A destination for entertainment and one of the most popular places to embark on a vacation, Florida boasts some of the busiest cruise ports in the world. With multiple coastal cities providing access to a myriad of locations, like St Maarten/Martin, St Thomas, and the Cayman Islands, each port is unique, offering different features and amenities.
Highlighting both the city in which they are located as well as the port itself, in no particular order, here are the best-known and actively used cruise ports in Florida:
Map of Florida Cruise Ports
JAXPORT – Jacksonville
With 1,100 miles of shoreline, 22 miles of beaches, and 270 sunny days annually, Jacksonville, Florida is a destination for those who love the ocean. Home to an estimated 954,000 residents (as of 2021) as well as the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, the city is not only an Atlantic Coast hotspot but also a central hub for all cruise ships leaving the area.
The Jacksonville Port Authority, known as JAXPORT, offers multi-day cruises to places like the Bahamas, via Carnival Cruise Lines, and has recently become the port of call for the Seven Seas Navigator, Ocean Voyager, and Ocean Explorer.
While there’s an on-site shop that sells snacks and drinks inside JAXPORT, if you’re looking for a substantial meal, you’ll need to go somewhere prior to visiting. Those planning on driving to the port will be glad to know that there are well-lit, fenced-off parking options patrolled by security 24/7.
Cruise Lines:
- Carnival Cruise Lines
Port of Call for the Following Lines:
- Seven Seas Navigator – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Ocean Voyager – American Queen Voyages
- Ocean Explorer – Vantage Deluxe World Traveler
9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, FL. 32226 | 904-357-3006| jaxport.com
Port Canaveral – Cape Canaveral
Best known for the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, and Manatee Sanctuary Park, Cape Canaveral boasts the second largest cruise port in Florida: Port Canaveral. Although a smaller city with an estimated 9,970 residents (as of 2021), five different cruise lines and 13 ships currently use the port.
Port Canaveral is a very popular choice for tourists who plan on visiting Disney World as it’s the closest port to Orlando, Florida. There are six different terminals for cruise ships at Port Canaveral each boasting a dedicated parking area for passengers.
Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Royal Caribbean International
- Disney Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
445 Challenger Road, Ste. 301, Cape Canaveral, FL. 32920 | 321-783-7831| portcanaveral.com
Port Everglades – Fort Lauderdale
Sometimes called the “Venice of America”, Fort Lauderdale boasts 300 miles of inland waters, known as the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as the only coral reef in the continental US. With an estimated population of 0ver 181,000 (as of 2021), the city is home to the third busiest cruise port in the world: Port Everglades.
This family-friendly port has eight terminals. Featuring artwork from local artist Dale Chihuly, each terminal has food and beverage vending machines, restrooms, and free WiFi.
Parking is abundant and convenient at Port Everglades. There are two large garages that together hold 4,000 vehicles as well as multiple parking lots available, all of which are well-lit and patrolled by security.
Cruise Ships
- Balearia Caribbean
- Celebrity Cruise Lines
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
- Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
- Royal Caribbean International
- Silversea Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
850 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 | 954-523-3404 | porteverglades.net
PortMiami – Miami
Home to the largest number of international banks in the US, five major sports teams, and nearly 440,000 residents (as of 2021), Miami is nicknamed “The Cruise Capital of the World”. With 10 uniquely constructed cruise terminals, the busiest cruise port in the world, PortMiami, serves thousands of cruise passengers annually.
Parking is convenient at PortMiami as there are four parking decks and multiple surface lots throughout the complex. Both short-term and long-term parking is available at PortMiami.
Cruise Ships
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceana Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
Port of Call for the Following Lines
- Aida
- Hapag-Lloyd
- Hurtigruten
- P&O Cruises
- Phoenix
- Princess Cruises
- Saga
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
- Seabourn
- TUI Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
1015 N. American Way, Miami, Florida 33132 | 305-347-4800| miamidade.gov/portmiami
Port Tampa Bay – Tampa
Situated in Tampa, a city that has Florida’s oldest restaurant, a popular yearly pirate festival, and a, estimated population of over 387,000 (as of 2021), Port Tampa Bay is one of the smaller cruise ports in Florida. Home to 5 ships from 4 different cruise lines, the port offers short and long cruises that range from 4-14 days.
Port Tampa Bay takes great pride in being easy to navigate, making the embarkation experience a breeze! Many passengers choose to extend their vacation before or after the boat sets sail from Tampa to enjoy nearby attractions like Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Adventure Island, and Ybor City.
There’s affordable parking in a large parking garage across from Port Tampa Bay that’s monitored by security.
Cruise Ships
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line
815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602 | (813) 905-7678 | porttb.com
No matter which cruise port you use in Florida, each one has something different to offer. Located in different cities that have a range of activities, restaurants, and attractions, be sure to put Florida on your list when choosing a port of embarkation!
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