Itinerary for the Ultimate Miami & Caribbean Cruise Vacay

4-night Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Freedom of the Seas (Deck Plan) plus a few days in Miami before and after the cruise

February 2024

SUNMONTUEWEDTHUFRISAT
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Saturday, February 10, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:00 AMDrive to SF Int’l Airport (SFO)
  • Driving Time: 30 min
10:00 AMCheck in
  • Flight: AA 2045
  • Airline: American
  • Confirmation #: IICJZE
11:00 AMLunch at Airport

There’s no free food on the plane. Eat at the airport. Bring trail mix.

12:00 PMTake off
8:19 PMLand at Miami Int’l Airport (MIA)
  • American Airlines is in the north terminal (D)
8:45 PMGo to rental car center
  1. Use the 3rd-Level Skyride (moving walks) to access the MIA Mover station.
  2. Use the MIA Mover located on the 3rd level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages to go to the MIA Rental Car Center.
9:00 PMPick up rental car
  • Company: Thrifty
  • Confirmation #: K66811443F5
  • Reservation Website: expedia.com
  • Vehicle: Jeep Compass
  • Total Cost For 2 Days: $121.31
  • Collision Damage Waiver: Extra (get at counter)
10:00 PMDrive to Hotel & Check In
  • Onyx Hotel Miami Airport
  • Driving time: 5 min

Sunday, February 11, 2024

8:00 AM – 9:00 AMBreakfast at IHOP
  • Open 24 hours
  • Walking Time: 1 min
Steak Omelette with Pancakes
9:15 AM – 10:15 AMDrive to Everglades Holiday Park
  • Driving time: 40 mins
10:30 AM – 12:00 PMEverglades Airboat Tour
  • Official website
  • Open: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • $39
  • AIRBOAT TOUR: 60 mins
  • LIVE ALLIGATOR SHOW: 20 mins
  • Airboat tour tickets are first-come, first-served – no reservations necessary! Tours leave the dock every 20-minutes or less.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PMDrive to Bayside Marketplace
1:00 PM – 2:00 PMWalk to Rolly’s Bistro for Lunch
  • Menu
  • Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Order:
    • Beef panini
    • Pina Colada
2:00 PM – 4:30 PMWalk to Big Bus Tours and Go on Red Tour
  • Website
  • Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
  • Cheaper to buy online
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Duration: 2 hrs 10 min
  • Cost: $86
4:30 PM – 5:30 PMDrive Along Miami Beach
6:00 PMSunset
6:00 PMDrive to Miami Beach Parking Garage
6:00 PM – 8:00 PMWalk Around Espanola Way and Lincoln Shopping District

Española Way

Website

Española Way is a historic street in Miami Beach, Florida. It’s located between 14th and 15th Streets, between Washington Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s a pedestrian-only street with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. 

Lincoln Road Shopping District

Website

Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road is one of the most unique shopping districts in the world,  full of stunning architecture, world-class culture and destination retail stores spanning 8 blocks.

8:00 PMHave Dinner at The Lincoln Eatery
  • Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
9:00 PMDrive Back to Hotel

Monday, February 12, 2024

8:15 AMBreakfast at IHOP
  • Walking Time: 1 min
Spicy Poblano Eggs Benedict
9:15 AMCheck Out of Hotel

9:30 AMDrive Back to Bayside Parking
10:30 AMWalk to and Check in at Thriller Miami Speedboat Sightseeing Tour
  • 4-minute walk from parking garage
  • Website
  • Open: 11 am – sunset
  • Tours are every 1.5 hours on weekdays
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Cost: $45
  • MUST CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
  • BRING HAT NECK LANYARD
  • SIT AT BACK OF BOAT
11:00 AM – 11:45 AMTake Thriller Miami Speedboat Sightseeing Tour
12:00 PMRide Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
  • Walking time: 3 min
  • Website
  • Open: 12 – 10 pm
  • Duration: 12 min
  • Cost: $20
12:30 PMWalk Around Bayside Marketplace
12:30 PM – 1:00 PMWalk Around Bayside Marketplace
1:00 PM – 1:30 PMDrive to Return Rental Car
1:30 PM – 2:00 PMTake Uber to Cruise Terminal
2:30 PMCheck In For Cruise

