Experience an unforgettable tropical getaway exploring sun-soaked beaches, culture-rich cities and private islands on board Royal Caribbean’s exciting eight-night round-trip cruise. The vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale is the jumping-off point for this sundrenched cruise, which blends colonial culture with glorious stretches of sand. Following a couple of leisurely days on the family-friendly Legend of the Seas, this journey will take you to Willemstad in Curaçao, Oranjestad in Aruba and Cabo Rojo — often considered the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secret. The voyage culminates at Perfect Day CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, where the activities include a zip line and 135-foot-tall waterslide named Devil’s Peak.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Miami may get all the attention, but the South Florida city of Fort Lauderdale shouldn’t be overlooked. Known as the ‘Venice of America’ for its canals and rivers, it has miles of navigable waterways and golden beaches. A temperate climate and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year make it the perfect coastal hotspot.
Visitors departing from the world’s third-busiest cruise homeport, Port Everglades, are ideally placed for pre- or post-cruise stays before sailing to the Caribbean and beyond. It’s well worth spending some time at this cruising hub — think curated artwork from local and renowned artists in the terminals, free Wi-Fi and a new luxury hotel moments away.
From global foodie options to nightlife, the arts and world-class shopping, Fort Lauderdale is still something of an under-the-radar destination. While here, drop into the immersive MAD Arts Museum which features interactive exhibits from artists and creatives. Alternatively, join a food tour to sample some of the city’s best places to eat. Then there are the famous beaches, which stretch for 24 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and are a favorite with families.
With waterfront living a way of life here, a trip on a yellow water taxi to breeze past the multi-million-dollar mansions and impressive megayachts is a must. With narrated tours included, it’s arguably the best way to navigate the city, with three routes hopping between notable points of interest including Margaritaville, Pompano Beach and Las Olas Boulevard.
Make sure to venture into the dense wetlands of the Everglades National Park, a subtropical jungle with nine ecosystems. Expect tours, activities, trails and up-close viewings of the resident wildlife including alligators, crocodiles, manatees and turtles. Waterways cover a third of the park, so there’s also plenty of opportunity for kayaking and fishing.
Pietermaai, Curaçao
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO
The first thing you might notice on arrival into Curaçao, an island nation located around 40 miles off the northern coastline of Venezuela, is the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which separates two districts and opens to let ships through.
Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, has much to intrigue visitors, from the old town’s pastel-colored buildings to the waterfront lined with merchant’s houses. Remnants of a colonial past can be spotted throughout the city and most attractions are easily walkable from the two cruise terminals. Alternatively, the novelty trolley train stops at all the key landmarks.
Alongside its museums, which tell the story of Curaçao, its history and its people, the island offers a diverse culinary scene, drawing influences from Africa, Spain, the Netherlands and Venezuela. Popular choices include karni stoba (beef stew) and Dutch pancakes — not forgetting the island’s heady signature spirit blue curaçao, made from the laraha citrus fruit. Sample it at Landhuis Chobolobo, a distillery housed in a 19th-century mansion.
Beaches are a big draw: the best include Cas Abao Beach, which is blessed with warm waters, bleached-white sands and a coral reef, and Knippa Beach, said to be one of Curaçao’s most exquisite stretches of coastline with clear, turquoise water and fascinating biodiversity.
Take a drive around the island and you might spot lagoons studded with flamingos, striking plantation houses and tropical seascapes with rocky inlets. Alternatively, get your steps in with a nature walk on the western side of the island, starting at the fishing village of Boca Samí. Trace the shoreline through untouched hills and coral pathways before cooling off at Kokomo Beach, a snorkelers’ paradise.
Oranjestad, Aruba
ORANJESTAD, ARUBA
Aruba’s coastal capital, Oranjestad, is the next stop, where visitors can sample the catch of the day at seafood shacks, explore local culture or relax on the shore. The city is easily accessible on foot, although a fun and free way to get around is on the open-air Aruba Streetcar, running from the cruise port and stopping at key attractions.
