Luxury Cruising Editorial

Cruises depart from destinations all over the world. You can explore almost every region of the globe on a cruise, whether you want to sail around the Mediterranean, or experience the Caribbean, or South America, Asia, Australia and so on…

So it might surprise you to learn that one single US state is home to not just the world’s busiest cruise port, but actually the top 3 cruise ports in the world.

And it has other cruise ports as well.

I am, of course, talking about Florida, which has millions of people passing through its terminals every year, many of whom will be exploring the Caribbean and Bahamas but others sailing to further afield destinations too.

In this guide, I’ll take you through all the details of the different cruise ports Florida has to offer, which cruise lines sail from them, and how to get to them.

How Many Cruise Ports Are in Florida?

There are six cruise ports in Florida – Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville and Palm Beach. Some websites may only list five ports, as the Palm Beach port accommodates ships from only two smaller cruise lines.

The largest port in the world is the Port of Miami, with Port Canaveral and Port Everglades just behind it. Tampa is still a pretty popular port as is Jacksonville, but a lot of people forget to include Palm Beach when talking about Florida ports just because of how much smaller it is.

In order of popularity (by number of cruise passengers who visited the port for cruises from Florida), the six ports are:

1. Port Canaveral (Orlando)
2. Port of Miami (Miami)
3. Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
4. Port Tampa Bay (Tampa)
5. Jaxport (Jacksonville)
6. Port of Palm Beach (Palm Beach)

Check out the cruise port traffic stats if you want to know more.

Map of Florida Cruise Ports

Here’s a map of the cruise ship ports in Florida, so you can easily see where they are in relation to each other:

Now, I’ll go into a little detail about each of the ports in Florida for cruises…

1. Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is the largest cruise port in Florida though it’s not actually the busiest – more on that shortly. It’s still a huge port though, with millions of people using it every year for their cruise.

Many of the largest cruise lines in the world use the port of Miami for embarkation, including:

• Royal Caribbean
• Virgin Voyages
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Carnival
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC
• Regent Seven Seas
• Oceania Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Seabourn

And many smaller cruise lines do too. It’s equipped to handle the biggest ships in the world – the Oasis-class ships, and soon the Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean – but smaller luxury ships use the port as well.

The nearest airport to the port is Miami International Airport, which is around a 10-mile drive, taking typically 20-40 minutes by cab (depending on traffic, which can get pretty hectic). Miami is a large airport and many cruise passengers will be able to fly directly to the airport from their home country.

If you do find yourself with a pre- or post-cruise night in Miami due to your flights, there’s loads to see and do within easy reach of the port.

Head to Miami Beach, or explore the vibrant shops of Midtown. There are a number of museums, and there are some fantastic restaurants to choose from as well.

2. Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral may not be quite as large as Miami but it is busier – it’s the busiest cruise port in the world, with 6.8 million cruise passengers in 2023. That’s the second year in a row that the port has held the title, once owned by Miami.

The port is another that is visited by many of the major cruise lines in the world, including:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Carnival
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC

It’s not quite as varied as the number of cruise lines sailing from Miami, but you still get some of the largest ships in the world calling here, including Wonder of the Seas.

The nearest airport to Port Canaveral is Melbourne Orlando International Airport, which is 27.5 miles from the port, so around a 45-minute drive.

Most international passengers would fly into Orlando International Airport though, which is around 46 miles away, although thanks to the direct roads it has a similar journey time.

Orlando and the surrounding area are obviously packed with great attractions for a pre- or post-cruise adventure. While there are lots of things to do near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, the Kennedy Space Center being one of the biggest within a short distance.

There are loads of fun family activities near the port, including mini golf, beaches, escape rooms, manatee sanctuaries and more, while both Universal Studios and Disney World are around a 1-hour drive from the port.

3. Port Everglades

Port Everglades is the third-busiest cruise port in Florida and in the world, with an estimated number of passengers coming through the port of around 3.8 million per year.

That’s pretty huge, when you consider that Barcelona – the biggest port in Europe – has 1.1 million fewer cruise passengers every year. And Port Everglades averages around 850 ship visits a year too, so it’s still typically more than two per day on average.

There are a smaller number of cruise lines that do visit the port though:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Silversea
• Viking Ocean Cruises

The nearest airport to Port Everglades is the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and it is super close – less than 4 miles, taking around 10 minutes in a cab on a quiet traffic day, and there are regular shuttle buses running too. Getting to the port from the airport really couldn’t be easier.

If you have time before or after your cruise, the Fort Lauderdale beaches are excellent – they may not be as well-known as Miami’s beach but they are just as stunning and a little quieter too.

There’s not a huge range of famous attractions nearby beyond that though, although you can always find good restaurants and some interesting shops within easy reach.

As the airport and cruise port are so close, I’d suggest booking one of the best hotels near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port and enjoying the facilities for a day before your cruise. This will also provide you with a handy place to store your lugagge.

4. Port Tampa Bay

The port in Tampa is significantly smaller than the three major ports in Florida – it has a typical passenger number of around 1 million each year. This still puts it in probably the top 30 ports in the world, around a similar size to New Orleans, Juneau and Piraeus, the port for Athens.

Despite its smaller size, it still plays home to ships for some of the biggest cruise lines in the world… just not the biggest ships in their fleet. Often, it’s the older ships that homeport in Tampa Bay.

The cruise lines visiting the port include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Marella Cruises

It’s around a 30-40 minute drive on average from the port to the nearest airport, which is Tampa International Airport, around 10 miles from the port. The drive does take you through the city, though, which is why the journey time tends to be a little longer.

But because you travel right through the city, you can easily find a good central hotel if you need to stay over before or after your cruise due to your flights. This also has you well-placed to explore, where you could visit Busch Gardens theme park, or the ZooTampa, the Florida Aquarium or Big Cat Rescue if you’re sailing with kids who love wildlife.

5. Jaxport

Jaxport, situated in Jacksonville, is significantly smaller again than Tampa and so is much, much smaller than the big three ports. Typical passenger numbers are around 360,000 annually, with around 75 or so ship visits each year.

And most of those ship visits are Carnival, specifically the Carnival Elation. It’s one of the smaller ships in the Carnival fleet, but it still offers a fun experience. American Cruise Lines is a smaller cruise line that also has multiple ship visits to Jaxport, including American Star and MS Independence.

Jacksonville International Airport, the nearest airport to Jaxport, is around 13 miles from the terminal, with a typical journey time between 20 and 30 minutes.

If you do have time to kill in Jacksonville before or after your cruise, check out the Museum of Science and History, or the popular Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. There’s also a tiger conservation centre too.

6. Port of Palm Beach

The Port of Palm Beach is based in West Palm Beach to the north of Miami. It’s a significantly smaller port than the others on this list, and is served by very few cruise lines.

