Florida To Belize: The Ultimate Cruise Adventure

A cruise from Florida to Belize typically ranges from 6 to 11 nights, with some longer cruises also available. These cruises usually depart from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, with some also departing from Tampa. The cruises often include stops in other Caribbean destinations such as Honduras, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands.

Cruise lines that offer trips from Florida to Belize

There are several cruise lines that offer trips from Florida to Belize, each with its own unique features and amenities. Here are some of the popular cruise lines to consider:

Royal Caribbean International (RCL)

Royal Caribbean International offers various cruise options departing from Florida and visiting Belize. One example is their 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise, which starts in Tampa, with ports of call in Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City, Puerto Costa Maya, and returning to Tampa. They also offer cruises on different ships, such as the "Enchantment of the Seas" and the "Grandeur of the Seas."

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line provides a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean, departing from Miami, Florida. This cruise includes stops in Roatan, Harvest Caye (Belize), Costa Maya, Cozumel, and then back to Miami. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a fun and diverse range of activities and accommodations for families.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines offer several options for cruises departing from different ports in Florida, such as Tampa, Galveston, New Orleans, and Miami. Their cruises typically include stops in Belize, along with other destinations like Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Galveston. Carnival Cruise Lines provide a variety of onboard experiences, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offer cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and visiting Belize. They highlight the natural beauty of Belize, including its lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and diverse marine life. Celebrity Cruises also promote luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service for their guests.

Holland America

Holland America offers a 6-night or 7-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale, with Belize City as one of its ports of call. The specific ship for this cruise is the "Holland America Rotterdam."

These are just a few examples of the cruise lines that offer trips from Florida to Belize. Each cruise line has its own unique itineraries, onboard experiences, and amenities, so it's worth researching further to find the one that best suits your preferences and travel plans.

How long it takes to get from Florida to Belize by cruise ship

There are a variety of cruise options available for those looking to travel from Florida to Belize. The duration of the cruise depends on the number of stops and the cruise line. Here is a detailed breakdown of the different options:

6-Night Cruises

The Carnival Cruise Line offers a 6-night cruise to the Western Caribbean, departing from Fort Lauderdale and making stops in Belize City, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. This cruise provides an opportunity to explore Belize's natural and cultural attractions, including ancient Mayan ruins and pristine beaches.

7-Night Cruises

For those seeking a longer voyage, several cruise lines offer 7-night cruises departing from various ports in Florida. Royal Caribbean, Enchantment of the Seas, and Celebrity Infinity provide 7-night cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale, with stops in Belize City and other Caribbean destinations. These cruises offer a range of activities, such as snorkelling, zip-lining, and exploring the rich history and natural wonders of Belize.

Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7-night cruises departing from Miami, with stops in Harvest Caye (their private island in Belize), Honduras, and Mexico's Costa Maya and Cozumel. Their ships, the Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape, provide a range of on-board and shore excursions for a well-rounded vacation experience.

9- and 10-Night Cruises

For an extended journey, Oceania Cruises offers 9- and 10-night cruises departing from Miami. These cruises visit not only Harvest Caye but also other destinations like Guatemala, Honduras, Key West, Cuba, and Cozumel. With a focus on guest experience, Oceania provides a spa, dining options overseen by Master Chef Jacques Pépin, and their OLife program, which includes shore excursions and beverage packages.

11-Night Cruise

Hurtigruten offers an 11-night cruise departing from Miami, with a stop in Belize City as well as other destinations in Central America. This cruise provides an opportunity to explore the diverse natural and cultural offerings of the region.

14-Night Cruise

For the most comprehensive experience, consider the 14-night cruise offered by Viking Mars, departing from Fort Lauderdale. This cruise includes a stop in Belize, along with visits to Montego Bay, Cozumel, and other destinations in the Caribbean. With a focus on providing a unique and upscale experience, Viking Mars combines luxurious accommodations with a destination-centric approach to create a memorable journey.

The cost of a cruise from Florida to Belize

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean offers a range of cruises to Belize, with prices listed in USD:

• 6-night Western Caribbean cruise: $549
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruise: $562, $582, $593, $596, $597, $599, $610, $663, $672

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor lists cruises from Florida to Belize starting from $284. They provide details on various cruise lines and their respective offerings:

• Carnival Cruise Line: 6-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Holland America: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Enchantment of the Seas: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
• MSC Magnifica: 7-night and 10-night Western Caribbean cruises
• Viking Mars: 14-night Caribbean cruise
• Enchanted Princess: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Rhapsody of the Seas: 6-night and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises
• MSC Divina: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Radiance of the Seas: 7-night Caribbean cruise
• Carnival Magic: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Norwegian Joy: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Celebrity Apex: 14-night South America cruise
• Norwegian Jade: 10-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Celebrity Constellation: 10-night Western Caribbean cruise
• Sirena: 32-night Around the World cruise

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers cruises to Belize City, Belize, with prices including taxes and fees. They mention drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips being included in the cost, but specific price ranges are not provided.

