cruises leaving port everglades today

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Port schedule.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

Fort Lauderdale-Port Everglades Cruise Port Guide

Hollywood, Florida is the home of the third largest cruise port in the world, Port Everglades, which is situated in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Liberty Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 01 May 2024 - 06:00
• Disney Dream 3.500 passengers 01 May 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Apex 3.373 passengers 02 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 03 May 2024 - 07:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 04 May 2024 - 07:00
• Caribbean Princess 3.766 passengers 04 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Beyond 3.373 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Disney Dream 3.500 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Disney Magic 2.456 passengers 09 May 2024 - 08:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 10 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 10 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 11 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Beyond 3.373 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 13 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 13 May 2024 - 07:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 16:30
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Dream 3.500 passengers 01 May 2024 - 15:45
• Celebrity Apex 3.373 passengers 02 May 2024 - 15:30
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 03 May 2024 - 15:30
• Caribbean Princess 3.766 passengers 04 May 2024 - 15:00
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:30
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 05 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Dream 3.500 passengers 05 May 2024 - 15:45
• Celebrity Beyond 3.373 passengers 05 May 2024 - 16:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 06 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Magic 2.456 passengers 09 May 2024 - 15:45
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 10 May 2024 - 15:30
• Symphony Of The Seas 6.370 passengers 10 May 2024 - 16:30
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 11 May 2024 - 15:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 12 May 2024 - 15:30
• Celebrity Beyond 3.373 passengers 12 May 2024 - 16:00
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 13 May 2024 - 15:30
• Disney Magic 2.456 passengers 13 May 2024 - 15:45
• Celebrity Reflection 3.655 passengers 17 May 2024 - 15:30

Cruises From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale Departing Cruises Calendar

Port Everglades Cruise Guide

Port Everglades is the huge cruise port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The popular departure port serves millions of cruise passengers every year. Ships sail year round, but the peak season is from November to April. See our calendar of cruises .

The majority of cruises from Fort Lauderdale go to the islands of the Caribbean. Whether you're destined for the nearby Eastern Caribbean , the fun Western Caribbean or the exotic Southern Caribbean there are plenty of choices.

A 3-day or 4-day cruise is a quick and easy getaway. Relax on the ship and on the beach.

Caribbean cruises aren't the only ones departing from Port Everglades. There are also many Panama Canal cruises. At the end of peak season in Florida, take a Transatlantic cruise to Europe .

The many cruises out of Fort Lauderdale cover the full range of prices and styles. Pick the one for you.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

What to do before or after your cruise from fort lauderdale’s port everglades.

By Janet K. Keeler

Nearly 4 million cruisers come to Port Everglades cruise port in Fort Lauderdale every year to see the world. There’s not a continent untouched by at least one of the 40 ships that homeport in Port Everglades.

Cruise itineraries range from three-day Bahamas jaunts to 100-plus-night cruises around the world. In between there is a multitude of Caribbean, European and South American itineraries plus ships that traverse the Panama Canal bound for Seattle, sojourns to Africa and expeditions to the Antarctic.

Besides the broad range of cruise itineraries out of Port Everglades, South Florida is busting with things to do for travelers who arrive a few days early or want to stay a bit after the cruise ends. Extending a cruise vacation is never a bad idea.

And what a place to do that. The 22 miles of Broward County beaches are beautiful, there are plenty of accommodations and the weather is cooperative year-round. There’s a two-mile paved promenade adjacent to the sand in Hollywood Beach for walkers, bicyclists and runners. Deerfield Beach is the spot to build sand castles and the iconic fishing pier that juts 975 feet into the Atlantic lures visitors for fishing, views and people watching. Pompano Beach is a prime snorkeling and scuba site.

If you’ve arrived at Port Everglades by car, then you can easily get to all the things-to-do places on your list. If not, car rentals (at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just four miles from Port Everglades), taxis and rideshare transportation are available.

The Fort Lauderdale Water Tax i makes 10 stops through the city along the Intracoastal Waterway. Riders can hop-on-and-off to explore, get food and drink or stay on board for the ride. It’s a convenient way to see some of the glittering hotels and high-rises. Port Everglades has eight terminals and Nos. 2 and 4 are walkable to the Convention Center Water Taxi stop (No. 4) but a taxi ride is probably in order for most cruisers. The cruise port is that big. The free Fort Lauderdale Community Shuttle is another way to get around though there is no stop at the cruise port.

Here are five more things to do before or after a cruise from Port Everglades.

Make a Bet on a Good Time

Sometimes you’ve just got to roll the dice and you can actually do that at Harrah’s Pompano Beach and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Harrah’s, which is north of Everglades cruise port, has 1,200 slot machines and other digital games plus more than 40 tables for poker. Try your luck with other hopefuls playing three-card stud and Texas hold ’em, among other poker games. Need a break from the tables? Check out the fine dining at Farraddays Steakhouse or grab something more casual at Myron’s Delicatessen . Myron’s specializes in New York deli fare such as mile-high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Seminole Hard Rock has slots and poker tables but also offers live blackjack, craps, roulette and “ mini-baccarat .” Because it’s part of the global Hard Rock family, the Hollywood facility has a robust entertainment schedule . There is live music in bars, lounges, nightclubs plus a concert venue, which books top-name acts such as Heart, Diana Ross, Blake Shelton and Ed Sheeran. There are plenty of bars and restaurants offering sports bar fare to fine dining. Consider booking a couple of nights at the Hard Rock before or after your cruise, especially if a favorite act is on the schedule.

