Holland America Line, Eastern / Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, December 22, 2024

Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida;

Departure Date: 22 December, 2024;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam;

Duration: 14-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, Half Moon Cay, Fort Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale;

Day 0 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you're planning a Caribbean cruise, the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is an excellent departure point. Fort Lauderdale, Florida is stunning coastal city and a prime departure point for your Caribbean cruise experience. With its picturesque beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and a thriving cruise port, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Day 1 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 2 Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos archipelago

Docking at the Grand Turk Cruise Center is a delightful experience. This state-of-the-art facility accommodates cruise ships seamlessly, and passengers generally disembark in the early morning to maximize their day on this alluring island. The Cruise Center itself is a bustling hub of activity, boasting a swimming pool, the world's largest Margaritaville, duty-free shops, and a beautiful beachfront. The nearby Governor's Beach, famous for its snorkeling opportunities, is an easy walking distance from the port, giving you the perfect start to your island adventure.

Day 3 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cruise ships dock directly at the port of San Juan, offering convenient access for visitors to embark on their city exploration. Ships usually arrive in the morning, allowing ample time to discover the wonders of San Juan. With an average stay of 6 to 8 hours, you'll have the opportunity to explore the port's surrounding area, which boasts a variety of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and amenities to cater to your needs. Take in the scenic views of the harbor, dotted with sailboats and historic landmarks, creating a picturesque setting for your shore excursion.

Day 4 St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI)

Ships dock directly at the bustling port of St. Thomas, allowing for convenient access to the city. Tendering is not required, ensuring a seamless experience for cruise travelers. Ships usually arrive in the morning, providing a full day to explore the island's wonders. The average stay in port is around 8 to 10 hours, giving you ample time to indulge in a variety of activities. The port area offers a range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and restrooms, providing all the essentials for a comfortable visit. The surroundings boast charming streets lined with local vendors, where you can find unique crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Day 5 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 6 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

In contrast to many destinations, large cruise ships do not dock directly at Half Moon Cay due to the island's commitment to environmental preservation. Instead, they anchor offshore and passengers are transported via tender boats, which further adds to the unique adventure. Cruise ships typically arrive in the early morning, giving passengers an entire day to indulge in the island’s beauty and facilities. The harbor area itself is well-equipped with a welcome center, various rental facilities for sports equipment, and a lively marketplace offering local arts and crafts. In addition, several bars and restaurants near the port offer a taste of local Bahamian cuisine and refreshing tropical drinks.

Day 7 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you're planning a Caribbean cruise, the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is an excellent departure point. Fort Lauderdale, Florida is stunning coastal city and a prime departure point for your Caribbean cruise experience. With its picturesque beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and a thriving cruise port, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Day 8 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

In contrast to many destinations, large cruise ships do not dock directly at Half Moon Cay due to the island's commitment to environmental preservation. Instead, they anchor offshore and passengers are transported via tender boats, which further adds to the unique adventure. Cruise ships typically arrive in the early morning, giving passengers an entire day to indulge in the island’s beauty and facilities. The harbor area itself is well-equipped with a welcome center, various rental facilities for sports equipment, and a lively marketplace offering local arts and crafts. In addition, several bars and restaurants near the port offer a taste of local Bahamian cuisine and refreshing tropical drinks.

Day 9 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 10 Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Cruise ships conveniently dock directly at the Ocho Rios port, offering passengers easy access to the heart of the action. Arrival times typically fall in the morning hours, with departures in the evening, ensuring a full day's worth of exploration. The harbor bustles with activity, housing a shopping complex, local craft markets, and a spectrum of eateries offering mouth-watering Jamaican specialties. Additional services such as tour operators and transportation rentals are readily available, making your excursion planning a breeze. The port's strategic location serves as an ideal springboard to some of Ocho Rios' most famous attractions.

Day 11 George Town, Cayman Islands

Due to the delicate nature of the coral reefs surrounding George Town, cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are tendered to the port via smaller vessels. Typically, ships arrive early in the morning and leave in the late afternoon, providing ample time for you to immerse yourself in the numerous activities available. Once ashore, you'll find yourself in close proximity to various facilities including information centers, restaurants serving delightful local cuisine, high-end shops, and various tour operators offering exciting local excursions. From swimming with stingrays to exploring marine life through scuba diving or snorkeling, a plethora of ocean-based adventures can be started right from the port.

Day 12 Cozumel, Mexico

Ships dock directly at the port of Cozumel, making it easy for passengers to disembark and explore. The port can accommodate several ships at once, making it a busy and bustling area. Ships usually arrive in the morning and depart in the early evening, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the island. With an average stay of 8 to 10 hours, you'll have ample opportunity to discover the delights both within the port and its surrounding areas. The port area itself is well-equipped with various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and excursion services, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors.

Day 13 At Sea

During your cruising day, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, exquisite dining options, and an array of onboard activities as you sail forward to the next town or island.

Day 14 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you're planning a Caribbean cruise, the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is an excellent departure point. Fort Lauderdale, Florida is stunning coastal city and a prime departure point for your Caribbean cruise experience. With its picturesque beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and a thriving cruise port, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.