Key West & Bahamas Cruise 3 Nights • Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Jewel of the Seas

A cruise out of Fort Lauderdale is one of the most popular ways to experience the best of the Caribbean, but this coastal South Florida city is a worthy destination in and of itself. Port Everglades is the main cruise port near Fort Lauderdale, but just a few miles away you’ll find beautiful white-sand beaches, a lively food and shopping scene, and cerulean blue waterways dotted with impressive yachts and sailboats. Want to discover the best of Fort Lauderdale like a local? Go for an early-morning stroll along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade and watch the sun rise over the water. Then grab breakfast beachside at one of the many open-air cafes that line the waterfront. If you’re looking for a wilder way to spend the day, set out on an eco-kayak tour through mangrove forests, calm bays, and emerald-green inlets — Fort Lauderdale is home to more than 300 miles of waterways, which has earned it the nickname, “Venice of America.”

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 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.

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.

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.

Before leaving South Florida, be sure to visit the Florida Everglades for a thrilling afternoon gliding in a high-speed airboat across this expansive river of grass. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, turtles, and the American alligator— all of which are native to the wetlands.

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.