port canaveral cruise arrivals

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Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-29 02:00

Port Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Canaveral (cruise port to Orlando City, Florida USA) is currently ranked world's busiest cruise port (4,07 million cruisers/stats 2023) followed by Miami Florida .

As homeport, this is a major turnaround port destination (serving roundtrip itineraries) with annual shipping traffic 4,5+ million cruise ship tourists. Cape Canaveral is a leading USA homeport for all the world's largest cruise companies - CCL-Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean , NCL-Norwegian , DCL-Disney .

The world's top-10 busiest cruise ports (by annual passengers numbers/stats 2023) are in Florida USA (Port Canaveral/Orlando/4,07M, Miami /4,02M, Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Bahamas ( Nassau ), China ( Shanghai ), Spain ( Barcelona ), Bahamas (Out Islands), Texas USA ( Galveston ), Italy ( Civitavecchia-Rome ).

Cape Canaveral Port

Port Cape Canaveral (locode USPCV) is located on Florida's Atlantic coastline, between Miami and Jacksonville . Orlando City is bounded by Port Canaveral (north), Banana River (east), Cocoa Beach (south) and the Atlantic Ocean (west). As a deepwater seaport, Port Canaveral has a very high volume of traffic. From a total of 6 million cargo tons moved through the port annually, 2,7+ million tons (3 million short tons) are bulk cargoes. Common cargo includes petroleum, aggregate and cement. The port features hoppers and conveyors for loading products directly into trucks, as well as bulk cargo container facilities. The channel is about 13 m (44 ft) deep.

There are 70,000 m2 (750,000 ft2) of covered freight storage capacity. In 2004 Port Canaveral handled 3,6 million tons (4M short tons) of cargo. It exports fresh citrus and bulk frozen citrus juice is stored in one of the biggest freezer warehouses in the state. The port also receives salt for water softening, lumber, automobiles, steel sheets and plates. Port Canaveral transships items for sea, air, space and land. Its Foreign Trade Zone is one of the nation's largest general-purpose FTZs, more than 13 km2 (5 mi2). Each year the port boosts the economy by 1/2 billion dollars.

Port's cruise shipping business started in 1964, with SS Yarmouth Castle. The 1927-built steamship (for Chadade Steamship Company) was acquired by Yarmouth Cruise Lines in 1957. The liner was American-owned and Panama- flagged . In 1965, the ship burnt at sea (between Nassau and Miami).

The 1965-opened sea lock (part of Canaveral Barge Canal) is still in use, being maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Shipping and commercial fishing is also served by three 400 ft/120 m-long cargo piers constructed on the Port's north side in 1976. The seaport has supported NASA's space projects from the nearby JF Kennedy Space Center. During NASA's Apollo program, Saturn V rocket's segments transited via the lock. Space Shuttle's external tanks were floated for each mission into Port Canaveral, and the rocket boosters were towed back via the seaport, being fished from the Atlantic after each space launch.

In August 2015, commissioners approved USD 81 million port development project for upgrades of terminals 5 and 10, aimed at handling larger-sized vessels (details in the "terminal" section below). The project's financing was secured through bank loans and bonds.

Following President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, in late-January 2017 were officially issued reports about cruise passengers being detained by US Customs and Border Protection. All detainees had to provide background info about them, their families and also their past life in their native countries. Trump's executive order was signed on January 27th and includes a 90-day ban on travel to the USA by citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen.

In early November 2017, RCI-Royal Caribbean announced the company's decision to homeport here in 2019 the world's largest passenger vessel - Harmony of the Seas (max capacity 6687 passengers plus 2100 crew). Starting May 2019, Harmony OTS offers 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Harmony replaced Oasis OTS (redeployed in 2019 to Miami ). Also in 2019, Mariner OTS (max capacity 4200 passengers plus 1180 crew) was homeported here for 3-4-night roundtrips to The Bahamas. The ship first arrived in Port Canaveral in 2003 (inaugural cruise on November 14).

In December 2017, Carnival Cruise Lines announced the homeporting of Carnival Elation in 2019. Starting May 12, 2019, the ship operates year-round scheduled 4-5-day "long weekend" Bahamas cruises. Departures are on Thursdays (4-day itinerary to Freeport and Nassau ) and on Mondays and Saturdays (5-day itinerary to Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk Island ).

In December 2017, Port Canaveral completed the 6-month long West Turning Basin deepening project, now allowing max draft of 45 ft (13,7 m). Port's containership terminal (North Cargo berths 5 and 6) is operated by GT USA. The dredging works removed 22,3+ million ft3 (632,000 m3) of seabed material. For the dredging was contracted Dutra Group (based in San Rafael, California). The project's total cost was USD 7,5 million, with approx 2/3 of the cost covered by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). The Port's entry channel was cleared from obstructions (bridges, power lines) and is now without air draft restrictions. West Turning Basin has quay length ~600 m (2000 ft) and draft 13 m/43 ft - making it one of East Coast USA's deepest cargo berths without vessel air draft limits.

In January 2018 was approved the construction of a new multi-purpose cargo ship berth ("North Cargo Berth 8" / NCB8). By the project were also built a seawall (900 ft / 274 m) and a pier extension (100 ft / 31 m) with capacity to handle vessels with max LOA length 850 ft/259 m. At the new berth can be handled various heavy project cargoes (including aerospace). Berth's depth is 35 ft (11 m). The USD 17,9 million berth construction contract was awarded to the Tampa -based company Orion Marine Group. The contract includes building the bulkhead, seawall, relieving platform and dredging. Construction works started in March 2018, with scheduled completion by mid-2019.

In 2018, two port development projects received funding for maintenance works in the seaport. The contractor is USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers). For the projects were allocated USD 14,76 million (Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass and jetty upgrades) and USD 1,47 million (Harbor and Locks).

