Cruises from Miami: 8 Ports & Destinations to Explore

Are you considering a cruise out of Miami? With Norwegian, you can visit some relaxing island destinations or venture off on an extraordinary journey to the Panama Canal. Now is the ideal time to book your next Norwegian cruise vacation. Explore a few of the dynamic destinations you can explore on a Miami cruise.

1. Belize & Harvest Caye

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and world-class diving and snorkeling. Norwegian's Caribbean cruises that stop in Belize visit Harvest Caye, an island off Placencia in the southern portion of Belize. Spend your island time relaxing and enjoying Harvest Caye's amenities, such as kayaking, zip lining, parasailing, and more.

Book one of the many excursions to the mainland where you can visit a Mayan archaeological site and a Belizean spice farm, or you can check out a mainland village. You can also book a Mayan chocolate experience to learn how the Kekchí Maya make chocolate — from bean to bar.

2. Bonaire

Bonaire is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. Visitors will undoubtedly see an abundance of marine life and enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches that dot the island. If you aren't interested in getting wet, there's plenty to do on dry land too. Consider an off-road adventure that will take you to some of the best-hidden spots — you may even spot some wildlife such as donkeys, goats, and flamingos.

You'll also find several other Bonaire excursions, including the Best of Bonaire that takes you along the northern and southern coastlines. Here you will discover the more rugged island landscape, including divi divi trees.

3. Costa Rica

If you opt for a Panama Canal cruise, your itinerary might include a stop in Costa Rica. Full-transit cruises may visit Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), while partial transit cruises may dock in Puerto Limon. Puerto Limon is on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, while Puntarenas is on the Pacific Coast side.

In Puntarenas, you'll find some great activities no matter what interests you. Visit a Macaw sanctuary, take in an Andalusian horse show, enjoy the beach at Tortuga Island, explore a coffee plantation, indulge in beer tasting, and more. Take in Costa Rica's lush rainforests by going on a walk, a zip line adventure, or a gondola ride through the canopy while exploring Puerto Limon.

RELATED CRUISES:
7-Day Caribbean Cruise: Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatan
7-Day Caribbean Cruise: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic
3-Day Bahamas Cruise: Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau

4. Jamaica

Some Caribbean cruises from Miami include a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. One of the best sights here is Dunn's River Falls. You can relax on the beach below or climb 600 feet to the top of the waterfall. At Green Grotto Caves, you can wander through passageways and chambers where you'll see coastal limestone, light holes, stalagmites, and stalactites. Opt for a beach getaway and aqua tubing adventure at Bamboo Beach Club.

5. Mexico

Pick a cruise that includes a stop in Mexico, and you're likely going to Cozumel, an island off Mexico's Caribbean coast. Are you interested in seeing world-famous Mayan sites? Consider an airplane tour to the world-famous Chichén Itzá or stay on Cozumel and enjoy the beautiful views at the San Gervasio Mayan site. If you're all about the beaches, there are plenty of options in Cozumel as well, including Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, or the nearby private Passion Island.

Another potential port of call is Costa Maya. Located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, you'll find numerous options for adventure here. Enjoy the tranquil turquoise waters at the area's beaches. Head off to explore Mayan sites such as Chacchoben or Kohunlich. Costa Maya is also an excellent port for those who want to visit the famous Bacalar region, known for its seven-color lagoon. Take a river tubing tour that empties you into the glass-smooth lagoon.

6. Panama

One of the main reasons to book a cruise from Miami is exploring the Panama Canal. Enjoy a daylight cruise through the 40-mile canal for an utterly unforgettable journey. If you choose a partial transit, you'll stop at Gatun Lake, where you can disembark, provided you booked a shore excursion. Explore the Panama Canal via ferry or a transcontinental railroad, where you'll enjoy views from a deluxe 1938 vintage dome car.

7. The Bahamas

If you book a Bahamas cruise, it will include a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island. Relax on the white-sand beaches or partake in one of many activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and zip lining. Enjoy plenty of delicious eats and drinks as well. Great Stirrup Cay is for the exclusive use of Norwegian guests. If you prefer more privacy, consider a villa rental for the day. Here, you and your family can truly relax and spend time together.

8. British Virgin Islands

You can choose a Caribbean cruise that visits Tortola in the British Virgin Islands when you cruise with Norwegian. Here you'll find excellent diving and snorkeling, shallow turquoise waters, and plenty of adventure. Consider an exploration tour in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, visit a historic sugar plantation, zip line through the lush jungle vegetation, and more. Book a catamaran tour to Jost Van Dyke, where you can order a drink at iconic bars such as the Soggy Dollar, the original home of the Painkiller.

Are you trying to decide which cruise from Miami is best for you? In the meantime, be sure to sign up for emails to get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox. Where are you cruising next? Tell us in the comments!

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on November 9, 2022. It has been updated for relevant content and itineraries.