Sunday, March 31, 2024

Cruises from Florida: Best 2024 & 2025 Cruises from Florida

cruise from florida

Spend your days in port lounging on pristine white-sand beaches and swimming in crystal clear waters. Find your adventurous side during exciting excursions that include scenic hikes up a volcano, snorkeling dives in vibrant coral reefs, and horseback rides through the jungle. Once you’re back on board, unwind in luxurious surroundings with unparalleled views of the ocean. Savor world-class meals crafted by a Michelin-starred chef and relax in spacious stateroom and suite accommodations.

More MSC Cruise Ships Sailing In North America

Florida is a melting pot of people as well as cultures – and the food scene here certainly reflects that. To the south, you'll find lots of Caribbean and Latin American influence in every bite. Venture north, to taste the flavours of the state’s local vegetable farms and fresh fishing markets. Admire the eclectic architecture and diverse culture of Miami during a tour around the city. Take photos in front of the pastel buildings in the Art Deco Historic District, taste the delicious cuisine of Little Havana, and marvel at the beautiful shores and music-filled bars of South Beach. Go on a guided tour of Tampa Bay and admire the view of Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

The 6,762-passenger ship is currently in the final phases of construction, but will homeport at what will be the world’s largest cruise terminal when it enters service in April of 2025. Discover the secrets of the Caribbean culture and history on shore excursions to the islands’ most important landmarks. In each port, you’ll be able to explore the monuments, museums, and sites that make each island unique. Wander through the forts of Old San Juan, stop in the Caribbean’s oldest church in St. Lucia, and visit a former British Garrison in St. Vincent. Sail from our newest Florida departure port, Tampa, on a deluxe Caribbean cruise vacation. Book a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Mexico, Honduras, and Belize.

Top Shore Excursions on Last-Minute Cruises from Florida

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. Families will especially appreciate Carnival Cruises, but there’s something for everyone on the expansive ships. Seuss at Sea features parades, story time, arts and crafts, character breakfasts, and fun for Dr. Seuss fans of all ages.

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Which means you can fill your year with even more bucket list adventures. St. Croix is nicknamed “The Garden of the Antilles,” and for good reason. Virgin Islands, this sprawling tropical oasis is a paradise of towering emerald mountains, dense tropical rainforests, and windswept coastline kissed by turquoise waves.

World's largest cruise ship arrives in Florida - ActionNewsJax.com

World's largest cruise ship arrives in Florida.

Posted: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

cruise from florida

If you crave an exhilarating day of adventure on the water, head to Oleta State Park for a myriad of water sports in the Biscayne Bay. If you’re needing an art fix, explore the Perez Art Museum or historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. If a break in nature is needed, there’s no shortage of places to experience wildlife up close, head to Zoo Miami or Miami Seaquarium for interactive shows and encounters.

Carnival Elation to the Bahamas

What makes this itinerary special is that it features later all-aboard times in San Juan and St. Maarten, allowing guests to see the islands as they come alive in the sunset glow. While MSC World America’s debut in the US is certainly something to look forward to, she won’t be the only vessel sailing in US waters throughout summer 2025. Indeed, MSC Seascape will also homeport in the cruise line’s state-of-the-art terminal in Miami, while MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seashore will be based in New York City and Port Canaveral, respectively.

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. Evening entertainment includes cabaret shows, musical revues, and performances by the Regent Signature Orchestra. A spa, fitness center, casino, cooking classes, lecture programs, and presentations that highlight destinations are available onboard, too. Departing from Florida ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral, Disney cruises include Broadway-style entertainment, fireworks, character experiences, movies, and water park fun. Disney’s Oceaneer Club offers age-appropriate activities for kids ages three to 12. Designed for families and Disney fans of all ages, the ships also include adult-exclusive restaurants, lounges, pools, and a spa.

of the Best Cheap and Affordable Cruises from Florida

Among interactive Mission Zones you’ll see the Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis. Go behind the gates to discover historic launch sites and working spaceflight facilities, plus marvel at the U.S. Visit the Florida Everglades and its treasured ecosystem on an airboat. Ride through mangroves and cypress swamps, where you’ll see alligators in their natural habitat. See top highlights of Miami, Orlando or Tampa from the comfort of your motorcoach as your guide points out some of the city's most popular areas.

