Family on deck of Norwegian Gem
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6 Domestic Gateways to Weekend Cruises
By Marcea Cazel
Feeling the bite of the travel bug? Need a semi-spontaneous short getaway? Cruising is the answer. Three- to four-day weekend sailings provide a refreshing break and allow you to relax and explore multiple destinations—all without having to unpack more than once. Six popular ports on the United States’ southwestern and southeastern coasts put these featured cruises within an easy drive or flight. Check out which cruise lines are sailing from where and what these port cities offer for pre- or post-cruise exploration.
Exploration tower in Port Canaveral, Florida
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Port Canaveral (Cape Canaveral, Florida)
Situated on the east-central coast of Florida, Port Canaveral is known as the world’s busiest cruise port. Renowned for its proximity to popular tourist attractions Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach and Walt Disney World, the port offers a seamless blend of fun and relaxation.
For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will homeport in Central Florida. The iconic “Love Boat” brand will re-position its Caribbean Princess ship in late November 2024 to sail eastern and western Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral for its winter season.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers multiple short cruises out of Port Canaveral, including aboard its new Utopia of the Seas for a three-night trip to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. While at Royal Caribbean’s exclusive island, be sure to visit the recently opened adults-only Hideaway Beach. Allure of the Seas follows a similar path but calls in Nassau as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay on four-night itineraries. Norwegian Cruise Line also uses this port, notably for sailings on board Norwegian Jade for a four-night Bahamas adventure to Great Stirrup Cay, Grand Bahama Island and Nassau.
Norwegian Gem sailing out of the Port of Miami, Florida
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Port Miami (Miami, Florida)
Minutes from the heart of Miami, PortMiami is the gateway to the vibrant culture of South Florida. Renowned for convenient access to the city’s attractions, including lively South Beach, the port provides travelers an easy transition to sea adventures. With the area’s trendy dining and drink scene, cruisers can have an unforgettable minivacation from start to finish.
Several cruise lines offer shorter itineraries out of Miami. Norwegian Cruise Line operates multiple ships on three- or four-night cruises to The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean ships sail frequently on four-night cruises to The Bahamas, and the line’s Symphony of the Seas plies the waters of the Caribbean Sea to Cozumel, Mexico, on four-night voyages.
Sunrise in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Situated in the beach city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Port Everglades beckons with its blend of coastal charm and maritime action. Known as the Venice of America, the port has state-of-the-art facilities and provides access to the city’s golden strands and buzzing shopping districts. It is also prime for easy access to exploring the Everglades or taking a boat tour to view waterfront mansions on Millionaires Row.
Deck bar on Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean
Celebrity Cruises offers three-night and four-night sailings out of Fort Lauderdale on the Reflection. The three-night trip goes to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, while the four-night cruise adds a stop in Key West, Florida. Another option to head to Perfect Day at CocoCay (and enjoy craft cocktails and poolside DJ at Hideway Beach, developed for cruise passengers 18 years and older) is on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, which sails roundtrip for three nights out of Port Everglades.
Couple walking near the port of Charleston, South Carolina
Port of Charleston (Charleston, South Carolina)
The Port of Charleston, on the picturesque coastline of South Carolina, offers plenty of Southern charm. Before or after their cruise, visitors can walk the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s historic district and immerse themselves in Lowcountry hospitality.
Carnival Cruise Line sends its ship Sunshine out of Charleston for four-night trips to Nassau in The Bahamas. If you want to sail aboard Carnival out of Charleston, make plans to do it soon: The cruise line’s last sailing from this port will be in December 2024.
Downtown district of San Diego, California
The Port of San Diego (San Diego, California)
Set against San Diego’s coastal skyline, the Port of San Diego leads to the beauty and charm of southern California and Mexico. Visitors can experience the region’s rich culture, beautiful beaches and world-class dining. From strolling the waterfront to participating in on-water activities, plenty of opportunities keep travelers entertained before embarking on a cruise.
Out of San Diego, Disney Cruise Line offers two options for a three-night Baja cruise on the Disney Wonder. One itinerary takes guests to Ensenada, Mexico, while the other goes to Ensenada and Catalina Island in California.
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse
The Port of Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
The Port of Los Angeles, located 26 miles from downtown Los Angeles and not far from the area’s iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the Hollywood sign and Disneyland, promises many entertainment and cultural experiences. Whether exploring area beaches or venturing inland, the Port of Los Angeles offers a picture-perfect location to start a long weekend.
From here, Royal Caribbean sails two-day trips to Ensenada, Mexico, on Quantum of the Seas. The line also has several three- and four-night cruises to the same destination, along with a few itineraries that make an additional stop at Catalina Island, California, on Navigator of the Seas.
Princess Cruises offers travelers short cruises that start in one port and end in another. Board Sapphire Princess in Los Angeles and disembark in Vancouver, Canada. It’s an at-sea cruise with no other ports of call. For a roundtrip option out of The Port of Los Angeles, take a four-day cruise on the Discovery Princess, stopping in San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.