• Embark in Florida and see the world.cruise ship image by Nick Wade from Fotolia.com
  
  Cruising can be a great way to vacation because once you step on the ship you've got a variety of dining, entertainment, sports, social activities, gambling and shopping all contained on one floating hotel, basically. Cruising also allows passengers to visit a number of new ports of the world. Because of the popularity of cruising, cruise port terminals have been constructed throughout the United States. Cruise fans in Florida are likely to find themselves in close proximity to a number of cruise ports, with each cruise line offering tours of the local city plus travel to an array of distant countries.
  
  

Carnival Cruise Line

• Sail out of Port Canaveral on Carnival Cruise Line's four-day Bahamas trip on the Carnival Sensation. Guests start at Port Canaveral, where tours include an airboat tour, astronaut training experience, manatee kayaking, Kennedy Space Center tour and a trip to the Orlando Premium Outlets. Other ports include Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. On board guests may choose from an interior (no window), ocean view, balcony or suite accommodation. Relax in the ship's hot tubs, floating oasis, adult-only pools (kids' areas are also available), casino, bars, dance clubs or hit the shops, take dance lessons or play on the basketball court. The ship also offers a fitness center, art gallery (including auctions) and shops. Enjoy a variety of dining options from all-day buffets to room service to multi-course gourmet meals.
  
  Carnival Cruise Line
  888-227-6482
  carnival.com
  
  

Princess Cruises

• Embark on Princess Cruises' 15-day trip to the British Isles by sailing out of Fort Lauderdale and into Europe. Tours in Fort Lauderdale include a sail on the intracoastal waterway, Everglades airboat ride and a trip to the Flamingo Gardens wildlife sanctuary. Cruisers will also be able to explore ports such as Bermuda, Dublin, Glasgow, Cornwall, Paris and London. The Grand Princess offers five types of rooms, including an interior, ocean view (and a separate, lower-priced obstructed ocean view), balcony and mini-suite. While on board, enjoy specialties such as the ship's spa, take in a movie under the stars and dine in a choice of eateries such as a pizzeria, steakhouse, Italian restaurant, ice cream bar and room service on your balcony. Entertainment includes Broadway-type shows each night, a casino, nightclub with dancing, a nine-hole putting course, jogging track, shuffleboard, library and Wi-Fi cafe.
  
  Princess Cruises
  800-774-6237
  princess.com
  
  

Norwegian Cruise Line

• For a short cruise (longer cruises are also available) out of Miami, try Norwegian Cruise Line's two-day sailing to Great Stirrup Cay. Water sport enthusiasts may be interested in the ship's tours and excursions; Stirrup Cay offers both parasailing and a private island all-day snorkel. Rooms include an interior, ocean view, balcony and suite choice. While on board, select from two pools, five hot tubs, basketball and volleyball courts, two golf hitting nets, a library, shops, arcade, casino and fitness room. For dining, guests may opt for room service, buffets, casual quick fare or gourmet restaurants.
  
  Norwegian Cruise Line
  866-234-7350
  ncl.com