Getting To And From Miami To Your Cruise
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From Miami International Airport, it is 8 miles to the port of Miami and travel time is approximately 25 minutes.
From Fort Lauderdale International Airport, it is 26 miles and travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
Dinner At Horizons Restaurant
For 90% of our meals we chose to eat in the main dining room where we were served a three course meal .
We preferred this more formal dining option of sitting down to a set menu that rotates to that of the buffet style option at the Lido Marketplace.
And the kids menu was nice with an activity book for them each evening.
At the buffet you have to deal with lines and crowds, and theres always the temptation of eating too much too fast and mixing foods that really shouldnt go together so you just end up feeling full and yucky!
Lido Marketplace can get very crowded for breakfast, and most lunch hours on sea days can get especially crowded also.
At Horizons, we found the quality of the food great and you eat at a much more sensible pace. The meal is filling without leaving you feeling bloated more room for cocktails right!
Plus, sitting down to a set table and being waited on is what we enjoy about cruising. At home we are always running around crazy and dinner time is a chaotic mess, so its nice to have a more organized and pleasant dining experience.
And the wait staff in Horizons are incredibly friendly, they are from all over the world, and we loved chatting with them.
Not too mention, its a ton of fun in the dining room as the staff often break out into an entertaining dance routine.
In the restaurant you have the option of Early Dining or Late Dining, we went with Early considering we have young kids, and often we scored a table with ocean views.
IMPORTANT:
Dunn’s River Falls & Blue Hole In Ocho Rios Jamaica
Jamaica is characterised by its numerous waterfalls and rivers inland. Therefore the island is much greener than other Caribbean isles, such as Aruba or Curacao. Special excursion destinations from Ocho Rios, which literally means “8 Rivers”, are the famous Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole. At the Blue Hole the stream forms a natural pool which shines in light blue and has a unique photo scenery.
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Western Caribbean Cruise With Carnival Cruise Line
Cruises to the Western Caribbean with Carnival Cruise Line start typically in the USA. Departure ports are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, New Orleans, Tampa or Mobile in Alabama. The duration of a Western Caribbean cruise is usually between four and seven nights, depending on the route. A unique western Caribbean cruise is our departure “6 Nights Western Caribbean from Miami” by ship Carnival Horizon. Enjoy a short stay in Miami before starting your voyage and discover this metropolis of Florida with Cuban flair. We continue on this route to Ocho Rios in Jamaica and cross the Cayman Islands to Cozumel in Mexico. On the way back to Miami, before the end of the West Caribbean cruises, you’ll have a day at sea where you can experience the ship’s various attractions.
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Departure 08. October 2022 – Starts from 439,27
5 days Western Caribbean from New Orleans
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Departure 10. October 2022 – Starts from 534,27
4 days Western Caribbean from Miami
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Departure 10. October 2022 – Starts from 1.521,27
5 days Western Caribbean from Mobile
Seven Miles In Heaven
Stroll down one of the world’s best beaches for a healthy dose of sunshine and salt. Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman island is a long stretch of beautiful coral sands and sparkling, crystal-clear water. Grab a rum punch or a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars along the way.
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Staying Healthy On A Cruise
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator by walking up and down to our cabin on deck seven, by staying at the front of the ship with the restaurant at the back, and by walking around all day to various activities, on one day we walked 10 milesthats 23,679 steps. You dont have to walk 10 miles, but if youre physically capable, ditch the elevator and take the stairs!
- Swap the buffet for the restaurant. Nuff said.
- Indulge the body. Head to the spa for a treatment. Get a massage or a facial. You deserve it. Your body will feel rested, restored and loved.
- Watch your alcohol and coffee intake. Cocktails on a cruise are enticing. It just suits the tropical vibe, right? It sure does not suit a tropical waistline though. Limit your syrupy cocktails. They wreak havoc on your skin, your liver, your digestion, and hydration. All of which amounts to a wicked hangover and lazy sun lounge attitude. Its truly a waste of your cruise day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get to bed at a decent hour. Sure have fun and let your hair down, but 6 nights of 2am finishes can wreck your body!
Mayan Ruins Of Xunantunich
During your Western Caribbean cruise you can marvel at the impressive Mayan site Xunantunich in Belize. The great pyramid of the ruins called “El Castillo” is about 42 metres high and partly decorated with an elaborate and impressive stucco relief. Here you can enjoy stunning views over Belize and neighbouring Guatemala.
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Western Caribbean Cruise Highlights
Wildlife Encounters
In the Western Caribbean, youll find abundant opportunities to get up close to its incredible wildlife. Admire the colorful birds that inhabit Belizes mangrove forests. Swim with southern Atlantic stingrays and snorkel with turtles in Grand Cayman. Kiss a dolphin in Costa Maya and explore Cozumels jungle on horseback. Marvel at the tropical marine life that inhabits the Caribbean Sea on scuba diving excursions throughout the region.
Ancient Ruins
In Costa Maya, spend a day in Chacchoben to discover Mayan history and traditions dating back thousands of years. Altun Ha is home to the 60-foot Temple of the Sun God in Belize City, which is well worth a day trip. Visit Lamanai, one of Mesoamerica’s largest Mayan ceremonial sites, on a riverboat safari excursion. Dont miss a visit to the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Ecological Wonders
Along with swaying palms and white-sand beaches, the Western Caribbean is rich with natural sites to explore. Trek along Grand Caymans Mastic Trail through an expansive preserve of native flora and fauna. Admire the ancient stalagmites nestled inside the Cayman Crystal Caves. In Key West, explore the lush clusters of mangroves on a stand-up paddleboard.
