Welcome aboard! Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this guide will help you navigate the exciting world of cruising.
An Introduction to Cruising
New at Cruising
- Imagine a floating resort that takes you to multiple destinations while you unpack only once. That’s the magic of cruising! Here’s what you can expect:
- All-inclusive packages covering accommodation, meals, and entertainment
- A range of ship sizes, from intimate vessels to massive floating cities
- Voyages lasting anywhere from a few days to several months
Experienced Cruiser
- Ready to elevate your cruising experience?
- Trying different cruise lines or ship sizes for varied atmospheres
- Seeking out unique itineraries or themed cruises
- Venturing into luxury or expedition cruising for a fresh perspective
Popular Cruise Destinations
- Caribbean
- Mediterranean
- Alaska
- Northern Europe
- South Pacific
- Antarctica
Choosing Your Vessel: Major Cruise Lines
- Premium Cruise Lines:
Princess Cruises: The perfect blend of tradition and modernity
Celebrity Cruises: Modern luxury and culinary delights
Holland America Line: Refined experiences for the discerning traveler
- Best Mass Market Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Line: Where the fun never stops
Royal Caribbean International: Innovative ships, unforgettable experiences Norwegian Cruise Line: Freedom and flexibility in “Freestyle Cruising”
- Best Luxury Cruise Lines:
Seabourn: Ultra-luxury suites and personalized service
Silversea: Intimate ships exploring the world’s most exotic locations
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-inclusive luxury at its finest
- Best River Cruise Lines in Europe:
Viking River Cruises: Immersive cultural experiences along Europe’s waterways
AmaWaterways: Luxury river cruising across multiple continents
- Cruise lines with Best Family-Friendliness
- Disney Cruise Line is the most family-oriented major cruise line, offering extensive kids clubs, family suites, and interactions with Disney characters.
- Royal Caribbean also has a very family-friendly focus, with award-winning kids programs, water slides, pools, and teen lounges on its ships
- Carnival and Norwegian are moderately family-friendly, with some programming and amenities for kids and teens. But they cater more to adults and couples.
- Cruise lines with Best Price Points
- Disney Cruises command the highest prices due to their premier family offerings and the Disney brand. 7-night cruises start around $1,800 pP
- Royal Caribbean offers high-quality cruises at moderate prices, with week-long cruises from $1,100 per person.
- Norwegian and Carnival are two of the more affordable lines, with some cruises starting around $650 per person for 7 nights.
- Cruise lines with Most Number of Ships
- Royal Caribbean has the most ships at 25 vessels across its brands like Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
- Carnival has 23 ships in its fleet operating under brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America.
- Norwegian Cruise Line has 17 ships, while Disney Cruise Line has just 4 ships, though with plans to expand to 6 by 2024.
Essential Tips and Facts before you Cruise
- Booking: Early birds often catch the best deals and cabin choices
- Packing Pointers: Pack smart with versatile clothing and don’t forget formal wear for special nights
- Staying Connected: Understand internet packages and international phone plans before you sail
Cruise Ships Departing from Florida
Florida is home to several bustling cruise ship ports that offer vacationers a diverse range of getaways to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, and beyond. Major cruise lines have ships departing year-round from top Florida ports including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa.
Cruise ships leaving from Miami often stop in locations like the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Aruba, and the Cayman Islands. Trips range from 2 nights to 2 weeks, with many offering a day of fun at Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay. Fort Lauderdale cruises visit similar destinations, along with ports in Jamaica, Belize, Honduras, and more.
Port Canaveral caters especially to Disney cruises, with ships stopping at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Cruises leaving from Tampa make stops in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras, with some itineraries transiting through the Panama Canal.
In addition to short Caribbean getaways, some Florida cruise itineraries head north along the Atlantic coastline toward Canada and New England. Others traverse the Atlantic for weeks-long European journeys.
By embarking from Florida ports, cruise passengers can enjoy some time in the Sunshine State before and after their ocean voyage.
Pre- and post-cruise stays in metro areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando are common. Florida’s cruise ports offer travelers easy access to Caribbean and other worldly adventures all departing from the state.
Ready to Set Sail?
The world of cruising is vast and exciting, with options to suit every taste and budget whether you’re dreaming of Caribbean beaches, Mediterranean charm, or polar expeditions
Don’t navigate these waters alone! Our experienced travel advisors are here to help you find the ideal cruise for your preferences, budget, and travel style.
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