Enjoy Nature in the Big City

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a natural oasis amid the high-rises and busy streets of Fort Lauderdale and for that reason it gets the nickname “Central Park.” It’s nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway and a paddle along the mangrove canal will kick off your relaxation journey. Or maybe be a respite after a busy cruise itinerary. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from the park concessionaire , The Grove is adjacent to the A1A highway, the state’s main East Coast thoroughfare—you can often see the waves as you cruise AIA. A paddle through the canal is a good way to spy some of Florida’s showy birds and even 4-foot iguanas! The Grove also offers guided full-moon and sunset tours. Other activities include biking, fishing, camping and hiking. Want a less active visit? Pack a lunch and have a picnic, the perfect activity if you just have a few hours to spare.

Retail Therapy on the Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is the main east-east drag through Fort Lauderdale. It’s a 2.3-mile stretch that runs from high-rise condos and businesses through a pedestrian-friendly shopping-dining-entertainment district to the white sand of Fort Lauderdale Beach. If you’ve got an afternoon available and shopping is on your mind, walk the shopping district and stop in one of the many boutiques, including Lily Pulitzer, and eat at one of the many restaurants serving breakfast through dinner, many of them with pet-friendly sidewalk dining. In addition, there are art galleries and lots of clubs with tropical drinks and live entertainment. If outlet malls are your thing, the sprawling Sawgrass Mills on the edge of the actual Everglades boasts 350 stores and 16 full-service restaurants. Arrived for your cruise still in search of trendy cruise wear? You’ll find it at Sawgrass. Do some in your party want to shop and some don’t? The non-shoppers can check out the latest movies at the Regal Sawgrass IMAX 3D theater.

Have an Inclusive Experience

Wilton Manors is one of the most progressive cities in Florida and has welcomed and celebrated the LGBTQ community for decades. It’s often called Florida’s gay capital and there are many reasons to make the 10-mile trek north of Port Everglades. There are Pride events throughout the year and the Stonewall National Museum & Archives and the World AIDS Museum are here. Wilton Manors likes to have a good time and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and clubs along Wilton Drive to do just that. It’s just a mile long but it will feel like so much more as you browse art galleries and clothing shops. There’s tongue-in-cheek fun with some of the business names including Thai Me Up and What the Pho . Order a watermelon basil martini before tucking into the very popular Sunday brunch at Rosie’s Bar and Grill . Humming nightlife, dancing included, along Wilton Drive, too.

Browse a Bookstore for the Ages

Just three miles south of Port Everglades is a place booklovers get giddy over. William Chrisant & Sons’ Old Florida Book Shop in Dania Beach has more than 50,000 antiquarian books on shelves from floor to vaulted ceiling. The shop sells old and rare maps, plus vintage magazines. It’s one of those book shops that makes it to bibliophiles’ must-see lists. Southern Living magazine put it on its list of best Florida indie bookstores . It’s in a typical Florida shopping strip mall but feels more like something you’d find on a hidden lane in London or maybe in the pages of a Harry Potter tome. After you work up an appetite scouring the stacks and other ephemera, like vintage photographs from the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club ($600), grab a bite to eat at the kosher Ariel’s Delicious Pizza or sample authentic Cuban fare at Juana La Cubana Cafe , both in the same strip mall.

Places to Remember

Fort Lauderdale

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Traffic Alert - April 26 - 28

Port tenants and visitors may experience heavy traffic and delays   this weekend. Motorists are encouraged to include additional time to their commute.

• Friday, April 26 from 6AM to 2PM -   four cruise ships in port. 
• Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 7AM to 3PM -  Up to 10,000 attendees are expected at two events -- a volleyball and pickleball tournament -- at the Broward County Convention Center. Motorists should avoid the convention center area and use the port’s entrances are located at Federal Hwy (US1)/State Road 84 (Spangler Blvd.) or I-595/Eller Dr. 
• Contact Us |
• Privacy Policy

Port Everglades

Florida's powerhouse global gateway.

Port Everglades, located in South Florida, works creatively and competitively to expand the revenue positions of our trade, cruise and energy customers which in turn creates economic social and environmental value for our community.

Our Resources

Cruise information.

Everything you need to know to cruise in and out of the port with ease.

Port Parking

The port has on-site parking facilities for cruise guests with two parking garages and several lots.

Master/Vision Plan

Our roadmap for future growth to improve productivity for the port’s cargo, cruise and energy sectors.

Today, one-third of Florida's energy, including petroleum, are stored and distributed through Port Everglades.

Facilities & Services

Our customer-centric facilities and services are designed for your business to excel.

Port Everglades is one of the leading container ports in Florida thanks to the Port's strategic location.

Port Everglades Quick Facts

Port Everglades generates more than $33 billion worth of business activity annually and supports over 9,500 direct local jobs and nearly 216,600 statewide jobs.

"Sea" What Happens Live

View ships in port

Arriving & Departing

Port Everglades boasts more cruise lines, more sailings and more itineraries than any other port in the world. But it's the world-class service and facilities…

Shore Excursions

Spending a few hours or days in Greater Fort Lauderdale? There's so much to see and do, and Visit Lauderdale is a great way to make your time here unforgettable.

Foreign-Trade Zone

Port everglades marks commissioning of new container cranes.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Snip went the red ribbon and up went the cargo container on Wednesday as Port Everglades officials, partners and elected officials…

Disney Cruise Line Hosts Career Panel for Broward Students

Broward county commission names acting director of port everglades, port everglades and ila host hospitality training for cruise porters, cma cgm selects port everglades for new ceiba express service.

• Find a Cruise​ Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations​ Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay​ Make a Payment Crown & Anchor Society​ Royal Caribbean Blog Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-1-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/gbr/en/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Last Minute Cruises​
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• Mini Cruises
• First Time Cruisers
• What's Included
• Cruising Guides
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-3-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/gbr/en/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Deck Plans​
• Cruise Dining 
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms​
• The Cruise Experience​
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/gbr/en/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports​
• Shore Excursions​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Caribbean Cruises​
• European Cruises​
• Greece Cruises​
• Italy Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Check-In for My Cruise​
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• My Account​
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-6-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/gbr/en/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Best cruises leaving from florida.

