A busy waterway linking the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.
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Overview
The Florida Strait, also known as the Straits of Florida, is a critical marine channel located south-southeast of the North American mainland. It serves as the primary connection between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by the Florida Keys (U.S.) and Cuba, extending eastward towards the Bahamas. This busy waterway is fundamental to global shipping and is particularly significant for cruise ships departing from major Florida ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), and Port Canaveral.
It carries the powerful Florida Current, which is the nascent stage of the influential Gulf Stream, impacting oceanography and marine ecosystems globally. For cruisers, traversing the Florida Strait is an integral part of their journey to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and beyond, offering a dynamic stretch of open ocean.
Feel your ship move through the Florida Current, the initial segment of the powerful Gulf Stream. This warm, swift current flows northward, playing a vital role in global ocean circulation and influencing the unique marine environment of the region.
Tip: Sometimes, the ship's speed may vary as it navigates with or against this strong current, which can occasionally create a noticeable chop on the water.
Keep an eye out for diverse marine life. The warm, nutrient-rich waters are home to dolphins often seen playing in the ship's wake, various species of sea turtles, and a wide array of seabirds. Occasionally, larger marine mammals or sharks can be spotted.
Tip: Bring binoculars for better viewing of distant marine life and birds. Early morning or late afternoon are often good times for sightings.
Recognize that you are traversing one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. You'll likely see numerous other vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, fishing boats, and other cruise ships, highlighting the strait's importance as a global maritime artery.
Tip: Enjoy the view of other ships navigating the same passage, especially at night when their lights dot the horizon, creating a unique display.
Depending on your ship's specific route and proximity to the coasts, you may catch glimpses of the Florida Keys to the north (particularly Key West) or the distant northern coast of Cuba to the south.
Tip: Utilize ship maps or navigation channels on your cabin TV to track your exact location relative to these landmasses for informed viewing.
Away from coastal light pollution, the Florida Strait offers excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear nights. The open ocean provides an unobstructed view of constellations and, often, the Milky Way.
Tip: Head to an open deck area away from bright ship lights for the best viewing experience. Some ships may offer celestial navigation talks.
Ponder the historical importance of this strait. For centuries, it was a crucial path for explorers and trade routes (like the Spanish treasure fleets), and now continues its legacy as a vital link in global commerce and travel.
Tip: This is a moment to reflect on the vastness of the ocean and its enduring importance to human history and connectivity.
Aboard
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1 Sailing
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per person*
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Aboard
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