For local fare, swing by D.J.'s Clam Shack for fresh seafood or Garbo's Grill for Korean barbecue beef tacos. Both were showcased on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Treat yourself to key lime pie on a stick before you head back to the ship. 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. The itinerary also includes a stop at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

The a la carte restaurant serves authentic Texas-style barbecue and all the classic sides. After dinner service, the restaurant turns into a country dance club with a live band and an open dance floor. Check out Disney Wish, with three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay and Nassau. Disney Magic is among Disney's smaller ships, but fans love it for its intimate size and fewer crowds.

For guests who want to see it all, there will also be an option to combine both itineraries to create a 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruise. The local crispy, golden-fried conch fritters are a harmony of Caribbean and Southern cooking influences. You'll find them at seafood restaurants from South Florida all the way up the coast. You'll be able to use much of your Caribbean cruise wardrobe while you're holidaying in Florida – sandals, swim suits, cover-ups and breezy linen. Head to one of Florida’s top attractions, the Everglades National Park, which is famous for its swampy terrain and local wildlife, particularly the alligators. Go on a boat ride around the area and then visit an alligator farm, where you’ll learn more about these unique reptiles.

In Key West, bike along the island’s quirky streets or visit the area’s main sights aboard a conch train. From short cruises to the Bahamas to extended vacations to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean, our cruises are perfectly designed to maximize your vacation time. Discover stunning coral reefs, experience thrilling jungle adventures, or kick back on one of the Caribbean’s many immaculate stretches of sand. Travel through time as you sail to Canada & New England on a cruise from Ft.

Feast your eyes on palm tree cabanas, white sand beaches and rich marine life beneath crystal clear waters. Hitting a destination every day, this is the perfect option for those who prefer to get out and explore. Onboard, there’s a fitness and spa, dozens of dining options and a dedicated running track on deck too.

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Key West, FL 2024 with Prices Key West Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

cruise key west

Key West cruise ship passengers, who number some 820,000 a year among the island's 3 million visitors, disembark at Mallory Square, a Navy pier near the Westin Resort. But the island city is a breeze to explore by walking, bike, scooter or even pedicab. Famous residents have included Pulitzer Prize-winner Ernest Hemingway, whose home on Simonton Street is now a museum where six-toed cats roam the grounds, pool and living quarters. Key West was also a home away from home for President Harry Truman, whose one-time respite from Washington, D.C., is the "Little White House," a museum by the waterfront.

Tour the Hemingway House (and See 6-Toed Cats)

Beachin’ It – The closest beach to the cruise ship pier is located at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. In fact, Key West’s most popular beach is located at the southern end of the park. There are plenty of fun in the sun activities including swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing. There is also a gift shop and restaurant with an ocean view if you’re looking for something to eat. Located closer to Havana than Miami, Key West cruise port is the ideal getaway, giving you a taste of paradise without even having to leave the USA.

Key West Florida Port Guide

Also in Nassau, check out the James Bond Wrecks, so named for its role in several Bond films. Bond fans will instantly recognize the impressive coral formations from the big screen. For a more mild, shark-free experience, go snorkeling at Elbow Cay or Fowl Cays National Park in the Abacos, islands known for their clear, lagoon-like water. Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square – If your cruise ship happens in be in Key West at sunset, you must take a moment to appreciate the sunset celebration at Mallory Square as the locals do each evening. Enjoy exciting festivities including street performers and a variety of live entertainment options each evening.

