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Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with an Eastern Caribbean cruise. Island hop to Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. Linger in dynamic San Juan on an evening stay to explore its rich history and natural treasures. Rent a personal cabana on Half Moon Cay, our award-winning private island. Whatever itinerary you choose, sun-soaked relaxation awaits.

Explore Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports

Each Eastern Caribbean cruise destination offers the perfect balance of beach relaxation and sightseeing. Explore the vibrant streets of San Juan,  marvel at the stunning waterfalls in Ocho Rios, or embark on a snorkeling adventure in St. Thomas.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is full of vibrant colors, from its candy-colored homes and 17th-century architecture to its shimmering lagoons and lush rain forests. Taste your way through the city’s extraordinary culinary scene or immerse yourself in its history.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. The town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities to explore natural wonders like Dunn's River Falls and indulge in local cuisine and cultural experiences. 

George Town, Cayman Islands

With a mix of modern amenities, duty-free shopping, and a stunning waterfront, George Town offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and international sophistication. George Town is also a melting pot of culinary offerings, making it one of the best places to eat in the Caribbean.

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

An Eastern Caribbean cruise to St. Thomas is full of surprises. Though the island is known for luxury shopping and dining, it has pristine beaches, some of the area’s highest viewpoints, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

See All Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports

Eastern Caribbean Tours and Excursions

Stunning scenery and incredible adventures await at every turn. Take your pick from our wide array of Eastern Caribbean shore excursions and live your best tropical life.

Bamboo Beach Club Upgraded Experience

Get the VIP beach experience. Relax on padded lounge beds, sip specialty cocktails, and indulge in a four-course lunch as you enjoy your serene surroundings.

Kayak, Hike & Snorkel Cas Cay

Embark on a day of unforgettable adventures in St. Thomas. Take in stunning scenery as you kayak through a lagoon, hike a mangrove forest, and snorkel past colorful marine life. 

A Taste of Cayman

Take in the sights and flavors of beautiful Grand Cayman. Cruise past several famous landmarks on your way to the Seven Fathoms Rum Distillery, where you can sample the island’s award-winning rum. 

Bio-Luminescent Bay Kayak

Kayak through enchanting waters at Laguna Grande of Fajardo. The bay is filled with bio-luminescent organisms that light up as you paddle, producing a glow-in-the-dark effect that’s truly magical. 

Featured Eastern Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Choose your dream cruise, from 7-day getaways to extended voyages, and explore the best that the Eastern Caribbean has to offer.

7-Day Eastern Caribbean

Island hop the Caribbean. Snorkel Turks and Caicos’ vivid reefs, gondola to St. Thomas’ breathtaking Paradise Point, and dip into Half Moon Cay’s Bonefish Lagoon.

14-Day Eastern/Western Caribbean

Leave your cares behind on a sun-soaked Eastern Caribbean cruise. Dive reefs off Grand Turk, meander the cobblestoned Old San Juan, and ride horses into the sea on Half Moon Cay.

18-Day Eastern Caribbean Wayfarer/Eastern Caribbean

Set sail on this spectacular 18-day roundtrip cruise and explore the rainbow reefs off Grand Turk, the blue cobblestones of Old San Juan, and the emerald peaks of St. Thomas.

Explore All Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Eastern Caribbean Travel Tips

Live tropical life to the fullest. Read insider travel tips and recommendations for things to see and do in beloved Eastern Caribbean destinations.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Find out the best time of year to cruise the Caribbean, whether you want to avoid crowds, save money, or enjoy the sunniest days possible.

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Arrive prepared for all your Caribbean adventures with our complete guide on what to bring. 

25 Things To Do on Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is your private island playground. From relaxing activities to unique thrills, here are the top ways to spend your day on the island.

View All Caribbean Cruise Tips and Travel Advice

Experience Utter Bliss on Board

Nieuw Statendam

Nieuw Amsterdam

The Eastern Caribbean Cruise Experience

Enjoy World-Class Dining

Satisfy your every craving with our exquisite on-board dining experiences. Embark on a mouthwatering journey of fine dining, award-winning cocktails, and local flavors.

Add a Resort Stay

Extend your tropical getaway. Add a resort package to your Western Caribbean cruise and indulge in an unforgettable overnight before or after your cruise.

Book Your Flight

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for Caribbean cruises with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

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Caribbean Cruises

Bahamas Cruises  |  Southern Caribbean  |  Tropical Caribbean  |  Western Caribbean

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Holland America: Included Drinks, Tours, Specia...

Holland America Caribbean cruises from $1,669*

Holland America Holiday cruises from $399*

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Holland America Line Caribbean Cruises

Tropical sunsets, beautiful sunrises, and a vacation full of vibrant wildlife and culture awaits you onboard a Holland America Line Caribbean cruise. Each region will relax and delight you, whether you decide upon the exotic luxury of the Southern Caribbean, the vibrant cultures of the Western Caribbean, or the pure tropical perfection of the Eastern Caribbean. Cave explorations in Curacao or a trek through the Mayan ruins of Costa Maya can satisfy your appetite for adventure, a city tour of Old San Juan can satiate your cultural desire. Each day is different, but each day is unforgettable during a Caribbean cruise with Holland America.

Things to Do on a Caribbean Cruise with Holland America Line

With the sun shining and the clear water lapping the shores, you'll have an incredible experience in the Caribbean with Holland America Line. Be sure to get your groove on at a reggae party or river tubing in Dominica. Featured below are just a few of the amazing experiences available to you on a tropical Caribbean escape with Holland America:

• St. Pierre and Rum Distillery ( Fort de France, Martinique) Learn about the production of Agricole Rum, famous in Martinique. You'll also get a chance to try this cane juice rum. Then travel to Saint Pierre where you can visit the Volcano Museum and ride through towns where Christopher Columbus set foot and Paul Gauguin painted. In Bellefontaine there are lots of interesting things to see and observe on this French island, including a house shaped like a boat.  