On December 5, 2018, Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) approved a series of bonds (up to USD 117 million) for financing "Cruise Terminal 3" (dubbed "Launch Pad") project. In 2021, at the new CT3 Terminal was homeported Carnival's newest and largest ( LNG-powered ) liner Mardi Gras .

• The project's financing package included bonds up to USD 80 million (30-year, Series A and B) and up to USD 37 million (20-year loan, Series C) by SunTrust Bank (specializing in mortgage, personal and small-business banking). The bank is subsidiary of the Atlanta GA-based SunTrust Banks Inc (reported assets in March 2018 USD 199 billion).
• Additionally was approved to increase Port's PNC Bank credit line from USD 25 to 50 million. The port also received from Florida Department of Transportation USD 6 million in grants for the infrastructure works.
• Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 has a dedicated wharf, adjacent parking (6-storey, capacity 1800 vehicles) and a newbuild road. The project's total improvements cost USD 163 million, of which $50 million were contributed by Carnival Corporation . The facility was completed in September 2020, but due to the crisis was inaugurated on June 4, 2021, with the arrival of Mardi Gras.

On May 22, 2019, Disney Cruises signed with CPA a 20-year operating agreement for homeporting two of its three newbuilds . Under the new deal, Disney has 3 boats homeported here (2 new, 1 old) which increased the number of guaranteed roundtrips from 150 per year (2019) to 180 (2023) and 216 (2024 and beyond).

In early March 2020 was launched an RO-RO Division in Port Canaveral - a dedicated vehicle terminal with max annual capacity 240,000 cars. The 16-acres terminal is at South Cargo Pier 4 and serves mainly new import automobiles. The terminal has a large climate-controlled warehouse (sized 20,000 ft2 / 1860 m2). In FY2019, the port handled a total of 12514 vehicles.

Following the port's ban for cruise ship dockings and passenger operations (due to the COVID pandemic), in the period April 3 through May 30, 2020, Canaveral Port Authority furloughed all its employees dedicated to cruise shipping operations.

For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 (June through November) was closed CT8 (Disney Cruise Terminal 8).

In April 2023, Port Canaveral officials proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal. The US$175 million facility could be built on the Port's southern side, and completed and opened in 2026-Q4.

In August 2023 was allocated US$68,16 million for two new cruise parking garages (an 8-level near Terminals 5 and 6, and a 6-level near Terminal 10.

Cape Canaveral port statistics

Note: Port's FY (fiscal year) runs from October 1 (current year) through September 30 (next year).

In FY2017, the cruise port handled 4,52+ million passengers (6,4% increase over FY2016). The number of multi-day passengers (4,234+ million) was 7,1% increase over 2016. Statistics showed that just in March 2017, the number of visiting cruiseship tourists was 469,847. This was the Port's 1-month record and a 19% increase over March 2016. Port's FY2017 total revenues were USD 47,4 million (freight and passengers).

For FY2018, the seaport reported a record year with USD 103,75 million in total revenues (218,9% increase over 2017). Cargo and cruise shipping volumes were also an all-time high. The number of handled cruise ship passengers increased by 7,7% - to 4,568431 million. Port's handled cargo tonnage increased by 6,9% - to 6,404944 million tons. Port's total economic output was USD 3,9 billion with around 32650 jobs supported (USD 1,3 billion in wages) including 17200 port workers (USD 0,7294 billion in wages).

For FY2019, the port had ~5% growth (over FY18) in revenues from cruise shipping. By homeporting operations (turnarounds) Port Canaveral is currently ranked the world's 2nd-busiest (after Miami) cruise port with handled in 2019 total 4,634154 million passengers (4,568431 million in 2018).

For season 2019, the cruise port reported a record berth booking with estimated 4,7+ million passengers.

In 2023, Port Canaveral reported a record year with handled 906 cruise ship calls, 13 homeporting ships, ~6,8 million cruise tourists, US$158 million in revenue from cruise shipping operations. For season 2024, the Port had booked 913 ship calls and expected ~7,3M passengers

Port Canaveral cruise terminal

Besides being a large cruise port, Port Canaveral is also among the USA's/and the world's largest naval and cargo ports. On average, each day 10 cruise vessels enter the port.

Port Canaveral's cruise terminals serve several major cruise shipping companies. Terminal 5 is the homeport for ships of RCI-Royal Caribbean , Celebrity , NCL-Norwegian , Marella UK . Terminal 6 serves ships of CCL-Carnival and Princess . Terminal 10 homeports ships of MSC and NCL.

The following cruise port map shows Port Canaveral port's infrastructure, the location of terminal facilities, connecting roads and transportation links to Orlando City.

Port Canaveral is the nearest Disney World city, situated about one hour east of Orlando by car. The Orlando Airport is 45 mi/70 km away. The driving distance to Tampa is 2 hours, to Jacksonville - 2,5 hours.

There are seven cruise terminals, but in regular use are 5 - numbers 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10. They are newer, located on the Port's north side, and serve larger ships. Southside terminals are older. Gambling ships use Terminal 2. Terminal 3 is the new Carnival Cruise Line's terminal.

Currently, Terminal 4 is also used, but rarely. In April 2024 was announced a plan for a new facility at Terminal 4, to be completed in 2026.

The cruise terminal parking rate is USD 15 per day (Port Authority subject to change). There is a parking lot beside each cruise terminal. Port Canaveral offers complimentary cruise parking for disabled Veterans. Approved are waiving cruise parking fees for vehicles with DV (Disabled Veteran) license plates issued under Florida Statutes "s.320.084", "s.320.0842" or "s.320.0845".

In August 2023, Port Canaveral commissioners allocated US$67,46 million for constructing two northside cruise parking garages. For the projects was contracted Ivey's Construction Inc. The larger facility (an 8-level garage with capacity 1940 vehicles) is adjacent to Terminals 5 and 6, while the smaller one (a 6-level garage with capacity 1081 vehicles) is near Terminal 10.

