2 night bahamas cruise from miami

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Bahamas Cruises from Miami

Enjoy the carefree ambiance of the islands

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On a Bahamas cruise from Miami, the crystal-clear waters, powder-white sands, and relaxed atmosphere of this island paradise guarantee the ideal vacation. A cruise is the perfect way to downshift from the buzz of South Florida’s largest city to the laid-back culture of New Providence and the surrounding islands.

There’s so much to do and see here. From Nassau, head for Paradise Island to discover the playground of Atlantis and marvel at the sharks circling Predator Lagoon. Take the ferry to Blue Lagoon Island and relax under a palm tree, listening to the waves. From Bimini, swim among reef sharks or learn how conch is harvested. Relax in a private overwater villa on CocoCay, or fly down North America’s tallest waterslide.

Itineraries

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When you arrive in the capital of Nassau on your Bahamas cruise, you’ll have the entire day to explore the city and the surrounding islands. Stroll along the buzzing Cable Beach, and shop for local crafts at the Nassau Straw Market. Head for Aquaventure at Atlantis on Paradise Island for a day of thrills on plunging waterslides. Or cruise to neighboring Pearl Island, Blue Lagoon Island, or Balmoral Island for kayaking, snorkeling, and even a chance to swim with friendly pigs.

Relax on the powdery white sand of Bimini’s gorgeous Paradise Beach, or get closer to marine life in the warm, turquoise waters around the islands. Snorkel with reef sharks or hand-feed stingrays at Honeymoon Harbor. Join a snorkeling adventure to admire the vibrant corals and schools of fish that have colonized a shipwreck before relaxing with an ice-cold rum punch. Feeling creative? Then join a painting class and try to capture the astonishing shades of the Caribbean.

The award-winning island paradise of CocoCay is packed with entertainment for all tastes. Fly down Devil’s Peak, North America’s tallest waterslide, and cool off in the region’s biggest freshwater pool. Enjoy mellow DJ tunes at adults-only Hideaway Beach. Or elevate your experience at Coco Beach Club, where you’ll find a sparkling infinity pool, a powder-sand beach, and a cluster of overwater villas. Each one has a slide so you can glide straight into the crystal-clear water below.

Top Shore Excursions on Bahamas Cruises from Miami

See dolphins in the wild.

On a cruise from Miami to The Bahamas, you can observe bottlenose dolphins in the wild during a port stop in Key West. Board a luxurious catamaran and sail to the dolphins’ usual habitat. You’ll also have the chance to snorkel over spectacular coral gardens among shoals of brilliantly colored tropical fish.

Lounge in Luxury

Some vacations call for pampering and pleasure. Sail from Nassau on a private boat to your exclusive escape on a VIP beach at the serene Blue Lagoon Island, where you can snooze in a hammock under coconut palms and swim in the warm Caribbean Sea. Delicious Bahama Mamas and a typical Bahamian lunch are all part of this luxurious experience.

Cruise on a Catamaran

Feel the warm sea breeze on your face as you embark on a luxurious catamaran cruise from Bimini. Get into the party spirit with an ice-cold rum punch and, if the mood takes you, dance on deck to the sounds of live music as you sail the island’s beautiful coastline.

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BAHAMAS CRUISES FROM MIAMI

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Get ready for fun in the sun when you cruise to The Bahamas from Miami for 3 or 4 days, aboard our award-winning cruise ships, including the extensively renovated Norwegian Sky . Only Norwegian gives you more choices of what to do and see on your holiday with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. Whether you are looking for the perfect Labor Day Cruise or a reason to escape for the weekend, your possibilities are as open as the sea. Dress up or down. Swim with dolphins. Sip on coconuts. The perfect weekend holiday awaits. Interested in cruising longer? Try our 4-Day Cruises .

Get your Holiday Glow on Weekend Cruises

Discover Norwegian Sky's Elevated Enhancements

We’ve made extensive enhancements to provide you with an all-new, all-inclusive, elevated experience. From fully renovated staterooms to new dining options , bars and lounges , there is plenty to rediscover. When the sun goes down, head up to the top of the ship to the Pinnacle Lounge & Sushi Bar for fresh sushi rolls, signature cocktails and gorgeous sunset views. Swing by the new, high-energy Bliss Ultra Lounge to show off your dance moves. Craving a Venti with an extra shot and double whip to keep you going all day? Stop by the full-service Starbucks ® on board! Come aboard and get to know the all-new Norwegian Sky .

