christmas cruise from florida

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Christmas Cruises from Port Canaveral

Christmas cruises from Port Canaveral are offered annually. Four cruise lines have the special celebration voyages, and all the departures are listed below.

A Christmas cruise is the easy way to bring your extended family together. Celebrate the holiday in style on a warm island in the Bahamas or Caribbean.

December 21, 2024: 5-night Christmas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos).

December 21, 2024: 7-night Christmas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos).

December 21, 2024: 7-night Christmas cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas).

December 21, 2024: 6-night Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Labadee (Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica) and CocoCay (Bahamas).

December 22, 2024: 6-night Christmas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic).

December 22, 2024: 4-night Christmas cruise on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Lighthouse Point (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay (Bahamas).

December 22, 2024: 7-night Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to CocoCay (Bahamas), St Thomas and St Maarten.

December 23, 2024: 4-night Christmas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Princess Cays (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas).

December 23, 2024: 4-night Christmas cruise on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay (Bahamas).

December 23, 2024: 4-night Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Nassau (Bahamas) and CocoCay (Bahamas).

There are more departure ports for Christmas cruises out of Florida . The options include: • Christmas cruises from Fort Lauderdale • Christmas cruises from Jacksonville • Christmas cruises from Tampa

Christmas Cruises from Fort Lauderdale

Numerous Christmas cruises are available out of Fort Lauderdale every year. See the full schedule of cruises over Christmas below.

A Christmas cruise is an opportunity to gather the whole family. Celebrate and enjoy the ship's decorations, activities, entertainment, and food. The holiday cruises all go from Florida to the Caribbean islands.

December 20, 2024: 9-night Southern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Holland America . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Falmouth (Jamaica), Bonaire, Aruba and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas).

December 21, 2024: 11-night Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Holland America . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (Bahamas), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas).

December 21, 2024: 14-night Southern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Holland America . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to St Thomas, St Kitts, St Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Barbados, Aruba and Half Moon Cay.

December 21, 2024: 7-night Western Caribbean Christmas cruise on Holland America . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas).

December 21, 2024: 7-night Caribbean Christmas cruise on Celebrity . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West (Florida), Bimini (Bahamas), Labadee (Haiti) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic).

December 21, 2024: 8-night Southern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Celebrity . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

December 21, 2024: 8-night Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to St Thomas, St Kitts and Puerto Rico.

December 22, 2024: 7-night Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Holland America . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Thomas (US Virgin Islands) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas).

December 22, 2024: 7-night Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Celebrity . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St Thomas and St Maarten.

December 22, 2024: 11-night Southern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Celebrity . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Labadee (Haiti) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic).

December 22, 2024: 5-night Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Labadee (Haiti) and Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas).

December 22, 2024: 6-night Western Caribbean Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas), Falmouth (Jamaica) and Labadee (Haiti).

December 23, 2024: 7-night Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Holland America . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico, St Thomas and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas).

December 23, 2024: 4-night Bahamas Christmas cruise on Celebrity . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West (Florida) and Nassau (Bahamas).

December 23, 2024: 4-night Bahamas Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas).

December 23, 2024: 11-night Southern Caribbean Christmas cruise on Celebrity . Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena (Colombia), the Panama Canal (partial transit), Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

Consider other ports for Christmas cruises from Florida . The options include: • Christmas cruises from Jacksonville • Christmas cruises from Port Canaveral • Holiday cruises from Tampa

Christmas Cruises from Tampa

Christmas holiday cruises are truly special events and they are available out of Tampa, Florida. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity and Carnival cruise lines offer departures. All cruise lines decorate their ships and provide fun festivities.

A holiday cruise to the Caribbean is a warm and festive way to celebrate a wonderful time of the year. Leave the cooking and decorating to someone else this year. Feast on Christmas Day dinner with all the trimmings. Enjoy your time with the whole family.

You can combine a Christmas cruise with a New Year cruise from Tampa to extend your vacation. A cruise is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday.

December 20, 2024: 7-night Christmas cruise on Celebrity Cruises . Round-trip from Tampa to Cozumel (Mexico), Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas).

December 21, 2024: 8-night Christmas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Tampa to Limon (Costa Rica), Colon (Panama), the Panama Canal (partial transit) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands).

December 21, 2024: 7-night Christmas cruise on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from Tampa to Cozumel (Mexico), Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize) and Costa Maya (Mexico).

December 23, 2024: 5-night Christmas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from Tampa to Cozumel (Mexico) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands).

December 23, 2024: 11-night Christmas cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from Tampa to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Catalina Island (Dominican Republic), Aruba, Curacao and Grand Cayman.

There are also other options for cruises from Florida over Christmas : • Christmas cruises from Fort Lauderdale • Christmas cruises from Jacksonville • Christmas cruises from Port Canaveral

• Funtastic Holiday Cruises

Funtastic Christmas Cruises

CHRISTMAS FUN… AND SO MUCH MORE

Funtastic Christmas cruises also include all the fun of a typical Carnival cruise.

• You could eat three amazing meals a day — plus snacks and more — without paying extra! Great stuff too, from casual munching spots to sit-down dining room meals featuring great dishes designed by Emeril.
• Your ship may even have specialty restaurants like the steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano® with its family-style Italian, Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse featuring BBQs and brews, or a Creole bistro by Emeril Lagasse!
• Find our chefs showing off a little — from comfort food to exotic delicacies, get ready to discover new favorites, always fresh.
• We accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences, including an entire vegan dining room menu. Plus kids’ menus are ready to please even the pickiest little palates.
• Any hour of the day — all 24 of ‘em — is the best time to enjoy room service, plus soft-serve and pizza are available late into the night.