(NEW) Cruise Terminal (2026)

In April 2023 was proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal on the Port's southern side.

The US$175 million facility could be completed and opened in 2026-Q4.

This proposal for a new passenger terminal came after two newbuild large cruise liners were homeported year-round in Cape Canaveral starting in 2024-Q4.

If approved, the proposal will be included in the Port's budget for FY2023 (October 1, 2022, thru September 30, 2023). FY23 was marked by increased cruise shipping traffic and stronger-than-expected, cruise-related revenues (including from parking) estimated at US$150,87 million. The previous estimate was US$124,48M. This represented ~83,7% of Port Canaveral's total projected operating revenue (US$180,35M) including from cargo shipping/handling, recreation, leasing, and other business activities. It was estimated that the Port's FY23 will have US$75,43M profit (including non-operating revenues and expenses) which was US$53,36M before FY23's budget began. The profit was used for port development projects and for reducing debt from previous projects.

In May 2023, were announced plans for a new cruise terminal at the site of the Bluepoints Marina. The facility (projected cost US$175M) could be ready/inaugurated in 2026-Q4.

(NEW) Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 (CT3-Launch Pad)

In late-April 2017, Port Canaveral started construction works on a new cruise terminal.

The facility is on the site of "Cruise Terminal 3" (port's southern / B side), west of Jetty Park and east of The Cove (dining-shopping-attractions complex). On June 7, 2017, engineering and design works for the new terminal were officially approved.

Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners approved US$1,2 million in funding for CH2M Engineering's project management contract. This was Phase I of the 2-year work plan to construct a modern facility with capacity to serve vessels with max capacity 8000 passengers.

At the new passenger terminal can berth even the world's largest cruise vessels of RCI's OASIS-class. CH2M Engineering provided engineering, support services and waterside design for the new Terminal 3.

The project's budget is USD 163 million (initially estimated cost was US$150M), of which US$50M contributed by Carnival Corporation . Ranked the USA's largest single building project, it included the demolition of the port's oldest terminal, construction of a brand new 2-story building (sized 17466 m2 / 188,000 ft2), upgrading the existing berth and building a new (adjacent to the terminal) parking garage, roadway and utility improvements.

The 20-month-long, multi-phased project included 5 separate contracts. Demolition works (of the existing Terminal 3 building) started in April 2018, at the cost of US$210,000.

• Following the building demolition, the project's next phases included berth demolition, dredging, dockside construction, building passenger boarding (mobile) bridges and terminal building, site works, building a covered parking garage (6-story building, sized 690,000 ft2 / 64,100 m2, capacity 1800 cars).
• On August 30, 2018, the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a long-term terminal operation agreement with Carnival Cruise Line, allowing the company to homeport here its newest and biggest liner .
• Beginning September 1, 2018, the new agreement replaced the old (6-year concession) expiring in 2019. The new 25-year primary term has 4 additional 5-year renewal options. The minimum annual revenue from passenger fees (guaranteed by Carnival) was increased from USD 7 million (fixed, per year) to USD 14,5 million (with annual escalators).
• On January 8, 2019, the CPA Board of Commissioners awarded the company Ivey's Construction Inc the USD 79 million contract for building Cruise Terminal 3, plus USD 29,53M contract for building the adjacent parking.
• On April 24, 2019, Canaveral Port Authority commissioners unanimously approved several design changes in the CT3 Project to reduce building costs. Ivey's Construction Inc (Merritt Island-based) won the contract in January with a bid of USD 78,98 million. However, design changes resulted in total savings of USD 4,535 million, bringing the terminal's total cost down to USD 74,45 million. In all, "Cruise Terminal 3" costs USD 163 million when are added the costs of the adjacent parking garage, waterside improvements, two passenger boarding bridges, design services. Plans were redesigned after engineering studies reduced the number of needed piles (also their size and coating) without sacrificing the structural integrity.

The new Carnival Cruise Terminal (CT3) is a 2-story building (sized 187,000 ft2 / 17370 m2) with max passenger capacity 6500 at a time. Among its amenities are electronic systems to facilitate passenger screening, mobile check-in (for expediting boarding), ATMs, restrooms, waiting and baggage halls, retail shopping area, info kiosks.

Construction works officially started on March 18, 2019, and the Terminal was completed in September 2020.

At the new CT3 terminal was homeported Carnival's largest vessel Mardi Gras (GT 180,000 tons, LNG-powered , capacity 5286 berths / max passengers 6500). The new liner's LNG bunkering is dockside (barge-to-ship).

Mardi Gras docked for the first time on June 4, 2021, and was joined later on the same day by the fleetmates Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty .

North (A Side) Cruise terminals (5, 6, 8, 10)

They are located on the A dock at the north side. Along is the Charles M Rowland Drive.

All are up to date and can handle the biggest passenger ships. Especially for Disney Cruise Line ships was built Cruise Terminal 8.

For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 was closed Disney's Cruise Terminal 8 (June through November). The closure was for installing a new curtainwall-pile (breakwater), removing ticket counters, extending the drop-off canopy, replacing the current seating.

In 2016, about USD 2,3 million were spent at Disney Terminal 8's renovations. This cruise facility is used exclusively by Disney ships. Cruise Terminal 10 was reopened on November 19, 2016, following USD 35 million expansion and upgrade project which took 6 months to complete. Terminal 10 (1994-built) is used by NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) .

Renovation works included increasing the size of the 2-story terminal building (from 97,050 to 125,825 ft2 / 9016 to 11690 m2). Lower floor's baggage processing area was increased from 42,800 to 64,400 ft2 (3976 to 5983 m2). Upper floor's passengers check-in area was increased from 54,250 to 61,430 ft2 (5040 to 5707 m2).

