Bahamas Getaway Cruise 9 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 vacation early.

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.

Adventure is hotter in The Magic City. From the sun-drenched beaches to the diverse blend of cultures. Pedal a bike along Ocean Drive’s Art Deco strip or kayak through Oleta River State Park’s winding mangroves. Swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium. Or explore the deep-rooted Cuban heritage of Little Havana, complete with croquetas, mojitos, cigars and live salsa music.

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.

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.

Key West is the very definition of laid-back living. Closer to Havana than to Miami, this colorful island at the end of the Florida peninsula marches to the beat of its own steel drum. Pedal past charming pastel-colored 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.

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.