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They’re not just ports; they’re gateways to adventure, culture, and relaxation. But have you ever wondered what makes it the ultimate cruising destination? It’s the major cruise ports that sprinkle the coastline like jewels on a pirate’s treasure map. From Port Canaveral, the go-to spot for family fun, to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, a haven for luxury liners, each port has a unique flavor that adds zest to Florida’s cruise scene. Introducing the new Icon of the Seas℠, a whole new class of Royal Caribbean® adventure.
Freedom of the Seas to the Bahamas
Indulge in the best of every destination with a Transatlantic cruise with Princess. Travel back in time and experience the Panama Canal the way it was meant to be on a cruise from Ft. Transit the newly expanded locks — including the Agua Clara and Cocoli Locks — and get up close to the engineering wonders that surround you. Between the history of the Canal and the cultures of the region, it’s no wonder the Panama Canal is one of the Seven Cruise Wonders of the World.
Night Tortola, Antigua & BahamasDetails
In the world of cruising, conventional wisdom often advises arriving a day before departure to accommodate any unexpected delays. However, for the brave at heart, flying in and out of Florida on the same day as embarkation and disembarkation can be an effective money-saving strategy. Stroll along the St. Pete Pier and admire the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay and the botanical wonderland, called the Sunken Gardens, which hides right in the middle of downtown.
Hotels
It’s the beat to your conga, the breeze to your sail, the coconut to your cocktail. Hold on to your captain’s hat; we’re diving into the perfect season to book your next cruise vacation. So, if you’re planning your next cruise vacation and want to be part of the in-crowd, look no further than Port Miami. It’s not just a port; it’s a celebration, an experience, a love affair with the sea. Though not as big and bustling as Miami, it’s still a superstar in its own right.
Not Just a Port, but a Lifestyle
Some seven-night Miami-based sailings go for as low as $3,700 per person based on double occupancy. This port, while up-to-date, feels like a vacation from another era, in a positive way! There are fewer crowds, ease of access, and only Carnival Cruise Line ships at this small Florida port.
With around 4.5 million cruise passengers donning their sunglasses and flip-flops here each year and approximately 1,400 ships sailing through, it’s a seafarer’s paradise. Home to a thriving artist community, enjoy open-air art shows and explore innovative galleries tucked throughout the city. Stroll along the palm-lined, harbor-front park for the chance to hear the spontaneous jam of local musicians who have been known to serenade the sunset. Surrounding the city are maritime and costal habitats, which support over 600 species of birds, fish, and marine wildlife. Lauderdale, unpack once and visit even more destinations while enjoying additional days at sea traveling between destinations. As you explore the corners of the world, connect with other guests who share your passion for wanderlust.
And if you want to go full-on nature, you’ve got wildlife parks galore and miles of sandy beaches. The convenient departure port of Tampa Bay is a fantastic city well-worth exploring before embarking on a Caribbean cruise. Make your way through the Y-Bor City district, where you can shop in one of its many cigar shops and sample craft beers at a local brewery. Stop by the Florida Aquarium, where you can pet stingrays and watch dolphins on a catamaran cruise. Or start your vacation early and head to a Gulf Coast beach and dip your toes in sugary-soft sand and crystal clear water. Sail off on a tropical vacation from Miami, the cruise capital of the world and an exciting destination with warm weather year-round.
Caribbean cruises
Additionally, more specialized cruise lines are served by smaller ports, such as the Port of Palm Beach. Each of these ports offers unique itineraries, making Florida a versatile launch point for various destinations. For family fun, consider ports like Port Canaveral, near the Kennedy Space Center, that offer entertaining options for kids and adults alike. And if the bustling atmosphere of the world’s busiest cruise port isn’t your scene, perhaps a smaller, cozier port like Jacksonville Port might be your cup of tea.
