Monday, April 1, 2024

Island Queen Cruises & Tours : Miami's Top Activities, Attractions & More

island queen cruise

I hate taking tender ships, which can feel like a bit of a time sink, so this is a big bonus to me. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

MIAMI DISCOVER TOUR

Or take the day to relax on one of the unspoiled beaches where sun-kissed sand and crystalline waters leave you feeling recharged. From Northern California to the Southern cities, The Golden State is brimming with breathtaking coast lines, creative cuisine and iconic marine life. On cruises out of San Francisco, visit the San Diego Zoo, California’s very own living sanctuary. Explore Catalina Island’s underwater oasis where kelp forests dance to the rhythm of the ocean. Our Millionaire’s Row™ Cruise is narrated in both English and Spanish. Requests for narrations in other languages are not guaranteed but we will do our best to accommodate for larger groups or private tours.

Amazing Tour!

Queen Mary 2 Makes First Visit to Kangaroo Island - Cruise Industry News

Queen Mary 2 Makes First Visit to Kangaroo Island.

Posted: Tue, 21 Feb 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Miami is such an eclectic, thriving, melting-pot city, that a tour is truly the best way to see and experience as much of it as possible, both on the land and water. Whether by land, sea or air, our tours are sure to please every age and interest. The map below features the typical tour routes for the Millionaire’s Row™—the Homes of the Rich and Famous™– sightseeing cruise (in blue) . This peaceful chair-lined beach is a quiet spot away from the family beach, where I can sit back and enjoy the view or take a chair down to the water and let the waves crash over me. Over the past decade, I've taken eight Disney cruises with my family and friends. When I book, I always make sure Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is on the port of call.

MIAMI KEY WEST

Our modern yachts, the Island Queen, Island Lady, and Miami Lady, offer the utmost comfort and style. We had a WONDERFUL event on the Biscayne Lady and we were so happy with the service, the food, and everything that the boat had to offer. It was such a pleasure working with you and your team to make this event a success for my client. The 3,000-passenger ship will now set sail for Southampton ahead of its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3. The Queen Anne has officially joined Cunard’s fleet during a handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, according to a press release. One of my favorite series with friend and muse, Tina Flaherty.

My favorite things on the lunch menu are the ribs and macaroni salad. Plus, just off Serenity Bay Beach is a fun beachside bar serving up drinks and snacks. I enjoy seeing the Disney characters on the ship, but love seeing Mickey and his pals even more at Castaway Cay.

Island Queen Cruises & Tours has earned its reputation as a premier choice for visitors, residents, and local businesses when planning a Miami tour. Horseback Riding Tours, your gateway to the world of beach horse rides. Our expertly guided tours offer breathtaking views of the iconic Virginia Key Beach Park and its picturesque trails, dedicated to delivering top-notch horseback riding experiences. We decided to take the Millionaire’s Row cruise last minute before leaving Miami and had no regrets. What I liked about the tour was the boat offered two stories, first floor with air conditioning and the second floor was outdoors but had a roof, making it comfortable in the Miami heat. The Island Queen Bayside boat tours are conducted rain or shine as all cruise boats are covered and protected from rain.

These photographs were recently featured in VICE magazine's 15th Annual Photo Issue. And if you're a fellow character hunter like me, Mickey and the gang all have Castaway Cay exclusive outfits, which are adorable and make for great family photos. The best part about seeing the characters is that the lines to take pictures with them are never long. On a recent sailing, I saw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto all in 30 minutes. This makes getting around the island with all of my beach gear easy.

Our helicopter tour will allow you to see nearly 65% of the most scenic sights Miami has to offer. TAKE A SIGHTSEEING CRUISESee the beautiful downtown Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and “Millionaire’s Row™”. Are you interested in getting a Stiltsville T-shirt or hat as a memento for your tour? Explore our Shop in the merchandise link at the top of this page for a variety of hand-sketched designs.

Tickets may be purchased and/or redeemed at our ticket booth which is located in the center of Bayside Marketplace. Key West is a very popular and unique place to visit. Located nearly 160 miles from Miami, FL, Key West is part of the Florida Keys, which is made up of nearly 1700 small islands that extend south from the tip of Florida. Check out our most popular One-Day Miami to Key West ticket as well as our other options such as the Different Day return option, and the One-way Miami to Key and Key West to Miami. Experience the city of Miami with the Island Queen Millionaire’s Row Tour Bundle! A luxury tour on Biscayne Bay waters followed by a one-of-a-kind 2 Day Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour through the magnificent views of Miami.

