cavediving

Florida is the United States’ premier destination for sun-seekers.  Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida awaits you with many adventures.  Our corporate headquarters is here in South Florida, so who better to guide you through than us?  Start your journey in colorful Miami, known as the gateway to Latin America.  Explore the Art Deco scenes of South Beach, while enjoying a Cuban coffee overlooking white sand beaches.

keysgeneral1The Florida Keys are our own Caribbean islands; dive through sunken Spanish galleons from the age of exploration in Key Largo.  Explore beautiful coral reefs stretching hundreds of miles as you make your way to Key West, the “Conch Republic.”  Once you brush the sand from between your toes, venture up to the central part of the state and experience the magic of Walt Disney World to release your inner child, walking through a fantasy that only Disney can provide.

 

“I just want to live happily ever after, every now and then.”

– Jimmy Buffett

 

With its large international port, Miami is the perfect destination to kick up your heels for a few days before or after your dream cruise.  This vibrant city boasts white sand beaches, world-class shopping, mile upon mile of open-air dining and an exhilarating night life, set to the backdrop of iconic Art Deco architecture from the 1930’s. What sets this city apart is its unmistakable Latin flair. Take an open-air bus tour to see many of the sights while learning about Miami’s rich history, or visit nearby Everglades National Park for a first-hand look at one of our country’s most unique eco-systems. Miami is home to several leading art museums, as well as historic and cultural sites such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – a magnificent European-style estate – and the Jewish Museum, in an Art Deco synagogue from 1936. Not to be missed is Zoo Miami, with spacious habitats and unparalleled vantage points for observation.  For travelers without a rental car, Miami’s monorail system makes it easy to get around. Cruise & Travel Depot is a certified expert with the City of Miami.

Did you know that this archipelago comprises more than 1,700 islands?  One of the best ways to view this unique region is driving island-to-island from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula to Key West down the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile scenic road featuring 42 bridges and flanked on either side by the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.  The crowning achievement of this route is Seven Mile Bridge, an engineering marvel that affords a spectacular view.  A range of activities and attractions can be found along the way, such as diving and snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, swimming with dolphins, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many idyllic restaurants; our favorite stop is Lorelei’s on Islamorada Key, for a sunset dinner beside the dance floor, featuring live music. At the end of the road lies Key West, the southernmost point of the United States.  There’s always something going on in Key West, with different festivals offered year-round amid its Bahamian and Cuban influence that has been enjoyed by many famous residents throughout the decades – Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett, to name a few.

Indisputably the theme-park capital of the world, Orlando is conveniently situated close to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens, LegoLand and Discovery Cove. If theme parks are not your calling, there are plenty of alternatives such as world-class golf courses, outlet shopping, dinner shows, wildlife parks and the Kennedy Space Center where, if you pick the right dates, you can witness the awe of a real rocket launch. In Central Florida, you can even go cave diving through crystal clear water in limestone caves. We are very familiar with the area and can apply that knowledge to help you find hotels that suit your needs, and tickets to your chosen attractions. Cruise & Travel Depot is certified by the College of Disney Learning.

Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, St. Augustine is renowned as “the Nation’s Oldest City.”  Rich in narrative and cultural heritage, this destination abounds with museums and historic landmarks such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum, Ponce de Leon’s “Fountain of Youth,” the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and Cathedral Basilica, built in the 1790’s.  Spend a day as a Spanish settler at the interactive Fort Menendez Museum, learn about colonial medicine at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, or be a student in the class of 1864 at the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse (built in the 1700’s).  You can also enjoy nature trails, golfing, a tour of the distillery, or a fishing trip out of Camachee Cove Harbor.  For accommodations that will immerse you in the romance of this historic city, you may wish to consider one of St. Augustine’s many quaint inns or bed and breakfasts dating back to the 1800’s.