Orlando, Miami & Cruising the Caribbean

Caroline Jenkins on 05 September 2016
After a brief overnight visit at the launch of Norwegian Cruise Line's latest addition Norwegian Escape in After a brief overnight visit at the launch of Norwegian Cruise Line's latest addition, Norwegian Escape in Southampton last year, I didn't feel I experienced her full potential so where better than from her homeport in Miami! There's been a lot going on in Orlando too so I had to stop off there to see for myself. Not being a thrill seeker, adrenalin junkie or rollercoaster lover in any sense (boring my family call it) I had reserved myself to being chief bag holder/photographer.

The journey began with a smooth flight from Heathrow to Orlando via New York (JKF), travelling with my husband and 13 year old son. We decided to stay at Universal Resort. The new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort had only opened a month earlier so I was keen to check it out. We split our five night stay between there and the Hard Rock Hotel. I had read reviews that Sapphire Falls wasn't ready but we were checked in efficiently, the room was fab with a great pool, with cabanas for hire featuring TV's so we could enjoy the sun, pool time and the Olympics! We made the most of the complimentary water taxis and early admission to the Universal Parks, Hard Rock in addition offers a complimentary fast pass (park tickets must be purchased first). We pre-purchased a 3-park bonus ticket which was delivered gate ready so no queuing on arrival.

The Incredible Hulk had just re-launched, along with the opening of 3D ride Skull Island, Reign of Kong so I had to put fear to one side. There's nothing like first-hand experience - I actually went on all the rollercoasters and was very proud of myself (I'm now a cool and not boring mum). Skull Island was fab, the attention to detail is second to none. We also went to SeaWorld to check out MAKO, another new ride - Orlando's tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster. Ahhh yes I went on that too! I also got a glimpse of the beginnings of the all-new Fast & Furious ride coming in 2018 and the third all-new water theme park Volcano Bay opening in 2017!

Time to head to Miami, how else but in a bright yellow Mustang convertible (my boys were happy!) A straight and simple journey with a bit too much wind in my hair but it was fun. I couldn't help playing Will Smith's "Miami" cruising along Ocean Drive, something I've always wanted to do plus I love the song (each to their own). We had two nights in the Ritz Carlton, South Beach which was fantastic. The pool area leads on to the beach where we were very well looked after. I recommend an 8am swim in the sea which is very clear just as the sun is heating up, well worth rising early. Dining along Espanola way was a great experience, I love Latin music so was in my element.

We managed to squeeze in a visit to the Everglades too, go early as it gets very hot!

The next leg of our journey was an eight night Eastern Caribbean cruise out of Miami, one of my favourite ports to cruise out of. We stopped at St Thomas, St Maarten, Tortola and Nassau where we visited some gorgeous beaches with amazing snorkelling, swam with dolphins and spent a day at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas which had so much to do. We spent most of our time at Aquaventure waterpark and the beach.

The ship was fab with so much going on from award winning Broadway musicals, an Aqua Park, entertainment from Nickelodeon to the line's first snow room at sea! We hardly saw our son as teen club had him hooked. I did manage to get him to walk the plank on the ropes course so I could take some photos! There are lots of dining options that we sampled including to name a few Jimmy Buffet's Margaretaville, award winning chef Jose Garces has two specialty options, Bayamo with a Cuban influence and Pincho Tapas Bar. Food Republic features global cuisine to share where you order on an iPad, all were great!

We flew home direct from Miami to Heathrow, checking into a dayroom at the Sheraton Hotel which has a lovely pool area at the airport pre-flight to make the most of our last few hours.

We had an amazing time and felt like we had many holidays in one with the variation of destinations. That's what I especially love about cruising...you only have to unpack once!