Western Caribbean Getaway 5 Nights • Miami, Florida • Freedom of the Seas

As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before you island hop. Ahead of your cruise from the Port of Miami, 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 the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past. From showstopping seven day cruises from Miami to last-minute weekend adventures, spending a day in South Florida is the perfect way to begin your adventure.

Dangling on the western edges of The Bahamas' Out Islands, Bimini was once an escape route for Prohibition-era rumrunners— and today it’s a small-island paradise for sun-seekers and anglers. For such a tiny isle, Bimini certainly packs a huge adventure punch. The capital of Alice Town buzzes with a low-key vibe, while miles of sugary sands lead to scuba diving and snorkeling in bright-blue waters filled with sunken shipwrecks. Legend has it Bimini Road was once part of the Lost City of Atlantis, and several ghosts haunt Great Isaac Lighthouse. Here you can go sailing, Bimini Museum browsing or Bimini Nature Trail hiking— all amid the salty Bahamian air.

Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as white-sand beaches and authentic restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off Mahahual’s coast is the second largest in the world. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.

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.