• Schooner Calypso and Reggae Party (Kingstown, St. Vincent) Stay in the water on this wooden-decked schooner where the reggae music will have you jamming and the Chatoyer rum punch will have you swaying to the groove. During this party sail you'll pass by fishing villages and black sand beaches. Then you'll anchor near the beach and be invited to snorkel in the amazingly clear water.  

• River Tubing, Rainforest Drive and Hibiscus Falls (Roseau, Dominica) Start your day by viewing the Hibiscus Falls, a beautiful spot covered with lush greenery, and then make your way to the river where you'll watch a Carib Native cultural group perform a traditional dance before you head in. As you drift down this peaceful river you'll encounter amazing scenery and wildlife.  

• Clear Kayaking (Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe) See the beautiful underwater life the flourishes off the island of Guadeloupe by venturing out in a clear kayak. You'll venture into Les Saintes Bay where you'll marvel at the variety of fish you can see as you propel yourself out into the peaceful bay.  

• Grand Turk Explorer (Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos) Spend three hours on a guided tour of Grand Turk. On this adventure you'll visit the Grand Turk Methodist Church. You'll also stop by the Salt House where you'll learn about the town's salt industry. Next you'll tour the Grand Turk Botanic Garden, and then go shell hunting on a local beach. Your tour guide will let you know about the variety of shells that are found on the local beaches.  

• A stroll through Frederiksted (Frederiksted, St. Croix) Visit Fort Frederik and the Old Danish School as you wind your way through the streets of this island town. Along the way you'll learn about the Danish and African influences on the town's history and architecture. As you stroll you'll see old Victorian homes and learn about the families that once owned these astounding properties.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Caribbean Cruises

• Zuiderdam 28-day New England Discovery & Perfect Caribbean Escape Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Zuiderdam 35-day Perfect Caribbean Escape & Southern Caribbean Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Oct 2024)
• Zuiderdam 21-day Perfect Caribbean Escape Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Oct 2024)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 7-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Apr 2025)
• Rotterdam 12-day Panama Canal Sunfarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Rotterdam 21-day Panama Canal Sunfarer / Southern Caribbean Seafarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Eurodam 15-day Bahamas Caribbean / Eastern Wayfarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024)
• Eurodam 4-day Private Island & Bahamas Escape Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 7-day Tropical Caribbean Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 14-day Tropical / Eastern Caribbean Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)

Holland America Line Caribbean Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Caribbean cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Caribbean cruise could leave from any of the following cities:

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Photo Gallery for Holland America Line Caribbean Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Caribbean cruising photos from Holland America. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Holland America Caribbean cruise vacation.

Caribbean snorkeling

Garden in Grand Turk

Beach in Guadeloupe

Jungle stream

Beach houses in Martinique

Palm tree in St. Croix

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Review: Caribbean Cruise on Holland America Nieuw Statendam

F or spring break with my college kid this year we headed to the Caribbean. I’ve been on over a dozen cruises with different cruise lines and wanted to see what it was like to cruise the Caribbean with Holland America Line. They’re experts in Alaska cruises, but what is their Caribbean cruise experience like?

I will mention that we were cruising during peak spring break season. Our boat had many more families than I expected! I also chose this cruise because it was visiting some ports of call that I have never been to, so that might appeal to you if you’re comparing cruise options.

Our Holland Cruise Caribbean Itinerary

As I mentioned above, I was excited to have the chance to visit a few islands I haven’t been to before. Here’s what our 7-day cruise itinerary was:

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nassau, Bahamas

• Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Half moon cay, bahamas (private island), our ship: nieuw statendam.

I’ve been on the sister ship to the Nieuw Statendam when I cruised the Koningsdam on my Alaska Cruise with Holland America . So, I felt very comfortable on the ship and became oriented quickly. The ship is considered mid-sized in the industry and can accomodate 2,666 passengers (based on double occupancy).

There are 12 decks, with the main entertainment areas being on decks 2 and 3, and on 9 through 12. There are three elevator/stair sections and it’s quite easy to get around the ship. The ship is also beautifully decorated and has an upscale simplicity. I enjoy that there are many seating areas around the interior of the ship.

The Nieuw Statendam has two pools, including one that is in an atrium of sorts. It has a basketball court where many played pickleball, and a jogging track that is kind of hidden making it less congested than other ships I’ve been on.

One of our favorite features of the ship is the Crow’s Nest lounge where you’ll find lots of seating and games and puzzles, as well as a cafe bar. We spent many hours in this area! They also have an Art Center with big tables in this area and classes are offered each day.

Lastly, there are also four main entertainment venues, the World Stage theater, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, and the Rolling Stones Lounge.

Our Room: Balcony Stateroom Nieuw Statendam

We had a balcony stateroom on the 8th floor. The cabin is pretty standard with the balconies I’ve stayed in on other ships. Our room had a queen/two twin bed split with a loveseat and desk.

There was a mini bar fridge and three drawers in the closet area. There was a small minibar area as well with glasses and an ice bucket. Plus, Holland America does provide blankets in the rooms (in a corner cabinet) that I loved using on our Alaska cruise but didn’t need on our Caribbean one.

Our balcony had two chairs and a table. And the bathroom had a nice sized shower (for a cruise ship) but limited storage. However my toiletries bag was able to fit on the slim shelf next to the sink. And there is a shelf below the sink although the space is used for the garbage can, extra TP, and feminine product disposal bags.

There was a hair dryer provided at the desk, which was at the opposite side of the room from the bathroom. And there were plug outlets provided next to the bed and at the desk. When we had the beds separated, the plug outlets on the far bed become covered with pillows from the bed.