The development project allowed the terminal to handle larger cruise ships (carrying up to 5,500 passengers). Previously, its max capacity was 3,600 passengers.

Among the major projects of the Cruise Terminal 10 renovations were:

• USD 25,69 million for terminal renovations, with H.J. High of Orlando as contractor. The downstairs area where baggage processing occurs increased from the previous 42,799 ft2 to 64,396 ft2. The upstairs area where passengers check-in increased from the previous 54,249 ft2 to 61,428 ft2.
• USD 4,48 million were invested into new mobile Passenger Boarding Bridges (by the Spanish manufacturer ADELTE). The new mobile bridge systems replaced the old fixed gangways and provide better flexibility when used by differently-sized cruise vessels that have different heights and boarding door locations.
• USD 1,79 million were used for the existing cruise pier strengthening. The contractor (Vortex Marine of Oakland, California) used carbon fiber polymer technology to reinforce and extend the pier's life and structural capacity.

In 2016 was completed another (USD 48,4 million) renovation project at Cruise Terminal 5 (used mostly by Carnival Cruise Line ). Among the improvements were terminal expansion, pier elongation (by 120 ft / 37 m), new mobile boarding bridges, new parking garage (capacity 1044 cars). The 1991-built Terminal 5 now allows berthing of larger ships (with up to 3500 passengers / previously up to 2500). For the project were contracted a total of 87 companies.

South (B Side) Cruise Terminals (2, 4)

They are located on the B dock at the southwest side. Along is George King Blvd. They were among the Port's first cruise facilities and can handle not more than 1900 passengers.

(new) Cruise Terminal 1

On November 5, 2016, in Port Canaveral arrived its ever largest passenger ship - Oasis of the Seas . The mega-liner docked at the new "Cruise 1 Terminal" (inaugurated in December 2014). Oasis OTS was homeported here replacing the smaller Freedom OTS .

Facility's main tenant is RCI Royal Caribbean and was designed specifically to handle Oasis-class vessels. The new terminal is sized 188,000 ft2 (17,470 m2) and has a dedicated parking garage with capacity 1007 vehicles. The project cost USD 104,6M.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center: NASA’s base where Apollo missions have been launched. Watch a movie at the center of IMAX, learn the space exploration future at the Exploration Space show, go to the Apollo Center and the LC39 Gantry or try the Shuttle Launch Experience.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame: 5 miles away from the Kennedy Space Center. Honor the American astronauts, watch the Science On A Sphere show, try the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket or a real training for astronauts.

Jetty Park: park at the coastline with a beach, camping and a playground, picnic areas and pavilions. Enjoy the amazing marine traffic view from the pier, favorite place for fishermen and tourists. You can have a coffee, eat or buy something at the Cove Waterfront area, located between the park and the port.

Cocoa Beach Pier: dating since 1962, Space coast best-known landmark located 4 miles away ftom Port Canaveral. It offers bars, souvenir shops, restaurants, live music and lively beach.

Orlando Amusement Parks: enjoy the attractions Walt Disney World , Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and much more.

Port Canaveral tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

NCL and Fincantieri mark milestone with float out of Norwegian Aqua

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Carnival Glory starts Transatlantic crossing following 21-day drydock refurbishment

On Thursday, April 18, Carnival Glory resumed operations from Barcelona (Spain) after undergoing a 21-day drydock refurbishment. Embarking on a 14...

Princess Cruises and Brightline introduce Rail & Sail (train+cruise) program

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DCL-Disney Cruise Line's summer 2025 fleet deployment (Europe & Caribbean itineraries)

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RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 Caribbean and Bahamas cruise itineraries

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RCI-Royal Caribbean cancels Star OTS ship's maiden voyage due to postponed delivery

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Carnival Legend encounters engine issues, delays Baltimore return and embarkation

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RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 East Coast USA cruise homeports/ships

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Carnival Vista returns to Port Canaveral with upgrades and enhancements

Carnival Vista cruise ship returned to Port Canaveral, Florida USA after completing a 30-day drydock refurbishment during which she underwent...

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's new Transpacific Journey on Carnival Luminosa ship (2025)

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Port Canaveral - user reviews and comments

Port Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Schedule

Cape Canaveral, United States (USA) (USPCV)

Port of Cape Canaveral is located in United States (USA) at 28.409N, 80.5846W. 7 vessels have arrived within the past 24 hours and 7 ships are expected to arrive in the next 30 days.

Port time: Apr 29, 02:00

Weather forecast, expected ships in cape canaveral.

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Recent ship arrivals in Cape Canaveral

Recent ship departures from cape canaveral, ships in port.

Port of Cape Canaveral vessel arrivals, departures, scheduled arrivals and ships in port are detected by processing of AIS data. Weather data is based on GFS model (NCEP/NWS). The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of Port of Cape Canaveral data.

• Carnival Liberty 3.574 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 15:45
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 02 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 02 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 03 May 2024 - 15:45
• Disney Fantasy 3.500 passengers 04 May 2024 - 15:45
• Carnival Mardi Gras 6.338 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:00
• Adventure Of The Seas 4.058 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Vista 4.716 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:00
• Wonder Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 05 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 05 May 2024 - 17:00
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 06 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 06 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 06 May 2024 - 15:45
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 09 May 2024 - 18:00
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 10 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 10 May 2024 - 15:45
• Adventure Of The Seas 4.058 passengers 10 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 11 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Fantasy 3.500 passengers 11 May 2024 - 15:45
• Carnival Mardi Gras 6.338 passengers 11 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Vista 4.716 passengers 12 May 2024 - 16:00
• Wonder Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 12 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 12 May 2024 - 18:00
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 13 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 13 May 2024 - 15:45
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 14 May 2024 - 21:00
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 16 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 17 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 17 May 2024 - 15:45
• Disney Fantasy 3.500 passengers 18 May 2024 - 15:45
• Carnival Vista 4.716 passengers 18 May 2024 - 16:00
• Adventure Of The Seas 4.058 passengers 18 May 2024 - 16:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 18 May 2024 - 20:00
• Carnival Mardi Gras 6.338 passengers 19 May 2024 - 16:00
• Wonder Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 19 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 19 May 2024 - 17:00
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 20 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 20 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 20 May 2024 - 15:45
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 21 May 2024 - 21:00
• MSC Seashore 5.877 passengers 23 May 2024 - 18:00
• Carnival Glory 3.581 passengers 24 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Wish 3.466 passengers 24 May 2024 - 15:45
• Adventure Of The Seas 4.058 passengers 24 May 2024 - 16:00
• Norwegian Jade 2.882 passengers 24 May 2024 - 17:30
• Carnival Freedom 3.581 passengers 25 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Fantasy 3.500 passengers 25 May 2024 - 15:45
• Carnival Mardi Gras 6.338 passengers 25 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Vista 4.716 passengers 26 May 2024 - 16:00