The main cruise line that used the port was American Queen Voyages, whose smaller ships explored some of the lesser-known destinations around the US coastline. However in February 2024, the cruise line ceased trading. SeaDream also has yachts making very occasional visits to the port.

More commonly, you’ll find cruises to the Bahamas from the port for the Margaritaville at Sea ‘cruise line’ – more a holiday experience than a traditional cruise line. These 2-night and 3-night cruises are very much about the experience of that fun ‘Margaritaville’ party than a traditional cruise holiday.

The nearest airport to the port is Palm Beach International Airport, which is around 11 miles away by car. While it is an international airport, it is normally served by internal US flights.

There are some good beaches not too far from the port, along with the popular Manatee Lagoon attraction, but it’s not as tourist-y a place as Miami or Fort Lauderdale if you were flying in the day before.

What Is the Best Cruise Port in Florida?

There isn’t really a ‘best’ cruise port because it will depend on which cruise line and ship you want to sail on, and where you want to go. Miami is the biggest, but many people enjoy Port Canaveral if combining a cruise and a theme park holiday.

Most people don’t tend to have a favourite port when it comes to disembarkation though, unless there’s one that they live closer to.

Since most people cruising from Florida will be travelling to the state from elsewhere, the more important factors are which ships and sailings are available.

What Is the Largest Cruise Ship Port in Florida?

The largest cruise ship port in Florida is Miami. It has 11 cruise terminals in total and serves around 5 million cruise passengers every year – around 25% fewer than Port Canaveral, the busiest cruise port.

Miami is also a bustling cargo port as well, making it an exceptionally busy area – but there is now an undersea tunnel connecting the port with the mainland to remove a lot of the traffic from downtown Miami.

The Bottom Line

Each of the top ports in Florida is relatively easy to access, although it depends on where in the world you’re flying from. From Europe, direct flights tend to head to Miami and Orlando, potentially making Port Everglades a little more inconvenient.

Ultimately though, what matters most is the ship and itinerary. Unless you have your heart set on a particular pre- or post-cruise experience (such as Disney World) then it’s better to let your cruise dictate your embarkation port, since you can easily arrange to get there.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

While many cruise lines focus on the Caribbean during the winter months, many will also incorporate Mexican destinations into their itineraries – either on the east coast, from the typical departure ports along the US east coast, or on the western side of the country from ports such as LA and San Francisco.

Mexico is a thrilling country – it has stunning beaches, amazing history, and a lively culture with plenty of great food and drink too. A cruise to Mexico is certainly never boring.

It’s pretty big too, the 13th largest country in the world by area and with over 126 million people. So, as you can imagine, it has quite a lot of cruise ports!

In this guide I’ll take you through all the cruise ports in Mexico, which cruise lines sail there, and the best things to see and do during your visit.

How Many Cruise Ports Are in Mexico?

There are currently 20 Mexico ports with scheduled cruise visits in the next couple of years, although there are a couple more ports that ships have previously visited as well. 

The biggest cruise port is Cozumel, which is actually one of the most popular cruise ports in the world – fourth for total passengers according to the most recent data released (although this is a couple of years old now – source).

Where Do Mexico Cruises Depart?

Cruises to Mexico have different departure ports based on which coast of Mexico you’re sailing to. Cruises to Cozumel and ports on the eastern side tend to depart from ports in Florida and Texas, while cruises to Ensenada and ports on the west side will depart from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Mexico is essentially divided in half when it comes to cruising, and while some itineraries might cruise along the Panama Canal and therefore be able to visit both coasts, these are longer trips and so are rare. Usually you get to choose between half of the Mexican cruise ports in one sailing.

If you have a particular Mexican port you want to visit, you’ll need to make sure you look for sailings from a port that serves that side of the country.

Map of Mexico Cruise Ports

Are Cruise Ports in Mexico Safe?

Mexico’s safety record is not the best and there have been instances of violence and crime that can deem some areas unsafe. Generally, if you travel with caution and stick to official shore excursions, you should be safe. Cruise lines monitor safety advice and will drop a Mexico port from itineraries if needed.

Mexico is a thrilling, vibrant country but it is not without issues and there may be times that a port is removed from sailings when safety warnings reach a certain level, even if those warnings apply mainly to non-tourist areas.

Cruise lines’ priority will always be guest safety, especially with the potential liabilities they could be sued for if they were reckless in taking guests to an unsafe area. So in summary, you should be fine if you travel to Mexico on a cruise but it’s still always best to practice common sense safety.

List of All Cruise Ports in Mexico

1. Cozumel

Cruise lines visiting Cozumel:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess
• NCL
• Virgin Voyages
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• TUI Cruises
• Ponant
• Seabourn
• AIDA
• Oceania
• Silversea
• Windstar
• Regent Seven Seas

You can see just from the number of cruise lines – Cozumel is an exceptionally popular port. It’s an island off the coast of Mexico that is well known for its excellent scuba diving opportunities and its beautiful scenery.

But it’s also home to some fantastic restaurants and shops too. There’s loads to explore, and some incredible tastes to sample (not just Mexican but global cuisine as well).

Cozumel is stunning, and always an adventure. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also some nude and topless beaches that you can visit.

2. Costa Maya

Cruise lines visiting Costa Maya:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess
• NCL
• Virgin Voyages
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Holland America Line
• TUI Cruises
• Oceania
• Regent Seven Seas
• Azamara

Costa Maya is another extremely popular port in Mexico, and part of the Quintana Roo region, south of Cozumel and close to the Belize border. 

What makes Costa Maya so appealing is the variety that it offers – guests can explore ancient Mayan archaeological sites, or head to the modern shopping mall or the epic slides of the waterpark. It’s a friendly, lively destination that truly has something for everyone.

3. Ensenada

Cruise lines visiting Ensenada:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• NCL
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Oceania

The largest of the cruise ports on Mexico’s west coast, Ensenada is very close to the border with the US and has a warm, almost Mediterranean-esque climate.

It’s not the fun-packed destination that Cozumel and Costa Maya are, but instead has activities aimed more at adults, including tours of the excellent local wineries and restaurants, and guided drives around the local heritage.

4. Cabo San Lucas

Cruise lines visiting Cabo San Lucas:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess
• NCL
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas

Cabo San Lucas is one of the safest ports in Mexico and is great for whale spotting during the winter months. You can also enjoy some fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving if you want to see the varied underwater wildlife.

Otherwise, the port serves as a gateway to the lively city of San Jose, or you can just explore the sandy beaches and sunbathe for the day.

5. Progreso

Cruise lines visiting Progreso:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Disney Cruise Line
• Ponant

Progreso is the primary port of the Yucatán Peninsula where you’ll find some stunning beaches and incredible Mayan ruins. It’s also the gateway to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The town itself doesn’t have a lot to offer beyond the world’s longest cruise pier – at 6.5km long you’ll definitely want to use the free shuttle buses to get to town.

