Bahamas Cruises & Florida Departure Ports Directory
Your premier guide to Bahamas and Caribbean cruising from Florida: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Margaritaville at Sea, Baleària fast ferries, and terminal parking from Miami to Tampa.
Florida to Bahamas Travel at a Glance
- Multi-Port Departures: Year-round ocean sailings embarking from PortMiami, Port Everglades, Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, and Port Tampa Bay.
- Flexible Voyage Options: Choose between same-day express passenger ferries, 2-night weekend breaks, or extended 4- to 7-night Caribbean voyages.
- Private Island Escapes: Direct Florida sailings visiting award-winning private paradises including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key.
- Discovery Heritage: Celebrating the historic South Florida one-day cruise traditions of the Discovery Sun and Bahamas Celebration.
- Florida Cruise Support Desk: Connect directly with our Fort Lauderdale agents for staterooms, resort passes, and port hotels at 954-969-0069.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Florida Cruise Lines & Fleets
- Carnival Cruise Line operates Fun Ship sailings from PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Tampa Bay.
- Royal Caribbean features Oasis- and Icon-class mega-liners sailing directly to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- Margaritaville at Sea offers resort cruising aboard the Paradise, Islander, and Beachcomber.
- Baleària Caribbean fast ferries provide 2-hour express catamaran transit from Port Everglades to Bimini.
- Comprehensive retro archives preserving the one-day sailing legacy of Discovery Cruise Line.
1. Carnival Cruise Line: Fun Italian Style & Celebration Key
Carnival Cruise Line delivers high-energy Caribbean vacations across Florida, deploying flagship vessels from PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Tampa Bay. Cruisers can experience the innovative “Carnival Fun Italian Style” aboard the Carnival Venezia, featuring Venetian canal decor, specialty Italian bistros, and Terrazza staterooms with private spa decks. With itineraries visiting Nassau, Bimini, Half Moon Cay, and the exclusive Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island, Carnival offers unbeatable value for short tropical escapes.
- Venetian Elegance: Carnival Venezia features Italian architectural themes, Piazza San Marco lounges, and patio suites.
- Celebration Key Destination: Carnival’s flagship resort on Grand Bahama featuring five recreation portals and pristine beaches.
2. Royal Caribbean: Mega-Ships & CocoCay Thrills
Royal Caribbean International commands Florida’s cruise landscape with engineering marvels like the Oasis-class Harmony of the Seas and revolutionary Icon-class flagships. Sailing from PortMiami’s Terminal A (“Crown of Miami”) and Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 1, these ships feature open-air Central Park neighborhoods, 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slides, and AquaTheater high-diving shows. Most Florida sailings stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, home to Daredevil’s Peak—North America’s tallest waterslide—and the overwater cabanas of Coco Beach Club.
- Thrill Waterpark: Daredevil’s Peak 135-foot slide, giant freshwater wave pools, and private Coco Beach Club overwater cabanas.
- Innovative Neighborhoods: Multi-deck Central Park with living trees, Boardwalk carousels, and high-diving AquaTheaters.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
3. Margaritaville at Sea: Three Florida Homeports
Margaritaville at Sea 2 Night Cruise brings Jimmy Buffett’s iconic tropical state of mind to sea across three strategic Florida embarkation harbors. The flagship Paradise operates classic 2-night getaways to Freeport from the boutique Cruise Port of Palm Beach, while the 12-deck Islander offers 4- and 5-night Gulf voyages to Key West and Mexico from Port Tampa Bay. Joining the fleet at PortMiami, the Beachcomber delivers upscale Caribbean itineraries featuring the World’s Largest 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and oceanview infinity hot tubs.
- Tri-Port Fleet: Sailings out of Palm Beach (Paradise), Tampa (Islander), and Miami (Beachcomber).
- Resort Lifestyle: JWB Prime Steakhouse, Fins dining, License to Chill pool decks, and full-service Par-A-Dice Casinos.
Florida Cruise Departure Ports
- PortMiami operates world-class terminals on Dodge Island with direct I-395 tunnel access.
- Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale provides airport-adjacent cruising and Terminal 21 ferry departures.
- Cruise Port of Palm Beach in Riviera Beach delivers boutique convenience with steps-from-the-ship parking.
- Port Canaveral connects Central Florida and Orlando theme parks via the direct SR-528 Beachline Expressway.
