Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral
Seven nights of sunshine that start with a drive, not a flight: Dutch and French St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands and a private island day.
For Central Florida travelers, this may be the easiest getaway there is. Port Canaveral is an easy drive from the Daytona Beach and Orlando areas, so there are no flights to connect and no worries about missing the ship.
A week like this balances relaxing sea days with beautiful beaches. It suits couples, friends and multigenerational families, and I can match you with anything from a family-friendly ship to a more refined premium line.
The sample itinerary
Bon voyage
Drive to the port or take a transfer, check in with the cruise line's app and board by midday. Your vacation starts at the sail-away party.
Settle in
Find your favorite pool chair, book the spa and explore the ship. It's a good day to make specialty dining reservations.
Nothing on the schedule
Enjoy a late breakfast, a good book and a show after dinner as the water turns from blue to turquoise.
Two nations, one island
Shop in Dutch Philipsburg, have lunch in French Marigot or Grand Case, and swim at Orient Bay. A catamaran sail is a wonderful alternative.
Beaches and views
Swim at Magens Bay, or take a ferry to St. John for Trunk Bay's underwater snorkel trail. Duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie is close by.
One more lazy day
Treat yourself to a massage, a cooking demonstration or an afternoon nap on your balcony.
Your own beach day
Spend the day on your cruise line's private island with a beach, snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. I can reserve a cabana ahead of time.
Home by lunchtime
Have one last breakfast on board, then disembark and head home. You could be back in Ormond Beach in time for lunch.
Choosing your season
Ships sail this route all year. The right time depends on your priorities and your tolerance for risk.
Dry and sunny, a perfect escape from the cold. Holiday weeks book up first.
Lovely weather and calm seas, though spring break weeks are lively and family-filled.
Hot and great for families out of school. Hurricane season begins in June.
Often the quietest and best value, but it's the peak of hurricane season. Travel insurance is a must.
Every detail, handled
- The right ship and cabin, plus any group space I'm holding
- Port parking or transfers, and a pre-cruise hotel if you'd like one
- Shore excursions, cabanas and specialty dining
- Connecting cabins and shared plans for family groups
- Travel insurance and cruise line app setup
Before you go
- I recommend a passport, even on closed-loop sailings that permit other proof of citizenship, in case you need to fly home from another country
- Storms can change a port call, and I'll be available if your plans change
- Book early for holiday weeks and for balcony cabins
Would you like a trip like this?
Tell me your dates and how you like to travel, and I'll come back with real departures and current pricing.
More sample trips
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Inside Passage & Denali
Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage by ship, then glass-domed rail to Denali National Park.
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