8 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise on Freedom of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Aerial view of the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
The 8 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida visits Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Priced from: $785.35 per person 2 sailing dates available
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8 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise
Itinerary Overview
Explore Freedom of the Seas
Day 1 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Day 2 - 3 - Cruising
Day 4 - Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Day 5 - Castries, St. Lucia
Day 6 - Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
Day 7 - 8 - Cruising
Day 9 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Aerial view of the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Aerial view of the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
This is your

8 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise

Explore This Itinerary
Leaving from
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Onboard
Freedom of the Seas
Day Port
1
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Departs at 4:00 PM
2 - 3
Cruising
Day at sea
4
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
5
Castries, St. Lucia
From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
6
Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7 - 8
Cruising
Day at sea
9
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Arrives at 6:00 AM
*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.
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Taxes & fees included.*

Your ship Freedom of the Seas

Your ship
Freedom of the Seas
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Freedom of the Seas Aft with the Perfect Storm
Freedom of the Seas Aft with the Perfect Storm
Get to know
Freedom of the Seas
Top rated coasts. Bow-to-stern boasts. The best of both worlds combine for an all-in-one adventure on the newly Amplified Freedom of the Seas® — sailing now. Discover adrenaline pumping slides and rides right on deck. A new pool scene that gets down after dark. And fresh, authentic flavors that will satisfy any craving.

GO FOR THE BOLD

Get your fill of thrills on the Amplified Freedom of the Seas®. Take on three stories of wet and wild turns on the newly added waterslide duo, The Perfect Storm℠. Face off in the latest glow-in-the-dark laser tag battle — Clash for the Crystal City℠. And catch a wave high above the ocean on the fan-favorite FlowRider® surf simulator. Best of all, adventurers of all ages will have a blast in completely reimagined spaces for kids at Adventure Ocean® and hangouts exclusively for teens.

SOAK UP A NEW SCENE

Now there are even more ways to have fun under the sun on the newly Amplified Freedom of the Seas®. With a totally redesigned resort-style pool and snackable faves from El Loco Fresh℠ just steps away, the top deck is the place to be. The Lime and Coconut℠ bar brings three levels of Caribbean cool to keep the island vibe going from day ’til night. Plus more chairs, hammocks, day beds and shady casitas mean you’ll always have prime seating with a view. Escape to the adults-only Solarium, an onboard oasis of serenity and sun, for a little downtime between adventure time. Or make a splash with the little ones at the bigger, better Splashaway Bay℠ aqua park.

REFUELING REIMAGINED

After a long day of adventure, there’s something to please every palate onboard the newly Amplified Freedom of the Seas®. Feast on craveable Italian classics from hand-tossed pizzas to piping hot pastas at Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen. Indulge in hand-rolled sushi and tableside teppanyaki at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. And cap off a day’s worth of discoveries with a friendly faceoff at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.

Day 1: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Day 1
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
View Itinerary
Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Things to do in
Fort Lauderdale
Departs at 4:00 PM
Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard.
Riverwalk High Rise, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Riverwalk High Rise, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

STREET SCENE

Las Olas Boulevard, nestled next door to downtown, is the entertainment core of Fort Lauderdale. It has a mile of upscale shops and al fresco dining that runs past high-rises and into the RiverWalk, where you can catch the free water trolley for a cruise across mega-mansion-lined canals.
Bird's eye view of A1A, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Bird's eye view of A1A, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

VITAMIN SEA

Soak up the sun, sand and seaside fun along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Walk along the palm-lined “Strip” on State Road A1A to get your fill of beach bars, souvenir shops and outdoor restaurants. Fort Lauderdale cruises allow you to go full throttle on a Jet Ski®— or go parasailing high above the ocean.
Everglades Bird Close Up, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Everglades Bird Close Up, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

GLADES OF GLORY

Head west and explore the Florida Everglades, an untamed river of grass spanning 2,200 acres of picturesque wetlands. Whether you take a wild ride in an airboat or splash around in a swamp buggy, you’ll encounter wild alligators and native birds thriving among Florida’s finest natural landscapes.
Fresh Seafood Platter, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fresh Seafood Platter, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

LOCAL CUISINE

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Fort Lauderdale dining experience than eating fresh-off-the-boat seafood in a waterfront eatery. Local “Floribbean” cuisine melds Caribbean and Latin-influenced flavors with locally caught fish, shrimp and crab. Surf-and-turf joints line every inch of A1A along the beach, while white tablecloths drape the majority of Las Olas sidewalk restaurants.
Beachwear Hats Shop, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
TBeachwear Hats Shop, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

SHOPPING

Pick up beachwear at The Gallery at Beach Place, or find rare books and handmade hats on Hollywood Boulevard. Dania’s Antique Row is home to some 100 dealers, while art galleries and unusual boutiques line Las Olas Boulevard. For serious bargains, head to the Sawgrass Mills outlet sprawl.