- Port Tampa Bay provides direct Gulf access and scenic sailing under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
1. South Florida Hubs: Miami, Everglades & Palm Beach
South Florida functions as the epicenter of Caribbean ocean cruising, anchored by PortMiami, Port Everglades, and the Port of Palm Beach. PortMiami’s Dodge Island concourses process millions of passengers annually with direct expressway tunnel access bypassing city traffic, while Port Everglades sits just two miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). To the north in Riviera Beach, the Cruise Port of Palm Beach offers a low-stress, single-terminal facility where travelers park right beside the ship for fast 2-night getaways.
- PortMiami Tunnel: Direct underwater bypass from I-395 straight to terminal drop lanes and covered parking garages.
- Palm Beach Simplicity: Fenced, 24-hour secured on-site parking at $20/day with rapid customs intake.
2. Space Coast & Gulf Gateways: Canaveral & Tampa
Central and Western Florida travelers enjoy effortless embarkation through Port Canaveral and Port Tampa Bay. Port Canaveral is located 45 miles east of Orlando International Airport (MCO) along the SR-528 Beachline Expressway, offering multi-level parking garages with elevated skywalks directly into A- and B-Terminals. Across the state, Port Tampa Bay’s cruise terminals—including Terminal 6 hosting the Margaritaville at Sea Islander—are nestled in the downtown Channelside district with walkable access to Ybor City.
- Port Canaveral (SR-528): Orlando’s official Space Coast cruise port charging $17/day for covered garage parking.
- Port Tampa Bay (Terminal 6): Downtown Channelside location offering convenient parking and direct Gulf of Mexico transit.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
3. High-Speed Ferries & Cruise to Stay™ Options
For vacationers seeking rapid island access without taking multi-day ocean cruises, Baleària Caribbean operates high-speed passenger catamarans departing from Terminal 21 at Port Everglades. Travelers reach the white sands of Bimini in just two hours or Freeport in three hours, with options for same-day return trips or flexible Cruise to Stay™ resort packages. Guests can spend multiple nights at Resorts World Bimini or the Grand Lucayan before catching the afternoon return ferry back to Fort Lauderdale.
- 2-Hour Express Crossing: High-speed catamaran travel from Port Everglades directly to Bimini and Freeport.
- Cruise to Stay™ Packages: Combine express ferry transit with beachfront luxury resort accommodations.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Florida Cruise Lines & Departure Ports Master Directory
Explore our comprehensive fleet guides, terminal parking directories, and island excursion itineraries across Florida.
| Cruise Guide / Port Hub | Primary Departure Harbors | Vessel Types & Fleets | Key Highlights | Detailed Directory Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise Lines Directory | Miami, Everglades, Palm Beach, Canaveral, Tampa | Mega-Liners & Resort Cruise Ships | Complete Florida fleet guide & itineraries | View Cruise Lines |
| Departure Ports Directory | Five Major Florida Maritime Ports | Passenger Terminals & Garages | Parking rates, driving maps & shuttle guides | View Departure Ports |
| Margaritaville at Sea | Palm Beach, Tampa, PortMiami | Paradise, Islander, Beachcomber | 2-night getaways, Gulf cruises & Par-A-Dice casino | View Margaritaville Fleet |
| Carnival Cruise Line | PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Tampa | Venezia, Mardi Gras, Celebration | Celebration Key, Guy’s Burgers, Italian style | View Carnival Guide |
| Royal Caribbean | PortMiami, Canaveral, Everglades | Harmony, Icon, Allure, Wonder | Perfect Day at CocoCay & Central Park neighborhoods | View Royal Caribbean |
| Discovery Retro Archive | Port Everglades & Palm Beach | Discovery Sun, Bahamas Celebration | Historical one-day cruise menus & heritage | View Retro Legacy |
| Port Everglades Guide | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Midport & Northport Terminals | Terminal 21 fast ferry & Palm Garage parking | View Port Everglades |
| Port of Palm Beach Guide | Riviera Beach, Florida | Single Passenger Terminal | $20/day parking & 2-night Bahamas boarding | View Palm Beach Port |
| PortMiami Terminal Guide | Dodge Island, Miami, Florida | Terminals A through V | PortMiami Tunnel, Garage A, biometric boarding | View PortMiami |
| Port Canaveral Guide | Cape Canaveral, Florida | A-Terminals & B-Terminals | Orlando Beachline SR-528 & $17/day parking | View Port Canaveral |
| Port Tampa Bay Guide | Channelside, Tampa, Florida | Terminals 2, 3, and 6 | Margaritaville Islander & Skyway Bridge transit | View Tampa Port |
| Bimini Fast Ferry Guide | Port Everglades Terminal 21 | Jaume II High-Speed Catamaran | 2-hour express crossing & beach club passes | View Bimini Day Trip |
Need help choosing the right cruise line, reserving pre-cruise Florida hotels, or arranging airport transfers? Call our Fort Lauderdale reservation team at 954-969-0069.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Take a Bahamas cruise vacation today,
be back to work the very next day.
