Southeast Coast & Bahamas 8 Nights • Baltimore, Maryland • Vision of the Seas

If you’re kicking off your vacation in Maryland, you have more to look forward to than your time in the tropics. Cruises from Baltimore offer the perfect mix of big-city bustle and vacation vibes. This northeast capital overflows with rich history, plenty of iconic sights, and a top-notch food scene you won’t want to miss out on. Spend the morning walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where stately tall ships offer a glimpse into this East Coast city’s rich maritime legacy. Check out the National Aquarium, home to more than 750 species, an open-ocean shark tank, and a multi-story coral reef exhibit. And be sure to visit the star-shaped Fort McHenry, birthplace of America’s “Star-Spangled Banner” anthem. In between city sights, make a pit stop at one of Baltimore’s many acclaimed restaurants, locally loved coffee and tea shops, or craft breweries. Add a day or two to your vacation to experience the best of Baltimore before or after you set sail — you’ll be glad you did.

Your ship departs promptly at 3:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.

An afternoon in Charleston might best be spent lunching in a quaint courtyard eatery, sunning on a barrier island beach, or gliding in a paddle-wheel riverboat through the harbor. Staying a bit later? Don’t miss an evening ghost tour— this old southern city is recognized as a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Cape Canaveral is the launching point for all-out adventure in Central Florida. Explore America’s astronaut legacy at Kennedy Space Center. Soak up the sand and sun along Space Coast beaches. Feel the thrill of Orlando’s theme parks, only an hour’s drive away. Or trace the region’s roots at the Orange County Regional History Museum.

Grand Bahama Island captures an authentic portrait of Bahamian life. Unwind on sand that shimmers like pearls, fronting waters in every hue of blue. Hike Rand Nature Center’s forest-lined trails. Discover waterfalls at the Garden of the Groves. Dive deep into underwater worlds offshore. Or gamble, golf and even join in a wildly festive junkanoo parade in Freeport and Lucaya.

Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetizing flavors, white-sand beaches, and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven— and you can explore its colorful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins, or spot colorful coral on a glass-bottom boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island with all-inclusive access to some of the best food, cocktails, beaches and pools in The Bahamas.

Baltimore’s nickname— Charm City— is well earned. This town’s charisma runs deep— from the tall ships floating in the Inner Harbor to the top-notch museums. It’s an East Coast slice of American history where you can visit Edgar Allan Poe’s grave, and tour the fort where America’s national anthem was penned. And for authentic Baltimorean neighborhood experiences, nothing beats sipping pints in the pubs of Fells Point, cracking open steamy crabs in Canton’s seaside shacks, and enjoying sweeping skyline views from the top of Federal Hill.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.