What to do in Belize

Belize is a country that offers a unique blend of blue waters, green mountains, and colourful wooden houses. Here are some things you can do when visiting Belize:

Explore the Wildlife and Nature

Belize is home to a diverse range of wildlife and nature reserves. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located off the coast of Ambergris Caye, is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, where you can observe stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks. The reserve is divided into four parts: the mangroves, the reef, the sea-grass beds, and Shark Ray Alley.

Another popular nature spot is Caye Caulker, a small, sun-soaked island offering superb diving and snorkelling opportunities. It is known for its relaxed, tropical ambiance and lack of cars, with golf carts and bicycles being the primary modes of transportation.

For a more adventurous experience, you can explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, also known as the "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher." This challenging excursion involves trekking through the forest, crossing rivers, and venturing into the cave, where you will find human skeletons, ancient Maya pottery, and sacred chambers.

Discover Ancient Ruins

Belize is also known for its ancient Mayan ruins, including the Caracol Archaeological Reserve, one of the country's most impressive ancient sites. Spanning 25,000 acres, it houses ball courts, plazas, and pyramids, including the massive Caana (Sky Palace) pyramid.

Another notable Mayan site is Xunantunich, located along the Mopan River. This ceremonial site features six plazas and the tallest structure, "El Castillo," which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The Altun Ha Mayan site, located north of Belize City, served as a trading nexus during the Maya Empire's Classic Period. Here, you can explore tombs, pyramids, and temples, as well as a human-made lagoon.

Experience the Local Culture

Belize also offers a variety of cultural experiences. San Ignacio, often referred to as the heart of the Cayo District, is a central hub for adventures and activities. It is home to historic landmarks, a bustling Saturday market, and creative talents on display, such as music and art.

For a taste of local cuisine, try the grilled lobster, a Belizean favourite. Other dishes to savour include conch, lobster, or shrimp cocktails, and hudut, a fish soup cooked in coconut milk. Don't forget to pair your meal with a local beer, such as Belikin, or a Ripper cocktail, made with coconut rum and pineapple juice.

To immerse yourself in the local culture, consider a Garifuna drum lesson or a visit to the San Antonio Women's Cooperative, where you can learn about Mayan culture, food, and pottery-making.

Relax on the Beach

Belize also offers tranquil beaches for relaxation. Placencia, a booming beach town, boasts rustling palm trees, pastel-coloured beachfront villas, and calm Caribbean waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. It is the only place on mainland Belize with golden sands.

So, whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a beachgoer, Belize has something for everyone.

The best time to book a cruise

A cruise from Florida to Belize typically lasts for 6 or 7 nights, with some cruises lasting 10 nights or more. The best time to book a cruise depends on several factors, including your preferred travel dates, desired cabin category, and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you find the best time to book your cruise:

Booking in Advance

If you have specific travel dates in mind and want to secure your preferred cabin category, booking in advance is generally recommended. Cruise fares are usually released 1.5 to 2 years before the sailing date, and booking early can guarantee your spot on high-demand sailings, especially during peak seasons like school holidays. Booking early is also essential if you want to cruise on a new ship or a popular cruise line, such as Disney. By booking as soon as the fares are released, you can take advantage of the best rates and ensure you get the cabin location you want.

Taking Advantage of Off-Peak Seasons

If you're flexible with your travel dates and are not tied to school schedules, you can find great deals by cruising during off-peak seasons. In the Caribbean, the period after Thanksgiving but before Christmas is often considered a sweet spot, as the weather is mild, and there are usually fewer children on board. Early May is also a good time to cruise before the summer rush, and you can enjoy the warm weather without the crowds. September to December, excluding the holidays, is another great option for lower prices and fewer crowds.

Tracking Fares and Monitoring Deals

Cruise prices fluctuate frequently, and it can be challenging to predict when they will drop. However, by using fare-tracking tools like the Shipmate app and Cruise Critic, you can stay informed about price drops and flash sales. Generally, industry-wide sales occur during the wave season, which is from January through March. This period often offers the best time of year to book a cruise, as you can find discounted fares and promotions like free upgrades, prepaid gratuities, or onboard spending credits.

Booking Last-Minute Deals

If you have a flexible schedule and can wait until the last minute, you might score incredible deals as the cruise line works to fill the ship before departure. While this approach may result in limited cabin choices, it can be a great way to snag a bargain, especially if you're retired or have a flexible work schedule.

In conclusion, the best time to book a cruise from Florida to Belize depends on your preferences and flexibility. By booking in advance, targeting off-peak seasons, tracking fares, and monitoring deals, you can increase your chances of finding the best rates and having a memorable cruise experience.

Frequently asked questions