Best cruises from Florida: Our top 9 trips from the Sunshine State

Table Of Content

• Wonder of the Seas to the Western Caribbean
• Miami: The Cruise Capital
• Carnival Sunrise, Half Moon Cay & Nassau from Miami, February 13, 2025
• Bahamas: A 4-day Cruise Highlight from Florida
• Royal Caribbean, Cozumel, Mexico from Tampa, February 20, 2025
• Carnival Glory, Bimini & Nassau from Port Canaveral, November 18, 2024

Each island offers spectacular sandy beaches that give way to sparkling blue waters, plus options for water sports, museum visits and hikes to the top of lush mountaintops. Carnival Elation is unique because it's the only ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville. Its four- and five-day sailings to the Bahamas stop at Nassau and a second destination that varies. Choose from cruises to Bimini, Freeport, Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays — the latter two are private beaches operated by the Carnival Corporation. Embark on a 4-day journey from Port Canaveral, where the excitement of Orlando meets the tranquility of the sea.

Wonder of the Seas to the Western Caribbean

Delve into Port Canaveral’s wide array of facilities, terminals, and amenities to make the most of your cruise experience. Only have a few days to spare on an unforgettable cruise getaway? No problem — choose from a wide range of two-, three- and four-night itineraries cruising from Florida to the Caribbean onboard several fleet-favorite cruise ships. Start your adventure with some good old-fashioned southern hospitality in Galveston, Texas. Don’t miss the city’s must-see landmark buildings and bustling Pleasure Pier. Then board your ship and sail on a short cruise getaway to the beautiful shores of Mexico and the western Caribbean.

Miami: The Cruise Capital

Cruise to the Bahamas to take a dive and witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau. Embark on an unforgettable 4-day Caribbean adventure from Florida’s premier cruise ports. Each offers a unique gateway to the tropical allure of the Caribbean, with seamless transitions from nearby airports to the cruise terminals, ensuring your vacation starts without a hitch.

Carnival Sunrise, Half Moon Cay & Nassau from Miami, February 13, 2025

You can book an excursion in Key West, but it's easy to explore on your own. Take a ride on the hop-on, hop-off bus or saunter down Duval Street and around Old Town. For local fare, swing by D.J.'s Clam Shack for fresh seafood or Garbo's Grill for Korean barbecue beef tacos.

Police in Miami are searching for man who went missing aboard cruise on Labor Day - CNN

Police in Miami are searching for man who went missing aboard cruise on Labor Day.

Posted: Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Carnival Glory, Nassau & Princess Cays from Port Canaveral, January 6, 2025

A wonderful tropical holiday can be had by setting sail from Miami on a 4-day cruise. Take a 4-day tropical cruise out of Miami and explore the islands in the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, all while soaking up the laid-back island vibe. Embark on a captivating 4-day cruise from the sunny shores of Florida, where the promise of adventure, relaxation, and discovery awaits. Florida’s premier ports offer a gateway to the enchanting Caribbean and the Bahamas, making it easier than ever to enjoy a brief escape from the everyday. When you cruise to the Bahamas from Miami you get more choices of what to do and see on your vacation with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising.

Bahamas: A 4-day Cruise Highlight from Florida

Immerse in local history at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami during the day followed by the energetic nightlife when planning a short getaway before your vacation. Dubbed the cruise capital of the world, Florida is also a top-ranked vacation destination in its own right. Hugged by the calm, blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico on its western coast and the cool, sapphire-blue waters of the Atlantic on its eastern coast, it's a true beach lover's paradise. Thanks to the Sunshine State's location, cruises from Florida provide some of the best and most preferred ports to eastern, western and southern Caribbean isles. Indulge in traditional Mexican flavors and spices in Ensenada, home of the fish taco. Travel back in time as you roam thousand-year-old Maya temples in Cozumel.

Day 1: Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Whether you sail from Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, these tips will help you plan. Voyage to vacation destinations in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and more with the best deals on cruises out of Florida. The fan-favorite cruise ship from New York, Liberty of the Seas, is home to some of the best cruise restaurants in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. Make the most of a weekend getaway Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas onboard Utopia of the Seas with these ideal travel tips. Discover the ultimate beachfront party for your weekend getaway — Hideaway Beach℠. From non-stop beats and endless craft cocktails to cabanas with exclusive plunge pool access and a personal attendant, this is your adults-only weekend in paradise.

Best cruises from Florida: Our top 9 trips from the Sunshine State - The Points Guy

Best cruises from Florida: Our top 9 trips from the Sunshine State.