Your Holiday is Just a Click Away

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

Beachscapes meet city scenes in South Florida, along with some of Royal Caribbean’s biggest and boldest ships. Set sail on your next Caribbean adventure, or dive into the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS

Holiday plans hit next-level onboard Adventure of the Seas ®. Take on exhilarating thrills like the Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea. Challenge your crew to an epic glow in the dark laser tag faceoff. And catch dazzling displays of ice-skating artistry with mesmerising spins, lifts and jumps by world-class professional figure skaters.

EXPLORE ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS

ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS

Odyssey of the Seas℠ sails from Fort Lauderdale with teched-out thrills on every deck. Float on air in RipCord®by iFLY®on your way to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Scope out Aruba and Curaçao from 91.5 metres up in the North Star®. And experience even more favourites on the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to sail the best of the Southern Caribbean and beyond.

EXPLORE ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS

Add memory-maxing to your weekend itinerary onboard Liberty of the Seas®. From The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides, including the only Tidal Wave℠ boomerang slide in the fleet, to a cool ice skating rink, this headliner brings all the fan favourites. Plus, feast on delicious dishes between scenery scoping in The Bahamas and conquering the tallest waterslide in North America at our private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay .

EXPLORE LIBERTY OF THE SEAS

A BOLDER WAY TO GET AWAY WEEKEND CRUISES

Break up with your weekly routine and set sail on a memory filled getaway that’ll take you so much further than a standard staycation. Royal Caribbean® offers plenty of bolder-than-ever weekend sailings to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning shores onboard the world’s most incredible cruise ships – no days off required. Which means you can fill your year with even more bucket list adventures.

Fort Lauderdale Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in fort lauderdale.

STREET SCENE

Riverwalk High Rise, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Las Olas Boulevard, nestled next door to the central area, is the entertainment core of Fort Lauderdale. It has a mile of upmarket shops and al fresco dining that runs past high-rises and into the RiverWalk, where you can catch the free water tram for a cruise across mega-mansion-lined canals.

VITAMIN SEA

Bird's eye view of A1A, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Soak up the sun, sand and seaside fun along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Walk along the palm-lined 'Strip' on State Road A1A to get your fill of beach bars, souvenir shops and outdoor restaurants. Fort Lauderdale cruises allow you to go full throttle on a Jet Ski®– or go parasailing high above the ocean.

GLADES OF GLORY

Head west and explore the Florida Everglades, an untamed river of grass spanning 2,200 acres of picturesque wetlands. Whether you take a wild ride in an airboat or splash around in a swamp buggy, you’ll encounter wild alligators and native birds thriving amongst Florida’s finest natural landscapes.

LOCAL CUISINE

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Fort Lauderdale dining experience than eating fresh-off-the-boat seafood in a waterfront eatery. Local 'Floribbean' cuisine melds Caribbean and Latin-influenced flavours with locally caught fish, prawns and crab. Surf-and-turf joints line every inch of the A1A along the beach, while white tablecloths drape the majority of Las Olas pavement restaurants.

Pick up beachwear at The Gallery at Beach Place, or find rare books and handmade hats on Hollywood Boulevard. Dania’s Antique Row is home to some 100 dealers, while art galleries and unusual boutiques line Las Olas Boulevard. For serious bargains, head to the Sawgrass Mills outlet sprawl.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand

P ort Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

“The industry itself is very, very strong right now,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.”

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next year’s Norwegian Aqua.

“So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” Murray said. “They are back and booming right now. So we’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royal’s new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the port’s growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

“It’s going to be multiuser. It’s not going to be a single-use facility. That’s going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward,” Murray said. “The only way you’re going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.”

That’s how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

“If they’ve got seven days a week at one terminal and they’re only using three, maybe four days, that’s not high utilization,” Murray said. “Yet, it’s a facility that we’ve got blocked out that we’re not getting any benefit from it for the investment we’ve made.”

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Florida’s big three ports.

“I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate,” Murray said. “Because there’s only Miami, [and] we all know how full Miami is; Everglades, [which has] limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, it’s not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.”

“So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one — get high utilization out of the terminal.”

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• Work with Us
• Destinations

How to Take an Amtrak Train to Cruise Ports Across the USA

Did you know you can take an Amtrak train to cruise ports throughout the US? Most of us don’t live near a cruise port so choices on how to get to your ship are limited. Basically, fly or drive. 

Some people (like me!) simply refuse to fly, and that seriously limits travel options to a cruise port. There is a better, relaxed and fun way to begin your cruise vacation:  take an Amtrak train to your cruise port!

How to Take an Amtrak Train to Your Cruise Port

Amtrak is America’s passenger train. Unlike a busy airport, you can arrive at an Amtrak station 45 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. Check your baggage and wait to hear the station attendant announce the famous “All Aboard.”

After the train car attendant helps you step onboard, you’ll nestle into your sleeping compartment or reclining wide seat. When was the last time that happened on an airplane?

READ MORE: 29 Best Tips for an Amtrak Overnight Train

There are over 500 Amtrak stations in 46 states and Washington, D.C, so there’s bound to be an Amtrak train to get to your cruise ship’s homeport. 

Ready to take an Amtrak train to your cruise port? I’ve listed all cruise ports by state and the Amtrak trains to get you there.

Take Amtrak to Florida Cruise Ports 

There are two daily overnight trains , operating two different routes running between Boston, New York City and Washington DC, all the way to Miami. Note: as of May 19, 2022, there is only one train running daily between Miami and New York City, the Silver Star. The Silver Meteor is on temporary suspension until September 11, 2022, due to staffing shortage issues. 

The current Amtrak train to Florida, the Silver Star, follows much the same route as the Silver Meteor for most of the journey between New York and Miami. The Silver Star includes stops in Jacksonville, Orlando, Winter Park and Miami for cruise ports at Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami .

Currently, a section of the Silver Star will veer west from Lakeland to service Tampa and the cruise port. Then continues southbound to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. 

Upon arrival at any of the south Florida Amtrak stations, it’s a short taxi ride to the port. But you’ll need to spend an overnight at a hotel because the trains arrive in the late afternoon. But you might do that anyway if you flew to the port. 

If you’re cruising from Port Canaveral, I suggest that you plan to depart the train in quaint Winter Park rather than busy Orlando or Kissimmee. At either train stations, you can arrange a car rental or pre-book a shuttle service. It’s an easy, 1-hour drive to Port Canaveral from Winter Park or a local area hotel in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach.

Los Angeles Area Cruise Ports on Amtrak

Long beach and san pedro cruise ports.

Just because you live hundreds or even thousands of miles from the cruise ports in Los Angeles, doesn’t mean spending hours in the sky to get there.

Amtrak operates four almost-transcontinental trains from the east coast, Midwest and southern states as well as an overnight train from Washington state.

Your overland coast-to-coast journey begins in New York City or Washington DC. Both cities have three overnight trains to Chicago. The next day, westbound from Chicago, there are two trains going directly to Los Angeles; the Texas Eagle via San Antonio in almost three days (due to a long layover in San Antonio, but you’re asleep in your compartment) and the Southwest Chief, a much shorter trip of around 43 hours. The scenery is amazing on both trains.

RELATED:  Getting to Los Angeles Union Station from San Pedro Cruise Port

You can take the California Zephyr from Chicago to Los Angeles but it’s not a direct train. You have to change in Sacramento and then continue on to L.A.

My suggestion? Take the train with the most breathtaking scenery, the California Zephyr, to Sacramento, stay over a couple of nights to have time to visit the incredible California State Railway Museum. You can then catch the historic Coast Starlight at 6:30am and arrive in Los Angeles at 9pm. There are two hotels in a 10-minute walking distance to the train station.

Arrival into the splendidly restored Los Angeles Union Station is an experience in itself. Taxis are available just outside the station.

Take Amtrak for Cruises from New Orleans, Galveston/Houston

Whether you live on the west coast, east coast or the Midwest, you can easily get to the Port of New Orleans and the Texas ports at Houston (Pasadena) and Galveston .

The Sunset Limited, originating in New Orleans and Los Angeles, departs three days a week in either direction. Cruisers from the west coast can depart their train in Houston or New Orleans.

READ MORE:   Guide to Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations

Leaving from Chicago, passengers board the famous City of New Orleans train for a quick overnight ride down to the Big Easy. From there, cruise ships head out to the Caribbean and twice a year Transatlantic crossings to Europe.

New York is the departure point for the Crescent, en route to New Orleans via Philadelphia, Washington DC and Atlanta. Heading to Houston, transfer in New Orleans to the Sunset Limited for a short 9-hour train ride. From Houston, Amtrak provides a dedicated motor coach to Galveston.

All Aboard Amtrak for a  Mississippi River Cruise

Cruise from the Port of New Orleans aboard an authentic paddle wheeler and step back in time on a northbound Mississippi River cruise. Or leave from Chicago aboard the Empire Builder to St. Paul, MN and begin a southbound cruise on the Mississippi. Memphis or St. Louis, too.

Amtrak to Cruise Ports in Seattle and Vancouver

Travel from New York to Chicago and transfer to the Empire Builder to Seattle on one of the most scenic Amtrak train rides in America. Once the train gets to the western side of Montana, the Empire Builder travels straight through Glacier National Park.

There’s even a train stop at one of the National Park Lodges, where you could spend a day or two pre- or post-cruise.

From the Port of Seattle, train passengers can choose either a round-trip 7-night Inside Passage Alaska cruise or a one-way cruise to Anchorage to explore more of the Last Frontier.

To take Amtrak to Vancouver for your Alaska cruise, you’ll transfer in Seattle to the Amtrak Cascades train and cross the Canadian border via the train. Because of staffing issues related to the pandemic, the Cascades is on temporary hold through the end of 2022. 

Instead, Amtrak has a dedicated motor coach that takes passengers to the Vancouver Union Station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to downtown Vancouver hotels and the nearby Port of Vancouver. 

Those who depart from Seattle for a longer cruise to Asia, Hawaii or even Australia will love Amtrak’s generous luggage regulations. Each person is allowed to carry on 2 bags up to 28” tall and up to 50lbs. Passengers may also check up to 2 bags for free, same height and weight restrictions and 2 additional bags at $20/each. That’s a lot of luggage.

Southern Californians can hop aboard the historic Coast Starlight for an overnight ride to Seattle. Hugging the Pacific Coast for several hours before ascending the Sierra Nevada range, the scenery is spectacular. Not to mention the private lounge and dining car for first-class passengers.

Tips For Taking Amtrak to a Cruise Port

• ALWAYS arrive the day before, just as you should if you’re flying to your ship.
• If you’re traveling in coach, bring a light travel blanket and small pillow.
• First class sleeping compartments include bottled water, juice, sodas, and all meals in the dining car so you don’t need to pack a picnic. Plus, you can always purchase something extra to eat from the Café Car.
• Rates for sleepers increase as supply decreases. Book your accommodations early. If your plans change, new cancellation penalties allow for some flexibility.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers missed connections, just in case of a severe delay or if you need to cancel for covered reasons.
• Print out your timetable from Amtrak’s website.
• An Amtrak train ride to your embarkation port may not be the solution for everyone, especially for those that are on a time constraint. For people who live in South Dakota, Wyoming or much of Idaho, this probably isn’t an option, either, as there is no train service to these areas.

But for most of us across America, there is an Amtrak station no more than a half-day’s drive away. Let your vacation begin before the cruise; take Amtrak to your cruise port and arrive refreshed, relaxed and ready for another adventure. 

