Searching for the best cruises from Florida?
With five major ports strategically positioned across the Sunshine State, you'll find an incredible variety of the best cruises in Florida to match any vacation style and budget. From quick Caribbean escapes to exotic South American adventures, Florida's bustling cruise terminals serve as gateways to some of the world's most captivating destinations.
Whether you're looking for a quick family getaway to Curacao's pristine white sand beaches or a weeklong retreat to Peru's magnificent rainforests, virtually every major cruise line operates here, ensuring you'll find Florida cruises that are perfect for you.
To help you plan your cruise vacation, we'll explore departure ports, cruise duration, onboard amenities, dining options, and shore excursions. You'll learn everything you need to know to confidently book your cruise out of Florida.
Related: Best time to book a cruise
Before diving into the best cruises out of Florida, it’s important to understand your choice of cruise ports across the state. Your cruise will leave from one of these ports and likely return to the same spot, making transportation to and from your terminal easier.
Here are the top cruise ports for departures from Florida:
PortMiami is just a 15-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA) and is known as the “cruise capital of the world.”
Many of the best Florida cruises leave from here and include the following cruise lines: Azamara, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages.
Related: Check out the best cruises from Miami
Scheduled to debut in April 2025, one of the best cruise ships out of Florida is the Norwegian Aqua, which offers a 7-night Eastern Caribbean journey that adults, families, and solo travelers will enjoy.
This cruise is ideal for those craving both exploring and laid-back island vibes, with unforgettable stops at Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay.
Shore excursions on this itinerary include:
The Norwegian Aqua has cutting-edge onboard experiences, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea. Thrill-seekers can race through its two unique courses, while families enjoy the Galaxy Pavilion’s immersive VR attractions. The Glow Court transforms from an interactive sports area by day to a vibrant nightclub at night.
Kids can cool off at the Aqua Park with exhilarating waterslides, while adults relax at the Mandara Spa’s thermal suite, featuring a two-story waterfall and the first clay sauna at sea. For dining, savor Thai cuisine at Sukhothai, indulge in plant-based dishes at Planterie, or enjoy premium seafood at Ocean Blue.
Oceania Cruises stands out among Florida cruise lines and is known for its intimate luxury, world-class gourmet dining, and immersive itineraries that highlight the best of each destination.
Departing from Miami, the recently refurbished Oceania Nautica (2022) sails on 10-night journeys or longer through the Panama Canal, featuring a selection of culturally rich and naturally stunning ports of call, making it one of the best luxury cruises from Florida.
Top shore excursions on this itinerary:
Onboard the Nautica, enjoy an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, where sophisticated entertainment, indulgent spa treatments, and world-class dining create your own cruise experience.
Evenings come to life with live performances at Horizons, craft cocktails at the Martini Bar, and the excitement of the Casino at Sea. For ultimate relaxation, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center offers a serene wellness retreat, while the pool deck provides a tranquil escape with plush loungers and whirlpools.
Dining aboard the Nautica is a gourmet affair, perfect for travelers seeking cruises from Florida, all-inclusive. Signature dishes curated by Jacques Pépin elevate the experience, with The Grand Dining Room offering refined French classics and contemporary global flavors.
Meanwhile, Toscana delivers authentic Italian cuisine with handcrafted pastas and signature olive oil tastings. Polo Grill serves up a luxurious steakhouse experience with premium cuts and fresh seafood, while the Terrace Café offers alfresco dining with breathtaking ocean views. With an emphasis on destination-inspired cuisine and exquisite service, every meal is a highlight of the journey.
Port Canaveral, known as the gateway to Orlando’s world's most famous theme parks, is a popular hub for many family-friendly sailings.
If you’re flying in for a cruise out of Orlando, the port in Cape Canaveral is about 40 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Cruise lines leaving out of Port Canaveral include: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, MSC, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
Related: Discover the best family-friendly cruises
Related: How to find your cruise shuttle from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral
Disney Cruise Line is among the best cruises from Florida for families with young kids, especially the Disney Magic’s 5-night Bahamas cruise which boasts engaging youth programs and a variety of kid-friendly amenities, such as the AquaDuck water coaster and themed play areas like the Oceaneer Club.
