7-Day Western Caribbean
Starting from
$379*
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
Ship: ms Nieuw Statendam
Departure Date :
Itinerary
Day Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USDeparts 05:00 PM
"Shimmering blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft ocean breezes greet you in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where you'll find yourself somewhere between laid-back island time and the fast pace of a thriving city. In this sun-filled, year-round beach town, pristine beaches are the main attraction, shorts and flip-flops are the daily uniform, and yachts are often the preferred form of transportation. It's a place where you can do as much, or as little, as you desire. Because of its many canals and waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is sometimes called the Venice of America. It's home to the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the world. Visitors can easily get a taste of the area's nautical lifestyle by cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. Other options include hopping aboard one of the popular water taxis or Venetian gondolas that glide down the historic New River, which flows right through town. "
"Shimmering blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft ocean breezes greet you in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where you'll find yourself somewhere between laid-back island time and the fast pace of a thriving city. In this sun-filled, year-round beach town, pristine beaches are the main attraction, shorts and flip-flops are the daily uniform, and yachts are often the preferred form of transportation. It's a place where you can do as much, or as little, as you desire. Because of its many canals and waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is sometimes called the Venice of America. It's home to the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the world. Visitors can easily get a taste of the area's nautical lifestyle by cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. Other options include hopping aboard one of the popular water taxis or Venetian gondolas that glide down the historic New River, which flows right through town. "
Day Half Moon Cay, BahamasArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM L
"If you've ever dreamed of the castaway experience or having a private island of your ownand who hasnt, at least once?Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas offers the opportunity to fulfill that fantasy. Also known as Little San Salvador Island, Half Moon Cay is located 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Nassau. In 1996, Holland America Line purchased the island and decided to set aside most of it as a protected wildlife sanctuaryonly two percent of the island has been developed. This is especially appreciated by photographers and bird-watching enthusiasts as they explore the preserve and its variety of species. At 10 square kilometers (four square miles), the island is small enough that you can see it all in a day, yet large enough to offer a range of activities: horseback riding, snorkeling with stingrays, a range of water sports and, of course, simply lounging on the beach while taking occasional dips in the clear sea to cool off. At the islands Straw Market, you can shop for crafts made in the Bahamas, while the waterfront bars and Tropics Restaurant are ready to serve you a meal or drink when you've finished surveying your private paradise. "
"If you've ever dreamed of the castaway experience or having a private island of your ownand who hasnt, at least once?Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas offers the opportunity to fulfill that fantasy. Also known as Little San Salvador Island, Half Moon Cay is located 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Nassau. In 1996, Holland America Line purchased the island and decided to set aside most of it as a protected wildlife sanctuaryonly two percent of the island has been developed. This is especially appreciated by photographers and bird-watching enthusiasts as they explore the preserve and its variety of species. At 10 square kilometers (four square miles), the island is small enough that you can see it all in a day, yet large enough to offer a range of activities: horseback riding, snorkeling with stingrays, a range of water sports and, of course, simply lounging on the beach while taking occasional dips in the clear sea to cool off. At the islands Straw Market, you can shop for crafts made in the Bahamas, while the waterfront bars and Tropics Restaurant are ready to serve you a meal or drink when you've finished surveying your private paradise. "
Day At Sea
Day Ocho Rios, JamaicaArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"On his fourth voyage, Columbus was marooned for a year outside of Ocho Rios on Jamaicas north coast. You may imagine that the explorer gave the town its name after finding eight rivers here, but surprisingly that isn't its origin: It's a corruption of a word for waterfalls, of which there are manyfar more than eight. Anyway, if you want to talk like a local, just call it Ochi. In the last century, the north coast was a favorite of literary and Hollywood figures from Noël Coward to Errol Flynn. The first Bond film, Dr. No, was shot here, while creator Ian Fleming lived near Ochi at his Goldeneye estate. Visitors to Jamaica today are likely to think of reggae first, of course, and Bob Marley was born right here in the St. Ann Parish. The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, held at various venues in May and June, is a big draw as well. The area near Ochi has seen significant upgrades to its ports and roads in recent years, and getting around to check out this part of Jamaica is much easier than it was in the past. The nearby region is one of the islands finest for nature hikes among all the plants that provide the spices and fruits that go into making Jamaican cooking so outrageously delicious. "
"On his fourth voyage, Columbus was marooned for a year outside of Ocho Rios on Jamaicas north coast. You may imagine that the explorer gave the town its name after finding eight rivers here, but surprisingly that isn't its origin: It's a corruption of a word for waterfalls, of which there are manyfar more than eight. Anyway, if you want to talk like a local, just call it Ochi. In the last century, the north coast was a favorite of literary and Hollywood figures from Noël Coward to Errol Flynn. The first Bond film, Dr. No, was shot here, while creator Ian Fleming lived near Ochi at his Goldeneye estate. Visitors to Jamaica today are likely to think of reggae first, of course, and Bob Marley was born right here in the St. Ann Parish. The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, held at various venues in May and June, is a big draw as well. The area near Ochi has seen significant upgrades to its ports and roads in recent years, and getting around to check out this part of Jamaica is much easier than it was in the past. The nearby region is one of the islands finest for nature hikes among all the plants that provide the spices and fruits that go into making Jamaican cooking so outrageously delicious. "