6. Puerto Vallarta

Cruise lines visiting Puerto Vallarta:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess
• NCL
• Holland America Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Oceania

The beaches to the north and south of Puerto Vallarta’s bay – where three cruise piers are located – are some of the best in Mexico. But if you want to try something more active, there’s more fascinating archaeological sites nearby with artefacts from the Aztecs, Toltecs and more.

Also worth a trip is Old Vallarta, a romantic collection of ancient streets that is now home to quaint restaurants and cafes.

7. Mazatlan

Cruise lines visiting Mazatlan:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess
• NCL
• Holland America Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Oceania

Mazatlan is a large port city on the Pacific coast of Mexico with two different districts worth exploring. The old town is nearer the port and has colonial buildings with a lot of cafes and bistros, while the Zona Dorado district has various bars and shops filled with intricacies.

The resort town has some stunning white-sand beaches too. If you like to relax then head to Playa Olas Altas, but if you prefer your beach to have more of a party atmosphere then Playa las Gaviotas is more for you.

8. Huatulco

Cruise lines visiting Huatulco:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• NCL
• Princess
• Holland America Line
• P&O Cruises
• Cunard
• Seabourn
• Phoenix Reisen
• Scenic Ocean Cruises

Huatulco is a really small town with a population of around 50,000, but it is growing in popularity as a tourism (and specifically a cruise) destination. It hosts a number of luxury resorts in the 9 bays around the area, while inland there is a famous archaeological site called Bocana del Rio Copalita, which has temples and museums to explore.

9. Puerto Chiapas

Cruise lines visiting Puerto Chiapas:

• Holland America Line
• Oceania
• Phoenix Reisen
• Seabourn

There isn’t much to see in the immediate vicinity of Puerto Chiapas, but there are plenty of exciting shore excursions within a short drive. Explore banana, coffee and cacao plantations, or tour the ruins at Izapa – smaller than nearby temples but just as fascinating.

10. San Jose del Cabo

Cruise lines visiting San Jose del Cabo:

• Lindblad Expeditions
• UnCruise Adventures

Most cruise ships visiting San Jose del Cabo will dock at the much larger Cabo San Lucas, but there are a couple of small niche cruise lines that dock here. Guests can explore the peaceful marina in this area, or take transport into the city to explore the stunning beaches, great restaurants and lively bars.

11. Campeche

Cruise lines visiting Campeche:

Campeche is one of the smaller ports in Mexico, situated on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a port that only the smaller ships of American Queen Voyages would call at, with guided tours of the local colonial architecture and nearby Mayan ruins being the main highlights. However, the cruise line has now ceased trading.

12. Acapulco

Cruise lines visiting Acapulco:

• NCL
• Regent Seven Seas
• Oceania
• Phoenix Reisen
• Fred Olsen

Acapulco is not the cruise destination it once was, as many cruise lines have withdrawn from the destination due to rising crime rates. Some ships still visit this lively city known for its party atmosphere, and guests who use caution will enjoy exploring the great restaurants and bars within a short walk of the terminal, as well as the stretching sandy beaches.

13. Manzanillo

Cruise lines visiting Manzanillo:

• NCL
• Princess
• Holland America Line
• P&O
• Oceania

One of the larger ports on the Mexican Riviera, Manzanillo is home to two distinct bays. Manzanillo Bay is closer to the downtown area, while Santiago Bay is a little further away but has some fascinating reefs and shipwrecks to explore on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion.

If you cruise to Manzanillo I’d definitely recommend taking an organised excursion. Manzanillo has been voted as one of the world’s worst cruise ports because the port itself has so little to offer.

So don’t just step off the ship and wander around. Be sure to jump on the coach and head to somewhere more exciting!

14. Loreto

Cruise lines visiting Loreto:

• Princess
• Holland America Line
• Scenic Ocean Cruises
• Lindblad Expeditions

Guests exploring Loreto can wander through the town to see the various historical buildings, designated as official landmarks by the government. Alternatively, the nearby island of Isla Carmen is uninhabited and the waters are teeming with wildlife – ideal for a scuba diving excursion.

15. Guaymas

Cruise lines visiting Guaymas:

Guaymas is a quiet port in the Sea of Cortez. From here, guests can travel to San Carlos, which has scenic beaches and bays to explore. Nature cruises are a great way to see the wildlife in the area, or get even closer by swimming with dolphins.

16. Cancun

Cruise lines visiting Cancun:

The port of Cancun can only handle smaller ships, and so doesn’t tend to get many cruise visits. It has some good stretches of beach to enjoy along with some Mayan ruins that you can explore.

17. Cabo Pulmo Beach

Cruise lines visiting Cabo Pulmo Beach:

This beach resort is home to a tiny population of around 100, and is very popular for snorkelling and diving when tourists visit. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

18. La Paz

Cruise lines visiting La Paz:

• Princess
• Holland America Line
• UnCruise Adventures

La Paz is one of the larger ports on the Sea of Cortez and it’s a great location for water sports including snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. If you’re not quite feeling that active, you can explore the charming seaside resorts nearby, wandering along pristine white sandy beaches.

19. Playa del Carmen

Cruise lines visiting Playa del Carmen:

Playa del Carmen is a small port city in the Quintana Roo state that has some beautiful beaches of its own. But many people use this port to travel to Cancun, which is famous for its spectacular shorelines, as well as fun bars and restaurants.

20. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Cruise lines visiting Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo:

• NCL
• Holland America Line
• Oceania Cruises

This beautiful bay port serves both the towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, which are 3 miles apart. Take your pick from either – you’ll find stunning beaches and some charming cafes and bistro restaurants, along with tourist-friendly shops selling all manner of homemade gifts.

21. Topolobampo

Cruise lines visiting Topolobampo:

• None scheduled for 2024/25

Cruises to Topolobampo get you close to bottlenose dolphins, and a stunning train journey through the Copper Canyon. Previously only Holland America has visited this port.

22. Santa Rosalia

Cruise lines visiting Santa Rosalia:

• None scheduled for 2024/25

Another small Sea of Cortez port, this is a great location if you want to learn about some of the copper mining history of this region, or just wander around the tranquil marina. It’s small, but picturesque and welcoming.

The Bottom Line

A common thread through Mexico is the quality of beach that you’ll find – whether you choose a Pacific or Caribbean-coast cruise, you’ll love the sandy stretches that greet your arrival, whether you intend to spend the day sunbathing, diving into the waters or just sipping a margarita with a stunning view.

If you have a particular destination in mind – perhaps the incredible Chichen Itza, or the amazing restaurants of Cozumel – make sure to check whether you’ll be departing from the east or west coast of the US, and plan accordingly for your trip.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Ever fancied booking yourself onto one of the cruises from New Orleans? Whether you live close to the port already or you want to explore the vibrant city that is a true melting pot of cultures before you set sail, you have plenty of choices when it comes to cruise lines.