I just received word that the Event last night was superb. My CEO was absolutely thrilled, and our client even more so. Thank you Morgan, and Jenny for helping through all of this to make the trip spectacular. You both were true professionals and so very helpful. Morgan, the fact that you took my call all the way from Oklahoma showed how dedicated you are to your work.

island queen cruise

Speaking of gear, at Castaway Cay, cruisegoers can borrow free towels as soon as they get off of the ship. There are plenty of towel-return stations around the island, so I also never have to carry wet, sandy towels back on the ship. The Panama Canal is a true engineering wonder, but even more spectacles lie ahead when you cruise from San Francisco aboard the #1 cruise line in the Canal.

Hop on our 75–90-minute panoramic Miami Night Tour to discover the Magic City all lit up for the evening. Our live guides will introduce you to Miami’s best sights after dark. Enjoy the vibrant buzz on South Beach’s Ocean Drive and discover the city’s best landmarks as they’re illuminated in the evening. I always make a point to stop in at the various shops near the family beach to see the Castaway Cay merchandise. On a recent trip, the shops had everything from spirit jerseys and T-shirts to Christmas ornaments and swimsuits. There's also the adults-only lunch spot where I always enjoy a beachside barbecue.

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from San Francisco. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Enjoy convenient departures and itineraries with Getaway Cruises out of San Francisco.

Cruises from San Francisco

island queen cruise

Please note that tickets are valid only for the date and time purchased. Island Queen Cruises is located inside Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne Blvd) through the main entrance straight towards the water. Please arrive at our ticket booth 30 minutes prior to departure to receive your boarding passes.

Biscayne Bay Ultimate Miami Boat Tour + Stiltsville

Castaway Cay is about 1,000 acres — though not all of it's developed — so it can take a while to talk to and from the ship to different spots on the island. One of the biggest perks of Castaway Cay is that the ship docks right at the island. You are allowed to take pictures during the tour as long as you do so safely. There are no restrictions; however, we do require a respectful experience for other passengers.

About Island Queen Cruises & Tours

These photographs were recently featured in VICE magazine's 15th Annual Photo Issue. And if you're a fellow character hunter like me, Mickey and the gang all have Castaway Cay exclusive outfits, which are adorable and make for great family photos. The best part about seeing the characters is that the lines to take pictures with them are never long. On a recent sailing, I saw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto all in 30 minutes. This makes getting around the island with all of my beach gear easy.

island queen cruise

The Best Millionaire’s Row and Bayside Boat Tour in Miami

island queen cruise

We offer a full premium cash bar so passengers can purchase drinks, sodas, beer, wine and a variety of cocktails and liquors. Biscayne Lady luxury yacht rentals offer the ultimate way to experience the high life in Miami. The moment you board one of our extraordinary Miami party yachts, the sleek, ultra-modern design, and impeccable style will take your breath away.

What You Will See on a Miami Beach Boat Tour

There’s nothing quite like seeing Miami from the water. All vouchers must be redeemed for a boarding pass at our ticket booths. You must check in 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Travel times to our site may be affected by factors outside of our control (traffic, events, weather, etc). Some other cruise line's private islands, like Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, don't have a dock, so cruisers must take tender ships (small boats) from the cruise ship to the island.

You can also book tickets by contacting us or in person on the day of the tour at the main ticketing kiosk at Bayside Market Place. You do not need to change the name on the ticket to use it. Just present the email confirmation or voucher once you arrive at the ticket booth to join the cruise. Pregnant women are welcome on our cruises as long as they feel comfortable– as on any boat ride there may be slight movement do to waves and wind. Cash is accepted at our ticket booth located at Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Fl 33132).

Dinner - Savannah Riverboat

Dinner.

Posted: Sat, 25 Mar 2017 21:29:15 GMT [source]

Please note that parking is not included in the ticket purchase. After entering the main entrance at NE 3rd Street, stay to your left and follow signs to the parking garage. There is also street parking in front of Bayside Marketplace and additional parking towards the back of the mall. The Island Queen Cruises boats are large double-decker touring boats that can accommodate large groups on two levels. The lower level has A/C and the upper level is covered, open air. These tiny islands are amazing, and the trip down to Key West is just as exciting and exhilarating as spending time there.