The Disney Magic itinerary is one of the best cruises from Florida and features stops at Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Disney’s newest private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
This itinerary includes shore excursions such as:
Disney’s onboard amenities include a variety of water play areas such as AquaLab, Goofy’s Pool, Nephews Splash Zone, and the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. Enjoy live performances of your favorites like “Tangled: the Musical” and “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story,”, while younger children will enjoy character meet and greets hosted around the ship.
Youth programs like the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-10), Edge Club (tweens aged 11-14), and Vibe (teens aged 14-17) offer daytime enrichment, themed playrooms, private hangout areas, games, and activities.**
Dining options range from burgers and hot dogs at Duck in Diner to cheesy pizza at Pinocchio's. For a kid-friendly menu with a unique dinner show starring Disney favorites, check out Animator's Palate. Parents can enjoy an adult-exclusive fancy Italian cuisine at Palo’s.
**Oceaneer Club is open from 9:00 am - midnight; Vibe and Edge Club run from 10:00 am - 1:00 am.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas sets the bar high with its 7-night Caribbean cruise, including their Perfect Day at CocoCay private island–a highlight for both families and active travelers, and ranked among the best cruises for friends by US News.
This cruise has two different itinerary options: Eastern Caribbean cruises, and Western Caribbean cruises from Florida, each one offering distinct excursions and a unique experience.
Some of the best shore excursions on this itinerary include:
The Wonder Playscape is a favorite among kids, offering slides, climbing walls, and engaging puzzles and games. Daredevils can try a new stunt on the Ultimate Abyss–the tallest waterslide at sea–or race a friend down a twisting water slide, the Perfect Storm. FlowRider surf simulator is a fun challenge for all ages, and families will love the show at the AquaTheater, featuring a 30-foot diving platform and over 137,000 gallons of water.
For dining, head over to The Mason Jar for some southern-style comfort food, or go to El Loco Fresh for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Johnny Rockets is known for its famous shakes, burgers, and fries, and Wonderland offers specialty dining with exotic presentations.
Port Everglades is a popular choice for travelers, conveniently located just 10 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
The following lines sail out of Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale): Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Viking Ocean Cruises.
Princess Cruises is one of the best cruise lines from Florida, known for serene experiences tailored to couples and those seeking a relaxed cruise across the seas. The Emerald Princess offers a 12-night Transcanal cruise from Port Everglades that encapsulates this ethos with a unique, diverse itinerary.
Princess cruises out of Florida have a variety of shore excursions on this itinerary, including:
Princess cruises from Florida offer engaging onboard activities catered to adult travelers. The Piazza–a European-style square with cafes, boutiques, and performers–is the star of the ship. Head over to Princess Links, the on-deck 9-hole miniature putting course, or relax at one of the many freshwater pools and whirlpool hot tubs.
Enjoy a Vegas-style casino with blackjack, Texas Holdem, and slots, or go up to the top deck at night for stargazing. If you’re looking for enrichment, Discovery at Sea has activities featuring Discovery hit shows like “Shark Week” and “Finding Bigfoot.”
Princess Emerald’s dining venues include the Salty Dog Grill serving hot dogs and burgers, and the International Cafe, offering delectable pastries and coffee. The World Fresh Marketplace is a dining staple, with a buffet including a variety of international flavors. For upscale dining, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria features fresh handmade pasta and other classic Italian dishes.
Among the best cruise lines for adults from Florida is Viking Ocean Cruises, favored for its elegant, adult-oriented cruises that focus on enriching cultural experiences. The Viking Mars departs Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) and takes cruisers on a 20-night Atlantic & Mediterranean horizons sailing through the lush landscapes of Madeira, Portugal, and Italy’s historic city-states, with stops in tropical St. Maarten, vibrant Barcelona and the picturesque southern coast of France.
