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 2019-20, Fantasy sails from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, to the Bahamas and a variety of ports in the Caribbean and Mexico. 

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 2019-20, Disney Dream departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, for sailings in the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. 

Built in 2017, the 3,804-passenger, 1,821-crew-member Norwegian Joy was refurbished and redeployed to Alaska in 2019. Accommodation options include Inside, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, as well as Suites, Concierge rooms (which come with concierge service) and The Haven cabins (which include 24-hour butler service and private sundecks). 

There are five inclusive dining options and eight specialty venues on board, the latter of which offer cuisines from Japan, France and Italy. Complimentary restaurants include the ship's three main dining rooms; The Local, a 24-hour pub; and the Garden Café, a casual spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cruisers will find plenty of things to do on board, from shopping at duty-free stores and luxury boutiques to watching stand-up comedians and full-scale productions like the Broadway musical Footloose. The ship also offers a spa, laser tag, a racetrack, a casino, mini-golf, a fitness center, two aqua parks and more. 

In 2019-20, Norwegian Joy sails from Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver to ports across Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, the Pacific Coast and the Panama Canal.

Norwegian Escape debuted in 2015. It carries 4,266 passengers and 1,733 crew members. Highlights include the District Brew House and Norwegian's first-ever wine bar, The Cellars. Guests can choose from a total of 18 dining venues, including 11 specialty restaurants.

When it comes to activities, the ship appeals to multiple generations. Children can play in age-appropriate clubs or in the kids aqua park, while adults can sip cocktails or get treatments at the Mandara Spa. Nighttime entertainment includes live musicals, acts at the Headliners Comedy Club and table games at the casino.

Accommodations are just as diverse, ranging from Studio staterooms designed for solo travelers to Inside, Oceanview and Balcony cabins. There are also larger Mini-Suites, as well as The Haven (exclusive cabins that offer elite perks like 24-hour butler service and access to a private sundeck). 

In 2019-20, Norwegian Escape departs from Miami, Orlando, New York City, London, Rome and Copenhagen for sailings in Bermuda, the Caribbean and Europe. 

The 6,780-passenger Allure of the Seas, unveiled in 2010, is among the largest cruise ships in the world. There are 2,100 crew members on board to cater to passengers' needs. Along with signature line amenities like rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, the ship houses seven unique neighborhoods with a variety of activities, shows and dining options.

A recent renovation unveiled new slides and rides on board, as well as reimagined spaces for kids and teens. Other standout features include a zip line that descends nine decks, two surf simulators and a floating version of Central Park with seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees. Plus, with 16 dining options – and a Starbucks at sea – every member of the family will be satisfied.

In terms of lodging, about 65 percent of cabins feature balconies, and all staterooms are appointed with TVs and minifridges. Interior staterooms are the most economical option, but those who splurge on Suites are granted larger balconies and concierge service. Crowd-free areas might be difficult to find due to the outrageous capacity of the ship, but some recent cruisers praise the nonstop activity and entertainment. 

In 2019-20, Allure of the Seas departs from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Barcelona for sailings in the Caribbean and Europe. 

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 2019-20, Harmony of the Seas sails from Orlando to destinations throughout the Caribbean. 

Introduced in 2003 and 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 2019-20, Mariner of the Seas departs from Orlando for sailings in the Bahamas.

Launched in 2008 and recently updated in early 2018, Independence of the Seas features a large interactive water park with slides, the new exclusive Suite Lounge, an Escape Room and more. The ship now accommodates 4,560 guests and 1,440 crew members.

Passengers can lounge by four pools and seven jacuzzis, while more adventurous types can tackle the rock climbing wall or ice skating rink, among other facilities. The Sky Pad, perhaps the ship's most notable feature, is a bungee trampoline experience that launches riders into a virtual reality world. When it comes to dining, the ship offers 11 venues, ranging from a three-level main dining room to a variety of specialty and casual venues.

Recent passengers were impressed with the nighttime entertainment, which includes hit shows like "Grease" and "Once Upon a Time." Guests can also play games at the casino or sip cocktails at one of numerous bars and lounges. Apart from its diverse array of activities, the ship also features a variety of cabin categories, including Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite staterooms. These accommodations range in size from 150 to 1,358 square feet. While some upgraded suites offer unique amenities, like baby grand pianos, all cabins are appointed with TVs and sitting areas. 

In 2019-20, Independence of the Seas departs from Fort Lauderdale and Southampton, England, for sailings in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Europe. 

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 1,367 crew members) 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 2019-20, Carnival Magic departs from Fort Lauderdale and Miami for sailings in Bermuda and the Caribbean. 

Introduced in 1998 and most recently updated in 2017, Carnival Elation holds 2,130 passengers and 920 crew members. Cruisers can choose from Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category rooms, all of which offer flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. Recent passengers said that while the ship is clearly older, rooms are clean and well-maintained. 

Beyond the cabins, entertainment options now include the WaterWorks water park, as well as 2014 updates like the Punchliner Comedy Club, a piano bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Kids can take part in one of the ships age-appropriate youth clubs, while grown-ups can head to the adults-only Serenity Retreat or sip a cocktail at one of the ship's bars or lounges. Guests aged 21 and older can even pour their own beers at any time of the day at the Beer Station. 

When it's time to eat, passengers have multiple dining options to choose from, including Lido Restaurant, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy's Burger Joint and a three-course main dining room. Although Carnival Elation is by no means intimate, past cruisers agree that the crew members – from the wait staff to the room stewards – are especially friendly and accommodating.

In 2019-20, Elation sails to the Bahamas and the Caribbean from Orlando.