"In comparison with the first one, the second homegrown cruise ship was built more efficiently in terms of design and construction, with higher quality and standards," said Chen. A keel laying ceremony of China's second domestically-produced large cruise ship was held on Saturday morning in Shanghai, marking the onset of the vessel's hull structure assembly and another achievement of China's shipbuilding prowess, according to official sources. China's first self-made cruise ship Adora Magic City launched its maiden commercial voyage on the first day of 2024, and has successfully completed 26 trips and served more than 100,000 passengers home and abroad so far, official sources said. Cruise forums are a great place to ask questions and share information directly with other cruisers. Usually organized by cruise lines, you can often get very specific information about details on a particular cruise ship from someone who has just sailed.
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"Tips for Travellers" Gary Bembridge advises to skip 2021 entirely and book only in '22 and later - Royal Caribbean Blog
"Tips for Travellers" Gary Bembridge advises to skip 2021 entirely and book only in '22 and later.
To be named and delivered by the end of 2026, the vessel is expected to get floated in May 2025, which means its construction is at the halfway mark and ready for undocking in March 2026, said Chen, who is also the construction director of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding's large cruise project. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises. All of the content (with the exception of the cruise news) is lovingly hand written by our travel writers.Our journalists may be provided some complimentary products or services in return for their uncensored reviews.If you wish to use this content, please contact us. Receive insider offers directly from the cruise lines.
China's 2nd homegrown large cruise ship enters shipyard for final assembly
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In Key West, bike along the island’s quirky streets or visit the area’s main sights aboard a conch train. Jacksonville is said to be the best of both worlds, with beachfront and urban vistas to explore. But make sure to add a third kind of scenery — a Carnival cruise — to your visit!
Top Destinations for Last-Minute Cruises from Florida
Unwind during tranquil days at sea, where you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy all of the venues and highlights available onboard. During your transatlantic sailing, you’ll stop in exotic ports like the Azores and Canary Islands, as well as beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean, such as Florence and Provence. Unwind on white sand beaches and take a dip in turquoise waters during a cruise around the islands of the Western Caribbean.
Night Southern Caribbean - MiamiDetails
If you have more than a week, book a last-minute cruise from Florida to the spectacular islands of the Southern Caribbean. Board a catamaran and swim with sea turtles in Barbados, enjoy an unforgettable horseback ride on a beach in St. Lucia, and dance to an authentic steel pan band in St. Kitts. If you’re cruising from Fort Lauderdale, the Caribbean is just a day away.
Top 10 Florida Birding Hotspots Royal Caribbean Cruises
Or spend a family day filled with fun at Costa Maya, a Mexican beach town where there’s a variety of water sports to try, including paddle boarding, fly fishing, and snorkeling. It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise vacation, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings, as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate.
Sailing from Florida on a Vacation Getaway
So imagine leaving from Florida and cruising to convenient, nearby locations like the Caribbean, The Bahamas… while we’re on the subject, you can even cruise to Mexico from Florida! But if you’re cruising from Florida, 2024 or beyond, make sure to set aside some time to explore what’s good on land. On a cruise to the Bahamas, impossibly white sand and transparent aquamarine waters await. Swim and play with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat. Shop for gifts and other handmade items at Nassau’s popular Straw Market.
THE 7 BEST Cruises from Fort Lauderdale to South America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 7 BEST Cruises from Fort Lauderdale to South America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Before or after you cruise you can enjoy the dining and shopping energy of Jacksonville’s downtown, but know that nature is nearby with the Southbank Riverwalk of the St. Johns River. And if you want to go full-on nature, you’ve got wildlife parks galore and miles of sandy beaches. While you can certainly fit plenty of adventure into a short cruise from Florida, more time means more thrills — and more islands to explore. Set sail from Tampa, Orlando, Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a week long travel vacation that hits some of the best ports in the Caribbean.
The local favored crispy, golden-fried conch fritters are a harmony of Caribbean and Southern cooking influences. You'll find them at seafood restaurants from South Florida all the way up the coast. You'll be able to use much of your Caribbean cruise wardrobe while you're vacationing in Florida — sandals, bathing suits, cover-ups and breezy linen. We haven’t checked your calendar, but we’ll bet there’s room for a Carnival cruise from Florida. Admire the eclectic architecture and diverse culture of Miami during a tour around the city. Take photos in front of the pastel buildings in the Art Deco Historic District, taste the delicious cuisine of Little Havana, and marvel at the beautiful shores and music-filled bars of South Beach.
Miami
No problem — choose from a wide range of two-, three- and four-night itineraries cruising from Florida to the Caribbean onboard several fleet-favorite cruise ships. Sail from our newest Florida departure port, Tampa, on a deluxe Caribbean cruise vacation. Book a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. Or experience the best of the Eastern Caribbean on a 10-night cruise. Tampa’s the kind of place that rewards visitors who take a little time to explore the city before or after they cruise.
Food & Dining
Savor world-class meals crafted by a Michelin-starred chef and relax in spacious stateroom and suite accommodations. Discover visionary venues, like the Magic Carpet on our Edge-series ships, and the picturesque Lawn Club, a serene space with half an acre of real grass. Wherever you choose to sail, you’ll enjoy a restful and reinvigorating vacation you won’t soon forget. Our Florida cruise itineraries are available year round and include everything from quick weekend trips to the Bahamas to dreamy 12-night journeys around the Caribbean.
Dubbed the cruise capital of the world, Florida is also a top-ranked vacation destination in its own right. Hugged by the calm, blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico on its western coast and the cool, sapphire-blue waters of the Atlantic on its eastern coast, it's a true beach lover's paradise. Thanks to the Sunshine State's location, cruises from Florida provide some of the best and most preferred ports to eastern, western and southern Caribbean isles. There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options, but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise.
Spend an afternoon snorkeling and bathing in the Virgin Gorda Baths of Tortola or explore the deep waters of Barbados from a submarine. When you’re not exploring, unwind in paradise on the silky sands that make the Caribbean the world’s hottest destination. Escape the winter chill and head off to an Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Take advantage of a holiday weekend and book a three-night cruise from Miami that stops in Key West and the Bahamas.
Go on a guided tour of Tampa Bay and admire the view of Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast. On the way, you’ll stop by the University of Tampa and the historic Y-Bor City, the Cuban district, where you can stock up on authentic cigars and try out local craft beers. Florida is a melting pot of peoples as well as cultures — and the food scene here certainly reflects that.
In the Caribbean, there’s no shortage of ways to experience its turquoise seas, tropical sunsets, and pristine beaches. Go underwater and dive famous shipwrecks in Tortola and St. Croix. Explore the St. Vincent coast from a traditional schooner or kayak through mangroves in Fort de France.
Planning to visit the best petting zoos for exotic animals before your cruise vacation out of Florida? Between the beaches, galleries and canals, there’s a lot to do and see in this waterside city. Put your out-of-office message on, pack your favorite swimsuits, and leave the details to us. Take advantage of one of our last-minute cruises from Florida to the Caribbean destination of your choice for an unforgettable, fun-filled escape.
Travel back in time and experience the Panama Canal the way it was meant to be on a cruise from Ft. Transit the newly expanded locks — including the Agua Clara and Cocoli Locks — and get up close to the engineering wonders that surround you. Between the history of the Canal and the cultures of the region, it’s no wonder the Panama Canal is one of the Seven Cruise Wonders of the World. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Starting at just $159, choose the perfect cruise from Florida that fits your traveling desires. Florida cruises often range from nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options.
