Port Canaveral is a popular departure point for many cruise lines, with a variety of options for travelers looking to set sail. From short weekend getaways to longer voyages, there are plenty of great cruises to choose from. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best cruises from Port Canaveral, highlighting their features and what makes them stand out.
One of the top-ranked cruises from Port Canaveral is the Wonder of the Seas, according to U.S. News Travel. This ship offers a range of amenities and activities, including multiple pools, a casino, and a variety of dining options. The ship also features a range of cabins, from interior staterooms to spacious suites, making it a great choice for travelers of all budgets.
Another popular option for cruisers departing from Port Canaveral is Royal Caribbean's short cruises. These weekend getaways offer nonstop adventure, both onboard and onshore at Perfect Day at CocoCay. With countless ways to relax or take thrills to the max, these short cruises are a great way to experience the excitement of a cruise without committing to a longer voyage.
Overview of Port Canaveral Cruises
Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and for a good reason. It is located in Brevard County, Florida, and offers easy access to some of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. The port is home to some of the world's best cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney, among others.
Port Canaveral cruises offer a wide range of itineraries, ranging from three days to seven days, and sometimes even longer. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a longer vacation, there is a cruise for everyone. The port is also home to some of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships in the world, including the Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean.
One of the main advantages of cruising from Port Canaveral is its location. The port is located just an hour away from Orlando, which means you can easily combine your cruise with a visit to some of the world's most popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Additionally, the port is just a short drive away from some of Florida's most beautiful beaches.
Port Canaveral is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities, which include modern terminals, ample parking, and easy access to transportation. The port is constantly upgrading its facilities to meet the needs of today's modern cruisers.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly cruise, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-packed vacation, Port Canaveral cruises offer something for everyone. With its convenient location, top-notch facilities, and world-class cruise lines, Port Canaveral is the perfect starting point for your next cruise vacation.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines that operates from Port Canaveral, offering a wide variety of itineraries and ships to choose from. With its world-class amenities, Royal Caribbean provides an unforgettable cruise experience that caters to all age groups.
Aquatheater
One of the most unique features of Royal Caribbean's ships is the Aquatheater, a stunning amphitheater that hosts a variety of performances, including acrobatic shows, diving shows, and more. The Aquatheater is a must-see attraction for guests of all ages, and it offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Perfect Day at Coco Cay is Royal Caribbean's private island, located in the Bahamas. This island is a paradise for beach lovers, with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities on the island, including water sports, zip-lining, and more. With its perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Perfect Day at Coco Cay is a must-visit destination for Royal Caribbean cruisers.
In addition to these unique features, Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of amenities on its ships, including world-class dining options, luxurious spa treatments, and exciting entertainment options. With its commitment to providing an unforgettable cruise experience, Royal Caribbean is a top choice for travelers looking to explore the Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
Norwegian Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line offers some of the best cruises from Port Canaveral. The Norwegian Escape is one of their most popular ships, offering a range of amenities and activities for guests of all ages.
Norwegian Escape
The Norwegian Escape is a large and luxurious ship with a capacity of over 4,200 passengers. It has a wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants like Teppanyaki and Cagney's Steakhouse. The ship also boasts a variety of bars and lounges, such as the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar.
The Waterfront
One of the unique features of the Norwegian Escape is The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade that wraps around the ship. Guests can enjoy ocean views while dining at one of the many restaurants or relaxing at one of the bars.
Margaritaville at Sea
Another popular spot on the Norwegian Escape is Margaritaville at Sea, a restaurant and bar inspired by Jimmy Buffett's island lifestyle. Guests can enjoy signature margaritas and Caribbean-inspired cuisine while listening to live music.
5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar
The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar is a lively spot on the Norwegian Escape, serving up tropical cocktails and live music. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the ship or port of call.
Aqua Park
For those seeking adventure, the Norwegian Escape's Aqua Park is a must-visit. It features multiple water slides, a lazy river, and a kids' splash area.
Ropes Course
The Norwegian Escape also has a ropes course, where guests can test their balance and agility high above the ship's deck. It's a thrilling activity for both kids and adults.
Overall, Norwegian Cruise Line offers some of the best cruises from Port Canaveral with their luxurious ships and variety of amenities and activities.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines that operate from Port Canaveral. Offering a wide range of activities, dining options, and entertainment, Carnival cruises are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Mardi Gras is the newest and largest ship in the Carnival fleet. With a capacity of 5,200 passengers and 2,000 crew members, it is also the first XL-class ship in North America. The ship boasts a wide range of amenities, including the first roller coaster at sea, Bolt.
