10 Best Cruise Destinations from Orlando, Florida

Where you sail from can be as enticing as your destination, and these top destinations from the Port Orlando cruise terminal in Port Canaveral are packed full of adventure. A myriad of landscapes, from coasts to mountains, await your arrival by sea. Not one island is the same, and no destination repeats itself. Sail to Mexico, The Bahamas or Jamaica on your next Orlando cruise for a vacation like no other. These cruises out of Orlando, Florida await you with exciting adventures and lifelong memories for the whole family.

Key Takeaways

● Orlando’s Port Canaveral is your gateway to some of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking destinations.

● Cruise to island favorites like The Bahamas, Jamaica and Cozumel for sun, sand and adventure.

● Experience one-of-a-kind attractions at exclusive stops like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

● Enjoy a mix of relaxation, culture and thrill across diverse ports including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Roatan.

● Whether you’re after family fun, natural beauty or island culture, there’s an itinerary for everyone.

● Ready to set sail? Explore cruises from Florida.

1. The Bahamas

One of the best cruises out of Orlando, Florida, goes to The Bahamas, offering many adventures in a short amount of time. Find the brightest sun and sand in The Bahamas, alongside translucent water caves, stunning private isles and majestic coral gardens. Sink your toes into the powdery sand of Ford's Beach, shop at ultra-chic resort Atlantis and dive the warm waters of places like Bimini.

When you’re ready to leave the sand behind, head to Nassau or Freeport for a taste of local life. Take a nature walk by mangroves or venture through pine forests. Then, get to know some historic treasures like Fort Charlotte, Queen's Staircase and Pompey Square. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs at the different markets around The Bahamas; Bimini has a craft center filled with artisan creations, Grand Bahama is home to a beautiful straw market and Atlantis resort houses the celebrated Crystal Court, an exclusive shopping destination. Even if it's just for a weekend, a cruise to The Bahamas from Orlando can be jam-packed with adventures for everyone.

2. Perfect Day at CocoCay

Thrills, chills and water-soaked adventures await at Perfect Day at CocoCay, where you can find your dream vacation moments. Take relaxation to a whole new level at Chill Island, home to transparent waters, white sands and comfortable lounging areas. Then, get your thrill on as you zipline across the island, go 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 let all of your stresses go. Take the day off and submerge in the utopian ambiance of this slice of paradise. The entire family will find something special to do on this incredible adventure.

3. Jamaica

Jamaica is the land of good vibes. With its reggae music, laid-back attitude and heart for adventure, this destination will teach you and your family to go with the flow and enjoy what Mother Nature gifted us. Jam to the beat of Jamaica with its wondrous waterfalls, coral-filled bays and emerald rainforests. Then, head to Ocho Rios and enjoy the turquoise waters of Bamboo Beach Club, explore a dense forest at Mystic Mountain or hike your way to splendid views at Mount Zion Hill Walk in Montego Bay.

For more water adventures, go rafting on the Martha Brae River in Falmouth or the River Rapids Adventure in Ocho Rios to get in touch with the wild side of Mother Nature. For a taste of Jamaica, pick up rum or jerk seasonings and take them home, 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 lounging areas perfect for decompressing.

4. Labadee

5. Cozumel, Mexico

6. Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

7. Puerto Rico

Set sail from Orlando to arrive in gorgeous San Juan, Puerto Rico. Unleash your inner wild with a trek through El Yunque National Forest, a 29,000-acre marvel 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 walk 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.

8. St. Marteen

9. St. Thomas

This lively port is adorned by yachts and sailboats on the coast, lush mountains in its center and colorful homes all around. This is usually the first stop on a trip to the Caribbean, 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 churches of their kind 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. And then, reach the pristine pool-like waters of beaches like Sapphire Beach or Magen's Bay, formerly known as one of the best beaches in the world.

10. Roatan, Honduras

For a mix of white sand beaches and dense jungle canopies, cruise from Orlando to Honduras, where you'll witness natural majesty and years of history and culture. If exploring the depths of the sea is what you're searching for, head out on a snorkeling adventure through 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 to dolphins and whale sharks.

If you're more of a land-lover, trek through Gumbalimba Park, where you'll see monkeys soar through the trees as you zipline through the 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.

Discover Where Your Florida Cruise Can Take You

From the sparkling shores of The Bahamas to the lush rainforests of Jamaica, these cruises leaving Orlando offer new adventures waiting to unfold. Whether you’re chasing relaxation, cultural discovery or thrilling excursions, the Caribbean’s most captivating destinations are just a voyage away.

If you love island-hopping as much as adventure-hopping, then you'll love cruising with Royal Caribbean. No other vacation can take you from the excitement of amusement parks to the tropical magic of island time. Hop on a Port Canaveral cruise and sail toward the time of your life.

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