Cruise Terminal A

3:30 PMBoard Cruise and Go to Stateroom (with Balcony)
4:30 PMCruise Departs to CocoCay, Bahamas
4:30 PMRSVP for Dinner
  • Cruise Dining Options
  • Main Dining Room (Galileo, Isaac & Leonardo) at back of ship. Enter on deck 3.
  • Stunning three-level dining room offering a variety of options for each course, from appetizers and entrees to mouthwatering desserts.
  • Seating Times: 
    • Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:30 AM,
    • Lunch: From noon – 2 PM,
    • Dinner: Early – 6:15 PM, Late – 8:30 PM.
  • Dress: Smart casual attire. On formal evenings, formal attire is appropriate in the restaurant, which includes suits and ties or tuxedos for men and dresses for women. On couple of nights, semi-formal attire is permitted. Swimwear, shorts and jeans are not permitted.
  • Costs: Food included in the cost of your cruise; specialty drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, beer, wine and soft drinks are at current menu pricing.
  • Reservations are required. RSVP through the Royal Caribbean app or call extension 7000.
5:00 PMExplore the Ship

Deck 2

  • Middle (Midship): Studio B Ice Rink
  • Rooms: Ocean-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 3

  • Front (Forward): Royal Theater
  • Middle (Midship): Studio B Ice Rink, Photo Studio, Art Gallery
  • Back (Aft): Main Dining Hall
  • Rooms: Ocean-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 4

  • Front (Forward): Royal Theater
  • Middle (Midship): Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Schooner Bar, Casino Royale, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Boleros, Centrum
  • Back (Aft): Main Dining Hall

Deck 5

  • Front (Forward): Outdoor Deck
  • Middle (Midship): Star Lounge, Library Card Room, Sorrento’s, Bull& Bear Pub, Promenade Shops, Royal Promenade, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Cafe Promenade, Next Cruise, Shore Excursions, Guest Services, R Bar
  • Back (Aft): Main Dining Hall

Deck 6

  • Rooms: Suites, Balcony Rooms, Ocean-View Rooms, Promenade-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 7

  • Rooms: Suites, Balcony Rooms, Ocean-View Rooms, Promenade-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 8

  • Rooms: Suites, Balcony Rooms, Ocean-View Rooms, Promenade-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 9

  • Rooms: Suites, Balcony Rooms, Ocean-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 10

  • Rooms: Suites, Balcony Rooms, Ocean-View Rooms, Interior Rooms

Deck 11

  • Front (Forward): Fitness Center
  • Middle (Midship): Solarium, Whirlpool, The Lime & Coconut, Main Pool, Sports Pool, Splashaway Bay, El Loco Fresh, PADI, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
  • Back (Aft): The Plaza Bar, Windjammer Cafe

Deck 12

  • Front (Forward): Spa
  • Middle (Midship): The Lime & Coconut, Running Track, Movie Screen
  • Back (Aft): Nursery, Adventure Ocean, Arcade, Johnny Rockets

Deck 13

  • Front (Forward): Freedom Dunes
  • Back (Aft): Rock Climbing Wall, Sports Court, The Perfect Storm Waterslides, Flowrider

Deck 14

  • Front (Forward): Lounges

Deck 15

6:00 PMSunset
7:00 PMDinner at Main Dining Hall
  • Bottom level = Deck 3
  • Middle level = Deck 4
  • Top level = Deck 5
9:30 PMWatch a Show
  • Shows are nightly at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM
  • Arrive 15 mins before the show
  • Royal Theater
  • Decks 3 and 4
10:30 PMPack for Next Day at Cococay
  • Dry bag
  • Snorkel mask
  • Inflatable lounges
  • Sunscreen
  • Cameras and equipment (selfie stick, etc)
  • SeaPass card
  • Cash: Tipping cabana attendants requires cash
  • Beach towels. You can get these from the ship. 
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

7:00 AMArrive at Cococay
8:00 AM – 9:00 AMBreakfast at Windjammer Buffet
  • Hours: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
10:00 AMPut stuff in a locker

There are free lockers to use around Perfect Day at CocoCay. Lockers are first come, first serve. Lockers can be found

  • near the entrance to Thrill Waterpark
  • near the entrance to zipline
  • near the helium balloon
  • at Chill Island (north and south)
10:30 AM – 11:15 AMZipline
  • Appointment Time: 10:30 AM
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Duration: 45 min
  • Cost: $50 pp
  • Bring camera hand mount
11:30 AM – 12:00 PMLunch

Have lunch at Chill Grill (or other places).

