Sail to Florida - the Sunshine State

01 Dec 2015 | by Myles Johnson

FOCUS ON: FLORIDA

The Glorious Sunshine State

Updated October 2017

Florida is home to world famous theme parks, sparkling beaches, fragrant orange groves, and the distinctive Everglades. Along with this a-list of attractions, many cruise ships also call this tropical State home, sailing in and out on paradise itineraries to the Caribbean and Mexico. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral are the main departure points, but are also fantastic destinations in their own right. Enjoy a hotel stay before or after your cruise, to give you a little extra time to stretch your legs and explore.

Fort Lauderdale boasts one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, Port Everglades, and is also a stylish city. You’ll find beautiful beaches, a system of Venice-like waterways, an International yachting scene, high-end restaurants and trendy bars. The palm-lined promenade fringes a seven mile long white sand beach - a great place for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Just south of here you’ll find Miami.

This exciting city has a thriving Latino soul, and is recognised by its art deco architecture, which is characterised by iconic pastels and neon lights. Miami Beach has been rated one of the best in the world, with warm waters and long stretches of white sands inhabited by fun-loving locals and travelling sun-seekers. This sunny state is also home to basketball champions Miami Heat, and NFL stars Miami Dolphins, so be sure to catch a game and soak up the atmosphere of the city's passionate supporters.

Keith's Top Tips

From here, you can easily reach the distinctive Everglades National Park. This unparalleled landscape is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and is home to the Florida panther, manatees, and is thought to be the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. A boat trip along these swampy wetlands makes for a great day trip.

Orlando is just a few hours’ drive north of here, and needs little introduction. This built-up city of fun is filled with world famous theme parks, waterparks and glitzy entertainment attractions. A stay here makes the perfect pre-cruise break - you can enjoy all the thrill-seeking amusements that you can pack into your stay, before unwinding and rejuvenating on your cruise.

Head east to the coastline from here, and you’ll reach the Space Coast, home to The Kennedy Space Center and 70 miles of white sand beaches. A visit here will introduce you to the history, and the heroes of the United States’ Space Program. For those seeking to escape to tranquil surroundings, make the journey south towards Key West, the southernmost point of United States. In Key West you’re in for a real treat; this tropical island city has crystal clear waters, breathtaking sunsets, and a whole host of attractions from quaint boat tours to diving and snorkelling. Your journey across Seven Mile Bridge to reach Key West is definitely worth the ride!

Planet Cruise Must See Destinations

What were once humid, wild wet lands in North America's south have now become the nation’s favourite destination for sun seekers. Whether you’re in search for family fun in Orlando, relaxation beachside in Miami, a scenic drive across the ocean to Key West, or an adventure off the beaten track, there are lots of options to make your stay in Florida memorable.