Labor Day is traditionally considered the closing weekend of summer, but who says you have to call it quits on the best season of the year? There’s still plenty of sunshine and warm weather to be enjoyed after you flip the calendar page to September, and Labor Day is the perfect time for families to enjoy some last-minute togetherness before the school year begins.
September is also ideal for those searching for amazing deals as the high travel season draws to a close. Whether you’ve got a group of friends looking to keep the party going or have your eye on a romantic getaway, here are five last-minute cruises that everyone can take to extend this summer’s fun.
1. Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL to The Bahamas
This four-day cruise from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas gets you to one of the most popular cruise destinations for a day in Nassau followed by a fun-filled day at Freeport. You’ll sail aboard Carnival Liberty®, a ship dedicated to fun with its two great bars, three designated kids’ areas and a whole host of evening entertainment options.
To make the most of this cruise on Labor Day weekend, get out there and seize the day in Nassau. Try swimming with the dolphins during a beach day on a private island — the perfect activity for animal lovers over the age of four! For a more low-key day in the sun, sip some rum cocktails aboard a catamaran as you head to a private snorkeling destination with your best friends.
2. Mobile, AL to the Western Caribbean
If you have a little more time to spare, hop aboard a four-day sail to the Western Caribbean. Enjoy two days of cruising the crystalline waters of the Caribbean and a day in Cozumel, Mexico. That should be enough time to get your fill of the onboard water park and nighttime activities like the Egyptian-themed piano bar.
Once you get to Cozumel, choose an excursion to see the sights of Mexico. Explore ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, one of Mexico’s most beautiful historic sites. For a more private experience of the Caribbean, join the VIP La Casa Beach Retreat, where you’ll enjoy an open bar and a chef-prepared lunch. This one’s adults-only, so it’s perfect for couples and groups of friends.
3. Los Angeles, CA to Baja Mexico
West Coast travelers can make a three-day voyage to Baja Mexico, where you spend one day on board the ship followed by a day-long visit to scenic Ensenada.
Eat your heart out with everything from the perfect Guy Fieri burger to gourmet options at The Chef’s Table. Kids will love the Build-a-Bear Workshop® at Sea, while the Serenity Adult Only Retreat is the perfect place to soak up some peace and quiet.
Once you dock in Ensenada, be sure to enjoy the shore excursions designed to give you a true taste of Mexico. Wine lovers won’t want to miss the Wine Country Tour, which lets you take home a bottle for free. You also won’t want to miss La Bufadora, one of Ensenada’s most famous locations.
The booming geyser is the highlight of a tour that highlights the area’s unique history and culture.
4. Galveston, TX to the Western Caribbean
Looking for last-minute cruises from Galveston? No problem! Hop onboard Carnival Dream® for a four-day trip to Cozumel in the Western Caribbean. This ship is a foodie’s dream, with a steakhouse, sushi joint, barbecue restaurant and more just waiting for you to pull up a chair.
You can also relax like a pro at the Cloud 9 Spa, where the soothing Hydrotherapy pool will make you say “aah.”
Labor Day weekend cruises wouldn’t be complete without a healthy dose of adrenaline-pumping adventure. The Adventure Jeep and Snorkel excursion takes you off road through Punta Sur Park, where you’ll enjoy catching glimpses of local wildlife before diving into the clear Caribbean for snorkeling.
5. Miami, FL to the Bahamas
Carnival last-minute cruises are also available from Miami to the Bahamas on Carnival Victory®. Enjoy a day at sea, where you can take full advantage of the ship’s world-class amenities. See if lady luck is on your side at the South China Sea Casino, where you can win big at poker, blackjack, roulette or craps.
Kids — and the young at heart — can get their game faces on at the Virtual Sea Arcade, too.
You’ll also spend a blissful day in Nassau, where you can have a wet and wild time at . World-class water slides, a designated children’s area and a habitat for over 250 marine species makes for an unforgettable day in the Bahamas.
Create a Summer to Remember
There are so many excellent cruises available to celebrate Labor Day, so why not dive-in and start planning your trip? Take advantage of our Labor Day sale today, and enjoy an extended summer. Now is the best time to secure your spot on one of our tropical cruises.
Whether you’re looking for last minute Galveston cruises or a trip to Mexico, we’ve got exactly what you need to create a memorable end to your summer.
Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.