Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam will be one of the eight ships cruising to the Caribbean in 2018 and 2019. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
The Avid Traveler
Eight Holland America Line Ships To Sail The Caribbean
More than 100 Holland America Line cruises will visit the Caribbean between October 2018 and April 2019. Ranging from three to 21 days, guests will have their pick of eight of the line's ships including the newest addition to the fleet, Nieuw Statendam.
Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam will be one of the eight ships cruising to the Caribbean in 2018 and 2019. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
Holland America Line's itineraries explore the eastern, western, and southern regions of the Caribbean; some sail to Cuba and others spend a day discovering the Panama Canal. Seven ships will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while Rotterdam takes over the roundtrip Tampa, Florida, departures.
Most Fort Lauderdale departures include a visit to Half Moon Cay, the line's private Bahamian island known for its beaches, shore excursions, cabanas, and child-friendly activities. Caribbean itineraries this season also introduce Nieuw Statendam cruises from three to 17 days.
"The Caribbean continues to be a highly popular destination for both first-time cruisers and repeaters because it offers everything: beautiful scenery, tropical weather, diverse activities, a laid-back atmosphere and welcoming locals who are eager to share their customs and culture," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "By offering more than 100 sailings across eight mid-sized ships, including Nieuw Statendam, we're giving our guests more opportunities to tailor a cruise to their desires."
From October 2018 through April 2019, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Veendam, and Zuiderdam sail more than 100 three- to 14-day cruises that can be combined into longer, back-to-back Collectors' Voyages ranging from 13 to 21 days.
In October 2018, Veendam kicks off the Caribbean season with a series of Cuban Explorer cruises. Guests can choose between a variety of seven-, 10-, 11- and 12-day itineraries through March 2019. Along with Havana and Cienfuegos, Cuba, the ship will call at several other Caribbean ports in Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Mexico. Veendam also offers a seven-day eastern Caribbean Holiday cruise in December and an 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary in January, neither visit Cuba.
Nieuw Statendam will kick off its maiden Caribbean season with a four-day cruise to the Bahamas in December. Following its inaugural Caribbean sailing, the ship will feature seven-day itineraries that offer both eastern and western routes. Nieuw Statendam also will offer a 10-day itinerary in January for guests interested in exploring lesser-visited ports in the Southern Caribbean such as Kralendijk, Bonaire; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Barbados. Other Southern Caribbean itineraries will be available on Nieuw Statendam's sister ship, Koningsdam, beginning in November 2018. Cruisers can choose seven-, 10- and 11-day itineraries.
Guests looking to experience the eastern or western regions of the Caribbean can do so aboard Nieuw Amsterdam on a series of seven-day cruises that showcase each region, featuring calls at St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, Cozumel, Georgetown, Ocho Rios, and more. Similarly, Oosterdam will offer a series of seven-day cruises that spotlight both eastern and western routes, as well as seven-day Tropical Caribbean itineraries that feature calls at ports in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.
Guests looking to explore the Panama Canal can experience a partial transit aboard Zuiderdam, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on 10- and 11-day cruises. The ship visits several Caribbean ports as it makes its way to Gatún Lake, where cruisers will enjoy a day of scenic cruising throughout the canal.
From October 2018 through April 2019 Rotterdam will sail roundtrip from Tampa on eight seven-day western itineraries and five 14-day southern itineraries. The ship will visit ports including Key West; Curaçao; Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Aruba, and St. Lucia.
Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors' Voyages, which offer the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than if booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine back-to-back itineraries, enabling guests to span more than one Caribbean area.
For travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays, a total of 14 holiday itineraries will be offered, ranging from seven to 14 days. Several non-repeating itineraries can be combined to form a longer Holiday Collectors' Voyage that can be extended up to 21 days.
Guests in search of an extended itinerary can opt for Prinsendam's 14-day Caribbean Holiday cruise departing Dec. 21, 2018. The ship calls at ports in the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados, Half Moon Cay, the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
During the holiday cruises, guests can take part in a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, enjoy traditional holiday meals, and indulge in special holiday events. Kids will delight in a visit from Santa Claus and holiday-themed crafts. Hanukkah activities will be available on early December cruises.
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.
Cruise fares for Caribbean cruises begin at $499. All rates are per person, double occupancy. Several dates are eligible for the Explore4 promotion: Guests booking any category stateroom will receive a Signature Beverage Package valued at $1,400 per stateroom (based on a 14-day cruise), dinner at the Pinnacle Grill for two, free or reduced cruise fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom, and 50 percent reduced deposits. Guests receive all benefits when bookings are made by Nov. 19, 2018. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional.
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