Grand Florida & Bahamas Cruise

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Majesty of the Seas – Thanks to a dazzling, top to bottom renovation, the popular Majesty of the Seas is more majestic than ever. Bahamas bound guests will enjoy a newly remodeled pool deck, Day Spa & Fitness Center, plus tastefully refurbished staterooms, featuring luxurious bedding and eye-popping flat-screen TVs and more. And of course, there’s still the Bahamas powdery beaches and crystal clear water to look forward to. *All excursions are optional at own cost throughout the cruise (with the exception of the trolley tour in Key West!)*

Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL

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

Included Meals: Lunch

Hotel: Comfort Suites 

Day 2 – Bloomington to Nashville

After breakfast we pass through the landscapes of Kentucky to Nashville. An option this evening is to 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 south to Valdosta; this city is also called the Azalea City because azaleas grow in profusion here.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Drury Inn 

Day 4 – Valdosta to Daytona Beach

After breakfast we 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 remarkable area and enjoy a special lunch in historic St. Augustine. The fly group arrives! Later we will travel down the coast for an overnight stay in Daytona Beach. Enjoy a walk along the beach this evening and get ready for a beautiful sunrise tomorrow.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 5 – Daytona Beach to Orlando

Following breakfast today, we travel to the Daytona Motor Speedway for a morning tour of this world-famous race track. Then we travel to the Kennedy Space Center where we will gain insight on America’s accomplishments in the space program. Later we travel to Orlando and check into your hotel 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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites 

Day 6 – Orlando

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a full day at your leisure. 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 7 – Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale

This morning we travel to Ft. Lauderdale for a memorable cruise on the Jungle Queen, which travels the spectacular intracoastal waterways. Our hotel this evening is beautifully located on the white sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Day 8 – Ft. Lauderdale to Miami – Cruise

After breakfast this morning we head to Miami where we will board the Majesty of the Seas, our 880 ft. ship, for the next four 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 Nassau, Bahamas.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise Ship: Majesty of the Seas – Outside F Cabins 

Day 9 – Nassau, Bahamas – Cruise

Nassau has long been known for relaxation and adventure, but back in the 1600s it was actually 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 are at your own cost throughout the entire cruise.) Make sure to leave time to experience the onboard entertainment. Ship departs tonight to sail to Coco Cay, Bahamas.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board) 

Day 10 – CocoCay, 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. On CoCoCay Island the food & beverages are free! (Shore excursions at CocoCay are at your own cost.) 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 from the Windjammer Cafe.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board)

Day 11 – Key West, Florida – Cruise

Mid-morning 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 palm trees calming. Be sure to stop by Ben & Jerry’s aboard the ship for a refreshing ice cream treat.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (on board)

Day 12 – 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

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 13 – Fort Myers to St. Pete’s Beach

After breakfast at the hotel, we 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 waterfront restaurant before we stop at Manatee Park to get a glimpse of these magnificent sea creatures. Then it’s on to St. Pete’s Beach for a two night stay at your all-suite hotel on the beach.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Sirata Beach Resort

Day 14 – St. Pete’s 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 15 – St. Pete’s Beach to Lake City, FL

The fly group departs out of Tampa Bay today. The remaining group will motor past Clearwater to beautiful Tarpon Springs, the “Sponge Capital of the World.” This charming village was founded back in 1907 and 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. 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: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites

Day 16 – 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 the local honky-tonks.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

Day 17 – 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 18 – Bloomington to Home

After breakfast this morning we make our final stretch home with lunch and coffee breaks on your own. Return home having experienced an extraordinary Grand Florida & Bahamas journey!

Included Meals: Breakfast