New Orleans might not be a big cruise port like those in Texas or Florida, but you still have some of the biggest ocean cruise lines homeporting there. There are some fascinating river cruise options as well.

Here’s a look at the cruises out of New Orleans that you can book for 2024 and beyond.

Ocean Cruises From New Orleans

The New Orleans cruise port might not be the busiest embarkation option for ocean cruises, but it still hosts some of the biggest cruise lines in the world and a decent choice of ships to suit all tastes.

1. Carnival

Carnival is the ocean cruise line with the biggest presence in New Orleans – there are at least two ships stationed here throughout the year, so there are always Carnival cruises from New Orleans available.

One of those is Carnival Glory, which offers 7-night cruises with a selection of itineraries available. Take your pick from a cruise to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel; a cruise to Roatan, Belize City and Cozumel; or a sailing to Key West, Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas.

Another option is Carnival Valor, a sister ship to Carnival Glory. She instead offers 4-night and 5-night cruises if you’d prefer a shorter sailing. 4-night cruises sail to Cozumel, with Progreso added on for 5-night sailings.

Finally there’s Carnival Liberty, which is offering 6-night and 7-night cruises from the port, including many that call at Celebration Key, the cruise line’s new private resort.

All three ships are part of the Conquest Class and are almost identical, so your choice between them comes down to itinerary and cruise length only.

Carnival’s ships depart from the Erato Street Terminal in New Orleans.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Breakaway is one of the newest ocean cruise ships offering cruises out of New Orleans, and Norwegian Cruise Line is definitely a line that offers a similar atmosphere to the party vibe of the city. 

This ship sails out of New Orleans for the winter season from November to April, offering 7-night cruises that explore Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan and Belize City. The itinerary remains unchanged through the season, so if you decide NCL is the cruise line for you then it’s just down to which date fits you best. 

Norwegian Breakaway departs from the Julia Street Terminal in New Orleans. I cruised on this ship in 2014 and it was one of my favourites – the water slides are amazing!

Her sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, will offer cruises from New Orleans in 2025. The experience onboard is essentially identical.

3. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers a mix of different cruise itineraries from New Orleans, but only for a limited time of the year. The ships change – Disney Wonder has previously offered cruises leaving from New Orleans, but since the 2023 season it has been Disney Magic.

Cruises are only available between February and April, but there are four different itinerary options to choose from.

• 4-night cruise to Cozumel
• 5-night cruise to Cozumel and Progreso
• 5-night cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel
• 6-night cruise to Cozumel and George Town

It’s a limited time of the year, but if you live in the New Orleans area, then you can enjoy a taste of that magical experience that Disney provides.

Disney Magic departs from the Erato Street Terminal in New Orleans. Despite being one of the older Disney cruise ships, Disney Magic has a real charm and I absolutely loved my Disney Magic cruise.

4. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the last of the cruise lines out of New Orleans for ocean sailings, and again it is only offering sailings from the port during a limited time window – specifically from November to January.

Royal Caribbean New Orleans cruises are on Brilliance of the Seas, which is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. She doesn’t have as many exciting features as some of the latest vessels, but she still has a lot of fun activities available for families to enjoy.

Various 4-night, 5-night, 7-night and 9-night cruises are available, taking in destinations around Mexico, Honduras and the Caribbean.

Brilliance of the Seas sails from the Julia Street Terminal.

Mississippi River Cruises From New Orleans

Cruising from New Orleans isn’t just about ocean cruising. In fact, some of the best cruises out of New Orleans are river cruises – the city is maybe better known for its Mississippi journeys. Here’s a look at the options available if you’d like to try a New Orleans river cruise.

1. American Cruise Lines

There are a wealth of exciting options available if you want to try an American Cruise Lines sailing, with river cruises available year-round.

You’ll be able to board one of the modern boats that the cruise line offers, including American Melody, American Splendor and American Jazz.

Sailings range from short 4-night breaks that focus more on the area immediately around New Orleans, to epic 21-night cruises all along the Mississippi where you’ll visit New Orleans, Memphis, Winona and more en route to St Paul.

All American Cruise Lines sailings depart from the Thalia Street Wharf. Be aware though, American Cruise Lines cruises are pretty pricey. But, you do get a lot included.

2. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises is famous as one of the world’s biggest river cruise lines, but they have mainly stuck to Europe and Asia. However, since 2022, the cruise line has been offering cruises on the Mississippi, offering 7-night cruises from New Orleans to Memphis year-round. Itineraries continue to be available for 2024 and beyond.

What makes Viking special is the option for some fantastic pre- and post-cruise stays. If you aren’t local to New Orleans, booking a river cruise that includes a couple of nights in the city before you sail, with tailored excursions, will really bring your whole itinerary to life.

Viking’s cruises depart from the Poydras Street Wharf.

There used to be a third river cruise line that sailed out of New Orleans, but in February 2024 it was confirmed that American Queen Voyages had ceased trading.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for an ocean cruise around the Caribbean and Central America, or you want to discover the thriving culture and amazing history of the Lower Mississippi on a river cruise, there are plenty of cruises leaving from New Orleans for you to take your pick from.

Sure, there may not be as much choice as you would find at Florida’s ports, or if you were sailing from the UK or one of the major Mediterranean cruise ports, but you get to pick from some of ocean cruises’ biggest names, as well as arguably the biggest river cruise line, and some wonderful specialists in American sailings. You won’t be missing out.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Alaska offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, along with fascinating cultural and historical landmarks.

This makes it the ideal location for a cruise – provided you aren’t looking to sunbathe too much, anyway!

If you like the idea of seeing the beauty of Alaska from the water, or you want to explore multiple towns in one journey, then an Alaskan cruise is the ideal option.

In terms of itineraries and ports of call, there are some locations that all the major cruise lines go to, as well as hidden gems reserved for smaller ships and luxury cruise lines only. And in this guide, I’ll take you through them all!

How many cruise ports are in Alaska?

As of 2024, there are 26 ports in Alaska that have cruise ships making a port visit planned for the next year or two. There are a couple of additional ports that have been used previously too, but they no longer have any visits scheduled.

Where do Alaska cruises depart?

Most Alaskan cruises depart from one of four ports on the western coast of North America – either Seward or Juneau within Alaska itself, or from Vancouver in Canada or Seattle in the US. Some cruises depart from further afield, including ports in Hawaii or Australia.

Typically, you’ll be looking at flying into one of those four major ports though, unless you’re booking an Alaskan cruise as part of a longer itinerary, incorporating other destinations too.

Map of Alaska Cruise Ports

Now, here’s some information about each of the cruise ports in Alaska, as well as a list of which cruise lines call at each one…

1. Ketchikan

Pier/Tender: Pier

Ketchikan is the busiest port in Alaska in terms of cruise ship visits, and with good reason. It has a wealth of activities to enjoy, including a famous collection of authentic totem poles at various sites.

