Comparative Cruising on the Atlantic
August 3rd, 2007 by Mike Baumwoll
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad that cruising the Atlantic is affordable and within proximity of your home and work? In evaluating New York ports vs. Florida ports, in this article you will better understand the differences between the Big Apple and the Sunshine State, and their diverse itineraries.
The Empire State is a haven for tourists, so it would only make sense that it is a great place to depart from as well. As far as the cruising industry goes, New York is a port that delivers various destinations. Some of these destinations may include anywhere from Canada/New England and the Caribbean to Spain and Portugal. New York’s central location on the Atlantic gives the city’s cruise lines more of an eclectic feel by traveling to Europe and more of the northern hemisphere. Although most cruise destinations can be sought out from this port, the major difference behind New York is your ability to choose from a variety of assorted spots, not just the most popular ones. When it comes to the ships, the boats that depart from “the city that never sleeps” are an array of popular cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland American Line, and limited Royal Caribbean Cruises. If your experience has taught you to pick a specific cruise line, then rummage through the options and find out where the wind blows.
You’re not cutting an onion, so there is no reason to cry over prices. In fact, prices from New York are actually something to smile about. According to SideStep.com, a vacation search engine, several destinations can be financially affordable. Examples of these vacations without a plane ticket, would run about $599 for a 7-day trip to Canada/New England, an average 7-night cruise to Bermuda is $799, an 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise will cost around $1200, and a 15-night transatlantic trip to Europe will also cost approximately $1200. If you’re monetary options are limited and you’re not only searching for a tropical paradise, New York would be a better place to depart from. Not to mention, if you’re from the area, then you will save money you would’ve spent on a plane ticket.
Florida, is a port that dedicates most of its traveling to the southern exotic destinations. Florida’s ports including Miami, Tampa Bay, and Ft. Lauderdale are among the most frequently used in the Peninsula State. A majority of the cruise lines that depart from New York also depart from Florida, but there are a few that more often than not take off from Florida calling it more of a home. These would include: Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and even Royal Caribbean. The vacation destinations that are the more recognizable and desired stops on the map typically come from this area and we would know them as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Florida ports do travel to the eastern coast of the U.S, but finding a feasible date for this type of vessel may seem a bit more complicated.
If you’re from the northeast, vacationing from one of the three Floridian destinations might add some extra cash to an originally manageable price. Similar to those prices from the New York port, SideStep.com has an assortment of low cruise prices. Some examples of these trips to paradise include a tropical 4-day trip to the Caribbean starting at $189, a 7-night sail to the Exotic Eastern Caribbean, and even a 2-night sail to the Bahamas for $309. Adding in discount airline tickets to Florida cruising at approximately $160 to $200 roundtrip, is something new to consider.
Depending on whether your preferences lead you to travel from the north or south is contingent on your final destination choice. Either way, when traveling in the lap of luxury, make sure your preferences meet your financial expectations. Orange you glad I brought it up?
