OUR 14-DAY MIAMI AND CARIBBEAN CRUISE ADVENTURE WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Sunshine, sea air, island adventures, and a floating resort to call home—this was more than a holiday. It was a full reset – and our first ever cruise. We recently returned from an unforgettable 14-day getaway that started and ended in vibrant Miami and included a 10-night Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, visiting six stunning islands along the way.

We did a 10 day Florida Road Trip a few years back which I’ve shared here. This includes more of Miami including Wynwood Walls, as well as the rest of our road trip such as Clearwood, Naples, Marco Island, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral and Orlando.

If you’re looking for travel inspiration that blends relaxation with adventure, here’s how our two weeks of sunshine unfolded (I’ve also shared a reel on Instagram @ohsokel )…

Days 1–2: Miami South Beach – A Vibrant but Relaxed Start

We began our adventure with two unforgettable days in South Beach, staying at the iconic Avalon Hotel right on Ocean Drive—a postcard-perfect spot steeped in Art Deco charm. The room and corridors were pretty average to be honest, but the location and nostalgia was 10/10!

Thanks to jet lag (for once, a bonus!), we were up early and enjoyed peaceful sunrise walks along the beach, taking in the pastel skies and those colourful lifeguard huts that line the shore. Mornings were made for lazy brunches, while afternoons were spent soaking up the buzz of South Beach—people-watching, palm trees, and the warm Florida sun setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

We booked Don Sombrero Miami Beach for dinner; it’s set back from the main promenade but the reviews were great and we loved the authentic Mexican cuisine. We were tempted to book a bed or table at Nikki Beach but there’s no pool so we decided against it because we didn’t think it was worth it for the kids.

We also made time to visit one of our favourite Miami spots—Bayside Marketplace. Watching the boats glide across the water while soaking in the lively atmosphere of waterfront shops and colourful eateries is always a highlight. We grabbed cocktails and nachos by the water from Lola’s, taking it all in and feeling that unmistakable holiday joy start to settle in (we tried Hard Rock Cafe first because of its excellent location but waited about 20 minutes and still couldn’t get hold of a waiter so left!).

Day 3: Embarkation – Boarding Explorer of the Seas

Cruise day! We boarded Explorer of the Seas from PortMiami and were instantly wowed. From the glass elevators to the Royal Promenade buzzing with life, the ship felt like its own lively city. After exploring our room, we set off into the blue to the sounds of a Caribbean band playing on deck.

Tip: we went in the UK Easter Holidays which is after Spring Break in the US. We’re pretty sure this is why we got such a great deal, as well as Explorer of the Seas being one of their older ships. For the 10 day cruise including accommodation, all food, kids drinks packages, daily gratuities and activities, it was just under £2,500. We obviously had flights, private excursions and Miami on top. 

Day 4: At Sea – Settling In

Our first day at sea was all about exploring the ship and embracing that glorious “no plans” feeling. We relaxed poolside, checked out the climbing wall, crazy golf and water slides, and tried lots of different cuisines in the main dining room followed by a dazzling evening show.

Day 5: Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata Port) – Colour, Culture & Caribbean Charm

Our first island stop was the Dominican Republic. We set off on foot and made our way into the old town, soaking up the local energy along the way. One of the highlights was walking beneath the vibrant umbrella street, with music playing in the background and colourful artwork brightening up every corner. At one point, we found ourselves holding a parrot—a fun, unexpected moment that added to the festive vibe – at a cost of course!

We wandered down the iconic Paseo de Doña Blanca or ‘The Pink Street of Puerto Plata’, admired more street art, and just enjoyed getting lost in the town’s character and colour. After exploring, we made our way back to Taino Bay, Royal Caribbean’s own resort which is free to its customers, where we cooled off and wound down in the lazy river, surrounded by palm trees and total island serenity. Monkey Island is also there.

A perfect mix of culture, fun, and relaxation to kick off our island hopping adventure.

Other options that came up when researching Dominican Republic were:

• Paradise Island (Cayo Arena): Accessible by speedboat tour from Punta Rucia

• Playa Grande: Known for lobster on the beach

• Dudu Lagoon: Features a zip line (cash payment required)

• Boat hire: Available to visit Natural Pool in Río San Juan

• Mt. Isabel: Cable car rides available

• Ocean World SeaLife Park

• Cabarete: Popular spot for kite surfing

Day 6: St. Maarten (Phillipsberg Port) – Turquoise Waters & Turtle Magic

St. Maarten is a truly unique island, famously split between two cultures: the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin). This dual identity gives the island a vibrant and diverse charm, where you can experience a fusion of European elegance and Caribbean warmth all in one day.