Day 2 - 3: Cruising

Day 2 - 3
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
Freedom of the Seas Flowrider with Perfect Storm in the Background
Man Surfing and Doing Tricks at Flowrider
PLAY ANY WAY YOU LIKE
Oasis of the Seas Adventure Ocean Tots Playing Legos
Oasis of the Seas Adventure Ocean Tots Playing Legos

Adventure Ocean®

It’s time to play outside the lines — the award-winning Adventure Ocean® is being totally reimagined. With wide open play places and dedicated spaces for all types of interactive activities, including head-to-head challenges, techy crafts and more, kids can choose their own immersive adventure.
Mariner of the Seas The Perfect Storm Water Slide
Man Sliding on the side of Mariner on The Perfect Storm

The Perfect Storm℠

Up for adventure? Put on your brave face and get ready to race through twists, turns and next-level thrills on the boldest slides at sea. No matter which ship you sail on, The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides take excitement off the charts.
Wonder of the Seas Teens Enjoying Social 100
Wonder of the Seas Teens Enjoying Social 100

Teen Spaces

Let’s face it, teens want the freedom to choose how they spend their time onboard. Now, 13 to 17-year-olds get an exclusive new lounge to call their own with music, movies, gaming — and even an outdoor patio hangout.
Odyssey of the Seas Girl Racing on the Rock Climbing Wall
Odyssey of the Seas Girl Racing on the Rock Climbing Wall

Rock Climbing Wall

Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.

Day 4: Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Day 4
Philipsburg
St. Maarten
View Itinerary
Sandy Blue Beach Sailboat, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Sandy Blue Beach Sailboat, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Things to do in
Philipsburg
From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What makes St. Maarten so unique is its blend of cultures. The island is home to 120 different nationalities speaking over 80 languages, and is governed by two countries: the Netherlands and France. In fact, it’s the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. While it may be less than 40 square miles, there’s plenty to do on this little island: you can travel back in time while exploring centuries-old ruins and get your adrenaline fix ziplining through lush tropical forests. If you’re after a little rest and relaxation during your cruise to St. Maarten, you’ll find plenty of secluded beaches where you can work on your suntan before treating your taste buds to some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.
Philipsburg Loterie Farm, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Philipsburg Loterie Farm, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

LOTERIE FARM

Loterie Farm is a nature sanctuary with 135 acres of hiking trails, a zip line adventure course, and a spring fed multi-level pool with cascading waterfalls..
Insider tip
A service charge is sometimes included at Dutch side restaurants, but you may wish to add 15% if the service was especially good.
Cityscape at the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Cityscape at the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

SIMPSON BAY LAGOON

The largest saltwater lagoon in the Caribbean, Simpson Bay is a great spot for lounging and watching the boats and yachts that dot its picturesque harbor.
Insider tip
In restaurants on the French side, it is customary to leave a cash tip of 5-10%.
Girl Horseback Riding with a View of the Ocean, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Girl Horseback Riding with a View of the Ocean, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

MOUNT CONCORDIA

Hike to the top of Mount Concordia, which marks the border between the French and Dutch sides of the island, for the best views of both sides
Enjoying a Relaxing, Seaside Lobster Lunch, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Enjoying a Relaxing, Seaside Lobster Lunch, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Local Cuisine

This gourmet capital of the Caribbean serves a mix of French, East Indian and island flavors. Cruise to St. Maarten and stop by a roadside barbecue stand (called a lolo) and enjoy lobster grilled on split-metal drums. Or dine on stuffed crab and cod fritters at any local cafe. Be sure to try some guavaberry liqueur, made exclusively on the island.
Shopping Stores, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Shopping Stores, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Shopping

Head to Front Street in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, and shop your way down a mile of duty-free stores. Before you go, pick up some famous guavaberry liqueur at the Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company.