Great Stirrup Cay: Your Own Private Island

Set sail for Bahamas & Florida and get ready for some fun in the sun! All of our Bahamas & Florida cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. This eco-fun paradise offers something for everyone!

Why take a Weekend Cruise with Norwegian?

Shore Excursions

Come play at Atlantis Aquaventure, a one-of-a-kind 141 acre water park. Dive below in our adventurous snorkel trail "The Fate of the Fancy" on Great Stirrup Cay. Or explore the diversity of Miami and neighboring cities in Miami City Tour!

Itineraries

Toss your timetable to the breeze when you take a Bahamas cruise from Miami! Visit our exclusive private island, Great Stirrup Cay, where you can snorkel its pristine waters, hike a nature trail, or just sip cocktails under your own clamshell cabana.

Weekend cruises aren't just for adults, families can enjoy them too! Start a friendly game of basketball at our sports court, splash down at Splashes Children's Pool or play the day away at our complimentary youth programmes- Splash Academy and Entourage.

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2-Night Bahamas Cruise

The easy way to getaway.

A 3-day and 2-night Bahamas getaway aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the perfect microvacation to leave you feeling refreshed and restored any time of year. With a full day in Grand Bahama Island, you'll have just enough time to plan a one-of-a-kind shore excursion and explore the rich ecological diversity of this white-sand wonderland.

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Find your fun and get into the Margaritaville state of mind, at sea.

2-NIGHT BAHAMAS CRUISE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Palm Beach, FL Port of Palm Beach Departs: 5:00pm

Day 2 – Freeport Grand Bahama Island 7:00am - 4:30pm

Day 3 – Palm Beach, FL Port of Palm Beach Arrives: 7:00am 

Arrival and departure times are approximate and may vary by sailing.

Your adventure begins at the Port of Palm Beach terminal as you board the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Inspired by the sea, sand, and sky, our cruise ship has it all. With breathtaking ocean view staterooms and suites, tantalizing culinary experiences, thrilling shows, and nonstop casino action, you’ll get lost in the music, dance under the stars, and escape the everyday. Spend the next day on Grand Bahama Island where you can relax on the beach, take a shore excursion, or explore all the ship has to offer before your beautiful return voyage back to Palm Beach.

PARADISE EXPERIENCES

Let the good times roll on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Something exciting is happening on board every moment from sunrise to sunset. The newly upgraded ship is decked out with a rejuvenating spa and fitness center, show-stopping nightly entertainment, a lively casino, casual and fine dining, bars, lounges, kid’s clubs, pools, hot tubs, and much more. Find your favorite hangout on one of our 10 passenger decks and join us for a toast!

GET A TASTE OF THE ISLAND LIFE AT SEA

Indulge in casual bites and late-night delights, or dine in elegance at one of our specialty restaurants. Enjoy fine wines, craft beers or a cold LandShark at one of our signature bars, or relax in style while you listen to the music and sip refreshing cocktails in one of our uniquely themed lounges.

Hear & See

On our boat, there’s always a party in the makin’! Find fun on every deck and enjoy diverse and talented musicians, late-night comedy hours, game shows for the whole family, streaming concerts at sea, themed parties, kids programming, and so much more

Beauty & Wellness

Indulge in a moment of relaxation and keep up your fitness routine at sea. St. Somewhere Spa & Salon offers a full range of treatments and services, while Fins Up! Fitness Center offers the chance to enjoy an invigorating workout as you gaze out over turquoise waters.

Margaritaville Casino

Welcome to the all-new Margaritaville Casino, fully upgraded with our new Players Loyalty Program, live action table games, slots, ultra-modern sports betting, and more. Featuring high quality play in an intimate, casual-luxe setting, everyone from high-rolling experts to first-time players can turn up the adventure at Margaritaville Casino.

Fun & Games

From vibrant deck parties, flair bartending, and open-air cornhole tournaments to fun-filled arcade games and interactive kids programs, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is all about fun getaways for everyone. Soak up the warm sun and sweeping ocean views as you join in games and activities for all ages.

