Closer to Cuba than Miami, the southernmost point in the U.S. is where the eccentricities of a laid-back beach town collide with rich history, vibrant art, and and sunsets so spectacular they’ve earned their own celebration.
This island’s tiny size — only two miles by four — makes it perfect for wandering between world-class adventures and quirky local spots. Here, the streets hum with the spirit of Ernest Hemingway and his six-toed cats, while Jimmy Buffett’s island anthem, Margaritaville, still echoes through its spirited bars and restaurants.
History buffs can step back in time at the Little White House, where President Harry Truman spent many working vacations. It’s a beautiful blend of natural beauty and American history.
But Key West isn't just about the past — its waters are home to the only living coral reef in North America, making it a playground for divers and snorkelers (who know never to touch the coral!). Take a boat ride to spot dolphins, or chill on a catamaran with the warm breeze in your hair.
No trip is complete without a visit to Mallory Square, where the sunset turns into a nightly festival, complete with street performers, local crafts, and a healthy dose of island spirit. Stroll to the corner of South and Whitehead Street to pose with the famous Southernmost Point buoy, and then hit Duval Street, which comes alive with music, cocktails, and a mix of bars that range from divey to downright legendary.
And don't get back on the ship without sampling the island’s legendary treat: every variation of Key Lime Pie. Your taste buds will thank you.
Tucked along the untouched southern shores of Grand Bahama, Celebration Key is a private island escape built for relaxation and adventure. With no cars in sight, getting around is refreshingly simple — stroll along palm-lined paths, rent a bike, or hop on a golf cart for easy exploration.
Paradise Plaza serves as the vibrant gateway to Carnival Cruise Line's exclusive Bahamian destination. A brightly colored promenade and radiant sun-shaped arch set the tone for island adventure, with live music filling the air. At its heart is the impressive Suncastle, a ten-story-tall structure with water slides and an observation deck with panoramic views.
From there, Celebration Beach, the largest white-sand stretch in the Carnival portfolio, will be calling. Take in the scene from a cabana at Pearl Cove Beach Club or dive into Caribbean-clear waters for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. For an adventure beyond the shoreline, head out on a boat tour to explore hidden blue holes or swim with friendly stingrays in their natural habitat.
Vacation relaxation awaits at Calypso Lagoon’s swim-up bar, while Lokono Cove showcases local artisans and crafts, providing a cultural immersion into Bahamian heritage.
When it’s time to refresh, choose from more than 30 venues, from full dining experiences to quick, tasty bites. Sip on a Goombay Smash or fresh coconut while soaking up the sun. The island’s Bahamian Marketplace brings local flavors to the table with conch salad, fried snapper, and tropical treats that make every bite worth savoring.
However you choose to spend your time in Celebration Key, this Caribbean cruise destination balances island excitement and effortless relaxation — an unforgettable highlight of your Escape with Effy charter cruise.
Just 50 miles from Miami, this small island chain feels a world away, offering the perfect mix of ocean adventure and vacation relaxation.
With limited car access, walking, biking, golf carts, and scooters are the preferred mode for exploring Bimini on your Caribbean cruise vacation. A short stroll around Alice Town reveals charming local spots like the Dolphin House Museum, built entirely from reclaimed materials. Take in the great outdoors along the Bimini Nature Trail, or delve into Bimini’s history with rum-running during Prohibition, and its ties to Martin Luther King Jr., who penned parts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on the island.
Known as the "Big Game Fishing Capital of the World," Bimini has drawn legends like Ernest Hemingway, who found inspiration here for Islands in the Stream. Fishing enthusiasts can book charters to reel in marlin, sailfish, or tuna, while water lovers explore reefs teeming with marine life. Snorkel Rainbow Reef, or over the mysterious Bimini Road, beloved by some to be part of the lost city of Atlantis.
Savor freshly caught seafood, from conch salad to grilled grouper, paired with a Kalik Bahamian beer. And make time for Bimini Bread — a local treat that’s both soft and slightly sweet.
With endless turquoise waters, historic intrigue, and a relaxed island vibe, Bimini is a Caribbean cruise destination that lingers in your memory long after the tide recedes. From fishing to exploring, your Escape with EFFY charter cruise delivers the ultimate island getaway, where the Gulf Stream meets Bahamas Bank.
Carnival
