What's your favourite embarkation port and why

[DAVE(Darkcabbie)]

For me I think it has to be Southampton for three reasons.

 

First is and a huge bonus for me is that I can take as much luggage as I want because I don't have to go to an airport.

 

Next is parking , i find it reasonably priced and the car parks are very close to the ships.

 

Finally I love the view as you leave the motorway and approach the docks. You go over two flyovers and as you are high up you can see all the ships lined up it's awesome.

[Matt]

Of the ports I've been to, Port Canaveral has certainly been the easiest/fastest.  Port Everglades embarkation was great but disembarkation not so much

[Mark]

Cape Liberty, Bayonne NJ... because it's a 2 hour drive and I HATE flying!!!

[CruisinTexan]

We sail out of Galveston as often as possible, it is only 4 hours from home!! parking isn't great but we have learned our way around. we are sailing out of New Orleans in December so we shall see how that goes! Any forewarnings?

[Matt]

I agree with anyone that says any port of embarkation that does not require flying! Now that we live in NY, I'm all about Bayonne/Cape Liberty

[Racer734]

Port Canaveral

[DAVE(Darkcabbie)]

Dover is another great port to sail from. They have very friendly staff and the views of the White Cliffs are fantastic especially when leaving port. Also if you are planning an over night stay try the Premier Inn on Marine Parade it's right on the water front opposite the cruise terminals so you get a great view of your ship and others.

[PattyG12]

Although it's a PIA to get there, sailing out of Port Canaveral is really easy.  The local hotels are really close and easy access is always good.  Boarding the Freedom took all of 15 minutes on our last trip.

[Matt]

Boarding the Freedom took all of 15 minutes on our last trip.

I agree, they have it down to a science at PC

[Don]

Port Carnaveral -- Drivable with a hotel stay over & free parking & free shuttle to ship & least congested port. Plus, the deals on 4 night Bahama get aways can be incredible beyond belief -- it's a go often & and do your own thing kind of destation! The older ships are a breath of fresh air as well. The Captain of the Monarch described Her as once the biggest ship afloat & now a tug boat -- hated to see her go into retirement.

[Tylor]

I have left on cruises from Cape Liberty, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and Port of Miami. Port Everglades was the most organized, and the nicest I've been to. All were easy to get to. From a driving perspective, I drove from Michigan to Florida to get to Port Everglades. That was a breeze. The port is set up very nicely with signs and it is a breeze to get in and out of. Cape Liberty is another story. Hopefully that will change with the port upgrades that will be happening with the debut of Quantum of the Seas. 

[bcarney]

@Tyler80 - my family (wife and two young kids) drove from Lansing to Baltimore in Nov 2011 for a cruise on Enchantment.  The drive there was great.  The drive back... well, all I can say is that I believe some laws of physics were violated as the trip back seemed MUCH longer than the drive down. :)  

Back on topic, boarding at Baltimore was OK, but disembarkation was the easiest I've ever had.  They should pack up the staff and fly them down to San Juan to train them on how it should be run.  We were off the ship and into the car in 10 minutes - if that.  Amazing.