Sailing into (or out of ) a great port city can enhance your cruise, while a mediocre one may make the beginning and end of your trip feel lackluster or chaotic.

“The best ports of call across cruise destinations in the United States speak for themselves as incredible, memorable destinations,” said Paul Kiritsy, CEO, Shore Excursions Group. “What makes these embarkation ports stand out is that they offer much more than a place to board or disembark. They are great destinations in their own right, allowing travelers to start their vacation early by adding a city experience before the cruise even begins.”

Here are six exemplary port cities in the United States.

MIAMI, FLORIDA
Winning Best Cruise Port in Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards for four consecutive years, as one of the busiest ports on the planet, PortMiami is known as “Cruise Capital of the World.” For passengers, the port’s easy access to Downtown Miami, one of the best port cities in the world, provides another selling point. “Miami offers world-class dining, nightlife and easy access to the beach,” Kiritsy said, noting travelers can spend a day exploring neighborhoods such as Wynwood or Little Havana, enjoy the beach or book a food tour before embarkation. Other visitors might enjoy spending time in South Beach to sunbathe on the white-sand beach or take a tour of Miami’s colorful Art Deco buildings.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA
Sailing out of Port Canaveral, which lies close to Cape Canaveral, Orlando and Cocoa Beach, proves ideal for fun and exploration before or after your cruise, according to Aubrey Manzo Dunn, associate director, marketing communications, Cruise Critic. The port’s proximity to major attractions such as Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge makes Cape Canaveral the perfect port city for travelers who want to extend their vacation with fun- filled activities before or after their cruise.

HOONAH, ALASKA
Alaska is a popular cruise destination, but not all Alaskan port cities are created equal. The state’s first and largest Native-owned port, Icy Strait Point resides in one of the best port cities in the world for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. “A destination for adventure and wildlife, Icy Strait Point offers unforgettable whale-watching and bear-viewing excursions, along with the world’s largest ZipRider zip line, set against Alaska’s dramatic natural landscape,” said Mario Parodi, vice president, Itinerary Planning and Port & Fuel Operations, Crystal Cruises. Icy Strait also offers a great place to shop for Alaskan crafts in locally owned stores.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Making New Orleans special, the Port of New Orleans doesn’t feel like a typical port, nor is New Orleans a typical port city said Patrick Hill, head of Paramount Cruises. “There’s plenty to do before you even think about boarding. The French Quarter is the obvious starting point, with Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and the buzz of Bourbon Street all within walking distance. If you wander a bit further, Frenchmen Street is brilliant for live music in the evenings. For something a bit more relaxed, the Garden District is worth a visit, especially if you hop on the streetcar and take in the historic homes,” Hill said, also noting sailing out of New Orleans makes a great way to see even more of the city. “Instead of heading straight out to sea, ships travel down the Mississippi River for hours, passing plantations, small river towns and stretches of Louisiana wetlands before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. It’s slow, scenic and a completely different start to a cruise.”

PHOTO: © VISIT SEATTLE/RACHEL JONES

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Start the day at Pike Place Market. Then take a stroll along Overlook Walk (with urban design by the firm behind New York City’s High Line) to reach Seattle’s revitalized 20-acre Waterfront Park, complete with public- access piers, dining options and art installations from Indigenous artists. Along the way, enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.

GALVESTON, TEXAS
“Galveston Island, Texas, is more than a departure point. It’s a destination in its own right that offers travelers a compelling reason to arrive early and linger longer,” said Mary Beth Bassett, senior public relations manager, Visit Galveston. Galveston boasts 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches and a historical downtown within walking distance of Port of Galveston. Plus, Galveston is situated approximately an hour from Houston and Sugar Land, the “Sweetest City in Texas,” boasting nearly 30 parks, including one of the largest in the area.