By: Staff Writer
January 19, 2021
Beyond the balmy breezes and crystalline waters of the Caribbean, the vibrant cultures of the islands await to be discovered on a Holland America Line cruise during the 2021-2022 season. Ranging from seven to 21 days, guests will have their pick of six of the line’s premium, mid-sized ships — including Rotterdam in its debut season in the Caribbean — all conveniently sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Holland America Line’s vast offerings between October 2021 and April 2022 feature three- to 14-day itineraries to the eastern, western and southern regions of the Caribbean, including sailings that spend a day discovering the Panama Canal. In addition to Rotterdam, guests can choose a Caribbean cruise on Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam and one holiday sailing on Zaandam.
Half Moon Cay: Best Private Island & Highest Rated Caribbean Port
All of the itineraries include a call at Half Moon Cay, affording guests more opportunities to experience Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. Both Porthole Cruise Magazine and Travel Weekly readers have named Half Moon Cay the industry’s Best Private Island, and it is Holland America Line’s highest-rated Caribbean port call by its guests. This quintessential and quaint sanctuary has evolved into a playground for cruise guests and features the finest beaches in the Caribbean; a natural 700-acre lagoon; two-story villas and private cabanas; delicious dining venues like Lobster Shack; a children’s waterpark; and a variety of fun-filled shore excursions for nature lovers, adventurous travelers and explorers.
Maiden Season in the Caribbean for Rotterdam
Holland America Line’s newest ship kicks off the Caribbean season with three- and four-day samplers. The four-day departs Nov. 3 and calls at Half Moon Cay and Key West Florida, and the three-day departs Nov. 7 and calls at Half Moon Cay. With the most varied options of the season, Rotterdam will then sail a series of cruises that include tropical, western, eastern and southern itineraries ranging from six to 11 days.
Holland America Line’s ships explore the treasures of the Caribbean on a variety of routes:
Bahamas Sampler:
Ports: Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas
Length: Three, four or five days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam
Eastern Caribbean:
Ports: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Half Moon Cay
Length: Seven days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam
Western Caribbean:
Ports: Combination of Belize City, Belize; Falmouth and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Half Moon Cay, Nassau
Length: Seven or eight days
Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam
Southern Caribbean:
Ports: Combination of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Bridgetown, Barbados; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curaçao; Philipsburg, Sint Maarten; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Castries, Saint Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe; Saint Georges, Grenada; Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; Half Moon Cay, San Juan, St. Thomas
Length: Seven, nine, 10, 11 or 14 days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam
Tropical Caribbean:
Ports: Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay,
Length: Six or seven days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam
Partial Panama Canal:
Ports: Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Aruba, Curaçao, Half Moon Cay, Panama Canal partial transit (Gatun Lake/scenic cruising)
Length: 10 or 11 days
Ship: Eurodam
Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages
Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than if booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 13 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.
Celebrate the Season with a Festive Holiday Cruise
Travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays have nine holiday sailings to choose from that range from seven to 14 days; Holiday Collectors’ Voyage extend up to 21 days.
During holiday cruises, guests can take part in a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, enjoy caroling and sing-alongs, participate in Hanukkah celebrations, indulge in traditional holiday meals with all the trimmings and a special Royal Dutch High Tea with fanciful holiday cookies and pastries. Kids will delight in a visit from Santa Claus and holiday-themed crafts. The New Year’s Eve sailings are the ideal setting to ring in a new year, featuring a festive holiday ball with a Champagne toast.
Delve Deeper Into Caribbean Life
Throughout each cruise, EXC programming brings the Caribbean’s local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life. Guests who want to learn more about the region can attend an EXC Talk on topics ranging from “The Caribbean Spirit: The Story of Rum” to “The Deep Blue: Life Below the Water’s Edge.” Foodies can head to a Port to Table cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare, or participate in an exclusive culinary-themed shore excursion in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine showcasing the region’s food scene from a local perspective.
Take Advantage of View and Verandah Offer
Book by Feb. 28, 2021, and take advantage of the ‘View & Verandah’ offer that includes stateroom upgrades, free beverages, one-night specialty dining, 10% off shore excursions and more. Savings with the “View and Verandah” Big Event is valued at up to $3,800 per stateroom, depending on length of cruise and category booked. Caribbean cruise pricing starts at $699 per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day sailing. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.