Florida is one popular place for tourists and it’s easy to understand why. There are so many options for vacationers from the relaxing beachfront hotels of Palm Beach to the many theme parks of Orlando. If a combination trip including theme parks and cruising sounds fun, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member looking to add some nautical fun to your stay or a traveler craving sunshine and curious about Florida’s vacation options, this should help you plan.
Are There Royal Caribbean Cruises Near Disney World?
Yes, there are actually four different ports that Royal Caribbean cruise ships leave from and return to in the state of Florida. All four ports are within driving distance of Walt Disney World Resort. Remember Disney is located in Central Florida and quite literally in the middle of the state between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Cruises can easily be added to the beginning or ending of a magical trip. Looking at cruise dates first might be your best bet considering those dates are less flexible and you can arrive at Disney any day of the week. Vacationers love to cruise from Florida because most itineraries wind around the beautiful, blue waters and islands of the Caribbean. One draw of this region is Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. This popular destination has a waterpark with thirteen slides, a helium balloon ride, beaches, pools, water sport rentals and more.
Cruise Transportation Options from Disney World
For transport to or from these ports, options include renting a car for any or taking a shuttle to some like Port Canaveral for sure. It make be possible to take a bus as well. There is also the Brightline train which is currently under construction. Now it runs from Miami and in South Florida but will eventually go from there to the Space Coast over to Orlando and through Central Florida to Tampa. According to the company’s planned lines, travelers could take the train to any of the four port areas from Orlando.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Out of Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral, Florida
Royal Caribbean shows on their website that guests can cruise from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida. Port Canaveral and Orlando are actually different cities but considered connected by the cruise line because of their convenience when traveling. Walt Disney World is just one hour away from Port Canaveral and the best recommendation for cruising Royal Caribbean before or after your Disney trip. This is also right near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in case that interests you! From Port Canaveral, Royal Caribbean offers itineraries that feature the Bahamas and many Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises. Ships at this port may include Wonder of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Out of Port Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida
There are also Royal Caribbean cruises out of Tampa, Florida. It’s possible to book Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries out of Tampa. A Western Caribbean cruise may include ports like George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico but there are quite a few other places you could go. The only catch with cruising Royal Caribbean out of Tampa is, this cruise line doesn’t always have ships at this port. It looks like in 2022, the Serenade of the Seas starts to cruise out of Port of Tampa in October and has sailings from this location through the end of the year. However in 2023, there is more Royal Caribbean cruise ship availability in Tampa. It looks like the Serenade of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas are both based at this port at that time.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Just over three hours away from Walt Disney World Resort on a good traffic day is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Royal Caribbean has a few different ships that leave from this location including Liberty of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Vision of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. Port Everglades mostly features itineraries with those tropical islands in the Bahamas and Western and Southern Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Out of PortMiami in Miami, Florida
Even further away, but still fairly close, is the cruise port in Miami. Miami, and this port in particular, are about three and a half hours away from Walt Disney World Resort by car. This, of course, depends on traffic. Both Orlando, Miami and the road in between regularly have traffic that can add quite a bit to your travel time. Your best bet for cruising out of Fort Lauderdale or Miami while visiting Walt Disney World is probably renting a car. Though, depending on when your trip is, the Brightline train mentioned above may be an option as well.
There are quite a few Royal Caribbean ships that go out of Miami. Some vessels include Grandeur of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. Miami also has Southern Caribbean cruises including destinations like Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Castries, St. Lucia, Bridgetown, Barbados and St. Johns, Antigua.
For prices, dates and more information visit Royal Caribbean.
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