Royal Caribbean elevates the weekend getaway by adding more cruise options

Let’s be honest: we could all use a weekend getaway. However, sometimes a 2-hour drive to the nearest remote town or a flight to the next state over isn’t enough. If you’re wanting a vacay that’s a shorter amount of time, but feels more lavish, look no further than Royal Caribbean.

The Miami-based cruise line recently announced its lineup of year-round and seasonal 3 to 4-night Caribbean cruises on 8 different cruise lines starting in 2024 and extending into 2025. The cruises, which all provide their own unique, individual experiences, will be leaving out from Florida, Texas and California.

Vacationers out of Florida can sail the seas aboard “Allure of the Seas”, which is sailing out from Orlando and Miami to the Bahamas. It has been hailed by Royal Caribbean as “the ultimate family vacation,” and it’s easy to see why. The “Allure” features adventures onboard including a 9-story-high zip line, ice skating and original stage shows. For the foodies in the family, there are over 30 restaurants, bars and lounges to indulge in such as the new Wipeout Cafe featuring El Loco Fresh, which offers Mexican fare. On shore, passengers will have access to Royal Caribbean’s private attraction, Perfect Day at CocoCay. From a swim-up bar, live music, overwater cabanas and a thrill water park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. “Independence of the Seas” cruise lines – which depart from Miami – are another option that will instead offer 4-night Eastern Caribbean cruises that will visit Labadee, Haiti.

Folks down in Texas can get in on the fun by sailing aboard “Mariner of the Seas.” The ship will be leaving from Royal Caribbean’s brand-new $125 million terminal in Galveston. The terminal, which opened in the latter part of 2022, is the world’s first LEED zero energy facility and is able to generate all of its necessary energy through onsite solar panels. The “Mariner” offers 4 and 5-night vacations to sunny getaway destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

West Coast travelers can make their way to L.A. onto the “Navigator of the Seas.” Like the other Royal Caribbean cruise lines, there’s no shortage of excitement on the Navigator. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy water slides like The Blaster, which is “the longest waterslide at sea,” and the Riptide, which has a curve that goes off the side of the ship. Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver offers Tuscan-inspired dishes, and the Bamboo Room is perfect for a chill vibe. The “Navigator” has options for 3, 4 or 7-night cruises to Catalina Island, California, and Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada and Mazatlan, Mexico.

Excited? Grab your family, friends, or ditch the company and make it a solo trip, and start planning your weekend getaway. Vacations are ready for you to book here.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.

If you enjoy our perspective on travel and Black culture, please sign up for our newsletter. You should consider joining our travel club, too. Or maybe write a piece for us about your favorite destination. In other words, let’s stay connected!

This story was originally published February 21, 2023 at 7:45 AM with the headline "Royal Caribbean elevates the weekend getaway by adding more cruise options."