![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/EXAARP-Top-Things-to-Do-at-Your-Cruise-Port-New-Orleans-Louisiana-Richard-Martin.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Richard Martin\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Who says you have to be on the cruise to start your shore excursions? Not us! If you\u2019re boarding from NOLA, don\u2019t miss out on the opportunity to explore the colorful corners of this eccentric city. Just a few blocks from the Port of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World invites you behind the scenes of the float creation for the ever-popular parade. During your New Orleans day trip, join Taste of New Orleans Food Tours to sample the best of the local flavors, or catch some live music along Frenchmen Street.<\/p>\n Stay a while: The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel<\/a> has a rooftop pool and on-site restaurant.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via f11photo\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Keep the vacation vibes going even after your journey is complete. Extend your trip with a few extra days in Baltimore. If you\u2019re wondering what are some fun things to do near Baltimore\u2019s Inner Harbor, you\u2019re in for a treat. View the lay of the land from the Top of the World Observation Level at the World Trade Center, or cheer on the home team at the M&T Bank Stadium. If you don\u2019t mind a short drive from the Port of Baltimore, venture over to the American Visionary Art Museum to see magnificent displays of self-taught works of art.<\/p>\n Stay a while: The Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore<\/a> has a rooftop pool, spa services, and two on-site restaurants.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via Matt Hall\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n You\u2019ve been counting down the days until your cruise adventure, but you can\u2019t help but get excited about exploring Seattle\u2014and with good reason! Between eying the majestic Space Needle and browsing the stalls at the Pike Place Market, you\u2019ll soon realize what all the Seattle hype is about. Traveling with your family in tow? Don\u2019t miss the music and superhero exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture. But if you only have time to see Seattle in a day, make your way to the entertainment in Seattle Center.<\/p>\n Stay a while: Within easy access of the Port of Seattle, Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center<\/a> offers a free area shuttle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via IsleShire\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n No matter if it\u2019s pre- or post-cruise, carve out some time to get to know Galveston while you\u2019re at the port. Make your way to Pier 21, within steps of the Port of Galveston, where you\u2019ll find all sorts of waterfront entertainment, from the Texas Seaport Museum to harbor tours. Keep your eyes peeled for the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa while you\u2019re at it. And don\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t need your grandkids around in order to visit the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier. Go on, take a spin on the Iron Shark Rollercoaster or make a splash on the Pirate\u2019s Plunge!<\/p>\n Stay a while: Hotel Galvez & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Hotel<\/a> features a swim-up bar and Sunday brunch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via Jack Miller\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n You\u2019re in for the ultimate getaway should you be so lucky as to extend your cruise vacation in Honolulu. Aside from the show-stopping beaches and ocean vistas, there\u2019s plenty to enjoy on and off the sand near the Honolulu Cruise Port. Iolani Palace welcomes you to tour the royal grounds, while Hawaii Children\u2019s Discovery Center is a great stop for when you\u2019re traveling with your grandkids. Come evening, head to Paradise Cove Luau for a night filled with a traditional ceremony, food, and performances.<\/p>\n Stay a while: Put your feet up at Prince Waikiki<\/a>, which has an on-site restaurant, pool, and outdoor bar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via Robert Linsdell\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n You\u2019ve always dreamed of visiting Boston, and now\u2019s your chance! Take your post-cruise glow out on the town, as you check off all the sites, from Boston Common to the Freedom Trail. Watch the reenactments at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or hop on a Boston Duck Tours WWI-style amphibious landing vehicle to see the attractions from both land and sea. With so many things to do in Boston near Flynn Cruiseport, it\u2019ll be easy to keep your vacation going even after your cruise!<\/p>\n Stay a while: Element Boston Seaport District<\/a> has an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via MNStudio\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n New York City has two cruise terminals, Manhattan and Brooklyn, and both of them place you near all the NYC action. The cruise port activities are endless here, because this is New York City after all! The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum is a stroll from the Manhattan terminal, while Prospect Park is a short drive from the Brooklyn terminal. Of course, all the major attractions are within reach, too, whether you want to catch a show on Broadway or take in the views from the Empire State Building. Purchase a MetroCard and explore the city from top to bottom.<\/p>\n Stay a while: Kimpton Ink48 Hotel<\/a> pulls out all the stops with a full-service spa, on-site restaurant, and rooftop terrace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Via Reinhard Link\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Your vacation starts as soon as you arrive in Port Canaveral, no matter if it\u2019s before or after your cruise. First stop, discover the allure of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and the sweeping coastal views that come with it. Squeeze in some beach time at Cherie Down Park and watch the surfers in action. And whatever you do, don\u2019t leave without visiting the nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.<\/p>\n Stay a while: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Canaveral Beach Resort<\/a> has an outdoor pool, water slide, and cocktail lounge.<\/p>\nBaltimore, Maryland<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Seattle, Washington<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Galveston, Texas<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Honolulu, Hawaii<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Boston, Massachusetts<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>New York City, New York<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Cape Canaveral, Florida<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>