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TOP 10 CARIBBEAN CRUISES OUT OF ORLANDO

Enjoy some time in the land of amusements and perfect family moments while you wait for your cruise to paradise.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 31, 2020


A myriad of landscapes, from coasts to mountains, await your arrival by sea. Not one island is the same, not one destination repeats itself. Sail to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral Orlando’s cruise port. Your cruise vacation awaits you with exciting adventures and lifelong memories for the whole family.

 

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Thrills, chills and water-soaked adventures await on your cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, where vacation dreams do come true no matter what your ideal beach escape looks like. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute affordable cruise or a weekend getaway, you’ll find lots of itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral to this top-rated Royal Caribbean private destination. Once you’ve arrived, take relaxation to a whole new level at Chill Island, home to glittering blue waters, sugar-white sands and comfortable lounging areas. Enjoy a taste of Bora Bora as you chill in one of The Bahamas’ first Floating Cabanas. Get your thrill on as you zip line across the island, plunge down the tallest waterslide in North America and bodysurf the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean. This is the place to relax, have a blast and make unforgettable family memories.

 

THE BAHAMAS

Looking for a great weekend getaway? A cruise to The Bahamas from Orlando packs in tons of adventure in a short amount of time. Enjoy blue skies, plenty of sunshine and pristine beaches at this popular Caribbean destination, home to secluded sea caves, stunning private isles and colorful coral gardens. Sink your toes into the powdery sand of Ford's Beach, shop at the world-famous Atlantis resort and dive the reefs off the coast of Nassau and Grand Bahama Island. When you’re ready to leave the beach behind, head to Nassau or Freeport for a taste of local life. Take a nature walk through the mangroves or venture into lush pine forests. Then get to know this destination’s historic treasures, like Fort Charlotte, Queen's Staircase and Pompey Square. Want to pick up some souvenirs? The Bahamas have some great shopping options — like the bustling straw markets of Grand Bahama Island and the exclusive Crystal Court at Atlantis resort in Nassau. Even if it's just for a weekend, a cruise to The Bahamas from Orlando can be jam-packed with adventure for all.

 

JAMAICA

With its reggae music, laid-back attitude and heart for adventure, Jamaica is all about kicking back, going with the flow, and enjoying nature’s wonders. If that sounds like the ideal vacation spot for you, you’re in luck — getting to Jamaica is easy on a cruise to the western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. In Jamaica, you can trek through emerald rainforests dotted with wondrous waterfalls, dive coral-filled bays, and unwind on beautiful golden-sand beaches. Head to Ocho Rios and enjoy the turquoise waters of Bamboo Beach Club, or indulge your outdoorsy side on a hike up Mystic Mountain or Mount Zion in Montego Bay. For more water adventures, go rafting along the Martha Brae River in Falmouth, or try the River Rapids Adventure in Ocho Rios. If you want to bring a bit of Jamaican flavor home, pick up some rum or jerk seasoning in port or shop for handmade local art at places like the Old Fort Market in Montego Bay. If your vibe is more about relaxing by the sea, head to Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay or Ocho Rios Bay Beach for tranquil waters and plenty of lounging areas perfect for decompressing.

 

LABADEE

Explore your own private paradise at this exclusive Royal Caribbean destination in gorgeous Haiti. Located on the northern coast of the island, Labadee offers adventure and relaxation of all kinds of travelers, all in one exciting place. For those craving a boost of adrenaline, there’s the Dragon's Breath Flight Line. The Caribbean's longest zip line over water, it will send you soaring 500 feet over the bright cerulean sea. If that’s still not enough thrill for your day, there’s the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, which zips down a mountain at 30 miles per hours. From over-the-water cabanas and airy beach bungalows, to stunning flora and fauna and delicious dishes and drinks (like the signature Labadoozie) — Labadee is an unforgettable private escape in the Caribbean. You can get there on cruises from Orlando to the eastern and western Caribbean.

 

COZUMEL, MEXICO

Home to ancient Maya ruins by the sea, a majestic coral reef system that lures divers from around the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Cozumel is famous for its duality when it comes to mixing tropical island vibes with a lively party scene. Start your day in port with a visit to a nearby Maya temple, like San Gervasio, the largest ancient site on the island. Then head to Chankanaab National Park for close encounters with dolphins during a scuba tour. Shop the mile-long San Miguel market, a bustling waterfront area filled with artisan treasures. Then indulge in the delicacies of Mexico, biting into cochinita pibil (a pork dish) and washing it all down with a delicious margarita or a shot of tequila. Feeling the wanderlust yet? Cozumel is a top stop on some of the best cruises from Orlando, so you’ll have lots of sailings to choose from.

