Enjoy Spectacular Baltimore Cruises
Baltimore cruises depart for all parts of the globe. The Caribbean, Bermuda, north to Canada and New England, or south to Florida … your options are almost endless. Baltimore is a very historic port, but is generally less crowded that some of the more well-known ports like Los Angeles or Miami.
Baltimore has put a huge amount of money and work into their port area recently. A new, 60,000 square foot passenger terminal opened in 2006 and cruise passengers welcomed it with open arms. Everything is handled quickly and efficiently, from ease of arrival at the terminal to parking, checking in and boarding the ship. Passengers report boarding quickly and easily, which puts your vacation off on the right foot.
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas calls Baltimore home. The intense cruise ship, which can hold nearly 2,500 guests, displaces 74,000 tons. On board you'll find a casino, rock-climbing wall, both an outdoor and an indoor pool, spa and fitness center, and children's facilities that include a video game arcade. That's along with the standard cruise ship amenities like casinos, shopping areas, and outdoor recreation areas.
Should you choose to conduct business on board (why, may I ask?) Royal Caribbean offers a conference center, 7 breakout rooms, and conference items like an overhead projector, podium, television and VCR.
But let's get back to relaxing and having fun, because that's what cruising is all about. Ports of call can include Grand Cayman, where you can marvel at the crystal clear sea, visit the stingrays at Stingray City, or visit any of the George Town merchants.
Another option if you're cruising out of Baltimore is to go north. Royal Caribbean actually heads away from the Caribbean when sailing out of Baltimore. The 9-night New England and Canada Cruise visits Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Boston; then returning to Baltimore. This cruise typically sails in the fall when the legendary New England trees are brilliant with color.
For this cruise you'll want to pack a few more "woolies" than you would for the southern destinations. Or just buy them at one of the ports of call. Maine and Nova Scotia are both well-known for their quality fishermen's sweaters, and what better memento to take home from your trip than something you can actually use?
The 7 and 9-day cruises are extremely popular options out of Baltimore, often selling out months ahead of time. But for those who want more, Royal Caribbean offers a 13-day "Bermuda and Caribbean" cruise departing from Baltimore but concluding in Tampa. The first stop in Bermuda, at King's Wharf, is an overnight stay, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the candy-colored buildings and shops. Then it's on to St. Maarten, Curacao, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and finally docking in Tampa.
Covering 7 locations in 13 days, you may find this longest cruise from Baltimore to be the most restful. Your only regret might be that it docks in busy Tampa, rather than the restful Baltimore.