Cruise the Caribbean with Holland America Line

Think of the Caribbean. Brilliant sunshine, aquamarine waters and secluded beaches no doubt come to mind. But, the region is surprisingly diverse, in its geography, cultures, heritage and even language.

Without a doubt, the best way to explore the Caribbean is by cruise. And, the best cruises offer an array of island visits, activities and adventures.

All are abundant on Holland America Line’s Caribbean cruises.

Holland America has made a name for itself with its Caribbean offerings. Selections include the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean and combinations thereof. Itineraries call on a number of islands, each bearing traces of their own unique histories. In Willemstad, Curaçao, the ornate pastel buildings reflect Dutch colonial roots, combined with a Spanish and Portuguese influence.

In Costa Maya, Mexico, the ancient ruins of Chacchoben stand as a monument to the great Mayan civilization. A man-made wonder awaits on a Panama Canal crossing. And, natural wonders abound, as well. From the renowned diving spots off the coast of Bonaire to the restorative beauty of Grand Cayman’s Seven-Mile Beach.

The Caribbean experience with Holland America includes a stop at Half Moon Cay on nearly every cruise. The line’s private island in the Bahamas offers two miles of white sand beaches. Guests can spend a day there, enjoying the sunshine and relaxing. Or, they can rent motorized watercraft to zip around the bay. They can get up close to (harmless) sea creatures at Stingray Cove or take a horseback ride along—and in— the surf. There’s barbecue served up for casual island dining.

Of course, more sophisticated fare awaits on the award-winning Holland America Line vessels.

The line offers an array of itineraries that explore the best of what the Caribbean has to offer. Cuba Caribbean Cruises are extremely popular at the moment. Travelers can visit the island nation once more, after a 30-year ban. Holland America offers 7, 11 or 12-day roundtrips to Cuba from Ft. Lauderdale.

Many include extended stays in Havana, with added time to interact with the Cuban people. Highlights on the island include salsa lessons at Cuba’s most famous dance academy; an evening of jazz and traditional cuisine at a family-run restaurant and a visit to a UNESCO Biosphere. Other tours retrace the steps of Ernest Hemingway.

Holland America Line also offers 73 itineraries that explore the Eastern Caribbean. They range from four-day getaways in the Bahamas to extended 21-day voyages. The Eastern Caribbean is famous for its beaches, and cruises were designed with maximum beach time in mind. Itineraries call at Half Moon Cay, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Kitts and San Juan, home to a 17th-century fortress that once guarded French, English and American soldiers.

Western Caribbean cruises visit Mexico, the Grand Cayman, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. They bring opportunities for adventure on land and sea. Namely, world-class diving or a walk through a working archaeological site on the Yucatan Peninsula. Take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s home on Key West and explore a rainforest in Honduras. Holland America Line offers popular seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean. But, it’s also possible to link multiple Collectors’ Voyages for a more in-depth experience.

The Southern Caribbean is home to the Lesser Antilles and the tiny island nations of

St. Lucia, Martinique, Curaçao, Barbados, Aruba and Bonaire. Holland America offers cruises of 10-22 days. All include a visit to Half Moon Cay plus a number of leisurely days at sea.

Holland America Line also offers 25 Tropical Caribbean cruise itineraries. They range from seven-day vacations to 14-day Collectors’ Voyages that combine back-to-back itineraries. They offer immersion in Caribbean landscapes of tropical rainforests and vibrant coral reefs. Itineraries include Key West, Nassau, Half Moon Cay and the line’s newest destination, Amber Cove, in the Dominican Republic.

For the ultimate cruise experience, visit the Caribbean on a Panama Canal cruise. Holland America Line offers 14 different Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise itineraries, ranging from ten to 18 days. Cruises visit Half Moon Cay, Aruba, and New Granada, Colombia, home to a 16th-century fort. Limon, Costa Rica offers the chance to hike through a rainforest. And, the canal transit beginning at Gátun Lake is a singular experience, taking the ship from the Atlantic to the Pacific.