larger families – especially in The Haven, the line's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers select cruise deals where third and fourth guests sail free .

There are two new Alaska shore excursions for 2024: the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek and the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft. The first outing takes place in Juneau , where you'll paddle a 12-person canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the towering glacier. Prepare to be surrounded by the spectacular setting of Tongass National Park, a 400-foot waterfall and an Arctic tern nesting ground. The second excursion, also in Juneau, takes participants on a flight into the Alaska wilderness via floatplane; you'll then paddle across a pristine glacial lake and hike the surface of Norris Glacier. Unforgettable sights along the way include densely forested mountains; the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to Juneau Icefield; and plenty of wildlife, including sea lions and bald eagles.

Also new for 2024 is the option to take the Denali Talkeetna Explorer tour after your cruise. (This cruisetour previously only took place prior to the voyage.) The 13-day sea and land package, Denali Talkeetna Explorer – Northbound Cruisetour, is available on three dates in 2024 in combination with a Norwegian Jewel sailing. The package includes a seven-night cruise; a total of six nights in Fairbanks, Denali and Talkeetna; a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline; a riverboat cruise in Fairbanks; a visit to an Iditarod dog musher's kennel; a deluxe glass-domed Alaska Railroad journey between Fairbanks and Denali; and more. You'll also have free time to book optional shore excursions like whitewater rafting, park tours, helicopter flightseeing and other outdoor adventures.

Insider tip: If you're sailing on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore, be sure to grab a front-row seat in the Observation Lounge when sailing in Glacier Bay Park & Preserve. This expansive space on Deck 15 at the bow of the ship offers breathtaking panoramic views from the comfort of inside the ship. 

Royal Caribbean International

Alaska cruise ships: Radiance of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $439 per person for seven-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, Seward to Vancouver on May 24, 2024

Royal Caribbean International offers seven-night cruise-only Alaska options (some featuring the Inside Passage) and extended cruisetours (lasting nine to 13 days) with land portions before or after the voyage. Cruisetours may visit Denali National Park & Preserve, among other highlights. The line also offers select "kids sail free" itineraries, which will appeal to families.

If you want nonstop entertainment while on board, choose one of Royal Caribbean International 's two larger Quantum Class vessels: Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas. Both megaships accommodate approximately 4,900 passengers. If you prefer a smaller ship, consider booking one of the Radiance Class vessels, which hold a maximum of around 2,500 guests.

Quantum Class ships have multiple outdoor attractions that provide panoramic views of the scenery. For example, the surf simulator, FlowRider, affords views of magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers all around the ship. If you're adept at rock climbing, this is another chance for optimal scenic viewing – at 40 feet above the deck. Additional entertainment includes free-fall skydiving at RipCord by iFly, outdoor movie nights, live performances and musical entertainment, bumper cars, an escape room, a sports court and indoor pools for those cool Alaska summer days.

Insider tip: For more awe-inspiring vistas, take a ride on North Star. Exclusive to Royal Caribbean (on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas), the glass-enclosed capsule rises 300 feet above sea level while suspended over the ocean.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Solstice Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $397 per person for seven-night voyage on Celebrity Summit, Seward to Vancouver on May 17, 2024

Adventure-seeking couples will have many options to choose from during Celebrity Cruises ' 2024 Alaska season. The line's six- and seven-night cruise-only itineraries include up-close views of the Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier, the world's longest tidewater glacier at 76 miles long. For an in-depth exploration of Alaska's interior, Celebrity's cruisetours extend the trip to a maximum of 13 nights and feature small-town destinations like Talkeetna, Alaska – the quirky village that inspired the 1990s television show "Northern Exposure." There are also themed tours centered on wildlife viewing and national parks, as well as culinary tours highlighting the flavors of Alaska.

Couples will also find plenty of adult-focused activities and entertainment on board, no matter which vessel they choose. Each ship offers a spa, multiple bars and lounges, and an excellent selection of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Celebrity's three Alaska-bound ships carry between 2,158 guests (Celebrity Summit) and 2,908 passengers (Celebrity Edge). Celebrity Edge, the newest of the ships, offers immersive entertainment and especially beautiful public spaces – like Grand Plaza, a three-story venue at the heart of the vessel.

For extra privacy during your couples' vacation, consider splurging on a suite or villa in The Retreat. This all-inclusive space features luxurious accommodations; a private lounge; a sundeck (unavailable on Celebrity Solstice); and a private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. The swanky culinary venue serves dishes curated by renowned French chef Daniel Boulud. In addition, you'll have a team of attendants, butlers and concierges to indulge every whim.

