1st time in Florida. Cruise or just enjoy FL?

Question

First time visiting Florida next week with my 13 year old son. We have 1 week vacation. I'm also here to see if we would like to move here. Considering taking a 3 Night cruise to Bahamas (not so much to go to Bahamas but for the cruise experience). Or should we just enjoy and explore more of what Florida has to offer. We've never taken a cruise. If we don't take the cruise I would probably add in a beach in the gulf to see a different area of Florida.

Answer

Visiting Florida for the first time with your 13-year-old is an exciting opportunity, and with one week you have to balance exploring the state with trying new experiences like a cruise. Both options—taking a 3-night Bahamas cruise or staying on land—offer unique experiences, so it depends on your priorities.

Option 1: 3-Night Bahamas Cruise

A short cruise is a great introduction to cruising, especially if the focus is on the experience rather than the destinations. Many families find cruises fun because they combine travel, entertainment, and meals all in one. Key benefits include:

All-inclusive experience: meals, entertainment, and accommodations are included, which can be convenient for a family.
Onboard activities for teens: pools, sports courts, teen clubs, and sometimes water slides and other attractions.
Learning the cruise experience: understanding boarding, excursions, ship layout, and logistics can be helpful if considering future longer cruises.

Considerations:

The destinations (Bahamas islands) are brief stops, so the focus is more on the ship and onboard experience than exploring the islands in depth.
Three nights is relatively short; some may feel it’s not enough time to fully enjoy the ship before disembarking.
If your main goal is sightseeing Florida, a cruise might limit your exposure to the state itself.

Option 2: Explore Florida

Spending a week exploring Florida gives you flexibility and insight into the state if you’re considering relocating. This option allows you to experience beaches, cities, and attractions at your own pace. Highlights could include:

Beaches: Gulf Coast options like Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key, or Fort Myers Beach offer beautiful sand, calm waters, and family-friendly activities.
Theme parks: If you’re near Orlando, visiting Universal or Disney parks is a big draw for families, with rides and entertainment for teens.
Nature and outdoor activities: Everglades tours, kayaking, wildlife viewing, or snorkeling in the Keys can be memorable experiences.
City exploration: Miami, Tampa, and St. Petersburg provide a taste of Florida’s culture, dining, and urban lifestyle.

Considerations:

Driving between locations can take time; Florida is large and spread out.
Meals and accommodations are separate costs and require planning.
You get a more immersive experience of Florida’s lifestyle and environment, which can be valuable if thinking about moving.

Recommendation

Given that this is your first trip and you want to get a sense of Florida itself, staying on land might provide a richer experience and allow you to explore beaches, parks, and cities. However, if you and your son are excited about trying a cruise experience for its novelty, a short 3-night cruise can be a fun, contained experience without taking up the entire week. Another option is to split the week: spend a few days exploring Florida (beach, city, or park) and then finish with a 2–3 night cruise from Miami to get a taste of cruising without missing Florida itself.

1st time in Florida. Cruise or just enjoy FL?

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