Entertainment

• Enjoy a high-energy stage show spectacular featuring singers, dancers and tunes you love.
• Move to the beat of live music performances, plus DJs spinning in locations around the ship.
• Show what you know — themed trivia’s going down, so start getting warmed up.
• If live-’n-lively music is your thing, hit the piano bar for fun sing-alongs.
• There’s something funny about our onboard comedy club, which features laugh-out-loud performances, some just for adults and some for everyone.
• Gather at the club, grab a drink and party till late, all to the beat of the latest tunes and classics.

Outdoor Activities

• Splash into pools, go for a swim… and don’t forget the poolside bars.
• Adults have their own place to relax away from all the action and the… well, kids: it’s Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™!
• There are plenty of ways to play — and what’s more, win — with outdoor sports activities like mini-golf.
• Pack your running shoes — there’s a jogging track with an ocean view and a breeze!

Kids & Teens

• Carnival cruises feature supervised youth activities all day long, clubs where they can hang out and make new friends.
• There are four separate youth programs: Camp Ocean ® for ages 2-11, Circle “C ® ” for 12-14 and Club O2 ® for 15-17… plus now there’s Turtles ® for the under-2s!
• Whatever kind of fun they're into — games, movies, music, karaoke and more — we've got it.
• Keep them in good hands while you enjoy evening entertainment, with available babysitting service. (For ages 11 and under.)

• Open the door and you’ll find soft, comfy linens, plus a full private bathroom with shower. Ahh, the comforts of home!
• You’ve got a stateroom attendant, ready to take care of your needs.
• Room service is always on the menu, 24 hours a day (and night!). Delivery is just a quick call away.
• Some rooms come with a view, some with balconies… and some even have a connecting door or extra half-bathroom!

Exotic Destinations

• For your Christmas cruise, choose from the tropical Caribbean islands, The Bahamas and its crystal-clear waters, or culture-packed Mexico.
• Wake up in a new port each morning — it’s like taking multiple vacations in one trip!
• Find great activities ashore like snorkeling, parasailing or swimming with dolphins.
• Taking it slow is always an option, too — think sunning on the beach, catamaran cruising or swaying hammocks in the shade.

Spend Christmas aboard… and you’re gonna have photos to share! Hashtag yours #CarnivalCruise and #Christmas to submit.

• CruiseMapper
• Royal Caribbean christmas cruises

Royal Caribbean Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024, 2025, 2023 new year's eve.

All Royal Caribbean Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

Royal Caribbean Christmas and New Year cruise deals are a "mega ship" travel choice for inexpensive December Holiday vacations. RCI's best features are the world's biggest cruise ships ever, top sea travel destinations and signature uniqueness.

The list of exotic RCI Xmas destinations includes Asia (from Singapore and China), Australia (Sydney to NZ and the South Pacific Islands), South America (from Brazil) and Europe (Mediterranean itineraries with UK departures).

Just like with the rest of the "big ship" companies, most RCI voyages for Christmas are roundtrips to the Caribbean, with departures from Florida (Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral).

Royal Caribbean's Caribbean ships also depart from New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Galveston, New Orleans, plus the special roundtrips from Puerto Rico (San Juan) and Panama (Colon).

Royal Caribbean Holiday specials feature unique onboard activities and signature activities offered by no other line. The special cuisine and one-time-in-the-year-only entertainment menu on the ship is another reason to spend the year's merriest time at sea. As to the prices on RCCL cruise package deals, their ticket prices are not cheap, and often perfectly match the size of their ships. Following the most common pattern for big lines Holiday itineraries, the majority of Royal Caribbean voyages for New Years are round-trips departing from Florida ports (Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral). Another set of highly popular deals includes the round-trips to the Caribbean leaving from New York (NYC and Bayonne NJ), Baltimore, Galveston, and New Orleans, along with the line's deals from Puerto Rico and Panama. The list of the Royal Caribbean New Year destinations also includes Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and South America (Brazil departures).

Next tables show all Royal Caribbean Christmas New Year cruise itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times) and regions.

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to go on a cruise.

Trade the glow of a Christmas tree in your living room with the warmth of the sand and the sun on a holiday cruise. Skip the mulled wine on your stovetop for some of the world's best at a European Christmas market.

Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure.

On a holiday cruise, you can leave the cooking, cleaning and decorating to the pros and simply enjoy time with your family. Christmas and New Year's cruises can also be good options for people trying to avoid the crush of relatives or who don't have family but still want to spend the holiday surrounded by other people and festive cheer.

Winter cruises feature holiday-themed activities for all ages, special feasts that capture the magic of the holiday season and port calls at destinations that let you enjoy the holiday spirit without shivering from frigid temperatures.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

It's never too early to plan your holiday getaway, especially as these cruises are among the quickest to sell out. Here are the best Christmas and New Year's cruises still available in 2024 and holiday sailings in 2025 to book now, as well as some useful tips about holiday cruise travel.

Holiday cruise tips

Before you book, keep in mind a few key facts about Christmas cruises.

Rates will be high

Expect cruise fares to be among the highest of the year during the holiday weeks as demand increases.

The best prices will be for early bookings; you likely won't find any last-minute discounts. If you do, they might be on windowless inside cabins or guarantee cabins , where the cruise line picks your room location.

Sailings will sell out

Holiday sailings sell out earlier than other itineraries, as people plan their holiday vacations months in advance. Suites and special cabins (family, spa and solo rooms and so forth) book up the fastest.

Consider booking your holiday cruise as early as possible, as the December sailings often fill up a year in advance .

Consider your own decorations

The crew will decorate public areas on board, but passengers often go all-out decorating their doors and cabins for the holidays.

Magnetic doors on cabins are blank canvases for the imagination. You'll find stateroom doors on Christmas cruises covered in wrapping paper, adorned with garlands or dotted with holiday-themed images.

