If you’ve been dreaming of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and a short tropical getaway, a Bahamas cruise from Florida is one of the most convenient vacation options available. But before booking, many travelers ask: How many days is a cruise from Florida to The Bahamas?
The answer depends on the cruise line, itinerary, and departure port, but typically, Bahamas cruises from Florida last between 2 and 5 days. Some express sailings take as little as 2 nights, while others extend up to a full week, including multiple Bahamian islands.
Cruises from Florida to the Bahamas are among the most popular short cruises in the Caribbean. With multiple departure ports — such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Palm Beach — travelers can easily find affordable weekend or short getaway options year-round.
These cruises typically travel to Nassau, the Bahamian capital, or to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Some itineraries also include private cruise line islands like CocoCay (Royal Caribbean), Half Moon Cay (Carnival), or Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian).
Most Bahamas cruises from Florida last between 2 and 5 days, depending on the cruise line and itinerary type.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Cruise Type Duration Description
Weekend or Short Cruise 2–3 days Perfect for quick getaways or first-time cruisers
Standard Bahamas Cruise 4 days Includes 1–2 Bahamian ports and one sea day
Extended Bahamas Cruise 5–7 days Visits multiple islands or combines the Bahamas with the Caribbean
A 2-night Bahamas cruise itinerary is one of the most popular choices for travelers looking for an affordable and time-efficient vacation.
If you’re short on time, a 2-night Bahamas cruise from Florida offers a quick yet relaxing escape. These are often marketed as “weekend cruises” or “mini getaways.”
Example itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Palm Beach or Miami in the afternoon
Day 2: Arrive in Freeport or Nassau, spend the day exploring the island
Day 3: Return to Florida early in the morning
Cruise lines offering 2-night Bahamas cruises:
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (from Palm Beach to Freeport)
Royal Caribbean (short routes from Miami or Port Canaveral)
These cruises are ideal for travelers wanting to enjoy the Bahamas experience without taking a long vacation.
For a slightly longer escape, many travelers choose 3- or 4-day cruises. These typically depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral and include an additional day at sea or an extra island stop.
Sample 3-Night Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Miami
Day 2: Visit Nassau
Day 3: Visit a private island (like CocoCay or Half Moon Cay)
Day 4: Return to Florida
Sample 4-Night Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Port Canaveral
Day 2: Day at sea
Day 3: Stop at Nassau
Day 4: Visit a private island
Day 5: Return to port
These 3- to 4-day Bahamas cruises balance relaxation, adventure, and onboard entertainment — perfect for long weekends or short family trips.
If you have more time, consider a 5- to 7-day Bahamas cruise. These itineraries often combine the Bahamas with other Caribbean destinations like Key West, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic.
Example 5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Fort Lauderdale
Day 2: Day at sea
Day 3: Nassau
Day 4: Freeport or private island visit
Day 5: Return to Florida
Longer cruises are ideal for travelers who want more time at sea, a greater variety of excursions, and multiple island stops.
Several major cruise lines operate Florida-to-Bahamas cruises year-round, catering to different budgets and experiences.
Cruise Line Typical Duration Departure Port Destinations
Margaritaville at Sea2 nights Palm Beach Freeport
Carnival Cruise Line 3–5 nights Miami, Port Canaveral Nassau, Half Moon Cay
Royal Caribbean 3–4 nights Miami, Port Canaveral CocoCay, Nassau
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)3–5 nights Miami Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau
Disney Cruise Line 3–4 nights Port Canaveral Castaway Cay, Nassau
These options make it easy to find a cruise duration and itinerary that fits your schedule and travel preferences.
One of the most popular short cruises is the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, a 2-night Bahamas cruise from Palm Beach to Freeport.
Cruise highlights:
Depart Friday, return Sunday (perfect for weekend trips)
One full day in Freeport
Tropical onboard entertainment, dining, and live music
Optional “Cruise & Stay” packages that include extended hotel stays on the island
This makes the Margaritaville Bahamas cruise travel time one of the shortest and most convenient getaway options available.
Several factors determine how long your Bahamas cruise lasts:
Departure port: The closer to the Bahamas (like Palm Beach or Miami), the shorter the trip.
Number of stops: Visiting multiple islands adds extra days.
Sea days: Cruises may include days at sea for relaxation or travel time.
Type of cruise: “Cruise-only” trips are shorter, while “Cruise & Stay” packages are longer.
For travelers prioritizing speed and convenience, short 2-night or 3-night cruises are ideal. Those seeking more island-hopping and onboard experiences can opt for 4–5-day options.
Short cruises from Florida to the Bahamas are ideal for:
Quick getaways — perfect for weekends or holidays.
Affordable vacations — often cheaper than longer Caribbean cruises.
First-time cruisers — great way to experience cruising without a long commitment.
Year-round departures — flexible scheduling from multiple Florida ports.
With easy access and quick travel times, these cruises offer a perfect tropical escape just a few hours from home.
On average, ships take 6 to 8 hours to sail from Florida to the Bahamas. Most cruises depart in the afternoon and arrive at their first Bahamian port the next morning.
For example:
Palm Beach to Freeport: ~7 hours sailing time
Miami to Nassau: ~8–9 hours sailing time
Port Canaveral to Nassau: ~10–11 hours sailing time
While the voyage time is short, cruise lines fill each day with entertainment, dining, and onboard activities, ensuring you’re never bored.
When selecting your cruise duration, consider:
Budget: Shorter cruises are cheaper overall.
Schedule: 2–3 day trips fit easily into weekends.
Experience: Longer cruises include more destinations and sea days.
Travel goals: Want relaxation? Choose longer cruises. Need a quick break? A 2-night trip is perfect.
So, how many days is a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas? Most cruises last between 2 and 5 days, depending on the itinerary and departure port.
A 2-night Bahamas cruise itinerary, like those offered by Margaritaville at Sea, is perfect for a weekend escape. Meanwhile, 4–5-day cruises from Miami or Port Canaveral provide more time to explore multiple Bahamian islands and enjoy days at sea.
No matter the length, these cruises promise sunshine, ocean breezes, and a slice of paradise — all just a short sail away from Florida.
For more cruise insights and travel planning guides, visit PortJourney.com.
1. How long is a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas?
Most cruises take 2 to 5 days, depending on the itinerary and number of stops.
2. What is the shortest Bahamas cruise from Florida?
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise offers a 2-night cruise from Palm Beach to Freeport.
3. How long does it take to sail from Florida to the Bahamas?
On average, it takes 6–9 hours to reach the Bahamas by cruise ship.
4. Are there weekend cruises to the Bahamas?
Yes, several cruise lines, including Margaritaville, offer Friday-to-Sunday weekend sailings.
5. Which Florida ports offer Bahamas cruises?
Popular departure ports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Palm Beach.
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