

OUR OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:00pm EST
Sat 10:00am-2:00pm EST
University at Sea™
5700 4th St. N.
St Petersburg, Florida 33703
PRIVATE: Finseca/Getman
Topics TBA
Round-trip Miami, Florida
February 22 - March 01, 2026
This conference has already sailed, but that doesn't mean you have to miss the boat! Click here to see our complete schedule of upcoming programs.

ITINERARY
Sailing in late February offers an ideal escape from the North American winter, taking advantage of the Caribbean’s dry season and moderate temperatures. This seven-night roundtrip from Miami balances leisure with historical exploration. The itinerary features a stop at Coco Cay for a dedicated beach day, followed by a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan is a standout port where the ship docks directly at Old San Juan, allowing for easy walking tours of the colonial architecture and fortifications. A call at St. Thomas follows, offering a mix of Danish history and vibrant commerce. With three full days at sea aboard the Independence of the Seas, the pace is deliberately relaxed, providing significant time to unwind and utilize the ship’s resort amenities between ports. This voyage is well-suited for travelers seeking a low-stress combination of sun, colonial history, and ample downtime.
For more details, see our port-by-port descriptions below the itinerary table.
| DATE | PORT OF CALL | ARRIVE | DEPART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Feb 22 | Miami, Florida | - | 4:00 pm |
| Mon Feb 23 | Coco Cay, Bahamas | 7:00 am | 4:00 pm |
| Tue Feb 24 | At Sea - Cruising | - | - |
| Wed Feb 25 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 10:30 am | 7:00 pm |
| Thu Feb 26 | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. | 8:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| Fri Feb 27 | At Sea - Cruising | - | - |
| Sat Feb 28 | At Sea - Cruising | - | - |
| Sun Mar 01 | Miami, Florida | 6:00 am | - |