It's best to double-check with your cruise line before attaching anything to your door or in your cabin, as rules and regulations differ per line. If you're not creative, check if your cruise line offers cabin decoration packages for preorder prior to your sailing.

Specialty dining is not advised on the actual holiday

Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays.

Your best bet for traditional holiday dinner options (think roast turkey, smoked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy) will come from the main, included dining options on board. It can't hurt to ask if any extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal.

Expect holiday hours in port

Most cruise ships will plan for Christmas to be a sea day, but if you're in port on Dec. 25 (or on Boxing Day, as many islands celebrate the day after), expect shops, restaurants and attractions to have modified hours or be closed.

Onboard services won't stop, so if all your top lunch spots in port are closed, you're always guaranteed a hot meal on the ship.

Consider a holiday bonus for the crew

Cruise ship crew members go beyond the standard service on all lines for the holidays, whether it's a kind note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's or a fanciful towel creation.

They can't be at home celebrating with their families because they're working hard to make your holiday special. While gratuities are often included in your fare or added automatically to your final bill, consider tipping extra on a Christmas cruise. The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season.

Best Christmas cruises for 2024

If you're on the hunt for the ideal holiday getaway, consider these Christmas cruises for this year's holiday vacation. (Note: These sailings had availability at the time of writing, but prices may change or ships sell out at any time.)

4-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise on Disney Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 22-26, 2024

Ship: Disney Fantasy

Access Disney Cruise Line's newest private island when you sail Disney Fantasy this Christmas. This four-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Disney's Castaway Cay, followed by a day at the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new island destination will highlight island culture with work by local artists and Bahamian music throughout the colorful beachside resort.

This sailing is one of Disney Cruise Line 's Very Merrytime Cruises, so expect plenty of holiday-themed surprises and special moments. Disney's December sailings feature snow flurries in the ship's atrium, pop-up meet-and-greets with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best and a Christmas wonderland on the beach at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.

Rates start at $4,862 for two adults sharing an inside cabin, including all taxes and fees.

16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday cruise on Holland America

Sail dates: Dec. 18, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Zaandam

The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday on Holland America's Zaandam is a great way to retreat from the cold this December. The extended itinerary will whisk you away for both Christmas and the New Year.

The ship sails round-trip from San Diego with stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; and Hilo and Kona, Hawaii. You'll spend five days traversing the Pacific Ocean on your way to Hawaii and five days at sea returning to the west coast for one more stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego. You can also enjoy scenic cruising by the Kilauea Volcano.

Don't forget your holiday best, as Zaandam will host a Christmas Eve formal ball with dinner and dancing, as well as a midnight Mass. Other seasonal events include a holiday-themed high tea service, holiday choir performances and Santa meet-and-greets.

Rates for inside cabins start from $1,739 per person, not including an estimated $282 per person in taxes, fees and port expenses.

13-night New Zealand holiday cruise on Celebrity Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025

Ship: Celebrity Edge

The most appealing holiday itinerary on Celebrity Cruises takes you Down Under for a two-week celebration, sailing round-trip from Sydney.

You'll cruise during the region's summer season with an itinerary that traverses the picturesque Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound before making port stops in Dunedin, Napier, Auckland, Tauranga and Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

The cruise doesn't call on Australian ports, but you can easily tack on a land-based pre- or post-cruise stay since the ship sails from Sydney.

If you're feeling the holiday spirit, sign up to join a group of crew and passengers to go caroling around the ship. Cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Christmas games are part of the holiday fun. On New Year's Eve, gather for a special party with a complimentary midnight Champagne toast, party favors and live music.

The lowest cabin fares start at $1,664 per person, plus $444.55 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage on Azamara

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Azamara is known for its travels to less-frequented ports, often with longer stays providing more time for immersion. Go somewhere new with Azamara's 15-night Christmas and New Year's cruise around South Africa. Azamara Quest sails round-trip from Cape Town with stops along the east coast of South Africa, including Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban and Mossel Bay.

Holiday events include caroling concerts, pop-ups with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, and a special tree-trimming party on Dec. 24. Azamara Quest will time its popular White Night pool deck party to coincide with New Year's Eve. The line has a tradition of seeking out the oldest person on board to ring the ship's bell two minutes prior to midnight to literally "ring out the old." Then the youngest passenger on board will "ring in the new" as the clock strikes 12 o'clock.

Rates start from $2,784 per person, not including $196 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

7-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise on AmaWaterways

Sail dates: Dec. 9-15, 2024

Ship: AmaBella

A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets.

Your ship will dock in the heart of each city, usually just a few steps from the markets. Sailing with AmaWaterways during the holiday season, guests return from a day exploring the markets to events on board that include tree-trimming, caroling and a fun European tradition called "Shoes for St. Nick," where passengers who leave their slippers outside their stateroom awake to find them filled with sweets.

Unlike most Christmas-related retail stores in the U.S. that stay open through the holiday season, many of Europe's Christmas markets close up shop by Dec. 22, so you'll need to take your vacation before Christmas itself. AmaWaterways' seven-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise takes place aboard AmaBella. You'll be immersed in the holiday spirit with port stops in Passau, Germany; Linz, Vienna and Weissenkirchen, Austria; and Budapest.

Rates for the weeklong cruise start at $3,699 per person, not including $224 in port charges and taxes.

7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 21-28, 2024

Ship: Sun Princess

Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises ' brand-new Sphere-class series of ships.

Take the line's newest flagship for a Christmastime spin on a round-trip Fort Lauderdale itinerary that features port calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan, Honduras. Three sea days give guests plenty of time to explore all the attractions on board, from a dome-covered pool area to a top-deck family activity zone.

The 4,300-passenger vessel will be about 21% bigger than the current biggest ships in the Princess fleet. It will be the line's first ship that features suites with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck. Sun Princess will also boast an innovative new "cabana cabin" along the ship's extra-wide 10th deck with access to a private deck area.