Insider tip: Book your Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge. The outward-facing design of the ship and expansive outdoor spaces, including the Magic Carpet, offer guests excellent viewing opportunities of Alaska's vast landscapes, calving glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales in the Inside Passage and around Juneau and Sitka.

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Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Alaska cruise ships: Seven Seas Explorer Departure cities: Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $4,699 per person (all-inclusive) for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on May 1, 2024

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer will spend the 2024 season in Alaska, with the first sailing embarking from Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 1, 2024. The line offers 20 seven-night voyages and two 14-night sailings between May and September. The 746-passenger ship provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska's wilderness, thanks to the vessel's smaller size and all-balcony suites. Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include free unlimited shore excursions (though select tours come with a fee); complimentary fine wines and spirits; dining at specialty restaurants; 24-hour room service; unlimited Wi-Fi access; prepaid gratuities; free valet laundry service; and more. Depending on the suite category, guests may also receive a pre- and post-cruise hotel stay with their voyage.

Complimentary shore excursions are available in a number of Alaska ports. In Ketchikan, sign up for the Tongass Rainforest Expedition, the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show or the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafest. (Note: Some excursions in Ketchikan, such as the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining option, come with an additional fee.) In Juneau, guests can take the complimentary hiking adventure through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area, home to black bears, mountain goats and other wildlife. Cruisers can also dine on wild Alaska salmon grilled over a fire at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the complimentary shore excursions during your cruise. These are tours you'd normally have to pay for on a ship that's not all-inclusive – and that can add up quickly.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Silver Nova , Silver Muse , Silver Shadow Departure cities: Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $3,450 per person for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on Silver Muse on Aug. 1, 2024

Debuted in August 2023, Silversea's latest addition, Silver Nova, is the newest luxury vessel sailing Alaska for the 2024 season. Silver Nova features an asymmetrical design and advanced technologies that make it Silversea Cruises ' most environmentally friendly vessel yet. With just 728 guests, spacious suites (some affording 270-degree views) and outdoor spaces showcasing The Great Land's pristine wilderness, Silver Nova is an excellent luxury option for an Alaska adventure. Silversea offers seven-night itineraries on its three Alaska ships, plus longer voyages on Silver Muse and Silver Shadow.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays; complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; in-room minibars; gourmet dining; all gratuities; at least one excursion per port; butler service in every suite; and other upscale amenities. Complimentary Alaska excursions include a scenic railway tour aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway in Skagway, the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest in Sitka Sound and more. You can also visit the Iditarod dogs' summer camp in Juneau. For an additional cost, Silversea offers more exclusive experiences, like a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier followed by a dogsledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies in Juneau, or a remote fly-fishing trip in Sitka.

Insider tip: Spend some time on Deck 10; you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the heated pool, thanks to the asymmetrical design of the pool deck.

UnCruise Adventures

Alaska cruise ships: Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Legacy, Safari Endeavor, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest Departure cities: Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier, Dutch Harbor and Sitka, Alaska; Seattle Starting from: $3,600 per person for seven-night cruise, Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse itinerary) on Wilderness Discoverer; various dates between April and September 2024

UnCruise's expedition-style small ships call on ports and remote areas in Alaska that larger ships can't access, taking guests to locales that the line coins, "UnAlaska." The five ships operating in The Great Land accommodate between 22 passengers (Safari Quest) and 86 guests (Wilderness Legacy), and there are seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries to choose from. You can also book optional land tours, including a Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure. Expedition teams take guests on kayaking, skiffing, paddleboarding, bushwhacking, waterfall walks and hiking excursions close to the glaciers and visit secluded areas and waterway passages known for optimal wildlife viewing.

Cruise fares include group transfers to and from the ship; all meals; premium wine, beer and liquor; all nonalcoholic beverages; daily activities; wellness amenities; onboard heritage and expedition guides; and access to guest experts. You'll need to disconnect from your devices in remote areas, as there is no Wi-Fi access on UnCruise vessels.

For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, book the 14-night Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers Bay Adventure Cruise on Wilderness Discoverer, a 76-passenger ship. This voyage includes birding in the South Marble Islands, where you'll see puffins, cormorants, oystercatchers and other bird species. You can also search for brown bears in Corner Bay, bushwhack in old-growth forests, visit the town of Haines to sample local brews and spirits, and more.

UnCruise has introduced a few new cruises for 2024 with a renewed focus on The Great Land. One of these is the Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay cruise. The seven-night, family-focused voyage departs round-trip from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy and is available on three dates between June and July. One highlight of the voyage is exploring off-the-grid in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's "Outback."

