14-Day Western & Tropical Caribbean Holiday
Starting from
$1,519*
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
Ship: ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Departure Date :
Optional tours are available from most ports for an additional charge.
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 05:00 PM
"If you've ever dreamed of the castaway experience or having a private island of your ownâand who hasn't, at least once?âHalf 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 sanctuaryâonly 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 island's 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 ownâand who hasn't, at least once?âHalf 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 sanctuaryâonly 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 island's 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 Falmouth, JamaicaArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"As claims to fame go, this one is pretty cool: The world's fastest man ever, Usain Bolt, was raised just outside of the northern Jamaica town of Falmouth and went to school there. Centuries earlier, the coastal town was best known as one of the Caribbean's most prosperous towns, its wealth based on sugar, coffee and rum though all of those were surpassed by the slave trade. By the mid-19th century, however, economic decline was swift, and the once-bustling harbor fell into disuse. Today, its waterfront district with the stone St. Peter's Anglican Church is a National Heritage Site, and the outlying area is filled with historic buildings such as the Green Park Great House, once owned by the great-grandfather of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Falmouth is described as one of the Caribbean's best-preserved Georgian towns, but not all is well. The humid Caribbean climate wreaks havoc on wooden homes, and many are in dire need of upkeep. Thankfully, the World Monuments Fund has helped, and the town is the perfect place to dream about picking up a fixer-upper on a heritage walking tour. Falmouth is also a great starting point for visiting any of the towns along the north coast, from Montego Bay to the west and Ocho Rios to the east. "
"As claims to fame go, this one is pretty cool: The world's fastest man ever, Usain Bolt, was raised just outside of the northern Jamaica town of Falmouth and went to school there. Centuries earlier, the coastal town was best known as one of the Caribbean's most prosperous towns, its wealth based on sugar, coffee and rum though all of those were surpassed by the slave trade. By the mid-19th century, however, economic decline was swift, and the once-bustling harbor fell into disuse. Today, its waterfront district with the stone St. Peter's Anglican Church is a National Heritage Site, and the outlying area is filled with historic buildings such as the Green Park Great House, once owned by the great-grandfather of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Falmouth is described as one of the Caribbean's best-preserved Georgian towns, but not all is well. The humid Caribbean climate wreaks havoc on wooden homes, and many are in dire need of upkeep. Thankfully, the World Monuments Fund has helped, and the town is the perfect place to dream about picking up a fixer-upper on a heritage walking tour. Falmouth is also a great starting point for visiting any of the towns along the north coast, from Montego Bay to the west and Ocho Rios to the east. "
Day Georgetown, Cayman IslandsArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
"The Cayman Islands have everything you would want from a Caribbean destinationâwarm breezes, clear seas and a laid-back attitudeâbut the archipelago also has something you might not expect: an exciting culinary scene. Between the celebrity chefs who've set up shop on Grand Cayman and the 135 or so resident nationalities that have helped season the island's 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, you'll find such an amazing array of culinary offerings, you'll fear for the future of any buttons, snaps or hooks on your waistband. And that's where the island's other chief pleasures come in: There's 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 PointâGrand Cayman's castaway beach imagoâthere's a good chance your ship is, by your own design, sailing without you. "
"The Cayman Islands have everything you would want from a Caribbean destinationâwarm breezes, clear seas and a laid-back attitudeâbut the archipelago also has something you might not expect: an exciting culinary scene. Between the celebrity chefs who've set up shop on Grand Cayman and the 135 or so resident nationalities that have helped season the island's 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, you'll find such an amazing array of culinary offerings, you'll fear for the future of any buttons, snaps or hooks on your waistband. And that's where the island's other chief pleasures come in: There's 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 PointâGrand Cayman's castaway beach imagoâthere's 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 07:00 AM Departs 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 Nassau, BahamasArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
New Providence may not be the largest island in the Bahamas, but it draws the lion's share of visitors from around the worldâand with good reason. For starters, it's home to Nassau, the nation's capital: a bustling harborfront hub whose stately colonial buildings house lively restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. Beyond the downtown area, however, you'll find that plenty of other pleasures beckon. Just across the harbor bridge, for instance, is Paradise Islandâand its dazzling Atlantis casino resort and water park (which you can access with a day pass). More aquatic adventures can be had with snorkeling and glass-bottomed-boat excursions to nearby coral reefs. Interested in Bahamian art and culture? Check out the island's National Art Gallery, Pirates of Nassau Museum and 18th-century colonial forts and monuments. And if you'd rather just relax amid beautiful Caribbean scenery, try wandering through the lush botanicals at Ardastra Gardens or sunbathing on sugary Cable Beach. Whatever you choose to do, though, make sure to sample some of the local culinary specialties like conch fritters or cracked conch. You'll almost certainly find thatâlike the rest of the islandâthey're vibrant and just a little exotic, and leave you wanting more.
