Carnival Vista - March 1, 2026 (6 Nights)

Ever since Orlando became one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, it also became one of the most popular ports for cruise departures. Port Canaveral is now among the busiest cruise ports on the East Coast, and although it is mainly a departure/arrival point rather than a destination, tourists will find no end to interesting activities and sightseeing opportunities. The port itself is located near the Kennedy Space Center, just a 50 minute drive east of Orlando. If you want to mix up your cruise itinerary just a bit, consider working in a magical weekend in Orlando, or just take some time to enjoy the beautiful Atlantic beaches - and the great surfing - in and around Port Canaveral.

Carnival Cruise Lines operates from Terminal 5 or Terminal 10 at Port Canaveral, as does the Royal Caribbean Line. Other cruise lines have or share other terminals. There are very few sightseeing opportunities near the piers, nor are there many shops except those located at the Cove Marketplace. However, taxis can be hailed at the dock facility and shuttle service is available to take cruise passengers to and from Orlando.

Port Canaveral offers up some of the best surfing on the Atlantic Coast, and the Canaveral National Seashore is one of the longest undisturbed stretches to be found anywhere. Very secluded, it is perfect for strolling, beachcombing and otherwise just relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of cities. In Cocoa Beach, families will enjoy spending time at Lori Wilson Park on North Atlantic Avenue, where the water is shallow and perfect for swimming. Historic Cocoa Village, smack in the center of the Indian River citrus fruit country, has a number of restored buildings and has a good mixture of boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants. And of course a trip to the Kennedy Space Center is one of the most memorable visits you will ever make. If coming from Orlando, you may want to stop at Walt Disney World complex, where you will find no end to all types of entertainment. From the Magic Kingdom to the futuristic displays at Epcot Center, this is one of the most visited theme parks on earth. Disney also operates its Hollywood Studios near the Magic Kingdom, where many of the popular TV shows are filmed. And at Universal Studios Florida, you can tour the entire facility and take in the fun rides, enjoying exhibits depicting the production of some of TV and cinema's most famous characters. Sea World Orlando, near the southern end of International Blvd and close to the Orange County Convention Center is another top attraction in the area. Here you can feed the dolphins, explore the Wild Arctic exhibit and visit the orcas at Shamu Stadium.

Both Port Canaveral and Orlando are full of dining options, and aside from the theme-oriented establishments at or near Walt Disney World, Orlando has a good mix of traditional and regional specialty restaurants. At the City Fish Restaurant in downtown you can enjoy fresh grilled lobster, extravagant seafood burgers and various shrimp delicacies. The popular Tijuana Flats, also located in downtown, has the best Tex-Mex cuisine in the city. In the Port Canaveral area the Grill's Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar is located near the terminals on Glen Cheek Drive and has a commanding waterfront view that is as wonderful as the seafood itself. Coconuts on the Beach is a fun restaurant in the Cocoa Beach area, located on Minutemen Causeway and offering some of the best clam chowder in the state.

To travel between Port Canaveral and Orlando you can either take a taxi or use a shuttle bus service. However, most cruise travelers feel more comfortable renting a car, especially if they are planning to spend some time in Orlando before or after their cruise trip. The Lynx public bus service operates routes from downtown Orlando to International Blvd and the various theme parks.

Both Orlando and Port Canaveral have a number of Internet cafes, and passengers arriving by air have Internet connection and WiFi available at the airport. When visiting the eastern part of Florida, make sure to bring a light slicker or umbrella, as rain squalls are common. Changing currency is not important, as most Caribbean and Bahamas cruise destinations are ports where U.S. dollars are accepted.

One of the most spectacular destinations in all of the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay is a privately owned island held by the Holland America cruise line. It is situated approximately 100 miles south of the city of Nassau and is accessible only by one of the cruise ships making stops throughout the Bahamas. Holland America proudly operates these cruises in partnership with private companies licensed to operate businesses on the island, and promotes these vacations to those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the major communities. Half Moon Cay is truly a getaway spot, where one can imagine being king or queen of his or her own personal paradise.

Half Moon Cay is largely natural area, with few docks and piers. The cruise ship anchors in the bay and all passengers are ferried ashore by small tender vessels, bringing visitors directly to the beach area and docking at modern arrival piers on the waterfront. The tourist shops and souvenir stores are located on this section of beach, where there is also a large restaurant and areas where organized recreation is overseen.

Over 90 percent of Little San Salvador Island (another name for Half Moon Cay), which has a total land area of only 2.8 square miles, is unspoiled and totally natural. The entire island is a wild bird preserve and beach strolling while enjoying the many avian species is a favorite activity. Holland America operates many recreational activities as well, and visitors to the island can rent a catamaran, sailboat, view board or traditional surfboard while visiting. The beach recreation facilities include a volleyball and tennis court, basketball court, shuffleboard area, fitness trail and exercise stations. Several hiking trails lead from the activities center to various parts of the island, and for the more adventurous, jet skis and snorkeling equipment can be rented. The bay itself is well-protected from strong ocean currents, making Half Moon Cay very family-friendly in terms of swimming and relaxing on inflatable rafts. The Stingray Adventure Program offers guided tours for swimmers and snorkelers and is operated by experts that bring the world of undersea life up close and personal with tourists. The souvenir shop is simple but complete with locally made items such as straw hats, belts, sunglasses, sandals and photography supplies.

The beach restaurant at Half Moon Cay offers cruise visitors an exciting blend of international cuisine, with the large Food Pavilion organized in cafeteria style. There are a number of open air dining shelters. Fresh fruit, buffet-style menu and a full service bar make for an enjoyable lunch or dinner while visiting the island. There is a complete restroom facility, shower station and changing room area located at the Food Pavilion.

Because of its small size, the Half Moon Cay area is basically for foot travel. The island has no highways or long surface roads and all of the activities take place at or depart from the main docking areas. Long walks on the beach or strolls along the hiking trails are the only transportation needed in this beautiful, tiny paradise.

Most purchases can be billed to the passenger account aboard ship, so using currency while on the island is unnecessary. The operators of the shops and recreational facilities at Half Moon Cay speak English as well as several European languages. The island is promoted as a getaway vacation, so there are no hotels, Internet cafes or other city conveniences. Passengers can make emergency international calls from aboard ship if necessary. Half Moon Cay is a place to relax and forget about the outside world.