Holland America Line continues its trend of longer, more immersive cruise itineraries with the introduction of three new voyages spanning 14 and 21 days as it announces its 2024-25 Caribbean season is now open for reservations. Also new for this season is the addition of Boston as a Caribbean departure port—besides Fort Lauderdale—and the return of calls at Bermuda.
The line’s Caribbean cruises sail from October 2024 through March 2025 and include five- to 21-day options to the eastern, western and southern regions, as well as sailings that spend a day exploring the Panama Canal. Six ships will head to the Caribbean, with the majority of itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Two of the new itineraries depart from Boston.
Nearly all itineraries feature Half Moon Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. On select itineraries, evening departures from Puerto Rico, Curaçao, St. Maarten and Aruba mean more time in port and the chance to experience the vibrant Caribbean nightlife. Guests can cruise to the Caribbean aboard Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam.
Among the new cruises is the 21-day “Perfect Caribbean Escape” roundtrip from Boston aboard Zuiderdam. Departing October 19, 2024, this itinerary includes a partial Panama Canal transit and a call at Bermuda. Following Bermuda, the ship makes its way to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Curaçao, Aruba, Cartagena, Colon, Puerto Limon, Port Canaveral and Bimini.
Following the 21-day roundtrip Boston cruise, Zuiderdam offers a new 14-day “Southern Caribbean” itinerary from Boston to Fort Lauderdale departing November 9 that also includes a call at Bermuda. The ship then heads to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay. The 21- and 14-day departures can be combined to form a 35-day “Collectors’ Voyage.”
Another new 21-day Caribbean exploration sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam. Departing January 4, 2025, the “Ultimate Caribbean” itinerary includes calls at Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, San Juan, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman.
Holland America Line’s western Caribbean itineraries include six-, seven- and 10-day options. The seven-day cruise calls at Cozumel, Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. The three 10-day itineraries are a combination of ports that include Montego Bay or Falmouth, Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Half Moon Cay and Bimini.
The seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Grand Turk, St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay. A longer 11-day “Eastern Caribbean Wayfarer” itinerary calls at St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay.
In addition to the new Boston to Fort Lauderdale cruise, the southern Caribbean itineraries range from nine to 14 days. The nine-day cruise visits the "ABC Islands" of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao before visiting Half Moon Cay, while the 10-day itinerary also adds Grand Turk and Amber Cove. The 14-day “Southern Caribbean Holiday” cruise departing December 21, 2024, visits St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and Half Moon Cay.
Guests looking for a shorter getaway can choose the five-day “Tropical Caribbean” itinerary that visits Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove. The seven-day sailing returns with calls at Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay.
Guests looking to visit the Panama Canal without a coast-to-coast transit can embark on the 12-day “Panama Canal Sunfarer” itinerary. Besides venturing around Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake and a partial transit, the itinerary includes Curaçao, Cartagena, Colon, Puerto Limon and Half Moon Cay.
Many of the cruises can be extended into “Collectors’ Voyages” ranging from 14 to 35 days with more economical fares than booking the cruises individually.
For a limited time, when guests book 2024-25 Caribbean cruises with the “Have It All” package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a “Signature Beverage Package” and “Surf Wi-Fi” are included—plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the “Elite Beverage Package” and “Premium Wi-Fi.” Guests can also benefit from the line’s “Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.” Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when select cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by June 27, 2023, to receive this early booking bonus.
For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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