Before You Sail: The Palm Beaches
Turn your cruise into a long weekend with a day in the Palm Beaches.
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Flying in the night before is the smart move — and the Palm Beaches are a pleasant place to spend it. Here are local ideas for the day before you sail, or the day you get back.
Where to stay
Fly-in cruisers generally choose between three areas: near the airport (PBI) for convenience and price; downtown West Palm Beach for walkable dining along the waterfront; and Singer Island and the Palm Beach Shores area, closest to the port and right on the beach. Ask us and we will suggest options for your budget.
Things to Do in the Palm Beaches
Lion Country Safari
A drive-through safari park in Loxahatchee, west of town. Giraffes, rhinos and zebras up close from your car — a big hit with families.
Arts & culture
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the galleries of downtown West Palm Beach for an evening show before you sail.
Downtown dining
Clematis Street and the downtown waterfront are packed with restaurants and bars — an easy place for a pre-cruise dinner.
Beaches
From Singer Island to Juno and Jupiter, the county’s Atlantic beaches are a short drive from the port.
More Local Ideas
- Worth Avenue and Palm Beach island: window-shopping, Mediterranean-style architecture and the Lake Trail along the water.
- Peanut Island: a small park island in the Lake Worth Inlet, reached by water taxi or boat, popular for snorkeling and picnics.
- Polo season in Wellington: in winter, Sunday polo is a very Palm Beach way to spend an afternoon.
- Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival: a winter event where artists turn downtown streets into chalk murals.
- Fishing and boating: charter fishing is a major activity along this stretch of coast.
Event dates change from year to year; check local listings before you plan around them. For curated local businesses, see the Official Travel Directory.
Pre-Cruise Checklist for Palm Beach
- Online check-in done and boarding documents saved to your phone.
- Arrive at the terminal well before the 3:00 p.m. door closing.
- Credit card ready for parking (no cash accepted).
- Swimsuit, sunscreen, medication and documents in your carry-on.
- Return-day plan: if you are flying out, leave plenty of time after the ship docks.
More packing help: Cruising Checklist.
Coming Home: The Return Day
Short cruises return early in the morning. Guests who carry their own luggage can usually walk off first; if you put bags out the night before, expect to wait for your luggage group to be called. If you are flying home from PBI, a late-morning or afternoon flight gives you a comfortable cushion for disembarkation, customs and the drive to the airport. Driving home? Have your credit card ready to settle parking as you exit the lot, and remember you will be charged for the return day as well.
Not in a hurry? Turn the return day into a beach day or a lunch in downtown West Palm Beach before heading home.
Want a Cruise-and-Stay Package?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can quote your Palm Beach cruise and suggest a pre-cruise hotel. Ask for free quotes.
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