Choosing a Cabin / Stateroom Location

In regards to room location, we did hear rolling cart noises when we were in our room (8th floor) as the Lido Market buffet was located above us. We also over looked the life boats below our balcony and had two bumped out sections of the ship to both sides of us, making port views limited but otherwise it was an unobstructed view looking straight out.

When we sailed on the Koningsdam we stayed in a room on deck 6 in this same section of the ship (6146) and found a lot of engine noise and vibration in this area. We also heard a bit more of noise walking to our room from the other parts of the ship on deck 8 of the Nieuw Statendam as well.

The engines must be in this mid-aft area (narrow section) of the ship and the lower you are, the louder and more vibration that will be felt. If I was able to choose my cabin location on one of these Pinnacle Class ships, I would definitely avoid this area if you don’t like vibration and engine noises, especially on lower decks. I would try to book a balcony cabin in the middle or front bumped out sections of the ship.

I would also likely choose deck 7, although being on mid-aft deck 8 was convenient for the buffet, if you don’t mind being underneath the buffet and having rolling cart noises. One area I was thankful not to have a room was the front of the ship on decks 10 and 11. People will leave the sundeck pool area and pass through those room hallways to get to the elevators and I felt there was likely more foot traffic and noise outside these rooms.

Dining Options on the HAL Nieuw Statendam

There are quite a few dining options aboard the Nieuw Statendam, and they’re the same as their sister ships like the Koningsdam. The food is pretty standard for what I’ve experienced aboard other cruise lines and all-inclusive properties. The food at the specialty restaurants was certainly better than our dining room experiences.

My daughter was disappointed that there were no lobster nights in the main dining area beyond paying an additional fee. Which is getting very common with many cruise lines these days.

Something nice about Holland America is that you can choose what type of dining schedule you want. They offer a set dining time at 530 pm and 715 pm if you’re the type who enjoys dining at the same time every day. But they also have an As You Wish dining option which allows you to show up whenever you want to the dining room. If it’s during peak dining hours you might have a small wait but it’s negligible.

I will say that the portions were on the small side, which was fine with us since we never felt like we left hungry and we both appreciate not wasting food. :) There is only one main dining room for guests, unless you’re Club Orange level as those guests have a private dining room.

My biggest disappointment with the main dining room on the Nieuw Statendam (and Koningsdam) was the size and loudness of the dining room. It has two levels, but the upper level is reserved for the set-time diners, and the As You Wish diners are placed in the lower level of the dining room.

There are bussing stations mixed in with crowded tables and it’s a cacophony of noise that was an issue for me as I have sound sensitivity issues. This is something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to loud dining spaces.

I will say that the hostesses worked their hardest to help accommodate me by finding tables towards the back and not near bussing stations, but those did come at their own expense as we felt the service was slow and neglected when seated there.

Complimentary Restaurants

These are the restaurants that are complimentary on the Nieuw Statendam. I’m happy to note that room service is included! Which is becoming less common on other mainstream cruise lines.

Dining Room

The dining room is located on decks 2 and 3 at the back of the ship. The deck 3 dining room is for the set-time diners and is open/empty in the middle with a staircase and overlook to the deck 2 dining room. The tables are pretty crowded, but they may remove some when the ship isn’t so full? As I mentioned above, we were cruising during spring break (end of March) and I believe the ship was very full.

Menus at the Dining Room vary each evening but also have a few items that are available every night. There was one evening that was a special chef curated menu and had some really upscale dishes and made that night feel different than the others.

Dress codes are not necessarily enforced, but I would say the MAJORITY of cruise guests in the dining room did dress according to the theme, i.e. Orange Night, Dressy, Casual.

Keep in mind that the Dining Room is only available for breakfast and dinner (at least on our cruise). For lunch you’ll have to go with one of the other options.

Lido Market

This is the buffet for the ship and is located on deck 9. I love that Holland America has many of the dishes served by workers and limits the amount exposure spread by public hands. However, there are no workers encouraging hand washing or sanitizer at the entry and I saw many people walk into the buffet without cleaning their hands.

Dishes vary from themed cuisines like stir fry and tacos with classics like salads, meat carving, and of course desserts. I do think that the buffet is a bit smaller than I am used to on larger ships, and overall seems to have good options but they might get repetitive over a weeklong cruise.

There are water, lemonade, and iced tea available for free and servers come to your table to serve you complimentary drinks or take your room key to get your premium beverage from the bar.

French fry lovers, this is a must visit for you! This burger and fry pool joint is very popular with families and Lizzy and I both fell in love with their french fries and secret sauce. The burgers were just ok.

New York Deli & Pizza

We really loved the pizzas here, they’re a great lunchtime meal. You can order one of their menu pizzas or build your own. They are thin crust pizzas. You can also get salads here, but the serving size is very small.

Room Service

As I mentioned above, room service is complimentary on Holland America Line. We loved that for the mornings. Each evening a door card is placed on your bed for you to order breakfast room service if you wanted. We did it EVERY day! I also ordered coffee to come earlier as I often woke up early compared to Lizzy.

The breakfast foods were always good. We did try room service once for lunch and the food wasn’t quite as good. It seems that your food will often be delivered early sometimes, but the level of warmth varied.

Additional Charge Restaurants

If you’re looking for some variety, you might consider booking one of the specialty restaurants.

Rudi’s Sel De Mer

Seafood and French-cuisine lovers will enjoy eating here, but it is the most expensive specialty dining add-on at $55 per person.

From Holland: “Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Menu selections include whole Dover sole meunière with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt, oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, and salt-crust baked branzino, as well as favorites such as steak frites, duck cassoulet and coq au vin.”