Our stop quickly became one of the most memorable days of the entire trip. We joined a boat excursion that took us along the island’s stunning coastline, where we had the chance to swim with wild turtles in crystal-clear waters—an absolutely magical experience we’ll never forget.

Afterwards, we headed to the serene and beautiful Pinel Island, a tiny slice of paradise just off the French coast of St. Martin. With its laid-back vibe, calm waters, and postcard-worthy scenery, it was the perfect place to relax and soak it all in. It ended up being one of our absolute favourite days of the cruise, and without a doubt, we’d love to return to Pinel Island for a longer holiday in the future. It’s the kind of place that stays with you.

We booked our 4-hour, 3-island tour directly with Captain Alan Boat Charters and couldn’t recommend them enough. Our guides were incredible—fun, knowledgeable, and wonderful with the girls. The boat was high-quality and intimate, allowing for a small group experience alongside just a couple of other families, which made the day feel even more special and personal.

Other options that came up when researching were:

• Boat tours:

  • Captain Bob

  • Boomerang Boat Charters

  • Shore Excursions Group

• Ferry to Pinel Island: Approximately $12 per person.

• Water taxi from Philipsburg to Great Bay Beach: Costs around $7 per person, but tends to be crowded and busy; vibrant area with plenty of bars and restaurants.

• Maho Beach: World-famous beach located right at the end of the international airport runway, known for watching planes fly incredibly low overhead.

Day 7: St. Lucia (Castries Port) – Scenic Shores & Caribbean Soul

St. Lucia is dramatic and unforgettable, with its lush, rainforest-covered hills and the iconic Pitons rising majestically from the sea. Rather than join the cruise ship’s group excursion, we booked a private boat tour for the day—which turned out to be not only more personal, but also more affordable.

We booked our tour through Ocean Angel Boat Tours, which offered a completely different experience compared to our St. Maarten trip. While the boat was older and smaller (which meant we felt every wave!), the tour was entirely private—just the four of us—which gave it a warm, homegrown, and authentic feel.

The tour took us on a stunning coastal cruise past filming locations from Pirates of the Caribbean, with stops for snorkelling, a visit to the breathtaking Marigot Bay where we saw the houses of the rich and famous nestled in the hills (Zoe Resort looked amazing too), and a dreamy swim at Sugar Beach (known locally as Jalousie Beach and home to Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort, a celeb favourite), nestled between the Pitons. The girls were in their element—floating on the sea hammock and trampoline just off the beach was a definite highlight!

Hotels on the island of St. Lucia can’t claim exclusive rights to any beach, which meant we were free to enjoy the beautiful shoreline at Sugar Beach—and even relax on some dedicated sunbeds—right alongside guests from the luxury resort!

As if the day couldn’t get any better, our guide took us to a nearby cove where we enjoyed a delicious, authentic beach BBQ cooked by him and his family. With toes in the sand and local flavours on our plates, it was Caribbean living at its best.

A little note for beach lovers: St. Lucia doesn’t have many white-sand beaches, as the island is volcanic. Sugar Beach is the exception, where the sand is imported—so if pristine white beaches are important to you, it’s worth keeping in mind when planning your visit. It’s also meant to be fairly tricky to get to Sugar Beach by road and if you do drive, you need to park at the top and get the hotel shuttle bus down to the shore (which is apparently possible if you book lunch at the hotel restaurant). Sugar Beach is a 90 minute drive or 50 minute boat rise from the port.

Other options that came up when researching St Lucia were:

• Beach break tours to Sugar Beach (via speedboat) offered by:

  • Spencer Ambrose

  • Shashamane Water Taxi

  • Israel King Water Taxi

  • Serenity Vacations

  • Mystic Man

  • Nio Rose

  • SeaSpray Cruises

• Pigeon Island: Features a small reef, ruins, hiking trails, restaurants, and a beach. About 35 minutes by land or 20–25 minutes by water taxi.

• Reduit Beach: Known for its lively atmosphere but often crowded.

• Marigot Bay: Calm, sophisticated, and scenic.

• Rodney Bay: Pretty beach area but busy with locals selling goods.

• Vigie Beach: Less attractive than Rodney Bay and tends to be overcrowded.

Day 8: Antigua (St John’s Port) – History & Beach Bliss

With 365 beaches, Antigua is truly made for relaxation—and we made the most of it by hiring a taxi for the day from the port and negotiating a rate that gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. Our driver became more than just a guide; she shared stories about her life on the island and gave us a deeper insight into the local culture as we drive through the rainforest and towns.