• Cruise From
• Port-Canaveral

Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

* Coming Soon

Buckle up for big adventure on the Space Coast when you book a Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. Fun in the sun is a mission easily accomplished in Port Canaveral: before or after your cruise, take time to blast off from the Kennedy Space Center, hug the turns in a stock car at the world famous speedway, and zoom through the screaming roller coasters of Orlando's theme parks. In addition to all these man-made thrills, cruises from Port Canaveral depart from a coastline of sugary sand beaches and protected islands for native wildlife.

• See a rocket up close at the Kennedy Space Center ™ .
• Walk the bustling Cocoa Beach boardwalk before your cruise from Port Canaveral.
• Encounter exotic animals and exciting adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom ® park.
• Enjoy an exciting wildlife and alligator tour by airboat.

Gotta see Port Canaveral (Orlando)?

We have a few ideas for you.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Carnival Mardi Gras: What you need to know about the ship's Friday arrival at Port Canaveral

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The Carnival Mardi Gras will be arriving at Port Canaveral for the first time early Friday.

It's Carnival's newest and largest ship, and the first one powered by liquefied natural gas.

The ship's arrival has become a bit of a phenomenon locally, as thousand of people may be converging on Port Canaveral to view the ship's arrival.

Among them will be Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy .

A Facebook group called "Carnival Mardi Gras Welcoming Party" recently was created, and now has about 1,600 members. Many of them plan to come to the port to view the ship's arrival, and some have rented hotel rooms Thursday night in Cape Canaveral, so their commute to the port is short early Friday. Others have rented the campgrounds facilities and pavilions at Jetty Park.

Access to viewing points at Port Canaveral will be limited, and traffic in and around the port will be controlled. Port officials say Mardi Gras watchers should consider the limitations for public parking at the port on Friday, and plan accordingly. 

Here are some things you may need to know if you're planning to see the ship come into port.

Does this mean a return to sailing?

Not quite yet.

Cruise ships haven't sailed with passengers out of Port Canaveral or other U.S. ports since March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

There are no scheduled sailings with paying passengers from Port Canaveral yet, although the port's chief executive officer, John Murray, hopes that will start in July.

Additionally, Disney Cruise Line is planning a two-night "test sailing" from Port Canaveral June 29-July 1, as part of its effort to gain federal clearance to sail with paying passengers this summer. The sailing will be aboard the Disney Dream, with a limited number of Disney employees as the only passengers.

When is the Mardi Gras coming in?

The Mardi Gras is expected to pass Jetty Park by 6:15 a.m. and proceed to the Middle Turning Basin, where the ship will turn around and transit to Cruise Terminal 3 by 7 a.m. The port said the arrival time is subject to change, including for weather conditions.

Cruise Terminal 3 — east of the Cove area and west of Jetty Park — is the port's new $155 million terminal, which was built for the Mardi Gras and other Carnival ships. It was completed last year, but never has been used for sailings with passengers because of the pandemic.

There will be no access for the general public to Cruise Terminal 3 or its parking garage on Friday.

So where can I watch the Mardi Gras come in?

The port is recommending either Jetty Park or the Cove area, near the port's restaurants.

Is the Mardi Gras the only ship that will be here Friday?

Far from it. There actually will be five cruise ships in port on Friday, according to the port's latest harbormaster report.

• Carnival's Freedom and Liberty will be in port briefly on Friday, and are expected to flank the Mardi Gras as it sails into its cruise terminal, as Carnival seeks an iconic image of its new ship.
• The Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas will be arriving Friday, docking at Cruise Terminal 1, and leaving Sunday.
• The Disney Fantasy is docked Thursday morning at Cruise Terminal 8, and will leave Friday morning, a few hours after the Mardi Gras arrives.

How do I get into the Jetty Park?

You will have to buy a pass in advance online. No day-of-event tickets will be sold.

Drivers heading to Jetty Park should enter the port via George King Boulevard. Parking passes must be purchased online prior to arriving at the park. No cash or credit card transactions are allowed at the entrance booth.

A limited number of guaranteed-admission special passes were available at shop.portcanaveral.com , although those are expected to sell before the end of the day Thursday.

Visitors with annual passes are not guaranteed admission to the park.

The port says people going to Jetty Park should have their required online parking passes open on their phone when they arrive at the entrance gate, to speed up processing of the line of vehicles whaiting to get in.

The Jetty Park lot will close when 100% vehicle capacity is reached, which is about 500 vehicles.

The port says visitors to Jetty Park should practice social distancing.

What will I see from Jetty Park?

You will see the Mardi Gras passing by on its way to the cruise terminal, followed by the two other Carnival ships, the Freedom and the Liberty.

You also should see the Mardi Gras docking at Cruise Terminal 3 — after it returns after a loop around the Middle Turning Basin. It will be flanked by the Freedom and the Liberty.

