cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

Is there a benefit to either one? We're looking into a cruise for August, some leave out of Miami and some of NY. I remember I've heard people mention they prefer one over the other. What are the differences (other than the extra cost of a flight!)

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

Usually the cruises out of NY have more days at sea - it takes a day or so to get down to the Carrib. So you usually have more stops leaving from Miami. Each one is different, so check out the different options

I guess it depends on where you want to go. The cruises from NY to Bermuda are nice because they dock in Bermuda, so you have the full day and can go out to dinner/night out on the island. If you want to do more island hopping, you are probably better off leaving from Florida or taking one of the other cruises.

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

Ive done both.
The benefit of NY is that your vacation starts immediately. Its so awesome and so convienent. The downside (maybe bc I left in Oct) was the waters were horrendous. I was completely nauseas immediately.
The benefits of Miami is that its already warm and the waters are calmer. Though you will have to pay airfare.
Also, as the person said above, it will def be more days at sea before you arrive to your destination. I did Bermuda from NY. (didnt love bermuda though). We are going in Jan out of miami to samana, Tortola, st thomas and Bahamas. Miami def seems to have more destinations.
Hope this helps some.

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

I've never left out of New York, but I think you get more variety of destination choices by leaving out of Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

As a pp said, I have heard from a few friends that the sea can be rough going down the coast, especially around Cape Hatteras.

Also - if you leave from the Caribbean and there is bad weather somewhere - there are more choices for the ship to change the ports rather than leaving from NY/NJ - if there is bad weather on the way down there aren't really any other islands to stop at.

Message edited 11/16/2010 8:35:56 AM.

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

Message edited 11/16/2010 9:25:56 AM.

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

It all depends upon the itinerary you want. A 7 day cruise out of NY won't go as far south or west as a 7 day out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale.

We left out of Ft. Lauderdale this year, sailed to St. Thomas, St. Martin and Bahamas.
Next April we sail out of San Juan and hit the southern Caribbean. We fly down the night before and stay in a hotel.

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

I've done several cruises out of NY (Brooklyn - Princess Cruises) and I loved them every time. We usually leave around May/early June. It is a nice time to go because it is warm in NY and the waters are a little calmer. The cruise was 9 days and the good part of it is, that you go from your house to the boat and immediately you are on vacation (for me it was within 20 mins from my apartment to the ship and on vacation!) The cruise is longer - 9 days - and we stopped at 4 places. There are 4 at sea days...which I kind of like because there are so many things to do on a cruise. I also love that once the ship docks back in NY - you're home much faster...no flying necessary...can't beat that!!!

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

Thanks everyone!!

Re: cruises- leaving out of Miami vs. New York

I have done both and I love NY so much better. We are going on another in May out of NY.

We live close to the city so it is about 45 min drive to the terminal and you get on the ship and vacation has started

We didn't have a problem with the water being rough but it was cold when we left and didn't warm up until the next morning when we were off the Carolina Coast.

I love the sea days!! Gives you time to just hang out and relax.

We have 3 ports so we are not missing out on anything. Port wise either.

I highly rec out of NY.

You also don't have to worry about the headaches or extra $$ of flying.