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MSC Cruises

MSC Meraviglia: Sailing Out of Port Canaveral

Park N Cruise

December 9, 2022

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With this exciting new arrival to Port Canaveral, MSC is launching its Meraviglia boat with amazing destinations and unforgettable amenities. At Park N Cruise, we have the inside scoop on this brand-new vacation experience coming to Port Canaveral!

At Park N Cruise , we have a safe and secure parking lot for your vehicle so that you can have peace of mind while on your vacation. We are located only 2 miles from Port Canaveral, and we shuttle you to and from your car from your ship! Visit our website to see our affordable parking options!

Let’s start with the history of the MSC Meraviglia. This is not an entirely brand new ship, however, it will be new to Port Canaveral in 2023.

MSC Meraviglia is the first of two Meraviglia-class cruise ships ordered by MSC Cruises from STX France. The keel of the vessel was laid down in October 2015. A little under a year later, the ship was launched on September 2 2016 and it was delivered to MSC Cruises on June 21, 2017. The ship was originally scheduled to sail the Mediterranean with the European iteration of MSC cruises but has now been scheduled to sail the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral as part of the North American iteration of MSC cruises. C urrently the joint-largest cruise ship in the world with a capacity of 5,642 passengers and 1,608 crew members. MSC Meraviglia is a very exciting arrival to Port Canaveral!

Destinations Sailing From Port Canaveral for MSC Meraviglia 

MSC Meraviglia sails to the Bahamas, Mexico, Belize, and the Caribbean from Port Canaveral. MSC also has its own private island called Ocean Cay. The MSC Meraviglia has 18 different itineraries to choose from so you can truly customize your Caribbean and Bahamas vacation.

With these destinations, there are opportunities for off-shore excursions. Whether you want to relax by the beach or go snorkeling on the beautiful Caribbean reefs, MSC has an itinerary that will suit your unique travel style.

MSC Offers Different Length Itineraries in The Bahamas And Caribbean:

• 2 or 3 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay
• 4 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay and Nassau
• 5 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay and Costa Maya
• 7 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize
• 9 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Nassau, Costa Maya, and Cozumel
• 10 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel, and Costa Maya
• 11 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel, and Belize
• 12 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize
• 14 nights in MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize

MSC Meraviglia is an absolutely massive vessel with plenty of amenities to keep even the most discerning cruiser happy. If you’re looking for an action-packed cruise with plenty of activities to enjoy while onboard, look no further than MSC Meraviglia!

How MSC Meraviglia “Experiences” Work

MSC Meraviglia divides its inclusion tiers into three categories called “experiences”.

Each of these “experiences” come with its own sets of inclusions and sets of prices.

Let’s break down each experience in more detail:

Bella Experience: Standard Inclusion Package

The Bella Experience is the starter package that includes many of MSC’s world-class amenities.

• Meals in the dining rooms and the Marketplace Buffet,
• Water park, sports area, fitness center, and mini-golf course usage
• Daily onboard activities (i.e. trivia, live music, and classes/workshops)
• Teen and Tween club access.
• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve excursions, including buffet lunch, and usage of  beach chairs 

Fantastica Experience: Elevated Inclusion Package

Unlock the Fantastica Experience when you book a Balcony, Ocean View or Interior cabin – and enjoy exclusive benefits such as choice of location for your accommodations. Take advantage of complimentary breakfast, in-room delivery, and discounted rates on beverage packages plus meals at specialty restaurants – all while enjoying 24-hour room service with a convenient flat fee.

• Only available for guests that booked a balcony room, an ocean view room, or an interior cabin room.
• Free in-room breakfast service
• Discounted beverage packages
• Meals in the specialty restaurants
• 24/hr room service

Aurea Experience: Top-Tier Inclusion Package

Suite passengers can discover the enhanced comforts of Aurea Experience, a tier that adds more exclusive amenities to enrich their cruise. These features include free access to MyChoice dining options and 24-hour room service for indulgences that are desired at any time of day or night! Enjoy complimentary wine and sweet treats upon arrival, as well as in-room robes and slippers along with different pillow options for heightened levels of comfort. Boarding is also made easier with priority boarding services available from this level onwards. Premium relaxation awaits them too–free admission into both the Solarium area plus adult-only Thermal Suite areas offers an unforgettable journey aboard our ship!

