Nothing says rest and relaxation quite like hitting the open seas in a cruise ship. People worldwide flock to cruises for a myriad of reasons. Some like sitting by the pool or on the beach while in port. Some like the wide array of entertainment options onboard. And others choose cruising because it's one of the more affordable vacation options, with the vast majority of food and drink included in the cruise price.
Getting to the cruise port
Fortunately, Florida has a number of cruise ports for those who just need an affordable, long weekend getaway that's within driving distance. The more popular cruise ship ports are located in Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami.
From Atlanta, getting to your port in Florida is just a quick plane ride away or a day's drive in the car via I-75 S. Getting to Miami will take a little under ten hours via car, and Orlando is only about a six hour drive.
Norwegian Cruise Line's four-night cruise to the Bahamas
One of the perks of cruising with Norwegian in 2016 is that the cruise line recently unveiled completely new, all-inclusive cruises that not only include food but also drinks and top-shelf liquor. And anyone who has paid for booze on a cruise knows that alone is worth its weight in gold.
Leave from Miami and hop onboard the Norwegian Sky for a four-night cruise to the Bahamas, with stops in Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, which is a private island in the Bahamas.
Interior standard rooms start around $349 per person, depending on the time of year you travel. Onboard activities include a number of bars and lounges, a teen club, casino, spa, fitness center, two pools, karaoke nights and a theater that hosts live shows and comedy.
While in port, you can take optional excursions including; snorkeling, walking tours, swimming with dolphins and more.
866-234-7350, www.ncl.com
Carnival Cruise Line's four-night Western Caribbean cruise
If Mexico is more your scene than the Bahamas, this four night cruise might be just what you're looking forward.
The Carnival Fantasy docks in Miami, and makes a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Off season rates are as low as $239 per person for a standard interior room, and they often offer free upgrades and onboard dining credits if you book while they're running a promotion. Onboard entertainment includes a piano bar, a nightclub, a video arcade, spa, casino, miniature golf, and water slides.
While you're in Cozumel, you can take the plunge with scuba diving, snorkeling or go off the grid in a Jeep adventure through an ecological preserve.
800-764-7419, www.carnival.com
Royal Caribbean's three-night Bahamas cruise
If you only have three days to get away, this is another Bahamas cruise option that caters to those short on vacation time. It leaves from Port Canaveral in Orlando and interior rooms run as low as $198 per person.
The Majesty of the Seas is the name of the ship and it makes stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Cococay, which is a private island. Onboard entertainment includes a pool bar, a Las Vegas style lounge, a teen club, casino, spa, rock climbing wall, two pools and themed parties.
While you're docked in the Bahamas, you can take a city highlights cultural tour, swim with dolphins or get some rest and relaxation on the beach.
866-562-7625, www.royalcaribbean.com
Insider tips for shore excursions
Not sure what to do with your time in port? Worried because some shore excursions cost as much as you paid for your entire cruise? You're not alone.
While it may be convenient to book shore excursions directly through the cruiseline, it definitely is more pricey. Some insiders suggest finding shore excursions through third parties, not only to save money but also to have more options. It can also be beneficial in some cases to pay for your shore excursions in the local currency, depending on the exchange rates. Local cab drivers once you arrive in port can also provide a wealth of knowledge and resources in planning your excursions.
Is a long weekend really long enough?
Your options for cruising from Florida into the great beyond aren't limited to the options above. Other cruise lines such as Regal Bahamas, Celebrity Cruises and Celebration Cruises also offer two, three and four-day weekend cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
If your cruise dreams include something more than cruising to the Bahamas and Mexico, it's best to opt for a longer cruise so you can spend time in more ports. With just a week long cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral, you could hit ports in Puerto Rico, Belize, the Virgin Islands and more. Even better, most of the week long cruises aren't really that much more expensive than the weekend cruises, with some prices starting around just $399 per person for an inside stateroom.
Atlanta is a great place to live if you want to escape for a weekend (or longer) and set out on the great seas. Your options are really only limited by how much time you can get off from work - and convincing yourself to go back home when your cruise is over.