Captain Jack’s Bar ($)8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Oasis Lagoon Bar ($)8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
South Beach Bar ($)8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Coco Beach Club8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Chill Grill11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Skipper’s Grill 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Snack Shack Oasis11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Snack Shack Water Park11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
South Beach Snack Shack11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
12:30 PM – 1:45 PMJet Ski Tour
  • Appointment Time: 12:30 PM
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Cost: $65 driver, $25 passenger
  • Duration: 1 hr 15 min
  • Bring camera hand mount
  • Ask if can bring dry backpack on jet ski. If can, then bring 10′ selfie stick to take drone-like videos.
  • Bring dry bag with 10selfie stick
  • Replace SD card with a new one in case the camera falls into the sea and is not recoverable
2:30 PM – 2:45 PMHelium Balloon Ride
  • Appointment Time: 2:30 PM
  • Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Duration: 10 min
  • Cost: $43 pp
3:00 PM – 4:00 PMBeaches, Pools & Exploration

Dining Options

Captain Jack’s Bar ($)8 AM – 4:30 PM
Oasis Lagoon Bar ($)8 AM – 4:30 PM
South Beach Bar ($)8 AM – 4:30 PM
Coco Beach Club 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Chill Grill11:30 AM – 3 PM
Skipper’s Grill11:30 AM – 3 PM
Snack Shack Oasis11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Snack Shack Water Park11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
South Beach Snack Shack11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
4:00 PMReturn to Ship
5:00 PMDepart Cococay to Nassau
6:00 PMSunset
7:00 PMDinner at Main Dining Hall
  • Open: 7 – 9:30 PM
  • Bottom level = Deck 3
  • Middle level = Deck 4
  • Top level = Deck 5
9:30 PMWatch a Show
  • Shows are nightly at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM
  • Arrive 15 mins before the show
  • Royal Theater
  • Decks 3 and 4
10:30 PMWatch a Movie Outside

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

8:00 AMBreakfast on Balcony (Room Service)
9:30 AM – 11:30 AMShip Tour
  • Appointment Time: 9:30 AM
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Cost: $89
11:30 AM – 12:00 PMFitness
  • Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
12:00 – 1:00 PMLunch at Windjammer Buffet
  • Hours:
    • 7:00 – 11:00 AM
    • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PMWaterslides
  • Open: Noon to 6 PM
3:30 PM – 4:30 PMRock Climbing Wall
  • Open: 3:30 – 7:00 PM
  • Deck 13
6:00 PMSunset
7:00 PMDinner at Main Dining Hall
  • Open: 7 – 9:30 PM
9:30 PMWatch a Show
  • Shows are nightly at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM
  • Arrive 15 mins before the show
  • Royal Theater
  • Decks 3 and 4

Dining on Board

Main Dining Room

  • No extra cost
  • Deck 3, 4, 5
  • Ext 7000
  • Breakfast: 8 AM – 9:30 AM
  • Dinner: 7 PM – 9:30 PM

Windjammer Marketplace

  • No extra cost
  • Deck 11
  • Breakfast: 7 AM – 11 AM
  • Lunch: Noon – 3:30 PM
  • Dinner: 6 PM – 9 PM

Cafe Promenade Coffee Station

  • No extra cost
  • Deck 5
  • 24 hours

El Loco Fresh

  • No extra cost
  • Deck 11
  • 3 PM – 6 PM

Sorrento’s Pizza

  • Extra cost $
  • Deck 5
  • 1:30 PM – 3 AM

Cupcake Cupboard

  • No extra cost
  • Deck 11
  • 11 AM – 8 PM

Chef’s Table

  • RSVP required
  • Extra cost $$$$
  • Ext 7000
  • Deck 5
  • 6:30 PM

Chops Grille

  • RSVP required
  • Extra cost $$$
  • Ext 7000
  • Deck 11
  • 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen

  • RSVP required
  • Extra cost $$$
  • Ext 7000
  • Deck 11
  • 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

  • RSVP required
  • Extra cost $$
  • Ext 7000
  • Deck 4
  • 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Johnny Rockets

  • Extra cost $$
  • Deck 12
  • 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

  • Extra cost $
  • Deck 5
  • 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Cafe Promenade Coffee Station

