Embarkation Ports
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Miami, Florida
Miami: where your Caribbean mood starts early
Miami doesn’t do subtle – and that’s exactly why it’s the perfect launchpad for the Caribbean. Arrive to a city that feels like sunshine with a soundtrack: palm-lined streets, oceanfront mornings, rooftop evenings, and neighbourhoods that shift from artful to electric in just a few blocks. Whether you’re sailing out the same day or turning embarkation into a mini-break, Miami delivers instant holiday energy with an effortlessly glamorous edge.
Why visit before your cruise
- Beach time on arrival: no “waiting for the holiday to start” here.
- Neighbourhood-hopping: each area has its own vibe – art, culture, luxury and nightlife.
- Food worth arriving early for: from Cuban classics to polished waterfront dining.
- Easy add-on stays: ideal for 1–3 nights pre-cruise.
Signature experiences
South Beach & Ocean Drive
Classic Miami. Wide sands, warm surf, and the Art Deco district glowing in pastel tones. It’s perfect for an easy first day: beach, a long lunch, a sunset stroll, and people-watching that’s practically a sport.
Wynwood Arts District
A creative playground of bold murals, galleries, cafés and craft breweries. Even if you’re “not an art person”, Wynwood is a brilliant afternoon - colourful, energetic, and full of photographic moments.
Little Havana
This is Miami’s cultural heartbeat. Expect Cuban coffee, domino parks, live music, and a sense of place that’s as vibrant as the street life. It’s a great pre-cruise experience when you want something authentically local.
Bayside & the Waterfront
If you want easy strolling, shopping, and breezy views, head to the bayside. It’s relaxed, convenient and feels like holiday mode from the minute you arrive.
Beaches & outdoor time
Miami is built around the outdoors. Beyond South Beach, you’ll find calmer, more local-feeling stretches and parks along the coast. If your ideal pre-cruise day includes sunshine without a packed scene, aim for quieter beach pockets and early mornings, then switch to poolside afternoons.
Food & drink
Miami’s dining is global, but always flavour-first. Think:
- Cuban staples (sandwiches, slow-cooked meats, sweet pastries)
- Latin American flavours across Peru, Colombia, Argentina and beyond
- Seafood that shines – simple, fresh, and best enjoyed near the water
- Cocktail culture: rooftop bars, pool lounges, and sunset aperitifs
Shopping & style
Miami is one of those places where “just browsing” turns into “how is it already in my suitcase?” You’ll find everything from premium brands to local boutiques, plus art-forward homewares and beachwear.
Best for
- Couples who want nightlife + beach time
- Friends who want food, cocktails, shopping, and energy
- Families looking for an easy pre-cruise beach break
Practical tips for embarkation
- Consider arriving 1 night early to keep your travel day relaxed.
- Choose hotels with easy access to the port and simple transfers.
- Miami is easy to do “light-touch”: one beach morning, one neighbourhood afternoon, one iconic dinner – you’ll feel like you’ve truly been.
Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Orlando + Port Canaveral: turn your cruise into a two-part holiday
Orlando is built for excitement – but it also does downtime brilliantly. Many travellers arrive early to combine their cruise with a theme-park stay, a resort break, or a bit of both. Then, when you’re ready to swap rollercoasters for ocean horizons, Port Canaveral is your smooth coastal handover to the Caribbean.
Why add Orlando to your cruise plans
- Perfect for fly-cruise: easy to bundle flights, hotels and transfers
- Family-friendly by design: entertainment, dining, and activities are effortless
- More than theme parks: shopping, golf, spas, and standout restaurants
- Flexible pre-cruise timing: works for 1–5 nights, depending on your style
Top experiences
Theme parks & entertainment resorts
If Orlando is on your list, you already know the headline act. The best approach: pick your “must-dos”, plan a lighter second day for spontaneity, and leave time for pool relaxation (you’ll thank yourself).
Kennedy Space Center (a genuinely memorable day out)
If you want something different — inspiring, iconic, and surprisingly moving — this is it. It’s a fantastic option for families and adults alike.
Shopping & outlets
Orlando is brilliant for picking up holiday essentials (and not-so-essentials). Great for last-minute cruise outfits, swimwear, and gifts - with plenty of options across different budgets.
Resort downtime
Orlando does resort life extremely well. A pre-cruise day by the pool, with a good book and a cold drink, is the perfect reset before embarkation.
Food & drink
You’ll find everything from quick, family-friendly meals to polished dining experiences. Orlando’s restaurant scene has grown massively – expect variety, global flavours, and plenty of options for every appetite.
Who it suits
- Families combining cruise + theme parks
- Multi-generational groups (something for everyone, always)
- Anyone who wants a “bigger” holiday rather than cruise-only
Practical tips for Port Canaveral embarkation
- Orlando and Port Canaveral are close enough for easy transfers, but allow buffer time for a stress-free travel day.
- If you’ve done parks, plan a calmer final day – pool, early dinner, early night – so embarkation feels effortless.
New York City
New York: a spectacular start to a Caribbean escape
New York turns embarkation into an event. It’s bold, iconic and cinematic — and sailing away from the skyline feels like the opening scene of a film. Add one or two nights and you’ll get the best of both worlds: big-city buzz up front, then pure Caribbean relaxation.
Why arrive early
- Culture on tap: museums, galleries, Broadway, live music
- Neighbourhood experiences: each area feels like a different city
- Dining: from classic comfort to high-end, everything is here
- A departure moment you’ll remember: skyline, bridges, the Statue of Liberty
Top experiences
Broadway or an iconic show night
Perfect pre-cruise energy: dress up, go out, make it feel like a celebration.
Central Park
A calm pocket of nature in the middle of the city - ideal for a morning stroll, a coffee walk, or a slower-paced afternoon.
Neighbourhood wandering
SoHo for style, the Village for cafés, Brooklyn for views and food, Harlem for culture and music. Choose your vibe and let the day unfold.
Skyline viewpoints
There’s something unbeatable about seeing the city from above (or from the water). Start your holiday with that “wow” moment.
Food & drink
New York is a global tasting menu. You can keep it simple with classic street food, or go all-in with destination dining. Either way, it’s a city that rewards appetite.
Practical tips
- NYC is best enjoyed with one planned anchor (show/museum) and the rest kept flexible.
- If you’re only in town for a short stay, prioritise walkable neighbourhood time – it’s the quickest way to feel New York’s energy.