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- Southern Caribbean Cruises
- Featured Ports & Excursions
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Southern Caribbean Cruises
Go off the beaten track and discover a world of surprises
Just when other Caribbean cruise ships are turning back, Holland America Line takes you deeper into the Lesser Antilles and a world of surprises. Discover Europe with a distinct Caribbean twist on French Martinique, British Barbados, and Dutch Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Marvel at St. Lucia's active drive-in volcano and spellbinding twin peaks – the Pitons. Choose a longer Caribbean cruise vacation and experience the engineering feat that is the Panama Canal and the wildly varied flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Our 14- to 28-day Collector's voyages offer a great value and the opportunity to experience the Caribbean as few can.
Click on our new Interactive Map for port details, shore excursions, destination videos and more.
Featured Ports & Excursions
Colorful floating markets, wondrous coral reefs and landscapes dotted with curiously bent divi-divi trees await on this, the "A" of the Netherlands Antilles' famous ABC islands. (Bonaire and Curacao round out the trio.) Sample shore excursions: Natural Wonders of Aruba;Spanish Lagoon Kayak Adventure' Jolly Pirates Sail, Snorkel, Swim & Swing.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
Some say this island is more British than Britain. Here cricket is the national sport, afternoon tea goes without saying and motorists hug left. The friendly island spirit, local rum and fried flying fish are strictly Bajan! Sample shore excursion: Natural Wonders of Barbados; Atlantic Odyssey Submarine; Green Monkey Eco-tour.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
Preservation rules on Bonaire, long known to divers and snorkelers for its pristine, unspoiled reefs and Lac Bay, rated one of the top dive spots in the world. Take in the blush of thousands of pink flamingos at the sanctuary at Pekel Meer, home of the largest colony of flamingos in the Western Hemisphere. Discover the treasures of the quaint capital of Kralendijk. Sample shore excursions: Samur Sail & Snorkel Adventure; Sportfishing; Nature Bike Tour; Mangrove Boating Eco Adventure.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
From Costa Rica's Caribbean coast go in search of iridescent blue morpho butterflies, sloths, turtle nesting grounds and wise old shamans. Explore the capital city of San Jose, where museums beckon and markets burst with luscious local tastes - mangoes, bananas, pineapples, papayas.
Amsterdam-like canals, gabled Dutch colonial buildings, an exotic floating market. This bustling duty-free port has it all. Plus the world-famous Curaçao Liqueur Distillery and an intriguing coral reef teeming with parrotfish and queen angelfish. Sample shore excursions: Curaçao Dolphin Encounter; Curaçao See & Sea Tour; Highlights of Curaçao with Folkloric Show; Canoe Safari; Willemstad Trolley Train.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
The heady scents of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves turn breathing into an exotic experience. Here, too, find mountain waterfalls, white sand beaches and lagoons of mottled blues. Sample shore excursions: Star Wind Catamaran & Snorkel Adventure; Nature Trail & Beach Swim; Island Tour; Grand Etang Lake & Fort Frederick; Rhum Runner Pleasure Cruise.
Holland America Line's pristine private island offers everything you need for a day of play in paradise: a two-mile crescent of perfect beach; an interior lagoon; private beachside cabanas with butler service, showers and misters; and all manner of watersports and activities, including a children's aqua park and a buoyed personal watercraft course. Sample shore excursions: Horseback Riding by Land and Sea; Deep-sea or Flats Fishing; Stingray Adventure; AquaTrax Watercraft Adventure.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
Gatun Lake is key to supplying the water necessary to operate the locks system. Formed by an earthen dam across the Chagres River to keep the water 85 feet above sea level, the water runs downhill to fill the locks. No pumps, no power other than the force of gravity! Fact: It will take about 52 million gallons of water to float your Holland America ship through the locks.
Edenic green jungles, dazzling beaches, a drive-in volcano: This lush isle has it all, plus the spellbinding twin peaks the Pitons. sample shore excursions: St Lucian Heritage; Catamaran to Fond Doux Estate; Horseback Riding Adventure.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
Birthplace of calypso and the steel band. Where the national bird, the ibis, is vibrant red and so is the stately House of Parliament. Sample shore excursions: Port-of-Spain City & Mount St. Benedict Monastery; Asa Wright Nature Center.
Explore unique shopping opportunities available
in this port.
Private Island
Our award winning private island
Half Moon Cay is consistently described by our guests as "the quintessential Caribbean" and is the highest-rated port of call on Holland America Lines Caribbean cruise itineraries. Located on 65 acres of the 2,400-acre Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas,
the island is so unspoiled that the Bahamian National Trust designated Half Moon Cay an international wild bird preserve. As our special guests, we invite you and your family to enjoy a day in our private paradise.
View information about Half Moon Cay: Video Guide
Map
Waterfront Amenities
It's hard to improve a perfect 2-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand and warm turquoise waters, but Holland America Line has added fun and luxurious amenities to ensure the ultimate Caribbean experience.
- Private beachside cabanas with everything you need for an indulgent day in paradise, even optional butler service
- Beachside massages
- Bahamian Chapel, perfect for saying "I do" or "I still do"
- Three Water Sports Centers
- The Half Moon Saloon and "I Wish I Could Stay Here
- "Forever" Bar
New Adventures
As part of its $525 million Signature of Excellence initiative, Holland America Line recently added exciting new activities at Half Moon Cay.
Something for Everyone
Whether you want to parasail, snorkel, stroll barefoot on the beach, lie in a hammock beneath a palm tree or gain insight into Bahamian history and culture, you'll find it at Half Moon Cay.
