A Broadway Cruise Will Set Sail From Miami

Cruise travel is very popular and if you've been dreaming of setting sail alongside some of your favorite Broadway stars, you'll have your chance when a Broadway cruise sets sail from Miami.

I just went on my first cruise back in April and absolutely loved it, so it makes sense to me now why so many people enjoy cruise vacations. I just did the quick Margaritaville cruise to the Bahamas, and had a blast, so I already can't wait to do a longer one with more stops. Especially from Fort Myers, between Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and West Palm, we have multiple ports to choose from, so it also makes it very convenient. We've heard of all different themed cruises and a new one will set sail from Miami next year.

If you're a big fan of Broadway and you enjoy traveling, I can't think of a better cruise than The Broadway Cruise 3 setting sail from Miami next year. The trip is March 31-April 4, 2025 and it heads to Cozumel on the Norwegian Gem. And who will be on board? Some of your favorite Broadway stars! Laura Benanti, Wayne Brady, Shoshana Bean, Eva Noblezada and more.

And as you'd expect on a Broadway cruise, the entertainment sounds incredible. According to the website, you'll enjoy both intimate and grand scale shows and cabarets, celebrity meet and greet with autograph experiences, dance classes led by director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, sing-along movies, interactive panels and both Broadway karaoke and Broadway dance parties. And of course, it wouldn't be Broadway without a little glitz and glam, so expect some fun theme nights as well.

Pricing starts at $1165 per guest for an interior room going all the way up to $4995 for a family penthouse suite. There is early bird pricing offering $100 off through June 24th.

Living in Florida with the weather so nice the majority of the year, there's lots of time for fun in the sun and 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.

One of things on my list when I moved to Fort Myers was that I needed to be close to the beach. Sure, affordability, a safe community, a pool, a decent size living space were on my list as well, but I wanted to be less than 10 minutes from the beach. I hit the jackpot with where I live that all those things were crossed off the list. For me, it's just the feeling of being on vacation, even when it's just a short drive away. And that's how I feel about going for a swim or just laying by the pool at a resort. Staying overnight isn't necessary when you have a home nearby to go back to, but the feeling of being a tourist in your own town can be a great time.

So how can you do that? Well, 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.

Most hotels and resorts, you have to be a guest to be able to use amenities like the pool and spa. But there's a great website/app called Resort Pass that allows you to book a day at a resort without having to book a room. While prices do vary from weekdays to weekends, and different things are included at each, it's a great way to get out and enjoy some of the great local offerings whether you have family and friends coming into town, or to treat yourself to a day away from home.

And while I'll feature resorts here in Southwest Florida, you can search for resorts all over the world. I've had friends use it to book days in resorts on cruise stops in different ports in fact.

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is a family-friendly resort perfect for those looking for some fun. They have 3 acres of pools, plus a lazy river and waterslides. There's also an adults-only pool and whirlpool. Day passes include use of the water attractions, poolside food and beverage service, towels, complimentary games, Wi-Fi and self-parking. Prices for adults start at $45.

If you've driven down on Fort Myers Beach, you know the pool at Margaritaville is THEE place to be. Day passes to the FINS UP Beach Club start at $65 for adults and include not only access to the pool, but also beach access including lounge chairs at both. You can also enjoy towel service, pool and beach food and beverage service, daily live music and free Wi-Fi. There's also a 20% discount on water sports activities and spa treatments with the purchase of a day pass.

Pink Shell is a beautiful resort right on Fort Myers Beach. With a beautiful pool looking out on the Gulf, day passes allow access to 2 pools and a hot tub. Also beach access, including beach and pool lounge chairs, towel service,  kids activities and nature tours, watersport and bike rentals, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Day passes for adults start at $30.

If you haven't been to downtown Fort Myers to check out the Luminary yet, what are you waiting for? It is an absolutely gorgeous property looking out on the River District. The pool offers great views of the Caloosahatchee River. Day passes start at $25 and include use of the pool and a lounge chair, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking.

We all know that staying on the beach in Naples can get pricy, but this is a great way to enjoy the resort just for the day. While food and beverage service is not yet available from Hurricane Ian, there's still plenty to take advantage of. Day passes start at $65 and include access to the pool, beach access with complimentary chairs, towels and umbrellas, free Wi-Fi and free self-parking.

If you're looking for full-on luxury, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. With your family pool cabana that starts at $700, there's not much that's not included. You'll have sofa seating, cable TV, a stocked mini-fridge, chaise loungers, a fruit plate and a snack basket. Plus your very own poolside butler. Plus use of the family pool, lap pool and adults-only pool, private beach access, towels and free Wi-Fi and valet. Treat yourself!

In Naples, there's not one but 2 Ritz's and this option is great for families wanting a little more action. Here, you'll enjoy 3 waterslides, a lazy river and a splash and play area for kids. Day passes start at $135 and include all the water attractions, plus lounge chairs, poolside food and beverage service, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. There also cabanas for up to 6 people starting at $1200, a Tequila Eclipse Dessert Experience, a Travel With Us Dining Experience and an Enamorarse Dining Experience for purchase.

Another luxurious escape awaits you at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. This resort features an adults-only pool and hot tub, a family pool, a lap pool and a water slide. Day passes start at $95 and include access to all pool fun, plus pool and beach chairs, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and valet parking. There is spa pass available as well starting at $45 that includes access to a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, meditation lounge and a fitness center.