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Cape Cod Canal (Massachusetts)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

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Cape Cod Canal cruise port

Region
East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time
2026-10-14 08:21

min: 62 °F (16 °C) / max: 76 °F (25 °C) 65°F
18.2°C
Wind: 235°/ 5.9 m/s Gust: 13.1 m/sWind: 235°/ 5.9 m/s Gust: 13.1 m/sMod. breeze
5.9 m/s
Min / Max Temperature76 °F / 25 °C
62 °F / 17 °C
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Port Cape Cod Canal cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
7 October, 2027
Thursday
American Cruise Lines Cruises cruise lineACL American Pioneer
17 October, 2027
Sunday
Seabourn Cruises Cruises cruise lineSeabourn Quest
19 October, 2027
Tuesday
Ponant Cruises Cruises cruise lineLe Bellot
20 October, 2027
Wednesday
Seabourn Cruises Cruises cruise lineSeabourn Quest
21 October, 2027
Thursday
American Cruise Lines Cruises cruise lineACL American Pioneer
24 October, 2027
Sunday
American Cruise Lines Cruises cruise lineACL American Pioneer
26 October, 2027
Tuesday
Azamara Cruises Cruises cruise lineAzamara Quest22:0023:00
27 October, 2027
Wednesday
American Cruise Lines Cruises cruise lineACL American Maverick

Cape Cod Canal is a man-made waterway located in Massachusetts USA. It connects Cape Cod Bay (located in the north) to Buzzards Bay (in the south).

  • Part of Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the approx 11,3 km (7 ml) long canal traverses the tight neck of land which joins Cape Cod to state's mainland. Most of canal's length follows tidal rivers widened to 150 m (480 ft) and deepened to 9,8 m (32 ft) at mean low water, shaving 217 km (135 ml) off the trip around the Cape for its approx 14,000 annual users.
  • Most of Cape Cod Canal is located in Bourne, Massachusetts. However, its northeastern terminus is situated in the town of Sandwich. Close to the north entrance of the canal lies Scusset Beach State Reservation, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy lies near its south. Swift running current alters direction every 6 hours and can reach 8,4 km (5,2 ml) per hour during receding ebb tide.
  • Cape Cod Canal is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and features no toll fees. It's spanned by Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge and 2 highway bridges - Sagamore and Bourne. Traffic lights found at either end govern vessels' approach over 19,8 m (65 ft).
  • Although being artificial, the waterway is occasionally used by dolphins and whales including endangered North Atlantic right whales which can cause canal's closure.

Cape Cod Canal is used extensively by commercial and recreational vessels (day-trip riverboats and cruise ships). Service roads on both its sides provide access for fishing and are used by in-line walkers, skaters and bicyclists. Several parking areas are provided at access points. Visitors often just sit and watch boats and ships transiting Cape Cod. Bourne Scenic Park, adjacent to the Canal is leased by Corps of Engineers to Town of Bourne Recreation Authority for use as RV campground and a tent.

In the morning on October 2, 2015 (at around 10 am), the world's largest residential (privately-owned) cruise ship MS The World navigated through the Cape Cod Canal waterway passing under Sagamore, Bourne, railroad bridges. The large vessel has a total of 165 residences (privately-owned staterooms / appartments), including studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites.

Cape Cod Canal cruise terminal

The following map of Cape Cod Canal shows all sites (for tent and trailer camping, fishing, swimming, viewing areas), as well as the exact location of stores, tourist info centres, boat / yacht marinas, bicycle and hiking trails, ranger stations.

Cape Cod Canal is a scenic transit, not a conventional port call. Cruise ships normally sail through the canal without docking or tendering, so passengers cannot go ashore here. The experience is best enjoyed from an open deck as the ship passes close to the canal banks and beneath its three bridges.

At a Glance

  • Type of visit: Scenic ship transit.
  • Going ashore: Not available during a normal canal transit.
  • Canal length: Approximately 11.9 km (7.4 mi) between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.
  • Best activity: Watch the shoreline, bridges and passing vessels from an outside deck.
  • Independent sightseeing: Not applicable because there is no passenger landing.

What to See During the Transit

Canal Banks and Recreation Paths

The canal is relatively narrow, giving passengers close views of its wooded banks, service roads, cycling paths, marinas, fishermen and recreational boats. Look for people gathering along the shoreline to watch the cruise ship pass.

Sagamore and Bourne Bridges

The two large road bridges are the most prominent landmarks along the canal. Their high steel arches frame the ship as it passes below, making the transit particularly impressive from an upper open deck.

Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

Near the Buzzards Bay end, the vertical-lift railroad bridge is the canal’s most distinctive structure. Its central span normally remains raised for marine traffic and is lowered when trains need to cross.

Buzzards Bay End

Near the western entrance, passengers may see Massachusetts Maritime Academy, training vessels, marinas and the wider waters of Buzzards Bay. At the opposite end, the canal opens into Cape Cod Bay near Sandwich and Scusset Beach.

Best Way to Experience the Canal

  • Check the ship’s daily program or announcements for the estimated canal-entry time; tidal conditions and vessel traffic can affect the schedule.
  • Choose an open upper deck for the broadest view, but move between sides if practical because landmarks appear on both banks.
  • Be outside before the ship reaches the first bridge. The most interesting part of the passage is compact and may be over in roughly one to two hours.
  • Bring a light outer layer, especially for an early-morning, evening or autumn transit.
  • After dark, expect views of illuminated bridges and shoreline lights rather than detailed scenery.

Important for Itinerary Planning

A Cape Cod Canal listing should not be treated as a day ashore in Cape Cod. There is no cruise terminal, shuttle service, walking tour or independent transfer associated with a normal transit. Any separate shore visit to Sandwich, Bourne, Provincetown or another Cape Cod destination will appear as its own port call in the cruise itinerary.

Cape Cod Canal hotels