- A fully-equipped Club HAL children's playground and supervised swimming area
- Interpretive nature trails and birding walks
- Facilities that meet or exceed ADA requirements including trams and special wheelchairs designed for use on the sand
- Bridges across dunes for beach access as well as hard-surfaced and sand pathways connecting venues
- Windsurfing and sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking
- A scenic bicycle tour discovering locations of historic significance
Half Moon Cay is a destination on most Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise itineraries sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Norfolk and New York. Come discover for yourself why Half Moon Cay has received Porthole Cruise Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Award for "Best Private Island" five years in a row.
Protection Plans
Cancellation Protection Plans
CPP Standard Plan
Our Standard Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Standard Plan) will allow you, for any reason, to provide written cancellation up to 24 hours prior to scheduled cruise or cruisetour departure and receive a refund equal to 80% of the eligible amounts paid (90% if you purchased our CPP Platinum Plan). In addition, Holland America Line (HAL) automatically assumes an additional US$500 of liability for lost, damaged or delayed baggage of passengers who purchase the CPP Standard Plan still subject, however, to the limitations in our baggage policies. For example, we do not cover losses while baggage is in the custody of airlines. Please review our Baggage Policy. The CPP Standard Plan is not insurance, is administered by Holland America Line Inc., and may not be available for purchase in some locations outside the U.S. and Canada; it provides no rights other than those explained above. For example, it does not protect double-triple-quad occupancy rates should one or more members of your party cancel, nor does it cover expenses or unused services due to trip interruption. CPP Platinum Plan
Our Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Platinum Plan) enables you to supplement the CPP Standard Plan with enhanced cancellation protection as well as insurance coverage and travel assistance services . For a nominal additional fee, you will receive:
- Pre-departure trip cancellation You may cancel for any reason prior to the scheduled cruise/cruisetour departure and receive reimbursement equal to 90% of the eligible amounts paid to Holland America Line.
- Trip Interruption protection Covers the unused arrangements of your travel and additional traveling expenses to return home, up to 150% of the cruise/cruisetour cost for covered reasons.
- Trip Delay coverage Provides reimbursement for reasonable additional accommodations and traveling expenses if your trip is delayed for covered reasons, up to US$500.
- Baggage protection The Platinum Plan provides an additional $1,000 in coverage if your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged while it is in Holland America Line’s custody and an additional $500 coverage if your baggage is delayed by a common carrier.
- Emergency medical expense You will be reimbursed up to US$10,000 in covered medical services incurred during your trip for any illness or injury first occurring during your trip. In addition, necessary expenses of up to US$50,000 for emergency medical evacuations and repatriations are covered. These are benefits that Medicare and many private insurance plans may not offer, and they are highly recommended for foreign travel.
- 24-Hour emergency hotline assistance Provides around-the-clock help worldwide assistance for legal or medical referrals, lost travel documents, cash transfer or passport assistance.
There are no pre-existing condition limitations in the CPP Platinum Plan! "IMPORTANT NOTE": This is a summary of coverage. Please refer to the Plan Description which contains the details of assistance services and insurance coverage, terms, conditions, exclusions and other applicable limitations. The CPP Platinum Plan is only available for U.S. and Canadian residents. The CPP Standard and CPP Platinum Plans are optional, must be paid at time of deposit and are non-refundable. The per person, per cruise costs for both plans are listed with the cruise fares.
Except for Trip Cancellation, which is reimbursable by Holland America Line, the insurance coverage provided under the CPP Platinum Plan is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc., under policy #HTP04195. This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCare. IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCare is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA Insurance License #0795465. IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCare is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., in all states other than CA, except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NY.
Review Entire Plan Description
updated 01/10
Home City Motor Coach
Easy Come, Easy Go with Home City Motor Coach
Getting to your Holland America ship from Florida has never been easier. Simply meet us at the motor coach departure point nearest your home city and we’ll whisk you – in air-conditioned comfort – to the cruise terminal, where you’ll enjoy prompt embarkation and a warm welcome aboard. At vacation’s end, your exit is just as carefree.
Ask your travel professional about our Home City Motor Coach Program when you book your cruise.
Home City Motor Coach service to Ft. Lauderdale is available from the following cities:
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Clearwater |
| St. Petersburg |
| Bradenton |
| Sarasota |
| Venice |
| Tampa/Brandon |
| Sun City Center |
| Pt. Charlotte |
| Ft. Myers |
| Naples |
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| Daytona |
| Melbourne |
| Vero Beach |
| Ft. Pierce |
| Ocala |
| Lady Lake |
| Leesburg |
| Orlando |
| Stuart |
| West Palm Beach |
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Hotels/Tours
Caribbean Cruise Hotel and Tour Packages
Some of the world's greatest travel highlights are within reach, before or after your cruise. Why not plan a little extra time and extend your experience even further with an expertly guided tour? Or explore at your own pace, with a premium hotel as your home base.
Holland America Line has arranged special pre- and post-cruise hotel packages with properties of exceptional quality. So should you wish to arrive a few days in advance or extend your trip and see a few more of the sights of these world-class cities, we can help arrange stays of one, two or three nights — at very favorable rates.
2009 CARIBBEAN HOTEL PACKAGES Ft. Lauderdale
Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort
Hollywood Beach Marriot San Diego
Sheraton Hotel and Marina Tampa, Florida
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, British Columbia
Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel All transfers, baggage handling gratuities and taxes are included in the priced quoted. Hotels of similar quality may be substituted. Not all hotels can accommodate triples and quads, and when available may consist of two double beds and may not be suitable for three adults. Special requests such as non-smoking, king or double beds, etc., are at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be guaranteed. Guests are responsible for incidentals and meals unless noted otherwise.
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