Posted: Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you can handle the heat, though, June through August are considered off-season in Florida and the Caribbean and see far fewer tourists than the rest of the year. When packing for your Florida cruise or vacation, make sure you don't forget sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. No matter what season you choose to visit, you can typically expect bright and sunny conditions when you vacation in Florida. Plus, all of the top things to do in Florida take place outdoors, so you'll be catching plenty of rays. With four major ports, sailing out of Florida offers so many exciting options to explore on a day trip before or after your cruise.

Port Canaveral’s selection of 4-day cruises presents a diverse range of experiences, perfectly blending Orlando’s magic with the allure of the Bahamas. From the enchanting private islands of the Bahamas to the vibrant cultures of the Bahamas, these short cruises offer a quick yet comprehensive glimpse into tropical paradise. Delve into a variety of 3-day and 5-day itineraries, embarking on voyages that offer more than just a destination—they promise a wealth of experiences.

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. Visit the top weekend destinations conveniently with home ports across three states — sunny Florida, Lone Star-studded Texas and golden California. Despite the shorter duration, 4-day cruises do not skimp on luxury. Enjoy a range of amenities from gourmet dining and spa treatments to thrilling water parks and live entertainment, ensuring every moment at sea is a delight. From the vibrant markets of Nassau in the Bahamas to the historic streets of Key West and the coral reefs of Cozumel, these short cruises offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. 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.

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. Create plans for the perfect girls weekend getaway in Los Angeles with our guide to the ultimate LA travel vacation. Whether you're a couple, a family or a solo traveler, weekend cruises from Florida make a fabulous quick break full of sun and sand. Weekend cruises aren't just for adults, families can enjoy them too! Start a friendly game of basketball at our sports court, splash down at Splashes Children's Pool or play the day away at our complimentary youth programs- Splash Academy and Entourage.

There’s party-ready South Beach, Coral Gables with its Mediterranean style, the spicy Little Havana, and even world-renowned Wynwood — center of street art. On board the ship, zip around the Encore Speedway in a go-kart, play laser tag in an Atlantis-themed arena, splash around the AquaPark or experience virtual reality games inside the Galaxy Pavilion. For a calmer diversion, purchase a pass to the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only retreat with lounge chairs, umbrellas and specialty food and drinks. The pass is good for the entire cruise, so you can come and go as you please.

These cruises from Fort Lauderdale whisk you to the serene islands of the Bahamas and the culturally rich ports of the Caribbean. Utilize insights from the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Monthly Guide to ensure your cruise is timed perfectly with the best the seasons have to offer. Each cruise is crafted to cater to your every whim, whether you yearn for the adrenaline of exploration or the peace of seascape serenity. Aboard, indulge in exquisite dining options and unwind in sumptuous accommodations, making your short voyage the epitome of relaxation and luxury. Or brave the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

These brief yet enriching cruises provide a deep dive into the Western Caribbean’s heart, where every stop is an opportunity for adventure and relaxation. The itinerary also includes a stop at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay. There you can enjoy a relaxing beach day, where all you have to worry about is getting back to the ship on time from the tender dock. No matter which coast you’re on, you don’t need a lot of days off to enjoy a short weekend getaway. Snag our best weekend deals and level up a quick vacation getaway like never before. From laid-back beachside lounging to adrenaline-amping thrills — do it all along the tropics’ most sought-after shores.

Tampa’s the kind of place that rewards visitors who take a little time to explore the city before or after they cruise. Not far from the Gulf Coast you’ll find great shopping, the state aquarium and plenty of local art museums. But that’s before we even get around to talking about the historically Cuban district of Ybor City, with its lively 7th Avenue neighborhood that’s best explored after sundown for Latin-style nightlife. People all around the world know Florida because there are few places that do “fun and sun” with quite the flair that this place does. And for all its deserved fame as a vacation destination, the Sunshine State is equally skilled at launching great vacations to other places. So imagine leaving from Florida and cruising to convenient, nearby locations like the Caribbean, The Bahamas… while we’re on the subject, you can even cruise to Mexico from Florida!

If you'd prefer to sample one of Carnival's newest and largest ships, you can sail from Port Canaveral on the line's Mardi Gras. Its Eastern Caribbean sailings visit island destinations like St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk. Mardi Gras' six- to eight-night itineraries provide a good mix of sea days at the start and end of the sailings. Unravel the vibrant tapestry of the Bahamas out of Fort Lauderdale, where each port of call is a new discovery. Explore historic sites, engage in thrilling water sports, or simply soak up the sun on powdery beaches.