Western Caribbean Cruise ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Miami , Florida | Perfect Day at CocoCay , Bahamas | Key West , Florida | Puerto Costa Maya , Mexico | Cozumel , Mexico | Miami , Florida
EMPRESS OF THE SEAS
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EMPRESS OF THE SEAS
ADVENTURE MAXING MEETS
ULTIMATE RELAXING
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RISE &
DINE
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BALLROOM STEPS &
BOLD SETS
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Miami, Florida
Biscayne Beauty
Jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita (a streetside shop window). Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on its secluded sands below. Explore Wynwood’s vibrant art scene. Cruise from Miami to step inside the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate for a look into Miami’s dazzling past.
Jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita (a streetside shop window). Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on its secluded sands below. Explore Wynwood’s vibrant art scene. Cruise from Miami to step inside the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate for a look into Miami’s dazzling past.
in Miami
Sobe It
South Beach is a bright hot spot no matter what time of day. Soak up the sun along the shore and admire the Art Deco gems along lively Ocean Drive. Stroll busy Collins Avenue, sip mojitos in beach bars, dance in ultra-hip nightclubs and enjoy the best people watching in the city.
Called Culture
Experience Miami’s Cuban traditions along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Here you can wander streets filled with fiery salsa sounds and meet locals smoking cigars over a game of dominoes. From its colourfully painted rooster statues to its hand-rolled cigar shops and open-air fruit markets, this is as authentic as it gets.
Blank Canvas
Unleash your creative side with a jaunt through the Wynwood Art District during your Miami cruise. Every façade in this art-centric neighbourhood comes decked out in vibrant life-size murals by globally recognised talents. And don’t miss Wynwood Walls, a collection of old warehouses adorned with abstract paintings, graffiti quotes and unique sculptures.
Local Cuisine
Miami is an international culinary powerhouse. Michelin-starred chefs fill many kitchens and Latin American flavours highlight many menus. You can’t miss the city’s signature Cuban food: Enjoy pastelitos (pastries) for breakfast, lunch on a famous frita (spicy burger), then savour ropa vieja (beef stew) for dinner. If seafood is your thing, crack into succulent stone crab claws, a true South Florida delicacy.
Shopping
Bayside Marketplace, across from the port, is a popular waterfront shopping spot for visitors. Locals love the quirky boutiques in Coconut Grove. Lincoln Road Mall spans 10 blocks of shops – and Miracle Mile is a long string of speciality stores. Cruise to Miami and head to Calle Ocho for hand-stitched guayabera shirts and hand-rolled Cuban cigars.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
NOW OPEN FOR ADVENTURE
Thrill Waterpark
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Oasis Lagoon
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Splashaway Bay
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Beach Day Vibes
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Up, Up and Away
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Island Dining
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Coco Beach Club
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Key West, Florida
TO ADVENTURE
Key West is the very definition of laid-back living. Closer to Havana than to Miami, this colourful island at the end of the Florida peninsula marches to the beat of its own steel drum. Pedal past charming pastel-coloured porches, paddleboard through thick mangroves or join a sunset block party in Mallory Square. And if the locals don’t charm you, the key lime pie will.
Key West is the very definition of laid-back living. Closer to Havana than to Miami, this colourful island at the end of the Florida peninsula marches to the beat of its own steel drum. Pedal past charming pastel-coloured porches, paddleboard through thick mangroves or join a sunset block party in Mallory Square. And if the locals don’t charm you, the key lime pie will.
in Key West
Garden Party
Meet macaws and play with parrots at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, a haven for rescued exotic birds.
CONCH CABOOSE
Hop on the world-famous Conch Train to get a lesson in Key West history and hear local legends while touring Old Town and some of the island’s most iconic landmarks.
SQUARE DANCING
In the hours leading up to dusk, head to Mallory Square and watch as it comes to life with acrobats, dancers and performers. The grand finale is a sunset you must see to believe.
LOCAL CUISINE
You can catch all kinds of exotic fish in Key West’s tropical waters, so it’s no surprise that much of the local cuisine centers on fresh seafood. Be sure to try some conch fritters and the iconic key lime pie, of course. When it comes to bars, you’ll find no shortage along lively Duval Street.
SHOPPING
In Mallory Square, you’ll find lots of local vendors selling seashells, souvenirs, cigars, rum, and of course, key lime pie. If you’re looking for art galleries and clothing boutiques, head to Duval Street.
INSIDER TIP
Key West is easy to explore on foot, but you can also rent a bicycle for about $12 per day. A lot of locals prefer bikes to cars, so look out for cyclists.
CRUISING
CAN'T-MISS FAVOURITES
THINGS TO DO
TURN UP THE TEMPO
First, we’ll kick off a Latin fiesta with a quick crash course on basic dance moves. Then, go head-to-head – or cheek to cheek – with your fellow steppers to the sounds of a live Latin band.
A BOLDER BOULDER
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 12 metres (40 feet) above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
MY OH MAYA
Past meets present in Costa Maya. Venture into the jungle for a glimpse of Mayan history at the Chacchoben and Kohunlich ruins. Or kick back in the village of Mahahual, where you can hit the beach and sip micheladas – a spicy beer cocktail. The best of both worlds awaits.