Some of the shore excursions for this itinerary include:
For this longer cruise from Florida, Viking has several enriching onboard entertainment options. Attend a talk hosted by a world-class guest lecturer, or enjoy a live show inspired by the performing arts of your destination at The Theater. Viking Resident Historians also give lectures catered to the specific destinations on your cruise, which is a great way to gain insight into your destination.
There are many on-board live musical entertainment options, such as pianists, violinists, cellists, and guitarists. Vikings Kitchen Table is a fun onboard cooking school that lets you cook with handpicked ingredients from local markets at each destination port.
Viking Mars’ dining options include The Restaurant, offering high-quality destination-focused cuisine, and The Chef’s Table, a specialty restaurant with a multi-course tasting menu. Head to the World Cafe for a vibrant, international experience with diverse dishes, or try out Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant for rich Italian cuisine. If you’re in the mood for a midday snack, The Wintergarden has you covered, offering delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
Cunard Line stands out among the best cruise lines Florida has to offer, thanks to their luxurious amenities and classic ambiance.
Cunard's best cruise from Florida is aboard its iconic Queen Victoria, which provides a 14-night Transatlantic cruise that epitomizes British maritime tradition mixed with modern touches.
This journey starts at Celebration Key, Bahamas, continues with the tranquil beauty of Bermuda, leads through the dramatic Azores, and concludes in historic Southampton, England.
Some available shore excursions on Cunard cruises for a transatlantic itinerary include:
Cunard offers a variety of onboard amenities to keep you entertained during your time at sea. Take a watercolor class, or attend various enriching technology seminars, cooking lessons, and art talks. If you enjoy music, check out The Queens Room for jazz concerts and classical music recitals, or enjoy a performance by the Royal Cunard Company. “Behind the Scenes” is a free galley tour that lets you take a sneak peek at the logistics of onboard culinary operations. Many sporting activities are also offered on deck.
Cunard’s dining options include the Lido, serving exquisite regional dishes, or Britannia Restaurant, the main dining restaurant with a wide range of cuisines. For a more exclusive dining experience head to Princess Grill for elegant and creative dishes or Queens Grill for the most upscale menu and ambiance aboard.
Just a short 20 minute drive away from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is Jacksonville Port Authority.
As a smaller regional hub, JAXPORT is less crowded and offers fewer cruises. Only two major cruise lines depart from Jacksonville’s JAXPORT: Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line.
The best Carnival cruise ship from Florida is the Carnival Elation, which offers an electric 6-night Bahamas itinerary with stops at Celebration Key, Nassau, and Princess Cays, bringing you signature Carnival fun from start to finish, ensuring a blend of adventure and respite.
Shore excursions on this itinerary include:
Aboard the Carnival Elation, families will enjoy WaterWorks’ twisty water slides during the day, and the PunchLiner Comedy Club for evening entertainment. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love Cherry on Top candy boutique, and children will adore Seuss at Sea, featuring a Dr. Seuss character parade, arts and crafts activities, and green eggs & ham breakfasts.
Dining options range from fresh sushi at Bonsai Sushi Express to Guy Fieri's American restaurant, Guy’s Burger Joint. Variety is guaranteed at Lido’s Marketplace which offers a buffet featuring BBQ, a pasta bar, an Asian station, and more.
Florida’s up-and-coming cruise port is Port Tampa, which is located about 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The following lines offer cruises out of Tampa: Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean.
Carnival cruises from Florida include the recently refurbished (2022) Carnival Miracle, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise designed for those looking to unwind, celebrate, or soak in the region’s vibrant energy.
The itinerary includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and George Town, Cayman Islands, each with its own adventurous style that brings these islands to life.
The top shore excursions in this itinerary include:
Onboard the Carnival Miracle, experience everything from thrilling entertainment to laid-back lounges. The ship features Playlist Productions, offering lively musical performances, and Camp Ocean, an engaging youth program for children ages 2-11 with ocean-themed activities.
Adults can unwind at bars like RedFrog Pub, serving Caribbean-inspired drinks, or Alchemy Bar, where expert mixologists craft unique cocktails. For sports fans, SkyBox Sports Bar provides a great spot to catch live games with a refreshing drink in hand.