Reduce Stress By Arriving A Day Early
If you are flying into your port of departure, arrive the day before and stay overnight to reduce the stress of potential flight delays and missing your cruise!
Our Carnival Vista cruise departed Miami at 4pm on a Sunday, so we flew in on the Saturday.
Youll be much more relaxed knowing you are in town and able to get to your ship with plenty of time to check in and go through port security .
We stayed in the Coconut Grove area of Miami and loved our time their exploring Miamis oldest neighborhood.
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Rock The Ruins In Roatan
Known around the world for its vibrant coral reefs and diving sites, Roatan, Honduras is also one of Central Americas cultural capitals. Turn back time as you wander the breathtaking ancient ruins of Copan, a Maya city that dates back nearly a millennium. The site is so rich in artifacts that archaeologists are still uncovering new finds.
Review Of Carnival Horizon
The 2018-built Carnival Horizon cruise ship is the second Vista-class vessel in the CCL fleet. Horizon is Carnival’s “the most family-friendly ship” with the company’s newest kids- and family dedicated staterooms, facilities and amenities. Horizon is Carnival’s 26th vessel.
From the same series are the fleetmates Carnival Vista and Carnival Panorama , as well as the Costa Asia’s liners Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze .
The vessel is currently Panama-flagged and registered in Colon.
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Allure of the Seas – Arriving 2022
Adventure of the SeasRoyal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas offers four and five-night Western Caribbean cruises seasonally including Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, and the Yucatan as ports of call.
Liberty of the SeasRoyal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas offers seven-night Western Caribbean cruises year round including Isla Roatan, Honduras Belize City Belize Cozumel, Mexico Falmouth, Jamaica Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Montego Bay, Jamaica and Costa Maya, Mexico as ports of call.
Life Onboard Explorer Of The Seas
There is so much to enjoy on Explorer of the Seas, one of Royals Voyager class of ships, offering impeccable service, entertainment and dining. Read more
Treat yourself to award winning service and world class innovation on your cruising holiday – just part of what creates the Royal experience. Read more
You will be thrilled with the endless on board fun on Explorer of the Seas. From active pursuits to classes there is something for everyone. Read more
Explorer’s complimentary and specialty dining is waiting to take your tastebuds on an epicurean journey around the globe. Read more
You will be dazzled by first class entertainment from Broadway style musical productions, dancing and themed bars. Read more
Book yourself a treatment in the luxury on board spa join in a specialised class or shop for a little retail therapy. Read more
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What Are Some Things To Do In The Western Caribbean
From beautiful beaches to incredible Mayan ruins there are tons of shore excursion options in the Western Caribbean. Try snorkeling and diving in Belize City, ziplining or kayaking in Roatan, or unwinding in a cabana on the private island of Harvest Caye . For more: Exotic Western Caribbean Cruise Tips.
What Is The Best Time To Cruise To The Western Caribbean
Western Caribbean cruises — calling on ports like Cozumel or Progreso in Mexico or Falmouth, Jamaica — are available year-round with the winter months being the busiest. Great deals and lighter crowds can be found in the summer months, but hurricanes can be a serious threat from May through October.
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Our 6 Day Carnival Vista Itinerary
We departed on this Caribbean cruise from Miami and visited these Western Caribbean Islands:
- Day 1 depart Miami
- Day 5 Cozumel
- Day 6 Fun day at sea
Before this Carnival Western Caribbean cruise, I thought that 6 day cruises would be my maximum time I would like to be on any ship, but now after cruising on the Vista Im increasing that to 10 days.
When you consider you have three shore days that only leaves you with three days at sea and there is so much to do on Carnival Vista!
We did a lot on board the ship but there are still many things we missed, plus I would have loved more time to just chill and sit and read a book, knowing our kids needs were taken care of!
I think a 10 day western Caribbean cruise would be perfect!
A Memorable 6 Day Western Caribbean Cruise On Carnival Vista
Want to see what its like to take a 6 day Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Vista?
In early September we sailed on this ship as guests of Carnival Cruise Line and created some priceless family memories that we are sharing in this post, plus some helpful tips for cruising!
We are late adaptors to cruise life, it wasnt until our late thirties that we took our first cruise, preferring independent land based travel, but we now see the many benefits of taking cruises for families.
As a busy family, we enjoy the simplicity of cruises planning a two week long road trip or an overseas vacation can be time consuming and stressful.
On a cruise, you basically put your bags in your room and youre done. No need to constantly unpack and pack again whilst changing hotels, jumping on flights, or driving from place to place.
And all the activities and entertainment is at your fingertips and mostly included in the cost of your cruise!
So if youre planning your first family cruise, and are interested in what Carnival Vista has to offer, this post is for you!
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Splurge On A Balcony Room
On a 6 day Caribbean Cruise, or probably any cruise, splurging on a balcony room is totally worth it.
If your can stretch your budget, factor this into your expenses.
Balcony staterooms come in particularly handy if you have young kids who still do daytime naps or go to bed early.
Instead of being cooped up in an interior cabin you can sit outside on your balcony with fresh air and a book or maybe even a cheeky glass of wine.
It can get a little cramped with family of four in an interior cabin, and a balcony gives you breathing room, fresh air, great views, lots of sunlight, a private outdoor space, and its nice to sit outside and see the sunrise or sunset, and see the place your visiting when you come into port.
As mentioned our Carnival Vista rooms was 7264 and we loved the views!