Details: Island Queen Miami Bayside Boat Tours

Arrive in Northern California and embark on your dream vacation with Princess. Enjoy an unforgettable bilingual boating adventure along scenic Biscayne Bay. See Miami’s spectacular coastal sites including the beautiful downtown Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and Millionaire’s Row™ – the homes of the rich and famous.

In the birthplace of blue jeans, shop boutiques on Market Street, or find the perfect souvenir at Pier 39. Then savor Italian seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, and try the city’s signature dish — clam chowder in a bread bowl. Or spend time in Sonoma or Napa sipping locally grown wines before your cruise from San Francisco. Start your cruise from San Francisco by sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and into a sea of opportunity. Venture north to relive Alaska’s gold rush history, or head south to bask in the beauty of the Mexican Riviera. Tour the California Coast on a 4-day cruise from San Francisco, or explore the Hawaiian islands on a 15-day cruise.

The ideal venue to host a multitude of celebrations and events—with the gorgeous Miami skyline as a backdrop. Our Everglades Tour with transportation gives you the best chance to enjoy Miami’s treasured ecosystem, the Florida Everglades. Watch Our Video onHOW TO FIND USTake a quick walk-through of Bayside Marina to locate our ticket booth with ease.

Sail down the coast to meet San Diego’s famous seals, and sip fine wines in Ensenada’s Guadalupe Valley. Or head North to Astoria to experience the iconic beauty of the Pacific Northwest while sampling ales at local breweries. Choose from a four-day cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver or a five-day voyage through the Golden State. For a taste of fun, flavor and fiesta, sail to Mexico with Princess. On a cruise from San Francisco, dive into adventure in Cabo while snorkeling beside sea turtles and kayaking along the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Puerto Vallarta, zipline over vast jungle canopies.

On a cruise from San Francisco, unpack once and visit multiple Hawaiian Islands. Drive through Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Then enjoy an evening in Honolulu with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays – included in every itinerary. With the sunset as your backdrop, conclude your trip with a traditional luau. Island hop with ease in a way that only Princess can offer. We can be more flexible on private sightseeing cruises. Our tickets are non-refundable; however we will be happy to honor these tickets for our cruises at any time– they will not expire.

This unique, open-top bus tour provides the most convenience while visiting Miami. After payment is processed, your voucher will be emailed. This e-voucher must be presented and exchanged for a boarding pass at one of our ticket booths (see maps). Sign up below to receive information on the latest Island Queen Cruises & Tours updates and special offers. Explore Miami for longer with our great value 2-day Explore Ticket, which also includes a Millionaire’s Row boat cruise and an exclusive Big Bus Everglades Tour. A luxury tour on Bayside waters followed by a one-of-a-kind Bus Tour through the magnificent views of Miami.

Island Queen Cruises & Tours is located inside Bayside Marketplace through the main entrance straight towards the water. Our ticket booth is located next to the music stage in the center of the mall. Explore Miami aboard a fully-narrated bilingual sightseeing cruise along scenic Biscayne Bay – a top-rated thing to do in Miami! Visit Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods National Monument.

Stroll along the colorful streets of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Spanish fortresses nearby. Or zipline through Nicaragua’s lush jungles and relish in sweeping views of the region’s untouched landscapes. Light snacks (popcorn, candy, chocolate, Frito-Lay products) are available for purchase during our public cruises as well as a cash bar, unless noted otherwise.

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

best cruise ship in alaska

Regatta is offering six-, nine-, 10- and 11-night cruises from May through September 2024. Fares for this July 9, 2024, round-trip Seattle 10-night "Radiant Alaska" cruise start at $3,399 per person. This 10-night round-trip Seattle voyage hits not just the usual stops of Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. You'll also visit Victoria, British Columbia, for whale-watching, a city walking tour or outings to cider farms and wineries. Stroll the iconic Butchart Gardens, its winding paths ablaze with colorful blooms. Seabourn Odyssey is offering seven, 10, 11 and 14-night cruises from May through August 2024.

