Thanksgiving cruises from Florida are the perfect antidote to the demands of feeding, housing, and entertaining family members during the holiday. On one of our luxury cruise ships, embark on an unforgettable Thanksgiving cruise vacation to some of the Caribbean’s most coveted destinations.
Savor a hassle-free Thanksgiving dining experience onboard your Celebrity ship featuring a classic turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Watch the big game at the casino bar and join in family-friendly themed game shows. Aside from the feast, you’ll lounge on pristine beaches, experience fascinating marine life, and go on thrilling shore excursions during your cruise vacation. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving cruises from Florida.
1: Ultimate Caribbean & The Americas from Tampa
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Unlock the ultimate Caribbean cruise experience and discover some of the best of the Americas on this 11-night Thanksgiving cruise from Florida.
Your first stop after a fabulous day at sea is the exclusive island of Grand Cayman. Go for a swim through a sunken World War II Naval vessel for a rare and unique perspective (and great pictures), then stroll through the sands of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach.
Getsemani in Cartagena, Colombia
In Cartagena, immerse your senses in the perfect blend of colonial and Colombian charm. One of the best things to do in Cartagena is to explore the historic Getsemani neighborhood, a walled-off walkable area that has been culturally (and largely structurally) preserved for hundreds of years. Explore local nature on a day trip to the Magic Mud Volcano, or with a swim at the immaculately untouched Islas de Rosario archipelago nearby.
Panama City
Arrive at the mouth of the world-famous Panama Canal as you cruise to Colon on Celebrity Constellation. Explore Panama’s Caribbean coastline and sites like the fortress of Portobelo and Gatun Lake. Take a day trip to Panama City to visit an urban rainforest at Ancon Hill, or shop in the boutiques along Casco Viejo’s cobblestone streets. Finish your visit with an educational afternoon at the Panama Canal Museum for family-friendly fun and learning.
Cruise over to Costa Rica on day eight of this exquisite Caribbean adventure. At Puerto Limon, you can experience nature conservation and preservation at its best, with unprecedented access to the country’s rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries.
Get up close to Costa Rica’s 850 different bird species, or 500,000 other animal species that populate the region. Tempt your taste buds with organic tropical fruits in the charming port area as you shop and get ready to go back to sea.
Tequila tour in Cozumel
End your adventure on the island of Cozumel, Mexico, an ancient Mayan settlement that blends indigenous history and modern Caribbean culture seamlessly. Take a tequila tasting and margarita-making class.
Shop for hand-crafted gifts made from rare minerals, then dine on fresh fish cooked with delicious Mexican spices and flavors. End the day with a craft cocktail on a white sand beach with the backdrop of Mayan relics as the sun sets behind you.
2: Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale
Aruba
Paradise awaits on this amazing 11-day cruise to the Panama Canal and the sumptuous Southern Caribbean.
Aruba is the perfect first stop on this Thanksgiving cruise from Florida, full of great beaches, shopping, dining, and fun activities for the whole family. Take a leisurely walk down Pelican Pier, where you can feast on fresh fish as you enjoy the views. Splash around and let your adventurous side run wild on a water slide or speed boat ride around De Palm Island.
Willemstad, Curacao
Your next stop in the Netherlands Antilles is Curaçao, another Dutch colonial gem in the Southern Caribbean. In Willemstad, you’ll find world-class shopping and dining amongst its old city near the port. Visit the UNESCO-protected 17th-century Fort Amsterdam, where you can learn about the island’s past and how it evolved into what it is today. Curaçao is a mix of blended cultures, colors, and tropical fun all packed into one.
Next, head to Bonaire, where world-famous diving and unspoiled nature await at every turn. Delight the senses with a trip around the Dutch-inspired stucco homes of Kralendijk, then try your luck at the unique barefoot casino. Make sure to try “Yambo”, a traditional Creole soup, at one of the many authentic gourmet restaurants in Bonaire’s Rincon district.
Panama Canal
Reach the gateway of the Americas at the mouth of the Panama Canal in Colon. Here you’ll find remnants of Panama’s past mixed with the present modern marvel of the mighty canal. Visit the fortress and ruins of Portobelo, or unwind on the alluring white sand beaches of Isla Grande. Then head down the locks of the Panama Canal, a world wonder that has changed global trade and commerce.