Paradise Accommodations

Staterooms & suites.

Your stateroom aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your private retreat—every room is designed with laid-back luxury in mind. Choose your perfect room, whether it be an Interior, Ocean View, Junior Suite, or Grand Terrace Suite, and let the journey begin.

Cozy Interior Staterooms

Picturesque Oceanview Staterooms

Serene Junior Suites

Luxurious Grand Terrace Suites

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Whether you want to wind down, stop by the spa, chill by the pool, or kick back in your stateroom, every second aboard Margaritaville at Sea is a chance for adventure.

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The 9 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

The best Bahamas cru ises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport .

Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

The only cruise lines that don’t regularly offer Bahamas cruises are the luxury lines. But don’t worry, luxe lovers: Many of the ships we included on our list of the best Bahamas cruises offer suites that come with concierge services, private enclaves or special spa privileges. If a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is your goal, look at the top suite options on a mainstream or premium line.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap getaway or a week at the beach, here are the best Bahamas cruise itineraries to start your search, in order from shortest to longest.

2-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida

Though cruising is relatively new to the Margaritaville travel and hospitality franchise, cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is essentially a rebranding of the old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Its refurbished ship, Paradise, originally debuted in the 1990s for Costa Cruises.

One Jimmy Buffett-themed makeover later, the ship is a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas. Grab a drink or a bite to eat from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino and enjoy plenty of entertainment, including the musical production, “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.” There’s a kids club, a teen club, a spa and two pools stocked with beach balls and inflatable parrots.

The two-night cruise itinerary includes one day in Freeport, where you can shop, hit the casino, enjoy water sports or chill on the beach. The ship offers shore excursions, or you can explore independently. Margaritaville at Sea also offers cruise-and-stay itineraries of either four or six nights (including the two nights onboard the ship). These packages let you choose between two partner hotels in Freeport, where you’ll stay two or four nights on land, then hop back on the ship for your return night at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise carries around 1,300 passengers in an assortment of inside and ocean-view cabins, all around 176 square feet, which is larger than the average for those categories on most mainstream ships. Ten suites with balconies are also available, with 524 square feet of space.

Who should go? Obviously, Parrotheads are gonna want to try this ship, with all its Jimmy Buffett-inspired themes and decor, but it’s also a good trial run for anyone on the fence about cruising. Pricing makes this a great cruise to enjoy an escape without spending a fortune. We found weekday sailings that begin at $99 per person based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from Miami

This itinerary may be the best overall short Bahamas cruise. Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean ‘s massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay . Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture.

Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It’s loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise. Carrying around 4,000 cruise guests, Freedom of the Seas is big enough to impress without being overwhelming.

Plus, logistics for cruising out of Miami are simple enough for even first-time cruisers. From flight choices to pre- or post-cruise hotels, it’s a city that caters to tourists, especially the cruising ones.

Who should go? From first-timers to veteran cruisers, anyone looking for a short but fun-filled hop to the Bahamas should give Freedom of the Seas a look. Families looking for a quick escape will find entertainment and activities for toddlers to teens. The ship is also ideal for family reunions, bachelorette parties and birthday cruises. Couples will love the adults-only Solarium with its extra-large hot tubs looking out over the sea.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida

When Royal Caribbean’ s giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

Why? The newest, biggest ships in the world typically sail longer cruises. Offering short cruises on its humongous Oasis Class ships is new for Royal Caribbean; sister ship Allure of the Seas will test out the concept before Utopia launches.

Families with kids will definitely go bananas over the choices on board the new ship. The top deck alone will feature three separate pool areas, a surfing simulator, a kiddie splash zone, a basketball court, two rock walls, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

The ship will also boast an extensive selection of restaurants, bars, lounges and shops. Additionally, there will be an indoor skating rink, a spa and a showroom with Broadway-style shows.

Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024.

Who should go?  Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

Families craving a quick getaway where the entire brood is satisfied will not be disappointed. In addition to seemingly endless kid-friendly amenities and top-notch children’s programming, Utopia of the Seas will feature a casino and adults-only spaces.

