Aerial view of fort lauderdale florida

Cruises from Florida

Best Cruise Line Itineraries

Recommend Magazine, 14-time Winner

Picture this: you and a group of your choice lounging on a white sand beach in the sunshine. Maybe you’re reading that page-turner novel you’ve been eyeing for months or sipping a fruity drink. Doesn’t that sound relaxing? The good news is this dream can become a reality when you take a cruise from Florida. 

Florida is considered a top cruise port for a reason. It’s a lovely place where you can hop on a cruise ship to some of the most desirable tropical locales you could imagine. Let’s dive into what cruises from Florida look like and some of the luxurious destinations you could set sail to this year.

Cruise from Florida on a Tropical Vacation You’ll Love

Florida is known for being a cruise hotspot, with around 19 million people passing through the sunshine state’s port’s last year. There are two main reasons for that. First of all, Florida is a prime spot for ships to sail to a wide range of places. The other reason is because Florida itself is a vacation-worthy destination.

Tropical Vacations from Florida to Explore:

Cruises Near Me in Florida

When you board a Princess® ship from Florida, you’re destined for the vacation of a lifetime. Princess ships leave from two main Florida ports, and both are spectacular. Here are some of the highlights of the two main Florida port cities:

lifeguard hut on the beach, fort lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is located on the southeastern tip of Florida, only a short distance from the Bahamas. It has stunning beaches, a rich culture, and a thrilling nightlife. On top of that, it’s only a short distance from all three of the Florida national parks. This port city boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing and shopping. So extend your vacation with a stay in Fort Lauderdale and enjoy the convenience of getting on one of the fantastic Princess Cruise ships.

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Orlando is the space and theme park capital of the world. Explore all of the amusement parks or check out the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to take advantage of these fantastic attractions. Then head over to Port Canaveral for your spectacular cruise. This port is a hot spot for tropical cruise destinations.

aerial view of port canaveral

Top Florida Attractions

Unmatched Florida Cruise Destinations

Set sail from Florida and discover an array of captivating destinations. Here are some of the incredible places you can explore on a Florida cruise:

tulum piramid

Mexico

From ancient ruins to dazzling beaches, Mexico has it all. In this beautiful country, you can relax on the beach or snorkel in crystal clear tropical waters. You could also spend time exploring Mayan ruins and seeing amazing historical sites. On top of that, enjoy fantastic tacos and other Mexican cuisine.

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nassau aerial view

The Bahamas

So many people picture the Bahamas when they think of a perfect vacation. Make that your reality by taking a cruise that goes here. Experience some of the most stunning ocean views and relax in paradise.

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surfers walking on the beach at sunset

Central America

Central America has many fascinating countries with spectacular opportunities for adventure and scenic views. Experience Honduras or Belize with jungle adventures. Or go zip lining through the trees in Costa Rica.

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manta rays in shallow crystaline water

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is packed with stunning islands. If you want to visit a bunch of them, a cruise is one of the best ways to do so. The ship will take you from each island, and you can experience all the beautiful beaches and adventure each stop has to offer.

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Castle Hill Inn

New England

If you’re not in a tropical mood, you could always travel north! New England has stunning coastlines full of rocky shores and dazzling cliffs. Hop off the ship and hike in Acadia National Park or get your fill of crab cakes. A fall-time New England cruise could also take you to some of the best autumn foliage in the world.

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Quebec Chateau

Canada

Keep heading north for a Canadian adventure. Experience the tranquility of Prince Edward Island and immerse yourself in the culture of Quebec City.

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Corcovado Christ, Rio de Janeiro

South America

Have a Brazilian adventure and climb the Corcovado Mountain and visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue. Or explore the pyramids of Mesoamerica and dive into immense history and culture.

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Princess ship transiting canal locks

The Panama Canal

One of the cruising wonders of the world is the Panama Canal. Experience what it’s like to travel through the world-famous locks, including the Agua Clara and Cocoli Locks. You can get a front-row seat to the engineering marvel that connected the world and experience new cultures.

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sagrada familia, barcelona

Spain and Portugal

Relive the Golden Age of ocean travel and take a cruise ship from Florida to the Iberian Peninsula. Immerse yourself in the cityscapes of Madeira, Portugal; Seville, Spain; Malaga, Spain; and Barcelona, Spain. Enjoy the coastal sites and eat delicious food as you explore these stunning countries. You can even go to Gibraltar and Morocco!

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venica at sunset

Western Europe

Set sail from Florida to Western Europe and immerse yourself in its rich culture and stunning scenery. Explore the Netherlands, England, France, Ireland and Belgium where you can enjoy escargot in Paris, savor a real Belgian waffle or see the Thames from the London Eye.

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Capri island, italy

The Mediterranean

A region of the world known for its coastal scenery is the Mediterranean. So hop on a ship in Florida and head to Italy and Greece. Eat pasta on the Amalfi Coast or island-hop in Greece and see the unbelievable cities of Santorini and Corfu.

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princess ship in antarctica

Antarctica

If you’re ready for a cool experience (literally the coolest), head to Antarctica and explore the southernmost point on the globe. See the stunning and rural landscapes of the mysterious seventh continent.

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Can’t decide which of these fantastic locations to visit? Consider a World Cruise that departs from Florida. These multi-month cruises or shorter segments can take you anywhere from South Africa to Australia and New Zealand to Hawaii.

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

Preparing to Cruise in Florida

Ready to board your dream cruise in Florida? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your vacation:

Prepare with sunscreen: There’s a reason Florida is called the Sunshine State. It’s warm and sunny. That’s why sun-bathing is a year-round activity here. Prepare to be sun-soaked in Florida but you don’t want to end up with a sunburn on your vacation, so lather up every few hours.

Consider transportation options: Depending on what you want to do and where you’re coming from, you’ll want to decide about your transportation options. If you plan to drive your own car, you can explore Florida before your cruise and conveniently book a parking spot at our Princess lot at the cruise port. If you’re flying to Florida, many find that renting a car is a great way to explore the area.

Dress for success: Pack comfortable casual clothing like shorts and t-shirts  for the warm Florida weather. Also, include a jacket and warm clothes for cooler destinations and some dressier outfits for onboard dining and events. Don't forget swimwear, a hat and sunscreen for days spent by the pool or on the beach.

Be prepared for hurricane season: Florida is a stunning state, but it does come with some weather challenges occasionally. Hurricane season runs through the summer and fall. To be prepared, monitor weather reports surrounding the period of your departures, and be aware of any delays or cancellations. These months often offer the cheapest cruising prices, so don’t be afraid to book a cruise then! They can be some of the best months to cruise. 

Bring your passport: Not every destination you’re going to explore will require a passport, but the US government recommends that you bring yours just in case.

Ships That Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

princess sun and star ships render

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.

The Princess Cruise Difference

Princess provides you and your traveling companions with a unique experience unlike any other vacation. You can cruise for some of the best value on the sea. Enjoy a plethora of destinations and only unpack once. Princess has service that goes beyond knowing your name -- our crew treats you like family.

Discover why Princess is rated as the best cruise line for food lovers by Food & Wine Magazine. Enjoy globetrotting dining on some of the best cuisine at sea.

Book your dream vacation from Florida with Princess Cruises, and get ready for a vacation your whole gang will love.

Royal Princess out of Fort Lauderdale
Royal Princess out of Fort Lauderdale.

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