Cruises

Miami, Florida, calls itself the “cruise capital of the world” because eight cruise lines list the southern Florida city as their home port, according to the “Los Angeles Times.” Cruises depart from Miami with itineraries circling the Caribbean, stopping in the Bahamas, traveling to London and crossing the Americas through the Panama Canal. Cruises also depart from Fort Lauderdale, located in southeast Florida, many with the same itineraries.

You may not have thought it possible, but the ships are getting even bigger than the behemoths already sailing. One of the benefits of size, even more dining choices. For several years, cruise lines have been adding onboard coffee shops, pizzerias and upscale specialty restaurants — often at an additional fee — to the main dining rooms, which are included in the basic cruise fare. Now there are even more.

Many ships also are offering exclusive, restful outdoor spaces reserved for adults who pay an extra fee. Eurodam has set aside an outdoor haven called the Retreat with private cabanas. Several Princess ships, including Ruby, offer a lush outdoor spa area called Sanctuary with treatment cabanas, chaise lounges and light food service.
You can count on new ships to continue coming up with imaginative new features. Celebrity Solstice has a half-acre with real grass on which where guests can play croquet and bocce, as well as the first glass-blowing show at sea.