A second new option is the seven-night Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova cruise. This adventure visits dozens of glaciers; the small fishing village of Cordova; the Harriman and College glacial fjords; the islands of Knight and Montague; and multiple places where you can see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins and other wildlife. The itinerary is offered round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, on Safari Explorer throughout the summer.

Insider tip: Depending on your itinerary, you may be able to hop in a skiff directly off the ship to watch bears along the shore hunt for salmon just 100 feet away. This is an Alaska experience you can only have when sailing on a small ship.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
• The Top Antarctica Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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Baltimore Sightseeing Cruise

The best way to see Baltimore! Join us for a 45-minute narrated sightseeing cruise through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Learn about the renaissance of Baltimore’s waterfront and this interesting city’s history, and see the attractions of the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, the Domino Sugar sign, Under Armour headquarters, the Key Bridge and more.

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Fleet Week sails into Baltimore: Here’s what you should check out

Ships, planes and people have descended upon the city as part of Maryland Fleet Week and Baltimore Flyover , which officially kicked off this week and runs through Tuesday.

The free event celebrates Navy and other military service members and gives people a chance to tour modern and historic vessels. There are also flyovers and festivals around the city and in Baltimore County.

You can check out more than a dozen ships during Fleet Week, docked at the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and the North Locust Point Marine Terminal. A crew of Banner interns went out Thursday to explore some of the ships in the Inner Harbor.

Meet the fleet

Some vessels are visiting Baltimore for Fleet Week, while others are here permanently but offering free entry and special programs.

Mark Guarino, who has been out of the U.S. Navy for 33 years, drove two hours from Burlington, New Jersey, early Thursday to see the new Navy ships.

“I’m very impressed with how the ship looks. We did tour a number of times on my ship, and we always wanted our ship to look the best,” he said about the USS Marinette LCS 25, which was commissioned last year. “This is a lot wider and not as long as my ship. It has a very sleek design whereas mine was boxy-looking.”

The USS Marinette and the U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol training ship are docked at the Inner Harbor West Wall.

At the end of Pier 3, you can find the Catlett and Reynolds ships docked just behind the National Aquarium. Both are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and were instrumental in Baltimore’s recovery after the Key Bridge collapse .

The Catlett , one of the first on the scene of the collapse, displays some of the latest in radar technology. You can hear how the crew sprang into action to survey the Patapsco River and identify hazards. On the Reynolds, a debris ship, you can see the large crane and basket that were used to clear the riverbed.

There are also historic ships to explore, but note that accessibility can be limited on these, with some requiring a long steep ramp to gain entry and stairs and ramps throughout to enjoy the full experience.

The Constellation, a sloop-of-war and the Navy’s last-ever warship that operated only using sails, is docked at Pier 1.

The lower decks — the most original parts of the ship — are the star of the show. Descend the first staircase to find rows of cannons and the ship’s dining room. Once you reach the bottom level, where you can walk through the cramped room that was used for storage. Be prepared to crouch so you don’t hit your head on the ceiling.

You may want to pinch your nose, as well: A child wandering the bottom deck noted that it smelled like “rotten celery.”

Over at Pier 5, you can check out the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 37, formerly the USCGC Taney.

The vessel contributed to more than 50 years of service before being decommissioned in 1986. The Cutter 37 is the last remaining warship that saw action during the attack on Pearl Harbor and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

Here’s the full list of ships and locations. You can also see schedules and a map on the Maryland Fleet Week app.

• USS Marinette LCS 25 - Inner Harbor West Wall
• US Naval Academy Yard Patrol training ship - Inner Harbor West Wall
• Constellation - Inner Harbor Pier 1
• Skipjack Sigsbee - Inner Harbor Pier 1
• Buyboat Mildred Belle - Inner Harbor Pier 1
• USS Torsk - Inner Harbor Pier 3
• Lightship 116 Chesapeake - Inner Harbor Pier 3
• US Army Corps of Engineers M/V Catlett - Inner Harbor Pier 3
• US Army Corps of Engineers M/V Reynolds - Inner Harbor Pier 3
• US Coast Guard Cutter 37 - Inner Harbor Pier 5
• US Coast Guard Cutter JAMES RANKIN - Fells Point Broadway Pier
• USS Fort Lauderdale LSD 28 - North Locust Point Marine Terminal
• USS Gonzalez DDG 66 - North Locust Point Marine Terminal

Flyover and festivals

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be a series of flyovers featuring modern and historic military and civilian aircraft. Flyovers will be centered over the Inner Harbor and will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. At the Light Street Pavilion in Harborplace, you’ll be able to listen to expert commentary and information about the flyovers as they happen.

