Twenty-first century vacationers are embracing Drake’s philosophy, fueling what Condé Nast Traveler calls “astronomical” growth in the cruise industry, which jumped by 15 percent from 2011 to 2016 and is adding a million new passengers a year. In 2018, some 27 million people will board an astonishing array of ships, and in the United States, most of those passengers will set sail from Florida. With five ports and ships cruising to destinations from Latin America and the Caribbean to Europe, Florida is the cruise capital of the world. Whether you’re seeking family fun, natural exploration, palatial luxury or a raucous nonstop party, there’s a Florida-based cruise for you. We sent our intrepid editors and writers on a sampling of cruise adventures, from a glitzy new megaship to a classic transatlantic voyage. And we also shared how to get a great deal and insider tips for new or veteran cruisers.