Heading off on a Florida cruise excursion soon? Then you’re not alone. After a rocky few years, the cruise industry is doing better than ever, with more than twenty million Americans embarking on this type of vacation in 2026. That number of cruise passengers is also significantly higher — some 34% higher — than pre-pandemic levels, and with cruises increasingly popular with Millennials and Gen Z travelers, it’s more than fair to say that cruises are having a moment.
If you’re traveling on a warm-weather cruise, then you’ll likely be departing from Florida, which has three major cruise ports and is the leading starting point for cruises. In this post, we’ll outline some handy tips that can help you get the best possible start to your sea adventure.
Complete Online Check-In Early
When taking a flight, the time at which you check in usually isn’t so important. For that reason, many people going on their first cruise also assume that they can leave check-in to the last minute.
However, it’s best to get things done and dusted as soon as possible. Cruise ship check-in usually opens 3 – 5 days before departure, offering an easy and convenient way to get everything taken care of before you board your flight to Florida. You’ll also be more likely to get a better boarding time slot if you check in early.
Smooth Pre-Departure Travel
Unless you live nearby, the beginning of your cruise adventure will likely involve taking a flight to Florida. You can ensure that your cruise vacation gets off to the best possible start by ensuring this aspect of your trip runs smoothly. We’d recommend booking a flight that arrives in Florida the day before your cruise departs. Once landed, you can take private transportation from MCO to Port Canaveral, MIA to Port of Miami, or from FLL to Port Everglades, depending on your departure port. Spend the night in a hotel next to the port, and you’ll have the luxury of waking up refreshed, energized, and completely ready to have bags of fun on your cruise.
Pack a Smart Carry-On
You’ll have a whole suitcase worth of items, but depending on how the boarding process works, you might not have your luggage in your room until a few hours after you’ve boarded. As such, it’s recommended to think carefully about the items that you pack as part of your carry-on luggage. Having the essentials that you might use during the first few hours, such as swimwear, toiletries, and so forth, will ensure that you begin having fun as soon as you step on the ship.
Explore The Ship As Soon As Possible
Most cruise passengers go directly to their room and begin settling in, but we’d recommend simply dropping off any heavy bags you’re carrying and exploring the ship as soon as you arrive. That’ll give you a chance to become acquainted with your new (temporary) home while things are relatively quiet, ensuring that you know where all the key attractions and amenities are located.