Florida & Bahamas Cruise

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Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL

Today we begin our journey south in hopes of sunshine. Enjoy an included noon lunch today at a delicious restaurant. Relax at the hotel this evening in Bloomington, IL.

Included Meals: Lunch
Hotel: Hawthorn Suites

Day 2 – Bloomington to Nashville

After a breakfast we pass through the landscapes of Kentucky to Nashville. This evening visit the famous Opryland Hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

Day 3 – Nashville to Valdosta, GA

Breakfast is served at the hotel this morning before we board the coach & motor through the coastal plain of Georgia to Valdosta; this city is also called the Azalea City because azaleas grow in profusion here.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Fairfield Inn

Day 4 – Valdosta to Orlando

After breakfast motor along to America’s oldest city, St.Augustine, Florida. Climb aboard the open air trolley for a tour of this wonderful town. Stroll along this delightful area and enjoy a special lunch at a delightful restaurant featuring Cuban flair. Depart for Orlando and check into your hotel resort for a relaxing two night stay. R & J Tours has chosen a hotel close to all the main attractions of Orlando making it easy to pursue your own interests here. The fly group joins us later today.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hawthorn Suites

Day 5 – Orlando

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a full day at your leisure. Enjoy free shuttle service to any of the main attractions. Optional attractions (at your own cost) are Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, or Sea World. Lunch and dinner are on your own to choose from the many options throughout the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale

Visit Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral on Florida’s sunny coast. Gain insight on America’s accomplishments in the space program. Motor along the coast to Ft. Lauderdale to your hotel, which is beautifully located on the white sandy shores and the scenic intracoastal waterways. This perfect location allows easy walking to Beach Place featuring trendy cafes and shops. Join us this evening for a wonderful dinner and enjoy evening views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Day 7 – Ft. Lauderdale to Miami – Cruise

We start the day on the Jungle Queen cruise on the waterways of Ft Lauderdale. Later arrive in Miami where we will board Majesty of the Seas, our 880 ft. ship for the next 4 nights! Get settled into your outside cabin before taking a stroll through the beautiful ship, which boasts a 50’s style restaurant, Sorrento’s Pizza, a coffee house, whirlpools & pools, a day spa & fitness center, Casino Royale, and so much more. Don’t forget to take in the brilliant blue waters, magnificent landscapes, and scenic views as we sail first to Key West.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (on board)
Cruise Ship: Majesty of the Seas Outside F Cabins

Day 8 – Key West, Florida – Cruise

At 10:00 AM we’ll dock in Key West, a colorful and breathtaking
place full of old town charm & history. R & J has arranged a trolley tour of exciting Key West. You may choose to continue to explore the area by bicycle, trolley or foot as you admire Casa Antigua, the former residence of Ernest Hemingway built in 1931. The shopping is endless, the water activities exhilarating (like snorkeling at the only living coral reef in the continental United States), and the swaying palms trees calming. Be sure to stop by Ben & Jerry’s aboard the ship for a refreshing ice cream treat.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (on board)

Day 9 – Nassau, Bahamas – Cruise

Nassau has long been known for relaxation and adventure, but back in the 1600s it was burned down by the Spanish. The history is rich if you choose to explore Fort Charlotte or the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Other shore excursions include many water-related activities like snorkeling, sailing, glass-bottom boat, Thriller powerboat, and more. (Optional shore excursions at own cost throughout the entire cruise.) Make sure to leave time to experience the onboard entertainment. Ship departs at 5:00 PM to sail to Coco Cay, Bahamas.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board)

Day 10 – Coco Cay, Bahamas – Cruise

Sink your toes into the white-sand beaches of the secluded island of CocoCay. This is a wonderful place to spend more time on the water, do some hiking, or simply relax on the sunny beach with something cool to drink. (Optional shore excursions at own cost throughout the entire cruise.) Be adventurous and try parasailing, glide on a waverunner, or snorkel to capture the beauty of reefs and tropical fish or the mystery of sunken wrecks. Back aboard the Majesty of the Seas, enjoy an elegant dinner, or choose to grab something light from the Compass Deli or a juicy burger from the Windjammer Cafe.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board)

Day 11 – Miami to Fort Myers

As we bid the Majesty of the Seas good-bye we’ll board our coach and head to Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast. An airboat ride is planned through the everglades – don’t be surprised if you see alligators basking in the sun!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on board)
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 12 – Fort Myers to St. Petersburg Beach

After breakfast at the hotel, sightsee Fort Myers and visit the Edison/Ford winter estates with the opportunity to see some of Edison’s incredible inventions and his lovely botanical garden. Lunch is arranged at a charming waterfront restaurant and then it’s on to St. Petersburg for a two night stay at your all-suite hotel on the beach.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sirata Beach Resort

Day 13 – St. Petersburg Beach

Sleep late and enjoy a free day at the resort on the sunny Gulf Coast. Take a dip in the sparkling pool, pull up a chair on the sandy beach, ride the trolley, or do some shopping, the choice is yours. This evening join us for dinner at a favorite waterfront restaurant.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 – St. Petersburg Beach to Lake City

Fly group departs out of Tampa Bay. Motor past Clearwater to beautiful Tarpon Springs the “Sponge Capital of the World.” This charming village was founded back in 1907. Tarpon Springs is a Mecca of Greek culture. Stroll around this charming seaside village where divers bring in the famous sponges from off the Gulf floor. Walk the fishing docks and do some browsing in the local shops. Before lunch today we’ll take a Sponge Cruise and see just how the sponge divers collect the sponges. After lunch at a Greek Restaurant, we’ll take a Nature Cruise where we may see dolphins, manatees and many species of birds. Arrive in Lake City for a restful evening.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites

Day 15 – Lake City to Nashville

We’ll make our way through the countryside to Nashville today. Our hotel is in downtown Nashville and you’ll have a chance to walk the streets and listen to the music of future Grand Ole Opry stars singing in thelocal honky tonks.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 16 – Nashville to Bloomington, IL

Depart the “Music City” after breakfast and travel to Bloomington. Tonight’s dinner is planned at a special, local grill.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hawthorn Suites

Day 17 – Bloomington to Home

After breakfast this morning we make our final stretch home with lunch and coffee breaks on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Please Note: A valid passport is highly recommeded for this tour (in case of emergency with the need to fly home.)  At time of printing a photo Id. and Birth Certificate will be acceptable.