It will be easy to get into the holiday spirit while on board Sun Princess, with festive decor throughout the ship and an occasional "snowfall" in the Atrium. If you're traveling with kids, you can leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Christmas caroling, storytime and other holiday events will help you create special holiday memories.

Rates for the Western Caribbean cruise start at $957 per person for an inside cabin, not including $153 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise on Viking

Sail dates: Dec. 22, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Viking Polaris

While instinct might say to stop by the North Pole to check in on Santa's operations, it's just too cold, dark and icy for cruising. Instead, head toward the South Pole and Antarctica for a Christmas expedition.

Spend close to two weeks exploring the farthest reaches of the earth on the Antarctic Explorer itinerary aboard Viking 's Polaris. The route sails round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, before traversing the Drake Passage and cruising Antarctica for seven days. You'll have a cruise line-provided pre-cruise stay in Buenos Aires the night before you fly down to Ushuaia to meet your ship.

You'll explore the icebergs and cliffs of Antarctica on Christmas, presumably followed by a hot cocoa or a warm cocktail on deck. Afterward, treat yourself to Nordic-inspired dishes like smoked salmon and caviar, along with holiday treats like krumkake (a Nordic take on the cannoli) and sandkaker (Norwegian sugar cookies).

As with all Antarctica itineraries, ports and destinations on the continent change by the day, depending on weather and climate conditions. Rates for available staterooms on the cruise start from $15,495, including airfare, port taxes and fees.

Best Christmas cruises for 2025

If you want to score the best prices on a holiday cruise, book far in advance. Here are a few cruises to consider for your 2025 Christmas vacation.

Royal Caribbean: 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise

Sail dates: Dec. 20-27, 2025

Ship: Icon of the Seas

Catch a ride on the world's largest cruise ship during the 2025 holiday season. Highlights of Royal Caribbean 's new Icon of the Seas include a reconfigured Aqua Theater, now set at the bow of the ship inside a giant glass dome and featuring a dazzling 50-foot waterfall and dancing robotic arms, and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides, including the tallest drop slide at sea.

This holiday-week sailing departs round-trip from Miami with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas). Three days at sea might not be enough time to try everything on board!

Holiday highlights often include Christmas Eve caroling, an ugly Christmas sweater crafting competition, Christmas ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating classes, and holiday games and trivia.

The lowest available cabin category for this sailing is an ocean-view cabin, starting at $3,266 per person, not including $182.51 in taxes, fees and port expenses per person.

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 21-Dec. 28, 2025

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is an excellent way to experience Carnival's Celebration Key, the line's new private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. Carnival Celebration sails round-trip from Miami with stops in Celebration Key; Nassau, Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, so you can get some much-needed beach time and warm weather.

The line understands its family-forward "fun" ships are built for cheery escapes, and its Christmas celebrations fit perfectly into that world. Seasonal holiday events include Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater competition and a live holiday show with appearances by Santa and the Grinch.

Rates for inside cabins start at $1,049 per person, not including an estimated $215.65 per person in fees.

14-night Galapagos cruise on Silversea

Sail dates: Dec. 13-27, 2025

Ship: Silver Origin

Escape to the exotic Galapagos Islands for the holidays with a Silversea cruise. On the 14-night sailing round-trip from San Cristóbal, Silver Origin will alight at a remarkable 27 ports throughout the archipelago.

The Silver Origin's Christmas sailing will include many festive enhancements, beginning with an extensive overlay of greenery and ornaments throughout the interiors of the ship. The ship's culinary team will prepare a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu, along with mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate.

Adding to the cheer, guests and the ship's crew can participate in caroling, and despite no chimney in sight, a special visitor from the North Pole is scheduled to make an appearance.

The "door-to-door" rate for this sailing starts from $24,400 per person, including port fees and taxes. It includes a transfer service to the airport, airfare, shore excursions, premium alcoholic beverages, all gratuities, butler service and a return transfer back home at the end of your trip.

11-night Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano cruise tour on Windstar Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 16-27, 2025

Ship: Wind Spirit

Give yourself a bucket list gift for Christmas and book a Panama Canal cruise for your winter vacation.

Windstar Cruises ' Wind Spirit — a cruise ship that's part yacht, part four-masted sailing ship — is sailing down Costa Rica's Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal during the 2025 holiday season.

The journey begins with a five-day land tour of Costa Rica, taking guests to the Arenal volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. You'll then head to Puerto Caldera to board Wind Spirit. The ship will sail south to Quepos and Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. Then it's on to ports in Isla Parida and Balboa (for Panama City) in Panama before sailing through the Panama Canal.

To sweeten the holiday, Windstar gifts each cabin with a basket of Christmas cookies, candy canes, mandarin oranges, roasted nuts and chocolate candies.

Rates for the 11-night Central American getaway start from $5,599 per person, not including $474 in port fees and taxes.

7-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise on American Queen Voyages

Sail dates: Dec. 22-29, 2025

Ship: American Countess

Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest. This American Queen Voyages itinerary will also visit the special European-style Christmas market in Natchez, Mississippi, created especially for the line.

The itinerary begins with a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, where the bustling Bourbon Street awaits exploration. The Mississippi river sailing includes stops along the river at Nottoway, Louisiana; Natchez, Mississippi; St. Francisville, Louisiana and an overnight in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Guests can opt for a premium holiday shore excursion in Natchez. The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez tour features a visit to The Towers, one of the state's most opulent privately owned antebellum homes. Guests will ooh and ahh over the festive decorations and displays that include over 100 Christmas trees.

While on board, passengers will enjoy festive holiday decorations, special holiday performances, seasonal cuisine and Christmas cocktails.

