Carnival Cruise Lines
Big-ship fun-led American cruising with broad family appeal and Caribbean strength.
Departure ports
Cruises from Miami
Fly from the UK to the Caribbean's main cruise gateway and sail to the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.
ATOL Protected when flights included
CLIA member
Trustpilot 4.7/5
Cruises from Miami with Travelisto
Miami is often described as the cruise capital of the world, and it is the main gateway for Caribbean cruising. Most of the big Caribbean lines use the port, so the choice of ships and itineraries is wide. For UK travellers it means a long-haul flight followed by a cruise, and it pairs naturally with a few days in Florida before or after you sail.
The range of ships is a big part of the appeal. Families can choose large resort-style ships with water parks, slides and Broadway-style shows, while couples might prefer a calmer premium ship or an adults-only line. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, NCL Norwegian and MSC Cruises are all known for their Caribbean strength, and the live search below shows which lines are sailing from Miami for your dates.
Itineraries usually split into the eastern Caribbean, with islands such as St Maarten and the Virgin Islands, and the western Caribbean, taking in Mexico, Belize and Honduras. Short three- to five-night sailings to the Bahamas are popular too, often including a private island day. For UK travellers, 7 nights is a common length because it balances the long flight, and some choose two back-to-back sailings for a 14-night holiday.
The best weather is from December to April, when it is warm and dry. Summer is hotter and more humid, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking in late summer and early autumn. Cruise lines adjust routes when storms are forecast. We recommend flying out at least a day before you sail, and we can arrange flights, hotels and transfers so the whole trip fits together.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean
Large family-friendly ships packed with entertainment, water parks and waterslides.
NCL Norwegian
Freestyle American cruising with no fixed dining times — flexible and family-friendly.
MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
Celebrity Cruises
Modern premium cruising with stylish ships, world-class dining and global itineraries.
Princess Cruises
Mid-premium cruising with destination-strong itineraries — Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Lines | Fun-first holidays with a lively, casual American atmosphere. |
| Royal Caribbean | Families who want the biggest ships and lots of onboard activities. |
| NCL Norwegian | Travellers who like flexible dining and a freestyle approach. |
| MSC Cruises | Value-conscious families who want a modern, European-style ship. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Couples who want a stylish ship and a calmer atmosphere. |
| Princess Cruises | Travellers who want a premium feel and classic Caribbean itineraries. |
Where you can go from Miami
- Bahamas
- Short three- to five-night cruises, often with a private island day. Easy to add to a Florida holiday.
- Eastern Caribbean
- Beach islands such as St Maarten and the Virgin Islands.
- Western Caribbean
- Mexico, Belize, Honduras and the Cayman Islands, with Mayan sites and reef excursions.
- Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal
- Longer sailings that reach further south, including some partial canal transits.
Combining Miami with a Florida holiday
Because the flight from the UK is long, many travellers turn a Miami cruise into a two-centre holiday. A few days in Miami Beach, the Florida Keys or Orlando’s theme parks before or after the cruise makes the most of the journey.
Arrive at least a day before your cruise to allow for flight delays, and allow time on the day you disembark before your flight home. Port transfers can be arranged in advance.
Check the FCDO travel advice for the USA well before you go, as entry requirements apply before you travel. Our Travel Designers can package flights, hotels, car hire and transfers around your cruise.
Who a cruise from Miami suits
A cruise from Miami suits families who want big ships with water parks and entertainment, couples looking for winter sunshine, and anyone who wants to combine a Caribbean cruise with time in Florida.
Short Bahamas cruises suit travellers who want a taster, while seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries are a popular choice for UK travellers who have made the long-haul journey.
If you would prefer a direct flight to the Caribbean, sailings from Barbados and other islands are an alternative. Our Travel Designers can compare both for your dates.
FAQ
Cruises from Miami: your questions answered
Where do cruises from Miami go?
Most sail to the Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean routes visit islands such as St Maarten, St Thomas and Puerto Rico, while western Caribbean routes call at Mexico, Belize and Honduras. Short sailings of three to five nights head to the Bahamas, and some longer itineraries reach the southern Caribbean or pass through the Panama Canal.
When is the best time to cruise from Miami?
December to April brings the most settled weather, with warm, dry days and lower humidity. It is also the busiest time, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter. Summer sailings are hotter and can be good value, but the hurricane season runs from June to November, so itineraries may change at short notice.
Should I fly to Miami the day before my cruise?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. Long-haul flights can be delayed, and if you miss embarkation the ship will not wait. Arriving a day or two early also helps you get over jet lag. We can book a Miami hotel and transfers, or combine your cruise with time in Orlando or the Florida Keys.
How long should a Miami cruise be for UK travellers?
Given the length of the flight, most UK travellers choose at least 7 nights on board. Some book two back-to-back sailings, such as an eastern and a western Caribbean itinerary, for a 14-night holiday. Adding a few days in Florida before or after the cruise makes the journey even more worthwhile.
Are cruises from Miami good for families?
Very much so. Many of the ships sailing from Miami are large, family-focused vessels with water parks, kids' clubs and evening shows, and short Bahamas sailings work well with children. Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines and NCL Norwegian are popular family choices. Combining the cruise with Orlando theme parks is a common plan.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.