Visitors can enjoy seaplane tours of the region including seeing the Misty Fjords and spotting wild bears, while there are some excellent restaurants along the pier serving fresh seafood caught locally.

2. Sitka

Pier/Tender: Pier

A port city on the west of Baranof Island, Sitka is a quieter location than the bigger ports of Ketchikan and Juneau .

It offers plenty to explore though, including the National Historic Park with traditional Native American artworks, and the Raptor Centre where injured birds of prey are treated before being released back into the wild.

3. Juneau

Pier/Tender: Pier

The capital of the state, Juneau is a major cruise and fishing port and this is reflected in the fantastic excursions and the great seafood restaurants that visitors can enjoy. Popular trips include exploring the Mendenhall Glacier area on foot or via various water sports activities.

There is also the option to tour the gold panning sights of the region or take on a wildlife excursion via helicopter to see brown bears in their natural habitat. Dog sledding, scenic tram journeys, museums and more continue the incredible selection of excursion options.

4. Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

Pier/Tender: Pier

Icy Strait Point is the main area to explore from the Hoonah port. There are a number of things to explore here, including a museum and stores related to the local fishing trade. But the main attraction is the zip line.

It offers stunning views across the forest and the port area, landing right back at the cruise terminal where you can enjoy a post-ride snack or visit the Adventure Center for even more thrilling activities.

5. Skagway

Pier/Tender: Pier

Situated at the northern tip of the Inside Passage, guests will have enjoyed a stunningly scenic approach to Skagway before disembarking to explore for the day.

The most popular attraction in the region is the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, while the town itself still consists of authentic buildings from the gold rush times.

6. Haines

Pier/Tender: Pier

Haines is the quintessential Alaskan port. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, a range of outdoor activities available as excursions, and visiting wildlife including orcas, sea lions and seals, there are many things to enjoy. 

In terms of man-made sights, Fort William/Port Chilkoot has barracks and officer housing that now operate as restaurants or stores, and the Alaska Indian Arts Centre features live demos from local craftsmen.

7. Seward

Pier/Tender: Pier

A busy port, Seward serves as the homeport for a large number of cruises in Alaska. It’s also home to the Alaska SeaLife Center – one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world.

Nearby you can also explore the Exit Glacier, and the Kenai Fjords National Park, while around the city visitors can also book onto a small-boat cruise to spot wildlife such as puffins, whales and otters.

8. Kodiak Island

Pier/Tender: Tender

The town of Kodiak on Kodiak Island is far from a major port, yet it’s popular with cruise lines due to its beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by glaciers and it is home to a huge wildlife refuge covering most of the island, and home to the brown bear.

If you’d rather stay near the shore, you can enjoy a small boat or kayak trip around the harbour area.

9. Dutch Harbor

Pier/Tender: Pier

Dutch Harbor is a small but important port, known primarily as one of the most important fishing ports in the whole of the US. Indeed, it is the location where the popular TV series Deadliest Catch was always filmed.

It isn’t the most touristy place, so visits tend to focus on the local heritage including military ruins and hikes along trails first used thousands of years ago by native Unangans.

10. Wrangell

Pier/Tender: Pier

Wrangell is the name of the island and the main port town where cruise ships dock. 

While much of the town’s heritage was burned down in a fire in the 1950s, there is still plenty to explore, including a preserved tribal house on the nearby Chief Snakes Island, and a museum that documents the gold rush history of the region.

11. Petersburg

Pier/Tender: Tender

Petersburg is only accessible to smaller ships, which helps to create an off-the-beaten-track vibe – bigger ships focus more on nearby Sitka or Juneau, giving Petersburg a less ‘touristy’ feel.

Wander the dock to see the local fisherman at work, or book a guided tour of the nearby scenery in the hope of spotting the resident wildlife.

12. Aleutian Islands

Pier/Tender: Tender

Consisting of five archipelagos, this collection of islands offers some rugged natural beauty and is great for anyone with an interest in bird-watching. Hikes around the islands showcase the crashed planes and other debris from World War II battles.

13. Nome

Pier/Tender: Tender

Nome is a picturesque town with many of its gold rush buildings still standing intact, making for a very scenic walk as you explore.

The town was actually named in error – a British officer marked a map with “? Name” next to the location, and this was later misread as “C Nome” and became “Cape Nome”.

14. Valdez

Pier/Tender: Pier

Valdez is the home of the Keystone Canyon and is nestled amongst the Prince William Sound.

The town has plenty of gold rush history to explore, but most people tend to opt for an excursion focussing on the natural wonders of the area – including kayak trips to see the glaciers, whale watching boat trips, and more.

15. Chichagof Island

Pier/Tender: Pier

Chichagof is one of the largest islands in the whole of the US, with some incredible mountain and forest scenery.

Ships will either anchor or Point Adolphus, particularly when the waters are rife with feeding whales, or they will dock at Hoonah where guided tours are available on foot or by seaplane.

16. Baranof Island

Pier/Tender: Tender

While most cruises to Baranof Island dock at Sitka, there are also some itineraries that explore lesser-visited parts of the island too.

These small ship excursions give you the chance to see some of the quieter communities, which mostly revolve around the seafood trade – with chances to sample the local cuisine.

17. Cordova

Pier/Tender: Pier

Traditionally visited only by the Alaskan-based cruise line UnCruise Adventures, Cordova is now opening up to other small cruise lines to offer scenic tours of the nearby glaciers, along with land excursions focussing on the Spanish heritage of the settlement.

18. Kupreanof Island

Pier/Tender: Tender

A scenic, forest-dense island, Kupreanof has two port towns, with most ships opting to anchor at the town of Kake.

Visitors may enjoy tours to spot black bears and bald eagles, while there is a 60-foot totem pole worth seeing too.

19. Anchorage

Pier/Tender: Pier

Anchorage was previously one of Alaska’s busiest cruise ports, but few ships have returned after the events of 2020. Ships instead prioritise calls in nearby Seward or Whittier.

The best excursions focus on the abundance of beautiful parks in the area, including Resolution Park, Eklutna Historical Park, and Earthquake Park. Expect stunning scenery with guided tours filling in the fascinating heritage of the region.

20. Whittier

Pier/Tender: Tender

Whittier is a unique port of call as it is only available for guests who are willing to disembark and travel to Anchorage for their flight home, or for guests on back-to-back cruises sailing return to Vancouver.

A small port with just 290 residents, there are tours available to explore the Prince William Sound, the Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

21. Metlakatla

Pier/Tender: Tender

Metlakatla is the port town for Annette Island, home of the sole remaining Alaskan Indian reservation. Silversea is the primary cruise line visiting, offering float plane excursions to the Misty Fjords and guided tours showcasing the local Tsimshian culture.