  • No extra cost
  • Deck 5
  • 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Room Service

  • Extra cost
  • Ext 7000
  • Deck 5
  • 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Thursday, February 15, 2024

7:00 AM – 8:00 AMBreakfast at Windjammer Buffet
  • Hours: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
6:42 AMSunrise in the Bahamas
8:00 AMArrive at Nassau, Bahamas
9:00 AMTake Shuttle to Atlantis
  • Appointment time: 9:00 AM
  • Bring dry bag and camera accessories
9:30 AM – 1:30 PMPlay at Atlantis Waterpark
  • Atlantis Resort Map
  • Atlantis Aquaventure Map
  • Wristbands are required and can be obtaining at any towel hut
  • Aquaventure is cashless. Pay by credit card.
  • Lockers are available and subject to availability
  • Towers are provided for day use
  • Complimentary life jackets are provided for day use
  • Wear sandals or water shoes because the pathways can get very hot
  • Shortest wait times for the water slides and the rapids river are when the rides open at 10 AM
  • The center of the action is the Mayan Temple Pool

Action Plan

  1. Get a locker
  2. Go on Mayan Temple water slides (bring short and 3.4″selfie stick)
  3. Go on Power Tower water slides (bring short and 3.4″selfie stick)
  4. Go on river rides (bring short and 3.4″selfie stick)
  5. Have lunch
  6. Go to pools (bring 3.4′ and 10′ selfie stick)
  7. Go to the beaches (bring 3.4′ and 10′ selfie stick)
  8. Take photos at vista points (bring dry bag)
  9. Explore the Royal Towers (bring dry bag)
  10. Visit the Dig

Mayan Temple Water Slides

Leap of Faith: a near 60-foot near-vertical drop propels you through a clear acrylic tunnel into a shark-filled lagoon [video]

Serpent Slide: travel 5-stories down in complete darkness, then emerge and float through an acrylic tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon [video]

Challenger Slide: race down twin high-speed slides with friends, then check your speeds on the time clocks at the bottom to see who won [video]

Jungle Slide: take a thrilling safari slide through the exotic jungle-scape and caves built right into the heart of the Mayan temple [video]

Power Tower Water Slides

The Abyss: Drop into complete darkness with twists and turns and end in an underground cave with alligator gar and tropical fish. [video]

The Surge: Brave a camel back drop into a cavern with quick downward twists and turns into white-water rapids. [video]

The Drop: Drop through darkness, then enjoy open-air twists and turns before splashing down into the Rapids River [video]

The Falls: This slide shoots you 58 feet to ground level, then propels you through a water roller coaster of twisting tubes. [video]

River Rides

The Rapids River: A mile-long river ride with extreme rapid, rolling waves, water escalators and surprises. [video]

Lazy River: A relaxing, scenic, quarter-mile loop guided by a gentle current. [video]

Pools

Royal Baths: This low key pool features two sunburst mosaics and soothing music with the iconic Royal Towers as a backdrop.

Mayan Temple Pool: One of the most popular pools at Atlantis, adjacent the slides of the Mayan Temple. A live DJ spins hot beats.

Baths Colonnade Pool: Large columns with hieroglyphs and rockwork structures adorn this free-form pool.

Grotto Pool: A zero-entry pool framed by two cascading waterfalls. Preferred seating with lockable safe and electronics charging station available for a fee.

River Pool: A relaxing zero-entry pool just steps away from Atlantis Beach and removed from the main activity of Aquaventure.

Blu Pool: This pool offers a cool vibe with music from the 80s, 90s, and today’s billboard hits.

Beaches

Atlantis Beach: An action-packed beach located closest to Beach, Coral and Royal Towers.

Cove Beach: This beach offers a protective cove, good for snorkeling and just soaking up the sun.

Paradise Beach: A tranquil stretch of sand, perfect for relaxing closest to the Reef.

Paradise Lagoon Beaches: Paradise Lagoon offer two beaches for snorkeling, paddle boats, and other water sports, in a protected environment – great for families.

Other

The Dig: Polished marine life & aquarium exhibits in a series of tunnels at the posh Atlantis resort.

