Florida 2025 ✈ Ft Lauderdale • Key West • Miami

Thirty days, two cruises, 2530 miles. Spent the whole month of November 2025 road-tripping around Southeast USA and cruising to Mexico and the Caribbean. Kicked off our trip celebrating Halloween with hubby’s cousin in Newnan (Georgia) before making our way to Tampa (Florida) for a Margaritaville cruise to Mexico and Western Caribbean. After a week on the sea, we continued our journey driving across Florida and spent the week visiting Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and Miami, before a Holland America cruise to Eastern Caribbean. Wrapped up our trip driving along the coast to visit Savannah (Georgia) and Charleston (South Carolina). Grateful for the opportunity to explore so many different places in one month and thankful for the beautiful weather throughout our trip.

1-Week Road Trip in Florida

9-10 Nov 2025: Ft. Lauderdale

11-12 Nov 2025: Key West

13 Nov 2025: Miami

14-15 Nov 2025: Ft. Lauderdale

9 Nov 2025 (Sun): Tampa - Ft. Lauderdale

After disembarking the ship and picking up our car, we started our journey at 9.30am driving across Florida from Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale, going through the Tamiami (Tampa-Miami) Trail. Quick photo stop at the Ochopee Post Office (smallest post office building in the US).

 Made another stop at the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center where alligators were just hanging out along the boardwalk. I wanted to see alligators in Florida, and glad we found this place along the way to see it for free.

The drive from Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale took about 6 hours. It rained as we got close to Ft. Lauderdale but we were welcomed with a beautiful rainbow when we arrived around 3pm.

After a quick grocery stop, we finally made it to our accommodation in Ft. Lauderdale (Coconut Bay Resort) at 4pm. Thanks MIL for booking this place with her timeshare points. MiL flew into Ft. Lauderdale the day before and we would be spending the next few days exploring Florida together.

Our chillax vacation continues in Ft. Lauderdale with not much planned. Walked to the beach, played mahjong, made our own meals. It was surprisingly cold (for Florida) to get into the waters.

10 Nov 2025 (Mon): Ft. Lauderdale

Nothing planned for the day so we walked to the Hugh Tayor Birch state park across the street for a stroll and to see rich people's mansions and boats.

11 Nov 2025 (Tues): Ft. Lauderdale - Key West

After 2 nights in Ft. Lauderdale, we continued our Florida road trip further south to Key West. 

Started our drive at 9.30am and drove along the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile scenic highway in Florida that carries U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys, connecting the mainland to Key West across 42 bridges and 44 islands. 

Stopped at Sunset Grille and Bar for lunch...

...and to take photos of the Seven Mile Bridge, which is the longest in the Florida Keys. 

After driving (incl lunch stop) for 7 hours, we finally made it to Key West at 4.30pm.

Our hotel for 2 nights in Key West was Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Key West.

Rested a lil' before taking the hotel free shuttle to town at 6.15pm.

Had dinner at El Meson De Pepe Cuban restaurant at Mallory Square. 

12 Nov 2025 (Wed): Key West

Rented a bike for the day to explore Key West. We expected it to be chilly and windy but the weather turned out to be pretty pleasant. 

Continuing with my cruise vacation mode, we didn't have much planned for Key West so we just rode our bikes around town. Went back to Mallory Square again for photos during the day.

Visited another state park...Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

Packed some sandwiches for picnic lunch by the beach and rode by Ernest Hemingway's Home, one of the tourist attractions in Key West but we didn't go in.

The one landmark in Key West that I wanted to visit was the sign for the Southernmost Point of the Continental US. There was a line to take photo with this sign...lol! We've previously been to the southernmost point of all US states in Ka Lae on the Big Island of Hawaii as well.

Wrapped up our cycling tour of Key West at 2.45pm and headed back to the hotel to get some rest and lay out by the pool for some sun. 

Took the hotel shuttle back to Mallory Square at 5pm to catch sunset.

 So many ships and yachts sailing in that area. Also spotted the super expensive Ritz-Carlton cruise. 

Wrapped up our quick visit of Key West and took the hotel shuttle back at 6.15pm.

Dinner at an Asian noodle restaurant next to our hotel.

13 Nov 2025 (Thurs): Key West - Miami - Ft. Lauderdale

After 2 nights in Key West, it was time to head back to Ft. Lauderdale. Started our drive at 10.15am.

Since I've never been to Miami, we decided to detour to Miami for a quick stop.

