Why Were Fighter Jets Flying Over Port Canaveral’s Cruise Ships Over the Weekend?

The US Navy Blue Angels conducted aerial demonstrations near Port Canaveral during the Cocoa Beach Air Show over the weekend, delighting thousands of cruise passengers. Eleven vessels from six different cruise lines were docked at the Florida port during the two-day event, positioning approximately 98,000 guests for potential views of the F/A-18E Super Hornets. The Blue Angels performed close formation maneuvers near several ships, with Star of the Seas receiving particularly dramatic fly-bys as the world's largest cruise ship prepared for departure Sunday afternoon. Port operations remained unaffected, though traffic toward Cocoa Beach increased significantly. Cruise guests planning embarkation during major local events should account for potential road congestion when timing their arrival at terminals.

Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (April 13, 2026).