2:00 PMTake Shuttle Back to Ship
2:30 PMExplore Downtown – Straw Market
3:00 PMExplore Downtown – Queen’s Staircase
4:00 PMGo Back to Ship
5:00 PMDepart Nassau Back to Miami
6:00 PMSunset
7:00 PMDinner at Main Dining Hall
  • Open: 7 – 9:30 PM
9:30 PMWatch a Show
  • Studio B – Ice Rink
  • Deck 3

Friday, February 16, 2024

6:00 AMArrive in Miami
7:30 AMTake Uber From Cruise Terminal to Airport
  • Driving time: 20 min
8:00 AMPick Up Rental Car
CompanyThrifty
Confirmation #K6683555424
Reservation Websiteexpedia.com
SizeJeep Compass
Total Price For 2 Days$142.66
Collision Damage Waiverextra
8:30 AM – 9:00 AMDrive to Hotel & Check In
  • Onyx Hotel Miami Airport
  • Driving time: 5 min
9:30 AM – 9:45 AMDrive to Frost Museum of Science
  • Driving Time: 15 min
10:00 AMBuy Planetarium Show Tickets
  • Must buy tickets on site
  • Website
  • Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Cost: $30
10:20 AMWatch Planetarium Show
11:00 AMWatch Planetarium Show
  • Dynamic Earth
  • Duration: 24 min
  • Showtimes: 11:00 a.m. | 12:20 p.m. | 1:40 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | 4:20 p.m. | 5:40 p.m.
11:30 AM – 11:45 AMDrive to Wynwood Walls
  • Driving time: 10 min
12:00 PM – 1:00 PMExplore Wynwood Walls
  • Website
  • Hours: 11 am – 7 pm
  • Cost: $12
1:00 PM – 1:15 PMDrive to Lock n Load Museum
  • Driving Time: 10 min
1:15 PM – 2:30 PMVisit Lock n Load Museum
  • Website
  • Hours: 12 – 6 pm
  • Cost: Museum: Free, Shooting Training: $175
2:30 PM – 2:45 PMDrive to Superblue Miami Immersive Art Experience
  • Driving Time: 5 min
2:45 PM – 3:45 PMVisit Superblue Miami Immersive Art Experience
  • Website
  • Hours: 11 am – 7 pm
  • Cost: $39
3:45 PM – 4:00 PMDrive to ARTECHOUSE Miami
  • Driving Time: 15 min
4:00 PM – 5:00 PMVisit ARTECHOUSE Miami
  • Website
  • Hours: 1 – 8 pm
  • Cost: ?
5:00 PM – 5:10 PMDrive to Museum Of Illusions
  • Driving Time: 10 min
5:15 PM – 6:00 PMVisit Museum Of Illusions
  • Website
  • Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Cost: $30
6:00 PMSunset
6:00 PM – 6:15 PMDrive to Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
  • Driving Time: 10 min
6:15 PM – 7:30 PMDinner at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
  • Website
  • Hours: 12 PM – 10:30 PM

Saturday, February 17, 2024

8:00 AM – 9:00 AMBreakfast at IHOP
9:00 AMCheck Out of Hotel
9:00 AM – 9:20 AMDrive to Bike n Roll Miami
  • 210 10th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • Driving Time: 20 min
10:00 AM – 12:00 PMGo on Segway Tour
  • Website
  • RSVP
  • Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Cost: $75
12:00 PM – 12:15 PMDrive to Bayside Parking
  • Driving Time: 15 min
12:15 PM – 12:20 PMWalk to Millionaire’s Row Tour
  • Walking time: 5 min
1:00 PM – 2:30 PMGo on Millionaire’s Row Tour
  • Website
  • Duration: 90 min
  • Hours: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Cost: $30
  • Departure Times: 10:30AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, 5PM, 6PM
2:30 PM – 2:45 PMDrive to Bike n Roll Miami

Duration: 15 mins

2:45 PM – 4:30 PMRent e-bike and Ride Along Miami Beach
  • Website
  • Cost: $25 / hour, $85 / day
4:30 PM – 5:30 PMDrive to Airport Rental Car Center & Return Car
  • Driving Time: 30 min
6:30 PMDinner at Airport

There’s no free food on the plane. Eat at the airport. Bring trail mix. American Airlines is in the north terminal (concourse D, 2nd Level Departures).

8:11 PMFly Back to San Francisco
  • Flight: AA 2426
  • Airline: American Airlines
  • Confirmation #: IICJZE
11:51 PMLand at SFO