Florida Cruises

Discover Sunny Florida Escapes

Florida, the Sunshine State, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse ecosystems, and thrilling entertainment options. With everything from the lush Everglades to the magical world of theme parks, cruising to Florida offers a plethora of adventures for every type of traveller. Fun fact: Florida is home to over 1,300 miles of coastline, featuring some of the best beaches in the United States! By choosing a cruise holiday, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of ports and attractions while sailing in comfort and style.

Top Harbours in Florida

• Miami, Florida – The world’s busiest cruise port, close to South Beach, Little Havana and Ocean Drive.
• Port Canaveral, Florida – Popular for combining cruises with Walt Disney World and Kennedy Space Center.
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Home to Port Everglades and close to Las Olas Boulevard and Fort Lauderdale Beach.
• Tampa, Florida – Gateway to Ybor City, Busch Gardens and Florida’s Gulf Coast.
• Jacksonville, Florida – Offers access to Amelia Island and St Augustine, America’s oldest city.
• Key West, Florida – Famous for Duval Street, Ernest Hemingway Home and Mallory Square sunsets.

Top Attractions and Activities in Florida

• Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA – Experience Cinderella Castle, classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, and the famous evening fireworks spectacular.
• EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA – Explore World Showcase pavilions and innovative attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA – Walk through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade while enjoying immersive rides and themed experiences.
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, Florida, USA – See the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Saturn V Rocket, and exhibits celebrating NASA’s space programme.
• South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida, USA – Stroll Ocean Drive and admire the colourful Art Deco Historic District.
• Duval Street, Key West, Florida, USA – Explore lively bars, restaurants, galleries, and the famous Southernmost Point buoy.

Top Cruise Lines That Offer Florida Itineraries

• MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 23 ships, with 8 vessels featuring itineraries that wax lyrical about Florida’s coastline. The MSC Divina and MSC Seascape are particularly popular, known for their elegant design and vibrant onboard entertainment options. Onboard, cruisers can relish themed dining experiences and enjoy an array of activities for all ages. Departing from Miami or Port Canaveral, these cruises position Florida as the perfect gateway to adventure.
• Holland America Line boasts a fleet of 11 ships, with 9 of them calling on Florida’s ports. The Eurodam and Zuiderdam provide a refined experience, featuring excellent service, exceptional cuisine, and programs that delve deeply into local culture and history. Most often departing from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Holland America is a prime choice for those seeking a balance of laid-back luxury and enriching experiences.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises has an extensive fleet of 29 ships, with 22 of them travelling to Florida. Popular vessels such as Grandeur of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas are designed for fun-loving families and adventure seekers, offering onboard rock-climbing walls, surf simulators, and a variety of dining options. These cruises frequently set sail from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, making it easy for cruisers to begin their Florida escapades.
• Princess Cruises offers a fleet of 17 ships, with 13 of them travelling to Florida’s captivating port cities. The Enchanted Princess and Caribbean Princess stand out for their premier service, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse entertainment options. Departing from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, this cruise line facilitates seamless access to Florida’s enchanting coastal experiences.
• Norwegian Cruise Line features a fleet of 20 ships, with 14 of those ships on itineraries that include Florida. The Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem are recognised for their “freestyle cruising” concept—a casual approach that allows guests to dine whenever and wherever they wish. Most cruises leave from Miami or Port Canaveral, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable introduction to Florida’s beautiful attractions.

Seasonal Expectations & Weather in Florida

• Winter (December to February) – Warm temperatures of 20–27°C attract visitors escaping colder climates, making this peak cruise season.
• Spring Break (March) – Beaches, ports and attractions experience some of the highest visitor numbers of the year.
• Spring (March to May) – Temperatures rise to 24–31°C, with lower humidity and excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
• Summer (June to August) – Hot, humid weather dominates, with temperatures of 30–35°C and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• Hurricane Season (June to November) – The highest risk period for tropical storms, particularly between August and October.
• Thanksgiving & Christmas – Significant increases in tourism occur across Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Port Canaveral.
• Sea Conditions – Winter and spring generally provide the calmest cruising conditions around Florida’s coastlines.

Alternative Regions to Consider for Florida Cruises

• Bahamas – Visit Nassau’s historic centre, the Queen’s Staircase and the crystal-clear waters of Paradise Island.
• Caribbean – Explore St Lucia’s Pitons, Barbados’ Carlisle Bay and Aruba’s Eagle Beach on longer itineraries.
• Mexico – Discover Cozumel’s reefs, Tulum’s cliffside ruins and the colonial streets of Mérida.
• Bermuda – Experience Hamilton’s harbourfront, St George’s UNESCO-listed streets and pink-sand beaches.
• Panama Canal – Add a world-famous engineering marvel to your tropical cruise itinerary.
• Central America – Visit Belize’s barrier reef, Costa Rica’s rainforests and Honduras’ Mayan heritage sites.
• New Orleans – Combine southern culture, jazz history and Gulf Coast cruising opportunities.

FAQs About Florida Cruises

Which Florida ports are most popular for cruises?

Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Jacksonville are among Florida’s busiest cruise ports.

What destinations can I visit from Florida?

Popular cruise destinations include the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda and the Panama Canal.

Is Florida a good departure point for Caribbean cruises?

Yes. Florida is considered the main gateway for Caribbean cruising thanks to its numerous ports and year-round sailings.

When is the best time to cruise from Florida?

Florida cruises operate throughout the year, although winter is particularly popular for warm-weather escapes.

Can I combine a Florida cruise with a theme park holiday?

Yes. Many travellers pair cruises from Port Canaveral with visits to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

Are Florida cruises suitable for families?

Absolutely. Many family-focused cruise lines operate from Florida ports.

Do Florida cruises visit private islands?

Many itineraries include private island destinations such as Coco Cay and Disney Castaway Cay.

How early should I arrive before a Florida cruise?

Arriving at least one day before embarkation is recommended, particularly for international travellers.

Which Florida port is closest to Miami Beach?

Port Miami is located just minutes from Miami Beach and downtown Miami.

Are cruises from Florida available year-round?

Yes. Florida offers one of the most extensive year-round cruise schedules in the world.

Looking forward to sunshine and adventure in Florida? Call our Cruise Specialists and let us help you find your perfect Florida cruise.