CONCH CABOOSE

STARGAZING AT SEA: SCHOONER AMERICA 2.0 OFFERS CELESTIAL CRUISES - Florida Keys Weekly

STARGAZING AT SEA: SCHOONER AMERICA 2.0 OFFERS CELESTIAL CRUISES.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:53:34 GMT [source]

The pigs aren't island natives, and no one is quite sure how they first arrived here, but they've nonetheless made the island home. "Pig Beach" is uninhabited by humans and only accessible by boat, via a guided tour. Once there, you'll be able to swim alongside not only pigs, but also nurse sharks, and you can even have a sandbar picnic. Extend your short sojourn to Key West with a stop in the Bahamas for the ultimate cruise vacation. Just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas has something for everyone. Nearly 700 coral islands make up the Bahamas — and only 30 of those are inhabited.

Night A Journey From Miami To MiamiDetails

The Caribbean island Key West was initially called "Bone Key" (Cayo Hueso) honoring the Indian skeletons found by the Spaniards on its shores when they landed here for the first time in the 16th-century. The USA bought Cayo Hueso from Spain in the early-19th-century, and eventually, the name was Americanized to Key West. Cruise ship tourists may easily explore the downtown on foot and see Duval Street, Mallory Square, visit the Aquarium, Mel Fisher Museum, Audubon House, Hemmingway's House. As soon as your cruise ship pulls into Mallory Square in the heart of Key West, you will know you are somewhere special!

This private island is just three miles from Nassau, so it's easily reachable when you only have one day in port. Blue Lagoon has everything from Caribbean wildlife encounters to Segway tours and curated beach days. The first/principal (Fisherman Wharf) is within walking distance from downtown. The second (Outer Mole Pier) is a free trolley bus ride away from downtown.

While federal agents were trying to stymie drug smugglers, Keys residents decried the roadblock as a tourism disaster as well as disrespectful to its people. But Key West's mayor and his supporters failed to sway a federal court in Miami to lift the roadblock. Soon after, he read a proclamation at Mallory Square declaring the Keys no longer a part of the U.S. and demanding $1 million in foreign aid.

If sharks are more enticing to you than pigs, go scuba diving at Runway Wall. Located right off the coast of Nassau, divers can explore shipwrecks, underwater walls and reefs, all while swimming alongside reef sharks. Some tour companies even offer a shark-feeding experience, where divers can get up close and personal with the animals.

cruise key west

But there are also a variety of other methods to see Key West, like the Old Town Trolley. You can also rent bikes or scooters to catch the Key West breeze while you explore. For a sightseeing tour you’ll never forget, take the Conch Tour Train, which has been showing tourists around town since 1958. Here, you'll find a laid-back vacation destination that feels oceans away from home. Closer to Havana than Miami, Key West, Florida, certainly moves on island time, with a stunning natural landscape, an abundance of exciting bars and restaurants, colorful buildings and the historic Old Town. From scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park, a Key West vacation has everything you could want in a tropical getaway.

Popular bars, T-shirt and souvenir shops and art galleries line both sides of the street and can be found from the 200 block to the end near Mallory Square. Although there is an open-container law in Key West prohibiting alcohol on public streets, it isn't largely enforced on visitors along the 100 and 200 blocks of Duval. While on cruises to Key West, Florida, you’ll find no shortage of souvenir shacks, roadside t-shirt vendors, and Florida-related memorabilia celebrating and embracing Key West’s quirkiness. Head to Duval Street for the majority of shops, independently-owned boutiques, and galleries in the city. Or shop at Mallory Square for interesting goods like sandal and surf shops or markets for seashells and sea sponges.

President Truman has what was called “The Little White House” on the island and would visit on working vacations during his presidency. Beyond that, it was visited and used by other presidents including Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton. If you want to see the real thing, the sign is on the corner of Whitehead Street and Fleming. Below, we’ve mapped out the island showing the location of the cruise port and our list of things to do. Below, we cover a ton of things that are all within a short distance of the port and available to do during the day while the ship is docked.

In a city that’s built on tourism, you better believe that there is souvenir shopping available. If you’re wanting just about anything with “Key West” written on it, then just venture off the ship a little bit and you’ll be in the heart of the souvenir shops. Hats, t-shirts, novelty signs, keychains, and tons more are available. Hemingway’s home is located less than a mile from where the ships dock.

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