A short 30-minute drive west of downtown lands you along the Gulf of Mexico coast, which is fringed by a string of sugary beaches. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach both offer an upbeat seaside atmosphere, while Caladesi Island State Park and Fort DeSoto Park provide serene shoreline settings. Brilliance of the Seas® is the ultimate way to visit off-the-beaten-path wonders. Go from sun-soaked beaches and colorful colonial towns ashore, to unforgettable experiences onboard — like world-class shows and entertainment and foodie-approved flavors from around the world. We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising. This evidence is all around you — you’ll find in the Caribbean air, the sand and the water.
Take a tour at the Tropical Spice Garden in Jalan Teluk Bahang, home to thousands of indigenous herbs and spices coveted the world over. Visit the visually enchanting Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, famous for its Guanyin statue that towers at over 350 feet, and pays homage to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Lombok is the perfect compliment to Bali, just across a narrow strait but different in both culture and faith. While in Lombok, explore the village of Kuta, where you’ll find small restaurants with fantastic local seafood curries, an uncrowded beach, and nearby nature escapes that are easy to access by taxi or tuk-tuk. Thrill-seekers can trek on the slopes of the towering volcano, Mount Rinjani, or for a more relaxed experience, you could take a guided jeep tour around the blue-green caldera lake, Segara Anak. Celukan Bawang lies on the northern coast of Bali, fringed by dense tropical jungles to the south and the beautiful Bali sea to the north.
Caribbean Winter Escape
Families can look to budget cruises for affordable summer
