The 4 Best Tropical Vacations On Legend Of The Seas

Sunny weather, scenic natural landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions are only a few reasons why travelers flock to tropical destinations for a postcard-perfect getaway. Experiencing these idyllic settings on a cruise is a great choice for families, couples and solo travelers because you can choose your own adventure, with plenty of options both on and off the ship. Tropical vacations provide an opportunity to unwind and disconnect, and Legend of the Seas® cruises bring travelers to several of the world’s best tropical vacation destinations.

Every tropical location offers something special, yet they all typically provide an opportunity to explore leisurely and make lasting family memories. Featuring bold entertainment, innovative dining options, visits to culturally rich destinations and numerous relaxation opportunities, Legend of the Seas itineraries are ideal for travelers eager to exchange routine for paradise.

What Makes A Perfect Tropical Vacation?

Tropical destinations are well-loved for their perfect mix of sun, sand, fresh flavors and vibrant cultural atmospheres. Usually characterized by warm weather and rejuvenating natural environments, these vacations are best experienced outdoors. From snorkeling and sunbathing on world-renowned beaches to boating trips and challenging hikes, no tropical escape is truly complete without time in nature.

The best moments of a tropical vacation are also often found in local experiences, such as food tours, spirit tastings and visits to cultural landmarks. Discovering a place through its most cherished dishes, drinks and spaces that carry local history creates a more meaningful connection to the destination and helps travelers understand what makes each unique.

Fortunately, the shore excursions on Legend of the Seas help travelers balance relaxation and adventure. With carefully selected itineraries to popular tropical spots, these excursions are essential for planning a family cruise. As a Royal Caribbean guest, you can enjoy a variety of adventures and entertainment tailored for you at sea, while exploring each port at your own pace.

The 4 Best Tropical Vacations On Legend Of The Seas

Whether you enjoy the amenities of all that Legend of the Seas offers on board or are finally eager to explore your dream destinations, these tropical vacations are the perfect excuse for an ocean-kissed getaway.

1. Discover the Rich Flavors and Cultures of the Southern Caribbean

In the Southern Caribbean, the port towns of Willemstad, Curaçao and Oranjestad, Aruba, offer a mix of Dutch colonial architecture, multicultural heritage and shorelines worth spending the entire day on.

The UNESCO-recognized Dutch colonial architecture of Curaçao’s capital city, Willemstad, is a colorful introduction to an island that visitors come to year-round for its mesmerizing shorelines and vibrant mix of Dutch, Caribbean and Latin traditions. As one of the ABC islands — which includes Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — it’s a safe option to cruise the Caribbean due to its relatively dry climate and year-round sunshine.

Similarly, roughly 80 nautical miles northwest of Curaçao is Aruba, where Oranjestad welcomes nearly 500,000 cruise guests annually to its 69-square-mile slice of paradise. Oranjestad offers easy access to Aruba’s famous blue waters and picture-perfect moments with colorful Dutch colonial architecture as your backdrop. Aruba also checks off the list of worry-free destinations for weather, offering sunny, dry conditions throughout most of the year.

Shore excursions are the best way to explore the Southern Caribbean when cruising, especially for travelers seeking both cultural exchange and adrenaline thrills. UTV Expeditions, scuba tours, catamaran sunset cruises and scenic island tours are popular in both destinations.

2. Eat, Drink and Explore Your Way Through the Western Mediterranean

Although the Mediterranean climate is technically subtropical, its hot, dry summers are the perfect time to venture through the streets of Europe’s most iconic cities. Many itineraries port in cities like:

● Barcelona and Palma De Mallorca in Spain.

● Marseille, France.

● The incredible cities of Rome and Naples.

This offers a chance for family time while exploring world-famous sites like the Ruins of Pompeii, Provencal Postcard Lavender Fields and architectural mastermind Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell.

The biggest benefit of exploring the Western Mediterranean on a cruise is checking several unforgettable destinations off in one vacation. Legend of the Seas makes country hopping with the family an easy choice, and an effortless way to discover the region’s ancient architecture and natural beauty.

3. Take an Extended Trip Across the Atlantic

Transatlantic sailings are rising in popularity, as avid cruisers shift toward slower travel while still having a luxury vacation. These itineraries, which span nearly two weeks on average, are also known as repositioning cruises, in which ships sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a one-way voyage. These cruises often signal the end of the ship’s cruise season in one region and the start of another in the final destination’s region.