Pin to Your Favorite Boards!

You’ll Also Love

Best Apps for Your Amtrak Train Trip

Amtrak Florida Train Service Restoration Begins

Amtrak Riders Can Now Bid for Premium Upgrades

Amtrak on Track to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Amtrak and Lyft Partnership and How to Use Lyft on Amtrak App

Amtrak California Zephyr Train Three Days Across America

37 comments.

Hi Imelda, Thank you for your question. I always follow the rule to arrive one day prior to my cruise departure day. There is only one daily train that runs between Los Angeles and Emeryville, CA (the closest station to San Francisco). It departs at 9:51am and arrives into Emeryville at 9:31pm, almost 12 hours. You definitely will need to arrive the day before your ship departure, there’s no option. There are hotels in Emeryville near the Amtrak station and the next day, it’s a short ride over to the cruise port. Have a wonderful cruise to Alaska!

Departing los angeles by train to San Francisco port to cruise to Alaska. What time shall I board the train in los Angeles to make the cruise departure on time.

Hi Lacey, Thank you for reading the article. I would contact Amtrak and make sure that they still have a dedicated motor coach to the cruise port in San Pedro. I have an article on it here: https://cruisemaven.com/how-to-get-to-los-angeles-amtrak-union-station-from-san-pedro-cruise-port/

If not, you next best bet is Uber or Lyft. It’s no short distance so those would be the least expensive. If Amtrak still provides their motor coach, I’d definitely go with that option. If the Amtrak reservation agent is clueless, hang up and call back. You will need to make a reservation for the bus.

I’d be happier if you were arriving the day before the cruise. Freight trains have been clogging up the right-of-way for Amtrak now more than I can remember. There are a few hotels very near the train station, too.

I hope my information is helpful. Have a wonderful train ride and cruise! Thank you again for reading my article and taking the time to send your question.

In Feb, we are taking Amtrak to Los Angeles, union station,arrival 8am and catching a cruise at San Pedro at 4pm. What is the best way to get there?

Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes…you can take Amtrak to just about every cruise port. You can even take Amtrak up to Vancouver, BC to board an Alaska cruise from there, too. It’s a very interesting experience crossing the border on the train.

Enjoy your Alaska cruise! I’m going to revive my Cruise Maven Travel podcast so I hope you’ll tune it to that, too! Thank you again for reading my article and taking the time for your comment. Much appreciated! Sherry

Sherry, you are the absolute BEST! I have always wanted to do an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle but flying is out of the question for me. Now you’ve opened up a whole world of possibilities for my retirement! P.S. I enjoy listening to you on the Cruise Radio podcast. Keep living the dream!

Hi Sandra, Thank you for reading the article. The best you can find would be any train from DC to Baltimore Penn Station. From there, you can take a taxi/Uber/Lyft to the Port of Baltimore. There are more than a dozen trains between the two stations; regional, Acela and regular Amtrak passenger trains between NYC and Carolinas/Florida. Have a terrific cruise and I hope this information is helpful.

Hi. Is there an Amtrak train from Washington DC to Baltimore Port ?

Hi Carol, Good question. The last time I took the train to Boston for a cruise, I had to take an Uber from the Boston Amtrak Station to the Boston Cruise Port. The cost was about $11.00 plus tip. Thank you for taking the time to write. I hope my answer is helpful. Sherry

Is there a shuttle or does Amtrak take you the the port in Boston, MA

Hi Jennifer, Sorry for the delayed reply. I hope it’s not to late for my advice. Yes, arriving the day of departure can be pretty stressful. You’re counting on the train running exactly on time AND the Beachline road to not have delays. Considering cutoff time for embarkation is probably 3pm at the latest, it’s risky. It can be much more relaxing to arrive into Orlando (I’d suggest the Winter Park station instead), take or rent a car and spend a day in Cocoa Beach. Then return the car and go at your leisure to the port the next day. I hope this is helpful. Have a great train ride and a fabulous cruise! Sherry

Thanks so much for this informative piece. I’ve seen folks recommend getting there a day ahead. We’re planning on taking the train from Boston to Orlando to arrive at 10:30ish in the morning. The boat departs at 4PM. Is this pushing it too close?

Hi Jan, Your frustration was my inspiration to do the article! Thank you! And have a wonderful cruise. Sherry

You are right. I dug and got frustrated. Thanks for all or your hard work on the how to article.. Appreciate it. Jan

Hi Jan, Thank you for your question. It prompted me to do another “how-to” article! Here’s your answer: https://cruisemaven.com/how-to-get-to-cape-liberty-cruise-port-amtrak/ Have a wonderful cruise and thanks again for your comment.

Hi Sherry, How do you get from the station to Cape Liberty cruise port? Coming in from Pittsburgh. I know it’s best to come the day before? Any places to stay close to port? Thanks. Jan

Hi Anne, It’s very easy when you take the train into Penn Station. You didn’t mention if you were cruising from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal or out of Brooklyn at Red Hook…or even Bayonne, NJ which sometimes is confused with a NY departure. I’ll go with Manhattan for you. There isn’t any shuttle that runs back and forth to Penn Station. However, it’s only a short distance and you’ll need either a taxi or an Uber. If you choose a taxi, here’s where to find it at the station. Once you leave the train, take the escalator to the main level. It should put you directly in front of the Acela Lounge. As you step off the escalator, the Acela Lounge is right behind you. The escalator to the outside is right next to the Acela Lounge. Look for 31st Street and 8th Ave. Once outside, you’re facing exactly the corner of the two streets. veer to your right and that’s 8th. Walk 1/2 block to your right and you will see the taxi queue. Get into the taxi and close the door and then tell the driver you’re going to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal (assuming you’re not going to Brooklyn which is about a $60 ride. If you decide to call Uber, I’m not sure where it will collect you…probably on 8th near the taxi queue.