What if I can't get into Jetty Park?

You'll be able to see the ship make its loop around the Middle Turning Basin from the Cove area, although you won't be able to have a close view of Cruise Terminal 3 from there, only in a distance.

The paved parking lot south of the Cove dining district will be open in the morning for the public. Following Mardi Gras’ arrival, Cove parking lot will be available for merchant patrons.

The Cove-area lots have about 850 spaces.

A paved overflow parking lot and unpaved Lot E in the area near Cruise Terminal 1 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those lots have about 500 spaces.

Another thing you'll be able to see from the Cove is the arrival of the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas at Cruise Terminal 1, just east of the Cove. 

This will be the ship's first port stop in the United States, and its crew members are getting their COVID-19 vaccines while the ship is at Port Canaveral.

What about parking for commercial vehicles?

Parking Lot H — located at George King Boulevard and North Atlantic Avenue — is available for commercial vehicle drop-off. This includes buses, vans, Uber vehicles and Lyft vehicles.

Will there be restrictions on private boaters launching their boats when the Mardi Gras is in port?

No. The Freddie Patrick Boat Ramps and Rodney S. Ketcham Park Boat Ramps vehicle trailer parking will be open and available to boaters on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Boat ramp parking lots are exclusively for boater vehicles and trailers using boat ramps.

Where to park?: Parking, traffic plan detailed to view Carnival Mardi Gras arrival Friday at Port Canaveral

Boaters at all times — whether parking at ramp lots or not — may access the ramps to drop their boat and tackle, and seek parking elsewhere.

Patrons of the Water’s Edge Cafe may park their vehicles if parking is available.

Boaters should note, however, that a security zone surrounding all cruise and cargo ships entering and exiting the port will be enforced by U.S. Coast Guard and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office . 

The boat ramps will remain open at all times.

However, launching boats and returning boats may be delayed, as the Mardi Gras or other cruise ships pass by. 

What if I get lost at Port Canaveral?

Electronic signs on Port Canaveral roadways and intersections will advise motorists of road restrictions, as well as when parking capacity has been reached at designated parking areas.  

BCSO deputies will monitor traffic, control key traffic intersections, ensure boater access to the Freddie Patrick Park boat ramps, and enforce parking on and around the port.

What are some things that are banned?

No drone photography is permitted

No pets are allowed.

Tell me more about the Mardi Gras

The ship is 1,130 feet long, weights 180,800 tons and has 17 passenger decks.

It has a passenger capacity of 5,282, based on double-occupancy of its cabins, and a full capacity of 6,465 passengers, plus a crew of 1,745.

The Mardi Gras is the first Carnival ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, and will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship of any brand to be based in the America.

Plan approved: CDC approves plan for Carnival Port Canaveral sailings, as dispute with DeSantis continues

It also is the first cruise ship to have a roller coaster, which goes by the name Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster.

The ship features six themed zones with a range of culinary, bar and entertainment options, including restaurants from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Shaquille O’Neal and Rudi Sodamin. 

What if I can't get to Port Canaveral on Friday?

The Mardi Gras is scheduled to remain at Port Canaveral until June 18, as final work on the ship is completed, in preparation for sailings with passengers. Also, ship crew members will get their COVID-19 vaccines while the ship is here.

So, assuming the ship remains at Cruise Terminal 3 during that time, you can purchase a Jetty Park parking pass, spend a day at the nearby beach and get a view of the Mardi Gras.

Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY . Contact Berman at [email protected]. Twitter: @bydaveberman .

If stories like this are important to you, please consider subscribing to FLORIDA TODAY. To subscribe: https://cm.floridatoday.com/specialoffer/

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Cruise from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Best deals to orlando (port canaveral), florida.

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GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN ORLANDO 

With so many things to do in Orlando, you’ll quickly discover your options are limitless. From award-winning golf courses to fascinating museums and outdoor adventures, this bustling city has fun activities for every type of adventure seeker. Before you cruise out of Orlando, venture out to explore and discover for yourself why it’s nicknamed The City Beautiful.

ICONS NEVER STOP PUSHING LIMITS

The next Icon of Vacation℠ turns up the volume on family fun with unbelievable thrills, chill and wows for the whole crew. Six record-breaking waterslides and a fear-inducing challenge high above the sea bring on the screams. Seven unique pools deliver relaxation with a splash of epic views. It’s night after night to remember, with over 40 ways to dine and drink, plus entertainment that rocks the house. This is Star of the Seas ℠ — sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida beginning July 2025. 

SAIL ON STAR OF THE SEAS

A BOLDER WAY TO GETAWAY WEEKEND CRUISES

Break up with your weekly routine with a weekend cruise from Miami and set sail on a memory filled getaway that’ll take you so much further than a standard staycation. Royal Caribbean® offers plenty of bolder-than-ever weekend sailings to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning shores onboard the world’s most incredible cruise ships — no days off required. Which means you can fill your year with even more bucket list adventures.

EXPLORE WEEKEND CRUISES

Big Thrills Big Ships

From pristine, white-sand beaches, Calypso street bands, and rugged rainforest trails in top-rated Caribbean destinations, to Coco Locos, helium air balloon rides, lagoon-side lounging and record-breaking waterslides at Perfect Day at CocoCay — you’re in for the ultimate tropical turn-up when you sail from Port Canaveral.

UTOPIA OF THE SEAS ℠

This is The World’s Biggest Weekend. Play hard — whether it’s plunging down the longest Ultimate Abyss℠ slide yet or busting a move in the hottest clubs and lounges at sea. It’s all aboard for delicious at an all-new dining experience that sends your senses on a world tour. And upgrade winding down on a resort-style pool deck that delivers your splashiest weekend ever. 

