By Chantae Reden | Published on January 5, 2024
Dreaming of an island escape? There are few places more stunning and exciting than the islands found west of Florida's southern peninsula. Set off on a seven-night western Caribbean cruise to sink your toes into sandy beaches of the paradisaical kind, roam a muddy trail into a jungle's interior, tiptoe around ancient Mayan ruins, blow bubbles alongside sea turtles and reef sharks, zip over a rainforest canopy, and make memories that'll have you reminiscing for years to come.
With so many incredible destinations in the western Caribbean, it's easy to see why some travelers get off one week-long cruise only to hop back onboard the next week — no two trips are ever quite alike. Here's how to have an exciting time on your western Caribbean cruise getaway.
How To Choose The Best Seven-Night Caribbean Cruise
Most seven-night Caribbean cruises or eight-day getaways to the western Caribbean will offer the best blend of excitement and relaxation. You might have two to three days of cruising and five to six days of onshore exploration at your destination. If you're the type of traveler who enjoys island hopping and leaving footprints on as many beaches as possible, choose a week-long cruise itinerary that stops at a new destination each day. Or, if you'd rather get to know an island more intimately, opt for an itinerary that spends a few days in one place.
Make Your Cruise Room Your Home Away From Home
A seven-day cruise to the Caribbean is enough time to settle in and turn your stateroom into your home away from home. If you prefer privacy and are one to spend plenty of time in your own quarters, it's worth selecting a stateroom with a balcony to embrace blue water views. The ship's spa, fitness center, internet access, pools, live entertainment and activities galore make life onboard comfortable and convenient if you'd rather spend most of your time roaming around.
The western Caribbean is famous for its warm waters and sunshine. For a week-long trip, you'll want to pack lightweight, breezy fabrics that'll keep you cool and covered from the sun. While swimsuits are an obvious must-have, don't forget to pack any athletic attire if you're planning adventurous excursions like ziplining, jungle trekking or off-roading. Comfortable shoes will carry you through the storied streets of charming coastal towns. Breezy scarves, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats add a practical yet stylish touch to any cruise outfit.
An elegant outfit for drinks and dinner creates a true Caribbean vacation feel and is a fun way to embrace the ship's formal night onboard. If it's whale-watching season or if you love peering into treetops for birds, pack a pair of binoculars. Your own snorkeling gear makes it easy to explore the shoreline of any beach, but if you're packing light, you can easily rent this equipment. Because it's the tropics, blue skies and rain showers can occur on the same day, so bring along a rain jacket just in case.
Pack all the medications and toiletries you'll need during your stay. One bottle of reef-safe sunscreen per adult in your party is a wise move, that way sun protection is never too far away. A small dry bag will keep your phone, camera and wallet protected from the elements during shore excursions.
Foodies will be happy to know there are plenty of dining options to suit just about every craving onboard. Choose a 3 Restaurant Package to save on your meals at a trio of specialty restaurants. Or go all-in and get the Unlimited Dining Package, which includes access to specialty restaurants every night. Don't go thirsty — choose among the drink packages offered, which range from non-alcoholic beverage plans to unlimited drinks, including cocktails, spirits, beer and wine.
Great Destination Ideas For Seven-Night Western Caribbean Cruises
No one would blame you if you simply wanted to stay onboard and soak in the Caribbean scenery from the deck. However, there are plenty of adventures to be had once you've reached the shore. The western Caribbean is rife with historical sights, jungle trails, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dazzling beaches, and exciting activities.
Week-long western Caribbean cruises often depart from one of the four Florida ports: Orlando, Tampa, Miami or Fort Lauderdale. If you're traveling with the whole family, chase thrills and meet your favorite characters at Orlando's stretch of iconic theme parks before or after your cruise. Catch a wave in Cocoa Beach, marvel at the cosmos at the Kennedy Space Center or fine-tune your swing at one of the city's golf courses.
If you're departing from Miami, embrace the glitz and glamour of Miami Beach or head to Coconut Grove for a vibe that's more understated. Stroll along the white sands of Key Biscayne, find your muse in the Wynwood Arts District, and embrace Cuban traditions in Little Havana, where open-air fruit markets, hand-rolled cigar shops and the thrum of danzón music will make you feel like you've already crossed a stretch of the Caribbean Sea. Head south and buzz over the tranquil waters of the Florida Everglades in an airboat to see the wildlife that calls this region home. It's the perfect appetizer for a week-long cruise to the Caribbean.
Top Vacation Places In The Bahamas For Travel Thrills
Many western Caribbean cruise itineraries stop in the Bahamas, where 700 sand-fringed islands sparkle like pearls in the Atlantic's aquamarine waters. The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, is awash with historical sites and tall tales of swashbuckling pirates. Spend a day strolling through the streets of the Bahamas to the 1860s-era National Art Gallery to admire artwork crafted by Bahamian artists and visiting artists who've found inspiration from the islands. Don't miss peering through the stained-glass windows of Christ Church Cathedral, walking the steps of the Queen's Staircase, taking a picture in front of the bubblegum pink Government House and learning about the islands' piratical past at the Pirates of Nassau interactive museum, a favorite Caribbean cruise excursion for families.