22. Homer

Pier/Tender: Pier

Homer is a busy town on the Kenai Peninsula, and its most prominent feature is the Homer Spit – a gravel bar where ships will dock.

The main attraction of the town is the visitor centre run by the coalition of the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

23. Admiralty Island

Pier/Tender: Tender

Ships visiting Admiralty Island dock at the small port town of Angoon. Visitors can learn about the varied wildlife calling the island home (including the highest density of brown bears in the US), and the mines that hold gold, silver and other metals.

24. Kuiu Island

Pier/Tender: Tender

Kuiu Island is a small island situated between Kupreanof and Baranof, with a population of just 10 people!

It has scenic walks to enjoy, along with an active lighthouse to spot on your visit. 

25. Klawock

Pier/Tender: Pier

Klawock hosts a new cruise port, and while it has only attracted one cruise line so far, there is promise for the future. The town will serve as the main port for Prince of Wales Island, with excursions primarily focussing on small-boat tours of the surrounding islands and inlets.

26. King Island

Pier/Tender: Non-landing

This tiny island is uninhabited and offers dramatic scenery along with many exciting bird species. The one Ponant cruise visiting the island can’t land, but instead, the ship will sail around it and offer plenty of bird-spotting opportunities. 

What are the best ports to visit on an Alaska cruise?

Any Alaskan cruise will be special, but the ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Icy Strait Point offer a fantastic balance of natural beauty and rich heritage. Kodiak Island is a little smaller but is great for spotting wildlife, while the smaller ports visited by luxury ships offer a calmer side of Alaskan life.

No matter which ports your ship visits, you will enjoy a cross-section of everything Alaska has to offer – beautiful glaciers, the history of the gold rush, and the chance to see whales and other breathtaking creatures.

Just be sure to book your excursions in advance, as many of the more unique experiences will sell out quickly in the bigger ports.

To Conclude

There are so many things you can see or do in Alaska that you’d need a couple of cruises just to tick most of them off.

There are a core set of ports that most of the major cruise lines always visit, but if you want to get off the beaten track then smaller ships and luxury cruise lines are the way to go.

If you need some help with choosing a ship for your Alaska cruise, then check out this guide next: The 11 Best Cruise Ships For Alaska (According to Real Reviews).

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Formal nights have long been a part of cruise tradition, and despite waning interest from some guests, they do endure on Carnival.

Pretty much every Carnival cruise will have at least one formal night, but it’s good to understand exactly what’s expected – how strict are the rules, what kind of atmosphere should you expect, and what kind of outfit should you make sure you have packed in your suitcase before you travel?

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about ‘Formal’ night on a Carnival cruise, starting with…

1. They Aren’t Called Formal Nights

Carnival’s formal nights were renamed over 10 years ago to become “Elegant Night”.

It’s the same idea in concept – guests are encouraged to get dressed up, and the night is meant to feel more special. But a lot of guests believe it was given a new name to try to relax the pressure around formal nights so that guests who didn’t want to dress up wouldn’t feel excluded from the celebrations.

So, when you see the nights listed on your cruise schedule as Elegant Night, you know that that’s the formal night(s) for your cruise.

2. There Are 1 or 2 Per Cruise

The only Carnival cruises which don’t have an Elegant Night are 1-day cruises. As long as you’re on the ship for two nights or more, you’ll get to experience one.

There’s one Cruise Elegant evening for any cruise from 2 days to 5 days, while cruises that are 6 days or longer have two Cruise Elegant evenings.

As for when they take place, it will vary. Usually, it’s on the second or third day of your cruise, and then 1-2 days before the final day of your cruise.

On a 4-day cruise, you should expect Elegant Night to be held on the second or third nights, and for a 7-day cruise, it’ll likely be the second night and the fifth or sixth night.

While some cruise lines will try to put their formal nights on sea days, so that guests have more time to get ready, Carnival’s shorter cruises with fewer sea days negate this as an option, so your Elegant Night could happen on a day when the ship is in port.

3. Elegant Night Is Not Mandatory

You absolutely do not have to take part in Elegant Night if you don’t want to. If you’re someone who hates the idea of getting dressed up, then you can just avoid the whole Elegant Night experience. It’s not like there’s a dress code that applies to the whole ship.

If you want to really relax and enjoy your typical casual attire, then the best place to go is the buffet restaurant, where you will find that the night feels just like the rest of your cruise. Don’t panic about what to wear if you would rather just keep it casual.

4. Speciality Restaurants Are Cruise Casual

For the most part, the speciality restaurants onboard your Carnival ship will remain as Cruise Casual even during the Elegant Night celebrations. The Main Dining Room is where most people will be donning their formal wear, so you could book a speciality restaurant meal if you’d rather stick to your usual attire.

Some restaurants may have a couple of additional rules around not wearing shorts, but you’ll be told these when you make your booking and it’s still a very simple dress code that is easy to abide by.

5. You Should Avoid Anything Too Casual

The recommended dress code for your formal dinner on Elegant Night is for men to wear dress slacks with a shirt and sports coat, or women to wear cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or a skirt and blouse. 

This is the recommended dress code only though, so if you want to wear jeans and a polo shirt then you should be fine. You might get judged by some of your other cruise guests, but most of them won’t bat an eyelid or even notice what you’re wearing.

6. Not Everyone Dresses Up – But Some Make a Real Effort

There’s a real mix of people on Carnival’s Elegant Nights – some people who follow the dress code, some who take it to another level by donning a suit with tie, tuxedo or full evening gown, and some who don’t stick to the recommended dress code but will at least put on a full-length pair of trousers and a collared polo shirt.

If you’re one of those who really wants to make an effort then by all means go for it, but you’ll likely be in the minority. Most people will be in the recommended dress code, or a slight step down. The black-tie and evening gown crowd is shrinking all the time.

7. You Could Be Refused Service… But It’s Very Unlikely

There are technically some tighter rules on the dress code for Carnival’s Elegant Nights, and if you flaunt these then you might be refused service in the Main Dining Room, and asked to eat elsewhere. You should definitely avoid wearing cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts, t-shirts, baseball hats, bathing suits and flip-flops.

You don’t have to quite go all-out with the formal dining wear, but as long as you avoid these banned items, you won’t have any issues.

Even if you did turn up wearing tailored shorts and a simple t-shirt without a slogan, it’s unlikely the crew will turn you away. But the other guests may be less impressed with you.

8. You’ll Enjoy an Enhanced Menu

The menu for Elegant Night on a Carnival cruise will offer a selection of different options compared to a regular evening, with slightly higher quality dishes available.

However, not everything is included – there will still be a Steakhouse Selection of dishes that have an additional charge associated with them, just like at regular dinners.

And the appetizers and desserts may only include one or two special options, with the rest being similar to those in rotation with regular dinner menus too.