EXPLORE UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas® , brings bold year-round family adventures to Orlando. Go from conquering the slideable, climbable, underwater-themed PlayScape℠ to hanging ten on the fan-favorite FlowRider®* surf simulator. Or step to the edge of Ultimate Abyss℠ and peer into the darkness before you plummet 10 stories down the tallest slide at sea.

EXPLORE WONDER OF THE SEAS

Allure of the Seas

Trade the same old for way bold.  Allure of the Seas® brings on thrills of Oasis Class proportions all in one weekend. Like an adrenaline-amping zip line ride and tide-taming FlowRider®* surf. Mouthwatering Italian dishes at Giovanni’s Table. And gravity-defying shows at the AquaTheater. Plus, unplug and chill at the adults-only Solarium.

EXPLORE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

EPIC WEEKLONG WANDERS

Take your vacay full throttle on a six- to eight-night cruise from Port Canaveral. The world’s most incredible ships blast off from the Space Coast and sail to picture-perfect western Caribbean shores. Soak in Maya culture on the coasts of Mexico. Get a taste of spiced up delicacies in the Dominican Republic. And go private destination pioneering at Labadee in Haiti or Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. You’re in for memories that go the extra isle.

Orlando (Port Canaveral) Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in port canaveral & orlando.

Trekkie Track

Space Shuttle, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Lift off into interstellar exploration at the Kennedy Space Center. Among interactive Mission Zones you’ll see the Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis. Go behind the gates to discover historic launch sites and working spaceflight facilities, plus marvel at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Get In Character

Universal Studios Hogwarts, Orlando, Florida

Orlando is known as a land of amusements — and for good reason. The city is home to six unique theme parks, each with their own distinct thrills, including Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Or you can venture beyond the Big Six to Gatorland’s swampy terrain, or hit one of the many epic waterparks around town.

Outside The lines

Connect with Florida’s natural side while riding waves at Cocoa Beach or basking in seclusion at Canaveral National Seashore. Don’t miss a kayak trip through glowing bioluminescent waters, or an airboat ride through wetlands. Cruise to Orlando-Port Canaveral and swim in rejuvenating freshwater springs— or tee off at one of Orlando’s 150 golf courses.

Local Cuisine

The Cove at Port Canaveral is home to plenty of waterfront restaurants serving up fresh fish tacos and mahi-mahi sandwiches. Orlando has its fair share of celebrity chef-led, farm-to-table spots— and character meals are popular at the theme park resorts. And the Mills 50 District north of downtown Orlando is famous for its Vietnamese fare.

The shops in Historic Cocoa Village sell local handmade art and tropical décor. Souvenir shopping in Orlando is best at Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk and along International Drive. Stop by the family-owned Orange Blossom Indian River Citrus for Florida-grown oranges, grapefruits and other fruits during your Orlando cruise.

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CAPE CANAVERAL

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It is our job to maintain the critical balance of physical conditions that allows Port Canaveral to fulfill its many functions.

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Discover all there is to do at Port Canaveral

News & Information

The annual fireworks event is organized by the Cove Merchants Association who put out this statement: From: Fish Lips -Cove Merchants Association To our valued guests, We are deeply saddened and disappointed to tell you that due to unforeseen circumstances affecting technical difficulties in executing our fireworks display, we are canceling the show tonight. This is a 15 year event that is close to our hearts and something we love doing for our community, but it is out of our control, and we have exhausted every effort to no avail. Thank you for your understanding.

The Cruise Hive Cruise Ship Awards are an annual event recognizing the best in the industry, as voted on by Cruise Hive readers. One of the most closely contested categories is Best Homeport, which recognizes the top ports that serve as the starting point for cruise vacations.  “We’re thrilled to have earned this valued distinction three years in a row,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “What an honor for us and our cruise partners to be so well recognized for providing a high quality guest experience. It’s tremendous gratitude of our efforts from the millions of cruise guests sailing from Port Canaveral year after year.”

Port Canaveral, FL – October 21, 2022 – Port Canaveral has signed an agreement with the Liebherr Group to acquire another mobile harbor crane from the company to support the Port’s growing cargo operations.  The 320-foot-tall Liebherr LMH 600 is the second mobile harbor crane to be deployed at Port Canaveral and is part of a new mobile harbor crane product line recently launched by Liebherr. The Port’s first, a Liebherr LHM 600, was entered into service in early 2019.

On May 12, the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) membership elected three officers and six directors to its Board as the group gathered in Washington to engage in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation process. Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay, is now CAGTC’s fifth Chairman, while former CAGTC Treasurer Rick Cameron, Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Development, Port of Long Beach was elected Vice Chairman and Erin Aleman, Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, was elected Treasurer. Each officer will serve a three-year term. Capt John Murray, Chief Executive Officer and Port Director, Canaveral Port Authority was re-elected to serve another three-year term on the Board of Directors.

Port Canaveral has worked with the State of Florida to establish an on-site COVID-19 vaccination center at the Port.

The Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) and the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) have executed an “Interlocal Agreement for Electronic Parking Fee Collection” to implement the E-PASS automated system at the Port that will enable customers to use contactless payment for parking at Port Canaveral-owned parking facilities with an  E-PASS prepaid account. The CPA Board of Commissioners voted to unanimously approve the agreement at its October 28, 2020 regular meeting followed by the unanimous approval by the CFX Board at its November 12, 2020 meeting.

Port Canaveral boat ramps are open and parking is available on a  first-come, first-served  basis. All users are reminded to follow the recommendations of the CDC and FL Dept. of Health for social distancing, and the Governor’s Executive Order limiting gatherings of 10 or more people to limit potential spread and exposure to COVID-19 virus.

