Holland America Line, Ultimate Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, January 4, 2025

Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida;

Departure Date: 4 January, 2025;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Volendam;

Duration: 21-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Amber Cove, San Juan, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, Roseau, Castries, Bridgetown, St. Georges, Kingstown, Bonaire, Aruba, Ocho Rios, George Town, Key West, 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 Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Amber Cove is a cruise port that opened in 2015, and it has since become a favorite stop for many cruise lines. The port is located in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, near the town of Puerto Plata. Ships dock directly at the port, providing easy access for passengers. They typically arrive in the morning, allowing ample time to explore the area. Ships usually stay in port for approximately eight hours, giving visitors plenty of time to discover the attractions. At the port, you can indulge in various activities such as lounging by the pool, exploring the shops and boutiques, or savoring delightful cuisine at the restaurants. Additionally, you'll find facilities like restrooms, Wi-Fi, and even a transportation service to nearby destinations. There are also plenty of amenities such as restrooms and currency exchange services.

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 Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Ships dock directly at the port of Tortola, allowing for easy access to the island. Tendering is not required, ensuring a smooth arrival for cruise passengers. Ships typically arrive in the morning, providing ample time to explore the island's wonders. The average stay in port is around 6 to 8 hours, allowing for a variety of activities. In the port area, you'll find facilities such as shops, restaurants, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit. The surroundings offer picturesque views, local vendors selling handicrafts, and nearby attractions.

Day 5 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 6 Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Ships gracefully dock at the port of St. John's, providing easy access for cruise ship passengers to explore this charming city. Ships typically arrive in the morning, allowing visitors ample time to discover the treasures of St. John's. With an average stay of approximately eight to ten hours, you have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of activities at the port. Explore the colorful markets, shop for local crafts and souvenirs, sample delectable cuisine at the waterfront restaurants, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the marina. The port offers convenient facilities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi access, and transportation services for easy exploration of the surroundings.

Day 7 Roseau, Dominica

When you arrive in Roseau, you'll dock at the port, allowing for easy access to the city's vibrant atmosphere. Cruise ships typically arrive in the morning, giving you a full day to explore the wonders of Roseau. With an average stay of 8 to 10 hours, you'll have ample time to venture into the heart of the city and experience its charm. The port offers modern facilities, including shops, restaurants, and restrooms, ensuring your comfort during your visit. Surrounding the harbor, you'll find picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush, mountainous landscapes that define Dominica.

Day 8 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 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 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 11 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 12 Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Docking directly at Kingstown Harbor, cruise ships are greeted by a lively cityscape. A typical day in this harbor begins in the early morning, offering a full day of adventure and discovery to its guests. The port area is a bustling hub, with a variety of facilities including shopping centers, eateries, and services for tourists. Kingstown Harbor does not only facilitate your entry into this tropical paradise, but it also ensures your stay is comfortable, engaging, and utterly unforgettable. Whether you're shopping for local crafts, sampling Creole cuisine, or planning your city exploration, everything starts at this bustling port.

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 Bonaire, ABC Islands

Ships dock directly at the port of Kralendijk, ensuring easy access for cruise ship passengers. No tenders are required, allowing for a seamless disembarkation process. Ships usually arrive in the morning, providing ample time to explore the wonders of Bonaire. With an average stay of approximately eight hours, visitors have the opportunity to indulge in various activities at the port. Explore the vibrant waterfront area, visit local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs, or savor authentic Caribbean cuisine at waterfront restaurants. The port offers facilities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi access, and transportation services for convenient exploration of the island and its surroundings.

Day 15 Aruba, ABC Islands

As cruise ships arrive in Aruba, they dock at the port Oranjestad, providing easy access for passengers to embark on their island explorations. Ships usually arrive in the morning, allowing ample time to discover the wonders of Aruba. The port can accommodate large cruise ships and is equipped with modern facilities, including a duty-free shopping center, restaurants, and restrooms. The port is within walking distance of the city's main attractions, making it easy to explore the city on foot. With an average stay of eight hours, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the island's treasures and create lasting memories.

Day 16 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 17 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 18 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 19 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 20 Key West, Florida

At the bustling port of Key West, cruise ships dock directly, allowing passengers to disembark and experience the city's attractions within a matter of minutes. Ships often arrive early in the morning, providing travelers a full day to delve into the delights of Key West. Visitors are treated to a plethora of dining options, shopping opportunities, and local attractions within close proximity to the harbor. One can start their exploration right from the vibrant Mallory Square located adjacent to the port, well known for its mesmerizing sunset celebrations and lively street performances.

Day 21 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.