May 05, 2025
One of the major attractions in living in a condo in South Florida is the access to vibrant cruise scene. The area boosts three ports of call for accessing cruise itineraries including the Port of Miami, Port Everglades and the Port of Palm Beach. The three ports service over 11M passengers a year with the Port of Miami being the largest provider in the world.
The cruise options are very broad, and cruisers can select from over 20 different brands and hundreds of itineraries to just about any destination around the globe. The price ranges range from low-cost carriers to high-end, exclusive cruise experiences. You can also select from family focused brands like Disney and Royal Caribbean to adults only cruises available from Virgin. With so many options, it was easy to feel overwhelmed—but the idea of hopping in a rideshare from our condo and being on a cruise ship within the hour was just too good to pass up. That convenience sealed the deal for us. To give our Condo Journey community real, first-hand insights, we decided to book a cruise and share tips on how to make the most of living near a cruise port.
As first-time cruisers, we went all in—choosing Celebrity’s brand-new ship, the Ascent, for a 7-day Caribbean escape to the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Our voyage set sail from December 8–15, 2024, and we can’t wait to share everything we learned along the way so keep reading.
Planning a cruise, especially from a South Florida port where there are hundreds of options, can feel overwhelming at first. To make the process more manageable, start by narrowing down your choices based on your budget, preferred travel dates, departure port location, and how many days you want to be away. Once you’ve set these basic parameters, it's time to dive into research. We found cruisecritic.com, cruise.com, and cruises.com especially helpful for comparing ships, itineraries, and prices. You can also choose to book directly online or work with a cruise travel agency - each option has its pros and cons. Travel agents can offer guidance and sometimes even exclusive perks, while booking online gives you more control and immediate access to deals. We decided to work with a travel agent but if we were to cruise again, we would book our trip directly with the cruise line.
When booking your cruise, expect to put down a deposit to reserve your cabin. For Celebrity, we were given the option to pay between $100–$500 per person depending on the promotion. Be thoughtful with room selection - consider whether you’d prefer a balcony with ocean views, a more budget-friendly interior cabin, or something in between. Placement on the ship also matters: port vs. starboard, forward vs. aft can influence your experience in terms of noise, motion, and proximity to amenities.
The ship is typically divided into port (left) and starboard (right) sides, as well as forward (front), midship (middle), and aft (back). While port vs. starboard usually isn’t a big deal unless you're particular about views in specific ports, the forward vs. aft vs. midship decision can impact comfort, convenience, and noise levels.
If you're prone to motion sickness, midship on a lower deck is your best bet. This area experiences the least movement and can help reduce the chances of feeling seasick, especially on windy days or rougher seas. Forward cabins often offer dramatic views and easy access to entertainment venues like theaters, but they also tend to experience the most motion, especially when the ship cuts through waves. Aft cabins, on the other hand, can be quieter and provide beautiful wake views, but you might notice more engine vibration or longer walks to main attractions depending on the ship’s layout.
We stayed on the starboard side near the front of the ship, and it turned out to be a great choice for us. Our cabin was conveniently located near the stairs and elevators, making it easy to navigate the ship without long walks. As Retreat passengers, we also had quick access to the exclusive restaurants and lounges, which made the experience feel even more seamless. While forward cabins can be a bit more sensitive to motion, we found it well worth it for the privacy, convenience, and proximity to the amenities we used most.
Tip: Once you’ve narrowed down your cabin category, pull up the ship’s deck plan online to make sure your room isn’t right above a nightclub or below the pool deck. A great view can’t make up for late-night thumping bass or early morning lounge chair scraping!
Beyond the room, you’ll want to decide on add-ons like Wi-Fi packages, drink plans, or spa treatments—some are worth the splurge depending on your lifestyle and preferences. We also highly recommend talking to friends who’ve cruised before. Their tips can be invaluable, especially when it comes to choosing between ship-sponsored excursions, third-party tours, or exploring independently at each destination. Speaking of excursions, popular ones can fill up fast, so it's smart to browse options early.
Budget wisely, too - extra fees add up quickly. We brought cash to avoid ATM fees onboard, regularly checked our balance using the cruise line’s app, and were surprised at how helpful it was in tracking expenses. Just a heads up: the app’s full schedule of onboard activities didn’t populate until a few days before departure, so don’t be alarmed if it looks sparse at first.
Don’t forget the basics when getting ready for your cruise. Start preparing your documents, pack thoughtfully—especially if you're prone to motion sickness—and think about whether travel insurance is right for you. A little planning goes a long way in making your cruise feel like the stress-free escape it should be.
When it comes to travel insurance, it can offer valuable peace of mind, but it’s not without its drawbacks. On the plus side, it can cover unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies at sea, lost luggage, or missed connections - things that can quickly become costly when you're cruising. This is especially important since many health insurance plans don’t provide coverage outside your home country or on international waters. Some policies even include protection for weather-related delays or shore excursion mishaps. That said, the added expense and the fine print can be a downside - coverage varies, and not all situations are included. For some travelers, especially those with flexible plans and good health coverage, it might feel unnecessary. In the end, it comes down to how much financial protection and peace of mind you want while at sea.
As a Retreat passenger, we were fortunate enough to enjoy an early boarding experience, which made the start of our cruise feel even more special. Upon arrival at the port, we were greeted with exclusive access to a comfortable waiting lounge, complete with delicious food and beverages to keep us refreshed as we awaited boarding. This perk allowed us to relax in a more peaceful environment, away from the larger crowds.