Made it to Miami Beach at 3.30pm for a quick photo stop. Honestly, it was very underwhelming. 

We opted to take the longer route via the A1A scenic drive from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale and boy it was disappointing. Was expecting to see the sea and beaches as we drove along the coast but all we saw were hotels blocking all the view from the road. Not only did we not see any "beautiful coastal route," we were stuck in slow traffic almost the entire way. 

Only saw some mansions with yachts parked right outside of the houses and fancy vehicles.

After a frustratingly slow drive along A1A, we finally made it back to Ft. Lauderdale at 5.45pm.

Dinner with MiL before sending her off at the airport the next day while we continue our trip.

14 Nov 2025 (Fri): Ft. Lauderdale

We had one more night in Ft. Lauderdale before boarding our cruise so we spent a night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise. Booked this stay with our IHG CC free night certificate and had to pay $10 for parking. 

Side note: The front desk service at this hotel was disappointing. The guy was kinda rude when we asked nicely if we could check in early, then found out few days later that he wrongly charged the room rate for a night on our credit card when this stay was supposed to be free. Had to call the hotel to sort it out and thankfully the manager was able to help reverse the charges.

Margaritaville Islander Cruise 2025 ✈ Mexico • Honduras • Belize

Thirty days, two cruises, 2530 miles. Spent the whole month of November 2025 road-tripping around Southeast USA and cruising to Mexico and the Caribbean. Kicked off our trip celebrating Halloween with hubby’s cousin in Newnan (Georgia) before making our way to Tampa (Florida) for a Margaritaville cruise to Mexico and Western Caribbean. After a week on the sea, we continued our journey driving across Florida and spent the week visiting Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and Miami, before a Holland America cruise to Eastern Caribbean. Wrapped up our trip driving along the coast to visit Savannah (Georgia) and Charleston (South Carolina). Grateful for the opportunity to explore so many different places in one month and thankful for the beautiful weather throughout our trip.

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Mexico, Roatan & Belize)

1-2 Nov 2025: Tampa

3 Nov 2025: Sea Day

4 Nov 2025: Cozumel, Mexico

5 Nov 2025: Roatan, Honduras

6 Nov 2025: Belize

7 Nov 2025: Costa Maya, Mexico

8 Nov 2025: Sea Day

9 Nov 2025:  Tampa

1 Nov 2025 (Sat): Newnan - Tampa

After spending a night in Newnan, we continued our southbound journey at 11am.

 Drove along I-75 for 9 hours, with a quick dinner stop at Zaxby's before arriving Tampa. I've been to Tampa many times over the years for work but this was the first time driving to Tampa.

Made it to our hotel in Tampa at 8pm. Booked our 1-night stay at Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore for 6,500 Hyatt points (transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards). 

Side note: Received 1,500 Hyatt points as compensation coz the hotel internet was down.

2 Nov 2025 (Sun): Embarkation Day

After a night in Tampa, it was time to embark on our 7-night cruise on Margaritaville at Sea. 

Had free breakfast at the hotel before checkingn out at 11am and drove 20 min to Port Tampa Bay.

Thought about parking at the hotel but they charge $15/night so we opted to park at Rightway parking which was closer to the port and included free shuttle for a total of $80 for 8 days.  

Arrived Rightway Parking at 11.25am. This open parking space was located right across Ikea. Parking was easy. The attendant gave us the claim ticket and we got on the free shuttle at 11.30am.

After a quick 10 min shuttle ride, we arrived at Terminal 6 of Port Tampa Bay, which was the terminal for Margaritaville. Handed our bags to the porter and headed over to the check in area.

Our assigned arrival window was actually 12.30pm - 1.00pm, but were able to get in when we got there at 11.45am. The check in process was easy and smooth. There were lines but they moved quite fast as there were many check-in counters. The terminal was also 'themed' and it was fun seeing the staffs using flip-flops to let guests know they are available. Completed our check in at 12pm and received our room card before boarding the ship.

Boarded the ship at 12.10pm and went straight to our muster station to check-in for the safety briefing. We thought it was smart to direct guests straight to the muster station instead of trying to get them to go there after checking into our rooms.

One interesting thing about this cruise, which we only found out few weeks before our cruise that more than half of this cruise was booked for a biker event called "High Seas Rally". Biker as in Harley Davidson type of bikers, so we knew the demographic of this cruise was gonna be even more interesting than usual. The tattoo shop - "Permanent Reminder" was definitely busy on this cruise.