Related: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

3- or 4-night cruises on Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida

Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Even better, the new Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando’s Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The four-night itinerary adds a sea day to enjoy the ship.

Disney Wish is designed to immerse cruisers in the various Disney worlds through technology. An onboard augmented reality game turns the Disney Cruise Line Navigator smartphone app into a virtual spyglass that lets cruisers participate in a fantasy adventure with Disney and Pixar characters. The AquaMouse waterslide combines a splashy tube ride in a two-seater raft with a pre-adventure tale told through screens at the beginning of the ride. Diners at the Worlds of Marvel restaurant take part in an interactive Avengers-themed experience through videos and special effects.

Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids. But never fear, adult Disney fans; you’ll also find your spot on board. From the “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge to the Quiet Cove adults-only sun deck, Disney manages to cater to grownups as well as kids.

Who should go ? This is obviously the best Bahamas cruise for lovers of all things Disney, including “Star Wars” and Marvel fans.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

3- or 4-night cruises on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Beginning in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises will sail three- and four-night voyages round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, year-round.

The 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection will offer a consistent rotation of three-night weekend cruises (departing each Friday and returning each Monday morning) and four-night weekday sailings (departing each Monday and returning each Friday morning).

Itineraries will include stops at Key West in Florida and Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas.

Celebrity appeals mostly to the 40-plus set sans small children. It’s light on the kid-centric attractions (such as waterslides, go-karts and laser tag) that other big-ship lines include. The line offers instead lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas. (If you do have kids in tow, you can take advantage of the extensive children’s program, Camp at Sea. It provides supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces.)

Celebrity Reflection is the line’s last and largest Solstice Class cruise ship. The Solstice C lass ships feature some of the most stylish outdoor pool decks at sea, with indoor, adults-only pool areas that, notably, are topped with glass panels embedded with solar panels that contribute to the ship’s power grid. You’ll also find large spas, casinos, showrooms and a nice selection of restaurants on board.

This ship also boasts one of the most spectacular suites in the cruising world — the 1,646-square-foot Reflection Suite. It was the first two-bedroom suite on a Celebrity Cruises vessel.

Who should go? This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn’t draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages.

4-night cruises on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami

Virgin Voyages aimed to be a disrupter in the cruise market from the beginning — creating a product designed to please even those who claim they would never set foot on a cruise ship. Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini.

It’s the ship itself that sets this cruise apart from the pack. You’ll find unique cabins (with balcony hammocks), brash red livery and one-of-a-kind onboard activities, such as tattoo parlors, drag shows and ‘80s-themed fitness classes, to keep its 2,700 sailors (as Virgin calls its passengers) entertained.

Who should go ? This is the best Bahamas cruise for the non-cruiser who is either young at heart or young and eager to party aboard this glitzy ship. If you’re easily offended by loud music, round-the-clock partying or sexual innuendo, this is not your Bahamas cruise.

4-day cruises on Norwegian Jade from Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line offers four-day sailings from Miami aboard Norwegian Jade. Ports of call include Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island.

Port diversions consist of touring the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium, shopping along Nassau’s Bay Street and exploring the white-sand beaches and pristine waters on Great Stirrup Cay.

The 2,402-passenger vessel is part of the line’s Jewel class of ships. Though the ship launched in 2006, it received a substantial refurbishment in 2017 that included a cabin remodel, new and expanded dining and a design overhaul.

Norwegian Jewel might not have the extensive top-deck attractions of newer ships, like Norwegian Prima, or as many restaurants and bars. However, passengers will find plenty to occupy their time onboard with scheduled activities, a casino, spa and pool areas.

Who should go? Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line’s “freestyle cruising” mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea.

Related: Best time to cruise to the Bahamas

5-night cruises on Carnival Sunshine from South Carolina

I am a huge lover of five-night sailings. They are long enough to scratch the cruise itch and short enough to account for travel time to and from the port without adding any extra vacation days. Plus, the slightly longer itineraries are less popular with hard partiers who can be disruptive on shorter Bahamas cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 10 different five-night sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, aboard the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine. It’s currently Carnival’s oldest ship (it debuted in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny). However, in 2013, the line gave it a $200 million bow-to-stern glow-up and renamed it Carnival Sunshine. The overhaul produced a new top-deck WaterWorks water park, a comedy club and several bars, lounges and restaurants.

Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can chill out on the beaches of Bimini, shop Nassau’s iconic straw market or go horseback riding by the shore of Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Charleston to take in the city’s historic landmarks, epic dining and charming cobblestone streets.

Who should go? These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don’t care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they’re ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port.

8-night cruises on Carnival Venezia from New York City

The 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia is a bit of an outlier in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. Originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises and launched in 2019, it joined the Carnival family in May 2023. (Carnival Corporation is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival.)

The ship was renovated to add many of Carnival’s signature venues. However, many of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed designs remain, including a real gondola “sailing” down the middle of its main dining room and a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard.

Guests might feel like they’ve been whisked away to Italy thanks to regional touches like the handmade Italian gelato at JavaBlue Cafe and the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Two eight-night voyages out of New York City include stops at Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Who should go? This Bahamas cruise is ideal for anyone looking for a different Carnival experience during a weeklong cruise. It’s almost like traveling to Italy and the Bahamas in one trip.

Bottom line

The best Bahamas cruises offer something cruisers can’t quite get enough of — whether it’s beach time or party time. While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

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2 Night Bahamas - Short (Mia/Mia)

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Tropical treats lie ahead: snorkeling, sunbathing, soothing breezes and more on a Bahamas cruise.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

• Norwegian Gem - Passenger Capacity: 2,394 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2007 Last Refurbished: 2022

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2 Night Bahamas - Short (Mia/Mia) sailing on the Norwegian Gem

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise fare rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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The Best Weekend Cruises From Florida

A few days beneath swaying palms can change your life.

By Robert Schrader | Published on March 18, 2024

There's only one thing better than a trip to the Sunshine State — and that's the wide variety of weekend cruises from Florida that allow you to mix a sailing with a little time in Florida itself. Whether you're a couple looking for a few days of palm-shaded romance or a family seeking a fun-filled trip during which the kids can blow off some steam, it's hard to resist the allure of setting sail from Florida's many ports to even more idyllic spots further out to sea. Best of all, cruising is a relatively all-inclusive option no matter which sailing you choose, with transportation to various ports, food, entertainment and your place to stay all part of the fare.

The options for weekend cruises from Florida are diverse, even if you only have a small number of days at your disposal. Florida has four ports — Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and Orlando (Port Canaveral) — that you can choose from based on which is most convenient and which offers the best combination of ship and itinerary for you. Cruise to The Bahamas in just a few days or stretch your vacation to reach Mexico's storied Yucatán Peninsula or the beautiful shores of the eastern Caribbean. Read on for a variety of options to help determine your best choice.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Couples

From the sugary sands of The Bahamas to the steel drums of Jamaica and the pink flamingos of Aruba, a weekend cruise is one of the most ideal weekend vacation ideas because of the opportunities for couples to relax together. The best part? No matter your budget, there's an option perfect for you and your significant other.

Only have three nights to spare and a more limited budget? You can fly to Fort Lauderdale and cruise to The Bahamas — and still pack in a ton of excitement onboard and off. Starting in summer 2024, you can sail on the brand new Utopia of the Seas SM , the largest, most action-packed ship to sail weekend cruises from Florida , where you'll find that the onboard amenities (17 waterslides, eight pools and a soul food brunch among them) are only the beginning. At Royal Caribbean's private island resort experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the overwater cabanas offer peace and privacy for couples and are worth the splurge for those looking to carve out some space of their own. Settle yourself and your partner in your own paradise as you watch the sun set over the sea from your lounge chairs, and end the day by ordering dinner for two brought right to your table by the ocean.

If you've got seven nights to spare, you and your beloved can travel further afield to the western Caribbean. Cruise on Symphony of the Seas®  to San Juan, Puerto Rico where the only thing more romantic than snorkeling through the seawater hand in hand is the warmth in your partner's eyes as you clink margarita glasses. Back onboard, book a table for two at Jamie's Italian for Tuscan-inspired fare followed by an evening of cocktails and dancing.

