Weekend at Sea: Cruise to Fun

Looking for an antidote to winter? Grab a long weekend tropical cruise out of Miami. You'll find the best rates on the oldest ships, such as Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas. Cruise-goers revel in their adventure at two different ports in the Bahamas. Here's what to expect.

Friday Noon--Arrive at the dock, board ship, and find your stateroom. Once you're settled, venture to the Windjammer Café for the first meal. The buffet offers sandwiches and salads until 3:30. While you're there, find the nearby pizzeria--a great place for snacks throughout the weekend.

This is a good time to stroll around to learn the layout of the ship. The ShipShape Fitness Center and Day Spa welcomes you for a quick workout or to schedule your spa treatment (Saturday afternoon is the best time). If you need to rearrange your dinnertime preferences, introduce yourself to the maître d'. And if you haven't booked shore excursions, do that now.

5 p.m.--The deep-sounding horn marks Majesty's departure from the Port of Miami, and the calypso band and cruise director kick off the lively party poolside. As the ship motors past South Beach's skyline of hotels and condos, join in the dancing.

8:30 p.m.--Choose the late dining option, if possible, to give you more time to play onboard. Dress casual--slacks, collared shirts, skirts, or dresses (no shorts or T-shirts)--for the evening meal. The first night's dinner has a Venetian theme, and the staff will serenade you with some Italian songs before the last course. Each meal has appetizers, salad, entrée, and dessert.

10:45 p.m.--Take in the show The Beat Goes On in the Chorus Line Lounge. Talented dancers and singers recall hits of the sixties and seventies. Elsewhere on board, the disco heats up as do rooms offering bingo, Latin dancing, and karaoke. As you drift off to sleep tonight, enjoy sunny dreams, for you'll awake in paradise.