Caribbean Cruises from Miami – Four of the Best
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Cruises Editor
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Cruise ships are a fixture on the horizon in the Caribbean – the region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands (including the West Indies) and the surrounding coasts. And while empty stretches of white sandy beaches and verdant rainforests can be found in many temperate zones around the world, it’s the rich and colourful medley of cultures in the 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays that make Caribbean cruises so attractive. Turn up the reggae and order a round of mojitos for four of the best voyages out of Miami.
Royal Caribbean International
Best Itineraries: Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas primarily offer seven-night Western Caribbean round trips sailing from Miami with calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Labadee, Haiti as well as seven-night Eastern Caribbean round trips sailing from Miami and stopping at Nassau, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Stand-out facilities: The Royal Caribbean fleet features aqua parks, robotic bartenders and surf simulators. There’s also the seven-neighbourhood scene, with concepts ranging from the Royal Promenade to the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre.
Shore excursions: From snorkelling the azure waters in CocoCay in the Bahamas to stand-up paddleboarding in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, there are plenty of reasons to feel the water lapping against the shore while cruising with Royal Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best itineraries: Those partial to a palm-fringed beach will enjoy the range of round-trip itineraries on offer with Norwegian Cruise Line – from short-duration cruises to week-long voyages that include ports of call such as St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Sky also stops at its private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Stand-out facilities: These contemporary ships with their incredible hull artwork are as colourful as their ports of call, with something to suit all ages – from multistory waterslides and comedy open-mic nights to free specialty dining, a sky-trail ropes course and contemporary musical productions.
Shore tours: You can snorkel with stingrays, learn about Mayan history, be transported to a private beach or simply don a kaftan and samba, to and fro, to a beach bar.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Best itineraries: Carnival offers a range of round-trip cruises out of Miami where its largest ship, Carnival Vista, will be based. The cruise line offers round-trip schedules from the southeast Florida port that range from a four-day sail to Cozumel, on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, to a seven-day cruise that loops in the Cayman Islands.
Stand-out facilities: When you aren’t dipping your toe in the sapphire seas, enjoy the Caribbean Beach Party, a dance class, a game of blackjack or round of trivia. While the kids are kept busy learning to make pizza, slip away to the comfort of Serenity, the adults-only retreat.
Shore tours: Carnival offers a range of shore offerings that veer from free tours in select ports for children under the age of five to walking cultural tours and hands-on cooking demonstrations where you will learn to cook authentic local cuisine.
Getting there: Fly Qantas from Australia to Los Angeles or Dallas with connections to Miami on partner American Airlines. Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways also fly to Miami with stopovers.
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