9. The Atmosphere Is Sophisticated But Relaxed Too

The idea of Carnival’s Elegant Nights is to enjoy a night of sophistication. However, it’s not supposed to be super-formal, the kind of night where you’re always worrying about etiquette or anything like that.

There will be a lot of guests who view it just as another night in the Main Dining Room, and nothing particularly special. So there’s still a relaxed atmosphere that you can enjoy. It’s not a night where you’re performing, and the crew are still looking to make sure you enjoy yourself.

It’s not a stuffy vibe at all. Some guests might have a little bit of an attitude over others who are ‘flaunting’ the dress code, but there are now enough people who aim for a more smart/casual style that you’re unlikely to hear any snide remarks or anything like that, since those who care are in a tiny minority.

10. There Are No Hard Rules On Kids’ Attire

The dress codes for Carnival’s Elegant Nights only dictate what the recommended attire is for men and women. If you’re planning on dining with your kids during the Elegant Night celebrations, don’t worry too much about finding a really formal outfit for them.

Most children and teenagers will enjoy getting a little bit dressed up alongside their parents, so feel free to put them in dresses or trousers. But don’t fret over what kind of shoes they’re wearing – trainers will be fine.

And if they want to wear a t-shirt and shorts, nobody is going to complain. Stick to the main basic rules of no swimwear and no flip-flops and you won’t have an issue.

Alternatively, sometimes the kids can go and dine in the buffet with their friends as part of the kids’ club, in their own special area, while the adults enjoy Elegant Night – one to ask about, if you think they’d prefer that.

11. You May Get Your Photo With The Captain

Carnival’s website reminds guests to say cheese when they get their photo taken with the Captain on Elegant Night. It doesn’t always happen though, and it’s becoming more of a rarity. So, make sure you snap up (geddit?) the chance to get your photo taken with the Captain while you’re in your Elegant Night attire, as you might not get that opportunity again.

Suggested read: What is the Captain’s Dinner on a Carnival Cruise?

Final Word

Elegant Nights on Carnival are generally very relaxed affairs, and you don’t need to panic about putting on your very best outfits if you’d rather leave them at home. Avoid the absolute no-nos, like swimwear and shorts, but even if you wear smart-looking jeans you’ll be absolutely fine.

And if the whole concept of formal dining makes you uncomfortable, just head to another venue on the ship for your dinner and your evening’s entertainment. There will be plenty of others doing exactly the same, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

The backbone of any Carnival cruise is the cruise director. The most visible member of the crew, their job is to ensure that each cruise runs smoothly and that every guest enjoys an unforgettable experience.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the role of the cruise director on Carnival ships and highlight the key dates that each of the Carnival Cruise Directors are scheduled to work.

And if you want to keep up-to-date with the schedule of your favourite cruise directors, you’ll find some handy links to their social media pages here too.

Carnival Cruise Director Schedule

So, who are the cruise directors on Carnival cruise ships, and when are they scheduled to work? Well, Carnival Cruise Line has released its cruise director schedule that you can check ahead of your cruise to find out.

The following schedule is subject to change. Please click here to double-check the latest information.

Carnival Breeze Cruise Directors

The Cruise Director schedule for Carnival Breeze for the next few months has been set. On January 11th, Lawrence West took charge of the ship’s entertainment for now, until April 8th, 2024. Andrew Mercer was then due to be onboard, but plans have now changed, and it’s Keegan Van Zyl who’ll take over between April and June when Felipe Serrina Do Couto boards for most of the latter half of the year. Keegan is a lot of fun and had a great two weeks covering Kyndall Fire last year on Mardi Gras.

Carnival Celebration Cruise Directors

The Carnival Celebration cruise director schedule has finally cleared up after a month or two of confusion.

Louie Clare is on the ship now and will remain onboard until 10 March. Lee Mason will then be back from 10th March until July 2024, and then Marty Pitts will join the ship.

Carnival Conquest Cruise Directors

The Carnival Conquest has some fantastic Cruise Directors onboard. Robby Howell joined the ship in October 2023 and will be onboard through the New Year. Stjepan Neral then takes over from February through to May, and then Savannah Mitchell will then be in charge of the entertainment until October 2024.

These talented Cruise Directors are sure to make the cruise experience unforgettable for all guests!

Carnival Dream Cruise Directors

Get ready to experience the dream vacation of a lifetime with the talented Cruise Directors onboard the Carnival Dream!

On November 4th, Tyler Meehan retook his place on the stage until February 18th, 2024. Andrew Mercer is then expected to lead the way until June – it’s not clear yet who’ll take over after this.

With their exceptional personalities, these Cruise Directors are sure to bring a smile to every passenger’s face and make the cruise an unforgettable experience!

Carnival Elation Cruise Directors

You can expect some fantastic Cruise Directors on the Carnival Elation.

On January 13th, Zackary Paiement-Dockrill joined the ship and will remain onboard until April 15th, 2024, and he’s set to take over again after a month. But in that intermediary period, Gabriel Coppolla will be back onboard once more, having been on the ship for New Year.

With their exceptional interpersonal skills and passion for creating memorable experiences, these Cruise Directors are sure to bring joy and excitement to all passengers on the Carnival Elation.

Carnival Freedom Cruise Directors

The Carnival Freedom brings some fantastic Cruise Directors along for the ride! Todd Evans has been running all the fun onboard since November, and he’ll carry it throughout the holiday season. Erin Weigand then joins the ship on February 12th until June 17th, 2024.

However the schedule got a little messy with the latest update, as Todd will apparently rejoin in March until July as well, and then come back onboard in September until January 2025. It’ll get cleared up soon, and as soon as it does I’ll give you all the updates.

With their infectious energy and ability to create fun-filled experiences, these Cruise Directors are guaranteed to bring a smile to every passenger’s face and make the cruise an unforgettable adventure.

Carnival Glory Cruise Directors

The Carnival Glory is about to embark on a journey filled with fun and adventure, and there’s a truly exceptional Cruise Director leading the team!

Cam Chavis joined the ship in January 2024, and he’s well-loved for his warmth and energy. He was scheduled to be on the ship until May, but that’s now TBC.

With his unique personality and passion for creating unforgettable experiences, this Cruise Director is sure to make the Carnival Glory cruise one to remember!

Carnival Horizon Cruise Directors

The Carnival Horizon Cruise Director schedule has been reshuffled a little in recent times. Georgia Craig came onboard in November and was hosting the show until early December. Joseph Boyes then joined the ship, remaining until the end of January. At that stage, Georgia returned and will stay on the ship until November, though she will have a break from May to July – replacement TBC.

The infectious energy of Georgia is sure to wow all guests!

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Directors

The cruise director for the debuting Carnival Jubilee has been announced, and it’s the very popular Kyndall Fire who has managed to snag the role! Cruise directors love to take on new ships and Kyndall will do an excellent job of welcoming guests to this amazing vessel.

