US Cruise Lines FAQ
Short answers to the questions travelers ask about American cruise lines.
Quote My U.S. CruiseQuick answers about US cruise lines, US based cruise lines and the flags their ships fly. Each answer links to the page that covers it in more depth.
What are the main US cruise lines?
The brands most Americans sail are Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, Disney and Virgin Voyages, all run from U.S. head offices, plus luxury lines such as Oceania, Regent and Seabourn. Small-ship specialists such as American Cruise Lines and UnCruise are American on every count.
Are any big cruise ships registered in the United States?
One: Norwegian’s Pride of America, which sails the Hawaiian Islands. The other large ships sold in the U.S. are registered abroad.
Why do Alaska round trips from Seattle call at a Canadian port?
Because the ships are foreign-flagged, and U.S. coastwise law does not let them carry passengers between American ports alone. A Canadian stop such as Victoria satisfies the rule.
Is a cruise line based in Miami subject to US law?
In many respects, yes: its U.S. business, marketing, ticket contracts and port operations follow U.S. rules. Its ships at sea are also governed by their flag state, and the parent company may be incorporated elsewhere.
Do foreign-flagged ships pay US taxes?
Cruise companies pay port fees and many U.S. taxes on their American operations. Their international shipping income can be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 if the company meets its tests, as the lines describe in their annual reports.
What is the difference between a US cruise line and a US cruise?
A US cruise line is about the company; a US cruise is about the route. You can sail a Miami-based line to Mexico, or a U.S.-flagged small ship up the Maine coast without leaving the country.
Which is better, a US flagged small ship or a big foreign-flag ship?
Neither is better in general. Small U.S.-flag ships offer close-up ports and quiet decks; big ships offer more dining, shows and activities. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will help you weigh them for your own trip.
Can I see a ship’s registry before I book?
Yes. Many fleet pages list it, ship photographs show it on the stern, and our advisors can confirm it for any sailing we quote.
Do US based cruise lines price in US dollars on board?
Generally yes for the Miami, California and Seattle-run brands on their North American sailings. European-run lines may use euros on some itineraries, so check before you sail.
Are US flagged cruise ships more expensive?
Small U.S.-flag ships often cost more per day than big foreign-flag ships, reflecting their size, crew and inclusions. Compare complete quotes rather than daily rates, because many small-ship fares include excursions and drinks.
Where to Go Next
- US based cruise lines — head offices and parent companies.
- US flagged cruise ships — the American-registered fleet.
- Cruise ship flags of convenience — how open registries work.
- What flags cruise ships fly — the registries line by line.
Beyond this site, Cruise the USA covers cruises that stay inside the country, Cruising America covers sailing from American homeports, and Cruising the USA covers the coasts by season.
Still Have a Question About US Cruise Lines?
Ask it on the quote form and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will answer it personally, along with free quotes for the cruise you have in mind.
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