Royal Caribbean Is Launching Weekend Cruises From Miami This August

Beginning this August, Wonder of the Seas — one of the largest cruise ships in the world — is setting sail from PortMiami, offering a new kind of short escape: 3- and 4-night itineraries designed for maximum thrill, minimal time, and a whole lot of energy.

It’s a major moment for the cruise line’s Oasis Class fleet, long known for their scale and spectacle. But this isn’t a typical weeklong cruise. It’s a high-octane weekend experience packed into a few sun-soaked days, tailored for travelers who want more out of their time off—more flavor, more entertainment, more adrenaline, and more room to relax on your vacation.

The ship itself is a destination. Wonder of the Seas is divided into eight distinct neighborhoods—each with its own character and pace. The Boardwalk brings the buzz, the AquaTheater delivers edge-of-your-seat performances, and Central Park offers quiet, tree-lined paths that feel lightyears away from the pool deck. Whether you’re ziplining ten decks above the ground or having a glass of wine in a garden surrounded by real plants, the choice is yours.

And when the sun sets, the energy surges. With more than 30 restaurants, bars and nightlife venues, the ship comes alive with options: jazz clubs, karaoke lounges, cocktail bars, late-night bites—every kind of evening is possible. The vibe? Think weekend in South Beach, but floating.

Each itinerary includes a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s signature private island in The Bahamas. (Note: it won’t include the possibility of using the new Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island — that’s not opening till this winter.

There’s a massive water park, a swim-up bar in the ocean, cabanas that float, and an overwater infinity pool at the exclusive Coco Beach Club. It’s the kind of place that feels made for Instagram—but also manages to overdeliver in real life.

Miami has long been a hub for cruise departures, but the arrival of Wonder of the Seas marks a shift in how cruise lines think about short itineraries, a broader trend that is seeing more cruise lines do it (although it’s also a nod to new emissions rules).

This is more than a stripped-down version of a longer sailing. It’s a full-scale experience condensed into a long weekend—and it’s tailored for a new kind of traveler: spontaneous, savvy, and ready to pack a lot of fun into a few days.

In other words, this isn’t just a cruise. It’s the boldest weekend in Miami—and it all begins this August.

So what about prices? Sailings in August start around $509 per person — with stops in CocoCay and Nassau. For a balcony, the price goes up to $642 per person. 

For other Miami options, here’s our guide to the best Miami-sourced cruises to the Caribbean right now.