• Priority boarding
• Pillow Menus to customize your pillow comfort
• Complimentary robe & slippers
• Welcome wine and snacks upon arrival
• Free MyChoice Dining options
• Solarium Access
• Thermal Suite Access (Adult-only)
• MSC Yacht Club

Overall, no matter which MSC Meraviglia experience guests choose, they can expect a high-quality cruise experience with plenty of amenities. Whether it be relaxing by one of its pools or enjoying an evening show in its theater, there is something for everyone to enjoy while onboard MSC Meraviglia.

MSC Meraviglia has a large variety of MyChoice restaurants and bars, a casino, a shopping mall, a theater, a kids club, a spa, and an outdoor pool deck. The ship also has a massive waterpark that spans a great length of the deck, hot tubs, and a relaxing spa. For entertainment, the ship has a robust entertainment theater with nightly shows such as Carousel Productions, an F-1 simulator, and a bowling alley.

Ocean Cay: MSC’s Private Island

MSC is proud to own its own private island in the Bahamas called Ocean Cay. This exclusive experience is included on every itinerary and experience package for the MSC Meraviglia.

Experiences at Ocean Cay include:

• Private Beaches
• Exclusive Restaurants

Save Big on Port Canaveral Parking!

All good things have to come to an end. Once your cruise is over, it usually gets pretty chaotic at Port Canaveral as everyone scrambles for their rides home. When you park with Park N Cruise , you can skip the chaos and climb off the ship into one of our shuttles to be driven back to where you parked with us on the first day-all included in the price of parking!

Our Services

• On the day of your cruise, you’ll start by checking in with one of our customer service representatives before boarding your complimentary shuttle to Port Canaveral. 
• During your Port Canaveral Cruise, we keep an eye on your vehicle while you’re soaking up the sun.
• After disembarking the cruise ship, check in with our customer service representative before boarding the complementary bus to come back. When we bring you back, your car is securely locked with the keys on the windshield on the outside of your vehicle, ready to drive home.

Have fun and enjoy your Port Canaveral cruise! With these tips, you’re sure to have a great time. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly customer representatives-they’re always happy to help.

And if you want to skip the lines of Port Canaveral cruise parking, come park with us at Park N Cruise for a low rate! Give us a call today or visit our website to see our affordable parking options!

Bon voyage!

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Category: MSC Cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida

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On a MSC Cruises out of Port Canaveral (Orlando), it’s not hard to take it easy. Whether you’re a family of performers, a calm-loving couple, or a bunch of water lovers, on a MSC Cruises you’ve already arrived at your perfect destination. MSC Cruises brings you outstanding value for the money in addition to an extraordinary experience where it’s “Fun for All, All for Fun”. Adults, kids, grandparents, there’s always something for everyone on board MSC Cruises.

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MSC Seashores, Bahamas & Mexico from Port Canaveral, August 18, 2024

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MSC Seashores, Bahamas & Mexico from Port Canaveral, August 15, 2024

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MSC Seashore Starts Year-Round Service from Port Canaveral

• November 22, 2023

The MSC Seashore recently kicked off a year-round program out of Port Canaveral. Debuting at the Central Florida homeport, the MSC Cruises ship is poised to offer a series of cruises to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

Extending through at least October 2025, the program features three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to popular ports in both regions, including Cozumel and Costa Maya, in Mexico, and Nassau, in the Bahamas.

Most of the cruises also feature a visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

Previously cruising in the Western Mediterranean, the MSC Seashore arrived in Port Canaveral for the first time on Nov. 16.

To mark the occasion, a special ceremony was held onboard, during which Canaveral Port Authority Chairman Kevin Markey and CEO Captain John Murray presented Captain Stefano Aiello with welcoming plaque.

On the same day, the 4,650-guest vessel set sail on four-night cruise to the Bahamas that featured visits to both Nassau and Ocean Cay, in addition to a full day at sea.