Types of Cruises

The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

best cruise ship in alaska

Best budget-friendly cruise lines to Alaska

The 7-Day Glacier Discovery itinerary is offered both northbound and southbound, both of which include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, and calling upon Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Grand Princess is a good choice for all passengers – solo, couples and families. There’s plenty to do onboard, and the service is very good, but it’s not a party ship and has quite a relaxed vibe onboard. Expect a premium experience onboard – not quite ultra-luxury cruising, but a step above mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:18:30 GMT [source]

Discovery Princess Tops the List of Popular Cruise Ships in Alaska in Terms of Age

Princess Lodges is actually a part of Princess Cruises so you can get your cruise and land portion of your trip all under one roof. Plus, the company offers incredible trips around the Alaskan landscape with Princess Rail Tours that travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks. These trains offer the largest domed windows ever made for a rail car, so you can enjoy the view and some yummy food at the same time. And if you really want to experience Alaska in all its glory, Holland America has a 28-day sailing in June of 2024 that departs from Seattle. This particular itinerary sails all the way up the coast and above the arctic circle, allowing passengers to see remote places like Nome and Little Diomede Island. This is in addition to making calls at Prince Rupert, Haines, College Fjord, Anchorage, Homer, Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

Adults can enjoy themselves on an Alaskan Disney Cruise, too, with adult-exclusive dining; an adult-only pool and hot tub; fitness center; and Senses Spa & Salon. These cruises offer the benefits of a wider range of itineraries, shore excursions, departure dates, and availability and take you to all of the must-see stops along the way. They feature a wide range of amenities including multiple dining options, on-board entertainment, fitness centers, pools, different room types to choose from, and plenty of room to spread out and explore. A concession plan announced in 2019 limits the visits of cruise ships to two ships per day. Cruise lines must be granted permission from the park authorities to carry passengers to this region.

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

An advantage to this itinerary is that you get to see more ports of call, including the inside passage, and have more time in ports as well. However, this also means you will have to take care of some of the flight logistics as you will have to fly from a different airport than you flew into. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Sitka

What are the best cruise ships and cruise lines of 2024? USA TODAY 10Best seeks your vote - USA TODAY

What are the best cruise ships and cruise lines of 2024? USA TODAY 10Best seeks your vote.

Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and fjords; other ships can’t squeeze into some of these special places. If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions. The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder.

Alaskan-owned and -operated Alaskan Dream Cruises dates back to 1970 when its parent company, Allen Marine, founded by Bob and Betty Allen, launched with the St. Michael. In those days, Bob ran the boat while Betty and her children served treats and tea to their guests. Today, Allen Marine operates 30 vessels, including the five ships that make up the Alaska Dream Cruises fleet, all of which accommodate between 12 and 76 cruise passengers.

best cruise ship in alaska

How I Picked the Best-Rated Cruise Ships to Alaska

No matter which itineraries you choose to sail on from Seattle or Vancouver, the best way to maximize your Alaska cruise is with a CruiseTour. Added onto the beginning or end of your sailing, CruiseTours let you dive deeper into the Last Frontier with a few days spent on land under the midnight sun. It’s also home to the towering Denali, part of the Alaska Range and the tallest peak in America. Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast.

All of the above make HAL a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, onboard our summer sailing, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents. Multiple times a day, guests are invited to disembark for a closer look at the true wilds of Alaska. That could entail going kayaking among bobbing bits of glacial ice in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, or going for a Zodiac ride in Frederick Sound to view whales up close. Another option includes trekking on lesser-known forest trails and getting an explainer on tide pools along smaller islands. Now that it has a couple of seasons in Alaska under its belt, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is not holding back. In 2024, the company is offering a 19-day sailing that starts in Vancouver, Canada, before working its way past the fjords, glacier-filled straits, and Indigenous villages of the Inside Passage.

Grand Princess has the most but not by much – so you have plenty of other options available too, if you’d prefer. The excursions offered on Carnival Miracle aren’t going to be as unique as those on a more luxurious ship, but you’ll still have plenty of exciting options for exploring the towns and seeing the glaciers up-close. A Carnival Miracle cruise to Alaska is perfect for families or for those who want to balance the amazing experience of the destination with a fun-packed sailing. You’ll be able to enjoy a host of live music and comedy, kids will love the Camp Ocean clubs, and adults can escape to the Serenity Retreat when they need a little bit of peace.

This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

Rice Water: How It Benefits Your Hair

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