But that’s it! Taxi or Uber to Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Have a wonderful train ride and cruise! I hope you didn’t mind all this detailed instructions. Thank you for your question! Sherry

Hi Sherry We are thinking about taking a train from Greensboro, NC to New York. Do you know of any shuttle or any other transportation to get us to cruise port in New York?

Hi Ken, Thanks for reading the article. Amtrak doesn’t furnish designated shuttles between the station and the port. It’s only about 12 miles away. Your best bet would either be Uber or a taxi. One of several taxis is (904) 355-8294. The cost should be around $30-ish.

You can also visit: http://www.visitjacksonville.com/meetings/transportation/ground-transportation/ and look through available options. I don’t know how many people are traveling with you so at the VisitJacksonville site, it also lists shuttle vans services for larger parties.

I hope this helps. If you booked your cruise and rail with a travel agent, she/he can also help even further with connecting transportation. Have a wonderful trip and happy travels! Sherry

Hi Sherry, We are taking a train from Raleigh North Carolina to Jacksonville Florida. Do you know of any shuttle or other services to get us from the train terminal to the cruise port in Jacksonville. Thanks

Hi and thanks for your question. Amtrak doesn’t provide a shuttle service. But you can find shuttle services online. I can’t recommend any particular service, but a quick check and I see there’s a company PortCanaveralVanService.com that has Orlando Amtrak pickup for the port. Also, there’s Cocoa Beach Shuttle. Just google something like: port canaveral shuttle service orlando amtrak – and you’ll get a whole list of companies. It’s a little over an hour drive to or from the Amtrak station to Port Canaveral.

Definitely reserve your return port-to-Amtrak shuttle early, too.

Have a wonderful cruise! Sherry

Also, we will return to the Port on New Years Eve and need a shuttle back to Orlando Train Station Thank you

Hi taking an Amtrak train from Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ to Orlando train station . We need to get to the cruise port in Orlando Florida and there are 12 of us traveling on Christmas Eve. Does Amtrak offer a shuttle from the train station to the cruise port? If so, how much is the fare? Thank you.

Hi and thank you for your email. It sounds like a great adventure! There’s good and bad news. The good news is that next week a group of Amtrak officials and regional big-wigs are riding a test train from New Orleans to Jacksonville to decide if Amtrak will once again have a transcontinental route rom Los Angeles to Jacksonville. The bad news is that if the Sunset Ltd. resumes full cross-country service, it probably won’t be in time for your high school reunion.

That said, the easiest route would be Los Angeles to Chicago. Then onto Washington DC and south to Jacksonville. You’d need to rent a car in Jacksonville for the short drive to St. Augustine. You’re looking at two nights to Chicago on the Southwest Chief, one night to Washington on the Capital Ltd and one night to Jacksonville on the Silver Meteor. Three trains. A great adventure, for sure. If you decide to take the train, call Amtrak, unless you know of a travel agent that is good at booking Amtrak. If you should call to book it yourself and the reservationist doesn’t seem as knowledgeable as you’d like, politely hang up and call back. I find that, as with many customer service call centers, some people seem to know their “stuff” better than others. When you decide on your train and accommodations, for the DC to Florida train, ask that your room isn’t directly over the wheels. The other two trains are Superliners and you can request an upstairs room if you’d like.

Thank you for your email. Have a wonderful trip and please do let me know if you take the trains across country! I’d love to hear your story.

Hi Jennifer,

Good idea to take the train to Penn Station for your cruise (I’m going to assume you are leaving from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and not Brooklyn Red Hook). You are right…since this is more of a “commuter” train than long distance, there isn’t checked luggage. I have taken a short distance train (Orlando to Charleston) and stayed in coach with my suitcase. But it was only for a long weekend not a cruise. If you think you can stow your bags in the overhead ledge, then you’re good. My main concern is time. In a perfect world, I’d suggest coming in the day before your cruise, enjoy the city and then in the morning, you’re there. Even though it’s a short train ride, if your cruise is in winter, the weather can cause delays for Amtrak. Please carefully plan your arrival into NYC. Of course, if you have travel protection insurance, then you’re covered in case of delays or missed connections. Thank you again for your email and have a wonderful train ride and cruise.

Hi, we’re planning(2 seniors) to go to St. Augustine, Florida from LAX Union Station in October for a high school reunion. What are our best opinions to go by Amtrak. And how long would it take us. Our big day is on October 16, 2016…. Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

We are thinking about taking the Amtrak Keystone Service from Harrisburg to New York for our upcoming cruise. While it’s only a 3.5 hour drive, we want the comfort to relax. I just realized that it does not allow checked baggage. Have you ever been in this situation? It is 4 of us traveling, 2 adults and 2 kids. We could cut down on what we pack (always somehow over pack), but with kids I have to make sure we have lots of extra stuff.

Hi, I just now saw your question…sorry for the delay. From Port Angeles, it’s a 3-hour motor coach ride from Port Angeles (6am) to Seattle (9:10am). From there, they can pick up the Coast Starlight, for one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. It’s a dedicated Amtrak motorcoach so it only stops for ticketed Amtrak passengers. The best advice would be to contact Amtrak directly (1.800.USA.RAIL) and ask the reservation agent. Surely it’s do-able…it just might take a little bit of planning. But the ride along the coast is awesome.

Thanks Ryan. It’s been corrected.

The California Zephyr does not go to Los Angeles. It runs between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area.

My daughter and SIL live in Port Angeles, Washington. I want them to visit me in Ontario, Calif. I do know that it is possible to catch the train in Los Angeles to Ontario, but where is the nearest place that they can catch the train from Wash. to Los Angeles?

Hi Don, Thanks for going in to a little more detail about LA Union Station and reaching Long Beach and San Pedro. San Diego would be a great choice, too.

Wanted to mention San Diego because more ships are using it as an embarkation point.

