With each long weekend, there’s a timely vacation opportunity. You may think the options are limited (especially when factoring in travel time), but luckily Royal Caribbean has you covered with a variety of two- to five-night cruises visiting Cuba, Mexico and The Bahamas.
Getting to your destination is a major part of the fun with dance-in-your-seat entertainment, imaginative cuisine and cocktails, and can’t-miss adventures like skydiving and surfing simulators—yes, on the ship. Plenty of thrilling activities await you on land too, from motoring through jungles to sipping local spirits.
In honor of Memorial Day being just around the corner, here are some of the short cruises you can take on your next long weekend.
Two to Four Nights: Miami, Florida to Bahamas
There are many amazing Caribbean destinations easily accessible from Florida and ideal for a quick getaway; sailing to The Bahamas from Miami is a great place to start. When you arrive at the capital city of Nassau, follow the footsteps of our Adventurist, actress Shay Mitchell, and check out historical sites like the 18th-century, 66-step Queen’s Staircase, which offers incredible views from the top. Enjoy the archipelago’s beautiful beaches: That could mean snorkeling at our private island – CocoCay, taking a guided tour of the legendary lost city of Atlantis, or kicking back beachside on the fittingly named Paradise Island.
Four Nights: Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Florida to Cuba
For a truly unique experience, head down to Fort Lauderdale or Tampa, Florida to catch a cruise to Cuba, an island that’s seemingly frozen in time and newly accessible to Americans. Get a taste of the 1950s vibe by exploring the historic Malecón esplanade along the harbor in a classic “yank tank” car, or trace the country’s revolutionary history at the Plaza de Revolución. Want to soak up more of the local culture? Choose an itinerary with an overnight stay on the ship in the island’s capital city, so you and the rest of the crew can enjoy a night out at the the Tropicana Club, a world-famous cabaret and dance hall. Not to worry, Royal Caribbean has already made sure all excursions comply with travel policies. We also have these Cuba travel tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Four to Five Nights: Galveston, Texas to Western Caribbean
If you can manage to sneak in a couple of more days to your long weekend, then consider sailing from the Lone Star State to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico on a four- or five-night cruise. You’ll be transported to a whole new world in Costa Maya where you’ll ride ATVs through the jungle, or visit two different Mayan ruins in the same day in Costa Maya. In Cozumel, you can dive deeper by swimming through underground waterways, or visiting the famous Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza. Exploring ancient civilizations with family and friends beats a staycation any day.
Four to Five Nights: Cape Liberty, New Jersey to Bermuda
Conveniently for Northeasterners, the Cape Liberty port in New Jersey offers four- and five-night vacations to Bermuda, so you can skip the flight farther south. Once there, you can check out the famous Crystal Caves to see stalagmites covering the floors and stalactites above, or channel your inner pirate with a sunset Gosling’s Rum tasting cruise. Bermuda is known for something else, too—an infamous triangle, where you can snorkel to see a few of its 300+ shipwrecks—if you’re feeling brave.
Ready to make the most of your next long weekend? Mariner of the Seas will be an excellent option for you to enjoy a trip to the Caribbean after its $90 million makeover is complete in June. If you’re ready for your next getaway, explore your options here, and make the most of it.