Went to the buffet for lunch at 12.45pm while waiting for our room to be ready.

First time sailing out of Tampa. Spotted Carnival cruise departing on the same day.

Sail-Away Party at 4pm. We had more fun people watching than joining in the party. Props to all the guests who danced (and entertained everyone) to win a margarita.

First time having a balcony room so of course we're gonna fully utilize it to enjoy the views.

Went to Fins Main Dining Room on deck 2 for dinner at 5.40pm.

 I liked the fact that Margaritaville is very laid back and chill and does not have a dress code for its dining room. Flip flops no problem!

Ship Tour

 This ship, Islander, was refurbished and relaunched in 2024 so everything looks nice and fresh. 

The atrium had a big flip flop with the under the sea to open sky decor transition.

Honestly we had no expectation for this cruise. Margaritaville doesn't have the best reputation as compared to the other cruise lines but we were very surprised and impressed by the Jimmy Buffett theming all around the ship. Before this cruise, I had no idea about Jimmy Buffett nor his songs so this cruise was a good introduction to Jimmy Buffett's songs and vibes.

The Far Out Arcade and casino was located on deck 2. We stopped by the casino to pick up our free drink vouchers. We each received 5 complimentary drinks as part of the casino 'free' cruise offer.

Stars on the Water Theater on deck 2 and 3. We only went to one show (on the first night) throughout this cruise.

Bubbles Up Lounge on deck 3 with piano performances in the evening.

The Fins Up Fitness Center was located on deck 4. It was small and basic but had we still came almost every day to work out, and there were hardly anyone there.

There are 2 pools on the ship on deck 9. The 'Landshark' pool area was reserved for the bikers so we could only access the 'It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere' pool area. We also noticed that all the clocks on the ship were set to 5 o'clock.

There was a water slide and play area on deck 11.

The outdoor areas on the ship were also heavily themed, especially the mini golf area. We didn't use any of the outdoor facilities though. 

We had most of our meals at the aptly named "Port of Indecision Buffet" on deck 9. The buffet didn't have as much variety/options but it was good enough. We came here for almost all our meals coz it was faster and we noticed that the dining room options are similar (just nicely plated).

 The burger place on this cruise is named after Jimmy Buffett's song, Cheeseburger in Paradise. Across the burger place was Mexican Cutie Cantina that serves tacos. All these were on deck 9, same as the buffet. Another main reason why we prefer to go to the buffet is the easy access to the soft serve ice cream machine, which was manned by a staff. Unlimited ice cream all day...yes please!

Room Tour

Our room was ready at 1.50pm. Got a balcony room for this cruise which was quite an upgrade from the interior room in our last Alaskan cruise. Plenty of space to keep our things and move around. The TV didn't have movies to select but at least there was live TV for hubby to watch football.

Our 'home' for 7-nights - Breezy Balcony Stateroom 5134 on deck 5 - Changes in Attitude.

Our cabin steward, Rendy, did a great job making up our cabin daily and surprising us with different animals/creations each day. The hanging sloth and toilet bowl one cracked us up...lol!

Unlike my usual hectic travel style, cruises are meant for us to relax and chill. There were actually quite a lot of activities onboard but we didn't really participate in any activities on the ship.

Always fun to see people decorating their room doors. As mentioned earlier, more than half of the ship were bikers from the High Seas Rally event.

We also had complimentary (Starlink) premium internet as part of our casino 'free' cruise offer worth $210 for this entire cruise so we didn't need to go on a digital detox on this cruise.

3 Nov 2025 (Mon): Sea Day

Woke up early to catch sunrise from our balcony...gotta fully enjoy this balcony while we have it.

Buffet breakfast at 9.45am then walked around the boat to enjoy the beautiful weather.

As much as we wanna chill and relax on the cruise, we did a pretty good job going to the gym almost every day on the cruise to offset the daily gluttony.

Buffet lunch at 1.45pm and went to the atrium bar to redeem our complimentary drinks...all 10 in one go the staff gave us buckets to bring them to the room...lol! 

Apparently Landshark Lager is created by Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Brewing Company.

Went to the atrium at 5.30pm for the Captain's Welcome Toast and got a free margarita. 

Buffet dinner at 6.15pm, and of course gotta get an ice-cream for dessert. 

Enjoyed the full moon and also saw a shooting star from our balcony.

4 Nov 2025 (Tues): Cozumel, Mexico

Arrived Cozumel port at 7.30am. This port was busy during our visit with a total of 6 cruises docking on the same day. Spotted Virgin, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Carnival, and Princess.