The sailing could be combined with a seven-night itinerary to the Western Caribbean for a 11-night cruise to four destinations in Mexico and the Bahamas.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the MSC Seashore entered service in 2021. The ship is part of MSC Cruises’ Seaside Class, which includes four ships specially designed for cruising in warmer weather.

Among its main features are three pool decks, a waterpark, a large outdoors promenade, a four-deck atrium, and more.

Replacing the MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral, the MSC Seashore will be one of five MSC Cruises’ ships sailing from U.S. ports during the 2023-2024 winter.

Joining the MSC Seascape and the MSC Magnifica , the MSC Divina is set to offer a seasonal program departing from Miami, while the MSC Meraviglia continues to sail from New York City on a year-round basis.

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11 Night Caribbean - Western Cruise

Contemporary and family-friendly cruising with distinct Mediterranean influences on everything from the line’s style and décor to cuisine and onboard entertainment

A cruise to the Western Caribbean with MSC Cruises offers travelers both relaxation and adventure.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

• Msc Seashore - Passenger Capacity: 4,540 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2021 Last Refurbished: N/A

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Port Canaveral, Florida , Ocean Cay, Bahamas , Costa Maya, Mexico , Cozumel, Mexico , Nassau, Bahamas

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Departure dates: may 2024 - oct 2025.

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Disembarkation at Port Canaveral

By Dom_Rice , May 19, 2023 in MSC Cruises

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We are new to Cruising, and have a 7 day cruise on MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral around the Caribbean from the 22nd December 2023. Just wanted to ask a question in regards to Disembarking. Apologies for the long yarn....

We are staying in Orlando for 4 days before the cruise, so have a car booked from MCO, which we are intending to drive down to Port Canaveral on the 22nd morning and handing back to Alamo. When we return on the 29th, i am assuming the boat is docked early and the boot you off? How long on average does it take to get off the ship? I understand this is dependent on your room, board and how busy the cruise is (i assume very busy at this time of year). 

The reason I ask, we aren't sure what to do this day. I thought we'd still be on the boat until 10-11am, but i see this could be very different. Our flight isnt until 6pm that night, so dont really want to sit at the airport. If we can get off the Ship early, I am considering renting a car to drive back to Disney Springs for a few hours.

Any advice, previous experience would be appreciated...

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They will want you out of your cabin by 8:00 a.m. at the latest, and will want you off the ship by 10.  Walk-offs usually start by 7:00 a.m.  Keep in mind that people on the next cruise can't board until everyone on your cruise disembarks and the Coast Guard "zeroes" out the boat to allow embarkation.  If I had a late flight like yours, I would rent a car to take the day to go to Disney Springs (or wherever),  The shuttles to the rental location on Mullet Rd. run very frequently.  We never had a surcharge for the one-way rental, so you should only be charged for a normal day (I use Enterprise personally, but assume it would be the same for Alamo).

That's amazing, thank you. We really fancy renting a car and doing something this day. Sounds better that milling around at the airport for 6 hours. I did check with Alamo, and they wanted a $58 surcharge for dropping off at a different locations (each way). I only priced them as they had the 'skip the checkout'. I will have a price with Enterprise as well, so great tip.

Its a bit daunting doing this whole cruise malarky when you dont really know the score. We have done a short cruise from Southampton before, but nothing like this. I appreciate your time to comment...

Georgia_Peaches

@JAGR  has a great suggestion. Another option is to visit the Space museum near Coco Beach, which is not too far from the cruise terminal. 

2 hours ago, Dom_Rice said: That's amazing, thank you. We really fancy renting a car and doing something this day. Sounds better that milling around at the airport for 6 hours. I did check with Alamo, and they wanted a $58 surcharge for dropping off at a different locations (each way). I only priced them as they had the 'skip the checkout'. I will have a price with Enterprise as well, so great tip.   Its a bit daunting doing this whole cruise malarky when you dont really know the score. We have done a short cruise from Southampton before, but nothing like this. I appreciate your time to comment...    

