Skip’s Ranking of Florida’s Cruise Ports (from least to most favorite)

Skip’s Ranking of Florida’s Cruise Ports (from least to most favorite)

By someone who’s probably been on more cruise ships than in their own bed

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5. Jacksonville (JAXPORT)

Jacksonville gets points for ease—especially if you’re local. It’s small, manageable, and stress-free. The downside? A very limited number of cruise options, with only a couple ships (usually Carnival) offering short sailings to the Bahamas. It’s ideal for a quick getaway, but if you’re looking for variety or newer ships, this port falls short.

Best for: North Florida locals looking for an easy 4- or 5-night cruise.

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4. Tampa

Tampa’s port is charming and centrally located, and it’s great if you’re driving in from the Gulf Coast. However, there’s a literal bridge keeping Tampa from being a major cruise hub—ships must be short enough to fit under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This means newer, larger ships often skip Tampa.

Best for: Easy drive-up access, pre-cruise Ybor City dining, and less hectic embarkation days.

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3. Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

This port hits a sweet spot: it’s close to two airports (FLL and MIA), often has newer ships from lines like Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess, and offers a wide variety of Caribbean itineraries. It’s a favorite for those flying in, thanks to the convenience and proximity.

Bonus tip: Fort Lauderdale is usually less chaotic than Miami but offers many of the same ships.

Best for: Travelers flying in from out of state, loyalists to premium cruise lines, and lovers of stress-free boarding.

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2. Miami (PortMiami)

Known as the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami is a buzzing, massive hub for nearly every major cruise line. Whether it’s Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, or MSC, you’ll find their newest and most exciting ships here. There’s also so much competition that pricing is often competitive—even for top-tier ships.

Pro tip: Arrive a day early and enjoy Miami’s food and nightlife before you sail.

Best for: Biggest ships, boldest itineraries, and the most buzz-worthy new releases.

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1. Port Canaveral (Orlando)

This is no surprise …As expected, this one takes the crown. Just 45 minutes from home in Orlando and Disney, Port Canaveral is clean, organized, and loaded with top-tier ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and MSC. While pricing may be slightly higher than Miami due to demand, the convenience—especially for Central Floridians—is unbeatable.

Pro tip: Combine a cruise with a theme park trip and call it the ultimate vacation.

Best for: Families, Disney lovers, and anyone in Central Florida looking for a seamless cruise experience.

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Honorable Mentions (Outside Florida, but worth considering):

• Galveston, Texas – Great for Western Caribbean itineraries and now welcoming larger ships like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class.

• New York/New Jersey (Cape Liberty) – Seasonal cruising with stunning skyline views, especially popular for fall foliage and transatlantic sailings.

• San Juan, Puerto Rico – Technically a port of call and a departure port. Starting a cruise here gives you an immediate Caribbean feel with longer reach into the Southern Caribbean.

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Final Thoughts:

If you’re cruising out of Florida, you’ve got amazing options no matter where you are in the state. Each port has its perks—from the laid-back feel of Tampa to the high-energy vibe of Miami. But for Central Floridians like me, Port Canaveral wins the convenience contest every time.

What are your favorite cruise ports—Florida or beyond?