There will also be three festival areas during Maryland Fleet Week that will include live music, military displays, hands-on activities for kids and food and drink.

Here are the locations and times:

• Baltimore’s Inner Harbor West Shore Park | Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Fells Point Town Square and Broadway Pier | Friday, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Martin State Airport | Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Baltimore Banner editor Carrie Mihalcik contributed to this story.

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ADVENTURE IS A SHORE THING SHORE EXCURSIONS

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The excursions and guided tours designed to take your getaway to the next level — from locally-taught culinary classes and land tours infused with culture and history, to adrenaline amping outdoor thrills and off-the-grid exploration. Ready to revisit that bucket list? Explore the possibilities for shore excursions on your next cruise below.

ADVENTURE ON LAND

No matter what your ideal adventure involves, Shore Excursions make it easy to immerse yourself in each vibrant destination you visit. Unleash your inner explorer and discover bold new ways to connect with the people, culture and places around you as you sail from one unforgettable shore to another.

EUROPE EXCURSIONS

When you explore Europe’s ancient cities, every arch and alleyway tells a story. In Sicily, you can bike across the rim of Mount Etna, which the ancient Greeks believed was home to the legendary Cyclops. In Spain, learn how to prepare tapas like a true Malagan, then savor every single bite. And venture deeper into nature — literally — as you explore the magnificent Lipa Cave in Montenegro. No matter where your journey takes you, these experiences will make every moment memorable.  

PRIVATE JOURNEYS

For those looking for a more personalized adventure, there’s Private Journeys. Our Destination Insiders leverage extensive knowledge and years of travel expertise to hand craft one-of-a-kind private tours with you in mind. You can customize an existing tour that catches your eye, or work with an Insider to create an exclusive tour experience that’s completely unique to you or a small group. Celebrating a special occasion, chasing a lifelong dream, or looking for ways to rediscover a favorite destination? Private Journeys are at your service.  

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Adventure doesn’t just happen onshore — there are countless marvels waiting to be discovered just below the waterline. Brave the depths and venture down to the ocean floor, or scope out the reefs as you snorkel along the surface of the sea.

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Take your adventure underwater and discover a whole world that’s teeming with life. Swim with sea turtles and manta rays, float over vibrant reefs, and explore colorful coral forests on a snorkeling excursion designed to bring you up close with the ocean’s most beautiful natural treasures.  

SCUBA EXCURSIONS

There’s no better way to explore the beauty beneath the waves than on a guided scuba excursion. Dive deep below the surface of the sea with a certified expert and weave through brilliant coral colonies, scour centuries-old shipwrecks and come face-to-face with exotic aquatic critters.  

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1st cruise ship sets sail from Port of Baltimore since Key Bridge collapse: ‘It’s a good day’

B ALTIMORE — “Cruising is back in Baltimore,” declared Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Maryland Port Administration, as passengers began arriving Saturday at the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

The festive occasion marked the first cruise ship to arrive and depart the Port of Baltimore since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26.

Less than a week prior, the terminal was the headquarters for the Key Bridge Response Unified Command to coordinate recovery operations, Daniels said. They began condensing their workspace down last weekend, started packing up Monday night after the Dali was refloated that morning and were out by Tuesday afternoon.

“While there is still work that needs to be done to be able to complete the salvage operation, this is a wonderful sign that the next milestone is pointing to the fact that business is truly returning to the port,” Daniels said.

Just after 10 a.m., the sound of steel drums echoed in the terminal as it began to fill with passengers eager to board Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas cruise ship for a five-night trip to Bermuda.

Tom Sitzler said he and his group had planned the trip since August to celebrate his partner’s 60th birthday. They live in Washington, D.C., but had a very specific reason to sail out of the Port of Baltimore.

“The whole purpose of the cruise though was to actually cruise out of Baltimore out past Annapolis, because Allen grew up there, the birthday boy, and he wants to see Annapolis from the bay,” Sitzler said.

“I’ve always wanted to cruise down the bay and see all the spots where I grew up,” said Allen Steven, the birthday boy.

Cruises that were already underway or were scheduled in the past two months have been rerouted to the Norfolk Cruise Terminal . Steven said if their trip had been moved to leave from Norfolk, they would have rebooked.

A group of five friends from Harford County also were heading on a cruise to celebrate, donning matching pink hats that said “Friends on the Loose 2024 Friends Trip.”

“We are celebrating a milestone birthday,” said Kathy Schlehr. “We have all attained the age of 70 or beyond.”

“Not yet!” someone chimed in.

The group said they were ecstatic when they found out about a week and a half ago they would be sailing out of the Port of Baltimore. The departure location was one of the reasons they went on the cruise.