Rates for the seven-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise start from $3,819 per person, including taxes, port fees and gratuities.

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Relish the best of sand, sun and sea on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Princess®. After riding through the Everglades or visiting the Flamingo Garden and Wildlife Sanctuary, sail to the Caribbean for an even sweeter taste of island life. You can also head to the Panama Canal and Canada & New England or embark on a Transatlantic cruise. The choice is yours on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale with Princess.

Find the Best Cruises from Fort Lauderdale

Caribbean Cruises

On a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to the Caribbean, dip your toes in turquoise waters and relax on golden beaches with a refreshing drink in hand. Travel between tropical islands – like St. Thomas, Aruba and Curaçao – where you can swim with stingrays and zipline through jungles. Discover ancient treasures, meet beloved wildlife and learn about the region’s history from an expert guide.

Panama Canal Cruises

Travel back in time and experience the Panama Canal the way it was meant to be on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale with Princess. Transit the newly expanded locks — including the Agua Clara and Cocoli Locks — and get up close to the engineering wonders that surround you. Between the history of the Canal and the cultures of the region, it’s no wonder the Panama Canal is one of the Seven Cruise Wonders of the World.

Canada & New England Cruises

Travel through time as you sail to Canada & New England on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. Walk in the footsteps of Paul Revere, hike through Acadia National Park and indulge in crab cakes and fresh-caught lobster along the way. Bask in the coastal beauty of Prince Edward Island, and spend two days exploring the French influences of Quebec City. With Princess, chronicles of the Northern seaboard await.

Transatlantic Cruises

Relive the golden age of ocean travel on a Transatlantic cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. Unwind at sea and jump into adventure at each destination. Choose from voyages that take you through the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea to the Land of Fire and Ice. Or stop by Spain and France on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Indulge in the best of every destination with a Transatlantic cruise with Princess.

South America & Antarctica Cruises

From the cultures of South America to the icy terrains of Antarctica, experience the best of both worlds on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. In Puntarenas, learn how Starbucks coffee beans are harvested at the company’s only farm. Walk past pyramids in Huatulco, and uncover treasures of Mesoamerica. Or ascend Corcovado Mountain and visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue.

World Cruises

On World Cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, unpack once and visit even more destinations while enjoying additional days at sea traveling between destinations. As you explore the corners of the world, connect with other guests who share your passion for wanderlust. Embark on one legendary adventure and visit locations spanning from the Blue Mountains of Sydney to the castles near Sicily and various cities in between.

Between the beaches, galleries and canals, there’s a lot to do and see in this waterside city. Here’s everything to know about your cruise from Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale at a glance

• Language: English
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Docking: You will be notified as to which pier your cruise from Fort Lauderdale will dock.
• Attire: We suggest dressing in light clothing as South Florida is warm year-round, especially in the spring and summer. Also consider bringing a light jacket for when temperatures dip in the evenings.
• Transportation: While taxis are available throughout the city, many neighborhoods are walkable, and you can visit other parts of Fort Lauderdale by train, trolley, water taxi and rental bike. Want to beat traffic to the port? Take Brightline , a convenient and comfortable high-speed passenger train.

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Keep those vacation vibes going – or kick them off – when you sail out of Fort Lauderdale. It’s the perfect playground for whatever you love: beaches, nature, food, culture, shopping and more. Whether you want to wave to alligators on an airboat ride through the Everglades or take in the top-notch restaurants and clubs, you’re sure to have a good time. This port city boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping, allowing cruises from Fort Lauderdale to extend the fun before or after setting sail. And who couldn’t use more of those?

Ships That Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Sun Princess® and Star Princess® are our next-generation cruise ships featuring an epic sphere atrium, first ever geodesic dome, innovative entertainment venues and premium Suites.

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises out of Fort Lauderdale. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Majestic Princess®

Caribbean Princess®

Sky Princess®

Enchanted Princess®

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Holiday Cruises

Reconnect with loved ones on a holiday cruise. Leave the prep and party planning to us as you enjoy world-class cuisine inspired by our culinary masters. Take in views and explore legendary lands as you navigate the world’s waterways in the comfort of our perfectly sized ships. Rejuvenate with hydrotherapy at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Start new traditions this holiday season.

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Holiday Cruises

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Bring your family and friends closer together for an unforgettable celebration with holiday offers. With festive holiday sailings, you'll find a journey that gives you everything you love about the holidays with none of the hassle.  

The sights, the sounds, the foods, and the traditions can all be enjoyed on board. Take part in a special holiday dinner, a holiday show in the Main Theatre, hear a choir singing Christmas carols, and, of course, get a visit from Santa with gifts for children and teens.

New Year’s Eve

A New Year’s Eve party and countdown is made fun and festive with holiday favors and a complimentary champagne toast. The next day, you’ll catch all your favorite College Bowl championship football games showing in many areas of the ship.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a beautiful menorah lighting ceremony, Hanukkah services, fun crafts for the kids, and traditional foods such as latkes and toppings prepared by our chefs.  

Go on an Easter egg hunt with the Easter Bunny and indulge in an Easter Brunch in the Oceanview Café. Festive spring decorations abound, and Easter services are offered on board.

Thanksgiving

What’s Thanksgiving without a traditional turkey dinner among family and friends? We’ve got it covered. Afterwards, settle in and watch a few football games that are broadcast in many areas of the ship.

Valentine’s Day

Sweethearts have a special place in our hearts. We celebrate all things love with a complimentary rose for all women, a Love & Marriage Game Show, and a special Valentine’s cocktail. Spa treatments and specialty dining are available for purchase on board.

Spooky decorations and carved pumpkins set the tone for trick or treating for families, a Halloween party for adults, pumpkin-flavored beers and Halloween cocktails. Yes, be sure to pack your Halloween costumes for a fun-filled contest.