You are most welcome.  I would check all three rental agencies at that Mullet Rd. location: Alamo, National, and Enterprise.  Even though they have the same overall owner, they do act a bit differently.  I would go directly through their websites, and not use a travel site.

Have you considered UBer in lieu of the rental car?

I did look at Uber, it’s about $100 to Disney Speings, but we’d then have to pay again to MCO. We quite like the flexibility of the car, but there isn’t much in it. The Uber did say be aware of Surge Pricing (not sure what that is, I guess if lots of people request Ubers all at once?)

21 minutes ago, Dom_Rice said: I did look at Uber, it’s about $100 to Disney Speings, but we’d then have to pay again to MCO. We quite like the flexibility of the car, but there isn’t much in it. The Uber did say be aware of Surge Pricing (not sure what that is, I guess if lots of people request Ubers all at once?)

Surge pricing is an increase in the rate when the area you are in is very busy.  Such as end of a football game, concert, cruise ship unloading.

Everyone has their personal preference, but if you have not been to Kennedy Space Center it's an amazing place to visit. Perfect for all ages and abilities, and it makes you believe in the greatness that humanity can achieve. Every time we go as a family, my husband and I tear up or outright cry...honest to G-d, this place (as the kids say) gives you "all the feels". It's about 15 minutes from the port, free parking, opens early, has places to eat, and then is a straight shot to Orlando Regional. 

If you are worried about spending money, avoid the Springs. Sure, if you are a Disney fanatic, it has amazing stores, but it's really just a large fancy outdoor mall. And by outdoor...I mean "Florida Hot". Biased here as we are not huge Disney fans (though love the cruise line), but other than the unique Coke Store my son loves (yes...they have a store devoted to Coke), we tend to avoid this place. 

Warning about Orlando Regional - traffic and TSA are a NIGHTMARE. Depending on time of day, you may wait in line >60 minutes if you do not have Clear or TSA Pre-Check. Keep that in mind when planning your car rental return. 

Have a wonderful post-cruise day whatever you chose to do!

Warmest, Amy

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Where Do MSC Cruise Ships Dock In Port Canaveral?

Msc cruise ship dock port canaveral:.

MSC Cruise ships dock in Port Canaveral at terminal No. 1 or 2. Sometimes MSC Divina also docks at terminal 10. Port Canaveral has 7 terminals dedicated to cruise ships.

Cruise Ship Terminals :

• Cruise Terminal 1 (MSC – Divina and Meraviglia)
• Cruise Terminal 2 (MSC – Divina and Meraviglia)
• Cruise Terminal 3
• Cruise Terminal 5
• Cruise Terminal 6
• Cruise Terminal 8
• Cruise Terminal 10

Cruise terminals 2 and 3 lie toward the entrance to the port whereas terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10 are situated at the rear side of the port, at the West Turing Basin, and terminal 1 lies midway in between these two.

This port which is part of Cape Canaveral is the second-largest cruise port on the planet in terms of the number of passengers handled after the Port of Miami.

Port Canaveral also doubles up as the cruise port for Orlando which lies 31 miles inland to the west. Numerous cruise liners call Port Canaveral their home port and many more their port of call.

Port Canaveral terminals have plenty of restaurants and eateries and options for shopping.

The exploration tower at Terminal 8 has observation decks where you can watch the ships docking and leaving the port.

Boarding and Disembarkation:

Passengers can board and disembark at the MSC terminal in Port Canaveral quickly and easily. Check-in begins three hours before the scheduled departure time, while the terminal opens two hours before departure and closes 45 minutes prior to departure.

To check-in, passengers must have their cruise documentation, as well as a valid government-issued ID or passport.

Passengers will walk through security after checking in and then head to the terminal’s waiting area. They can unwind and wait for the call to their boarding group here.

Additionally, the terminal contains a number of concession stands where travelers may stock up on food and beverages before their trip.

Passengers will be guided to their designated gangway when it is time for their boarding party to disembark. Depending on the level of the passenger’s cabin, MSC uses a color-coded system to direct passengers to the appropriate gangway.