In the updated line-up, Louie Clare has been added for a run from March to May to give Kyndall a break, though she will return. Louie will then come back onto the ship towards the end of the year.

Carnival Legend Cruise Directors

Get ready for a legendary experience on the Carnival Legend with its fantastic Cruise Directors!

On January 7th, 2024, the energetic Dustin Gabriel took over the role of CD on the ship. The hilarious Jake Miller takes over on May 23rd, and is due to remain on the ship until November.

Guests just can’t get enough of these Cruise Directors, who have a reputation for creating unforgettable experiences and leaving a lasting impression with their warm personalities and passion for entertaining.

Carnival Liberty Cruise Directors

Adam Gilbert is the current Cruise Director on Carnival Liberty. He loves cruising, and always brings huge amounts of fun to every sailing. He’s due to remain on the ship until early June – originally his replacement was scheduled to be Jasper Wade but that’s been taken off the schedule for now.

Carnival Luminosa Cruise Directors

If you’re planning on sailing on the Carnival Luminosa soon, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the cruise directors.

Rainier Scholtz is the current Cruise Director on the ship, having joined in mid-November. He’s running the show until late March. Tyler Meehan then joins the ship to run all your entertainment, before the excellent Marty Pitts gets his turn keeping the Luminosa guests happy, starting in July. He’ll stay onboard until mid-October.

Carnival Magic Cruise Directors

If you’re setting sail on Carnival Magic in the near future, you’ll be in good hands. On January 13th, 2024, Jake Miller replaced Michael D’Auria as the cruise director, and he’ll be on the ship right until May 19th, 2024. He’ll then have a break before returning in July.

With such engaging and experienced cruise director, your time on the Carnival Magic is sure to be a memorable and fun-filled adventure.

Mardi Gras Cruise Directors

The Mardi Gras has an exciting lineup of cruise directors set to take the stage.

According to Carnival’s latest cruise director schedule, TJ Pardita will be onboard from January 27th until May.

Jacky Tang is then back from May until July – he had covered the Christmas/NY season – and then TJ rejoins the ship once more.

With such an engaging and talented pair of cruise directors, guests are sure to have a blast on the Mardi Gras this year.

Carnival Miracle Cruise Directors

The Carnival Miracle has a talented set of cruise directors in the 2024 schedule.

Felipe Serrina Do Couto took over from late November right up to March 26th, 2024. Felipe is excellent, and guests over the next few months will love him.

Then, Lia Stivers has been announced as the replacement, joining the ship until July. She’s a lot of fun and will make sure every guests has an amazing cruise.

Carnival Panorama Cruise Directors

The Carnival Panorama is set to have an amazing team of cruise directors on board.

Gerry Berrones joined the lineup in October and was due to remain in place until early January, but he’s now moved to Carnival Glory. His replacement was Christian ‘Deon’ Williams who joined on December 30th and will be onboard until June 2nd, 2024 – he’d already spent a lot of time on the ship in 2023.

Carnival Paradise Cruise Directors

The Carnival Paradise is all set to have a blast with their upcoming Cruise Directors in 2024.

The charismatic John Loney will remains onboard until February 19th, 2024 when Amber Celen retakes the role until the first half of 2024 – she was on the ship earlier in 2023. John then returns in June and is currently scheduled to be on the ship until August.

These top-class Cruise Directors are sure to make the Carnival Paradise experience an unforgettable one for all those on board.

Carnival Pride Cruise Directors

The Carnival Pride is all set to have amazing Cruise Directors in 2024.

Christian Matthieu is the current director, having joined the ship at the end of 2023. He’ll be on-board until mid-February, with Jasper Wade then taking over and ensuring guests have an amazing cruise right through until June.

With such a dynamic team, passengers on the Carnival Pride can look forward to an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Carnival Radiance Cruise Directors

On the Carnival Radiance, William “Paully” Munhollon joined the ship in January and is currently scheduled to remain onboard until March.

Michael D’Auria has been announced now as his replacement – he will join the ship until July.

Carnival Spirit Cruise Directors

The Carnival Spirit is all set to have an incredible team of Cruise Directors in 2024.

Alex Siegler came onboard on November 25th, 2023 until February 17th, 2024. He’ll then have a break before returning in March through July. We now know that Ricardo Alfonso Betancourt Lopez is the CD who’ll be running things in the interim.

With such a dynamic team, passengers on the Carnival Spirit can look forward to an unforgettable and lively cruising experience.

Carnival Splendor Cruise Directors

The Carnival Splendor is also set to have a fantastic Cruise Directors throughout the end of 2023 and into 2024.

Savannah Mitchell is a natural entertainer who knows how to get the party started. She’s already worked on the ship into 2023, taking a short break from August 10th, 2023, and then returning on November 9th, 2023, to keep the fun going with her infectious energy right up until March 2024. Simon London will have boarded by then, and will run the entertainment on the ship until July.

Carnival Sunrise Cruise Directors

The Sunrise has an impressive roster of cruise directors in 2024 to ensure that Carnival cruisers have an amazing time at sea. This is another ship that’s had a schedule shuffle in recent times, though. Thankfully, while it was a bit unclear, it has now been resolved.

Leon Smith joined the ship late in February, and he’s due to stay until May when Gabriel Coppolla comes onboard. He’ll work through August, before taking a break and then returning in September.

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Directors

If you’re sailing on Carnival Sunshine, you’ve got some great Cruise Directors to look forward to.

James Love is the main man – he was onboard from October 2023 until recently, with a two month break now before he returns in April to cover the summer season.

Elizabeth Clough is now in charge for February and March, bringing a ton of fun for guests during this time.

Carnival Valor Cruise Directors

We can expect to see a real mix of cruise directors on Carnival Valor. The hilarious and charismatic Austin Morris joined the ship in early January and will remain onboard until April. Louie Claire will join the lineup in June until September 2024 – and we now know that John Loney will be in charge of those interim months from April until June.

Carnival Venezia Cruise Directors

One of Carnival’s newest ships, Carnival Venezia made her debut on June 15th, 2023. This ship joined the fleet after a refurbishment from when she sailed for Costa Cruises as Costa Venezia.

The cruise director for Carnival Venezia currently is the incomparable Marq Anthony who returned to the ship until March 2024.

Marq will take a break – Jacky Tang will be his replacement – before rejoining in May until early September. Lee Mason then takes over right up until January 2025.

Carnival Vista Cruise Directors

The friendly and cheerful Marty Pitts is running the show on Carnival Vista for the next few months – he’ll be on the ship until June.

Cruise Directors on Social Media

Many of the Carnival cruise directors are active on social media and following your favourite directors on Facebook can be a great way to see what they’re up to.

With that in mind, here are links to the Facebook and Instagram pages of some of Carnival’s most popular cruise directors:

FAQs About Carnival Cruise Directors?

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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