Enjoy a traditional Seder service and a variety of Passover foods during our onboard celebration to commemorate the story of the Exodus.

St. Patrick’s Day

Everybody’s Irish for St. Patty’s Day! Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a big St. Patrick’s Day party complete with plenty of green beer, live Irish music and a sea of green decorations everywhere.

Mother's Day

Moms get special treatment including complimentary roses. The kids and dad can record a short “Message to Mom” to be aired during a special celebration. All her favorite gifts are available for purchase, from handbags to the spa indulgences she loves.

Father's Day

Treat Dad like a king on a Father’s Day Sailing. Get him dinner in a specialty restaurant, a whiskey tasting, or a single malt cocktail special. The kids and mom can record a short “Message to Dad” to be aired at a joyful celebration of dads on board.

5 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays With Celebrity

Celebrate the Holidays on a vacation.

• Everything's ready: Enjoy traditional holiday meals and decorating with no prep or clean up to worry about.
• Entertainment: Festive holiday shows and carolers will get everyone in the spirit.
• Togetherness: Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most.
• Traditions: Santa brings gifts to all the kids and the halls will be decked to perfection. Corks pop on New Year's Eve.
• Award-winning dining: Sumptuous, complete holiday meals.

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Cruises from Florida

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Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) During the Holiday Season

Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades captures the holiday spirit with its tropical setting adorned with festive decorations, creating a joyful ambiance for departing cruisers. The city’s renowned beaches, canals, and boulevards are decked with holiday lights, offering picturesque settings that blend the festive season with Floridian charm. This festive environment at the port sets the stage for a memorable holiday cruise experience.

Winter Celebrations at Sea: December to January

From Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, winter cruises to the Caribbean are a haven of holiday festivities. The ships brim with seasonal joy, offering holiday-themed entertainment, special dining experiences, and festive activities designed to spread cheer among passengers of all ages. Celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year on these cruises combines the traditions of the season with the adventurous spirit of Caribbean exploration.

Christmas Cruises from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

Festive Activities and Entertainment

Aboard the Christmas and New Year cruises from Fort Lauderdale, passengers find themselves immersed in a wonderland of holiday joy. Ships are decked out with festive decorations, creating a cheerful atmosphere that resonates throughout the voyage. Guests can look forward to holiday-themed shows, Christmas carols, and fun-filled activities tailored for all ages. As New Year’s Eve approaches, the excitement builds up to grand celebrations, featuring countdowns, champagne toasts, and spectacular fireworks displays against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

Culinary Delights

New Year Cruises from Fort Lauderdale

Welcoming the New Year on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale is an experience like no other. These voyages offer a unique blend of festive joy and the serene beauty of the Caribbean. Celebrate the onset of the new year with a variety of onboard festivities, ranging from elegant galas to lively deck parties, all while sailing through the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Themed Itineraries

The holiday cruises from Fort Lauderdale feature themed itineraries that spotlight the cultural vibrancy and natural splendor of the Caribbean. Explore charming ports adorned with holiday decorations, immerse yourself in local festivities, and unwind on picturesque beaches that offer a serene setting for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to provide a holiday experience that combines the spirit of the season with the allure of tropical destinations.

Tropical Destinations

Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean’s azure waters and sun-kissed shores, the tropical destinations visited on these cruises provide a stunning contrast to the traditional winter holidays. From the laid-back vibes of the Bahamas to the vibrant culture of St. Maarten, these islands offer a festive escape where the holiday spirit is celebrated amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Travel Tips

• Book Early : Ensure your spot on a holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale by booking well in advance, as these popular voyages fill up quickly.
• Pack for the Occasion : Bring along holiday attire for festive events and lightweight clothing for daytime excursions in the Caribbean sun.
• Extend Your Stay : Consider arriving in Fort Lauderdale a few days before your cruise to enjoy the city’s holiday attractions and warm weather.

Moreover, boasting five significant ports, embarking on a cruise from Florida unveils numerous captivating possibilities for Christmas and New Year voyages.

• Christmas and New Year cruises from Miami
• Christmas and New Year cruises from Jacksonville
• Christmas and New Year cruises from Port Canaveral
• Christmas and New Year cruises from Tampa

Fort Lauderdale Holiday Cruise Schedule 2024

Royal Caribbean, Nassau & CocoCay New Year cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 30, 2024

4-day Bahamas Holiday cruise on board Liberty of the Seas Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 30, 2024; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Liberty of the Seas; Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Nassau,[…]

Holland America, ABC Islands New Year cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 30, 2024

9-day Holiday cruise to Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and Half Moon Cay on board Eurodam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 30, 2024; Duration: 9-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Eurodam; Ports of Call: Fort[…]

Holland America, Western Caribbean New Year cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 29, 2024

7-day Holiday cruise to Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, George Town and Cozumel on board Nieuw Amsterdam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 29, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam;[…]

Holland America, Eastern Caribbean New Year cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 28, 2024

7-day Holiday cruise to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay on board Zuiderdam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Departure Date: December 28, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Zuiderdam; Ports of Call:[…]

7-day Holiday cruise Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Key West on board Nieuw Statendam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 28, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: ms Nieuw[…]

Viking Mars, Panama Canal New Year cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 27, 2024

14-day Holiday cruise to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Puerto Limon, Colon, Panama Canal & Montego Bay with Viking Cruises Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 27, 2024; Duration: 14 day cruise; Cruise Line: Viking Cruises; Cruise Ship: Viking Mars;[…]

Celebrity Silhouette, Key West & Nassau Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 23, 2024

4-day cruise to Bahamas on board Celebrity Cruises Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 23, 2024; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises; Cruise Ship: Celebrity Silhouette; Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale;[…]

Calebrity Beyond, Panama Canal New Year cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 23, 2024