They will receive their cabin keys from MSC employees as they board the ship, and while they wait for their cabin to be prepared, they will have the chance to explore the entire vessel.

The disembarkation process is organized and efficient thanks to MSC, which normally notifies passengers of their group and time for disembarkation the night before. After being guided to their bags, travelers will go through customs.

Amenities and Facilities:

To make the boarding and disembarkation process for passengers as comfortable as possible, the MSC terminal in Port Canaveral offers a variety of amenities and facilities. 

Passengers can buy food and beverages at the terminal’s numerous concession stands before their flight. Additionally, there is a gift shop in the terminal where travelers can get last-minute essentials or keepsakes before setting sail.

The terminal offers a customer service counter where guests can get information about the ship and its schedule if they need to make any last-minute reservations.

Transportation:

The Port Canaveral MSC terminal is conveniently close to major roads and is reachable by vehicle or bus. On-site parking is abundant and offers both short-term and long-term choices.

Additionally, there is a taxi stand at the terminal where people can get a ride to the ship.

There are numerous shuttle buses available to transport you to the terminal if you are arriving from the Orlando International Airport. For those who don’t want to deal with driving and parking hassles, this is a fantastic alternative.

Can MSC Cruise Ships Dock In Port Canaveral (Are they docking?)

Yes, MSC Cruise Ships are docking at Port Canaveral with 7 dockings/sailings per month. MSC has round-the-year tours from Port Canaveral and is not season dependent. 

Thursdays and Sundays are when the majority of the cruises set sail with a few on Saturdays too.

Which MSC Cruise Ships Dock In Port Canaveral?

The MSC ships that dock at Port Canaveral are Divina and Meraviglia.

MSC Cruise Ships Port Canaveral Shore Excursions:

Throughout the course of their voyages, MSC offers a wide range of shore excursions at Port Canaveral. These excursions are a terrific way to make the most of your time at each port and visit the sights.

Numerous options are available to passengers, including adventure trips, nature tours, cultural tours, and sightseeing tours.

Bookings for excursions can be made online or on the ship itself through the MSC website. Many of the shore excursions that MSC offers are hosted by knowledgeable locals who are local specialists and may offer a distinctive and interesting viewpoint on the ports of call.

In conclusion, the MSC cruise port in Port Canaveral provides easy and quick boarding and disembarkation procedures, as well as a variety of services and amenities to make the trip comfortable for guests. 

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Royal Caribbean Port Canaveral Terminal

Royal Caribbean Cruise ships dock in Port Canaveral at terminal No.1. Port Canaveral has 7 terminals dedicated to cruise ships

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For more information on Port Canaveral's cruise business, call (321) 783-7831 or e-mail [email protected]  

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MSC Seaside Port Canaveral

Packages for msc seaside cruisers sailing out of port canaveral..

• Cruise Ships
• Fly Snooze Cruise

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MSC Seaside

The MSC Seaside is a South Florida-inspired ship with a European flair. She’s been capturing the glory of the Sunshine State since first setting sail in 2017 as the lead vessel of her Seaside Class. This ship challenges the unspoken rule book of cruise ship design – merging indoor and outdoor areas to connect cruisers with the sea like never before.

Fly Snooze Cruise Packages

Flying in for your MSC Seaside Port Canaveral Cruise? These are the most recommended Fly Snooze Cruise packages by other MSC Seaside cruisers — complete with airport transportation and cruise ship transfers!

Save on cruise transfers by booking with Go Port! Shuttles drop off right at the MSC Seaside terminal and bring you back to the airport when your cruise returns.

Shuttle Schedule

• Airport to Port: Shuttles run from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
• Port to Airport: 7:00 AM until ship debarkation is complete

Per Person, Each Way

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

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• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Travel | Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid…

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Subscriber only, travel | port canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand.

Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

“The industry itself is very, very strong right now,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.”

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next year’s Norwegian Aqua.

“So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” Murray said. “They are back and booming right now. So we’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royal’s new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the port’s growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

“It’s going to be multiuser. It’s not going to be a single-use facility. That’s going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward,” Murray said. “The only way you’re going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.”