Day Georgetown, Cayman IslandsArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
"The Cayman Islands have everything you would want from a Caribbean destinationwarm breezes, clear seas and a laid-back attitudebut the archipelago also has something you might not expect: an exciting culinary scene. Between the celebrity chefs whove set up shop on Grand Cayman and the 135 or so resident nationalities that have helped season the islands giant melting pot, this is, hands down, one of the best places to eat in the Caribbean. In and around George Town, the Cayman Islands' capital, youll find such an amazing array of culinary offerings, youll fear for the future of any buttons, snaps or hooks on your waistband. And thats where the islands other chief pleasures come in: Theres enough walking (whether along the fabled Seven Mile Beach, around historic sites or through lush gardens) as well as stunning swimming, snorkeling and diving to be done to counter the effects of . . . So. Much. Good. Food. Or at least you can begin to. Oh, and one warning: Should you wind up at Rum PointGrand Caymans castaway beach imagotheres a good chance your ship is, by your own design, sailing without you. "
"The Cayman Islands have everything you would want from a Caribbean destinationwarm breezes, clear seas and a laid-back attitudebut the archipelago also has something you might not expect: an exciting culinary scene. Between the celebrity chefs whove set up shop on Grand Cayman and the 135 or so resident nationalities that have helped season the islands giant melting pot, this is, hands down, one of the best places to eat in the Caribbean. In and around George Town, the Cayman Islands' capital, youll find such an amazing array of culinary offerings, youll fear for the future of any buttons, snaps or hooks on your waistband. And thats where the islands other chief pleasures come in: Theres enough walking (whether along the fabled Seven Mile Beach, around historic sites or through lush gardens) as well as stunning swimming, snorkeling and diving to be done to counter the effects of . . . So. Much. Good. Food. Or at least you can begin to. Oh, and one warning: Should you wind up at Rum PointGrand Caymans castaway beach imagotheres a good chance your ship is, by your own design, sailing without you. "
Day Cozumel, MexicoArrives 11:00 AM Departs 11:00 PM
Cozumel, an island in the Caribbean off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, draws scuba divers, snorkelers and seekers of sand and sun who are attracted by the reliably sunny and tropical climate. The island and its environs also offer all other manner of on- and around-the-water attractions, many of which are quite unique, such as underwater sculpture gardens, a submarine excursion to see a shipwreck and a sailboat-racing experience that's second only to the America's Cup. For visitors who are intrigued by Mexico's Maya culture, there are several archaeological sites in and around Cozumel, including the UNESCO-inscribed Chichén Itzá and, on Cozumel itself, San Gervasio, once a site where women made offerings to the goddess of fertility and childbirth. When you're done sightseeing, there's shopping for traditional Mexican crafts, jewelry and leather goods, including custom-made sandals, and excellent food (the seafood, of course, is stellar).
Cozumel, an island in the Caribbean off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, draws scuba divers, snorkelers and seekers of sand and sun who are attracted by the reliably sunny and tropical climate. The island and its environs also offer all other manner of on- and around-the-water attractions, many of which are quite unique, such as underwater sculpture gardens, a submarine excursion to see a shipwreck and a sailboat-racing experience that's second only to the America's Cup. For visitors who are intrigued by Mexico's Maya culture, there are several archaeological sites in and around Cozumel, including the UNESCO-inscribed Chichén Itzá and, on Cozumel itself, San Gervasio, once a site where women made offerings to the goddess of fertility and childbirth. When you're done sightseeing, there's shopping for traditional Mexican crafts, jewelry and leather goods, including custom-made sandals, and excellent food (the seafood, of course, is stellar).
Day At Sea
Day Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USArrives 08:00 AM
"Shimmering blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft ocean breezes greet you in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where you'll find yourself somewhere between laid-back island time and the fast pace of a thriving city. In this sun-filled, year-round beach town, pristine beaches are the main attraction, shorts and flip-flops are the daily uniform, and yachts are often the preferred form of transportation. It's a place where you can do as much, or as little, as you desire. Because of its many canals and waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is sometimes called the Venice of America. It's home to the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the world. Visitors can easily get a taste of the area's nautical lifestyle by cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. Other options include hopping aboard one of the popular water taxis or Venetian gondolas that glide down the historic New River, which flows right through town. "
"Shimmering blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft ocean breezes greet you in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where you'll find yourself somewhere between laid-back island time and the fast pace of a thriving city. In this sun-filled, year-round beach town, pristine beaches are the main attraction, shorts and flip-flops are the daily uniform, and yachts are often the preferred form of transportation. It's a place where you can do as much, or as little, as you desire. Because of its many canals and waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is sometimes called the Venice of America. It's home to the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the world. Visitors can easily get a taste of the area's nautical lifestyle by cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. Other options include hopping aboard one of the popular water taxis or Venetian gondolas that glide down the historic New River, which flows right through town. "