PORTS OF CALL
Miami, Florida
**The Neighborhoods: A Study in Contrasts**
Miami is a collection of distinct enclaves, each with a unique personality. Understanding the geography is key to a successful visit, as traffic can be significant.
* **South Beach (The Art Deco District):** This is the Miami of popular imagination. While Ocean Drive can be crowded and tourist-centric, its architectural significance is genuine. The Art Deco Historic District contains the world's largest concentration of 1930s resort architecture. **Our honest advice:** Visit in the early morning (before 10:00 AM). The light is perfect for photography, the streets are quiet, and you can appreciate the pastel geometry without the overwhelming crowds. For the beach itself, head to the "South of Fifth" area for a more refined, quieter experience, or north to Mid-Beach for wider sands.
* **Little Havana:** Just west of downtown, this neighborhood is the emotional heart of the Cuban diaspora. While tour buses frequent Calle Ocho, the area retains an authentic soul. The experience here is sensory: the slap of dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park, the scent of tobacco, and the omnipresent music. Do not look for fine dining here; look for authenticity. Order a *cortadito* (sweetened espresso with steamed milk) from a *ventanita* (walk-up window) and watch the neighborhood wake up. It is a simple, inexpensive ritual that connects you to the local culture better than any guided tour.
* **Wynwood & The Design District:** These adjacent neighborhoods represent Miami's rapid evolution. Wynwood, formerly a warehouse district, is now an open-air museum of street art. The Wynwood Walls are the curated center, but the surrounding streets offer blocks of stunning, large-scale murals. Just north lies the Design District, a sharp contrast of ultra-luxury retail and modern architecture. Even if you aren't shopping for high-end fashion, the area is worth a walk for its public art installations and some of the city's best chef-driven restaurants.
* **Coconut Grove & Coral Gables:** For those seeking a break from the high energy, these southern neighborhoods offer lush canopies of banyan trees and historic charm. Coral Gables, built in the 1920s, feels like a Mediterranean dream with its plazas and fountains. The Venetian Pool, carved from a coral rock quarry, is a unique historic swimming hole worth seeing.
**Cultural & Historic Highlights**
If you visit only one paid attraction, make it the **Vizcaya Museum & Gardens**. Built by industrialist James Deering in 1916, this Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay is a stunning preservation of the Gilded Age. The interiors are opulent, but the formal gardens—fighting back the encroaching mangroves—are the true highlight. It provides a serene counter-narrative to the modern glass skyline.
For nature lovers, **Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden** in Coral Gables offers a world-class collection of rare tropical plants. It is a sprawling, peaceful expanse that feels miles away from the urban core.
**The Culinary Landscape**
Miami’s food scene has matured significantly, recently earning its first Michelin Guide.
* **Stone Crabs:** If you are visiting between mid-October and mid-May, Florida Stone Crab is the regional delicacy. **Joe’s Stone Crab** in South Beach is the institution. It does not take reservations for the main dining room, and wait times can be excessive. **Tip:** Go for lunch to avoid the longest queues, or visit Joe’s Take Away next door for the same food in a casual setting (and take it to the beach).
* **Cuban & Latin:** Beyond the famous Versailles (which is great for the atmosphere), try **Sanguich de Miami** on Calle Ocho for an elevated take on the classic Cuban sandwich. The city also boasts exceptional Peruvian cuisine; look for fresh ceviche and *lomo saltado* in the Brickell or Wynwood areas.
**A Suggested Unhurried Itinerary (Pre-Cruise)**
This two-day plan focuses on quality over quantity, minimizing cross-town traffic.
* **Day 1: The Mainland Mix (Culture & Art)**
* **Morning:** Start in Little Havana. Grab a coffee and a *pastelito* (guava pastry) at a walk-up window. Walk Calle Ocho to see the Domino Park and cigar rollers.
* **Late Morning/Lunch:** Take a ride-share to Wynwood. Walk the mural-lined streets. Have a casual lunch at a taco spot or Asian food hall in the area.
* **Afternoon:** Head north to the Design District. Browse the architecture and public art. If you enjoy museums, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is here and free to enter.
* **Evening:** Dinner in Brickell or Downtown. Enjoy the skyline views by the Miami River.
* **Day 2: Coastal History & Elegance**
* **Morning:** Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the house and grounds.
* **Lunch:** Head to Coconut Grove for a relaxed lunch under the tree canopy. It’s a short drive from Vizcaya.
* **Afternoon:** Transit to South Beach. Walk the Art Deco district. If you want beach time, rent a chair and umbrella South of Fifth.
* **Evening:** Enjoy a seafood dinner in the South of Fifth neighborhood, which offers excellent dining without the chaotic noise of central Ocean Drive.
**Practical Considerations for the Traveler**
* **Transportation:** Miami is a sprawling car city. Public transit (Metrorail/Metromover) is useful only within the downtown/Brickell core. For everywhere else, Uber or Lyft are essential. If you are staying in South Beach, you can walk locally, but you will need a car to reach the mainland.
* **Traffic:** Traffic can be severe, particularly crossing the causeways between Miami Beach and the mainland during rush hour. Always pad your travel time by 20-30 minutes.
* **Weather:** It is tropical. Sudden, intense rain showers are common, especially in summer and fall. They usually pass quickly. Pack breathable fabrics and a compact umbrella.
* **The Brightline:** If you are combining your cruise with a stay in Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline high-speed train is a game-changer. It connects these cities directly to downtown Miami in comfort, avoiding the stress of I-95.
By treating Miami as a destination rather than a doorway, you add a rich, multi-cultural layer to your vacation before you even step aboard the ship.
Coco Cay, Bahamas

For a more sophisticated experience away from the high-energy crowds, the Coco Beach Club is the standout option. Though it requires a significant additional fee, the access to an infinity pool, elevated dining, and overwater cabanas offers a necessary respite from the island's busier sectors. If you prefer a standard beach day without the upcharge, Chill Island provides ample seating and calm waters. Treat this stop as a polished extension of the ship’s amenities—a safe, clean, and highly managed environment designed purely for relaxation and aquatic fun.



At Sea - Cruising
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Your priority should be the two massive citadels guarding the coast. We recommend starting at Castillo San Cristóbal, the largest Spanish fortification in the New World, before walking the scenic coastal trail to the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The sheer scale of these defenses is humbling, and the expansive green lawn leading to El Morro—often dotted with kites—provides a dramatic contrast to the deep blue Atlantic.
Between the forts lies a grid of blue cobblestone streets (adoquines) lined with vibrant colonial architecture. The joy here is aimless wandering, though the heat can be intense; stay hydrated and wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the hills. For a cultural pause, visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the resting place of Ponce de León.
Culinary exploration is essential. Skip the generic tourist traps near the pier and head deeper into the city. Seek out mofongo (garlicky mashed plantains) at a local staple like El Jibarito or Café Puerto Rico. While the nearby beaches of Condado are beautiful, they require a taxi and contend with traffic. Unless you have visited before, we advise dedicating your day entirely to the history and atmosphere within the city walls, finishing perhaps with a Piña Colada at Barrachina, right in the heart of the old town.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

Most visitors are here for the water. Magens Bay is the headline attraction—a heart-shaped, protected cove that is visually stunning but often packed with fellow cruisers. For a more relaxed experience with superior snorkeling, we recommend Sapphire Beach or the pristine, protected sands of Smith Bay Park (Lindquist Beach). If your ship docks at Havensight, the Skyride to Paradise Point offers the classic Caribbean vista and a convenient spot for a local Bushwacker cocktail.
Crucial Logistics: St. Thomas has two distinct cruise piers: Havensight (closer to town/Skyride) and Crown Bay (further west). Be sure to check your docking location, as it dictates your walking options. Traffic in Charlotte Amalie can be gridlocked in the afternoons; always pad your return time. Getting around is best done via "safari" taxis—converted open-air trucks. They are efficient and affordable, but confirm the fare before boarding. For those who have visited St. Thomas before, the ferry to neighboring St. John offers a quieter, more natural escape, though it requires careful time management.




Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas
Request a Quote online or by voice at 800-422-0711 (US/Can) or direct/int'l tel: +1-727-526-1571.
nightly entertainment, resort features and all taxes.

All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer,TV and phone. Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King (one room with third and fourth Pullman beds), a private balcony with outdoor dining and seating area, two bathrooms (master bathroom and tub) and living area with double sofa bed. Up to 8 guests. Stateroom: 616 sq. ft. Balcony: 208 sq. ft.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.

All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Queen-size bed. One double sofa bed. Room with bed, vanity Living area with double sofa bed. Ocean view. One bathroom with tub. Up to 4 guests. Stateroom: 622 sq. ft. Balcony: 160 sq. ft.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.

All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and bathroom. Up to 3 guests. Stateroom: 317 sq. ft. Balcony: 65 sq. ft.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.

All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and bathroom. Up to 4 guests. Stateroom: 199 sq. ft. Balcony: 53 sq. ft.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Balcony
and we'll find the best value for you.
Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (2B)
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and bathroom. Up to 4 guests. Stateroom: 214 sq. ft. Balcony: 42 sq. ft.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.

All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and bathroom. Up to 4 guests. Stateroom: 214 sq. ft. Balcony: 42 sq. ft.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Outside
and we'll find the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Inside
and we'll find the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
800-422-0711
for Availability and Pricing.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Because this program is sailing soon, full payment of the fare is due at time of booking.
3rd/4th in Stateroom - Please call to secure the best possible pricing
Cruise pricing is presented per person, based double occupancy of the stateroom, following industry practice. Pricing presented above is listed accordingly to allow easy comparison for the stateroom categories displayed. Our agents always provide 'total cost' pricing disclosing all particulars before you make any commitment.
Jan 23, 2026: No refund except for Taxes/fees
When reserving your stateroom, please confirm the policy applicable to this cruise with one of our agents.
Course Fee Cancellation Policy: 30+ days before sailing date - 75% Refund ; 7-29 days before sailing date - 50% Refund; Less than 7 days before sailing date - No Refund
Protect Your Trip with Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can give you flexibility and support when your trip doesn’t go quite as planned. From unexpected flight issues to covered trip cancellations, travel emergencies, and more, travel insurance can help you manage unforeseen events that may impact your trip—giving you peace of mind from the moment you book your trip through your return home.
For an instant quote:
- Simply provide a few short details about your trip
- Review the available protection plans
- Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve
Why Protect your Trip?
Whether you’re planning your next trip or you recently booked one, travel insurance can help smooth over many unexpected travel glitches—while putting your mind at ease, knowing you’re off the hook for covered expenses that could arise from them.
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide you benefits and professional support when a covered situation comes up before or during your trip. The following examples may qualify for benefits:
- Cancelling your trip after unexpectedly becoming too sick to travel
- Taking care of a sick or injured traveling companion
- Having to end your trip early due to a family emergency
- Dealing with a flight delay or cancellation
- Needing to buy personal items if your luggage is lost or stolen
- Missing your cruise departure after a covered flight delay
You also can contact our travel protection partner Allianz Global Assistance’s 24/7, award-winning customer service for on-the-go assistance with issues like a medical emergency, replacing your lost passport, or making reservations around the world. To be eligible for a time-sensitive waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusions, purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of initial trip deposit (other purchase requirements and conditions apply). Specific plan benefits may vary. Please review your plan details for more information.
What Can Travel Insurance Help Protect?
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can protect you before and during your trip—keeping you, your loved ones, and your travel budget safer. Benefits vary by plan, and these are brief descriptions. Please read your plan documents for details.
TRIP CANCELLATION
Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, such as you, a family member, or traveling companion experiencing a covered illness or injury. Examples include:
- A doctor says you or a traveling companion is too sick to fly
- Your parent or child requires hospitalization
- You need to attend the birth of a family member’s child
- You have a traffic accident (not breakdown) on the way to the airport
- A storm shuts down your airport for 24 hours or more
TRIP INTERRUPTION
Reimburses your unused, non-refundable travel expenses and increased transportation costs during your trip if you have to return home early due to a covered reason, for instance when a family member has a qualifying medical emergency and needs your care. Examples include:
- You have a covered illness or injury and a doctor says you must return home
