4 Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways: Destinations And Cruise Tips

With each long weekend, there’s a timely vacation opportunity. You may think the options are limited (especially when factoring in travel time), but Royal Caribbean has you covered with a variety of cruises to The Bahamas, the Caribbean and the West Coast, plus other incredible locations.

Getting to your destination is a major part of the fun with onboard dance-in-your-seat entertainment, imaginative cuisine and cocktails, and can’t-miss adventures like skydiving and surfing simulators. Plenty of thrilling activities await you on land, too, from motoring through jungles to sipping local spirits.

Here’s how to soak up all that and so much more when you choose Memorial Day weekend getaways this year.

Key Takeaways

● Memorial Day weekend is the best way to enjoy short cruises, with trips to The Bahamas, the Caribbean and more up for grabs.

● Onboard experiences include family-friendly entertainment, world-class dining and unique activities like skydiving and surfing simulators.

● The Bahamas offers quick escapes from Miami, with snorkeling at Perfect Day CocoCay, Atlantis tours and beach relaxation on your itinerary.

● Mexico and the Western Caribbean feature culture, adventure and family fun, including Mayan ruins, jungle ATV rides and underwater exploration.

● Ships offering all-inclusive, action-packed experiences are perfect for solo travelers, families, couples and friend groups on short Memorial Day trips.

● Find your ideal Memorial Day cruise destination with Royal Caribbean.

What Are The Best Cruise Options For Memorial Day Weekend?

Short cruises are perfect for Memorial Day weekend trips. Choose from 3- to 5-night sailings and consider destinations like The Bahamas, the Caribbean or Baja California without taking too much time off work.

The Bahamas remains a fan favorite, especially with sailings on ships like Utopia of the Seas® and Wonder of the Seas®, paired with unforgettable stops at Perfect Day CocoCay  and the Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island.

The Caribbean also shines, with up to five nights of action-packed itineraries delivering sun-soaked beaches and vibrant island culture in just a few days.

If you prefer something different, consider the West Coast, offering sailings like Ovation of the Seas® short cruises to Baja California, blending coastal scenery, Mexican flavor and effortless long-weekend adventure.

These trips fit seamlessly into most travelers’ idea of quick escapes, letting solo travelers, couples and families experience fun-filled itineraries and unbelievable onboard amenities in one weekend.

How To Find And Maximize Memorial Weekend Cruise Deals And Specials

Memorial Day weekend cruise deals often include discounted fares, onboard credits or bundled packages. The best way to find them is to check cruise lines’ official websites, sign up for email alerts and book early.

Royal Caribbean, for example, frequently offers such deals — making it easier to secure premium staterooms, specialty dining and kid-friendly shore excursions at great value.

So look out for any offers akin to a Royal Caribbean Memorial Day sale as this holiday draws closer.

Top Locations For Your Memorial Day Cruise

1. Two to Four Nights: Miami, Florida to The Bahamas

Many amazing Caribbean destinations are easily accessible from Florida all 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 famed Adventurist, actress Shay Mitchell. How exactly? Easy! Check out historical sites like the 18th-century, 66-step Queen’s Staircase, which offers incredible views and Insta-worthy picture moments from the top.

Enjoy the archipelago’s beautiful beaches by:

● Snorkeling at the exquisite private island of Perfect Day CocoCay.

● Taking a guided tour of the legendary lost city of Atlantis.

● Kicking back beachside on the Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island.

2. Four to Five Nights: Miami, Florida to the Western Caribbean

If you can manage to sneak in a couple of more days to your long weekend, then consider sailing from Miami, Florida to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. This is your opportunity to make the most of 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 (on the same day). In Cozumel, you can dive deeper by swimming through underground waterways or visiting the famous Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza.

You’ll also enjoy all the benefits of a ship like Freedom of the Seas®, which offers three stories of waterslide thrills, themed laser tag adventures, shopping and dining to fit every flavor.

If you ask me, exploring ancient civilizations with family and friends beats a staycation any day!

3. Five Nights: Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico

For a quick getaway packed with culture, coastline, and Caribbean flavor, set sail from Tampa, Florida, on a 5-night cruise on board a ship like Enchantment of the Seas®.

This itinerary takes you to sun-soaked destinations like Cozumel and Costa Maya, where you can snorkel vibrant reefs, explore ancient ruins, or just kick back with beachside tacos and margaritas.

For laid-back vibes or off-the-beaten-path adventures, this Western Caribbean cruise delivers big vacation energy in just a few days.

4. 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. You can also 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.

Cruise Recommendations And Ships Worth Noting In The Royal Caribbean Fleet

When it comes to short, high-energy getaways, Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas stand out as top picks for Memorial Day Weekend cruising. Both ships deliver resort-style, all-inclusive experiences that appeal to solo travelers, families with kids, couples and friend groups alike.

Expect non-stop entertainment, multiple pools and whirlpools, adrenaline-pumping waterslides, world-class dining and vibrant nightlife options — all designed to maximize fun during a short holiday.

These ships boast smart layouts, flexible dining options and packed daily schedules that make it easy to do more without feeling rushed. It can’t get any more ideal than that for long weekends at sea!

How To Choose A Cruise Ship For A Short Weekend Trip

Choosing the right ship is key for a Memorial Day weekend getaway. So here are quick tips to ensure a stress-free booking process:

● Look for ships with diverse short itineraries, multiple dining options, family-friendly amenities and onboard activities that suit each age group in your posse.

● Think about room choice and proximity to amenities like pools, waterslides, the Solarium and adults-only nightlife spots.

● Make sure there’s plenty of fun,  onboard convenience and relaxation planned for your traveling group.

● Unless cruising solo, cater to each member of the family by allowing one “YES activity” per person during your short cruise experience.

Make Your Memorial Day Weekend Vacation A Short To Remember

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to trade the everyday for sun, sea and adventure on a short cruise. From lovers of the turquoise waters in The Bahamas to vibrant island cruisers of the Caribbean to scenic enthusiasts who’d relish Baja California, Royal Caribbean offers options to suit every traveler.

Find a ship that combines exciting onboard amenities, family-friendly fun and convenient itineraries and get ready for a long weekend escape like no other.

Remember to book early, watch for great deals and to have the best time at sea.