Best Cruises from Port Canaveral

Disney’s newest ship, Disney Fantasy, launched in 2012 and underwent a dry dock in 2017 to introduce new features like the Marvel Super Heroes Academy, a "Star Wars"-themed command post and a Tiffany & Co. retail store.

Staterooms are designed with families in mind. Inside staterooms can accommodate up to four guests, and over 85 percent of the ship's cabins have an ocean view or a veranda. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, minifridges and iPod docking stations.

Onboard entertainment is just as family-oriented, with Goofy’s Sports Deck activity center, a virtual sports simulator (for an extra fee), nightly live performances and 3-D movies. While younger guests play in age-appropriate youth clubs, adults can relax at the Quiet Cove Pool or enjoy an evening at one of the six adults-only bars and lounges.

When it comes to dining, the ship offers 10 themed dining venues, including two adults-only specialty venues, three main dining rooms and a new ice cream shop, Sweet on You.

In 2018-19, Fantasy sails from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, to the Bahamas and a variety of ports in the Caribbean. 

The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder first debuted in 1999 and was updated in fall 2016, rolling out new family-oriented amenities and entertainment offerings like meet and greets with Disney characters and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

The ship offers plenty of onboard activities, with 10 designated family areas, six youth clubs and seven adults-only spaces. While younger passengers play at age-appropriate clubs, grown-ups can relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. Infants and toddlers in swim diapers are limited to specified kids' wet play and splash areas (this is a requirement by the United States Public Health Service, not a Disney-specific rule). 

In terms of dining, Disney Wonder offers six options, including one adults-only specialty restaurant. At night, adults can unwind and enjoy After Hours, a section of the ship that features three nightclubs and lounges.

Like the majority of the ship, staterooms are designed with families in mind. Interior staterooms can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger Suites can sleep up to seven. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, seating areas and classic Disney designs. Recent cruisers noted the expensive cost of a trip on the Disney Wonder, but most felt the quality of service was top-notch. 

In 2018-19, Disney Wonder departs from a range of ports, including Galveston, Texas, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Canada and California. It sails to destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and more.

Last renovated in 2015 (after being introduced in 2011), the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream is one of Disney's largest, newest ships. Highlights include the 765-foot AquaDuck water coaster, a virtual sports simulator (for an extra fee) and theatrical performances that bring Disney animated favorites – like "Beauty and the Beast" – to life.

While the ship emphasizes family-focused entertainment with five specialized kids clubs, parents can enjoy the adults-only Quiet Cove pool and the Senses Spa & Salon. At night, a section of the ship called The District transforms into an adult oasis with host of bars and lounges. In terms of dining, the ship offers nine themed venues including two specialty adults-only restaurants.

Staterooms also cater to cruising clans, offering perks like sofa beds. Over 85 percent of cabins have ocean views or verandas. Those looking for extra space can opt for Concierge Suites, which range from 622 to 1,781 square feet.

While some recent cruisers commented that the ship is more expensive than other mainstream competitors, most said it was well worth the price due to the personalized attention they received from the staff.

In 2018-19, Disney Dream departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, to sailings in the Bahamas. 

On the heels of a dramatic 2017 redesign, Crystal Symphony (first launched in 1995) boasts new open seating and dining areas, new Penthouses and Penthouse Suites, high-tech features and reimagined public spaces. The one thing that hasn't changed is the exceptional customer service Crystal is known for; recent travelers noted the crew was warm, attentive and extremely professional. 

The ship offers a variety of activities including fitness programs, musical performances and treatments at the feng shui-inspired spa. All accommodations offer ocean views, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges and bathtubs. Those who choose Penthouse category rooms receive additional privileges, like personal butler service.

New dining options include the Waterside dining room, modern Chinese-inspired fare at Silk Kitchen and Bar and a Marketplace and Churrascaria serving casual buffet breakfast and lunch options by day and Brazilian-style delicacies by night. 

For 2018-19, Crystal Symphony cruises to destinations across the world, including ports in the Caribbean, New England and Canada, South America and the Far East. Its departure ports include Fort Lauderdale, Florida, New York, New Orleans and more.  

Introduced in 2003 and recently refurbished in mid-2018, Mariner of the Seas features passenger favorites like the SkyPad virtual reality trampoline, an Escape Room, the Izumi Japanese restaurant and a surf simulator. During the ship's refurbishment, Royal Caribbean also added 100 new staterooms, removed the DreamWorks experience, updated cabins and public spaces and replaced Giovanni's Table with Jamie's Italian Restaurant.

Though the 4,000-passenger ship features a 1-to-3 crew-to-passenger ratio, recent cruisers said the vessel still maintains a high level of customer service. When it comes to dining, the ship offers 11 venues, including a multilevel main dining room. The ship's nine bars and lounges and onboard entertainment, which includes from Broadway-style shows, earn a consistent nod of approval from past cruisers. Kids have plenty of age-appropriate entertainment, too, including youth programs and teen lounges. Mariner of the Seas touts three pools and six whirlpools. These areas of the ship attract a high concentration of children.

Past travelers were generally complimentary of the staterooms. Similar to its sister ships, Mariner of the Seas offers four stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite. All staterooms include flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi accessibility. 