Pinnacle Grill

Looking for a steakhouse? Pinnacle Grill is where you’ll want to go, plus they have a lower priced lunch option! Dinner is $46 per person and lunch is $19 per person.

“Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes.”

Book an earlier dinner appointment here if you want to eat with a view as this restaurant is situated at the back of the ship next to Tamarind. The menu is al a carte and you can expect to spend about $5 to $15 for rolls and plates.

“Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more.”

Nami Sushi is part of the Tamarind restaurant that sits on deck 10 at the back of the ship. Tamarind does have it’s own menu and is a $35 per person upcharge.

“The sensuous flavors of the Far East await at Tamarind. In this serenely elegant setting, dine on such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster and sushi created from the highest-quality seafood.”

On my most recent cruise we did pay to eat at Canaletto, which is an Italian-inspired menu. The cost is $25 per person, one of the most affordable specialty options. The restaurant is located inside the Lido Market buffet and can offer a fabulous view of sunset if you time your reservation right!

“In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!”

Grand Dutch Cafe

For coffee lovers, your beverage package will include drinks like coffee and beer here otherwise they are an added cost. You’ll also find yummy pastry treats here that are complimentary.

For a small $3 charge you can enjoy some fresh gelato while aboard.

Club Orange Dining Room

Club Orange is an elevated booking option that grants you various luxury services while onboard, like room upgrades and priority embarkation. But you’ll also have access to the small, private Club Orange Dining Room.

Entertainment & Activities

Entertainment shows.

In my opinion, Holland America Line does put an emphasis on live music. There are four main entertainment venues, and three of them focus on music.

For the World Stage shows, I have to admit to being underwhelmed. On our Alaska cruise we had two nights of a fabulous BBC nature instrumental documentary. But for the Caribbean cruise, it was a couple of stage shows and a comedian and we honestly left early from all of them.

Instead of the World Stage we started spending our evenings at the Billboard Onboard Piano Bar. Here two pianists played and sang popular cover songs every evening, and their shows alternated perfectly with the Rolling Stone Lounge across the way where rock music covers were played.

B.B. King’s Blues Club is the other music venue that was the largest one and featured various activities and entertainment during the cruise.

Our Caribbean Shore Excursions

One of the things I’ve noticed most about cruising with HAL is that they price their shore excursions well. Compared to other lines, I feel like they have very little markup on some of the premium excursions.

We stayed onboard and had pre-booked spa appointments – if you book in advance you get a discount. In the past when our girls were younger, we’ve done excursions to Atlantis, which is a big hotel waterpark.

The Bahamas is also famous for the swimming pigs, however the famous Rose Island spot for this is too far from Nassau. Skipping going ashore also offers the best chance to find the pools less busy.

There is currently a US travel advisory for Nassau, so if you’re cruising there and planning to go ashore, be alert to your surroundings and consider booking your excursions directly with the cruise for an added level of safety.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

For this island, we booked a mini electric hummer excursion. We were given a brief tutorial to the vehicle and then played a game of follow the leader around some of the roads of Grand Turk. We pulled over halfway at their “downtown” which was a very limited main street area for shopping.

Our next stop was supposed to be for a wildlife interaction which turned out to be a roadside stop where some locals had a fountain of sorts where they kept sea creatures like urchin, conch, and sea cucumbers to take out and show our group. It was cool to see the animals but just know it’s similar to a zoo experience. Then we all hopped back in the cars to head back to the ship.

While we loved our mini hummer experience, the beaches at Grand Turk looked great. It appeared that there was ample beach space with chair rentals just to the left of the cruise ship dock. I would have likely preferred to visit the beach on this stop as the water was gorgeous and the beaches looked nice. We did our beach day at Amber Cove, DR, which I’ll talk about below.

We booked the All-Inclusive Amber Cove Beach Getaway, and I have a mixed opinion about the experience. You’ll be loaded onto busses from the cruise port and make your way to the resort. TIP: try to be on the first bus as you’ll get first pick of beach chairs. You’ll also be with people who didn’t book the all-inclusive package option and you can upgrade to all-inclusive at check in or on the bus.

When we arrived we immediately headed towards the beach chairs. The location is on a tip of a bay and the water was a bit rough plus we were told not to swim due to riptides and undertows. I’m not sure if it was just due to bad weather or if this is common place as the location is not on a smooth straight section of beach.

With our all-inclusive package, we had a server who introduced himself and checked on us regularly to bring us drinks. We had an umbrella that covered some parts of our chair but definitely had hot sun and we both ended up with some sunburns on our shoulders and my feet!

The service was fabulous at the resort and our package included the lunch time buffet which was actually pretty good food. The resort also had security watching out for us and when my daughter was past the sign, they asked us to come back. So while we never felt unsafe being there, it is something to be mindful of.

If I could do it again, I’d do a beach day at Grand Turk and on the private island and choose a different type of excursion for Amber Cove, DR.

We had booked a clamshell beach chair rental for Holland’s private island of Half Moon Cay, but due to our sunburns from Amber Cove we chose to stay out of the sun and skipped the island. Which I sort of regret!

You do have to tender onto the island from the ship, which I never enjoy. But the island looked absolutely beautiful with turquoise waters and sandy beaches. I wish we didn’t have our sunburns because this would have likely been the best beach day of our trip. Something to note, there is food on the island but your drink package does NOT apply on the island.

Before I get into my spa review, I want to mention that to my knowledge, all cruise spas are run by a third-party company. So my experience isn’t reflective of the Holland America Line, but does reflect what our spa experience was like.

I prebooked a massage and facial for Lizzy and I for our day when we were stopped in Nassau. We’ve visited Nassau before on a cruise stop and felt since we would be dealing with a 3-hour time change, it would be best to avoid an early morning wake up our first day of the cruise. When you prebook a spa service you’re also given a 20% discount on most services.