When it comes to dining, Guy’s Burger Joint serves up mouthwatering, handcrafted burgers with fresh-cut fries, while Nick & Nora’s Steakhouse offers a refined dining experience with premium cuts of steak and seafood.
The top cruise destinations from Florida are the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and transatlantic cruises. Check out the best cruises leaving from Florida for each of these destinations to help you find the best pick for your next sailing.
If you’re looking for an exciting and short cruise from Florida, the Bahamas is an excellent choice located just 50 miles off the coast. These cruises tend to last 3-6 nights and offer unique, action-packed shore days at Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, as well as private cruise line islands. The best cruise lines to Bahamas from Florida are Carnival and Disney.
Related: Check out our picks for the best Bahamas cruises
If you’re seeking a longer, richer experience, the Caribbean offers a variety of islands with diverse cultures, landscapes, and beaches for both family time and alone time.
A Caribbean cruise from Florida typically last 5-10 nights, providing ample time to enjoy scenic island excursions and beautiful beaches for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
The best cruise line out of Florida to the Caribbean islands is tied between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, offering itineraries as diverse as the islands and cruisers they cater to.
If you're seeking a cruise that combines adventure, culture, and diverse natural landscapes, a Panama Canal cruise may be your top choice in 2025. These cruises offer a longer, more immersive experience, typically lasting 10 or more nights.
You'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures of Central and South America, witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, and unwind on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The top cruise lines out of Florida that offer Panama Canal cruises are Princess and Oceania.
Transatlantic cruises range from 14-21 nights and give you a chance to thoroughly enjoy your ship's amenities and kick back during long days at sea. The best cruise out of Florida sailing across the Atlantic is tied between Viking Ocean Cruises and Cunard Line.
Q: What is the best cruise line out of Florida?
A: The best lines from Florida are Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Oceania, Viking, and Cunard.
Q: What cruise lines leave from Florida?
A: The top cruise lines out of Florida are: Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Viking, and Virgin Voyages.
Q: What is the best city to cruise out of Florida?
A: This depends on the cruise line you choose, as well as the specific cruise and itinerary. Booking your cruise on a booking platform that makes everything simple, like Cruisebound, helps you easily choose the best city to cruise from.
Q: What cruises leave from Tampa?
A: The cruise lines that leave from Tampa, Florida include: Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. Each line cruises to a multitude of destinations from Tampa, such as Europe, Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Q: What cruise lines leave from Port Canaveral?
A: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean all depart from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Q: What cruise lines sail from Jacksonville, FL?
A: Carnival and Norwegian are the two cruise lines that depart from the Jacksonville, Florida port.
Q: What is the most popular cruise port in Florida?
A: The most popular cruise port for cruises departing from Florida is Miami because of its status as the world's largest cruise hub, state-of-the-art terminals, diverse cruise destinations, proximity to Miami International Airport, and vibrant pre- and post-cruise attractions.
Q: What are the best cruises from Florida?
A: The best Florida cruises are: Disney Magic 5-night Bahamas, Wonder of the Seas 7-night Caribbean, Carnival Elation 6-night Bahamas, Norwegian Aqua 7-night Caribbean, Carnival Miracle 7-night Western Caribbean, Emerald Princess 12 night-Transcanal, Oceania Nautica 10-night Panama Canal, Viking Mars 20-night Atlantic/Mediterranean, and Queen Victoria 14-night Transatlantic cruise.
Q: What are the best cruise lines departing from Florida?
A: The best lines cruise lines out of Florida are Carnival, Cunard, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Viking.
Florida is a prime cruise hub, offering diverse itineraries for every traveler—from luxury escapes to family adventures. From the vibrant shores of the Bahamas to the historic passages of the Panama Canal and across the majestic Atlantic, the ports of the Sunshine State connect you to virtually any place you desire.
Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, cruises out of Florida provide endless possibilities. Discover the ideal cruise departing from Florida today, and set sail on a journey that promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Book with Cruisebound and discover the best cruise Florida has to offer.