Cruises from Baltimore

Baltimore is located in the middle of Maryland on the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay, 40 miles northeast of Washington D.C. Besides being a major seaport on the East coast; it is rich in culture and history. Home to about 589,464 people, Baltimore is located within the Baltimore Metropolitan Area, which is home to approximately 2.6 million residents, while the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, has a combined population of approximately 8.1 million people. Baltimore is known for its shops, restaurants, and museums.

Because of its location near the Atlantic Ocean, the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cool and moist in winter. Summer afternoon temperatures range from the mid eighties to the high nineties and the high humidity brings regular afternoon thunderstorms. Baltimore only receives a few inches of snow each year; however, in the northern suburbs, some areas can receive up to 36 inches of snow.

Baltimore and the surrounding area offer many museums and educational centres. For art lovers, the Baltimore Museum of Art features hundreds pieces of art and the largest collection of works by Henri Matisse in the world. The National Aquarium boasts a rain forest and tanks of sharks, dolphins, rays and tropical fish. In the Maryland Science Center, children and adults can participate in activities and attend the IMAX theatre or planetarium.

History buffs will enjoy Fort McHenry, where the battle of Baltimore was fought and where Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner. For a unique historical experience, visit The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, where African American history is taught utilising full-size wax figures.

For the sports fan, visit Baltimore Orioles’ Camden Yards for a fun baseball outing. In addition, the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is nearby. Also visit the M&T Bank Stadium where the Baltimore Ravens play football. Or, cheer on the Baltimore Blasts soccer team or the Baltimore Mariners indoor football team at the 1st Mariner Arena.

Dining is always a tasty experience in Baltimore. Seafood, especially crab cake, can be found in the Fell’s Point and the Inner Harbor neighbourhoods. A variety of ethnic foods can be found in the many different neighbourhoods of Baltimore, such as Canton and Federal Hill, where renowned chefs have opened restaurants in historic districts. Mexican, Afghan, Greek or American cuisine can be found in the many restaurants. In addition, 1st Mariner Arena offers a variety of restaurants, nightclubs and live entertainment.

Shopping opportunities range from the typical mall, small boutiques, to large outlet and discount retailers. The Amaryllis boutique sells handcrafted jewellery, Arundel Mills maintains over 200 outlet retailers for the bargain shopper and Harborplace & the Gallery at Harborplace offer a delightful combination of shops, restaurants and entertainment on the waterfront.

If a relaxing cruise is on the itinerary, the port of Baltimore cruise terminal provides passenger boarding for two cruise lines. Thurgood Marshall Airport is a short 14-mile drive.

A visit to Baltimore will make lasting memories. Whether it is an educational holiday for the kids or a weekend retreat dining on the waterfront, take time to explore Baltimore.