Nothing says your cruise vacation is over more than hearing that inevitable killjoy who yowls, “Back to reality!” as you’re walking off the ship for the last time.
But what if you could delay reality? That dream is doable if you have the time, money and desire to extend your vacation in or near the cruise port. You’re already there, so why not take one more shore excursion that lasts not just a few hours, but a few days?
That’s a rhetorical question for all wanderlusters with a healthy travel budget. Here’s another that isn’t rhetorical: Which port cities are worth suspending reality in after your stateroom key is deactivated? For some answers, let’s explore the four busiest ports in the U.S. that make up nearly three-quarters of all domestic-originating cruises. Then let’s explore foreign ports near and far that are deserved of a few days of post-cruise R&R or, even better, a dedicated vacation when that travel bug bites again.
Miami
Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” takes in more than . (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
The “Cruise Capital of the World” is large enough to accommodate the more than 5 million cruisers expected to sail out of there this year, but small enough to be only a 20-minute rideshare drive between bustling PortMiami and hustling Downtown. Must-dos in the Magic City depend on one’s lifestyle more than most vacation destinations, so while South Beach might be too quirky and trendy for some, others might yawn over walking a bird-watching trail. Consensus favors Miami’s tropical beaches that generally offer whiter and finer sand than those in California, plus warmer waters pretty much year-round. Staying at the fabulous Fontainebleau, Faena or Four Seasons might be too dear after spending thousands on the cruise, so here’s a bit of money-saving Miami advice: Consider a property near the airport for a stress-reduced trip home. The sprawling Marriott Connection at Miami Airport (marriott.com) has a Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn a couple of miles from MIA and seven miles from PortMiami, along with 836 renovated and reasonably priced rooms, a range of restaurants and bars, three rental car locations and a free airport shuttle.
Orlando
Disney Skyliner transports guests between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort, scheduled to open in December 2019. (Photo by …read more
Source:: The Mercury News