11-day Holiday cruise to Cartagena, Panama Canal, Colon, Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao on board Celebrity Cruises Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 23, 2024; Duration: 11-day cruise; Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises; Cruise Ship: Calebrity Beyond; Ports of[…]

Royal Caribbean, Nassau & CocoCay Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 23, 2024

4-day Bahamas mini cruise on board Liberty of the Seas Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 23, 2024; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Liberty of the Seas; Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Nassau,[…]

Holland America, Eastern Caribbean Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 23, 2024

7-day cruise to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay on board Eurodam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Departure Date: December 23, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Eurodam; Ports of Call: Fort[…]

Holland America, Eastern Caribbean Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 22, 2024

7-day cruise to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay on board Nieuw Amsterdam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Departure Date: December 22, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam; Ports of[…]

Royal Caribbean, Western Caribbean Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 22, 2024

6-day cruise to CocoCay, Falmouth and Labadee on board Oasis of the Seas Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 22, 2024; Duration: 6-day cruise; Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean; Cruise Ship: Oasis of the Seas; Ports of Call:[…]

Holland America, Western Caribbean Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 21, 2024

7-day Holiday cruise to Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, George Town and Cozumel on board Nieuw Statendam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 21, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Nieuw Statendam;[…]

Celebrity Reflection, ABC Islands Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 21, 2024

8-day cruise to Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire on board Celebrity Cruises Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 21, 2024; Duration: 8-day cruise; Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises; Cruise Ship: Celebrity Reflection; Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Aruba, Curacao,[…]

Holland America, Eastern Caribbean Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 21, 2024

7-day Holiday cruise Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Key West on board Zuiderdam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 21, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: ms Zuiderdam; Ports[…]

Holland America, ABC Islands Holiday cruise from Fort Lauderdale, December 20, 2024

9-day cruise to Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and Half Moon Cay on board Rotterdam Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida; Departure Date: December 20, 2024; Duration: 9-day cruise; Cruise Line: Holland America Line; Cruise Ship: Rotterdam; Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale,[…]

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The Best Cruises From Florida

A s a New Englander who loves warm weather and cruising, I find that I am usually cruising from Florida. It’s pretty easy to fly there from Boston, my home airport, and there are so many different cruise ports going to many warm-weather destinations from the Sunshine State. In addition, there are many different itinerary options on Florida cruises, whether you are looking for a short cruise or a longer-duration sailing.

If you are on the East Coast and are looking for a convenient warm-weather cruise home port, consider taking a cruise from Florida. There are many cruise lines, cruise destinations, and home ports to choose from.

Here are the best cruises from Florida, as well as tips for your next Florida sailing.

Disclosure: We have received complimentary cruises at no cost but have also paid our way. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.

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Popular Florida Cruise Ports

There are several great cruise ports in Florida. All of them are conveniently located near airports and have plenty of airports and attractions nearby. Some of the world’s largest cruise ports are in Florida.

Port Canaveral : This cruise port, located in Central Florida, is closest to the Orlando International Airport (MCO). This is also the closest cruise port to Walt Disney World.

While I typically fly into MCO and stay overnight at the Hyatt Orlando Airport Hotel , you can also stay in nearby Cocoa Beach. Note that it’s about 45-60 minutes from the airport to the cruise port.

Port Miami: Port Miami is one of the largest cruise ship ports in the world. It’s also one of my favorite cruise ports to sail from.

When sailing from Port Miami, you can fly into the Miami International Airport or the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Sometimes, to get better flights and prices, I’ll fly into one airport and fly out of the other.

You’ll also have several areas to stay in. There are lots of great hotels near the port, or you can choose to stay in the Miami Beach/South Beach area. One of my favorite affordable hotels in this area is the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach Hotel, located right on Ocean Drive.

Port Everglades : Located north of Port Miami is Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale. Like Miami, you can fly into either airport. Plenty of hotels are located right near the port, or you can stay on the beach.

Port Tampa Bay: This is a smaller cruise port, located along the Gulf Coast in Tampa Bay. It has three cruise terminals. If you want to visit Tampa, Clearwater Beach, or other nearby destinations either before or after your cruise, Port Tampa Bay is a great option.

There’s also the Jaxport Cruise Terminal (in Jacksonville) and the Port of Palm Beach, both located along the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. These terminals are less busy than the ones listed above.

Popular Florida Cruise Destinations

Wondering what options you’ll have for destinations/ports of call during your cruise from Florida? There are many different ports that your chosen ship may visit. Here are some of the most common spots. Many of these offer historic attractions, water sports, and beautiful beaches for your cruise vacation.

• Caribbean Destinations:  Typically, these itineraries will be split between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings. Ports include Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Aruba, St. Maarten, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, San Juan Puerto Rico, Grand Turk, and Roatan.
• The Bahamas: Some shorter itineraries (especially three-night sailings) go only to the nearby Bahamas, with Nassau and Bimini as popular ports of call. In addition, many popular cruise lines offer private islands/private destinations in the Bahamas. These include Disney’s private island Castaway Cay , MSC’s Ocean Cay, Half Moon Cay owned by Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay .
• Mexico:  Mexican Ports of Call include Progresso, Cozumel , and Costa Maya . Sometimes these are combined with some of the Caribbean destinations.
• Bermuda:  In some cases, cruise ships sailing from Florida will travel north to Bermuda. Sometimes, these ships will stay overnight in Bermuda so you’ll have more time to explore this beautiful island.
• Transatlantic:  When ships are repositioning for the season, you’ll sometimes see one-way, transatlantic sailings from Florida to a European destination.
• Key West: One of my all-time favorite cruise ports is Key West in the Florida Keys. It’s very easy to explore and offers great restaurants and shops. As a plus, you can even use your cell phone as normal since you’ll still be in the United States.