Lizzy enjoyed her massage, but I was not impressed with my facial. My facial was booked for 50 minutes. 10 minutes of the start of the facial was spent talking about why I should upgrade my facial to the machine facial.

I finally agreed for an additional $30 charge. My facial was fine but nothing to rave about, and at the end of my appointment I was left with cotton pads on my eyes for 5 minutes while my esthetician wrote up a paper and gathered Elemis products. Which she then proceeded to try and sell me at a “package” deal for another 5 minutes. I said no and she left me to get dressed and bring me a water.

When I left, I checked my phone and I had been in the room for 50 minutes, so my facial was actually only about 30 minutes of actual hands-on treatment on my face. I left feeling disappointed and unhappy, the opposite of relaxed and rejuvenated.

It’s good to know the spa is operated by a separate company and they are contract workers for the cruise lines. I’ve heard from others before about this heavy sales tactic and while I’ve been offered simple upgrades before for say a special eye cream or aromatherapy for a massage, this was the first time I was sold so hard and that it took a significant about of time away from my treatment.

There is also a Thermal Suite in the spa which is an additional fee. Our first day aboard we toured the suite which includes a pool with water therapy jets, a steam room, sauna, and heated relaxing benches. You can pay $49 for a day use for the thermal suite or at the beginning of the cruise we were offered a rate of $189 for access the entire week of the cruise.

While we didn’t need a kid’s club for either of my Holland cruises, I wanted to note that they do have kid’s clubs. There are three main club groups by age: kids 3 to 6, kids and tweens 7 to 12, and teen program for 13-17. From what I could tell, kids club activities only happen during the daytime hours, so you can’t rely on kids club as a babysitting service for a couples dinner.

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

You’ll want to read my cruise packing list post and get my free printable. But a couple of things I want to emphasize to bring (plus I have to make sure they’re on my packing list):

• Hanging organizers – we’ve always used a shoe organizer for cruising but with only two of us, these smaller hanging organizers were amazing for keeping clutter in our cabin in check. And they’re easy to pack along with some magnetic hooks for hanging on the cabin walls.
• Aloe – I mentioned we got sunburns and unfortunately I didn’t pack aloe and the onboard shop only had a full-size bottle for $21, that was too much in my opinion and wouldn’t be carry-on allowed.
• Frisbee – if you’re traveling with teens, or even as a couple and you’re planning some beach days, pack one of these lightweight frisbees . We would have loved to have one of these while on the beach.
• Sun hat – I brought a ball cap which worked well for the sun and can give a cute casual look, plus it’s easy to pack. BUT, if you’re planning a lot of beach days, I’d recommend a packable beach hat and perhaps one that has no brim on the back for lounging in beach chairs.

Phone lanyard – when you’re on the cruise ship you don’t really need to carry a purse, but it is nice to have your phone handy and you’re not always wearing something with pockets. A phone lanyard with a little pouch is extremely useful onboard and on excursions. It also helps you get those over-the-edge ocean shots without worrying about dropping your phone!

I recommend the Bandolier brand or save some money and support a women-owned small business with one from Save the Girls which is what I used on my cruise.

• Beach bag – I brought a tote bag, but forgot how it’s nicer to have a sand & water proof bag. Aloha bags are the best and perfect for cruises plus they come in lots of great prints, but you could save some money with a generic waterproof beach bag .

Final Thoughts from our Caribbean Cruise with HAL

I think Holland America offers cruisers the chance to save a little money on a mid-size cruise ship while still enjoying ships that are in nice condition and have an upscale decor.

They also have some unique itineraries for ports you might not have been on before that they can access easier because of their slightly smaller size. And for Alaska, they are the OG (aka Original) and have the best contracts and port docks for cruising to the 49th state.

If you’re comparing cruise lines, know that with Holland you’ll get a mid-ship experience with fewer guests and well priced shore excursions. However, if you’re searching for a large variety of onboard activities and high-end entertainment, you may want to go with a larger ship on a different line.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line |

Find a Cruise on Holland America Line

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Cruising with Holland America

Holland America Line caters to affluent adults with midsize ships that carry between 1,432 and 2,668 guests. Each ship provides high-quality service with two or three crew members for every passenger. Holland America Line's ships travel to destinations around  Australia ,  Mexico , the  Caribbean ,  Canada , southeast  Asia ,  Europe , South America, Antarctica and more. On Holland America cruises – which depart from U.S. cities like  Boston ,  Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and  San Diego  and can last anywhere from one to 128 days – you can pass the time with enrichment programs like digital photography, cooking demonstrations and mixology workshops, or work up a sweat in spin or Pilates classes before unwinding at the spa.

Though they vary by itinerary, Holland America Line's shore excursions are primarily adult-oriented, with activities ranging from animal encounters to bike tours and even helmet diving. Meanwhile, Holland America Line's dining style allows flexibility when it comes to mealtimes. You can mingle with fellow passengers over a five-course dinner in the main Dining Room, sample fresh seafood in the Pinnacle Grill or take advantage of 24-hour room service.  

