Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, and it’s no surprise that it’s also home to many cruise ship ports. With its sunny weather and stunning beaches, Florida makes a great starting point for a tropical getaway. But just how many cruise ship ports are there in Florida?
The Answer: The exact number of cruise ports in Florida can be difficult to pinpoint, as it depends on how you define a “port” or “cruise port”. There are currently seven major ports that offer departure points for cruises, including PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal, Jacksonville Port Authority (JaxPort), Port of Palm Beach, and the Port of Key West.
PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world and often referred to as the “Cruise Capital of the World.” It offers a variety of cruises to destinations throughout the Caribbean and South America. It’s also home to several major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
Port Canaveral is located near Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast and is one of the most popular cruise ports in the country. It offers cruises to destinations throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean as well as more distant locations like Hawaii and South America. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line all offer departures from this port.
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is located on Florida’s southeast coast near Fort Lauderdale. It is one of the largest homeports for cruises in North America and offers departures to destinations throughout the Caribbean as well as transatlantic voyages to Europe. Major cruise lines operating out of this port include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.
Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal is located on Tampa Bay in western Florida near St Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport offering a variety of cruises throughout North America including Canada/New England voyages as well as longer itineraries around South America or across Europe/Mediterranean Sea. Major cruise lines operating out of this port include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line , Princess Cruises among others.
JaxPort is located on Jacksonville’s St Johns River offering trips to Bermuda as well as several itineraries around North America including Alaska voyages during summer months only). Major cruise lines operating out of this port include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Line , Holland America Line among others .
The Port of Palm Beach is situated on Lake Worth Lagoon at Riviera Beach offering various coastal trips around Eastern U.S., Bahamas or even Cuba . Major cruise lines sailing from this port are Bahamas Paradise Cruise line , Victory Casino Cruises among others .
The Port of Key West is situated at Mallory Square offering mostly short trips around Western U., Mexico or even Cuba . It mainly serves passengers who want to explore nearby islands off Florida Keys . Some major companies sailing from here are American Queen Steamboat Company , Victory Casino Cruises among others .
Conclusion: In total there are seven major ports that offer departure points for cruises in Florida: PortMiami; Port Canaveral; Fort Lauderdale; Tampa Bay; JaxPort; Palm Beach; & Key West – each hosting different types & lengths of voyages depending on their location & facilities available – making them ideal places to start your next nautical adventure!