Holland America Line, Southern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, December 21, 2024

Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida;

Departure Date: 21 December, 2024;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Volendam;

Duration: 14-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Castries, Bridgetown, St. Georges, Pointe a Pitre, St. Maarten, San Juan, Half Moon Cay, 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 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 3 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 4 St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis

Ships dock directly at the port of Basseterre, allowing for easy and convenient access to the city. Cruise ships usually arrive in the morning, providing ample time to explore this enchanting destination. The average stay in the port is around 8 to 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local sights and activities. The port offers various facilities, including souvenir shops, cafes, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit. The surrounding area is a bustling hub of activity, with local vendors selling handicrafts, and lively markets offering a taste of the local culture.

Day 5 Castries, Saint Lucia

Cruise ships dock right at Port Castries, making disembarkation a breeze. This bustling harbor typically welcomes ships in the morning, providing visitors ample time to explore the city and its surrounding attractions. Within the port area, you'll find La Place Carenage and Pointe Seraphine, two duty-free shopping centers filled with local and international products. Nearby, visitors can indulge in a variety of dining options, offering a delightful array of both international and local Creole cuisine. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, the harbor area brims with engaging activities that promise to kickstart your St. Lucian journey.

Day 6 Bridgetown, Barbados

Ships dock directly at the port of Bridgetown, ensuring easy access to the city. Tendering is not required, allowing for a seamless arrival for cruise passengers. Ships usually arrive in the morning, providing ample time to explore the area's attractions. The average stay in port is around 8 to 10 hours, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and activities. In the port area, you'll find facilities such as shops, restaurants, and restrooms. The surroundings boast picturesque views of the waterfront and bustling streets.

Day 7 St. Georges, Grenada

Ships dock directly at the bustling port of St. George's, allowing for convenient access to all the city has to offer. Most cruise ships arrive in the morning, providing ample time for passengers to explore the island's treasures. With an average stay of around 6-8 hours, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the rich history and indulge in local experiences. The harbor area is well-equipped with facilities such as shops, restaurants, and restrooms. Step outside the port, and you'll find yourself surrounded by charming local markets, inviting cafes, and picturesque streets.

Day 8 Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe

The city's main cruise terminal, Pointe-a-Pitre Harbor, extends a warm welcome to visiting ships that dock directly at the port. The first light of day often sees these majestic vessels arrive, providing passengers ample time to explore the city and its surroundings. In the vicinity of the port, travelers can find a variety of amenities such as restaurants, souvenir shops, and local markets. It's an ideal setting for visitors to spend a relaxing day, take part in organized excursions or plan their own adventure across Guadeloupe.

Day 9 St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean

Cruise ships dock directly at the bustling port of St. Maarten, allowing for convenient access to the city. Ships typically arrive in the morning, providing ample time to explore all that this captivating destination has to offer. The average stay in port is around 6 to 8 hours, giving you the opportunity to indulge in a variety of activities. The port area is brimming with shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a delightful mix of local and international cuisines. The surrounding area is known for its duty-free shopping, with a wide range of products including jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics.

Day 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 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.