New Providence may not be the largest island in the Bahamas, but it draws the lion's share of visitors from around the worldâand with good reason. For starters, it's home to Nassau, the nation's capital: a bustling harborfront hub whose stately colonial buildings house lively restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. Beyond the downtown area, however, you'll find that plenty of other pleasures beckon. Just across the harbor bridge, for instance, is Paradise Islandâand its dazzling Atlantis casino resort and water park (which you can access with a day pass). More aquatic adventures can be had with snorkeling and glass-bottomed-boat excursions to nearby coral reefs. Interested in Bahamian art and culture? Check out the island's National Art Gallery, Pirates of Nassau Museum and 18th-century colonial forts and monuments. And if you'd rather just relax amid beautiful Caribbean scenery, try wandering through the lush botanicals at Ardastra Gardens or sunbathing on sugary Cable Beach. Whatever you choose to do, though, make sure to sample some of the local culinary specialties like conch fritters or cracked conch. You'll almost certainly find thatâlike the rest of the islandâthey're vibrant and just a little exotic, and leave you wanting more.
Day At Sea
Day Amber Cove, Dominican RepublicArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
Located on the Dominican Republic's north coast, the port of Amber Cove, near Puerto Plata, is a new phenomenon. Built in 2015, the area was fashioned as an homage to the country's colonial architecture and features restaurants, bars and shops, as well as an activity center, a pool and cabanas. But it's the neighboring region, known as the Amber Coast for its plethora of the semiprecious stone, that's this port's true draw. Along with golden-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, there's the city of Puerto Plata, one of the Caribbean's oldest, founded in the early 1500s. Another nearby option is Santiago de los Caballeros, known locally as simply Santiago, about an hour's drive from the port. The second-largest city in the Dominican Republic, it is home to excellent museums, historic buildings and cigar and rum makers.
Located on the Dominican Republic's north coast, the port of Amber Cove, near Puerto Plata, is a new phenomenon. Built in 2015, the area was fashioned as an homage to the country's colonial architecture and features restaurants, bars and shops, as well as an activity center, a pool and cabanas. But it's the neighboring region, known as the Amber Coast for its plethora of the semiprecious stone, that's this port's true draw. Along with golden-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, there's the city of Puerto Plata, one of the Caribbean's oldest, founded in the early 1500s. Another nearby option is Santiago de los Caballeros, known locally as simply Santiago, about an hour's drive from the port. The second-largest city in the Dominican Republic, it is home to excellent museums, historic buildings and cigar and rum makers.
Day Grand Turk, Turks and CaicosArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Sugar-white sand, brilliant blue waters, kaleidoscopic sea lifeâall this is plentiful in the Caribbean archipelago nation of Turks & Caicos. Without hyperbole, this is one of the world's most photogenic spots. T&C, as it is sometimes called, is the ultimate fantasy-island destinationâthe screen saver in all its glorious reality. Grand Turk, a jewel of an isle that measures just 18 square kilometers (seven square miles), is awesomely rich in natural wonders. Ringed by translucent warm waters teeming with coral and fish, it's a bonanza for divers, snorkelers and anglers. Of course, you can always simply kick back and just enjoy the view from under a palm tree or beach umbrella. Or explore the fascinating history of Turks & Caicos in its capital, Cockburn Town, which is lined with Bermudan-style buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. "
"Sugar-white sand, brilliant blue waters, kaleidoscopic sea lifeâall this is plentiful in the Caribbean archipelago nation of Turks & Caicos. Without hyperbole, this is one of the world's most photogenic spots. T&C, as it is sometimes called, is the ultimate fantasy-island destinationâthe screen saver in all its glorious reality. Grand Turk, a jewel of an isle that measures just 18 square kilometers (seven square miles), is awesomely rich in natural wonders. Ringed by translucent warm waters teeming with coral and fish, it's a bonanza for divers, snorkelers and anglers. Of course, you can always simply kick back and just enjoy the view from under a palm tree or beach umbrella. Or explore the fascinating history of Turks & Caicos in its capital, Cockburn Town, which is lined with Bermudan-style buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. "
Day At Sea
Day Half Moon Cay, BahamasArrives 08:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM
"If you've ever dreamed of the castaway experience or having a private island of your ownâand who hasn't, at least once?âHalf 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 sanctuaryâonly 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 island's 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 ownâand who hasn't, at least once?âHalf 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 sanctuaryâonly 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 island's 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 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USArrives 07:00 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. "