Looking For Cruises From Port Canaveral Florida To Puerto Rico
The Port of Port Canaveral, Florida welcomes many cruise ships throughout the year at Port Canaverals cruise terminals offering best itineraries to the Puerto Rico. San Juan is not only a departure port for many Southern Caribbean cruises, its also included as a port of call on a number of Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Cruise Ships In Ponce
In a recent move to expand cruise options to the island, the southern city of Ponce now receives the Serenade of the Seas and Celebrity Cruise four times per year. If you choose to make this town your port of call, you can enjoy historical sites such as El Parque de Bombas an iconic fire station-turned museum and other landmarks. Or, enjoy a day at La Guancha boardwalk, where there are plenty of seafood restaurants, fritter carts, live music, and other activities.
Cruise From Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico has one of the busiest Caribbean ports. Located on the historic San Juan peninsula, not far from Old San Juan, this Puerto Rico cruise terminal sees over 1 million travelers per year, as well as ships from the major lines. In fact, more than 10 cruise ships may be docked in the port at once.
The Port of San Juan is designed to handle such a large volume of traffic, with four piers for cruise ships along the San Antonio Canal. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises depart from the Pan American Pier, while Carnival Cruises leave from OSJ Pier. Both piers are roughly 10 miles from the San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which connects Puerto Rico with the mainland United States.
Puerto Rico is frequently a stop on Caribbean cruises and serves as a gateway for several trips to the seas southern islands. Several ships depart from the port, including the Carnival Victory, Celebrity Summit, Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, and Azamara Club Cruises trips. Cruises from Puerto Rico typically last seven nights and stop in the Virgin Islands, Guadalupe, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten, Curacao, Aruba, and other locations. Repositionary cruises also depart from or stop in Puerto Rico.
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Whats The Best Time For Cruises From Florida
Most cruises from Florida head either to the Caribbean or the coast of eastern Mexico and Central America. Some cruises visit both areas. Although its possible to go on cruises from Florida to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America year-round, there are a couple of periods that are better than the rest of the year.
Cruise Ships In San Juan

San Juan has two cruise terminals, one in San Juan Bay and the other at the Pan American terminal across from the bay. Between them, the ports host around 500 cruise ships per year. Many of the cruises that make a voyage through the Caribbean make a port call in Puerto Rico, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Costa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar, Norwegian Cruise Line, AIDA, Seabourn, Silbersea, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and even Disney Cruises.
The San Juan Bay terminal has a capacity to receive up to seven ships at once. The location of the piers gives visitors easy access to explore the historic city of Old San Juan. This may be the most convenient port of call for people only spending a day on island because many attractions, restaurants, bars, and landmarks are within walking distance.
The Pan American terminal has a pier that accommodates two cruise ships. It is located near Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in Isla Grande, next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino, and the Hyatt House Hotel. Getting in and out of the city requires either a taxi or rideshare, and if San Juan is your point of departure, your cruise ship will likely embark from there.
Cruise ships at the fast-growing Ponce Cruise Port.
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Caribbean Cruises From Florida
Arguably the number one cruise destination from Florida, the incredibly diverse Caribbean Islands offer a wide array of awesome experiences. Made up of three distinct island arcsthe Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles and Leeuward Islandthis vast island group consists of more than 30 countries or territories, including many of the most famous beach destinations on the planet. This includes such iconic islands as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Curacao, Martinique, Sint Maarten and Saint Lucia.
It is, therefore, not surprising that theres an abundance of Caribbean cruise itineraries available from Florida. These are generally split up into three categories: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean cruises.
Whichever region you choose, youll have the chance to visit some of the most breathtaking beaches on Earth, explore colorful coral reefs, hike to waterfalls and so much more. The vibrant Caribbean island culture is also a major attraction. Shop for unique island crafts, clothes and artifacts, from jewelry and Mexican silverware to Cuban cigars.
And then theres the food! For some people, the opportunity to indulge in amazing Caribbean cuisine is the only reason they need to book a Caribbean cruise from Florida. Enjoy spectacular fish and seafood dishes, sample a variety of grilled foods and snack on juicy tropical fruits. Food is a huge part of the Caribbean cruise experience.
Puerto Rico Cruise Highlights
Natural Beauty
Puerto Rico is endowed with exceptional natural beauty, from endless white sand beaches to rugged mountains and rainforest. Visit El Yunque National Park, the only tropical forest in the U.S., where jungle trails reveal massive tree roots, giant ferns, tumbling waterfalls, and cool rock pools. The coast is fringed with mangroves teeming with life, a dream for birdwatching enthusiasts. Join a starlit kayaking tour to marvel at Mosquito Bay, one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.
Old San Juan
Partly encircled by 16th-century walls, Old San Juan is an enchanting and walkable neighborhood. Brightly colored houses with painted balconies and flower-filled patios line the cobblestone streets, which lead to leafy plazas and 16th-century churches. Art galleries sit side-by-side with cool, boho boutiques, while inviting bars and cafés serve fresh-ground coffee and ice-cold daiquiris.
