Celebrity Cruises Makes History at Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral, Florida – Celebrity Cruises made headlines this week as it sailed from Florida’s Port Canaveral for the first time, launching its inaugural journey on the Celebrity Equinox ship. The vessel set out on a week-long cruise to the picturesque Caribbean on Tuesday, marking a significant expansion for the cruise line.
New Beginning for Celebrity Cruises
This momentous occasion allows travelers to embark on seven-night voyages from Port Canaveral through April 2025. Popular destinations include the Bahamas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Belize, and many more. The itinerary also features a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which Celebrity began including in its schedule earlier this year. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are both part of the same parent company, the Royal Caribbean Group.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, expressed excitement over this new venture. “At Celebrity, we are continually striving to elevate our guests’ vacation experience from start to finish,” she stated. “We are delighted to offer even more ways to relax, unwind and explore the Caribbean.” The addition of Port Canaveral provides guests with enhanced flexibility for planning their Caribbean getaways.
The Celebrity Equinox Experience
Onboard, the Celebrity Equinox can accommodate up to 2,852 guests. It features over 20 dining and beverage options and a wide variety of activities, including Pickleball, glass-blowing classes, and more. This range of activities is designed to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of cruise-goers.
Port Canaveral: A Key Destination
Port Canaveral is located along Florida’s iconic Space Coast, providing access to various attractions such as the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and nearby Cocoa Beach. The port is a significant hub for several major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norseig Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
Future Plans at Port Canaveral
Looking ahead, Celebrity Cruises has announced plans to expand its presence at Port Canaveral with the introduction of the Celebrity Apex in winter 2025. This ship, larger than the Equinox, will also offer seven-night sailings, taking the total number of cruise options available to guests from this port to new heights.
A Growing Fleet
With a fleet that includes more than a dozen ships, Celebrity Cruises caters to all types of travelers. The company’s oldest ship, the Celebrity Millennium, has been joined by newer vessels, such as the Celebrity Ascent, which launched in 2023 and is the fourth ship in the line’s Edge class.
Conclusion
The debut of Celebrity Cruises from Port Canaveral is an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts and those in Central Florida. With luxurious amenities aboard the Celebrity Equinox and a range of captivating destinations, passengers can look forward to new adventures in the sun-soaked Caribbean.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