Port Canaveral, FL – The largest sand bypass project in the Port Canaveral area in more than two decades will get underway this week.  The five-month effort will move approximately 1.34 million cubic yards of sand to replenish 3.5 miles of beach south of Port Canaveral. The Canaveral Harbor Federal Sand Bypass Project (Phase V) will pump sand taken from the shoreline north of Port Canaveral along Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to beaches south of the Canaveral Inlet, from Jetty Park to a half-mile south of the Cocoa Beach Pier. Locally sponsored by the Canaveral Port Authority, the $18 million federally-authorized project is scheduled to begin this week and last through late April 2019.   

Port Canaveral – Port Canaveral is reconfiguring its public boat trailer parking near the Freddie Patrick Park Boat Ramp to accommodate construction of a state-of-the art Cruise Terminal 3. Access to the public boat ramps remains unchanged, as well as the trailer washdown facilities. The boat ramp will remain open during all phases of construction with no reduction in boat-trailer parking spaces.

Port Canaveral - August 30, 2018 – Norwegian Sun will complete her first season of cruises to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Florida with her last sailing on September 3, 2018 before she moves to Miami, Florida for select sailings then repositioning to South America for her fall/winter season.

Port Canaveral, FL –  Moody’s Investors Service has rated Canaveral Port Authority ‘A2 Stable’ in its annual Credit Opinion.  The Moody’s bond rating opinion released late last week acknowledges the Port’s healthy financial metrics, established competitive position as a cruise port, and revenue diversity from cargo operations.

Port Canaveral, FL – Canaveral Port Authority employees gathered on the front lawn of the Port’s Maritime Center to raise a commemorative flag in what will be the first of a series of events acknowledging sixty-five years of Port Canaveral history, growth and success.  

Port Canaveral, FL – Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) Enchantment of the Seas was welcomed back to Port Canaveral today launching a new season of three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from the Port. Port Canaveral was the homeport for the 2,950 passenger Enchantment until 2016.  All Enchantment sailings from Port Canaveral feature a port-of-call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. 

Port Canaveral, FL – The Canaveral Harbor and Canaveral Sand Bypass projects will receive priority funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2018 Workplan. The Corps has allocated $14,760,000 to the Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass project and $1,470,000 will be provided for maintenance of the Port’s harbor and the Canaveral Locks. 

As Port Canaveral continues to prepare for Hurricane Matthew, we ask that Port tenants and businesses take all necessary precautions to protect life, property and the environment. 

Port status hotline:, 321-394-3411.

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Subscriber only, travel | port canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand.

Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

“The industry itself is very, very strong right now,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.”

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next year’s Norwegian Aqua.

“So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” Murray said. “They are back and booming right now. So we’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royal’s new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the port’s growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

“It’s going to be multiuser. It’s not going to be a single-use facility. That’s going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward,” Murray said. “The only way you’re going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.”

That’s how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

“If they’ve got seven days a week at one terminal and they’re only using three, maybe four days, that’s not high utilization,” Murray said. “Yet, it’s a facility that we’ve got blocked out that we’re not getting any benefit from it for the investment we’ve made.”

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Florida’s big three ports.

“I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate,” Murray said. “Because there’s only Miami, [and] we all know how full Miami is; Everglades, [which has] limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, it’s not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.”

“So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one — get high utilization out of the terminal.”

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Carnival cancels 2 planned cruises from Port Canaveral after ship catches fire

Passengers on a Carnival cruise ship that caught fire over the weekend disembarked at Port Canaveral on Monday.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Videos sent to Ch. 9 show dark smoke and flames coming from the Carnival Freedom’s exhaust funnel on Saturday.

Carnival says lightning may be to blame.

In response to this fire, the next two cruises on the ship have been canceled.

Read: 2 crew members killed on Holland America cruise ship during incident onboard

The ship was scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on Monday, and then again on Friday.

The fire was reported while the ship was near the Bahamas.

Passengers reported seeing lightning strike the boat, but the investigation is still underway.

Read: New cruise line coming to Port Canaveral this year

Carnival Cruise Lines released the following statement:

Carnival Freedom experienced a fire in the port side of the exhaust funnel on Saturday. Our onboard team acted quickly to contain and put out the fire. While we continue to investigate multiple eyewitness reports of a lightning strike, our technical team completed a thorough assessment during the ship’s visit to Freeport today. Regrettably, the damage is more than we first thought and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral.

The funnel has been stabilized for the ship’s return to Port Canaveral overnight to disembark guests, and then it will go to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin the required repairs.

We sincerely regret the impact to our embarking guests, as we know they have been looking forward to their spring break vacation. We are providing all guests on both cancelled cruises a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit so they can come back and enjoy a future cruise with us. We also greatly appreciate the terrific guests who are currently sailing with us, for their outstanding cooperation and support.

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Port canaveral breaks record for most cruise passengers in a month, nearly 800,000 guests cruised in march.

James Sparvero , Reporter

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – More people are sailing out of Central Florida’s cruise port than ever before.

After reporting 734,000 passengers in December , the port this week again announced record-breaking numbers for March at nearly 800,000 guests.

At that record pace, the port said it could outpace last year’s record numbers by a half-million by the end of this fiscal year in October.

The 16 months between 2020 and 2021 when no passengers departed because of the COVID-19 shutdown are distant memories now.

Capt. Murray said the industry now has a lot of plans for expansion, and new ships are being ordered again.

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“The industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” the port’s CEO said. “We’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

It’s fortunate if you ask port commissioners, but not everyone else is so excited.

Another opinion about the port’s growth can be found in the marina district.

In February, News 6 reporter James Sparvero interviewed fisherman Jamie Glasner after learning the port won’t renew the Cape Marina’s lease to build another cruise terminal.

In a few years, the new terminal could open around the same time the Brevard Zoo’s aquarium at the port is built.

“We’re concerned with having another cruise terminal and then the aquarium going in across the street - the congestion of the traffic over here on the south side of the port, and what it’s going to do to the already existing businesses,” Glasner said. “We just want to make sure that we still have a place that we can come to work.”

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About the Author

James sparvero.

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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