Cruise departures span the globe, offering exploration opportunities in various regions. Surprisingly, a single US state, Florida, boasts not only the world’s busiest cruise port but the top three. This guide delves into the details of Florida’s six cruise ports, the affiliated cruise lines, and transportation options.
Florida houses six cruise ports: Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Palm Beach. Despite some sources listing five ports, Palm Beach caters to ships from two smaller cruise lines. The ranking of popularity, based on the number of cruise passengers, is as follows:
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- Port Canaveral (Orlando)
- Port of Miami (Miami)
- Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
- Port Tampa Bay (Tampa)
- Jaxport (Jacksonville)
- Port of Palm Beach (Palm Beach)
Now, let’s delve into each port:
Port of Miami:
- The largest cruise port in Florida, frequented by major cruise lines.
- Nearby Miami International Airport facilitates convenient travel.
- Visitors can explore Miami Beach, Midtown, museums, and restaurants.
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Port Canaveral:
- Busiest cruise port globally, with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.
- Melbourne Orlando International Airport is the nearest airport.
- Orlando attractions, including Kennedy Space Center, enhance pre- or post-cruise experiences.
Port Everglades:
- Third-busiest cruise port globally, hosting lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is closely located.
- Fort Lauderdale beaches offer a relaxing environment.
Port Tampa Bay:
- Smaller than major Florida ports but still prominent, with a million passengers annually.
- Tampa International Airport is the nearest airport.
- Attractions like Busch Gardens and ZooTampa enhance the cruise experience.
Jaxport:
- Smaller than Tampa, catering to around 360,000 passengers annually.
- Jacksonville International Airport is the closest airport.
- Attractions have the Museum of Science and History and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Port of Palm Beach:
- Smallest among top Florida ports, primarily used by American Queen Voyages and SeaDream.
- Palm Beach International Airport is the nearest airport.
- Offers cruises to the Bahamas with a focus on the Margaritaville experience.
Determining the best cruise port depends on personal preferences, the cruise line, and the itinerary. While Miami is the largest, factors such as Port Canaveral’s combination of cruises and theme park holidays may influence choices. Ultimately, the ship and itinerary should guide the decision, as each top Florida port is easily accessible.
