A 3-day cruise is a perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick break. It works for those taking their first cruise, long weekend travellers, and those looking for an ideal spontaneous break. These all-inclusive cruises are round-trip to some of the best tropical destinations in the world and include travel, lodging, dining, and onboard entertainment. You can find budget-friendly cruises from ports across the U.S. Read on to learn more about cruises from the East and West Coasts.
1. 3-day cruise from Florida
Florida has a massive 1,350-mile coastline and seven cruise ports to handle ocean cruise ships. The ports are amongst the busiest in the world and can handle mega ships efficiently. Close to both the Bahamas and the Caribbean, the location is perfect for a 3-day cruise from Florida. Most major cruise lines offer round-trip cruises to the Bahamas or Key West, with one or two port stops and a sea day. The prices for 3-day cruises range from $240 to $1300 per person.
Also check out: Miami to Bahamas cruise itinerary
a. 3-day cruise from Tampa
A 3-day cruise from Tampa offers sailings to the Bahamas or the Western Caribbean. Cruise liners like Royal Caribbean (Enchantment of the Seas) and Carnival (Carnival Paradise) offer 3-day cruises. They typically include round-trip cruises to the Bahamas (Nassau, Bimini, CocoCay) or Mexico (Cozumel), with two sea days, giving you ample time to enjoy onboard entertainment and dining.
b. 3-day cruise from Miami
PortMiami is known as the Cruise Capital of the World and handled 8.5 million passengers in 2025. 3-day cruises from Miami primarily sail to the Bahamas with stops at Nassau and Ocean Cay. Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival, and Norwegian offer these itineraries, often including private-island visits. Prices typically start at $314 per person for interior cabins.
c. 3-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Take a 3-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to visit the sun-kissed Bahamas. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer these cruises on the Liberty of the Seas and Celebrity Reflection. Royal Caribbean itinerary includes a round-trip to Nassau and Ocean Cay, while Celebrity offers Kay West and Bimini as part of its itinerary. Disney Dream also offers occasional 3-day cruises to the Bahamas.
d. 3-day cruise from Jacksonville
There are no 3-day cruises from Jacksonville; short cruises from Jacksonville are for 4 to 5 nights to the Bahamas. These cruises from Jacksonville depart from Jaxport Cruise Terminal and are offered by Norwegian Gem and Carnival Elation. The itinerary generally included a visit to the private islands and Nassau. The price of these cruises range from $279-$399 per person.
2. 3-day cruise from California
A 3-day cruise from California is one of the most popular short-break options on the West Coast. Most itineraries depart from Long Beach (Los Angeles) or San Diego and sail to Ensenada, Mexico, giving travellers a quick international escape without much planning. These weekend-style cruises typically include one port day and a relaxing sea day, with plenty of dining, entertainment, and pool time onboard. Major cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean regularly operate these itineraries, making them easy to find year-round.
Also read: South America Cruises
a. 3-day cruise from Long Beach
Travel to the tropical paradise of Mexico with a 3-day cruise from Long Beach on ships like Carnival Fireside and Carnival Radiance. The cruises usually depart on Thursday or Friday, offer a fun day at sea, and a day at Ensenada before returning to Long Beach. The cost of the trip starts at $303 per person for an inner cabin room.
b. 3-day cruise from San Diego
Three-day cruises from San Diego typically head south to Baja California, Mexico, visiting ports like Ensenada or Catalina Island. These cruises are offered by Disney (Disney Wonder) and Royal Caribbean (Serenade of the Seas). The round trip is a perfect combination of port and sea days. With cruises starting at $222+ per person for a double occupancy inner cabin.
c. 3-day cruise from San Francisco
There are no 3-day cruises from San Francisco. The shortest sailings are 4-night Ensenada cruises on Carnival Luminosa, starting at $474 per person. Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian also offer longer itineraries from this port.
3. 3-day cruise from NYC
There is no 3-day cruise from NYC. However, there are 4 to 5-night cruises to Bermuda (King’s Wharf), Canada (Saint John, Halifax), and New England on major lines like Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, and Carnival. These cruises generally include sea days and range from $300 to $800 per person for an inside cabin.
4. 3-day cruise to Mexico
You can take a 3-day cruise to Mexico on Royal Caribbean (Los Angles/San Pedro) and Carnival Cruise(Long Beach). The itinerary usually includes Ensenada with shore excursions to La Bufadora blowhole and wineries in the region. Starting at $158 to $385 per person for an interior cabin (double occupancy), these cruises are a pocket-friendly way to travel. San Diego occasionally has 3-night cruises to 3-night Baja Mexico cruises on Norwegian or Disney.
Read in depth about: Cruise in Mexico
5. 3-day cruise from New Orleans
There are no 3-day cruises from New Orleans. The shortest options are 4-night Western Caribbean cruises aboard the Carnival Valor. These round-trip itineraries typically include a stop at Cozumel, along with sea days to explore the ship and enjoy onboard entertainment. Cozumel is known for its clear waters, offering excellent snorkelling and swimming and explore Mayan archaeology.
6. 3-day cruise from Baltimore
There are no dedicated 3-day cruise from Baltimore; there are some great 5-night cruises on the Royal Caribbean (Vision of Sea) to Bermuda. The ship docks in Bermuda for 2 days, giving guests plenty of time to explore the island. Alternatively, year=long-cruises on the Carnival Pride and Vision of the Seas offer 7-day cruises to the Bahamas (Grand Bahama and Nassau). A 5-day cruise from Baltimore ranges from $654 to $1001 per person.
Check out other destinations: Cruise to Galveston
7. 3-day cruise from Boston
There are no 3-day cruises from Boston. Most itineraries are 5 nights or longer, including round-trip sailings on Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda, docking at the Royal Naval Dockyard. The ship features a trampoline park, rock climbing, waterslides, pools, and specialty dining. Double occupancy interior cabins start at $829-$849 per person.
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