As for Legend of the Seas, its Spanish Transatlantic Cruise includes several stops along Spain's coast, as well as more than a week at sea to fully enjoy the ship. Delight in the fresh cuisine and relaxed atmosphere of coastal cities, including Alicante and, Málaga, before heading to the U.S. Spring sailings leave from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while autumn sailings depart from Barcelona.

Extended time at sea allows guests to genuinely relax on the ship without the fear of missing out. You can also have more time to participate in onboard experiences, from dining at the glitzy Hollywoodland Supper Club℠ and casual eats at Surfside Eatery℠ to the grand musical debut of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at sea.

4. Experience the Blend of History and Nature in the Western Caribbean

The Western Caribbean, which includes destinations such as Roatan, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico, offers an abundance of cultural heritage and unspoiled natural beauty. Other Legend of the Seas regional cruises also offer stops in Falmouth, Jamaica and Labadee, Haiti, as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Best Private Island, as voted by Travel Weekly Readers.

From the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá to encounters with dolphins and manatees, this region of the Caribbean reigns supreme for its deep, often ceremonial, connections to the land. In Cozumel, explore the legacy of Mayan culture through ancient ruins or enjoy the smoky flavors of Mezcal, a protected spirit unique to Mexico. It’s also one of the most popular destinations worldwide for excellent diving at renowned sites like the Palancar Reef, where stingrays, sea turtles and various fish species thrive in abundance.

Additionally, the serenity of a tropical vacation finds its peak in Jamaica, where you can drift along the river on a bamboo raft, experience world-renowned waterfalls or go full throttle on dune buggies. Of course, Jamaican cuisine is the highlight of any visit, though Royal Caribbean dining options always have an island-inspired touch worth trying too.

Planning Your Tropical Vacation And What To Consider

Choosing the Right Time To Vacation

Travel timing is likely one of the first things you’ll commit to while planning your trip. Families with school-aged children typically plan around spring and summer breaks, but the best deals are often found during off-peak periods. For travelers with flexible schedules, consider booking your vacation in April/May or September/October — but if you’re specifically looking for a Caribbean getaway, wait for Legend of the Seas sailings from November to April.

Also, for many tropical destinations, the weather can impact your experience, though Royal Caribbean consistently monitors conditions for guest safety. Still, the unexpected can happen anywhere, so it’s wise to stay updated as you prepare for travel.

Find a Balance Between Relaxation and Adventure

The real reward of tropical vacations is leaving refreshed, yet with shared experiences with your family or travel companions. While it's tempting to spend the entire trip by the pool, tropical destinations are best experienced in balance — a lot of downtime but also a dose of something new.

Foodies and cocktail lovers can get hands-on with cooking and mixology classes, and cultural sightseeing tours are one of the best ways to learn about a place. However, the outdoors are the best part of tropical destinations, besides the people, of course. Swim in a Mayan Cenote, kayak along Mallorca’s coast or enjoy a casual trolley train tour while discovering notable landmarks in Willemstad.

Plan ahead to confirm your spot for must-do excursions and activities, as space is usually limited, but leave room for unplanned fun.

Embrace Local Culture (and Join in the Fun!)

Don’t Forget to Pack Tropical Climate Essentials

Inevitably, part of traveling to any place with lush landscapes comes the conditions that make them and the native species that call them home. Bring plenty of sunscreen, mosquito repellent and other sun protection products for additional comfort. Hats and protective cover-ups are also great, especially for the kids spending all day in the sun.

Packing for a cruise vacation in the tropics is pretty easy since casual attire often works, but you’ll also want to have a few dressed-up looks for special occasions or formal nights on the ship.

Experience a Tropical Vacation on Legend of the Seas

Tropical vacations break up the routine, giving everyone time away from the demands of daily life, even if only for a few days. However, Royal Caribbean helps guests make the most of those well-earned days off with its Icon Class ship, Legend of Seas. 

Delivering the same family-friendly entertainment that keeps families returning, the impressive lineup of live performances, immersive activities and international cuisine on Legend of the Seas is enough of a reason to say yes to your next vacation. Choosing a cruise to a tropical destination will enhance the feel-good benefits of your trip, leaving you rested and eager to plan the next one.