1, 2, 3 or more nights stays with,
Cruise to Stay™ deals
Discovery Bahamas Cruise
For Booking Assistance, Please Call – 954-969-0069
Two night Bahamas Cruises from Palm Beach, Florida
One night cruises from Fort Lauderdale or Miami
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Discovery Bahamas Cruise
1 day Cruises, or 1, 2 or more night in the Bahamas
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Discovery Bahamas Cruise
1 day Cruises, or 1, 2 or more night in the Bahamas
Advertisement
End Advertisement
2 night cruise
Cancel or pause anytime.
As low as $99 pp
- From Port of Palm Beach
- Two-night Bahamas cruise
- Includes casino and lounges.
- Features family pool slide.
- Call 954-969-0069 to book.
Tropical Island Cruises presents a two night cruise to Freeport Grand Bahama, Bahamas.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
The beautiful Tropical Island Cruises sails from Port of Palm Beach to the lovely and tropical Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. While there you can also visit nearby Our Lucaya Resort Golf & Beach Resort. Treat yourself to a relaxing Bahamas getaway, sail on a romantic trip or bring the family for the experience of a lifetime. No matter the reason, we have your Tropical Vacation covered!
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Whether on the ship or at Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, there is so much to do! There are adult favorites, such as the on-ship casino, multiple lounges with live entertainment and an all-night dance party. There are many family fun activities including shows, age-appropriate children’s kids clubs, a beautiful pool overlooking the ocean and a 180-ft. slide. Choose from four great restaurants for delicious dining!
Bahamas Fast Ferry
- Get access to our paid articles and weekly newsletter.
- Join our IRL events.
- Get a free tote bag.
- An elegant addition of home decor collection.
- Join our forums.
Bahamas Express Ferry is about to start high-speed service from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
A massive, colorful ferry with the teal 1980s color scheme has been docked near 17th Street for a few weeks now.
It is operated by a company called Baleària, which offers a similar service in Spain, connecting the mainland with four islands, including Ibiza.
According to the company’s website, the Ferry to Bimini and Freeport (one of 12 in the company’s fleet) is christened Pinar del Rio and can hold 463 passengers and 80 cars (though earlier reports indicate that cars will not be allowed on the Bahamas service). It has a restaurant/bar onboard, and pets are allowed.
Call to book 954-969-0069
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Bahamas Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruise or Carnival Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruise
- Five top cruise destinations.
- Alaska features massive glaciers.
- Bahamas offers dolphin swims.
- Hawaii covers volcanic hikes.
- Call 954-969-0069 to book.
Alaska – In the land of the midnight sun, you’ll need every extra minute of daylight if you want to experience it all. From the awe-inspiring blue ice of a massive glacial field to the expansive grandeur of its wildlife and nature.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Bahamas – Are known as a refuge from the harsh winters of the north. But there’s more to this paradise than sugar-white beaches and warm sunshine. You can swim with dolphins and tropical fish in the turquoise waters.
Caribbean – No one knows the Caribbean better than we do. After all, it is our middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, the Caribbean is really in a league of its own.
Advertisement
End Advertisement
Hawaii – Explore the islands, Maui’s waterfalls and winding back roads on a four-wheel adventure through Kauai. Discover lush rain forests and orchid-scented botanical gardens on Hawaii, and hike Oahu’s Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanoes.
Mexico – This paradise just south of the U.S. border offers a vibrant culture, world-class beaches, lush green rain forests, and vividly painted architecture that will dazzle your eyes.
No one knows Caribbean cruises better than Royal Caribbean. After all, it is the middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, the Caribbean Islands are really in a league of thier own. There are countless adventures within reach on your Caribbean cruise vacation.
Carnival Cruises
- Features over 60 destinations.
- Sails on Carnival ships.
- Covers Mexico and Europe.
- Serves South Florida ports.
- Call 954-969-0069 to book.
Bahamas Express Ferry is about to start high-speed service from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.
For Personal Service Call:
954-969-0069
Advertisement
End Advertisement
From the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean including, Nassau, Paradise Island and Freeport Grand Bahama Island, to the pristine landscape of Alaska, our fleet of “Fun Ships” cruises to well over 60 of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Our ships sail to the premier ports in Mexico, the historic cities of Europe and virtually everywhere in between. Choose your itinerary and we’ll show you these amazing destinations the way only a Carnival Cruise can.
Advertisement
End Advertisement