Holland America Line, Southern / Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, December 4, 2024

Cruising from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida;

Departure Date: 4 December, 2024;

Cruise Line: Holland America Line;

Cruise Ship: Zuiderdam;

Duration: 17-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, Fort Lauderdale, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, 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 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 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 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 4 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 5 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 6 Curacao, ABC Islands

Cruise ships dock right at St. Anna Bay Harbor, conveniently located in the heart of Willemstad. The harbor, with its impressive Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and charming waterfront, welcomes ships early in the morning, allowing passengers a full day to explore the city and surrounding areas. With the city's main attractions within walking distance, it is easy to start your adventure right from the port. The harbor area boasts a range of facilities, including an information center, a variety of restaurants and cafés, and several shops selling local crafts and specialty items. A variety of tours and excursions can also be booked from the harbor, catering to all types of travelers.

Day 7 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 8 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 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 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 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 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 17 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.