The Essentials

Some Surprising Departure Ports For Your Next Cruise

When many cruise lines resume service next year, there’s a good chance that many sailings will leave from Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, and San Diego.

A few others will leave from Charleston and Baltimore.

And what do all these ports have in common? These are all drive-to ports, and you don’t have to take long flights over water to reach the ship.

The cruise lines are repeating much of the same response playbook they used after 9/11, which is to reposition many of their ships much closer to home.

Many of the first cruise itineraries will feature short, manageable three and four day trips where you can literally drive your car to the ship, park, and embark.

For these first trips, you can just about count on serious discounting on cabins.