U.S. News Insider Tip: Booking non-repeating, back-to-back Collectors' Voyages is a great way to see more than one area of a region and visit several countries on one cruise. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Pros & Cons

Smaller guest capacities make ships feel spacious

Around-the-world voyages available

Cruisers praise friendly crew members

Typically more expensive than competitors like Princess and Royal Caribbean

Wi-Fi access costs extra

Limited onboard activities and dining venues than lines with bigger ships

• Expert Rating » 4.0
• Traveler Rating » 4.0
• Health Rating » 4.6

Holland America Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 5 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 5 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• # 10 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples

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Holland America Line Ships

Nieuw Statendam

Nieuw Amsterdam

Before You Book

• You are required to make a deposit within five days of booking to claim your spot. The amount will be determined based on the total cost of your cruise. (Note: A second deposit is required for all Grand Voyages.) Full payment is due within 90 days of your cruise departure date, although exact payment deadlines may vary depending on the cruise.
• Expect to pay an additional $16 to $17.50 per person, per day for gratuities.
• Cancellation policies vary depending on the length of the cruise and the specific itinerary. See the Holland America  website  for details.
• If you purchase a Cancellation Protection Plan , you will be guaranteed a refund of up to 80% or 90% of the eligible amount you've already paid should you need to cancel – as long as you cancel up to 24 hours before departure for the Standard plan or any time before departure for the Platinum plan. Certain plans may also include lost baggage and medical coverage.
• To coordinate special needs requests , such as medical equipment rentals, call Holland America's Accessible Cruising department at 1-800-547-8493 or submit a Special Requirements Information form at least 45 days prior to departure. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the Ship Services department at 1-800-541-1576 no fewer than three weeks before embarkation.

Before You Board

• Holland America strongly encourages using the cruise line's  Online Check-In tool  to complete the immigration questionnaire and retrieve your boarding pass 72 hours prior to embarkation. Passengers can also check in at their ship's departure port; necessary guest information must be given to the cruise line at least 90 minutes before embarkation. 
• You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after you return from your cruise. If you are a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the United States), you will be allowed to board as long as you have a government ID, such as a driver's license or a resident card, along with proof of citizenship. Some itineraries also require visas and vaccinations. To learn more about vaccine requirements for various countries, visit the CDC  website .
• No luggage restrictions apply, but Holland America recommends passengers consult airline baggage policies and pack accordingly.
• You may book shore excursions online through the  My Account portal  up to three days prior to your sail date or by calling the Shore Excursions department at 1-888-425-9376. You may also cancel your shore excursion without a penalty up to three days before you depart.
• If you'd like to make reservations at your ship's specialty restaurants, sign into your online account or call the Ship Services department at 1-800-541-1576. Reservations are given on a first-come, first-served basis, so Holland America suggests travelers book dining reservations as soon as possible.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America ship

Of the seven big lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Holland America is the brand most known for far-flung, globe-circling itineraries.

You'll find Holland America ships in almost every corner of the world at some point during the year, operating itineraries that are unusual in their diversity of routes and specific port calls.

Still, the line's heaviest presence by far is in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. In a typical summer, the line will deploy around half of its vessels to Europe while sending the other half to Alaska. The two regions are often the line's entire focus for summers.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

During the winter, the line will move at least half of these ships to the Caribbean, while also sending some on far-reaching voyages across the world to Asia, Australia and South America.

For the coming winter, seven of the line's 11 ships are scheduled to sail in the Caribbean, and there will be at least one ship each in Asia, Australia and South America. There also will be one ship operating an epic, around-the-world voyage — a long tradition at the line.

In all, Holland America ships sail to 98 countries, hitting all seven continents. They visit more than 470 different ports and cruise destinations. These are much larger numbers than found with such rival lines as Celebrity Cruises . The latter boasts voyages to around 300 ports in 79 countries .

Among Holland America's itineraries, you'll find everything from one-night sampler cruises between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., to 128-night around-the-world voyages that feature stops at dozens of countries. That's a much broader range than most other big lines, including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line .

Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an epic voyage, you can't go wrong with these five top Holland America cruise destinations.

Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained

Some of Holland America's most popular itineraries are in Europe, where the line has traditionally been a significant player. In a typical year, Holland America will deploy around half of its vessels to the region from spring until fall, making Europe one of its biggest focuses for more than half the year.

The itineraries that Holland America offers in Europe are wide-ranging, with a diverse set of routings in both the Mediterranean as well as across Northern Europe.

In the Mediterranean, sailings include everything from seven- to 28-night voyages that offer the chance to see such iconic destinations as Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Florence and Naples, Italy, on a single cruise.

Some Holland America cruises in the Mediterranean also include visits to Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey (the latter a gateway to the famed ruins of Ephesus), and Haifa and Ashdod in Israel (for visits to Jerusalem and other iconic destinations in the country).

In Northern Europe, Holland America will take you to such well-known Baltic cities as Stockholm, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland; and St. Petersburg, Russia, in a single sailing (note that Holland America's calls in St. Petersburg are on hold for now due to the war in Ukraine). There also are itineraries that will bring you to Iceland, Greenland and the Norwegian fjords.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America cabins and suites

Among the longest sailings Holland America offers in Europe is a 35-night "British Isles, Spitsbergen & Iceland Fjords Explore" trip that brings a complete circumnavigation of England and Scotland, several stops along the coast of Norway, and calls in both Iceland and the Norwegian-controlled Arctic island of Spitsbergen.

In Northern Europe, Holland America ships mostly sail out of Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands (a nod to the company's Dutch heritage) and Copenhagen, Denmark.

In the Mediterranean, the line's hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice in Italy; and Piraeus (the port for Athens).

2. Caribbean and The Bahamas

You usually won't find a single Holland America ship in the Caribbean and the Bahamas over the summer, when the line turns its focus to sailings in Europe and Alaska. However, come winter, Holland America will reposition quite a few of its vessels to the Caribbean and Bahamas sailings.

For the coming winter, for instance, Holland America currently has seven of its 11 vessels scheduled to sail in the regions — including its two newest and biggest ships, the 2,660-passenger Rotterdam and the 2,650-passenger Nieuw Statendam.

Holland America offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from a single home port in the regions — Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades .

If you're looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of quick, three-night cruises out of Port Everglades to its private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. The line also offers four- and five-night voyages out of Port Everglades to the Bahamas and Key West, Florida. However, Holland America is best known for longer sailings in the Caribbean. These include lots of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean, but also a large number of even longer, 10- to 21-nights Caribbean voyages.