Our first stop was the Shirley Heights lookout point overlooking Nelson’s Dockyward, where we arrived well before the cruise minibuses, allowing us to enjoy the stunning views in peace. We then had plenty of time to drive down to Nelson’s Dockyard itself, soaking up the history and charm of this beautiful marina.

Next, she took us to her favourite family beach— Ffryes Beach – the one just along from Darkwood Beach—where we rented sunbeds, hired jet skis, and savoured what turned out to be the most picturesque lunch of our trip at the Ffryes Beach Bar and Grill overlooking the bay. It was a truly special day, perfectly balancing adventure and relaxation.

Originally, we had hoped to book the Pigs Paradise Antigua Experience, but unfortunately, it was closed on the day we visited—definitely one to check out on Instagram for future trips!

Other options that came up when researching Antigua were:

• Pigeon Point Beach: Beautiful and quieter, with covered seating but no loungers or umbrellas, keeping it unspoilt. Often reached by hiking 2km from Nelson’s Dockyard.

• Shirley Heights: On Sundays, locals gather here for BBQs and lively parties.

• Water Taxi from Nelson’s Dockyard: Takes you to Galleon Beach, where you can snorkel with turtles on a scooter snorkelling tour.

• Green Island: Stunning spot especially for snorkelling, with The Reef restaurant nearby. Accessible by water taxi from Nelson’s Dockyard.

• Half Moon Bay (East Coast): Offers both shade and sunny spots.

• Darkwood Beach (West Coast): Known for OJ’s Bar, a recommended local hangout.

• Barbuda Island: Famous for its pink sand beaches.

• Cades Reef (South West Coast): Great for snorkelling.

• Dickinson Bay Beach: Popular and well-developed beach.

• Runaway Beach: Near Dickinson Bay and more secluded.

• Prickly Pear Island: Tiny island off Hodges Bay in the north, popular for Instagram shots, snorkelling, and kayaking.

Day 9: Puerto Rico (San Juan Port) – A Beach Day to Remember

Our second island stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico. After doing some research in advance, we headed by taxi to Balneario El Escambrón, often praised as one of the best places to swim in Puerto Rico thanks to its calm, clear waters and nearby coral reef. However, when we arrived, it was packed with snorkelling tours and local BBQs, making it feel a little too crowded for the relaxing beach day we had in mind.

So, we made a quick decision to switch and head to Isla Verde (Green Island)—and we were so glad we did! The beach there is much larger, giving us plenty of space to spread out, and unlike Escambrón, it was free from seaweed. The turquoise water was absolutely stunning, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful beach spots of the entire trip.

They’re currently rebuilding the Ritz-Carlton Hotel right on the beachfront, so we wouldn’t be surprised if this area becomes even more in demand in the near future.

Other options that came up when researching Puerto Rico were:

• El Yunque Rainforest & Lagoon

• Condado Lagoon: Kayaking with manatees

• Fairmont El San Juan Hotel: Day pass available via ResortPass

• Crash Boat Beach

• Aguadilla: About 3 hours from the port

• Arecibo

• Playa La Poza Del Obispo: Features a beautiful lighthouse, just under 2 hours from the port

• Steps Beach and Pools Beach

• Rincón: Rugged area, popular for surfing

• Best beaches: Generally found on the North and Northwest sides of the island

Day 10: St. Kitts – A Day of  Tranquility

St. Kitts was a wonderfully relaxing day that felt like a classic hotel holiday. We booked a day pass at the Marriott Beach Resort and Casino, giving us access to their beautiful pools, beachside loungers, and excellent amenities. I had the best massage in a cabana on the beach too!

We grabbed a taxi right from the port to get there, which made the journey easy and stress-free, and arranged for the same taxi to pick us up afterward. The day was all about unwinding—soaking up the sun, playing in the pool and enjoying some delicious food and drinks by the sea. It was the perfect peaceful pause in our island-hopping adventure. Please note it wasn’t possible to swim in the sea when we were there; the sea was too rough and it was covered in algae.

Other options that came up when researching St Kitts were:

• Cambola Beach Club

• Sugar Train (Caribbean Island Tours)

• Dolphin experiences

• Zipline Sky Safari and Recreational Centre

• Not known for its beaches, there are none in walking distance from the port: South Frigate Bay (10 minutes by taxi), South Friars Bay (15 minutes by taxi), Cockleshell Beach (30 minutes – take cash if you want chairs/umbrellas/drinks/massage), Shipwreck Beach (20 minutes – there’s a Shipwreck Bar), Reggae Beach.

