Cruises

For more than 30 years, Florida has been the world’s cruise capital — and it shows no signs of slowing down. Every year, more than 8 million passengers board a ship from one of Florida’s five cruise ports. Four are located along the Atlantic Coast — Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Port Canaveral (Orlando), and Jacksonville — while Tampa serves the Gulf Coast. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the busiest, with multiple ships arriving and departing on any given day, while Port Canaveral is a convenient choice just an hour from Orlando. When choosing your port, consider how easy it is to get there — is there a direct flight or can you drive? Different cruise lines sail from different ports, which may also influence your decision.

Florida’s location close to the Bahamas and the Caribbean makes it the number one cruise hub in the world. Most major cruise lines sail from here, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, MSC Cruises, Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America. Seasonal departures from luxury lines like Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, Azamara, and Crystal are also common. Beyond classic itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, you’ll also find sailings to the Panama Canal, South America, and transatlantic repositioning cruises to Europe.

Cruises operate year-round, but keep in mind that June through November is hurricane season. While disruptions are usually limited to itinerary changes — skipping ports or spending extra time at sea — storms are most likely from early August to mid-October. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are most exposed, while Jacksonville is least affected. On the upside, cruise fares are often much lower during hurricane season, making it a great value for flexible travelers.

A Florida cruise is also the perfect excuse to extend your vacation. If you’re sailing from Port Canaveral, Orlando’s world-famous theme parks are just an hour away. From Tampa, you can add a visit to Busch Gardens or nearby Gulf Coast beaches. Cruises from Miami or Fort Lauderdale pair easily with extra days in South Florida — from glamorous Miami Beach to a road trip down to the Florida Keys.