Of all of these, my favorite posts are Costa Maya, Puerto Plata, Grand Cayman, and Key West.

Cruise Lines sailing from Florida

If you are sailing to the Caribbean, I think you should choose the cruise line before selecting a specific itinerary. There are so many options that you are likely to find a great itinerary for your family from the cruise line you select.

Some of the cruise lines sailing from Florida include:

• Disney Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival Cruises
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Margaritaville at Sea
• Holland America Line

When choosing a cruise line, you’ll want to consider essentials, including amenities, staterooms, itineraries, price, onboard activities and entertainment, and food. If you are traveling with younger kids, it’s very important that you carefully consider what your kids will like – think about things like kids’ clubs, kids’ menus, and activities like water slides and pools.

Tips for Sailing from Florida

When you are sailing from Florida, there are a few tips we recommend.

Time of Year: The most important thing is to consider when you want to sail. While Florida and the Caribbean can have great beach weather all year long, hurricane season is a big consideration.

We’ve sailed many times during hurricane season, and don’t consider it a deal-breaker. But you will want to plan knowing that there’s always a chance that you’ll have an itinerary interruption. Read about our experience on a sailing that was extended for two days .

Look at Prices: Prices between cruise lines, and even within the same cruise line on different itineraries, can vary. Look at several different options before choosing your cruise.

Book in Advance: You can usually save money by booking in advance, and will have more options for stateroom locations and categories. You’ll also want to do some research about the various ports that are on your itinerary (as well as sea days) and bookable activities/restaurants on your ship. That way, you’ll be prepared when the booking window opens up for excursions and onboard activities.

Pack Thoughtfully: Packing for a cruise requires careful consideration. You won’t want to pack too much because the staterooms are not typically very large. However, you’ll have limited options to purchase replacements for items you’ve forgotten.

Stay overnight the night before: As tempting as it may be to fly in on the morning of your cruise, that can be risky. You’ll potentially have to deal with delayed/canceled flights as well as lost bags. Flying in the day before could be expensive, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

Have you sailed from Florida? What are your favorite itineraries and home ports?

The post The Best Cruises From Florida appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

Disney announces where its cruise ships will be sailing during late-2025, early-2026

Disney Cruise Line is preparing to debut its new cruise ship, the Treasure, at Port Canaveral later this year.

But it also is planning ahead as far as 2026, with the cruise line's latest announcement of ship schedules out of Port Canaveral and other ports.

Disney's just-released ship schedules for October 2025 through May 2026 ― Disney's winter and spring cruise seasons ― shows that the cruise line will have three ships based on Port Canaveral during that time.

Disney currently bases two ships at Port Canaveral — the Fantasy and the Wish. But it will have three, starting when the Treasure starts sailing in December.

Where Disney ships are headed

What you'll discover on Disney Treasure: Here's a lineup of some restaurants, entertainment and lodging on Disney's Treasure ship

Here are the newly announced plans and itineraries for Disney ships that will be based at Port Canaveral:

• The 2,713-passenger Disney Magic will have four- and five-night sailings from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas in October 2025, before switching home ports to San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the end of October, then to Galveston, Texas, in November 2025.
• The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas starting in November 2025, replacing the Magic on the port's schedule. Before coming to Port Canaveral, the Fantasy will offer a special 13-night trans-Atlantic cruise sailing leaving Oct. 20, 2024, from Southampton, England, to Port Canaveral, with two port-of-call stops in Spain and one in Portugal.
• The 4,000-passenger Disney Treasure will offer seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
• The 4,000-passenger Disney Wish will offer three- and four-night cruises to the Bahama from Port Canaveral.

All the cruises out of Port Canaveral will include a port-of-call stop at one or both of Disney's private islands in the Bahamas — Castaway Cay and the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which had its first port-of-call visits this month.

"That's a lot of options out of Port Canaveral," said Scott Sanders, owner of the Celebration-based Disney Cruise Line Blog , which is not affiliated with Disney itself.

The Fantasy and the Magic will be switching places at Port Canaveral. The Fantasy currently is based at Port Canaveral, but will leave in May 2025, replaced by the Magic, before the Fantasy returns in November 2025.

The addition of a third Disney ship at Port Canaveral at the end of this year means Disney will be using two cruise terminals there, rather than one. Currently, when they are in port, Disney ships dock at Cruise Terminal 8, a terminal primarily used by Disney. But the third home-ported ship will result in Disney also using Cruise Terminal 10, which now currently is used primarily by MSC and Norwegian.

This is where Disney's two other ships will be during the fall 2025 to spring 2026 time frame:

• The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder will have multiple home ports, including Vancouver, British Columbia; Honolulu; Sydney and Melbourne, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; and San Diego.
• The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream will sail out of Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades with three-, four- and five-night sailings to the Bahamas, as well as five-night sailings to the Western Caribbean.

Disney will offer themed holiday sailings on some of it 2025 cruises, with Halloween on the High Seas cruises in September and October, then Very Merrytime sailings in November and December.

Bookings for the general public will open Friday for the winter 2024 through spring 2025 Disney cruises. Bookings for members of various Disney Cruise Line clubs open earlier this week.

Sanders said it is unusual for Disney to announce cruise ship schedules for two seasons at once. But he believes that is related to Disney planning a special announcement with the next few months about itineraries for two other Disney ships now under construction that will joining the fleet in 2025 ― the Disney Adventure and the Disney Destiny.

The 6,000-passenger Adventure will sail out of Singapore. Disney acquire that ship — partially built and then known as the Global Dream — from another cruise company. No home port has been announced for the 4,000-passenger Destiny.

Dave Berman is business editor at  FLORIDA TODAY.  Contact Berman at  [email protected] , on X at  @bydaveberman  and on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

Details on Disney's new private island: Here are 5 things to know about the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point