Of course, no trip to the Bahamas is complete without a day at the beach. Many seven-night Caribbean cruises stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island where you can stake out a spot in the sand with a drink in hand or conquer some of the most exciting rides in the Caribbean at Thrill Waterpark. Test your fear of heights at the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean or from the basket of a helium balloon. For more adrenaline, get swept away in the wave pool or challenge other daredevils to a race at the four-lane Splash Speedway slide. When it's time to unwind, drift the day away in the fresh waters of Oasis Lagoon, order an ice-cold cocktail in a private cabana, or strike up small talk at the swim-up bar.
Plan A Trip To Mexico And Admire Its Mayan Heritage
Make it over to Mexico on a Caribbean vacation for scenes that range from ancient ruins to spectacular seascapes to dense jungle trails along the shoreline of the Yucatán Peninsula. In Cancun, shop for souvenirs at Plaza La Fiesta and sample some of the region's most delicious meals at one of the resort town's many innovative restaurants.
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to ancient pyramids, like Chichen Itza, a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back over 1,500 years built by the Mayans. Hundreds of underground swimming holes, called cenotes, beckon scuba divers and snorkelers to roam around the region's underwater wonders. In Puerto Costa Maya, spend your day trip on your cruise vacation lounging along palm-lined beach or admiring the sea life at the Mesoamerican Reef, one of the largest reef systems in the world. Adrenaline addicts, prepare to fly across the sky on a zip line tour for a bird's eye view of the emerald and cobalt hues that make up Puerto Costa Maya's shoreline. Wander inland to learn more about Mexico's mesmerizing Mayan marvels like the ruins of Chacchoben, Dzibanche and Kohunlich.
Be Your Belize Vacation's Wilderness Leader
If you'll be visiting Belize as part of a 7 or 8 day cruise to the Caribbean, you'll want to pack plenty of outdoor attire. This tiny country is packed with adventure activities and is home to a thriving barrier reef rife with technicolor corals and reef fish. Snorkelers and scuba divers will want to head straight to the sea.
For thrill-seekers, exploring the Chiquibul Cave System, the longest cave system in Central America, is a heart-racing experience. Venture into it on a river rafting tour in pitch-black waters. Listen to limestone stalactites drip, and admire their spiked silhouettes through dappled light twinkling into the cave from holes overhead. Search for monkeys and toucans on an ATV tour through lush jungle tracks. Or hop on an airboat and watch for manatees and crocodiles lazing in Belize's thriving wetlands.
Hang Out In Honduras And Travel To Roatán
Roam the island of Roatan on a week-long cruise, found 35 miles off the mainland of Honduras. This island is known amongst ocean goers for its spectacular coral gardens, ship wreck dive sites and the whale sharks that seem to have taken a liking to Roatán's clear waters. Outlining the island of Roatán are white sand beaches, idyllic for sunbathing, swimming and sipping a refreshing cocktail. Dune buggy rides, zip line courses, and a full tour of Roatan make it impossible to whisper the words "I'm bored" on this lively island.
Cool Off On A Getaway To The Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Island was once commandeered by rum runners and pirates during the 17th century's Golden Age of Piracy. Today, it holds a more polished reputation as an international banking hub and glitzy stop for super yachts. In George Town, embrace the pirate life and sample rum at one of the distilleries, learn more about local history at the Cayman Islands National Museum and dine on delicious plates of shrimp crumbed in fresh coconut flakes. From the port of George Town on Grand Cayman, claim a spot of sand to yourself at one of the many beaches, like the white sands of Seven Mile Beach, or head to Rum Point for superb snorkeling.
Journey To Jamaica For Waterfalls And Forest-Rich Nature
Visit Jamaica on a one-week Caribbean vacation cruise if you love novel adventures, sampling fragrant foods and getting misted by waterfalls. On the Martha Brae River, paddle a raft built from bamboo and learn about the legend of Martha Brae, a witch who once lured treasure hunters into the depths of the waters below. The waterfalls of Dunn's River Falls are also a sight to behold, a tier of waterfalls roaring into tranquil pools ideal for wading and swimming. The Green Grotto Caves are another natural wonder you won't want to miss. For thrills, head to Mystic Mountain theme park to glide down a mountain in a bobsled or whiz across the jungle's canopy on a zip line course.
When it comes to drinking and dining, Jamaica knows how to impress. Order a plate of jerk chicken, pork, fish or tofu to embrace Jamaica's international favorite meal. Or, eat like a local and order codfish served with a side of cooked ackee and vegetables. If you love to boogie, head to the beach clubs of Jamaica for live reggae and dancing. There's never a dull moment on this Caribbean island.
Say Hello To A Haiti Vacation Cruise
White sand beaches cede to blue waters on the shores of Labadee, Haiti, a private piece of paradise on Haiti's northern coastline. A few fin kicks away from shore will take you to coral reefs frequented by reef sharks, stingrays and sea turtles. A half-mile-long zip line zooms travelers over the water. Water slides, private beach bungalows, kayaks, a floating bar, and sports courts make it easy to pick up the pace or hang out with a book whenever you like. You'll be remembering your cruise vacation trip to Haiti for years to come. Ready to explore the brilliant waters of the western Caribbean?
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