FAMILY VACATION
Whether your journey upon the sea launches from the world’s largest and busiest port or a single terminal, boarding a ship at any Florida cruise port can become part of everyone’s fun vacation memories. One of the best benefits of setting sail from a smaller Florida cruise port is access to local attractions. At Port Tampa Bay, two of the city’s popular places are within walking distance of all three terminals – The Florida Aquarium and Sparkman Wharf. Unique amongst cruise ports in Florida, this location is a destination in and of itself.
The state’s ports play a crucial role in shaping the cruising industry, fostering innovation, and setting trends that ripple across the globe. From eco-friendly cruise terminals to top-notch passenger experience, Florida’s ports are a beacon of excellence. Jacksonville International Airport, your gateway to Jaxport, is just a breezy 20 to 30-minute ride away. And if you find yourself with time to explore Jacksonville, be sure to indulge in some wild fun at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, or immerse yourself in learning at the Museum of Science and History. You might even hear a tiger’s roar at the nearby conservation center.
Experience more to do onboard the ship, with fewer days between some of the world's most exotic travel destinations. Savor some kebabs or a flatbread pizza among live plants in the ship's Rooftop Garden, then watch the sun sink into the sea at the aptly named Sunset Bar. Submerge yourself in a martini-shaped hot tub out on the pool deck or enjoy a dip on a rainy day in the covered adults-only Solarium. Families looking for some time apart will love that Disney has an included kids club where younger cruisers can enjoy fun activities under the watchful eye of the ship's youth staff. The Oceaneer Club features themed areas like Andy's Room from "Toy Story" and Tinkerbell's home at Pixie Hollow. The Oceaneer Lab offers baking classes inspired by "Ratatouille" and sessions where kids learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters.
With so much to do on board, plus the short sailing times, cruises on this ship can have a distinct party vibe. There's a reason that the College Party Cruise charter company uses Freedom of the Seas for its March spring break sailings. While the islands offer plenty of fun in the sun, the ship itself is filled with tons of family-friendly activities. Siblings or parents and kids can race each other to the bottom of the twin waterslides, named Typhoon and Cyclone. If you prefer to stay dry, hop into the Ultimate Abyss tunnel slide, where riders will glide down 10 stories of darkness before bottoming out on the ship's Boardwalk. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise.
When it comes to setting sail on a dream cruise, there’s no port quite as bustling or electrifying as Miami’s very own cruise port. The ships departing from Miami’s port have itineraries that’ll make your travel dreams come true. When the summer of 2024 rolls around, Disney Magic will set sail from Disney Cruise Line's newest home port in Florida, Fort Lauderdale.
For another nature experience, Singer Island offers hiking, biking, snorkeling, and a nature center for the eco-adventurers. This Florida cruise port is home to mainly one mainstream cruise line created from a partnership between the former Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Margaritaville at Sea. However, there is a multitude of ways to create just the right package for your next cruise vacation. Four cruise lines call Port Tampa Bay “home,” including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Itineraries from this location on the western (Gulf) side of the state include voyages to several Caribbean islands and destinations in Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela.
Let’s set sail into the glittering world of Florida’s most beloved cruise destination. Though it may lack the glamorous diversity of Miami, Port Canaveral stands as a preferred stopover for some of the world’s most opulent cruise ships. Lines docking here include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and MSC. And hey, if you’re keen on seeing some of the biggest ships out there, including the awe-inspiring Wonder of the Seas, this port is your ticket to maritime splendor.
What's new for Florida cruises in 2024 – Orlando Sentinel - Orlando Sentinel
What's new for Florida cruises in 2024 – Orlando Sentinel.
Posted: Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
With four major ports, sailing out of Florida offers so many exciting options to explore on a day trip before or after your cruise. Find cruising near you from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando (Port Canaveral) or Tampa and you'll find plenty of things to do to soak up the sun and culture in the Florida region. Year-round, book cruises for two-night/three-day excursions to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island aboard a Margaritaville at Sea ship. Most passengers take this opportunity to “catch a ride” on a beautifully appointed floating resort and book a stay on the island for an extended tropical getaway. Florida’s primary cruise harbors encompass Port Miami, Port Canaveral near Orlando, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and the Port of Tampa Bay.
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