Cruising to Florida

Cruising to Florida is not just about snowbirds anymore. More than a dozen ports can be found in Florida, and a dizzying number of cruises sail each month to the nearby Bahamas and Caribbean. But the U.S.'s fourth most populous state is good for more than just launching ships—this peninsula offers plenty of its own fun in the sun, from soft, sandy beaches and water sports to a staggering array of golf courses and sizzling nightlife options to the enchanting magic of Disney World. ,br>
The subtropical climate is tempered somewhat along the water, which makes cruising here less hot and humid than traveling the state's interior—and keeps the blinding white-sand beaches even more enticing. While the Sunshine State is known for erratic weather, even the summer's afternoon thunderstorms are often quickly replaced by clear skies and warm rays. Check out these popular ports of call.

Miami: Known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," Miami is a steamy mix of mouthwatering Latin cuisine, Speedo-clad beach-goers, Art Deco architecture and star-studded soirees. Many of Royal Caribbean's cruises depart from Miami, which gives you as much pre-cruise time as you'd like to take in the Miami heat. For the culturally curious—although there's no dearth of culture on the beach—take a stroll through street markets or watch tobacco being hand-rolled at a cigar factory in Little Havana, a neighborhood on Miami's west side that teems with Cuban culture. Or choose to stay onboard, as smaller boats like the Island Queen allow you to gawk at the homes of the rich, and occasionally famous, while cruising through Biscayne Bay.

Fort Lauderdale: Just a shot up the coast from one popular port is another: Fort Lauderdale. Celebrity Cruises offers a smattering of port-of-call options, from a leisurely jaunt on the newly landscaped wave wall to a snorkeling extravaganza through the only living coral reef in the U.S. accessible by land in nearby Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. To get your heart pumping, opt for a trek through the croc-dotted Everglades, or cheer your heart out watching thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream Park.

Tampa: To indulge your inner-tourist, hop off in Tampa—the largest port in Florida and the 10th largest in the nation—for the massive Busch Gardens Africa theme park, oversized Florida Aquarium and a streetcar ride to the buzzing shopping district. Though many cruise lines drop anchor in Tampa, the Veendam from the Holland America Line is a particularly good choice for luxury-seekers. Winter cruisers are smart to debark here, as the Gasparilla Pirate Festival each January and February offers a lot more than an "arrr, matey" with excellent fireworks displays, a parade and street fairs.

Key West: Key West may be small—it's just two miles long by four miles wide—but it packs an oversized personality. The southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West is known for its funky feel, colorful characters and colorful and varied architecture, which ranges from white-picket-fence cottages to Victorian mansions to über-tacky T-shirt shops. The city is a magnet for hippies, artists and cruise ship travelers, likely because of the anything goes vibe (imbibing on the street? No problem!), year-round warm weather and indulgent food (Key Lime pie, conch salad and rum drinks abound).