In 2018-19, Mariner of the Seas departs from Miami and Orlando for sailings in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Welcoming up to 6,687 passengers and 2,193 crew members, Harmony of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Launched in 2016, the ship features Royal Caribbean staples like surf simulators and rock climbing walls, as well as innovative amenities like the Ultimate Abyss (a 10-story slide) and three multistory waterslides. Plus, while younger passengers play in the arcade or at age-appropriate clubs, adults can relax at the spa or sip cocktails at multiple bars and lounges.

After working up an appetite, guests can choose from 17 dining options. Past cruisers especially praised the multitude of specialty restaurants, which range from Mexican to Japanese fare and require reservations and an additional fee.

When it comes to lodging, Harmony of the Seas offers a wide variety of cabin categories, with more than 70 percent of cabins featuring balconies. While Interior staterooms are the most economical choice, those looking for a little more space and luxury should consider upgrading to a Suite, which range from Junior Suites to four-bedroom Family Suites. While all cabins offer flat-screen TVs and minibars, suites include access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck.

In 2018-19, Harmony of the Seas sails from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to destinations in the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. 

New to the fleet in 2009 (and last updated in 2014), the 6,780-passenger Oasis of the Seas offers a bevy of unique amenities, such as a carousel, a zip line, two surf simulators and its own sprawling onboard green space known as Central Park.

While this ship is not for those seeking secluded spaces, most cruisers say the seven distinct onboard neighborhoods make up for that. The behemoth ship features designer boutiques, 17 dining venues and larger staterooms than other ships in the fleet.

Like other Royal Caribbean vessels, Oasis of the Seas offers four cabin categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite. Interior rooms average about 150 square feet, while Suite category cabins can span anywhere from 287 to 1,524 square feet and include added amenities like Jacuzzis and expansive balconies.

While recent cruisers were impressed with the ship's abundant amenities, they noted that with 2,100 crew members, there aren't many tailored onboard experiences – especially when the ship is filled to capacity. Oasis of the Seas caters to those looking for nonstop onboard action.

In 2018-19, Oasis of the Seas sails from Miami, Orlando, Rome and Barcelona to destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Europe. 

Launched in 1997, Enchantment of the Seas was last upgraded in 2012 to offer imaginative features, such as a poolside movie screen, bungee trampolines and additional cabins. Other ship highlights include three pools, a rock climbing wall, a video game arcade and Broadway-inspired shows in the main theater.

For families, the ship offers age-appropriate kids clubs and a splash deck. And for adults, there are six bars and lounges on board, as well as a casino. When it comes to dining, the ship houses five venues and offers 24-hour room service and several other specialty food shops.

As far as lodging goes, only about 20 percent of the ship's cabins offer balconies, while Interior cabins make up about 40 percent of the staterooms. While the 2,730-passenger ship maintains a 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio with 852 crew members on board, recent cruisers still say all the Royal Caribbean employees – from the room stewards to the wait staff – were pleasant and accommodating. 

In 2018-19, Enchantment of the Seas departs from Orlando, Florida, and Galveston, Texas, to ports in the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, including Cozumel, Mexico, and George Town, Grand Cayman. 

After launching in 2011, Carnival Magic received 2016 updates that added new restaurants, including a specialty Italian restaurant (for an extra fee) and Guy’s Burger Joint.

Among other firsts, Magic was the world’s first vessel with a ropes course at sea. Guests also have access to other entertainment and activities like mini-golf, a casino, an arcade, live shows, the Punchliner Comedy Club and the WaterWorks water park. Those just looking to relax can book a treatment at the spa or soak in the whirlpools at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

The ship's sheer size (carrying up to 3,690 passengers and 1,386 crew) also means more versatile dining options. Passengers can pick from an abundance of venues, including two main dining rooms and the expansive Lido buffet. When they aren't eating or exploring the ship, travelers can also kick back in their cabins. While Interior and Ocean View staterooms are more affordable and compact, Balcony and Suite category rooms offer more space and better ocean views. 

In 2018-19, Carnival Magic departs from Fort Lauderdale and Miami for sailings in Bermuda and the Caribbean. 

Last updated in 2015 (after originally launching in 2010), the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic carries 1,724 crew members and boasts nonstop activities for cruisers to choose from.

Passengers can enjoy a water park, a bowling alley, a sports complex and a spa by day and take advantage of an ice bar, a comedy club and live theatrical performances in the evenings. Younger cruisers can also play in kids and teens clubs.

Cruisers can wind down at one of 16 eateries found on board, including seven specialty restaurants that serve everything from French fare to sushi (specialty eateries require an extra fee).

The ship also offers a variety of lodging options. While solo cruisers can opt for a Studio cabin with exclusive access to the Living Room lounge, groups can choose between Inside, Balcony, Spa and Suite category cabins. For even more luxury, a suite in The Haven offers additional space and access to a courtyard, concierge lounge and private restaurant and bar.

In 2018-19, Norwegian Epic will depart from Barcelona and Rome for sailings in Europe, and from Orlando and Puerto Rico for sailings in the Caribbean.