14-night Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida on Carnival Firenze
The Southern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL is a 14-night Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Firenze, operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Departing Port Canaveral, Florida on February 6, 2028, the voyage visits 9 ports including Grand Turk, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Curacao. Fares start from $1,047 per person.
The beach is just the beginning of the adventures that await guests visiting Port Canaveral, located on the Atlantic coast of Central Florida. The white sands along the beach are made for long days in the sun, while the waters are ideal for sports, including some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Waterfront restaurants serve local seafood and festive drinks on patios overlooking the cruise ships’ arrivals and departures. Nearby, Cocoa Village offers tree-lined streets to stroll while shopping.
Port Canaveral, on Florida’s Space Coast, is an ideal launching spot to get to the nearby Kennedy Space Center and to Orlando’s famous theme parks, which are between 60 and 90 minutes away by car. Guests get to see NASA treasures and experience a space-shuttle-launch simulator and even have the chance to meet a veteran astronaut among the adventures at the Kennedy Space Center. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort offer thrill rides, shows and attractions, and invite guests into their themed worlds of fun.
Willemstad, Curacao
A beauty to behold, Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela, offers dramatic coastlines, hidden beaches tucked into coves, expansive coral reefs, wondrous caves and two different climates: one wet and tropical, the other dry.
Abuzz with European flair, Willemstad, the capital, boasts a thriving art and culinary scene, pretty pastel-coloured colonial architecture, museums and a go-go attitude, thanks in part to its booming economy.
As you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in Willemstad, you’ll have options for MSC excursions at your fingertips as diverse as its climate: Cultural tours or nature tours? Beach or hiking? A blend of both? The choice is yours.
Start by exploring the narrow alleys and gaze at the curious houses in bright colours in the picturesque old town of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dutch colonial-style houses with sloping roofs, and alternating pink, light green, blue and yellow colours contrast with the monochrome blue of the sky and sea, a panorama worthy of Instagram. MSC excursions let you hop on a trolley tour or join a guided walking tour to marvel at the city’s best known sites.
At the mouth of the bay of Sint Annabaai, between the two districts of Willemstad, lies Fort Amsterdam, one of the most important forts on the island. Built in 1635, the fort is now the seat of the governor, and houses a Protestant church and a museum. The church, built in 1769, was fired upon by a British warship in 1804, and you can still find a cannonball embedded in the southwestern wall of the church. Another fort worth seeing is Fort Beekenburg, overlooking Caracas Bay. Constructed in 1703, it was actively used in the 19th century to defend against the French, British and pirates, and is one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Caribbean.
A Curaçao cruise lets you tour the factory where the world-famous Curaçao liqueur is made. At the sunshine yellow Chobolo Mansion, visit the old distillery to learn how the distillation process works and, of course, you get to sample the Blue Curaçao liqueur.
For an otherworldly experience, opt for a short drive to the north of Willemstad, passing salt flats and flamingos, to explore the Hato Caves on a guided tour. At this natural wonder, you’ll learn about stalagmites, stalactites, limestone formations and, if you're lucky, you’ll spot long-nosed fruit bats.
Or to observe the stunning coastline, another MSC excursion takes you on a country drive, past old plantation homes, to Boka Tabla, part of Shete Boka National Park, on the north coast. Admire the phenomenon of how the pounding surf has over time formed beautiful coves and interesting rock shapes stretching over seven miles of unspoiled shoreline.
Bridgetown, Barbados
When you arrive in Barbados on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, begin your exploration with the capital, Bridgetown. There are many attractions in this small Caribbean city, but by all means pause to admire its many colonial buildings, the Parliament Building and the statue of Lord Nelson standing in what is currently called the National Heroes Square.
Barbados has retained somewhat of a British feel, with its place names, cricket, horse-racing and polo, Anglican parish churches and even a hilly district known as Scotland. But the Britishness can be exaggerated, for this is a distinctly West Indian country, covered by a patch-work of sugarcane fields and dotted with tiny rum shops.
The Garrison Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent 18th- and 19th-century buildings, is a must-see stop, featuring one of the world's finest collection of cannons. It also includes the George Washington House, where the American patriot spent six weeks of his life.
The current St. John's Church, in the eastern parish of the same name, is the fifth reconstruction of the oldest local church, in Barbadian Gothic style. Perched on a cliff 800 feet above the sea, it dates back to 1836. Its interior hosts a sculpture by 18th-century British artist Richard Westmacott, while its churchyard contains the tomb of Ferdinando Paleologus, a direct descendant of the brother of Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor.
Book an MSC excursion to discover the island’s history at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in the St. Michael neighbourhood. And tour Sunbury Plantation House, located in the tranquil St. Philip countryside. Dating back to 1650, it’s a living monument to plantation life and a bygone era.
Harrison’s Cave, in St. Thomas district, is a wonder of nature with its stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes and waterfalls. In one of the caverns, the play of light on the rocks is so in-tense that it has been nicknamed “The Crystal Room”.
For some fun at the beach, head to Pirates Cove, one of the best beaches on Barbados. Featuring palm trees and chickee huts, white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s the perfect place to relax, just a stone’s throw from Bridgetown.
If you’re brave enough to dive into the deep, set out on an MSC excursion inside a real submarine, the Atlantis, to explore the coral reef and discover the beauty that the depths reveal.
Long Beach is fun, but it isn’t known as a hotspot of Italian culture… yet! In spring 2024, Carnival Firenze will debut, setting sail from this homeport towards south-of-the-border fun along Mexico’s Pacific coast!
So, Long Beach, you’re wondering what to expect from Fun Italian Style™? Grab your movie star sunglasses and throw on a scarf — just for style — as you make your entrance at Piazza Duomo, named for Florence’s iconic domed cathedral. To get a taste for onboard flavor and flair, check out spots like the elegant three-course Palazzo and Medici Restaurant, Italian street food spot La Strada Grill™ and even sources of fusion-y goodness like the Mexican-Italian Tomodoro™ and Guy’s Burger Joint, now featuring classics and burgers with Italian twists. For refreshment served up in a glass, look to cocktail bar Amari™, Frizzante™ with its three specialties (bubbly drinks, snacks and coffee!), frozen drinks with a bit of attitude at Rococó™, plus fine Italian wines at Carnevale Bar & Lounge™. Spots for entertainment include the classic-theater vibe of Teatro Rosso featuring Playlist Productions shows, and Tuscan Lounge paying tribute to Florence’s iconic home region. Let’s not forget Terrazza staterooms — we could never! — which give you a stylish, comfy place to unwind from all the fun… near a private deck featuring exclusive amenities like all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.
While we’re excited about the Italian side of this ship, it’s not the whole story. Carnival has some true fan-favorites we know folks will be asking for. () That’s why Carnival Firenze also includes familiar flavors… starting with special dining spots like Bonsai Teppanyaki™ and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse™. Places to celebrate absolutely anything (or just nothing!) include Piano Bar 88 and Serenity Bar, while you can seriously kick back at Cloud 9 Spa™ and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™. Kids are going to love Camp Ocean™, Circle “C”® and Club O2® — each one is perfectly designed for a different age group. And if active/splashy fun is your thing, that’s honestly a great thing and we can tell you’re going to be spending time at WaterWorks™ and SportSquare™, home to a ropes course, jogging track, mini golf course and outdoor fitness center.
It won’t be long, Long Beach! Carnival Firenze sets sail from your sweet shores next spring. Andiamo!
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