• Nevis apparently has better beaches: 30 minute ferry from Basseterre to Charlestown.

Day 11–12: At Sea – Reflect, Recharge, Repeat

After visiting six incredible islands, our final two days at sea were all about relaxing, reflecting, and making the most of the onboard fun we hadn’t yet experienced. We tackled the climbing wall, enjoyed ice skating, chilled by the pool, joined lively quizzes at the bar, and played games in the arcade. Evenings were filled with spectacular theatre shows, movies on a giant screen while soaking in one of the many hot tubs on deck, and cheering on our favourite performances at the karaoke competition!

Days 13–14: Back in Miami – One Last Adventure

Back in Miami, we spent our final two days exploring a different area, staying at the Hilton Dadeland. We enjoyed shopping at the local mall, savoured a delicious Brazilian BBQ at Fogo De Chao, relaxed by the hotel pool, and indulged in treats from Crumbl Cookie.

We also took a day trip down to the beginning of the Florida Keys, where we had an incredible experience at Theatre of the Sea on Islamorada and enjoyed a waterside lunch at Hog Heaven – phenomenal location, complete with giant Jenga, and phenomenal food!

On our last day, we went on a private hoverboat tour with Miami Everglades Connection to spot alligators in the Everglades. We loved this tour even more than one we did a few years ago because it wasn’t tied to a park, making it feel more personal and educational. That said, if you’re interested in shows or holding a baby crocodile, the park option—with entry and a boat ride included—is worth considering.

It was the perfect way to wind down from cruise mode and pack in more memorable experiences, rather than just waiting to fly home.

Booking Information:

• Booked flights direct with BA

• Booked the cruise direct through Royal Caribbean.

• Independently arranged hotels for nights between flights and cruise.

• Chose to organise our own excursions instead of booking through the cruise line. Found this gave a more personal, flexible experience and allowed us to explore at our own pace. Often arrived at destinations before cruise minibuses, enjoying popular spots without crowds. A local taxi driver noted many cruise excursions miss the best beaches and hidden gems. If you prefer convenience, organised plans, and guaranteed return times, booking excursions through the cruise line may be better though.

Cruise Cabin Essentials

• We read a tip about bringing magnetic hooks (from Amazon) for the cruise cabin, and they were super helpful—especially for hanging damp swimwear in the bathroom.

• Toiletry bags with hooks are also a great idea, as cruise bathrooms have limited space to put things down.

Packing & Disembarkation Tips

• We try to travel light whenever possible (even on U.S. road trips, we’ve done hand luggage only!).

• For this cruise, we had:

  • One carry-on suitcase each

  • One large checked bag between us

• Because we could carry everything ourselves, we chose to take our own luggage off the ship. This meant we were in the first group off, straight into an Uber taxi and out of the port. It was still busy, but far better than waiting hours—which some people mentioned on Facebook cruise groups afterwards. Tip: The earlier you disembark, the better!

Cabin Choice & Layout

• To keep accommodation costs low, all four of us shared one cabin (rather than booking a separate room for the kids, which would have doubled the price).

• Our room had:

  • A double bed

  • Two pullman beds (bunk-style)

  • A large wardrobe, dressing table, comfy chair, and en suite bathroom

• While compact, it was absolutely fine—we don’t tend to spend much time in the room and we’d rather save money on accommodation to be able to spend more on experiences.

• Instead of paying extra for a balcony, we chose a large porthole window, and we’re really glad we did. It made the space feel brighter and more open compared to interior rooms.

Sea Sickness Advice

• If you’re prone to motion sickness, apparently it’s best to book a cabin:

  • Midship or towards the back

  • On a lower deck

  • With a window

• We didn’t feel much movement in our room or on deck, but evening shows at the front of the ship were a bit more noticeable

• Almost everyone seemed to have the motion sickness patches behind their ears or bracelets. We bought the bracelets but I took mine off after the first day.

Booking Tip

• If you book directly through Royal Caribbean, and the price drops later, apparently you can claim the difference back—so it’s worth keeping an eye on prices after you book.

This 14-day adventure gave us everything—relaxation, excitement, new cultures, and so many unforgettable moments. Explorer of the Seas offered the perfect balance of comfort and entertainment, while each island brought its own charm, culture and personality.

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned traveller, this itinerary is a dream. And the bonus days in Miami? The icing on the cake!

If you’re thinking of sailing the Caribbean, I can’t recommend this route highly enough. Let me know if you have any questions—or need help deciding what to pack!

Kel x