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Day 1 – Home to St. Pete Beach, FL 

Today we begin our journey south to the beautiful state of Florida in search of a bit of sunshine and warmer weather! Our flight takes us to Tampa, then we’ll head to the soft white sands of St. Pete Beach and get settled into our hotel. The property is located within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, attractions, and of course is right on the beach! Tonight we’ll get to know one another during a wonderful “Welcome to South Florida” dinner! 

Included Meals: Welcome Dinner 

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn (3 Nights) 

 

Day 2 – Tarpon Springs area 

Following a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head to Tarpon Springs, the “sponge capital of the world.” This charming seaside village was founded back in 1907 and is a mecca of Greek culture. As we tour the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, we’ll be immersed in a completely unique experience – from the domed basilica architecture to the iconography adorning the walls and windows, the Cathedral is designed as a reflection and embodiment of many of the fundamental beliefs of the Orthodox Church. Next, we’ll have a special lunch at a local Greek Restaurant, one of R&J’s favorites. Afterwards, there will be some time to walk the fishing docks and do some browsing in the local shops. We’ll then take a sponge cruise and see just how the sponge divers of old collected the sponges. As we head back towards our lovely hotel, we’ll visit Florida Orange Groves Winery for a wonderful tour and tasting. Dinner and the evening are on your own to enjoy the area. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Day 3 – St. Petersburg area 

Today have breakfast at your leisure as the morning is free for you to soak up the sun and sink your toes in the sand. Then we head to the new St. Pete Pier to meet our step-on guide for a tour of St. Petersburg. Our tour ends back at the Pier where we will enjoy some free time. You may choose to visit the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on your own. Later this afternoon we’ll board a catamaran that is powered by the only two engines of her kind in Tampa Bay. Why is this important? Because dolphins recognize her sound and playfully swim right next to the boat! Have your cameras ready! A scenic and scrumptious dinner is planned on St. Pete Pier at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 4 – St. Pete Beach to Fort Myers, FL 

This morning be ready for some fun as we head over to the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world! R&J Tours has rented enough courts for us to play some games! If you haven’t played before, no worries, we have arranged for staff to give us a quick lesson. Then we’ll depart St. Pete and make our way to charming Punta Gorda. We will first enjoy lunch at The Captain’s Table. Next we’ll visit the Military Heritage Museum, whose purpose is to honor all who serve. It utilizes multiple methods to educate its visitors on the heritage aspects of U.S. military history. Enjoy a blend of artifacts, veteran museum guides, and interactive experiences at this 17,000 sq. foot facility. Afterwards, we will have a veteran led introduction to the Vietnam Wall model at Veteran’s Park. Then we continue on to Fort Myers and check into the Homewood Suites for two nights. This evening partake in the Manager’s Reception and enjoy the amenities. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Manager’s Reception 

Hotel: Homewood Suites (2 Nights) 

 

Day 5 – Fort Myers 

After breakfast this morning, we will head to the Everglades! A local guide will meet us at our hotel to share information with us about the Florida Everglades and the creatures that inhabit them. Later we will hop aboard one of Bob’s Everglades Hydro-boats for a ride that you will long remember. You will have lunch on your own today and enjoy some time this afternoon for a dip in the pool or a relaxing nap before we depart for the Broadway Palms Dinner Theater for a Broadway style musical and delicious dinner. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 6 – Ft Myers to Fort Lauderdale, FL – Embark Cruise 

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll cut across Florida to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic coast. Here we’ll board the Radiance of the Seas for a reef-roaming, tropics-trekking, four night cruise! Dazzling with the most glass of any Royal Caribbean ship, Radiance of the Seas will be perfect for soaking up the tropic sun! After getting settled into your oceanview cabin and enjoying your first onboard dining experience, perhaps you’ll want to take in one of the grand shows, like Piano Man. Relive memories of old friends, good friends, and good times as the songs of our lives are plunked out on the ivories. A musical trip down memory lane! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Ship: Radiance of the Seas (4 Nights) 

 

Day 7 – Grand Bahama Island – Cruise 

After cruising through the night, we’re welcomed to Grand Bahama Island, one of the most popular in the Bahamas chain with its postcard-perfect beaches that are made of sand that shimmers like pearls and crystal-clear waters in every shade of blue! There is a fun variety of shore excursions available like golfing, hiking, and meeting swimming pigs! (Optional shore excursions are at your own cost throughout the entire cruise.) Ship departs tonight to sail to Nassau, Bahamas. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (On Board) 

 

Day 8 – Nassau, Bahamas – Cruise 

This morning we arrive in Nassau after cruising through the night. 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.) Back on board the Radiance, continue to enjoy the ship’s entertainment. Have you listened to the live orchestra, played mini golf, or relaxed in the Solarium whirlpool yet? 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (On Board) 

 

Day 9 – Cruising at Sea 

Today we’ll remain onboard and simply enjoy the cruise journey. Sleep in then grab your book and settle into a lounge chair and bask in the sun. Or perhaps you’re feeling adventurous and wish to rock climb. There’s game shows going on, so feel free to join in as a participant or audience guest. Feeling creative? Try your hand at card or jewerly making. Looking for entertainment? Settle in for some great live music or the outdoor movie night. Have you seen the grand “City of Dreams” production yet? Familiar music and extravagant costumes transport us from the wonders of ancient Atlantis to the exotic east, from the colors of India to musical Venice! 

 

Day 10 – Fort Lauderdale to Home – Disembark Cruise 

This morning we disembark back in Fort Lauderdale, board our coach, and head to the airport for our flight home. We’ve been rejuvenated by our Sun, Sand & Sail adventure! 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $4,399
Single: $5,499

Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $383
Single: $473

Travel Bucks

$55 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$200 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 100 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

Yes

Tour Pace

Moderate Walking

Price Includes

Roundtrip Airfare from MSP including baggage fees, taxes & surcharges, 21 Meals & 1 Mgr. Reception, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach, 4 Night Cruise in Oceanview Cabins, Onboard Ship Gratuities!



The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 77°
Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
67°
Minneapolis, Mn
79°
Sun, Sand & Sail: Florida’s Gulf Coast with Bahamas Cruise
Flyaway Departure Date:
01/11/2026
Flyaway Return Date:
01/20/2026

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Map


Tour Highlights

* 3 Nights on St. Pete’s Beach
* St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Tour
* Tarpon Springs & Sponge Diving Cruise
* Florida Orange Groves Winery Tour & Tasting
* St. Petersburg Pier & City Tour
* Dolphin Cruise around Tampa Bay
* St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
* Military Heritage Museum
* Punta Gorda Vietnam Wall Memorial
* 2 Nights in Fort Myers
* Everglades Airboat Ride
* Broadway Palms Dinner Theatre
* 4 Night Cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas with Ports of Call in Grand Bahama Island & Nassau, Bahamas



Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
67°
Minneapolis, Mn
79°
Sun, Sand & Sail: Florida’s Gulf Coast with Bahamas Cruise
The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 77°
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