Creative Cuisine
Youll find a lively culinary scene all over Puerto Rico. Try local specialties, which include fresh fish, seafood paella, mofongo , and lechón asado, slow-roasted pork. Do as the locals do and have a quesito with your coffeea puff pastry tube stuffed with sweetened cheese and drizzled with honey or chocolate. Join a rum distillery tour to learn how rum is matured in barrels, followed by a tasting.
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Luxury Cruises To & From Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico pulsates with music and color. Embracing the best of its Spanish and American influences, the culture exudes confidence and joy. Youll find imposing 16th-century fortresses and vibrant street art, as well as a rich culinary scene, rolling coffee plantations, and rum distilleries. Everywhere you go, youll be captivated by music, from the sensual beat of salsa to cumbia, merengue, and the local genre, bomba.
Cruises to and from Puerto Rico will reveal the islands natural beauty, too. The dense rainforest and tumbling waterfalls of El Yunque National Park are an easy drive from San Juan, while at the Escambrón Marine Park, you can swim among sea turtles and colorful fish. There are beaches for sun-lovers and beaches for surfers, as well as hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining for the adventurous. Little wonder that the locals here seem so cheerful. Explore this enchanting island on a Caribbean cruise with Celebrity.
Highlights Of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has more than 500 years of history, as San Juan was one of the first European settlements in the New World. Visitors can explore military barracks and fortifications, as well as old churches such as the San Jose Church, Cristo Chapel and San Juan Cathedral. Wander San Juans cobblestone streets and enjoy its pretty courtyards, galleries and shops. Puerto Rico has a lot to offer in the natural world, too, including the natural swimming pool of Baño Grande, the Palo Colorado Forest and the Piñones Reserve. Spain is a strong influence on the cuisine, so look for tapas and sangria amongst Caribbean specialties like mofongo, made of fried plantains.
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Luxury Cruises From Miami To Puerto Rico
On a cruise from Miami to Puerto Rico, youll see the best that the Island of Enchantment has to offer, plus two more fabulous Caribbean dream destinations. Wander the intricate cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to discover colorful Spanish colonial architecture, boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and the cultural heart of this vibrant community. Tour the Museo de Las Americas to learn about the islands history and role in the region through well-curated artifacts, exhibits, and art.
Head to the tropical paradise of Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, where white sands and secluded sunbathing spots await for a day out in the Caribbean sun. Taste local foods that inspire the palate, like traditional roasted pork lechon and crispy fried plantains, or the classic rice and beans. Trek to mystical waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest before setting sail to St. Maarten and St. Kitts and Nevis on this unforgettable luxury cruise from Celebrity.
Itineraries
Cruising To Puerto Rico
If you ever considered a cruise vacation you will not be disappointed by choosing one that has San Juan, Puerto Rico as one of the ports of call. San Juan is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. Puerto Rico offers white sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, colonial forts and buildings, museums, vibrant hotels, casinos, restaurants and shops. The island is rich in history, blessed by nature, and alive with its own unique culture.
The Port of San Juan is the busiest in the Caribbean and is ranked among the top 25 of the world’s ports in terms of passengers and container movement. San Juan’s two cruise terminals are located a stone’s throw away from one another, one in the San Juan Bay and the other at the Pan American terminal just across the bay, a10-minute ride, close to the airport, up to 6 cruise ships can dock at these terminals. The San Juan Bay Terminal has 3 piers located a short walk from Old San Juan.
Although U.S. territories does not require a passport for U.S. citizens, you’ll still need your passport for cruises that stop at ports in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. Additionally, U.S. citizens who travel by air to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda to catch their ship must have a passport. However, if you are cruising to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada from a U.S. port you do not need a passport – this is deemed a “closed loop” voyage.
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Ferry From Florida To Puerto Rico
Is it possible there is still no ferry from Florida to Puerto Rico? My husband is not allowed to fly, and we want to go for a week, not for a day as a cruise would allow. His health makes us unable to travel by freighter, and we don’t want to take a cruise that will allow us one day in PR. Does anyone know of a boat or ferry running from FL to PR?
Bahamas Cruises From Florida

Few island groups invoke images of sun-soaked beaches, palm trees swaying in the wind and azure water so well as the Bahamas. The name is nearly synonymous with tropical vacations. The Bahamas island chain is in the Atlantic Ocean, just east of Florida and north of Cuba. Not located in the Caribbean Sea, its not geographically part of the Caribbean Islands.
The beautiful Bahamas are one of the most popular destinations on cruises from Florida, thanks to their tropical climate, easy accessibility from all cruise ports on the east coast of Florida, hospitality and rich history.
On a Bahamas cruise from Florida, you can relax and unwind on stunning sand beaches, go snorkeling in coral reefs, enjoy fascinating shore excursions and indulge in delicious local food. Shop for Bahamian arts and crafts or discover pirate history in Nassau, the West Indies former pirate capital.