End your amazing Thanksgiving cruise from Florida in Colombia’s colonial Cartagena. Indulge in its eclectic dining scene, shopping, and a tangible history that you will experience at every turn. Thrill-seekers can try kitesurfing, one of the area’s main sports attractions, or take a day trip to the spectacular Magic Mud Volcano just a short drive away.
3: Key West & Bahamas from Miami
The blissful Bahamas beaches and beautiful Key West make for the perfect four-day cruise from Miami over Thanksgiving.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, Florida
In Key West, leisure is a way of life, and you’ll feel it the second you arrive there. This iconic island boasts some of the most (and best) bars and restaurants per square foot than anywhere else on earth.
Enjoy snorkeling through coral reefs or dolphin spotting on a boat tour. Learn about rare local species of flora and fauna at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. End your day with a visit to the largest brick structure on the east coast at the fortress at Dry Tortugas National Park.
Blue Lagoon Island, The Bahamas
The bustling seaport of Nassau, Bahamas is the cultural center of the country and a great city for boutique shopping, museums, and dining. Jump on a quick ferry to the Blue Lagoon for an exclusive uncrowded beach experience.
Pick up some hand-woven bags, hats, and other artisan gifts at the Nassau Straw Market. Snorkel just offshore to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. Close out your Nassau adventure with live music and a margarita on Bay Street, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Atlantis resort.
4: Puerto Rico, Tortola, and St. Kitts Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sail for seven nights on the revolutionary Celebrity Apex for a luxury Thanksgiving cruise from Florida that your family will never forget.
Spend a day at sea exploring the ship that takes luxury and service to a whole new level. Upgrade your holiday with a stay at The Retreat, which grants you exclusive access to The Retreat Sundeck, The Retreat Lounge, and Luminae.
Lush greenery and craggy mountains back the sandy beaches of Puerto Rico. Marvel at the amazing views at the 500-year-old fort in Old San Juan. Take the memorable Bacardi Rum tour with adult family members, or visit the Museo de Art de Puerto Rico.
Sage Mountain National Park in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
In Tortola, visit the Virgin Islands Fold museum and uncover the rich history of the beautiful island chain. Hike one of many of the adventurous trails through Sage Mountain National Park to get the best views and warm ocean breezes.
Explore St. Kitts via train for magnificent views of a dormant volcano. Or sail from one island to another aboard a catamaran and lounge on one of Nevis’ golden-sand beaches.
5: Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Enjoy a seven-night sailing to some of the dreamiest locations in the Caribbean aboard Celebrity Beyond, one of the newest vessels in our fleet. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, this week-long cruise features two luxurious days at sea and five ports of call.
Read: Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale With Kids
Pearl Island, The Bahamas
Spend your day in Nassau relaxing on one of its impeccable beaches. Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts can venture out to one of the island’s coral reefs and discover an underwater world full of colorful species. Go shopping at the famous Nassau Straw Market, where you’ll find all kinds of local and handmade items that make for perfect gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, Mexico
In Costa Maya, spend the day at one of its beach clubs, where you can lounge on the sand or sign up for water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling. Visit the ruins of Chacchoben, an ancient Mayan site with pyramids, temples, and sprawling gardens. Or treat the kids to a fun day at Lost Mayan Kingdom, a nearby water park with slides, zip lines, and river tubing.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in Cozumel, where you can dive around vibrant coral reefs, go shopping in the town of San Miguel, or venture further out to the ruins of Tulum, another Mayan citadel, where you can marvel at ancient structures set against the backdrop of the ocean.
George Town, Grand Cayman
During your day in Grand Cayman, search for starfish and swim with stingrays, jet-ski or parasail, or scuba or snorkel. You can also tour the Cayman Turtle Center or simply rest on the beach while reading a book.
Before returning to Fort Lauderdale, you’ll spend one final day at sea, where you’ll have time to explore more of the ship’s luxurious amenities. Enjoy a relaxing spa visit or an exciting shopping trip, lounge on the sundeck, or play water sports in the pool before sitting down with your family for another delectable dinner in one of Beyond’s world-class restaurants.
Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family
Celebrity Apex
Ready to book one of Celebrity’s Thanksgiving cruises that the whole family will enjoy? Browse cruise itineraries online and choose the perfect unforgettable itinerary for your next vacation.