- A family member has a qualifying injury and needs your care
- A covered emergency, like a fire or flood, makes your home uninhabitable
TRAVEL DELAY
If you have a covered delay while traveling, travel insurance can reimburse you for meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses when your trip is delayed for a minimum number of consecutive hours for a covered reason. Minimum number of hours varies by plan.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
Reimburses your expenses related to covered medical and dental emergencies* that might occur on your trip. This benefit can be especially helpful if you have a covered emergency outside the United States, as most health insurance policies won’t cover you outside the country. Examples include:
- You slip and break your ankle while sightseeing
- You get food poisoning while sampling the local cuisine
- You lose a filling and need immediate dental treatment*
*A sublimit and maximum apply for this benefit. Check your plan documents for details.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
Arranges and pays for medically necessary transportation following a covered injury or illness to the nearest appropriate medical facility to receive care and get you home after treatment.
BAGGAGE LOSS, DAMAGE, or THEFT
Reimburses the replacement of your lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal items while traveling.
BAGGAGE DELAY
Reimburses essential items purchased during your trip if your baggage is delayed for a minimum number of hours (varies by plan).
CHANGE FEE
Reimburses fees if you need to change your flight itinerary due to a covered reason.
24-HOUR ASSISTANCE
Provides around-the-clock support during your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s staff of multilingual problem solvers can help you with medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies whenever they happen. Medical assistance may include, but is not limited to:
- Medical triage with referrals to local prescreened medical providers
- Ongoing medical monitoring
- Payment guarantee
- Emergency medical transportation
Additional services for travel-related emergencies can help with:
- Missed connecting flights
- Lost/stolen travel documents
- Pre-trip information
- Prescription replacements
Our Promise to You
When you purchase any Allianz Travel Insurance plan, you automatically get 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to review your policy documents. Within that period, you can cancel your plan for a full refund if you’re not satisfied, as long as you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip.
Need Help Along the Way?
Contact Allianz Global Assistance’s award-winning team of travel experts. Call anytime for assistance navigating travel mishaps overseas or in the U.S.—or help with everything from reporting lost baggage to locating emergency medical treatment. They can also help you replace passports, refer you to legal assistance, secure cash from home in case of emergency, and guarantee payment when you need to be admitted to a hospital, in some instances.
Contact Allianz Global Assistance
Phone (24/7):
1-800-284-8300 (within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
1-804-281-5700 (outside of the U.S., call collect)
File or Track a Claim
It’s easy and convenient to file and track a claim, upload documents, and more online. Start your claim using your email address or policy number.
File a ClaimIf you need help filing a claim or understanding the claims process, visit the Allianz Global Assistance Claims Center.
Update Your Plan
If you need to update your travel insurance plan, such as adjusting the dates of your plan to reflect itinerary changes, please contact us or manage your plan online so your plan reflects your entire itinerary and provides the right amount of protection for your travels.
Manage My PlanAbout Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance is a world leader in travel insurance and assistance, helping millions of travelers across the globe every year. Allianz Global Assistance is owned by Allianz SE, the world’s largest diversified insurance company. For over 100 years, Allianz SE has helped protect important milestones in American history, insuring the Wright Brothers’ first flight and Golden Gate Bridge construction.
Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply including for pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.
Before and After your cruise
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton - Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon
777 NW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33126
A Stone's Throw from Miami's Airport
This hotel is only 10 minutes from Miami Airport via a free shuttle that also serves Waterford Business Park at Blue Lagoon. Local bites are within walking distance and the hotel is within only 12 miles of the city center, Port of Miami, and Miami Beach. Wake up to a free hot breakfast and enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a whirlpool!
http://www.hamptoninnmiamiairport.com/
InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel
100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
Miami's Bayfront Icon
Miami starts here. Built around Henry Moore’s famous sculpture “The Spindle,” InterContinental Miami hotel lies along the downtown waterfront with the city’s business centers and famous beaches both within easy reach. To complement a premier hotel experience, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind schedule of events and bayside happenings including culinary pop-ups, salsa dancing, art shows, yoga, and so much more.
https://www.icmiamihotel.com/
Bookable Tours & Activities
Browse and book tours, excursions, and activities through our partner Viator.
Miami Tours & Activities
Call us at 800.422.0711 (US & Canada)
Or +1-727-526-1571
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.