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Christmas Cruises From Florida
There are many cruises out of Florida available over the Christmas holiday. It’s a fun and easy way to celebrate because everything is taken care of for you. All you have to do is show up with your family. See the schedule of departures from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Tampa below.
Every cruise line decorates their ships for Christmas. Festive meals are prepared and there are holiday activities too.
See our list of cheap Christmas cruises from Florida for the best deals with links to the official reservation pages.
Cruise To Puerto Rico From Florida Which Cruise Line To Choose
When you cruise to Puerto Rico from Florida you can enjoy the turquoise waters, tropical temperatures and warm sand beaches that the islands are famous for. With many cruise lines departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or Port Everglades in Florida and touring the Eastern Caribbean there is something for everyone.
Carnival cruises offer many choices in Eastern Caribbean cruises, leaving for the area on 7-night jaunts from Miami or 8-night adventures from Fort Lauderdale. Carnival offers a family atmosphere with lots to do onboard including extensive child and youth programs and great entertainment.
Cruises from Ft. Lauderdale include those from Holland America and Royal Caribbean International with the latter offering Miami as a departure port as well. Both have regularly scheduled departures stopping at many ports of call including the lovely San Juan. Celebrity Cruises offer exceptional sailing opportunities from Miami also stopping in San Juan. Celebrity is known for its modern ships and luxurious accommodations, not to mention the casino, spa and solariums on board. The smaller, more intimate MSC cruises depart from the smaller port of Port Everglades where you can cruise with less stress and less guests than on the large mega-ships also taking this route.
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Learn About The Puerto Rico Cruise Ports
Cruise ships arrive at one of the four cruise piers located along San Antonio Canal. The Port of San Juan is the general name used to call various passenger and cargo facilities located in lands around the San Juan Bay . This arrangement allows tourists to walk to major attractions such as Old San Juan and the Puerto Rico Convention Center District. The short distance between the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and the cruise ship docks is 7 miles and makes the area a prime location for cruise companies. Cruise ship companies, such as Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean prefer this setting, and have made the San Juan one of their ports of call.
Mexico Cruises From Florida
Sail across the Gulf of Mexico from Florida and explore the gorgeous Costa Maya on Mexicos east coast. This is an exceptionally convenient way to explore and experience the famous Yucatan Peninsula. Go on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip, enjoy the vibrant underwater world on a glass-bottom boat, sample mouthwatering Mexican food and sunbathe on sandy beaches.
The Costa Maya is, of course, also home to some of the worlds greatest ancient ruins. Immerse yourself in the world of the once-thriving Mayan civilization and visit Chichen Itza and explore the jaw-dropping ruins of Tulum.
Additionally, most cruises from Florida to Mexico also stop at Cozumel. This beautiful island is one of the worlds most popular cruise ports for good reason. Its a fantastic destination for all types of cruisers, offering everything from animal experiences and action-filled adventures like ATVing and jet boating to epic beaches and ice-cold margaritas.
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Disney Cruises Things To Do
- A Disney Cruise Line cruise is designed primarily for families and makes planning a family vacation super easy. Therefore, Disney Cruise Line vacations are directed to multigenerational families, particularly families with young children. However, that does not mean the cruise line forgets the adults, as it features adult-only specialty restaurants, nightclubs, and quiet pools on all its four ships. While the large staterooms attract families, they also invite interest from a small number of honeymooners, couples, and singles. Anyone who wants a more peaceful cruise vacation should choose sailing outside the summer months, as cruise-goers begin to subside and the pace is therefore slower. The people on a Disney cruise enjoy its youthful vibe, as is evidenced by the cruise line’s sail-away dance parties each of which connect some of Disney’s most lovable characters with Disney cruise guests. Pools are also designed for kid-friendly activities and adults who want to relive their childhood once again. If you love activities, such as miniature golf, ping-pong, or similar kid-friendly pastimes, you will feel right at home on a Disney cruise ship. In fact, anyone who loves Disney will also love a Disney cruise ship vacation.
Main Florida Cruise Ports
As we pointed out above, no other state has as many large cruise ports as Florida. While there are major ports elsewhere in the United Statesexamples include Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and SeattleFlorida is arguably the cruise capital of the USA. These are the five largest cruise ports in Florida, all offering amazing itineraries and visited by some of the worlds biggest cruise lines.
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Best Cruises From Florida
Several of the biggest cruise lines offer scenic cruises from Florida. An extremely popular sun-sea-and-sand destination as it is, Florida attracts party-goers, nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, water sports fans, retirees and even foodies. Home to vibrant cities like Miami, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, it has more major cruise ports than any other state, which are also among the worlds busiest.
In fact, Florida is the main departure point for cruises to the sunny Caribbean. Nowhere else will you find the sheer number of Caribbean cruise itineraries than in Florida. Additionally, the Sunshine State is also a great place to embark on cruises to the Bahamas, Mexico and the iconic Panama Canal.