Caribbean cruises from Florida and Texas: best home ports, itineraries and how to find a deal

The main Caribbean home ports

• PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world and offers the widest choice of ships and itineraries, from short Bahamas sailings to longer Caribbean voyages.
• Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and is popular for longer and premium cruises.
• Port Canaveral, about an hour from Orlando, suits travellers combining a cruise with the theme parks or the Kennedy Space Center.
• Port Tampa Bay works well for Western Caribbean itineraries to Mexico and Central America.
• Galveston, Texas is the main option for travellers in Texas and the central US, with Western Caribbean itineraries.

If you live within driving distance of a port, cruising from there can save the cost and stress of flights. If you are flying, arrive the day before: a delayed flight is not a reason for the ship to wait.

Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean?

Eastern Caribbean itineraries usually visit the Bahamas, St Thomas or St Maarten and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Expect beaches, duty-free shopping and some longer sea days.

Western Caribbean itineraries typically call at Cozumel or Costa Maya in Mexico, Roatán in Honduras, Belize, Grand Cayman or Jamaica. They suit travellers interested in Mayan sites, snorkelling and diving.

Southern Caribbean cruises reach islands such as Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados and St Lucia. They are often longer, and some depart from San Juan rather than Florida.

Private islands

Many lines include a call at their own private island or beach destination in the Bahamas or the wider Caribbean. These days are easy and relaxed, but they are not a cultural experience, so look for a mix of private islands and real ports if that matters to you.

Hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from 1 June to 30 November. Cruise lines track storms closely and will change an itinerary to avoid bad weather, which may mean swapping ports or adding a sea day. Fares can be lower in late summer and autumn; travel insurance that covers weather-related disruption is worth considering whenever you sail.

How long a cruise?

• Three to five nights: a good taster, often to the Bahamas or Cozumel.
• Seven nights: the most popular length, with three or four ports.
• Ten nights or more: reaches the Southern Caribbean with fewer rushed days.

Documents

US citizens on closed-loop cruises (starting and ending at the same US port) can sometimes travel with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, but a valid passport is strongly recommended, because you will need one to fly home if you have to leave the cruise in a foreign port. Non-US citizens should check visa and ESTA requirements for the US and any countries on the itinerary.

Shore excursions

Popular Caribbean excursions include snorkelling, catamaran trips, beach breaks and Mayan ruins near Cozumel and Costa Maya. Book in advance for peak dates and always allow a generous margin to return to the ship.

Frequently asked questions

Which Florida port is best for a Caribbean cruise?

PortMiami has the widest choice, Port Everglades suits longer and premium cruises, Port Canaveral is closest to Orlando, and Port Tampa Bay is handy for the Western Caribbean.

Is the Eastern or Western Caribbean better?

Choose the Eastern Caribbean for beaches and islands such as St Thomas and San Juan, and the Western Caribbean for Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Mayan sites.

When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Cruise lines change routes to avoid storms, so travel insurance that covers weather disruption is sensible.

How do I find a cheap Caribbean cruise?

Be flexible on dates, consider shoulder seasons, compare inside and balcony cabins, and check what is included in the fare. Our deals page lists the cruise lines' own offers pages.