Cruises from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle and NYC in 2026: lines, itineraries, prices and what no one tells you

PortMiami is still the busiest cruise port on Earth and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is closing the gap. Together with New York, Seattle, Galveston, Southampton and Sydney, they account for the majority of departures booked by American, British and Australian travelers in 2026-2027. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess and Disney run the lion's share of the schedule — but the cabin fare is rarely the cruise fare. This guide shows you the real bill.

1. Cruises from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle and NYC in 2026: lines, itineraries, prices and what no one tells you

   PortMiami is still the busiest cruise port on Earth and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is closing the gap. Together with New York, Seattle, Galveston, Southampton and Sydney, they account for the majority of departures booked by American, British and Australian travelers in 2026-2027. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess and Disney run the lion's share of the schedule — but the cabin fare is rarely the cruise fare. This guide shows you the real bill.

2. 01.

   **An inside cabin on a 4-night Carnival or Royal Caribbean sailing costs USD 800-1,500 per couple**, but add USD 150-250 in port fees and USD 110-160 in mandatory gratuities — the real bill for a couple lands between USD 1,060 and USD 1,910.

3. 02.

   **Drink packages average USD 65-85 per person per day.** On a 7-night cruise that's USD 910-1,190 per couple. If you drink 4+ cocktails per day, it pays; one drink, it doesn't.

4. 03.

   **A shore excursion booked in advance saves USD 30-150 per person** compared to the onboard desk. Viator, GetYourGuide and local operators undercut the in-cabin sales channel.

5. 04.

   **The Brightline train (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Orlando) now connects MIA/FLL airports to downtown** in 30-45 minutes. Single fare USD 15-30. Beats a USD 60 Uber from MIA to PortMiami in rush hour.

6. 05.

   **Disney Wish and Disney Treasure sail year-round from Port Canaveral** with 3-7 night itineraries to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay. Family cabin for 4 starts at USD 5,800 for a 4-night sailing — nearly double the equivalent Carnival.

7. 🇧🇷 Santos

   PortMiami is still the busiest cruise port on Earth and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is closing the gap. Together with New York, Seattle, Galveston, Southampton and Sydney, they account for the majority of departures booked by American, British and Australian travelers in 2026-2027. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess and Disney run the lion's share of the schedule — but the cabin fare is rarely the cruise fare. This guide shows you the real bill.