XL-Class Ship
The XL-class ships are the largest in the Carnival fleet, and they offer a variety of amenities and activities. The ships feature multiple dining options, including Emeril’s Bistro 1396, a restaurant by the famous chef Emeril Lagasse. The XL-class ships also have a unique feature called Zones, which are themed areas that offer different activities and experiences.
Zones
The Zones on the XL-class ships are a unique feature that sets them apart from other Carnival ships. The zones are themed areas that offer different activities and experiences. For example, the Ultimate Playground zone features the first roller coaster at sea, Bolt, as well as a ropes course and mini-golf. The French Quarter zone is inspired by New Orleans and features live music, bars, and restaurants.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396
Emeril’s Bistro 1396 is a restaurant on the XL-class ships that is owned by the famous chef Emeril Lagasse. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes inspired by Lagasse’s New Orleans roots, including gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits.
Big Chicken
Big Chicken is a restaurant on the Carnival Radiance that is owned by the celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The restaurant specializes in fried chicken and offers a variety of sides, including mac and cheese, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Bolt
Bolt is the first roller coaster at sea, and it is located on the Carnival Mardi Gras. The coaster reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and offers riders a thrilling experience with twists, turns, and drops.
In summary, Carnival Cruises from Port Canaveral offer a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers of all ages. The XL-class ships are the largest and most innovative in the Carnival fleet, featuring unique features such as Zones and Emeril’s Bistro 1396. The Carnival Mardi Gras is the newest and largest ship in the fleet, and it offers passengers the chance to ride the first roller coaster at sea, Bolt. The dining options on Carnival cruises are also impressive, with restaurants owned by celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri.
Disney Cruises
Disney Cruises from Port Canaveral are a popular choice for families looking for an unforgettable vacation. With a variety of itineraries and ships to choose from, there is something for everyone. Here are some highlights of what to expect on a Disney Cruise:
Disney Dream
The Disney Dream is one of the most popular ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. It offers a variety of staterooms to fit any family's needs, including connecting rooms for larger groups. The ship is home to a variety of dining options, from quick service to upscale restaurants. Guests can also enjoy adult-only areas, like the Quiet Cove Pool and the Senses Spa & Salon.
Oceaneer Club
The Oceaneer Club is a kids' club on board the Disney Dream that offers a variety of activities for children ages 3-12. Kids can participate in arts and crafts, games, and even meet their favorite Disney characters. The club is divided into different themed areas, like Andy's Room from Toy Story and the Marvel Super Hero Academy.
AquaDuck
The AquaDuck is a thrilling water coaster on board the Disney Dream. Riders start at the top of the ship and travel through a clear tube that takes them over the edge of the ship and back again. It's a fun activity for the whole family and offers great views of the ocean.
Live Shows
Disney is known for its world-class entertainment, and the Disney Cruise Line is no exception. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style shows like Beauty and the Beast and Frozen, as well as other live performances like magic shows and game shows. There are also character meet and greets throughout the ship, giving guests the opportunity to meet their favorite Disney characters in person.
Overall, a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral is a great choice for families looking for a fun and memorable vacation. With a variety of activities and entertainment options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Booking and Pricing Details
When it comes to booking a cruise from Port Canaveral, there are several options available. One can book directly with the cruise line or through a booking agent. It is important to note that booking fees may apply when booking through a third-party booking agent. These fees can vary depending on the agent and the cruise line.
Most cruise lines offer pricing based on double occupancy, meaning the price is per person and based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travelers may be subject to a single supplement fee, which can significantly increase the cost of the cruise. Some cruise lines also offer specific cabin types, such as suites or balcony cabins, which can come at a higher price point.
As of September 12th, 2023, some of the top cruise lines sailing from Port Canaveral include Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, which features the Ultimate Abyss slide and a Jimmy Buffet-themed restaurant, and MSC's eco-friendly liquefied natural gas-powered ships, which offer amenities like the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and food options like Bayamo and Food Republic.
Pricing for cruises can vary depending on the cruise line, time of year, and specific itinerary. It is important to research and compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal. Some cruise lines may also offer promotions or discounts for certain qualifications, such as military personnel or past guests.
When boarding at Terminal 3, passengers can enjoy amenities like the French Quarter and Summer Landing. Onboard, the Ultimate Playground offers activities like rock climbing and the Grand Central is a hub for entertainment. Dining options include The Cellars and District Brew House, as well as celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's restaurants and Shaq's Chicken Joint. And for those looking for some friendly competition, there's Family Feud Live.
Overall, there are many factors to consider when booking and pricing a cruise from Port Canaveral. By doing research and comparing options, passengers can find the best cruise for their needs and budget.
Must Have Cruise Essentials! Power strip, luggage tags and more!
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
