Miami is one of the world’s most popular destinations—and for good reason. There’s plentiful kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding at beaches such as Biscayne Bay, and the expansive Everglades National Park is just one hour away. The city’s famed Miami Beach is dotted with historic Art Deco buildings from the 1900s, and there’s thriving nightlife from end to end. And the diverse food is a staple, with many international influences from the Caribbean islands, Central and South America, Asia and more.
When you take a cruise on Royal Caribbean ships like Freedom and Symphony of the Seas, to name a few, you can combine the best of a vacation in South Florida with a tropical getaway. You’ll enjoy the same variety in cuisine, adventure and nightlife as you sail from one destination to the next. Just name the time and place; every week cruises depart from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida (even Port Canaveral, about four hours away), to destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay—our private island destination in The Bahamas—San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Oranjestad, Aruba.
If you like Miami, you’ll love the thrills, restaurants and more on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Take a look at what’s in store:
Race down one of Royal Caribbean’s waterslides, collectively known as The Perfect Storm.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Thrills on the Wild Side
Miami is packed full of exciting things to do, from watersports in Key Biscayne to exploring the untamed wilds of Everglades National Park, a wetlands preserve that stretches across 1.5 million acres. And just a few hours north by car in Orlando, there are popular theme parks and more. Like Miami, you’ll find adventure, sports and even nature on a cruise and then some.
If you like…
Volleyball or surfing, there’s the Sports Deck.
Get your fill of sports day or night. Outside, scale rock climbing walls for a deck-defying challenge and great ocean views. You can even hang ten on the signature FlowRider surf simulator or putt your way through a game of mini golf. And look out for the jogging track and the basketball court, where you can play multiple sports. Plus, the Adventure Ocean program for kids and the teens lounge have everything to keep them entertained and active with their own dedicated spaces activities and an arcade.
Pro tip: Chill out and ice skate at Studio B on Freedom, Oasis and Voyager Class ships, too By night, the rink transforms into an entertainment venue for shows performed by Olympic-level skaters.
If you like…
The outdoors, like Everglades National Park, there’s Central Park.
On a ship like Symphony, you’re never far from lush green space, even when you’re in the middle of the ocean. Central Park is one of several signature neighborhoods on Oasis Class ships, an open-air haven right in the middle of the ship, and it has more than 20,000 real plants, including living plant walls. For an even more realistic atmosphere, the sounds of birdsong play overhead. Surround yourself with nature by walking the paths, eating al fresco at Park Cafe, the wine bar or either of the restaurants, or simply kicking back outside to enjoy live music.
If you like…
Theme parks, there’s The Perfect Storm.
There are few experiences as exhilarating as zooming down three-story racer waterslides from the middle of the ocean. The twisting, turning thrills are known as The Perfect Storm, and they’re perfect for adventurers who appreciate an adrenaline rush. For the youngsters, there’s Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with slides, cannons and even a drench bucket.
Pro tip: Oasis Class ships also feature zip lines to traverse across the ship and the 10-story Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea.
AquaTheater is a venue like no other, combining high diving, aerial acrobatics, synchronized swimming and more.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Nights on the Town
It’s easy to see why many flock to Miami to get away. It’s a destination that offers a wide variety of nightclubs, entertainment put on at fascinating venues and days by the pool with music in sight of the ocean. A cruise has plenty in these departments, too, from original and Broadway productions to lounges and dance parties that come alive by night.
If you like…
The Fillmore Miami Beach, a lively performance venue in an Art Deco building, there’s AquaTheater and Studio B.
AquaTheater is just one example of the thrilling showmanship you can find on a Royal Caribbean. A one-of-a-kind venue on Oasis Class ships, the signature amphitheater hosts action-pack shows at the deepest pool at sea with acrobats, high divers, slackliners, aerialists and more. Another spot for great entertainment is Studio B, an ice skating rink home to a talented cast of professional skaters who perform thrilling stunts and choreography complemented by high-tech lighting, sound and even projection mapping.
If you like…
Ocean Drive, a nightlife hotspot, there’s Royal Promenade and Entertainment Place.
Miami’s Ocean Drive is famous for its lineup of bars and lounges right across from the beach. Look no further than a Royal Caribbean cruise for many unforgettable nights out on the town. On the Royal Promenade, you’ll find pubs, karaoke bars and hotspots such as Boleros, a Latin-themed lounge where fans of Miami’s music and dancing scene can hit the dance floor to the tunes of a live band. Entertainment Place, exclusively on Oasis Class ships, is the go-to spot for nightlife, with live jazz bands at Jazz on Five, dance parties, a comedy club and more.
From sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an Asian-inspired dining experience.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Unforgettable Meals
It’s always a joy to sit down and break bread with your loved ones. Whether you’re at a hidden Cuban gem in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood or toasting the sunset in one of Royal Caribbean’s restaurants, making memories is easy when you have a world of flavors at your fingertips.
If you like…
Globally inspired cuisine, there’s Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Izumi—and more.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on Freedom and Jamie’s Italian on Symphony each offer a taste of Italy in a rustic—yet modern—atmosphere, including charcuterie boards, flavorful pastas and desserts, which are complemented by a wide selection of cocktails and wines. You can also venture out to the Far East at Izumi, a polished Asian restaurant with izakaya-style appetizers and fresh sushi, sashimi and nigiri. There’s more to choose from across Royal Caribbean ships, including Mexican cuisine, New England-inspired staples at Hooked Seafood, and the classic American steakhouse—Chops Grille.
If you like…
Creative cocktails like from Sweet Liberty Drink and Supply Co., there’s The Lime & Coconut and Wonderland.
The Lime & Coconut is Freedom’s lively poolside bar, where tropical cocktails like pina coladas come with a side of live music, making it a Caribbean paradise no matter where you’re headed. The whimsical Wonderland on Symphony is a restaurant and bar all about creativity. With a dining menu that is split into sections to represent the earth, sea, fire, ice and sun, you can pair the unique items, like a dish designed to visually mimic a garden, with equally imaginative cocktails.
Ready for a vacation that combines what you like about Miami and an escape from the everyday? Check out Royal Caribbean cruises departing from South Florida.
