Explore the Magic of Miami Before Your Cruise

Shopping in Bal Harbour, golfing at the Biltmore, lounging at Lummus Park Beach. These are just a few great reasons to get to your port city early if you are sailing out of Miami. And we have plenty more! So add on a few extra days to explore the magic of Miami before (or after) your next cruise.

Shopping in Bal Harbour

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he open-air shopping mall is known around the world for its unprecedented selection of high-end brands including Chanel, Dior, Prada, Balenciaga, and so much more. The chic scene includes a bouquet of European style cafes in a beautiful, tropical garden setting.

Golfing at the Biltmore

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The idyllic Biltmore Golf Course played host to The Miami-Biltmore Open, one of the richest prize purse professional golf tournaments of its time. Today the 18 hole, 71 par course draws a bespoke crowd to it lushly landscaped grounds set to the backdrop of the iconic hotel.

Lummus Park Beach

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Of course, you have to visit South Beach, but more specifically, the storied Lummus Park Beach. On one side of the beach lies the art deco cafes, boutiques, and bars of Ocean Drive, on the other; the famous candy-colored lifeguard stands and crystal blue waters. Take a stroll along the beach walk, let the kids play in the playground or explore the many water activities from parasailing to jet skiing at the famed beach.

Try Authentic Cuban Cuisine at Versailles

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Homemade croquetas, empanadas, guava pastries, and ropa vieja earns Versailles the moniker  “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.” Serving traditional Cuban cuisine since it opened in 1971, Versailles quickly became the unofficial town square for Cuban residents of Miami. And today it still embodies the essence of the vibrant country and rich cultural heritage of Cuba.

Explore Miami Design District

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The Miami Design District has it all: innovative fashion, architecture and design. Check out Art Angels, the go-to gallery for the chic and elite and the Frei Otto Tent, a tribute to the 2015 Pritz Architecture Prize Winner Frei Otto. After, make sure to grab coffee and pastries at Dior’s new Pop Up Café, on the garden terrace of its Miami Design District woman’s boutique.

Dine at Amara at Paraiso

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Bold Latin flavors married with coastal ingredients come alive in James Beard winner Michael Schwartz’s quintessential Miami waterfront restaurant. Menu items such as Banana Leaf Wrapped Cobia, House Made Chorizos and Cashew Chocolate Torte explode with innovation.

 

Our Favorite Cruises From Miami

Sunny strolls through South Beach, electrifying nightlife, epicurean cuisine, Miami has long held an international allure. Why not make the most of your next vacation by combining a cruise with a mini getaway?  By sailing out of the port of Miami, you not only experience fabulous itineraries but can tack on a few fun-filled days (and nights) in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Just two to three days in the city not only provides a serious dose of sunshine, but a sample of all the city has to offer. For the best places to stay, eat and sip check out this South Beach Weekenders Guide. After your hot weekend in Miami, cool off on one of these luxe cruises.

Royal Caribbean: 7 Night Western Caribbean

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Spend seven spectacular nights sailing the tranquil waters of the Western Caribbean. From Miami, sail onto Roatan, Honduras; Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; CocoCay, Bahamas; and back to Miami onboard Symphony of the Seas. Days at sea are brimming with exciting adventures like The Perfect Storm Waterslide or for the truly brave at heart, The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest waterslide at sea. Savor epicurean delights at Jamie’s Italian by chef Jamie Oliver, revel in stellar shows like Hairspray the Musical and dance the night away at Dazzles nightclub.

Celebrity Cruises: Panama Canal Westbound Cruise

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Spend 15 blissful nights aboard Celebrity Infinity. Departing from the port of Miami, sail to incredible destinations like Columbia, through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and finally San Diego, California. This culture-rich itinerary will have you strolling down the picturesque streets of the old Spanish Colonial city of Cartagena, surfing the renowned beaches of Costa Rica and discovering Lake Atitlan, the pristine lake surrounded by three volcanoes. Beyond the beauty of the port cities, your days onboard Celebrity Infinity are brimming with activities, dining, and rejuvenation.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 4 Day Cuba Overnight

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If you want to spend more time in the port of Miami and less time on a cruise, we suggest the four days Cuban cruise on the completely refurbished Norwegian Sky. Spend the entire day and an overnight exploring the heart and soul of Havana. Step back in time to the baroque filled streets and immerse yourself in the city’s lively culture. Sample favorite Cuban cuisine like ropa vieja and Moros y Cristianos and sip daiquiris at Hemingway’s favorite spot, El Floridita as the melodic sounds of jazz play in the background. From your exciting visit to Havana, sail to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, where you can snorkel in crystal Caribbean waters and soak up the sun on the pristine beach before sailing back to Miami.

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