In addition to this luxury, typical boarding procedures still applied. We presented our boarding passes and identification at the check-in counter, where our bags were tagged and sent off to our stateroom. We were then given our key cards, which serve as both room keys and onboard spending cards.
Once the boarding process began, we were allowed to step onto the ship ahead of the general guests, minimizing any hassle. It’s also important to note that, as always, security screenings are conducted before boarding, so having your identification and boarding pass ready is key to keeping things moving smoothly.
The whole process, from early access to the well-organized embarkation, ensured that we were able to start our vacation feeling relaxed and ready for adventure!
The spa and fitness facilities on the Celebrity Ascent are truly top-notch, offering a serene escape and plenty of ways to stay active while at sea. The fitness center is impressively equipped with modern machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, and strength training equipment, plus plenty of space for stretching or core work. If you're into group classes, you'll find everything from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training. Over at the spa, indulgence awaits with a menu of treatments like hot stone massages, facials, and body wraps. As a Retreat guest, you also get exclusive access to the spa's thermal suite, featuring saunas, a salt room, a crystal room, heated loungers, and other wellness-centered experiences that take relaxation to another level.
Being a Retreat guest comes with a suite of perks that truly elevate the cruise experience. From the moment you arrive at the port, you’re treated like VIP. Boarding is streamlined with a dedicated check-in and an elegant lounge stocked with refreshments and snacks, making embarkation a breeze. Disembarkation is just as smooth, with early access so you can skip the long lines and get on with your travels. Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy access to Luminae and Blu, exclusive restaurants offering elevated cuisine and attentive service in a peaceful setting. The Retreat Lounge is another hidden gem—quiet, well-stocked with drinks and small bites, and often hosting special activities. One of our favorite spaces was The Retreat’s private outdoor area, complete with a pool, hot tubs, a bar, plenty of loungers, bathrooms, and a relaxed, sophisticated vibe that’s hard to beat.
Before your cruise, be sure to download the Celebrity Cruises app and get familiar with it—it’s essential for making reservations, viewing daily activities, and checking in. Just keep in mind that many of the onboard events and activities didn’t populate in the app until a couple of days before sailing, so don’t be surprised if the calendar looks empty at first. Once onboard, it becomes your go-to guide. In addition, the crew brings to your room a hard copy of the next day’s activities schedules giving you another way to plan your day.
Dining on the Ascent is an experience in itself. If you have dietary needs—like eating vegan or gluten-free—make sure to plan ahead and communicate with staff early in the cruise. For main dining, it’s wise to book your reservations as soon as possible, especially if you’re hoping for specific time slots. Specialty restaurants, which carry an extra charge, also require advance reservations and can fill up fast. If you're dining at Luminae or Blu as a Retreat guest, note that reservations aren’t accepted, but aside from the first night, we were always seated quickly. For casual, all-day dining, the Marketplace Café has a huge selection and is open nearly all day with rotating stations and plenty of fresh options.
When it comes to entertainment, the ship delivers on all fronts. The main theater hosts must-see productions that rival what you’d find on land, with music, dance, and even acrobatic shows. For a more intimate vibe, there are smaller venues throughout the ship where talented live bands perform nightly, creating the perfect backdrop for cocktails and conversation.
Beyond the shows, the ship offers a wide variety of onboard activities to keep things interesting. Whether you're trying your luck at the casino, dancing at a silent disco, joining a painting or jewelry-making class, or taking a Latin dance lesson, there’s always something going on. Just be aware that some of the "activities" are cleverly disguised shopping promotions—fun if you're in the market, but easy to skip if not.
As for tipping, Celebrity Cruises makes it easy by allowing gratuities to be pre-included in your package, which was the case for us. However, if any staff member truly goes above and beyond (as many do), you can always offer an additional tip directly to show your appreciation.
Our Celebrity Ascent itinerary took us to three beautiful Caribbean destinations: the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten each offering its own unique charm and adventure. In the Dominican Republic, we explored vibrant local culture, lush landscapes, and postcard-worthy beaches. The port area was well-organized, with plenty of excursion options available whether you wanted a laid-back beach day or an action-packed zipline and cave tour. St. Thomas wowed us with its crystal-clear waters and stunning viewpoints - especially from Mountain Top, where you can sip a banana daiquiri while taking in panoramic views of Magens Bay. While we didn’t spend a lot of time in St. Maarten we really enjoyed exploring the Dutch side. Strolling through the colorful streets of Philipsburg gave us a great feel for the island’s energy—full of friendly locals, lively shops, and a laid-back vibe. Even with a brief visit, it was easy to see the charm of this vibrant port.
When it comes to selecting excursions at each port, you’ll have plenty of options. Booking through the cruise line is the most convenient and safest route. The excursions are abundant, professionally organized, and well-coordinated with cruise schedules. One major advantage is peace of mind—if a cruise-sponsored excursion runs late, the ship will wait for you. That’s not the case if you book through a third party. We opted to book independently on this trip, and while we returned to the ship with plenty of time to spare, it was definitely a bit nerve-wracking. Next time, we’ll likely stick with the cruise line options just for that extra security. While cruise line excursions often mean slightly larger groups, the prices are still competitive and the convenience can’t be beat. Whether you choose to explore on your own or go through the cruise, each destination is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
As first-time cruisers, sailing on Celebrity Ascent exceeded our expectations in every way. From the ship’s sleek design and outstanding service to the variety of dining options and relaxing spaces, everything felt thoughtful and elevated. We appreciated the balance of activity and downtime, and the ease of waking up in a new destination each day made the experience unforgettable.
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