That’s how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

“If they’ve got seven days a week at one terminal and they’re only using three, maybe four days, that’s not high utilization,” Murray said. “Yet, it’s a facility that we’ve got blocked out that we’re not getting any benefit from it for the investment we’ve made.”

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Florida’s big three ports.

“I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate,” Murray said. “Because there’s only Miami, [and] we all know how full Miami is; Everglades, [which has] limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, it’s not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.”

“So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one — get high utilization out of the terminal.”

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MSC Cruises makes bold moves to take on Carnival, Royal Caribbean

R oyal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have bet big on bigger, better, and newer ships to drive their business. Both cruise lines have been pushing boundaries on their ships adding features like aerial ropes courses, skydiving, bumper cars, roller coasters, and ever-bigger waterslides and parks.

In many cases, both cruise lines have pursued a "the ship is the destination" strategy because their largest ships cannot stop in many ports. That strategy has led Royal Caribbean to invest heavily in its Perfect Day at Coco Cay as well as its upcoming Nassau and Cozumel beach clubs.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shuts down illegal on-board activity

Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) has followed that strategy with its upcoming port destination Celebration Key in Grand Bahama.

In addition, both cruise lines have bet heavily on short 3-4 day cruises to get new customers hooked on the product. Royal Caribbean has been sailing those short itineraries with the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. 

That's a first for the cruise line which will pave the way for an even more historic move. Royal Caribbean's next ship, the Oasis-class Utopia of the Seas will take over those short sailings from Allure of the Seas when the new ship begins sailing in July. 

Traditionally, Royal Caribbean has used its newest ships to offer 7-day sailings as they generally sell at a premium price, Icon of the Seas, for example, has been selling at a huge premium compared even to Wonder of the Seas, the ship that preceded it.

Now, MSC Cruise, which has been expanding its presence in the United States plans two moves to compete with Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

MSC Cruises has a new flagship 

MSC has been slowly stepping up its presence in the United States. The cruise line sails out of New York, Miami, and Port Canaveral. The cruise line will bring its new flagship, MSC World America to Miami in Summer 2025.

"MSC Cruises will have two ships sailing from its next-generation terminal at PortMiami — set to be the world’s largest—for the summer 2025 season. Miami’s newest mega-ship, the highly anticipated flagship MSC World America will be embarking on her inaugural season in April 2025," the cruise line shared.

The new ship is designed to compete with Royal Caribbean and Carnival's top-tier ships.

"As the second in MSC Cruises’ trailblazing World Class, the ship will be MSC Cruises’ largest U.S.-based vessel and redefine the cruise experience for her guests. The LNG-powered MSC World America will offer 7-night sailings departing on Saturdays to both eastern and western Caribbean ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay," the company added.

Ocean Cay is MSC's private island, a huge beach with food and bar options as well as a lighthouse that's sometimes used for nighttime laser shows.

MSC adds 3-4 days sailings

Royal Caribbean to an even bigger extent than Carnival has bet big on shorter sailings. Offering 3-4 day itineraries can be enticing to passengers who might be wary of taking a cruise.

In theory, offering a short sailing on a top-tier, brand-new ship like Utopia of the Seas, or even the older, but still impressive Allure of the Seas will get customers hooked on cruises. MSC plans to make a similar move by shifting two of its higher-end ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Seashore to shorter itineraries at least some of the time.

"MSC Seascape will also call the new PortMiami terminal home, offering a mix of 7-night itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean along with new 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay to meet the growing demand for mini-cruises," the cruise line shared.

The company has never used its EVO Class ships to offer short cruises from Miami. Seascape's sailings will include an overnight stay at Ocean Cay, "giving guests more time to enjoy the cruise line’s private island with activities including a sunset champagne cruise, beachside stargazing, and a lighthouse LED show."

In addition, MSC Seashore will sail similar itineraries from Port Canaveral. 

"From Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will sail a range of itinerary options, including short 3- and 4-night escapes to The Bahamas. Some of the ship’s 7-night itineraries start out with two days at Ocean Cay followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya," the cruise line added.