Day 5: Castries, St. Lucia

Day 5
Castries
St. Lucia
View Itinerary
Anse la Raye Fishing Boats, Castries St. Lucia
Anse la Raye Fishing Boats, Castries St. Lucia
Things to do in
Castries
From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
From dramatic landscapes molded by ancient volcanoes to sparkling palm-fringed beaches, St. Lucia is some amazing Caribbean eye candy. Luxury resorts nestle up to the natural beauty, giving this island just the right touch of exclusivity. Cruise to St. Lucia and explore the coast by catamaran. Hike to the peaks of the soaring twin Pitons. Tour rainforests and explore the fishing villages of Anse-La-Raye. In the capital of Castries, you’ll find touches of French and British heritage, from the architecture to the cuisine.
Soufriere Volcano Sulphur Springs, Castries St. Lucia
Soufriere Volcano Sulphur Springs, Castries St. Lucia

Play In The Mud

Melt away your cares in the town of Soufriere, home to Sulphur Springs, known for its medicinal waters since the 1600s. Soak in natural thermal pools at the bottom of the bubbling craters and zen out while indulging in a therapeutic mineral mud bath from head to toe.
Insider tip
Don’t forget insect repellent if you plan to visit the rainforest.
Woman Enjoying Piton Peaks on a Kayak, Castries St Lucia
Woman Enjoying Piton Peaks on a Kayak, Castries St Lucia

Coastal Cruising

See the famous Pitons and island vistas from the sea as you glide down the coast of St. Lucia on a coastal cruise. See the lush vegetation and fishing villages as you make your way to the Pitons.
Insider tip
Drive on the left side of the road on this island.
Marigot Bay Sailboats, Castries St. Lucia
Marigot Bay Sailboats, Castries St. Lucia

Serene Scene

Make your way to Marigot Bay— a gorgeous natural harbor straight out of a movie scene, dotted with restaurants, bars and shops. You can stroll the yacht marina, shop at boutiques, visit a French bakery or relax at the secluded beach, accessible by ferry.
Creole Seafood Dish, Castries, St. Lucia
Creole Seafood Dish, Castries, St. Lucia

Local Cuisine

The Creole cuisine shows off the local fish, fruits and vegetables. Traditional flavors are a unique blend of West African, British, French and East Indian influences. Don’t miss “coal pot,” a local staple where dishes are cooked in a clay basin over coals.
Souvenir Shop Storefront, Castries, St. Lucia
Souvenir Shop Storefront, Castries, St. Lucia

Shopping

The best duty-free shops are at Pointe Seraphine cruise terminal and across the harbor at La Place Carenage. Cruise to St. Lucia and find duty-free jewelry, watches, perfume, crystal, rum, and local crafts. An artisanal favorite to bring home from here is the traditional pottery, made from the clay of the Pitons.

Day 6: Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

Day 6
Basseterre
St. Kitts & Nevis
View Itinerary
Mount Liamuiga Couple taking the Volcano Hike. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Mount Liamuiga Couple taking the Volcano Hike. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Things to do in
Basseterre
From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Greens in every shade spring from the rolling hills of St. Kitts— an island ripe with eco-tourism adventures. In the port city of Basseterre, you’ll find centuries of history to explore in impressive estates and photo-worthy monuments like the Brimstone Hill Fortress, one of the best preserved military structures in the Americas. Cruise to St. Kitts & Nevis and venture beyond the port and gear up for a unique climb up the 3,792-foot Mount Liamuiga volcano for views well worth the hike. Or hop in a kayak to get up close with a rainbow of tropical reef fish. Looking for something a little more laidback? Escape to the tiny unhurried sister island, Nevis, for smooth golden beaches and clear-water snorkeling— it’s just a thirty minute ferry ride away.
Forest Volcano Man Hiking. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Forest Volcano Man Hiking. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis

TAKE A HIKE

Hit the Mount Liamuiga trail and trek through towering trees, tangled vines, and tropical flowers to the crater of the 3,792-foot dormant volcano. At the peak of your 6-mile ascent, you’ll be rewarded with a view that goes so far, you can see neighboring islands.
Insider tip
Tipping taxi drivers isn’t necessary. In restaurants, 10-15% gratuity is standard.
Nevis Traditional Architecture. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Nevis Traditional Architecture. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis

HIT THE STRIP

For a taste of nightlife while the sun is still shining, head to The Strip on South Frigate Bay. This hot spot along the beach is lined with resorts, restaurants and bars with open-air dance floors. Most places open at 10 a.m. and keep the island party vibes going until late night.
Insider tip
Six ferries are available to take you on the 45-minute trip between the islands.
Sugarcane Plantation. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Sugarcane Plantation. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis

ALL ABOARD

Hop on the West Indies’ last railway— double-decker railcars that travel along a line built a century ago to transport sugarcane across the island. You’ll pass historical estates and countryside filled with tall wild sugarcane.
Four Spiny Lobster Tails on a Grill. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Four Spiny Lobster Tails on a Grill. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis

Local Cuisine

Casual beach spots with super-fresh seafood are your best bet for lunch. Order some spiny lobster or conch grilled over an open fire. More adventurous eaters should try West Indian specialties like pepper pot, Arawak chicken and goat water stew. For a quick snack, vendors sell sugarcane stalks to chew on.
Assorted Colorful Souvenirs. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis
Assorted Colorful Souvenirs. Basseterre, St. Kitts Nevis

Shopping

Port Zante has over 60 shops where you can score deals on watches, jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones. Or you can head to the nearby Pelican Shopping Mall, a collection of souvenir shops designed to look like a traditional Caribbean street.

Day 7 - 8: Cruising

Day 7 - 8
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
El Loco Fresh Lunch Close-Up
Taco and Nacho Lunch with Margaritas
LET THE FLAVOR FEST BEGIN
The Lime and Coconut  Bartender Mixing Cocktails
The Lime and Coconut Bartender Mixing Cocktails

The Lime and Coconut®

The search for your favorite island bar is over. The Lime and Coconut® turns the vacay vibes way, way up with DJs, live music and two bars serving all your favorite poolside cocktails — including the signature Lime & Coconut. And when the sun goes down, this pool bar just might be the hottest spot onboard.
Symphony of the Seas Playmakers Hamburger and Chicken Sandwich
Playmakers Hamburger and Chicken Sandwich with Fries

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

With a menu of game-day favorites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a winner. And while you’re working on a signature Playmakers Burger or the five-scoop Touchdown Sundae, you can catch your home team live on dozens of screens or face off against your friends in the arcade.
Chef's Table Dessert
A dessert at Chef's Table on Royal Caribbean cruises

Chef's Table

Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. Join an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. You’ll sit down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.
Main Dining Room Mother and Daughter Soup

Main Dining Room

In the Main Dining Room, you can experience flavors that take you from Jamaica to Jaipur, a rotating menu of delicious dishes always offering something unexpected. A multi-level restaurant that in the morning is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty brunch paired with refreshing mimosas, at dinnertime transforms into a world class dining experience with a menu that invites you to taste your way around the world course by course.

Day 9: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Day 9
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
View Itinerary
Everglades Swamp, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Everglades Swamp, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Things to do in
Fort Lauderdale
Arrives at 6:00 AM
Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard.
Riverwalk High Rise, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Riverwalk High Rise, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

STREET SCENE

Las Olas Boulevard, nestled next door to downtown, is the entertainment core of Fort Lauderdale. It has a mile of upscale shops and al fresco dining that runs past high-rises and into the RiverWalk, where you can catch the free water trolley for a cruise across mega-mansion-lined canals.
Bird's eye view of A1A, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Bird's eye view of A1A, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

VITAMIN SEA

Soak up the sun, sand and seaside fun along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Walk along the palm-lined “Strip” on State Road A1A to get your fill of beach bars, souvenir shops and outdoor restaurants. Fort Lauderdale cruises allow you to go full throttle on a Jet Ski®— or go parasailing high above the ocean.
Everglades Bird Close Up, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Everglades Bird Close Up, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

GLADES OF GLORY

Head west and explore the Florida Everglades, an untamed river of grass spanning 2,200 acres of picturesque wetlands. Whether you take a wild ride in an airboat or splash around in a swamp buggy, you’ll encounter wild alligators and native birds thriving among Florida’s finest natural landscapes.
Fresh Seafood Platter, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fresh Seafood Platter, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

LOCAL CUISINE

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Fort Lauderdale dining experience than eating fresh-off-the-boat seafood in a waterfront eatery. Local “Floribbean” cuisine melds Caribbean and Latin-influenced flavors with locally caught fish, shrimp and crab. Surf-and-turf joints line every inch of A1A along the beach, while white tablecloths drape the majority of Las Olas sidewalk restaurants.
Beachwear Hats Shop, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
TBeachwear Hats Shop, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

SHOPPING

Pick up beachwear at The Gallery at Beach Place, or find rare books and handmade hats on Hollywood Boulevard. Dania’s Antique Row is home to some 100 dealers, while art galleries and unusual boutiques line Las Olas Boulevard. For serious bargains, head to the Sawgrass Mills outlet sprawl.

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