LIFE'S A TRIP 365 PRESENTS OUR 3RD ANNUAL CARIBBEAN GROUP CRUISE - ICONIC CARIBBEAN
JANUARY 30, 2027 - FEBRUARY 06, 2027
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Life's A Trip 365 Group Cruise
Welcome to our biggest group cruise yet aboard the incredible Icon of the Seas!
First and foremost, thank you for choosing to travel with Life's a Trip 365. We are excited to share this adventure with all of you.
Over the next seven nights, we'll explore beautiful tropical destinations, enjoy world-class entertainment, indulge in amazing food and drinks, and create memories that will last long after we've returned home. From relaxing sea days and breathtaking island views to unforgettable sunsets and spontaneous adventures, this week is all about having fun and making the most of every moment. We look forward to meeting new friends, reconnecting with familiar faces, and celebrate an amazing week together.
January 29, 2027 Arrival Day Miami, Florida
Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon
Many of our guests will arrive in Miami the day before the cruise to avoid travel delays and start the vacation early.
For guests staying at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon prior to the cruise, please review the following helpful information to help plan your arrival and stay.
Early Check-In
For those with early flights, early check-in is available based on hotel availability and additional fees apply:
- Before 7:00 AM: Full day fee
- 7:00 AM–9:00 AM: $70
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: $35
If your room is not ready upon arrival and/or you prefer not to pay for early check-in, the hotel can store your luggage with the concierge until your room is available.
Miami International Airport Shuttle
The hotel provides complimentary transportation to and from Miami International Airport.
Upon arrival at MIA, proceed to the Arrival Area on the Lower Level (First Floor) and look for the nearest Hotel Shuttle Bus Zone near doors 1–4, 15, 20, 23, 24, or 28.
Look for the hotel's white and light gray vans displaying the Hilton logo. Please wave to the driver to identify yourself as a Hilton guest.
Please note that the complimentary shuttle accommodates up to 14 guests at a time, so waits may occur during busy periods.
Pool and Jacuzzi
The hotel features a heated pool and jacuzzi, and both the pool and pool bar will be open during our stay.
Dining Options
The hotel has a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you'll have the convenience of dining right at the hotel during your stay if you decide you don't want to leave.
Appetizers will also be available during the hotel's Havana Nights event. Of course, if you'd like to get out and explore, there are also several restaurants within approximately a 20-minute walk, along with plenty of additional dining options just a short Uber ride away.
Looking for Something to Do?
Poolside Meet & Greet
Time: Afternoon/Evening
After checking in and getting settled, feel free to join Life's a Trip 365 poolside for swimming, casual cocktails, and conversation.
There is no formal agenda—just a chance to relax, enjoy the warm Miami weather, and meet some of your fellow cruisers before embarkation day. (Participation Optional)
Havana Nights at the Hotel
Looking for something fun to do the night before we set sail? The Hilton Blue Lagoon will be hosting Havana Nights January 29, 2027, from 5:00 PM–12:00 AM.
Enjoy cocktail specials, Cuban appetizers, and live music at the Cove Bar inside the hotel. For those who are planning to stay close to the hotel that evening, this is a fun option to kick off vacation!
We hope this information helps you plan your arrival and enjoy your pre-cruise stay in Miami!
Boarding & Bubbles
January 30, 2027
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Hotel Lobby
Before heading to the cruise terminal, join us for a complimentary champagne toast as we officially kick off our vacation!
Important Reminders:
✓ Bring ALL luggage downstairs with you
✓ Attach cruise luggage tags before coming down
✓ Have your passport and travel documents ready
✓ Keep medications, electronics, chargers, travel documents, valuables, and other essentials in your carry-on bag
✓ Do NOT place important items in checked luggage
Shuttle Departure:
Shuttle Price - $17.00 per person/per one way - Payable to Life's a Trip 365 PRIOR to October 16, 2027. Please reach out to me to arrange for payment.
Our private shuttle will depart promptly at 8:30 AM.
Please be on time. Unfortunately, the shuttle cannot wait for late arrivals and anyone who is late will not receive a refund and will be responsible to get to the port on their own. The early departure was recommended by the transportation company due to Miami traffic and port congestion.
Embarkation Day
Before enjoying the ship, complete the safety briefing through the Royal Caribbean app. This can be completed up to 24 hours prior to the cruise. Once on board, visit your assigned muster station to check in. I will be available to help anyone needing assistance for this.
This only takes a few minutes and gets an important responsibility out of the way so you can fully enjoy your vacation.
If you are traveling with food allergies, please visit the main dining room upon embarkation. You will need to let the staff know your specific allergies so they have adequate time to accommodate you. You will then be presented each night with the next evenings menu so your food is always prepared separately. Please note that Royal Caribbean takes food allergies very seriously.
If you purchased a specialty dining package prior to the cruise, head to the nearest specialty dining venue, or the main dining room, as soon as possible to make reservations for the nights you'd like to dine.
Popular times fill quickly, and it is on a first come first serve basis.