 

PUERTO COSTA MAYA, MEXICO

Costa Maya, located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a stunning expanse of Caribbean coastline dotted with Maya ruins, misty jungles and private beach clubs. There's a lot going on in this 250-square-mile paradise, so it’s best to visit with a game plan in place. Begin your visit with a snorkel or dive trip to Great Maya Reef, the second-largest reef in the world — it's home to more than 75 species of coral and hundreds of species of mollusks, fish, turtles, crocodiles and manatees. Then take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Azul, a freshwater cenote located about a two-hour-drive from port. If you want a glimpse of the ancient world, head to Chacchoben or Kohunlich, thousand-year-old Maya ruins nestled deep in the jungle. Puerto Costa Maya is a stop on many weeklong cruises to the western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

 

PUERTO RICO

Longtime cruisers in the Port Canaveral area know there are few vacations out there like Orlando cruises with stops in gorgeous San Juan, Puerto Rico. A popular departure port in its own right, this vibrant destination caters to all kinds of visitors — from couples on a romantic escape to families looking for some kid-friendly fun in the sun. Unleash your inner wilderness explorer on a trek through El Yunque National Forest, a 29,000-acre park filled with waterfalls, dense jungles and mountain trails. Then, step into the past at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century citadel that looms over the coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will transport you through history as you climb the spiral staircases within. Finish your Puerto Rican getaway in Old San Juan, where you can stroll along cobblestone streets and shop for hand-rolled cigars and handmade lace, all before grabbing some mofongo (mashed fried plantains) from a local street vendor. When it comes to paradise, Puerto Rico has it all — and Port Canaveral is your gateway to its wonders.

 

ST. MAARTEN

If you’re looking for culture, cruise from Orlando to beautiful St. Maarten. Home to over one hundred nationalities, St. Maarten has a cosmopolitan vibe with lots of quaint charm. It’s governed by the Netherlands and France, making it the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Explore the island’s famous beaches or venture into the wild on an invigorating mountain hike, then get a taste of St. Maarten’s celebrated international food scene. And don’t miss out on a swim in Simpson Bay Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the Caribbean, or a trip to Loterie Farm, a nature sanctuary with different hiking trails, a multi-level pool, waterfalls and a zip line course.

 

ST. THOMAS

The first thing most visitors notice about this lively port is its sailboat-dotted harbor, rolling green mountains, and colorful cliffside homes. St. Thomas is usually the first stop on eastern Caribbean cruises from Orlando, and it’s a place filled with fine island dining, natural wonders and great shopping. If you're in the mood for historical landmarks, head to Blackbeard's Castle, built in 1679, which contains the world's largest collection of life-sized pirate statues. Or go to the St. Thomas Synagogue and Frederick Lutheran Church, two of the oldest houses of worship in the Western Hemisphere. Treat yourself to some tropical bites at the many beachside bars serving everything from coconut chicken to conch fritters. And bar-hop around town tasting local favorites like Blackbeard Ale and St. John Brewers Virgin Islands beer. Before your time in port comes to an end, take a dip in the placid waters of Sapphire Beach or Magen's Bay, both considered among the best beaches in the world.

 

ROATAN, HONDURAS

For a mix of white sand beaches and dense jungle forests, opt for a sailing from Orlando, Florida, to Honduras, where you'll find lots of natural beauty and centuries of rich history and culture. If you want to take your adventure underwater, head out on a snorkeling excursion to the world's second largest barrier reef off the coast of Honduras' Bay Islands. You'll swim with over 500 species of underwater critters, from stingrays and spotted trunkfish and dolphins. If you're more of a land lover, trek through Gumbalimba Park for the chance to see monkeys soar through the trees as you zip line through the forest canopy. Finish your Honduran adventure by taking a water taxi to the West End Village of Roatan. Once you arrive in this bustling area, be sure to grab some local conch soup before shopping for Lenca pottery in the nearby markets.

If you love vacations packed with island vibes and plenty of thrills, then you'll love cruising to the eastern and western Caribbean from Port Canaveral with Royal Caribbean. No other cruise line can take you from a thrill-filled stay at the country’s amusement park capital, to the laid-back tropical magic of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. Rally up the whole crew, hop on an Orlando cruise, and get ready sail toward the time of your life.

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INSIDER TIPS

1

There's a theme park in this city for every member of the gang, so get together and create a schedule outlining the attractions you want to visit before your Orlando cruise.

2

Forgot to bring flip-flops or a swimsuit? Orlando is a treasure trove of world-class shopping and outlet malls carrying everything under the sun.

3

If you need help planning a few days before or after your Orlando cruise, Royal Caribbean experts can recommend parks, restaurants, tours and more.

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