Three Canadian Passports

Royal Caribbean – Freedom of the Seas

5-Night Cruise Itinerary from Miami (Family-Friendly Guide)

If you’re planning a short Caribbean cruise that balances relaxation, fun, and family-friendly activities, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas is a fantastic option. We sailed on a 5-Night/6-Day cruise from Miami in the second week of September as a family of three with our 4-year-old daughter, and this blog breaks down our full itinerary, onboard experiences, shore excursions, and practical tips to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Cruise Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: From Toronto to Miami — Boarding Freedom of the Seas

Our cruise adventure began early in the morning in Toronto. We flew direct from Toronto Pearson Airport on a Flair Airlines on-time guarantee flight, departing around 6:30 AM. Traveling with a young child, a direct flight made everything easier, and we landed at Fort Lauderdale Airport by 9:50 AM, right on schedule.

From Fort Lauderdale, we took an Uber to the Miami cruise port, which took roughly 30 minutes to reach the terminal. Boarding at the Miami cruise port was smooth and well organized. One major convenience was the bag drop-off area right at the terminal’s main entrance. We surrendered all our luggage there, which allowed us to freely explore the ship immediately after onboarding.

The check-in process took less than 30 minutes, and by around 12:00 PM, we were already onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. With our bags on their way to our ocean view balcony room (they were delivered by around 7:00 PM), we were free to start enjoying the ship right away.

👉 Tip: Keep essentials like swimsuits, documents, and medications in a carry-on, as checked bags are delivered later in the evening.

Our very first stop onboard was Deck 11, where we headed straight to the Windjammer Café for our first meal of the cruise. The unlimited buffet options instantly set the tone for the days ahead — easy, delicious, and completely stress-free.

That evening, we wandered around the ship, watched the ocean stretch endlessly in every direction, and soaked in the excitement of what was yet to come. It was the perfect start to our Caribbean family adventure.

Day 2: Life at Sea — Where the Ship Truly Shines

Sea days turned out to be some of our favorites. With no ports to rush to, we explored everything Freedom of the Seas had to offer.

Our daughter absolutely loved the Birthday Bash and Balloon Drop, while we were amazed by the ice skating show — something you don’t expect to see on a cruise ship. The comedy show by a juggler and the energetic dance performances kept us entertained well into the evening.

Between shows, we spent time at the swimming pools and jacuzzis on Deck 11, played mini golf on Deck 13, and let our little one enjoy the arcade. On cruising days, we even tried rock climbing, proving there’s never a dull moment onboard.

Food was never a question — breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Windjammer, 24×7 pizza, Starbucks, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks thanks to the beverage package we purchased.

Onboard activities we enjoyed:

Dining was effortless with:

Day 3: Grand Turk — A Day of Island Freedom

Waking up to turquoise waters at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, felt like stepping into a postcard. Instead of booking a formal excursion, we rented a buggy, which gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.

We drove through Grand Turk town, made our way to the lighthouse, and later relaxed on Grand Turk Beach, letting the waves and warm sand do their magic. It was calm, beautiful, and perfect for a laid-back family day.

Day 4: Perfect Day at CocoCay — Exactly as Promised

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay truly lived up to its name. The island was well organized, and the free tram made it easy to get around.

We headed straight to South Beach, which turned out to be the best beach on the island — clear waters, soft sand, and plenty of space to relax. Later, we spent time at the lagoon and splash area, letting our daughter splash around happily.

Food was included here too, with an unlimited buffet available on the island. While the hot air balloon ride looked tempting, it was a paid activity, so we skipped it without feeling like we missed out.

👉 Tip: You can enjoy CocoCay fully without spending extra — beaches, food, and transport are included.

Day 5: One Last Sea Day to Soak It All In

Our final sea day was all about revisiting favorites — more pool time, more shows, another round of mini golf, and a little arcade fun. With no strict plans, we slowed down and simply enjoyed being together, knowing the trip was coming to an end.

Another relaxing sea day to revisit favorite activities:

This day is perfect for slowing down before returning to Miami.

Day 6: A Calm Morning & Checkout at Miami

Even though our cruise had officially come to an end, the final morning onboard was relaxed and well organized. We started our day with breakfast on the ship, which is available before disembarkation — a nice way to enjoy one last meal while taking in the familiar views.

The standard checkout time was 9:30 AM. Guests are asked to gather at the assigned meeting point and follow the crew’s instructions for a smooth and orderly exit from the ship. Everything was clearly communicated, making the process stress-free even with a child.

For those who prefer an early checkout, that option is also available. The ship was docked at the Miami port by 6:00 AM, so passengers could disembark earlier if needed.

With bags in hand and memories packed away, we stepped off the ship knowing this cruise would be one we’d always look back on fondly.