Your Ultimate Guide to Cruises from Florida

Setting sail from Florida to the Caribbean is a bucket-list journey for many travelers. Whether you’re seeking turquoise waters, island breezes, or vibrant port towns, this guide makes planning effortless and exciting. Let us walk you through choosing your departure port, picking the perfect itinerary, and discovering the best ways to experience Ft. Lauderdale or Miami before or after your cruise.

Your homeport isn’t just a dot on the map — it’s the starting point for your entire cruise experience. The city in which you embark and to which you return shapes everything from flight ease to parking, pre-cruise hotels, and even how relaxed you feel on Day One. If nonstop flights or specific routes are important to you, start by comparing departure cities; from there, you can choose the itinerary that best fits your timeframe and travel style.

Relaxed yet refined, Ft. Lauderdale pairs sunny beaches with scenic waterways and an easygoing coastal vibe. Known as the “Venice of America,” this effortless, breezy place is perfect for shifting into vacation mode before sailing south.

• Stroll Las Olas Boulevard, with its boutique shopping and waterfront dining
• Relax on wide, palm-lined beaches just minutes from the cruise port
• Travel through the city’s mansion-lined canals by water taxi
• Explore the Everglades on an airboat adventure
• Kayak through mangroves at the Anne Kolb Nature Center

Bold, vibrant, and endlessly stylish, Miami delivers far more than beautiful beaches. From world-class art and architecture to legendary dining and Latin-inspired culture, it’s a high-energy launch point for a Caribbean cruise.

• Explore the Art Deco Historic District and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
• Dive into contemporary art at Wynwood Walls or the Rubell Museum
• Enjoy a cafecito (Cuban espresso) and more at Versailles in Little Havana
• Savor a classic Miami meal at Joe’s Stone Crab
• Bike or stroll the Venetian Causeway for waterfront views

Miami:  Select Caribbean cruises depart from Miami to blissful destinations such as Cozumel, Grand Turk, and Martinique. Miami is a vibrant city featuring renowned nightlife and dining.

When researching cruises from Florida, think beyond dates and duration. Consider departure logistics, as shorter airport transfers and fewer stops can translate into more time for relaxation or port exploration. If you’re in the U.S. — especially on the East Coast — departing from Florida reduces flight costs, which can free up your budget for unique shore excursions or a stateroom upgrade.

Booking a cruise a year in advance can offer access to lower fares and the best staterooms — especially in popular midship and balcony categories. Your stateroom is your private guest room aboard the ship, ranging from comfortable Inside cabins to spacious Suites with private verandahs. For enhanced value, add the Have It All Early Booking Bonus, which includes major savings on top amenities plus free upgrades and more.

Holland America’s Flight Ease® program offers specially negotiated fares with flexible change options and arrival protection, designed to make your travel stress-free.

Tip: After booking your cruise, add Flight Ease® or enter your independently booked flight details into the Cruise Planner so that airport transfers and embarkation windows are synchronized.

Arrive early, pack light, and keep travel documents handy.

• Aim to arrive in the homeport city at least a day early during peak season
• Keep your passport, boarding pass, and medications in your carry-on
• Confirm cruise port logistics, including terminal, the arrival window, and any transfer plans
• Build in extra time for traffic and airport security, especially during holidays and spring break
• Complete Online Check-In to expedite the boarding process
• Print your luggage tags at home and attach them to your luggage, ensuring that your name and stateroom number are clearly visible.

Bonus Tip: Download Holland America’s Navigator® App ahead of time. This handy tool streamlines the check-in process and enables you to check your cruise credits, make dining reservations, and more.

Once you’re booked, plan out how you’ll get to the terminal. Whether you’re driving, flying, or staying nearby, your choice affects overall cost, timing, and convenience. Check out the options below to determine what works best for you.

Follow the signs to the assigned cruise terminal, where you’ll drop off your baggage, go through the security screening, and complete the check-in process. Having your passports and boarding passes on hand will help speed up the boarding process. Parking structures and surface lots are adjacent to terminals; taxis and rideshares have designated pickup zones.

Holland America primarily offers 7-to 21-day Caribbean cruises from Florida, sailing mostly from Ft. Lauderdale, with itineraries that span the Eastern, Western, and Southern regions including the Bahamas and ABC Islands.

Holland America primarily sails from Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades) and offers select cruises from Miami (Port Miami) as well.

Once you’ve booked your cruise, use the Navigator® App or the “Manage My Cruise” feature on the Holland America website to book shore excursions, make dining reservations, and more.

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