Valentine’s Day 2023 on Ritz Carlton’s Mega Yacht

Day 1:Fort Lauderdale, Florida

With an average temperature of 75 degrees and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Fort Lauderdale’s gorgeous beaches are just the beginning of the city’s attractions. Venturing into the water allows for scuba diving, deep-sea fishing or an airboat tour of the Everglades with a live gator show. Often called the “Venice of America” for its many canals and waterways, Fort Lauderdale is also a lovely place for a stroll. A trek along the Riverwalk reveals a tropical landscape lined with restaurants, art and entertainment and continues down Las Olas Boulevard for a posh shopping spree. Architectural highlights include the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Stranahan House and City Hall. Also check out FAT Village, downtown’s creative enclave for art, crafts, music and fun. Restaurants showcase the wizardry of celebrity chefs as well as local talent. Settle in for the atmosphere and ambrosia in any number of Jamaican and Brazilian restaurants citywide.

Day 2:Bimini, Bahamas

A Prohibition-era haven for rum runners, a paradise for sports fishermen and a gambling destination just two hours from Miami, the islands of Bimini have long benefited from their proximity to mainland Florida. The adventures of writer Ernest Hemingway and other famed anglers sparked the transformation of the Bahamian outpost into a destination in the 1930s. Fishing remains a major draw, along with the hotels, casinos and nightlife that are concentrated along North Bimini’s beautiful beaches. Beyond the sands, snorkeling and diving at a nearby shipwreck and the mysterious underwater formation known as Bimini Road are popular activities. Bimini also offers access to unique experiences off the main islands, like hiking a deserted cay or swimming with wild dolphins. The turquoise waters around Bimini also support large populations of stingrays and sharks, the focus of research and conservation efforts at the Shark Lab on South Bimini.

Day 3:Nassau, Bahamas

Numerous islands and hundreds of tiny cays form the nation of the Bahamas. Small at just 21 miles long and nearly seven miles wide, New Providence Island boasts numerous white sand beaches as well as the vibrant capital of Nassau. In the lively city center, the National Art Gallery and Junkanoo Museum showcase the fine art, unique traditions and colorful crafts of the local culture that melds African, English and West Indian influences. Explore Nassau’s complex history among the heritage buildings and landmarks that include Fort Charlotte and the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation. A walkable bridge and ferries link Nassau’s harbor area with the modern mega-resorts and beaches of Paradise Island.

Day 4:San Salvador, Bahamas

Sailing into San Salvador is an experience to remember, as the island is actually the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that rises 15,000 feet from the ocean floor. You can easily lose a happy afternoon here on a secluded beach, but there is so much more to this idyllic island than meets the eye. This is where Christopher Columbus is believed to have first made landfall in the ‘New World’ in 1492. A large stone cross marks the spot, so start your day by taking a selfie to remember. Afterwards, check out one of the island’s 50 sublime dive sites. You’ll find stingrays and sharks at Devil’s Claw and impressive elkhorn coral at French Bay. At the end of the day, dine on delicious Bahamian favorites like conch salad.

Day 5:Long Island, Bahamas

The capital of Long Island, Clarence Town is home to just under 100 people, so on any given day, visitors may outnumber the locals. One main road traverses the island, which is over 70 miles long, and two different worlds unfold on either side. The eastern edge is the wild side, where Atlantic winds rustle the palm trees that frame secluded coastline, coves and caves. Explore Hamilton Cave, where Lucayan Indians lived centuries ago, and peer into Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the world’s deepest blue holes at over 660 feet. On the west side, you’ll find miles and miles of deserted white sand beaches that descend into impossibly blue waters. Here are most of the island’s few resorts as well as roadside eateries offering conch, an island favorite, prepared in a variety of ways.

Day 6:Day at Sea

With a day at sea, enjoy the unique opportunity to unplug and relax into the unhurried life on board. Enjoy a workout with a view at the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, watch the sky transform at sunset from The Observation Lounge, or find an intimate alcove in The Living Room and lose yourself in a favorite book.

Day 7:Key West, Florida

Closer to Cuba than to Miami, the southernmost city in the continental United States can feel like a country all its own. Home to free spirits, scuba divers and six-toed cats, Key West is defined by its quirky charm. People go barefoot, chickens roam the streets and eclectic culture rules. Architecture lovers will appreciate classic Caribbean villas, unique Keys conch houses and Victorian and Queen Anne gingerbread homes. Shopping opportunities range from many music and book shops to trendy designer boutiques. Activities not to miss in Key West include watching the sunset in Mallory Square, seeing the cats and literary relics at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and eating an authentic piece of Key lime pie. Speaking of eating, from fantastic waterfront seafood dives to authentic Cuban delicacies to the fine-dining establishments of Duval Street, the choices are many and fresh is the word.

Day 8:Ft. Lauderdale, Florida