Written by Jennifer McKee and George Diaz
Set The Course For Adventure
Icon of the Seas has more than 40 dining and drinking concepts, eight neighborhoods and the largest waterpark at sea. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. Seen here is Thrill Island, the largest water park at sea, with multiple slides, a zipline, rock climbing and the FlowRider® surf simulator. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
Floor-to-ceiling windows abound on Icon of the Seas. Enjoy wraparound views in The Overlook at AquaDome, where you'll find the secluded Overlook Pods. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse has three levels of adventure, including an in-suite slide, a karaoke station and a private patio for table tennis competitions. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
More travelers are cruising now than ever before. Here’s why you should too.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association, cruising is the fastest-growing sector in tourism, with more than 31.5 million passengers sailing in 2023. This is higher than pre-pandemic numbers, with volume up 106% from 2019. Read more…
Tips for First Time Cruisers
Need-to-know suggestions from one first-time cruiser to another. Read more…
Explore The Best Cruise Ports In The U.S.
North America remains the largest source market for cruising, supplying half of the world’s cruise population. Three of the world’s busiest ports in 2023, ranked by passenger movement, are in Florida: Port Canaveral at No. 1, PortMiami at No. 2 and Port Everglades at No. 9 (according to the Cruise Line International Association). We take a detailed look at those ports here, in addition to seven other leading ports in the U.S. Most ports offer on-site parking, which must be booked in advance. Taxis and ride shares are plentiful at these major ports; additional options are listed below. For those with limited mobility, the direct-to-curb options are best.
Sustainability and Cruising
The cruise industry’s goal is to make net-zero carbon cruising a reality by 2050. A 2022 study by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) found that there will be 38 LNG-powered ships in service by 2028. This transitional fuel, liquefied natural gas, reduces greenhouse gases by 20%, promotes fuel efficiency and makes for a quieter and smoother ride. Read more…
Noshing Near the Nation’s Largest Cruise Ports
Being harried is one of the last things you want to be while on vacation, particularly on a cruise vacation, so we found it’s best to take a day or two on either side of your cruise to explore your port city. Read more…
Surf, Space & Sand Beckon In Cocoa Beach
Photos ©Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort And Florida’s Space Coast Office Of Tourism