Buffet breakfast at 7.45am.

Disembarked the ship at 8.45am.

 I like the exterior design of this ship, very colorful vacation vibes.

Our chillax (lazy) cruise travel means walking around the port and taking photos of the signs. 

Full disclosure...I'm on Caribbean cruises mainly for my country count. :P

Spent about 45 min walking around the port before returning to the ship at 9.30pm. Hubby bought a sloth t-shirt from the Ron Jon shop.

Went to the gym at 10.45am.

While most people were out sightseeing, we decided to use the slide and hot tub, then sunbathe on the outdoor lounge chairs. This was the only time we used the slide and hot tub.

Buffet lunch and dinner.

5 Nov 2025 (Wed): Roatan, Honduras

Our ship arrived Roatan, Honduras around 8am. Had a chillaxing breakfast at 8.30am.

Disembarked the ship at 9.30am. Honduras was a new country for me but I felt like I was in Malaysia. Of course I've gotta take a photo with the Roatan sign.

We were a lil' more adventurous at this port and decided to walk to the animal park about 10 min from the port. Paid $35 for the two of us to visit the animal park. Hubby was dressed for the day...lol!

The one thing we wanted to see at this place was a sloth, but it was sleeping when we were there. Still cute to see it hugging the branches like its bolster.

Saw some other aninmals, which I wasn't interested in...lol!

Returned to the ship at 10.45am. We were in the port with Royal Caribbean so the port area was quite crowded. 

Same routine...workout then had buffet and taco for lunch.

Having a balcony means people watching. Was waiting to see if anyone was late for the ship and of course someone decided to be the 'star' making the entire ship wait for her. This lady sumore had the audacity to take photos/videos instead of running back to the ship.

Buffet dinner and ice-cream as usual. Having internet means we don't have time to get bored.

6 Nov 2025 (Thurs): Belize

Breakfast at 7.45am before exploring Belize, another new country for me. This was a tender port so we had to take the water shuttle to get to the port. 

Disembarked the ship and hopped on the tender boat without any wait at 8.55am. The boat ride took about 20 min.

This was another port + sign stop. 

One observation is that people in Belize are not as aggressive/desperate trying to get business as compared to the ones in Roatan.

Hopped back on the tender boat at 10am to return to the ship.

Back on the ship for buffet lunch and sunbathe.

Beautiful sunset at 5.15pm from the upper deck.

Another buffet dinner and ice-cream to wrap up the day.

7 Nov 2025 (Fri): Costa Maya, Mexico

Another slow morning with breakfast at 9am. We were back in Mexico again.

Disembarked the ship at 10am. Beautiful day but it was HOT!

This was another port + sign stop.

30 min in the port and we were ready to return to the ship at 10.30am.

Getting more vitamin D on this cruise.

Buffet and burger for lunch at 12.30pm. Eat, sleep, cruise...literally.

Another beautiful sunset from the upper deck at 6.10pm.

Dinner at Islander Main Dining Room at 6.20pm. Spot the cute flip flop 'stamp' on the dessert plate.

8 Nov 2025 (Sat): Sea Day

Final full day on this cruise was a sea day. Similar routine, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, sunbathe.

 Went to the atrium at 2pm to see the Towel Animal Parade by the housekeeping team. Pretty cool that they have this on the ship to showcase the staff's talent. Btw large majority of the staff on this ship were from Indonesia. It's also surprising that almost all the housekeeping staff are male.

Final sunset on this cruise from our balcony.

Our final buffet dinner and ice cream. Received our final invoice, which was charged directly to our cc. Placed our luggage at the hallway at 9.15pm for the staff to offload them the next day.

9 Nov 2025 (Sun): Disembarkation Day

Back in Tampa port at 6.30am. We had to vacate our cabin by 8am so we went for breakfast at 7am.

Disembarked the ship at 9am. We had to wait a while for our turn and there was a line to get off the ship but we were not in a hurry so it didn't matter.

Took the free shuttle back to the Righway Parking area at 9.20am to get our car.

How much did we pay for this 7-night cruise which included balcony room, internet and 10 free drinks? 

This was a casino offer so we paid for taxes and fees of $367 + gratuity of $280 for 2 pax ($647). 

That works out to $323.50/pax, or $46.20/pax/night. Spent an additional $45 for a T-shirt and tips onboard. And no, we did not donate anything to the casino. :)