The return of cruises benefits the tourism industry in Baltimore and the rest of the state, Daniels said.

More than 440,000 passengers went through the Cruise Maryland Terminal in 2023, he said, and they may also stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and even come back to enjoy the city afterward.

“Many of them are experiencing what Baltimore has to offer for the very first time,” Daniels said.

The 915-foot long vessel with a 25-foot draft got underway after 4 p.m. and used the 400-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep channel that opened Tuesday in the Patapsco River. In addition to a pilot, it was accompanied by two tugboats.

Even though the Unified Command vacated the cruise terminal, operations are still ongoing, just back in their own spaces, said David O’Connell, the Coast Guard’s captain of the port. They coordinate daily on ongoing operations, including salvage work in the main and outside channels as well as coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers on vessel traffic in the temporary channels.

Saturday, the Army Corps announced a delayed goal of June 8-10 to restore full access to the federal channel. Officials had previously said this would be achieved by the end of May.

“It was great all being together and coordinating operations, but it’s great to be here and see this place in a different light,” O’Connell said. “You see it lively with people that are going on vacation, going through security, the ship is out back. It’s a good day.”

©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Traffic resumes through Baltimore’s busy port after $100M cleanup of collapsed bridge

BALTIMORE (AP) — Commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore is expected to return to normal levels next month, officials said Wednesday, after the channel fully reopened this week for the first time since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March.

“I’ve been waiting to say this for every day for the last 11 weeks: Maryland, the Fort McHenry Channel is fully cleared, and the Port of Baltimore is reopened for business,” Gov. Wes Moore said at a waterside news conference to highlight the milestone.

As the governor spoke, a passing ship blasted its horn.

“You hear that?” Moore said. “That’s a beautiful sound.”

Behind him, giant cranes lifted shipping containers from the deck of a docked cargo ship and deposited them on land.

Many shipping companies rerouted their cargo to other ports following the deadly collapse in March. The deadly disaster halted most maritime traffic through Baltimore’s busy port as crews worked around the clock to clear an estimated 50,000 tons of fallen steel and concrete from the Patapsco River.

The estimated cost for the entire salvage operation is $160 million, with federal, state and local agencies involved.

Companies that steered clear of Baltimore during the cleanup will likely come back now that the channel has been returned to its original depth and width, officials said. The port, which processes more cars and farm equipment than any other in the country, is expected to be operating at normal capacity by mid-July.

All that rerouted commercial traffic “belongs in Baltimore today,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said during a news briefing earlier this week. “We have every indication that that is what is taking place, but we will be reinforcing that expectation as we speak with players up and down the supply chains.”

Crews were able to reopen portions of the deep-draft channel in phases, restoring some commercial traffic in recent weeks. Some cruise ships and large container ships have already passed through, officials said.

But thousands of longshoremen, truckers and small business owners have seen their jobs impacted by the collapse and its economic ripple effects, which extend well beyond the Baltimore region. State officials helped establish several relief programs to keep people employed and businesses afloat in the immediate aftermath.

“We were a wounded port,” said Scott Cowan, president of the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 333, which represents Baltimore port workers. In a competitive industry, he said, other ports were looking to take Baltimore’s cargo.

Reopening the channel means keeping thousands of longshoremen in their jobs, Cowan said.

Officials estimated that the salvage operations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will cost up to $75 million, while the Coast Guard response has cost $24 million to date to open the main channel. Maryland used about $60 million in federal emergency funds to open three other smaller channels outside the main one.

Rebuilding the bridge could cost nearly $2 billion, officials have said. They hope it’s completed by 2028.

President Joe Biden has pledged that the federal government will cover the full cost of rebuilding, though officials said the funding is still awaiting approval from Congress.

In a statement Tuesday, Biden praised the work of everyone involved in the recovery effort.

“Baltimore can count on us to stick with them every step of the way, and we will continue to have your back until the bridge is rebuilt,” he said.

The cargo ship Dali lost power and crashed into a critical support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of March 26, collapsing the span and sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths.

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation found that the vessel experienced power outages before starting its voyage, but the exact causes of the electrical issues have yet to be determined. The FBI is also conducting a criminal investigation.

The Dali remained stuck amid the wreckage for almost two months, with a massive steel truss draped across its damaged bow, before being refloated and guided back to port May 20. That allowed officials to open a channel that was 50 feet (15 meters) deep and 400 feet (122 meters) wide, big enough for most of the largest commercial vessels.

The full federal shipping channel is 700 feet (213 meters) wide. Officials said two-way traffic can now resume, and additional safety requirements have also been lifted because of the increased width.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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