Vacation mode is officially on! Kick things off with a cocktail from the nearest bar and then head up to the Windjammer Buffet to load up your plate with their Steak and Lobster Buffet. Prefer something else? Your cruise fare also includes great spots like El Loco Fresh, Sorrento's, Park Café, and the AquaDome Market. Grab whatever you're craving, order a celebratory drink, and toast to day one!
All stateroom cabins are closed and will not be available until 1:00pm - 1:30pm. There will be an announcement overhead letting you know when staterooms are open. Use this additional time to grab lunch and explore the ship.
Grab a drink and start exploring the ship! From the multiple bars on the Promenade to one of the many pools, (there are 7 of them, including 2 adult only pools). to the world's largest water park at sea, now is your time to start exploring this iconic vessel.
Try a snack you've never had, or grab a glass of Prosecco while you take a walk through Central Park.
Ride the elevator just to see where it goes, or stop in the AquaDome and check out the beautiful Overlook with the floor to ceiling windows.
Today is all about discovering the world's largest cruise ship and making it your own.
We’re kicking off our cruise with a little fun in the sun! We've reserved a couple of the in-pool daybeds at The Hideaway for embarkation day, and everyone in our group is welcome to come hang out. It’s completely come-and-go with no schedule or pressure. The Hideaway is an adults-only area with an infinity-style pool overlooking the ocean—perfect for relaxing, grabbing a drink, meeting up with friends, and watching Icon of the Seas sail away from Miami! 
Want to join us? Come on over! Want to explore the ship or do your own thing? That’s perfectly fine too. It’s your vacation—enjoy Icon your way! Hideaway is located Aft - Deck 15
Phillipsburg, St. Maarten
February 2, 2027
SeaTrek & St. Maarten Boardwalk
Today Life's a Trip 365 will get to experience the sea like we never have before. We will be able to breathe naturally and take in the beauty of the surrounding scenery! We will be able to walk and breathe on the bottom of the Caribbean sea, just like on the surface.
We'll be transported by boat to our platform in the middle of water where we will be welcome by our enthusiastic team, our guide will explain the tour and divide the group in two, while some of you will enjoy snorkeling for 30 minutes and the other group will enjoy the Sea Trek for 30 minutes. At the end of the snorkeling session, we will return our gear and get ready to enjoy the Sea Trek, while the other group does the opposite.
Once you are ready to do the Sea Trek, you will descend to the seabed. This descent is little by little by a ladder with 20 steps (20 ft), so you become familiarized with the water environment and the use of the Sea Trek helmet. Once you reach the bottom, you will be guided by a path marked by railings, for a more comfortable underwater walk.
After this incredible experience, we will return toward the port area where you can either get back on the ship, go on another excursion or take the water taxi ($7.00 per person) to the Philipsburg Boardwalk. If choosing the Philipsburg Boardwalk...
There you'll have time to:
• Enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants
• Shop for souvenirs and local goods
• Swim at the beach (Lounge chairs for a fee)
• Explore the waterfront
• Grab a cold drink and soak up the island atmosphere
If this is something that interests you, click the Viator link below, and click "SeaTrek Tour St. Maarten." We are reserved for February 2 at 10am.
Looking for Something Different?
St. Maarten offers incredible tours, sailing, beach excursions, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities.
Additional excursion options can be booked using the link below as well.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
February 3, 2027
St. Thomas Island Buggy Adventure
One of the most exciting ways to see St. Thomas is by renting an Island Buggy. These open-air vehicles allow you to explore the island's scenic roads, beaches, and incredible viewpoints at your own pace. To book, simply click the Viator link below.
Cost: Approximately $500 per buggy
Capacity: Up to 4 passengers
Guests may wish to coordinate and split the cost with other travelers.
Looking for Something Different?
St. Thomas offers incredible snorkeling, sailing, beach excursions, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities.
Additional excursion options can be booked using the link below.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
February 5, 2027
Hideaway Beach
Today Life's a Trip 365 will be spending time at Hideaway Beach, Royal Caribbean's adults-only paradise. Designed exclusively for guests 18 and older, Hideaway Beach features:
• Adults-only beach access
• Heated infinity pool with ocean views
• Swim-up bar
• DJ and live entertainment
• Dedicated dining options
• Relaxing beach areas and plenty of loungers
Whether you're looking to party, relax, enjoy a cocktail, or simply soak up the Caribbean sunshine, Hideaway Beach offers the perfect adults-only escape.
CocoCay also offers plenty of included options and other paid for venues as well. Oasis Lagoon, South Beach, and Chill Island are just a few complimentary options. While in addition to Hideaway Beach, there is Coco Beach Club, Up Up and Away, and Royal Caribbean's very own water park. Make this day what you want. It truly is a Perfect Day at CocoCay. For more insight into CocoCay please read my blog: Perfect Day at CocoCay: What’s Free, What Costs Extra & How to Have the Best Day
Final Thoughts
The week will fly by faster than you can imagine. Take lots of photos, meet new people, try something new, and most importantly, enjoy every moment.
Thank you for trusting Life's A Trip 365 with your vacation. We can't wait to sail with you!
See you onboard!
Jackie Ackerman - Life's a Trip 365