Summer vacation is almost here. I’m beyond excited to sleep in, relax and not check my email — I’m betting you are, too. But the next three months are not just for making up for the sleep we lost, they’re about having some fun. One way you can have fun, get a tan, and meet new people is to book a cruise. To help you on your search, here’s a breakdown of five of the most popular cruise lines departing from South Florida.
Royal Caribbean International
Departs: Ft. Lauderdale and Miami
Destinations: From FTL: Caribbean, Bahamas, Transatlantic, Panama Canal. From MIA: Bahamas, Transatlantic, Repositioning
Duration (days): 2-5, 6-9, 10+
Onboard: Basketball court, casino, fitness center, Broadway shows, ice skating rink, zip line, spa and many more
Prices: start at $179
Savings: Over 55+, U.S. Military or U.S. Law Enforcement, Fire Department or EMT
Age: 21+ unless accompanied with a guardian
Prohibited items include: Firearms, illegal drugs, coffee makers, skateboards, alcohol, HAM radios
Carnival Cruise
Departs: Ft. Lauderdale and Miami
Destinations: From FTL: Caribbean. From MIA: Caribbean, Bahamas, Transatlantic
Duration (days): 2-5, 6-9, 10+
Onboard: Mini golf, Seaside Theatre, comedy club, poker nights, fitness center, spa and many more
Prices: start at $189
Savings: 55+, active/retired military, a past guest, state residency
Age: 21+ unless accompanied with a guardian
Prohibited items include: Alcohol, large coolers, firearms, fireworks, pepper sprays, handcuffs, surfboards, bicycles, lasers
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Departs: Miami
Destinations: Bahamas, Transatlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal
Duration (days): 1-4, 5-8, 9-14, 14+
Prices: start at $169
Onboard: Casino, Blue Man Group, golfing, bowling, Nickelodeon At Sea, spa, beer and wine tastings, and many more.
Savings: 55+, Latitudes Member with Norwegian, state residency
Age: 21+ unless accompanied with a guardian
Prohibited items: Liquor, firearms, weapons, explosives, ammunition, animals
Princess Cruises
Departs: Ft. Lauderdale
Destinations: Canada/New England, Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Transatlantic, World Cruise
Duration (days): 6-8, 9-15, or 16+
Onboard: Library, production shows, karaoke, spa, casino, boutiques
Prices: start at $167
Savings: Previous customer, sign up for emails
Age: 21+ unless accompanied with a guardian
Prohibited: N/A
Booze Cruise:
Departs: Miami
Destinations: Miami waterways
Onboard Activities: endless drinks, dancing, South Beach style lounges
Prices: $75
Duration: two hours
Savings: N/A
Age: 21+ (obviously)
Prohibited: N/A
