Carnival Vista - June 13, 2026 (8 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.

The very word Aruba conjures up visions of paradise in people's minds. And it's no wonder, since this fascinating island in the southernmost part of the Caribbean has long attracted visitors to its sparkling white sand beaches. One of the most popular cruise stops in the region, Aruba dazzles with its historical architecture, secluded seaside resort villages and the friendliness of the native inhabitants. Renowned nightlife, spectacular shopping and, most of all, the feeling that you are truly in a timeless world of unlimited pleasure opportunities makes Aruba an amazing place for those who want the very best in tropical entertainment.

Cruise vessels arrive in the capital city of Oranjestad and anchor at a modern port facility directly in front of the central business district. The terminal is complete with information centers, souvenir shops and interactive kiosks, and there is a well-defined taxi area outside the facility. Many of the historical downtown buildings, restaurants and bars are located on the main avenues running from the waterfront to the center of the town.

Most people come here for the beaches and the fine weather, and there is no denying that Aruba exceeds expectations on both fronts. The climate is very mild, with ever so slight temperature variations throughout the year. The island receives less than 20 inches of annual rainfall, far less than many of the other well-known islands in the Caribbean, therefore enjoying the sun and surf is virtually guaranteed. The famous Eagle Beach is the longest stretch of white sand on the entire island and is a favorite of both locals and visitors. Only a 10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal, it can be crowded, but the gentle surf and multitude of nearby shops makes it a must stop while visiting the island. Families with kids will love the Butterfly Farm located nearby. Palm Beach is another popular getaway for an afternoon, featuring snorkeling and scuba lessons, a wide variety of snack shops and also a number of resort casinos. The Royal Plaza and Seaport Village Mall, directly adjacent to the cruise docks, offer the best mix of souvenir and jewelry shopping in the city of Oranjestad. Along the downtown waterfront, visitors will marvel at the Dutch Colonial architecture, and for those wanting a bit of the out-of-town adventure, check out the famous California lighthouse, located on the extreme northwest cape and offering some of the best dune surfing on the island.

On L.G. Smith Boulevard visitors flock to the Pinchos Grill and Bar, one of the most popular late night eateries in Oranjestad. While at Palm Beach, many visitors will enjoy lunch at the Pelican Grill, located on an extended pier and serving up delicious seafood platters. At the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort (at 252 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.) is the highly recommended Passions on the Beach restaurant, which is noted for its beautifully decorated seating, grilled fish and never-ending samplers.

If coming ashore from the cruise ship, walking is the preferred method for exploring the downtown. Taxis are affordable and can take visitors to all the popular beaches and casinos. Public bus service connects Oranjestad to all the other communities on the island and is a great way to see the outlying terrain. Rental cars can be reserved before the cruise and there are pickup services right at the cruise terminal.

Dutch is considered the native language of Aruba, but most of the locals speak English fluently. The currency unit is the Aruban florin, and there are plenty of banks and ATMs for exchanging and withdrawing. Most of the larger hotels have Internet cafes and easy long distance calling operations. The Royal Plaza Mall has the largest Internet cafe on the island, just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.