This photogenic island is known for its pastel-colored colonial buildings, with landmarks such as the Royal Plaza Mall reflecting its Dutch heritage. Shopping options vary from designer stores to flea markets — head to Paardenbaai Plaza for distinct souvenirs.
Some might be surprised by the desert-like landscapes and geological formations located inland. Join an excursion to Arikok National Park and the Casibari Rock Formation, a famous natural wonder made up of quartz diorite boulders that rise out of the terrain in fascinating forms.
There’s a beach suitable for everyone here, from sunseekers to snorkelers. Located on the southern tip of the island, Baby Beach has an idyllic Caribbean setting and views of the Venezuelan coastline. Alternatively, guests interested in marine life should head to Arashi Beach for the opportunity to swim and snorkel near the shallow coral reef.
Aruba’s aloe industry dates back to the 1800s, and the Aloe Museum & Factory, located just a short drive from Oranjestad city center, reveals how the plant with powerful healing properties is harvested and processed. History enthusiasts should visit the National Archaeological Museum, where Indigenous artifacts and historical gems trace the island’s past from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Elsewhere, adventure-seekers can step things up with a lively UTV off-road drive. Expect to bump across dusty desert terrain and paths studded with cactuses before taking in panoramic views of Aruba’s untamed north coast.
Bahia De Las Agilas Beach, Dominican Republic
CABO ROJO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Nestled on the wild southwest coast of the Dominican Republic, this small cape that juts into the Caribbean Sea gets its name from the red soil found in the hills above the coastline.
A relatively new stop for cruise ships, Cabo Rojo’s growth has been stratospheric, with 200,000 passengers projected to visit by 2027. There are free pools, a small sandy beach, lazy river, live shows and fairground rides in the port complex for visitors to enjoy.
Cabo Rojo is as remote as it gets for a Dominican destination. This dramatic place has few visitors and a basic infrastructure — for now at least, as a development project is underway to transform the region.
Contrasting landscapes include limestone cliffs, arid cactus-studded deserts and empty beaches including Bahia de las Aguilas, which has been hailed as one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Caribbean, and is only accessible by boat.
High in the Sierra de Bahoruco mountains, the remote Hoyo de Pelempito is a 2,300-foot-deep geological depression. There’s a creaking wooden observation platform positioned at its edge, providing spectacular views. If you’re not brave enough to step out, some say the drive up is as good as the viewpoint.
Nature-lovers will appreciate the striking and surprising wildlife in the in the Pedernales region. Ancient rhinoceros iguanas and American flamingoes are just some of the fauna to be found at Oviedo Lake in Jaragua National Park — one of the largest protected areas in the Dominican Republic. The park also features sea turtle nesting beaches, Taino cave art dating back thousands of years, mangrove trails and over 130 species of bird.
Haitian-Dominican cultural influences are apparent in the local cuisine, merengue music and day-to-day goings on, thanks to Cabo Rojo’s close proximity to the Haitian border.
Perfect Day CocoCay
PERFECT DAY COCOCAY, BAHAMAS
One of Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Destinations, Perfect Day CocoCay has been designed exclusively for cruise passengers. This 125-acre private island features 10 neighborhoods complete with a waterpark, zip line, wave and adventure pools. Little ones are taken care of at Splashaway Bay, an expansive waterpark featuring water cannons and pools.
From spiraling down t towering waterslides to relaxing in the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, boredom is never an issue. There’s also the Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, complete with a swim-up bar. In-water loungers, umbrellas and swings are complimentary, with trams shuttling between attractions.
Adults can escape to Hideaway Beach, a child-free sanctuary featuring chic private cabanas with bottle service and Hideaway Hut, serving fresh ceviche and coconut shrimp baskets. For retail therapy, head to the island market for locally made crafts.
Writer: Rebecca Barnes