Amtrak has 12 trains a day from LA Union Station to San Diego, where trains arrive convenient to all the downtown hotels and the harbor.

So sorry you spent that $100. Amtrak offers connecting bus service from LA Union Station to Long Beach (where most hotels are) and San Pedro, which must be booked in conjunction with your rail reservation (by California law).

Because this service does not meet every train, you may have to wait awhile. However, Union Station has a Metropolitan Lounge for Amtrak sleeping car passengers, where you can relax.

Although I haven’t stored luggage at this location, the Metro Lounge in Chicago routinely does so.

If true in LA, that gives you a chance to hop on the Red Line subway from within Union Station to its Hollywood and Vine stop. There within the same block, you’ll find the Kodak Theatre (the current Academy Awards venue), the famed Chinese Theatre (the former Academy Awards venue), and the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where Marilyn Monroe lived. This hotel’s fun to explore.

To add to Richard’s comment: In March we took a fantastic train trip around the U.S., more than 8200 miles and loved it. My wife had the brilliant idea to break up that trip with a short cruise from LA, giving us a very welcome change in food and scenery. Our biggest problem was the connection between Amtrak and the port of San Pedro. Cabs were $100+ each way, and we didn’t find many other options. We used the local subway, taking the red line to the blue line, out to San Pedro, and a cab from there to the port, $20 or so. But it was a bit of an adventure, and a tough job to lug our suitcases along. We had a wonderful subway journey, getting into a discussion of our trip with some wonderful locals, but many people might find the task daunting. I highly recommend the journey, but realize that the connection is either difficult or costly.

Hi Richard, Thanks for writing. I did the train trip into Union Station twice in 2013 for a Princess cruise. Since I always arrive the day before the cruise, I took a shared shuttle for $17 from Union Station to the Marriott Airport Hotel. The next morning, because this hotel was one of the hotels that Princess Cruises used for their pre/post cruise stay, I bought a transfer to the San Pedro port through the cruise line. Also, PrimeTimeShuttle.com provides direct service between Union Station and both San Pedro and Long Beach ports for a flat fee. As you said, taking a private taxi can be expensive. Thank you for your comment.

Los Angeles ports: traveling from Los Angeles union station to the ports of Los Angeles will not be an easy breeze. The taxi will cost you another $100 (including tip) plus the horrible traffic and 2 hour travel. Taking another train from union station to the ports will be difficult, another long trip, change carriage, the need to take taxi to the nearest ports as there are no direct trains drop off. 🙁

Comments are closed.

What are you looking for?

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Russia Rivers Cruise Ports

Moscow (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Russia Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-28 09:59

Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

Moscow launches electric ferry service in 2022

Russia's capital city Moscow plans to incorporate a fleet of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transport network from summer 2022...

Vodohod’s first Project PV300 river ship departs on maiden cruise

Project PV300 built by United Shipbuilding Corporation's Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard (Sormovsky-Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) and recently delivered to...

Emerald Waterways opens bookings for 2021 Russian River Cruises

The premium brand Emerald Waterways opened bookings for its 2021 Russian river cruise season. Voyages will feature a newly chartered...

Vodohod’s Mustay Karim cruise ship to be delivered by July 10

Russia's largest cruise company and tour agency Vodohod expects its newbuild cruise ship MS Mustai Karim (currently under construction at Nizhny...

2018 FIFA World Cup Games to Be Shown Aboard Princess Cruises Ships

Princess Cruises passengers sailing all over the world will spectate and cheer on their favourite teams during the single largest tournament of the...

•   show more news

Moscow - user reviews and comments

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow confirms large warship hit in Crimean port – as it happened

This live blog is now closed but you can read more on this story here

• 26 Dec 2023 Summary of the day
• 26 Dec 2023 Ukrainian army chief dissatisfied with army draft programme changes
• 26 Dec 2023 Ukrainian minister thanks UK for pilot training
• 26 Dec 2023 Summary of the day so far
• 26 Dec 2023 Russia claims to have stopped Ukraine's counteroffensive
• 26 Dec 2023 Russia confirms navy vessel hit
• 26 Dec 2023 Ukraine claims major Russian navy ship destroyed in Crimea air assault
• 26 Dec 2023 Opening summary

Here is a video of the large explosion in Crimea as a Ukrainian airstrike hit a Russian warship during an overnight attack on the Crimean port city of Feodosia , Russia’s defence ministry and officials said.

The Interfax news agency cited the Russian defence ministry as saying that Ukraine had used guided missiles launched by aircraft to attack Feodosia.

Reuters reported that the Russia-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, said on the Telegram messaging app that one person had been killed and two injured as a result of the attack.

Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, has briefed Vladimir Putin about the Ukrainian attack on the Crimean port of Feodosia and damage sustained by the Novocherkassk landing ship , Interfax quoted the Kremlin as saying.

The Guardian’s Russia affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer has the full report on the Russian warship which Ukraine says it has destroyed in a Crimean port.

The Ukrainian air force said it struck the Novocherkassk navy ship, which was stationed in Crimean waters controlled by Russia .

The commander of Ukraine’s air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, said on the Telegram messaging app :

And the fleet in Russia is getting smaller and smaller! Thanks to the air force pilots and everyone involved for the filigree work!”

Footage circulating on several Russian news outlets on Telegram showed powerful explosions and fires over a port area.

Russia’s defence ministry acknowledged via a statement that the Novocherkassk landing ship was “damaged” by Ukrainian guided missiles launched by aircraft, adding that one person was killed and two injured in the attack.

Earlier in the day, the Russia-appointed head of occupied Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, said in a statement on Telegram that there had been “an enemy attack in [the] Feodosia area”, adding that “detonation has stopped and the fire has been localised”.

Moscow is believed to have already withdrawn a significant bulk of its Black Sea fleet from its main base in Crimea after a series of Ukrainian missile and drone strikes last autumn and summer.

