The 10 Best Cruises to Book from Miami

Living in Miami comes with its perks: year-round sunshine, easy access to some of the world's best beaches, and two of the busiest cruise ports on Earth, PortMiami and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. For locals, it's almost criminal not to take advantage of the fact that you can hop on a ship and, within hours, sip a mojito in St. Maarten, hike rainforests in Costa Rica, or snorkel in cenotes off the coast of Belize.

Whether you're looking for a short and sweet three-day jaunt, a sophisticated adults-only getaway, or a history-laden voyage tracing New England's colonial past, there's a cruise from South Florida for every adventurer. Here, in chronological order, are ten sailings departing from Miami and Fort Lauderdale that are seriously worth jumping aboard.

Eastern Caribbean Discovery With Azamara

Azamara's small-ship appeal shines on an eight-night jaunt aboard the Azamara Quest. Departing from Miami, the itinerary skips mega-ports for charming, more exclusive destinations like the Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and the glittery island of St. Barthélemy before wrapping up in Puerto Rico. Onboard, expect an intimate luxury vibe, extended port times, and local cultural immersion experiences — a hallmark of this cruise company. Fares start around $1,900 per person.

Viking's 15-Day Panama Canal and Central America Exploration

Viking's signature "no kids, no casinos" philosophy makes for a refined 15-day escape packed with cultural deep dives. This round trip out of Fort Lauderdale includes stops in Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, Costa Rica, and a full Panama Canal crossing. Every cruise features a complimentary excursion in each port, lectures by a resident historian, free specialty dining, and Nordic spa access. Journeys start around $5,000 per person.

Luxury Thanksgiving Getaway on Explora II by MSC Cruises

Explora Journeys, MSC's luxury spin-off, redefines the cruise experience with all-inclusive indulgences like unlimited fine beverages, thermal spa access, and private transfers. On this seven-night Thanksgiving voyage, you'll swim in Mexico's cenotes, tour Belize's ancient caves, explore Guatemala's Mayan ruins, and soak up Key West's quirky charm before looping back to Miami. Suites start around $4,000 per person.

Island-Hop in the Caribbean With Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, brings modern luxury to the Caribbean on this eight-night island-hopping escape. Uncover Aruba's pastel-hued capital, snorkel Bonaire's crystal-clear reefs, and savor Curaçao's Dutch-Caribbean charm on this cruise originating from Fort Lauderdale. Onboard, enjoy elevated dining, an adults-only solarium, and evening entertainment under the stars. Journeys start around $1,900 per person.

Adults-Only Escape With Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady

If you're allergic to screaming toddlers at the pool, Virgin Voyages has you covered. The adults-only Valiant Lady sails from Miami to Key West and Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini before heading back. Onboard, you'll experience Michelin-level dining, DJ sets under the stars, and zero pre-bedtime tantrums. Sailings start around $1,400.

Tour the Caribbean Aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is not just a cruise, it's a floating theme park. This seven-night Eastern Caribbean adventure includes stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau, with the ship itself offering adrenaline junkie attractions like the Ultimate Abyss (a ten-story dry slide), twin surf simulators, laser tag, and an entire neighborhood devoted to Central Park greenery. Cruises start at about $800 per person.

Carnival Conquest's Three-Day Mini-Vacay to Celebration Key

For an ultra-affordable, no-excuses-needed getaway, Carnival Conquest's three-day sailing hits all the right notes. Departing from Miami, it spends a day at Carnival's brand-new Celebration Key in the Bahamas before boomeranging back. The ship is packed with lively spots like Guy's Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, and Punchliner Comedy Club. Trips start around $300 per person.

Majestic Princess' Eastern Caribbean Sampler

Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess offers a breezy six-day itinerary perfect for a winter thaw. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, this voyage drops anchor in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk before returning stateside. Onboard highlights include Crown Grill steakhouse, Hollywood Pool Club, and a decadent Catch by Rudi seafood restaurant. Voyages start around $600 per person.

South American Journey With Norwegian Jade

If you're ready for a serious adventure, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade delivers with its 12-day voyage from Miami to Peru. Along the way, you'll see Cartagena's colorful Old City, the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, Ecuador's bird-laden mangroves, and the adobe city of Chan Chan. It's not a round trip, so you can tack on extra time in Peru. Prices start around $2,600 per person.

Historic Coastal Cruise Aboard America's Zuiderdam

History buffs, assemble. America's 14-day Atlantic and Colonial New England cruise, curated with the History Channel, is a floating time machine. You'll explore Norfolk's rich naval history, Newport's Gilded Age mansions, Boston's revolutionary hotspots, and Canadian gems like Halifax and Charlottetown before ending in Quebec City. Staterooms start around $2,400 per person.