The latter trips offer the chance to see a broader mix of Caribbean islands than is typical on Caribbean sailings.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America's Mariner Society loyalty program

Among the most elaborate of the itineraries that Holland America offers out of Port Everglades, for instance, is a 21-day "Southern Caribbean Wayfarer/Seafarer" voyage that brings calls at the islands of St. Martin (specifically, to the Dutch side of the island known as St. Maarten), St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, Hispaniola (for a visit to the Dominican Republic), Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The voyage is actually a combination of two shorter, back-to-back sailings that are designed without repeating ports.

Holland America is particularly known for voyages to Alaska, where it dominates the market for cruises along with sister line Princess Cruises.

In recent years, Holland America has deployed as many as eight ships to Alaska in the summer — far more than most other lines. In the wake of a significant downsizing over the past two years , the line is cutting that number back a bit. However, it's still planning on deploying at least six vessels to Alaska in the coming summers — a huge number.

Holland America also operates its own wilderness lodges in Alaska, as well as tourist trains and buses. It uses the lodges, trains and buses to offer an extensive range of nine- to 14-night Alaska "cruisetours" that combine a cruise with land-based touring.

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, lasting roughly from May to September. For 2022, Holland America plans to deploy six ships to the Alaska market:

• Eurodam : The 2,104-passenger vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It'll also visit Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Koningsdam : The 2,650-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Vancouver, B.C. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Tracy Arm and Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Oosterdam. Like Eurodam, the 2,388-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan; and Victoria, British Columbia. It'll also visit Alaska's Hubbard Glacier for glacier viewing.
• Zuiderdam . Like Koningsdam, the 1,916-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Vancouver, B.C. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Nieuw Amsterdam: The 2,106-passenger ship will primarily operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, B.C., and Whittier, Alaska. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing, as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
• Noordam : Like Nieuw Amsterdam, the 1,924-passenger vessel will primarily operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, B.C., and Whittier, Alaska. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

The appeal of the one-way sailings on Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam is that they can be combined with stays at the Holland America lodges mentioned above to create the longer "cruisetours" of Alaska that combine a one-way cruise with a land tour.

The land tour portion of such trips brings visits to such well-known interior Alaska locations as Denali National Park and the town of Fairbanks. Holland America is also unique among cruise lines in offering cruisetours that include a land tour into the Yukon Territory of Canada.

4. Panama Canal

Have you always wanted to experience a transit through the Panama Canal? Among major cruise lines, Holland America has one of the biggest array of sailings through the waterway.

In a typical year, the line will operate more than two dozen voyages to the canal, some of which are round-trip sailings from Florida's Port Everglades while others are one-way trips between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, California.

In the case of the former sailings, Holland America ships only transit part-way through the canal after entering it through the Gatun Locks on its Caribbean side. Such trips typically include a transit into the canal through the locks, cruising in the canal to Gatun Lake and a transit out of the canal through the locks before a stop at nearby Colon, Panama.

Among the shore excursions available from the port of Colon is a bus tour to see the locks in action from observation areas on land.

Other port calls during such Panama Canal cruises typically include the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

In the case of the one-way voyages between Florida and California, Holland America's ships will make the full journey through the canal's three sets of locks from the Caribbean to the Pacific or vice versa.

Other port calls during such cruises typically include Puerto Vallarta and Hautulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

5. The World

In addition to focused voyages in a wide range of cruise destinations from Europe to Alaska, Holland America has long been known for epic around-the-world voyages that include stops at dozens of destinations in four, five or even six continents.

These trips typically take place on the line's smaller vessels and can last four months or longer, allowing Americans to travel across the globe without ever getting on an airplane.

Normally, Holland America's around-the-world voyages begin and end at Florida's Port Everglades.

The line plans one such trip for 2023 — a 128-day voyage from Port Everglades starting on Jan. 3, 2023, that includes stops in North America, Australia, Africa and Europe.

Taking place on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam, the trip includes a transit of the Panama Canal, multiple stops in French Polynesia including Bora Bora and Moorea; visits to multiple destinations in New Zealand; and calls at Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Gambia and Senegal.

In addition to its around-the-world cruises, Holland America is also known for full circumnavigations of South America that begin and end in Port Everglades.

For 2023, the line plans one such journey — a 74-day cruise on the 1,432-passenger Volendam that starts on Jan. 3, 2023.

Bottom line

Holland America offers an incredibly wide range of itineraries in cruise destinations around the world, from South America to Asia. However, you'll find the most choices among Holland America itineraries in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. The line is also well-known for voyages through the Panama Canal and for its epic around-the-world cruises. Its annual around-the-world sailings, in particular, are something that sets it apart from other big lines.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Caribbean (Eastern)

Almost as popular as the Western Caribbean, the Eastern Caribbean has a unique atmosphere all its own. Well-known for its scenic destinations, charming architecture and great shopping, this cruise region appeals to those looking for quaint towns, beautiful beaches and great water sports.

Most Eastern Caribbean cruises depart from sunny port cities in Florida, and a few leave from cities along the East Coast of the U.S., including New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, although cruises from these departure cities are seasonal and usually last longer than the standard 7-night voyages. Depending on distance, most cruises to this region include a few days at sea at the beginning and end of a voyage with several back-to-back stops in between.

Ports commonly found on Eastern Caribbean itineraries include St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos, as well the Dominican Republic, Nassau in the Bahamas and sometimes Key West, FL. Occasionally, the Southern Caribbean ports of St. Kitts and Antigua are included on Eastern Caribbean itineraries as well.

