What is your favorite cruise port to leave from??

[ondebyou]

New Orleans for us....It's only an hour drive to get there and the return drive home doesn't wear us out! :D

Edited November 7, 2011 by ondebyou

[tweakes]

San Diego is a great port, too, even though they are moving most ships up to LA :( The port is 5 minutes from the airport, right in the middle of downtown, and offers great skyline views ... plus you get a great view of Coronado, and to be in the bay with aircraft carriers is always fun!!

 

It was great to take a weekend cruise, get back on Monday morning and roll off the boat and straight to work ... though I was a bit hungover!

[iTouch]

There was another thread just like this not too long ago

 

San Diego by far........

[bassmaster150]

Port Canaveral

[okwriter]

I've left from Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Galveston. Loved them all! My favorite for "pre-cruise" atmosphere was Galveston! :)

[Mumsykat]

I've only sailed twice (so far) but I have to say San Juan. We came in a day early and stayed at the Sheraton OSJ, walked all around, had a nice meal at a sidewalk cafe, and a couple drinks at Senor Frog's :cool: Then when we got up the next morning and opened the blinds - there was the Victory, practically across the street. A quick, pleasant walk and we were set to cruise.

[StingRaysfan]

Only been out of Tampa and Miami... and I prefer Miami.. but then again we have so far only gotten to hang out in the comfy VIP room. This next cruise we will be in a balcony with the masses, and I will see what I think about it then.

[pbmsmile]

I've only sailed twice (so far) but I have to say San Juan. We came in a day early and stayed at the Sheraton OSJ, walked all around, had a nice meal at a sidewalk cafe, and a couple drinks at Senor Frog's :cool: Then when we got up the next morning and opened the blinds - there was the Victory, practically across the street. A quick, pleasant walk and we were set to cruise.

Those of you who have sailed from San Juan...has anyone swam in luminesent lake??

[Cupcrazy]

Which car rental agency do you use? I have never sailed from Ft Lauderdale..but we have flown into her for a cruise out of Miami

 

We typically use Dollar. But at FLL the car rental terminal has pretty much every car rental company you can think of.

http://www.broward.org/Airport/Transportation/Pages/RentalCars.aspx

[scgamecock]

New Orleans is the best port hands down. So much to do there and the best food in the world. Always have a blast sailing from Big Easy.

[SMSACE6]

My favorite cruise ports are first; Fort Lauderdale. I like that there is so much to do and see near the cruise port, lots of hotels to choose from, and also not far from the beach, so you can still stay on the beach, but not be too far from the cruise port.

 

My second favorite, is Tampa. Tampa is fine, lots to see if you go a day before. But if you can get there a few days before your cruise or even a week before or after your cruise, then the beach areas of St Petersburg, and Clearwater are wonderful, To me, if you can spare 2 full weeks for vacation, there is nothing better than one week pre or post cruise at the beaches, and one week on a cruise.

 

Third, I also like Miami, my third choice, because, downtown Miami, port area is not my favorite place to be, but not horrible either. Things to do and see there too. Also Miami seems to be the most expensive of cruise port areas. I will however never hesitate to book a cruise out of Miami. :)

[gottahaveabeach]

Galveston, because there is no airfare for us! Good selection of hotels to choose from that let you park and cruise if you arrive the day before.;)

[spunkie4]

For Carnival - Jacksonville. Only an hour from home. No hotel, etc. to worry about. We also like Nassau, so we do that cruise at least twice each year.

 

For Princess - since it involves travel, really don't have a favorite. However, Ft. Lauderdale is only six hours travel and we enjoy spending time in the casinos before the cruise.

 

Shirley

[maggie cruises]

Civitavecchia (Rome) or Venice or New York..take your pick...

 

although the southward itin out of Anchorage is nothin to sneeze at

Edited November 8, 2011 by maggie cruises

[Nymue]

Does it glow in daylight?

Anne

 

Have you ever gone to see the luminesent lake? It is a lake that glows!! We are leaving from San Juan in June and that sounds like a must see!!

[maggie cruises]

new york. nothin like it!

 

I grew up in New York before moving to Alaska to work on the pipeline and raise sled dogs!!!

 

I have cruised out of NYC and it is fabulous. Isn't this Jersey Week over there now? Bet those pax who booked cruises thinking the kids were in school got the surprise of their lives this week. LOL

[alligirl78]

Those of you who have sailed from San Juan...has anyone swam in luminesent lake??

 

It wasn't on a cruise but we vacationed in Puerto Rico last year and kayaked the bioluminescent bay in El Fajardo. It was an awesome experience. They run the tours after dark and Fajardo is a decent ways from San Juan. But if you get a chance...go!

[momof4boys]

So far I cannot pick because I have loved each one. We always go a few days before and stay a few days after the cruise.

 

Loved Galveston...it was our first. Lots to do there and people so nice. Our first time, it was very easy to board and disembark. Second trip was a little busier....Elation vs. Conquest---size of ship matters.

 

Loved New Orleans....leaving on the river and seeing the little homes set back in the delta area until you hit the ocean is so cool. Also, lots to do there.

 

Charleston...our latest. What a beautiful, historic city. Again, really friendly people with wonderful places to visit.

 

Fort Lauderdale....our next. Been to the beaches on land vacations before. I Know we will love it too!

 

I hope I get to try them all!

[The4Cruisers]

I like JAX as it is an easy drive from this area. It's always an easy boarding process and I love passing the Navy ships at Mayport.

 

The downside from using JAX is you have to cruise to Nassau from there.

[Cruise-Crazy]

I would have to say Miami, I'm just 30 minutes from the port.

[joeyancho]

The Port of Long Beach. It is only a 2 hour drive for us. The cruises do not go to the best of ports but it is convenient.

[pbmsmile]

New Orleans is the best port hands down. So much to do there and the best food in the world. Always have a blast sailing from Big Easy.

Our first crise was out of New Orleans in 1999..it was a wonderful experience that set us up for a lifetime of cruising fun!! :)

[Ladysilver]

I would have to say Galveston since we're 20 minutes away!! :D

[pbmsmile]

Does it glow in daylight?

Anne

I havent been there but from what I understand from the boards here..no- I glows only at night and is a sight to see. I can not wait to experience it . It sounds like a once in a lifetime!!

[pbmsmile]

It wasn't on a cruise but we vacationed in Puerto Rico last year and kayaked the bioluminescent bay in El Fajardo. It was an awesome experience. They run the tours after dark and Fajardo is a decent ways from San Juan. But if you get a chance...go!

Do you remember how far it was from San Juan? My daughter and I are hoping to go before our cruise in June but since she is thinkiing about geting pregnant we might have to put it off. Maybe that doesnt matter but since the Bay glows because of microscopic critters.. it kinda sounds scary when pregnant :/