With five nights, you can look at western Caribbean options on Independence of the Seas®  out of Miami. On one sailing, you can sign up for a shore excursion in George Town, Grand Cayman that will let you swim with the stingrays — while holding hands, of course. On yet another, you'll head to Falmouth, Jamaica where you can also snorkel — or just find a local hangout and feast on jerk chicken together to the beat of local reggae music.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Families

If you're a family with children looking for a weekend cruise from Florida, you'll also be spoiled with choices. For families with children of all ages who only have three nights, the best option is The Bahamas, where the three-night sailings minimize the amount of time you'll have to pull the kids out of school. What's more, the ease of relaxing at Perfect Day at CocoCay is unparalleled for beach-loving kids and parents. You can sail on Allure of the Seas® , Independence of the Seas® or Utopia of the Seas SM  from Orlando and maybe even add on a day at a theme park before heading home. Trying to save money? Allure of the Seas® and   Independence of the Seas® offer great bang for your buck.

If the flight routes work better for you, choose a sailing out of Miami on Allure of the Seas®, Freedom of the Seas® or Independence of the Seas® or out of Fort Lauderdale on  Oasis of the Seas®, Liberty of the Seas® , Rhapsody of the Seas® or Symphony of the Seas®. If you want to really indulge, Symphony of the Seas®  is home to The Ultimate Family Suite, a decadent two-story stateroom that has a hot tub on the balcony and a slide between the two floors.

Searching for long weekend vacation ideas for travel with small kids who aren't in school yet or can easily miss a day or two? You've got plenty of choices if you're sailing from Florida. The five-night western Caribbean cruise on offer from Miami on Oasis of the Seas®  is a good bet for families seeking long stretches of sand and palm trees. This sailing calls on the beaches of Falmouth, Jamaica (home to river tubing and hikes to waterfalls as well as sun-kissed shores) and Labadee (a Royal Caribbean private destination, where the beaches are perfect for young sun worshipers to build their first sandcastles). Onboard, families can hit the waterslides together — then share stories of their day over St. Louis-style spare ribs at Portside BBQ SM  or carnitas tacos at El Loco Fresh ® .

If you're traveling with older kids who have time off for holidays or can afford to be out of school for a few days, you should consider a four- or five-night cruise, potentially from Orlando on Voyager of the Seas® . Choose a sailing to the eastern Caribbean on this ship, and older kids can take advantage of hiking and horseback riding in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Alternatively, on a cruise from Tampa on Serenade of the Seas®  to the western Caribbean, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula — with its impressive Maya ruins — might make history lovers out of even the most indifferent teens.

If you're sailing with high school or college students who are academically focused, you'll be pleased to learn that all Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer fast Wi-Fi packages, which means they can access assignments, take remote tests and even participate in class via Zoom if necessary. This allows you to indulge in one of the longer weekend cruises from Florida without your child falling behind in school.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Singles

One of the best parts about being a solo traveler is flexibility. For example, if search for "last-minute vacation deals this weekend," chances are good that you'll be able to take advantage of any great rates that fit your personal schedule, without having to factor other people in. Living in the era of remote work (and fast onboard Wi-Fi) increases your freedom: You can often stretch a "weekend" to four or even five days, unlocking a larger number of sailing options, whether you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa or Orlando. For travelers who like to meet new people, there's always that option on a cruise. One tip to remember: Whatever ship you choose, ask the maître d' in the main dining room on the first day to seat you with other solo travelers to help you make connections straightaway.

With that in mind, why not go the more indulgent route and treat yourself to a five-night sailing? Serenade of the Seas®  sails from Tampa to Cozumel and Costa Maya, both of which are in Mexico.

On six-night sailings on Adventure of the Seas®  out of Orlando, you can visit Puerto Plata, which you can think of as your gateway to the merengue, beans and rice and golden strands of sand in the Dominican Republic.

And, on five-night western Caribbean cruises out of Tampa on Radiance of the Seas® , Mexico will be a highlight. While some solo travelers stay in Cozumel — snorkeling, scuba diving or seeking out tacos and piña coladas — others head farther afield to see the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichén Itzá or the decadently relaxing eco-chic spas of Tulum, for example. Onboard, you can unwind after dinner in the English-style pub or the Champagne bar, depending on your preference. Whatever you choose to do, it's a joy to base the decision entirely on your own interests when you set sail as a solo traveler.

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog  Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

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