Walk the cobblestone streets in Old San Juan or spend a day browsing the duty-free stores of St. Thomas. Play a round of golf at Mullet Bay in St. Maarten or explore the small island of Grand Turk, a newer port on many Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Many cruise lines own private islands nearby and schedule stops so guests can enjoy resort-style beaches, barbecue and all sorts of water activities.

• The Eastern Caribbean is blessed with continuously balmy, pleasant weather, making it a year-round cruising destination.
• Eastern Caribbean cruises last 4 to 14 nights.
• Many ships will alternate 7-night eastern and western itineraries, giving passengers the option of purchasing two back-to-back cruises and remaining on one ship for a 14-night sailing.
• Caribbean cruises are particularly kid-friendly, making them ideal for family getaways. Most ships have children's programs, youth counselors and children's activity centers.

For over 150 years, Holland America Line has introduced guests to new places and new cultures, sharing the transformative power of travel.  We invite you to join Holland America Line for an unforgettable experience. Because travel is more than an itinerary, it has the power to change us and our world, journey by journey.    Carefully Crafted Journeys Balance. Depth. Authenticity. These are the elements Holland America brings to more than 500 itineraries, stopping in 100 countries, the world over. Explorations Central (EXC™) program adds meaning and context, making your journey an even richer experience.   Spacious Mid-Sized Ships Holland America Line holds true to the timeless elegance of ocean travel. From the moment you step aboard one of Holland America's spacious, mid-sized ships, you’ll feel the difference. Classic nautical lines. Beautiful appointments. Warm, hospitable service.   Immersive Culinary Journeys Under the guidance of Holland America's Culinary Council® of chefs, fine dining at the Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Canaletto, Rudi’s Sel de Mer and in the Dining Room is truly memorable. Hone your culinary skills at Port-to-Table shows and workshops.   Exclusive Onboard Activities Through exciting new partnerships with BBC Earth Experiences; Explorations Central (EXC™) programs and live entertainment, you can continue exploring on board. Check out our Holland America cruise discounts and take part in the experience. Savor the Journey.  

Officers: Dutch/European Crew: Indonesian/Filipino

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there – provided the destination is along a coastline or inland waterway. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to regions such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment – all rolled into one. Some luxury cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. And best of all, cruising means seeing the world conveniently after unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids, tweens and teens. While most are free, nursery programs can cost extra. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship (and line) for your travel style. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with land vacations at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- every extra.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their stateroom location but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors – that is staterooms over suites.

Cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes even lower.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

While being flexible date wise will always get you the best last-minute cruise deals, it's particularly helpful if you live near a cruise port and can quickly drive there. That way you'll probably be able to jump on those deals that might pop up just a week or two before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Or if you don't have flexibility with either departure dates or embarkation locations, be willing to compromise on exact destinations. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or so-called shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise is and costs on average, so both are already on your radar. When you see it drop, pounce! (Many cruise lines update pricing several times per day, so preparation is crucial.)

Best cruises in 2024

There's truly a cruise style and ship for everyone, and that has never been more the case than in 2024, as vessels continue to come in an array of sizes – from riverboats and expedition vessels to the largest-ever mega ships. And it's not an exaggeration to say some are loaded with so many activities that you couldn't possibly enjoy them all in a single sailing.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations themselves. The Caribbean is always a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, is also a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and even Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line for a great multi-generational voyage.

Or on the smaller side, by comparison, river cruising remains a hot ticket item this year, with exciting routes that send eager guests down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to lesser-frequented locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam, or soon the Magdalena River in Colombia. Popular river cruises embark in timeless cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. River cruise lines to consider encompass Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Tauck, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises, as well as American Cruise Lines for a domestic alternative.

If you're an adventurer at heart, an expedition cruise might be best for you. These voyages, often onboard small ships (only a few hundred passengers tops), offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world – from pole to pole – including the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Greenland, the Galapagos and, of course, Antarctica. Passengers will spend their time zodiacing, kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant and Quark Expeditions, as well as an ever-expanding list that now even extends to Seabourn and Viking.

But for the most decadent form of travel, luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard small to median-sized ships (usually under a thousand passengers) with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service, not to mention the finest dining at sea. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be on the smaller size, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships simply cannot access -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and upcoming Four Seasons Yachts.

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Holland America Line Launches ‘Summer Savings Event’

• June 8, 2024

Holland America Line launched its Summer Savings Event, offering up to 40 percent off cruise-only fares, free third and fourth guests when traveling in the same stateroom, up to $100 onboard credit and 50 percent reduced deposits, according to a statement.

  Available on select departures from June 2024 through May 2025, the Summer Savings Event features cruises and combined back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages ranging from four to 58 days. Sailings include Alaska cruises and Cruisetours, Europe, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, South America, Hawaii and Panama Canal. 

The offer is valid for bookings made by June 28, 2024.

“Whether travelers are looking to cruise this summer or into next year, our robust Summer Savings Event is a great time to book, especially for families and group getaways taking advantage of the third and fourth guest free perk,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line.

“The Summer Savings Event features itineraries in nearly all the places we visit around the world and even includes some of our longer voyages.”

The Summer Savings Event is combinable with Holland America Line’s “Have it All” premium fare. When booking with Have It All, guests can also enjoy shore excursions, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining and a Wi-Fi Surf Package.

Featured itineraries include:

• Seven-day Alaska Explorer on the Westerdam, August 25, 2024.
• 14-day Northern Isles on the Rotterdam, Aug. 31, 2024.
• 53-day Majestic Japan on the Westerdam, Sept. 1, 2024.
• Seven-day Canada and New England Discovery on the Zuiderdam, Sept. 7, 2024.
• 14-day Eastern/Western Caribbean on the Nieuw Amsterdam, Nov. 10, 2024.
• 10-day Greek Antiquities: Istanbul Overnight on the Oosterdam, Oct. 10, 2024.

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