Winter Blues Cure : 7-Day South Florida and Bahamas Escape

Day 1: Travel Day Blues to Beachfront Bliss

Our escape from the winter blues began with a long travel day. Leaving Spokane's cold grip behind, we made a pitstop in Denver for some legendary Voodoo Donuts (highly recommended!). After a late arrival in Fort Lauderdale (FLL), our Uber experience at the airport left something to be desired. Thankfully, the wait for a ride was the only blip in an otherwise smooth day. Our home for the next two days was The Hillsboro powered by Sonder, a beachfront property with a stunning ocean view (even if it was dark by the time we arrived). Our spacious suite featured two bathrooms, a balcony, and a separate bedroom – perfect for unwinding after a long journey. Since nothing was open nearby, we ordered delicious comfort food from Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill – the Smokehouse Mac & Cheese hit the spot!

Day 2: Relaxation and Sunshine

Waking up to the sound of waves and the sight of the glistening ocean was pure bliss. We fueled up with a fantastic breakfast at the hotel restaurant before spending the day soaking up the sun by the pool. In the afternoon, we strolled down the beach to Deerfield Beach Pier, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. For dinner, we indulged in jerk chicken and curried chicken with rice and peas at Reggae Roots Jamaican restaurant – a flavor explosion for our taste buds!

Day 3: Setting Sail for the Bahamas

Packing up and heading to the Miami port for our 3-day Bahamas cruise was bittersweet. "Faster to the Fun" access made check-in a breeze, and by 10:30 AM, we were onboard the Carnival Conquest. After a quick muster drill, we explored the ship, grabbing lunch at Ole Smokeys and conquering the mini-golf course before settling into our stateroom at 1 PM. As we left port, we enjoyed the deck party and the feeling of open seas ahead.

Photo by Trent Erwin on Unsplash

Day 4: Pigs, Paradise & Perfect Turquoise Waters

Nassau, Bahamas, greeted us with its stunning turquoise waters sparkling in the morning sun. After a delicious breakfast of tacos and burritos at Blue Iguana Cantina, we embarked on our Pearl Island excursion – swimming with pigs! This was a hilarious and unforgettable experience. After playtime with the pigs, we enjoyed a jerk chicken lunch with rice and peas on another island, explored the lighthouse and white sand beach, and relaxed in the crystal-clear water before returning to the ship for dinner, movies under the stars, and of course, late-night pizza and ice cream.

Day 5: Sea Day Delights & Culinary Feasts

Our sea day was packed with fun! After a decadent sea brunch, we savored delicious burgers at Guy's Burgers (a must-try on any Carnival cruise) and spent more time relaxing by the pool and playing mini-golf. The highlight of the evening was a fantastic dinner at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. The surf and turf and herb-roasted chicken were incredible, and the chocolate sphere dessert was a delightful surprise. We topped off the night with a comedy show and a spectacular performance.

Day 6: Debarkation, Airboats & Gator Encounters

After a filling breakfast buffet, we disembarked in Miami and embarked on our next adventure: an Everglades airboat tour with a transfer to FLL airport included. Spotting alligators, birds, and iguanas with the "Gator Boys" crew was a thrilling way to experience the Everglades. After browsing the gift shop (gator bites are a must!), we boarded the transfer for the airport. Our hotel provided an early check-in, giving us time to enjoy the pool and a delicious dinner at the Cheesecake Factory before calling it a night.

Day 7: Farewell, Sunshine State

Our airport transfer whisked us away to FLL for our flight home. One last airport breakfast fueled us for the journey back, and with that, we bid farewell to sunny South Florida.

This 7-day adventure was the perfect cure for the winter blues, filled with relaxation, delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences. We can't wait to return and explore more of what this vibrant region has to offer!

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Photo by Viviana Araque on Unsplash