Past meets present in Costa Maya. Venture into the jungle for a glimpse of Mayan history at the Chacchoben and Kohunlich ruins. Or kick back in the village of Mahahual, where you can hit the beach and sip micheladas – a spicy beer cocktail. The best of both worlds awaits.
in Puerto Costa Maya
Cenote Scouting
Take a dip in the sparkling blue waters of Cenote Azul, an open freshwater cenote known for prime snorkelling and swimming.
Rockin' Ruins
Venture into the jungle for a taste of ancient Maya history at the Kohunlich and Chacchoben ruins – each well over a thousand years old.
Coral Conquest
Grab some snorkelling gear and explore the colourful underwater world of Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere.
Local Cuisine
For casual fare, stick to Mahahual. For upmarket options, like fresh seafood and Maya-inspired dishes, opt for Costa Maya’s resorts and boutique hotels. Definitely try cochinita pibil, a traditional dish of slow-roasted pork and Agua de Jamaica – a sweetened hibiscus flower iced tea that’s a Mexican favourite.
Shopping
Within the port village, you’ll find shops and stalls selling everything from silver, leather and fragrances, to pottery, spirits and crafts.
INSIDER TIP
Don’t be afraid to drink the water in Costa Maya – it’s completely purified.
Cozumel, Mexico
CARIBBEAN SOUL
Cozumel blends Mexican culture with Caribbean vibes. You can explore its Mayan roots in Tulum, or discover a secret world of sea life as you snorkel beneath the waves in Chankanaab. And there’s no better way to finish a day of adventure than with an ice-cold michelada and a beachside massage at Playa Mia.
Cozumel blends Mexican culture with Caribbean vibes. You can explore its Mayan roots in Tulum, or discover a secret world of sea life as you snorkel beneath the waves in Chankanaab. And there’s no better way to finish a day of adventure than with an ice-cold michelada and a beachside massage at Playa Mia.
in Cozumel
Temple Trekking
Get up close and personal with Mayan history at San Gervasio, the largest ancient Mayan site on Cozumel, which dates back to as early as AD 300.
Dive into Adventure
At Chankanaab National Park, you’ll find everything from snorkelling and scuba diving to swimming with dolphins.
Natural Thrills
Reconnect with nature while wandering the endless mangroves, beaches and reefs in Punta Sur National Park during your Cozumel cruise.
Local Cuisine
Cozumel’s cuisine is dominated by Mexican, American and international cuisine. Fresh seafood is always a good choice, and so is the cochinita pibil – a slow-roasted, highly seasoned pork dish. Cool off with a michelada, made with beer and freshly squeezed lime juice over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Or keep it traditional with Mexico’s signature spirit, tequila.
Shopping
For great deals and guaranteed shops, walk along the waterfront on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar, a mile-long strip in San Miguel. And be sure to check out the Chile Tequila Factory for a sampling of Mexico’s favourite spirit.
INSIDER TIP
Remember to tip between 10% and 15%.
CRUISING
FOR FOODIES
THINGS TO DO
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand-cut prime steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant.
AS VIP AS CAN BE
Located in an intimate, exclusive spot onboard, this private epicurean experience for a limited number of guests, treats you to a five-course menu and wine tasting.
Miami, Florida
Blazing with Adventure
Head west of the city for a bike ride past alligators on the Everglades’ Shark Valley route. Take the kids to the Miami Children’s Museum, or paddle a kayak through Biscayne Bay. Come evening, indulge in haute cuisine at a swanky beachside restaurant – all before cocktails and dancing amid The Magic City’s trendy nightlife scene.
Head west of the city for a bike ride past alligators on the Everglades’ Shark Valley route. Take the kids to the Miami Children’s Museum, or paddle a kayak through Biscayne Bay. Come evening, indulge in haute cuisine at a swanky beachside restaurant – all before cocktails and dancing amid The Magic City’s trendy nightlife scene.
in Miami
Sobe It
South Beach is a bright hot spot no matter what time of day. Soak up the sun along the shore and admire the Art Deco gems along lively Ocean Drive. Stroll busy Collins Avenue, sip mojitos in beach bars, dance in ultra-hip nightclubs and enjoy the best people watching in the city.
Called Culture
Experience Miami’s Cuban traditions along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Here you can wander streets filled with fiery salsa sounds and meet locals smoking cigars over a game of dominoes. From its colourfully painted rooster statues to its hand-rolled cigar shops and open-air fruit markets, this is as authentic as it gets.
Blank Canvas
Unleash your creative side with a jaunt through the Wynwood Art District during your Miami cruise. Every façade in this art-centric neighbourhood comes decked out in vibrant life-size murals by globally recognised talents. And don’t miss Wynwood Walls, a collection of old warehouses adorned with abstract paintings, graffiti quotes and unique sculptures.
Local Cuisine
Miami is an international culinary powerhouse. Michelin-starred chefs fill many kitchens and Latin American flavours highlight many menus. You can’t miss the city’s signature Cuban food: Enjoy pastelitos (pastries) for breakfast, lunch on a famous frita (spicy burger), then savour ropa vieja (beef stew) for dinner. If seafood is your thing, crack into succulent stone crab claws, a true South Florida delicacy.
Shopping
Bayside Marketplace, across from the port, is a popular waterfront shopping spot for visitors. Locals love the quirky boutiques in Coconut Grove. Lincoln Road Mall spans 10 blocks of shops – and Miracle Mile is a long string of speciality stores. Cruise to Miami and head to Calle Ocho for hand-stitched guayabera shirts and hand-rolled Cuban cigars.
© 2019 Royal Caribbean International
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INSIDER TIP