Royal Caribbean’s Port Canaveral itineraries are designed to connect travelers with the best of the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The port also occasionally operates repositioning, longer sailings, and specialty voyages depending on the season.
The primary regions include:
The Bahamas
Eastern Caribbean
Western Caribbean
Southern Caribbean (seasonally)
Special repositioning or transatlantic sailings (rare, seasonal)
Below is a deeply detailed breakdown of each region.
Port Canaveral is one of the most popular gateways to the Bahamas, making this the top category of Royal Caribbean cruises from Orlando. Many travelers choose Bahamas itineraries because they are affordable, short, and offer maximum fun in minimal time.
These itineraries are typically 3, 4, or 5 nights, but longer 7-night cruises occasionally include Bahamian ports as well.
Royal Caribbean ships from Orlando often sail to:
Nassau, Bahamas
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
These ports offer a blend of water fun, beach relaxation, shopping, and discovery.
Perfect Day at CocoCay has become the signature highlight of many Royal Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral. Travelers can enjoy:
Thrill Waterpark
Overwater cabanas
Large lagoon-style pools
Pristine beaches
Snorkeling areas
Hot air balloon rides (Up, Up and Away)
The island blends relaxation with adventure, making it a favorite for families and couples.
Nassau remains a classic cruising hotspot. Popular activities include:
Atlantis Resort waterpark
Blue Lagoon excursions
Dolphin encounters
Cultural walking tours
Straw market shopping
Snorkeling and catamaran tours
From Port Canaveral, Nassau is just a short and easy sailing, making it ideal for quick vacations.
Eastern Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral are typically 7-night sailings and offer some of the most scenic and iconic island destinations in the region.
These itineraries feature a mix of beaches, culture, adventure, and duty-free shopping.
Royal Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral often include:
St. Thomas (USVI)
St. Maarten
San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Tortola (BVI)
Labadee (select ships and seasons)
Each port combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Activities travelers love include:
Magens Bay for swimming
Snorkeling and catamaran tours
Cable car ride up Paradise Point
Shopping in Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas offers a beautiful mixture of calm beaches and adventure.
St. Maarten is famous for:
Maho Beach airplane landings
Dutch and French cultural fusion
Island tours
Snorkeling at Creole Rock
Delicious local food
This destination gives Port Canaveral cruisers a taste of Caribbean flair with European influence.
San Juan is one of the most historic and colorful stops, offering:
Old San Juan walking tours
Fort San Cristóbal and El Morro
Local rum distilleries
Beautiful beaches
Rainforest hikes in El Yunque
It’s an ideal port for travelers who enjoy history, culture, and nature.
Western Caribbean cruises attract adventure lovers and families who enjoy diverse landscapes, water sports, ancient culture, and beautiful coastlines.
These itineraries are usually 6–7 nights.
Departures from Orlando often include:
Cozumel (Mexico)
Costa Maya (Mexico)
Roatán (Honduras)
Grand Cayman
Each offers unique experiences—perfect for both new and repeat cruisers.
Cozumel is known for:
Palancar Reef
Chichén Itzá excursions
Chocolate-making tours
Jeep adventures
Beach clubs and diving
It is a favorite stop for Port Canaveral travelers wanting culture and excitement.
Costa Maya offers:
Mayan ruins
Clear lagoons
Cultural experiences
Ziplining and eco-parks
Food and tequila tastings
It’s a wonderful blend of history and modern attractions.
Roatán is ideal for:
Snorkeling
Wildlife sanctuaries
Jungle canopy tours
Quiet beaches
Local culture
Eco-travelers particularly appreciate this stop.
Beyond the Bahamas and Caribbean, Royal Caribbean occasionally offers longer or specialized routes. These sailings are not always available year-round, but they add variety to Port Canaveral’s offerings.
Southern Caribbean voyages from Orlando are less common but offer some of the region’s most exotic islands. These itineraries usually range from 8–12 nights.
Aruba
Curaçao
Bonaire
St. Lucia
Barbados
Grenada
These destinations are known for colorful architecture, volcanic landscapes, and spectacular diving.
Visitors enjoy:
Eagle Beach
Island tours
Snorkeling and diving
Shopping and nightlife
It’s perfect for beach lovers and adventure travelers alike.
Curaçao stands out with:
Dutch-inspired facades
Blue Room Cave
Island cuisine
Beaches with crystal-clear water
This port brings a vibrant European-Caribbean blend.
Bonaire’s reputation as a diver’s paradise comes from:
Protected reefs
Shore diving
Calm waters
Eco-friendly attractions
It is one of the most unique stops available from Orlando on select itineraries.
Occasionally, Royal Caribbean relocates its ships seasonally, offering repositioning itineraries from Port Canaveral.
These may include:
Panama Canal repositioning cruises
Transatlantic crossings
Ship relocation to Europe (seasonally)
These trips are ideal for travelers seeking longer journeys and rare experiences.
Throughout the year, Port Canaveral also hosts:
Christmas cruises
New Year’s cruises
Spring Break sailings
Summer vacation voyages
These special cruises typically include festive menus, themed entertainment, and family-friendly surprises.
Royal Caribbean regularly assigns some of its most popular ships to Port Canaveral. Each ship offers different onboard experiences, dining options, entertainment, and activities.
Common ships include:
Wonder of the Seas (Oasis Class)
Adventure of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Icon-class ships (seasonal rotation possible)
Each ship caters to a different type of traveler based on size, features, and onboard atmosphere.
Perfect for:
Families
Groups
Couples seeking entertainment
Highlights include:
Central Park neighborhood
AquaTheater
Ultimate Abyss slide
Boardwalk
Ideal for:
Short Bahamas getaways
Affordable family vacations
Features:
SkyPad trampoline
FlowRider
Laser tag
Upgraded dining options
Perfect for:
Budget-conscious travelers
Couples
Families
Offers:
Water slides
Ice skating
Themed dining venues
With so many itineraries, picking the right one depends on your travel style, interests, and schedule.
Below are helpful comparisons.
3–4 Nights: Bahamas
5–7 Nights: Eastern or Western Caribbean
8–12 Nights: Southern Caribbean or specialty routes
Best for:
Weekend getaways
First-time cruisers
Budget travelers
Includes:
CocoCay
Nassau
Perfect mix of:
Beaches
Adventure
Relaxation
Common regions:
Eastern Caribbean
Western Caribbean
Best for:
Experienced cruisers
Those wanting exotic ports
Travelers who enjoy sea days
Best itineraries:
Bahamas
Eastern Caribbean
Southern Caribbean
Ideal ports:
San Juan
Cozumel
Curaçao
Barbados
Choose itineraries with:
Roatán
Cozumel
St. Lucia
These ports offer the most thrilling excursions.
Port Canaveral offers one of the most flexible and exciting ranges of Royal Caribbean itineraries. Its location near Orlando’s theme parks makes it especially attractive for families, but the variety of itineraries ensures there is something for every travel style.
From short Bahamas escapes to weeklong Caribbean journeys and seasonal special voyages, Port Canaveral is a top choice for anyone looking to maximize convenience, entertainment, and destination variety.
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