Cruise ship passengers who wish to explore both Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, but who are pressed for time or money, may want to take a closer look at the Carnival Western Caribbean cruise which sails regularly from Miami. This cruise lasts just five days, but manages to pack in a large percentage of activities in both Grand Cayman and the Jamaican resort of Falmouth.
Miami is not only the departure point for the Carnival Victory, the vessel which will take passengers south to the Caribbean, but is also a famously lively city in its own right. Visitors wishing to soak in some sun at Miami Beach prior to the cruise may be surprised to learn this legendary sunbathing spot is a separate city from Miami proper.
Little Haiti and Little Havana are, respectively, the traditional homes of Miami’s vibrant Haitian and Cuban communities. Ocean Drive, on the other hand, is the heart of Miami’s legendary nightlife scene. One man spent 20 years constructing the Coral Castle structure, but the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables may still be Miami’s most famous coral rock structure.
It takes more than a day for the Carnival Victory to sail from Miami to Jamaica. In the meantime, passengers can spend this fun day at sea feasting on a seaday brunch, sampling the taste bar, or enjoying a few laughs at the Punchliner Comedy Club. Camp Carnival and Night Owls provide plenty of entertainment for the youngest passengers, while Circle C and Club O2 are the coolest cruise hangouts for teenagers.
Falmouth may not be quite as well known as other Jamaican ports like Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. However, this former sugar plantation boomtown boasts the Caribbean’s biggest collection of Georgian buildings which still stand today. Many of these quaint buildings are on display at Falmouth’s well preserved 18th century seaside villlage.
Perhaps none of Falmouth’s former sugar plantations are more famous than Good Hope Plantation House. A day pass to this stately home includes not only a guided estate tour, but also access to the exotic bird aviary and a rum tasting experience. Dune buggy tours, a tube slide, and even an adventure course are on the surprisingly large list of Good Hope Plantation House thrilling activities.
The Carnival Victory’s next stop is stately Grand Cayman, the largest and perhaps the most popular of the three Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman may not boast as many stunning beaches as most other Caribbean islands, but Seven Mile Beach is the major exception to the rule. Passengers can spend an entire day sunbathing and sipping on unlimited supplies of drinks at Seven Mile Beach’s Tiki Beach Club.
Passengers who prefer to interact directly with Grand Cayman’s sea creatures can opt for an excursion which stops at both Dolphin Cove and Stingray City. Dolphin Cove visitors can pat, kiss, and even grab onto the flippers of friendly dolphins for an unforgettable swim.
Sting Ray City
Stingray City, on the other hand, is a shallow stretch of water filled with Southern Stingrays. Visitors can encounter over a dozen of these surprisingly gentle creatures who can be safely fed, touched, and even rubbed. The feel of these friendly stingrays is often compared to velvet.
Grand Cayman
Passengers will enjoy one more enjoyable day at sea aboard the Carnival Victory before returning to Miami one last time. Fun ways to relax during the final hours of this cruise include taking in a seaside film screening, playing a mini golf round on deck, or purchasing a few last minute souvenirs for family or friends.