Japan’s Mitsui & Co has decided to pull its employees out of Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project , the Sankei newspaper reports, citing several sources.

The decision is yet another blow for the project.

Fearing the backlash from US sanctions targeting the project, foreign shareholders have suspended participation, renouncing their responsibilities for financing and for offtake contracts for the plant, the Russian daily Kommersant reported on Monday.

Sanctions have also resulted in Novatek, Russia’s largest LNG producer, declaring force majeure over LNG supplies from the project, industry sources told Reuters last week.

Here are the latest images coming out of eastern Ukraine:

The Guardian’s chief culture writer, Charlotte Higgins, has written her moments of hope column about the young women she met in Ukraine .

She writes:

There is Sofia Cheliak, a cultural broadcaster who also runs the programme for Lviv BookForum , a brilliant literary festival where ideas are exchanged vigorously, held in the thick of war.

There is Bohdana Neborak , who is editor-in-chief of the Ukrainians magazine, a podcaster and cultural manager: she is elegant-minded, intellectually rigorous and an energetic ambassador for Ukrainian literature.

There are the talented, generous, very funny photographers with whom I’ve covered stories for the Guardian, Anastasia Vlasova and Julia Kochetova . Julia told me once that her career had been defined by documenting conflict, not out of choice, but because war came to her doorstep: it’s an unlooked-for, tough destiny.

There’s Oleksandra Matviichuk , head of the Nobel peace prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties, whose work as a human rights lawyer is about strengthening institutions in Ukraine and campaigning for justice for war crimes. She is one of the most poised public speakers I have heard, and uses her quiet, eloquent powers of persuasion relentlessly. I could go on: there are many others.

I don’t like to use the word “hero”. I studied Homer, once: the original heroes, the violent, godlike men of the Iliad and the Odyssey, have nothing to do with these women. In our own times, declaring someone heroic often does that person a disservice, flattening out their human complexity, turning them into untouchable paragons. So I don’t call these women heroic. But when I think of the future of Ukraine in such hands, hope still perches in my soul.

Here is an image of the Novocherkassk landing ship, a navy vessel that Moscow says has been damaged in an overnight Ukrainian attack on the Crimean port city of Feodosia.

Russia confirms navy vessel hit

One person was killed, two injured and a large landing ship called Novocherkassk was damaged in an overnight Ukrainian attack on the Crimean port city of Feodosia, Russia’s defence ministry and officials said.

There was no immediate report of how badly the ship was damaged, but videos circulating on Ukrainian channels showed an extensive fire in the port area.

Ukraine claims major Russian navy ship destroyed in Crimea air assault

Ukraine carried out an air attack on Feodosia in Crimea, the country’s air force commander said on Tuesday, after the Russian-installed governor of the Crimea said the assault sparked a fire in the town’s port area.

Reuters reports that the commander of Ukraine’s air force, Lieut Gen Mykola Oleshchuk , said on Telegram, without providing evidence, that the attack destroyed a major Russian navy vessel, the landing ship Novocherkask.

Oleshchuk said:

And the fleet in Russia is getting smaller and smaller! Thanks to the Air Force pilots and everyone involved for the filigree work!

The report could not be independently verified and there was no immediate comment from Russia.

Both Russia and Ukraine have often exaggerated the losses they claim to have inflicted upon each other in the 22-month-long war, while underestimated their own casualty and equipment losses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed governor of Crimea, said only that the Ukrainian attack resulted in a fire in the town’s port area that was promptly contained.

Aksyonov said on the Telegram:

All relevant emergency services are on site. Residents of several houses will be evacuated.

Footage posted on several Russian news outlets on Telegram showed powerful explosions and fires over a port area.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in a broadly condemned move in 2014.

Opening summary

This marks the continuation of live coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine on this 26 December. Here’s an overview of the latest news.

Ukraine carried out an air attack in Crimea and destroyed a major Russian navy vessel, Ukraine’s air force commander has said.

A huge explosion and fireball engulfed part of the Crimean port of Feodosia early on Tuesday morning. An initial fire was followed by a massive secondary explosion.

The commander of Ukraine’s air force, Lieut Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, said on Telegram that the attack destroyed a major Russian Navy vessel, the landing ship Novocherkask.

The Russian-installed governor of Crimea said earlier that the assault sparked a fire in Feodosia.

More on that that story soon. In other developments:

Ukraine’s cabinet of ministers has submitted to parliament a draft law lowering the age of those who can be mobilised for combat duty to 25 from 27 . Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s president, said a week ago that the military had proposed mobilising up to half a million more Ukrainians but it was a “highly sensitive” issue that the military and government would have to discuss.

The Ukrainian military shot down 28 Russian drones out of 31 launched from the annexed Crimea peninsula, mostly targeting the south of the country, it said on Monday. Air defences also destroyed two missiles, it said.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been located at a penal colony in the Arctic Yamal-Nenets region of northern Russia, his spokesperson has confirmed. Kira Yarmysh was quoted as saying Navalny’s lawyer managed to see him on Monday. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, expressed concern at the weekend about Navalny’s whereabouts as he had been missing in Russia’s prison system for nearly three weeks.

Russia said emergency workers had put out a fire on a Soviet-era nuclear-powered cargo-icebreaker ship . The state company that runs the vessel said on Monday there were no casualties and no threat to the security of the reactor.

Russia on Monday accused western countries of stirring up tensions in Moscow-friendly Serbia, which has been rocked by protests over alleged fraud in elections held on 17 December.

Five Russian UAVs (drones) over the region were “destroyed” by Ukrainian forces late on Sunday evening, said Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region.

The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union’s members have signed a free trade agreement with Iran , Russian news agency Tass has reported.

The Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, will pay a two-day visit to Russia, after skipping a summit in Kyrgyzstan Putin attended in October.

• Ukraine war live
• Vladimir Putin
• Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Most viewed