Premium Southern Caribbean
Explore the deep Southern Caribbean in ease and elegance aboard Holland America Line’s newest ship, ms Koningsdam. Marvel at the fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures, relax on pristine, world-class beaches, shop for dutyfree treasures, delve into Caribbean colonial history and discover unique flora and fauna in the region’s botanical gardens and jungles. Europe meets the tropics on French Martinique, British Barbados and the Dutch-tinted islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Wake up and smell the sulphur at St. Lucia’s active drive-in volcano, or just stare in wonder at its verdant twin peaks - the Pitons.
Cruise Itinerary's:
Fly UK to Miami - Fort Lauderdale - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Amber Cove, Dominican Republic - Kralendijk, Bonaire - Willemstad, Curacao - Oranjestad, Aruba - Fort Lauderdale - Fly UK
Get in touch with one of our destination specialists to discuss your plans. Whether you want to discuss this particular itinerary or you have specific requirements that mean we create a totally unique holiday just for you. You can call us or send us an online enquiry and we will call you back to discuss your holiday plans.
Our destination specialists are here to help. They will have firsthand knowledge of the destinations that mean they can answer your questions, make suggestions and give relevant advice to put together your dream holiday.
Your own dedicated specialist travel advisor will help to carefully create your tailor made holiday and send you a detailed itinerary via email for you to look through and refine until you are 100% satisfied.
Once your holiday itinerary has been agreed we will ask you to pay the relevant deposit, if applicable, or full payment if your holiday is departing within 14 weeks of booking. You will then receive your full confirmation, payment receipt and ATOL certificate via email within 24 hours of booking.
Even after you have booked and paid for your holiday there are bound to be questions you have before you depart on your holiday. We pride ourselves with the Customer Care that we offer and are always here to assist with any pre or post departure assistance you require.
Holidaying on MS Koningsdam.
Pinnacle means “high point”—and the debut of Koningsdam is a high point in Holland America Line history. Then again, in many ways, Koningsdam has been 141 years in the making. As heir, carries forward all of the tradition, nautical heritage, and signature service and style for which Holland America Line is known—while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance.
Her name sets the tone. Its roots, like the ship itself, are a mix of something contemporary and something classic: “Koning,” means king in Dutch—and is a salute to King Willem-Alexander, the Netherland’s first king in more than 100 years. And “dam,” because, after all … this is a Holland America Line ship, and the "dam" naming convention dates back to 1883.
Accommodation.
With refined amenities and Holland America Line signature Mariner’s Dream bed gracing each elegant stateroom, the ship offers six grades of staterooms. Most are ocean-facing, many featuring teak-lined verandas for dining alfresco or private sunbathing.
Pinnacle Suite
Step into a private haven characterised by light, space and elegance. Their interior designer, guided by guest feedback, was given the freedom to completely reimagine staterooms aboard. The result: welcome modern touches such as bedside USB ports and frameless shower glass doors, as well as luxe appointments like customised wooden cabinetry.
Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah with whirlpool, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, microwave, refrigerator, guest toilet, private stereo system, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Neptune Suite
Neptune Suites feature two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, with fragrant bath salts and exfoliating loofah mitt for an invigorating shower experience, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, sofa bed for two persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Suite amenities include complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise, complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation and a complimentary bottled water provided in suite at embarkation. Guests in suites also benefit from gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night, cold hors d’oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request, binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise, as well as a cocktail party with the ship’s officers. Other benefits include: priority boarding for tendered ports of call, special disembarkation service, priority dining and seating requests, exclusive daily breakfast service, and high tea service in-suite on request. Elegant wooden clothing brush, lint remover and shoehorn for keeping clothing immaculate is also included.
Guests also have access to a very special amenity exclusively for those cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialise with other suite guests and enjoy the personalised service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and WiFi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, and a bathroom with bathtub and shower, as well as fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure.
Stateroom amenities include luxurious beds featuring Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens, deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, premium massage showerheads, and 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers. Suites also benefit from complimentary fresh fruit on request, elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages, Flat-panel TV and DVD player, as well as ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service.
Interior Stateroom
Interior Staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, and a bathroom featuring fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure.
Stateroom amenities include luxurious beds featuring Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens, deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, premium massage showerheads, and 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers. Suites also benefit from complimentary fresh fruit on request, elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages, Flat-panel TV and DVD player, as well as ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service.
Signature Suite
Signature Suites feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, bathroom with full-size whirlpool bath & shower, as well as an additional shower stall with fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure. A large sitting area, teak-lined private verandah, sofa bed for one person, and floor-to-ceiling windows are also included.
Stateroom amenities include Holland America Line's signature Mariner's Dream bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens, daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, lighted magnifying mirrors; salon-quality hair dryers, and luxurious bathrobes for use during the voyage. Each stateroom also benefit from flat-panel TV and DVD player, complimentary DVD library, generous storage, safes for your valuables, Complimentary fresh fruit on request, complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining, nightly turndown service, complimentary shoeshine service, as well as complimentary ice service
In addition to the stateroom amenities, guests cruising in Signature Suites also benefit from a variety of firm, medium and soft pillows, premium duvet, oversized bath towels, and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers, mini-bar, personalised cruise stationery, one-touch telephone concierge service, fresh flowers, and umbrellas for your use on the cruise.
Verandah Staterooms
Verandah Staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, bathroom with bathtub & shower featuring fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure, sitting area, teak-lined private veranda, floor-to ceiling windows.
Stateroom amenities include Holland America Line's signature Mariner's Dream bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens, daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, lighted magnifying mirrors; massage showerheads; salon-quality hair dryers, and Luxurious bathrobes for use during the voyage. Each stateroom also benefit from flat-panel TV and DVD player, complimentary DVD library, generous storage, safes for your valuables, Complimentary fresh fruit on request, complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining, nightly turndown service, complimentary shoeshine, as well as complimentary ice service.
Dining.
Culinary Arts Centre
On ms Koningsdam, the Culinary Arts Centre presented by Food & Wine magazine becomes a dedicated shipboard setting with a dramatic show kitchen and individual cooking stations that will be used exclusively for activities such as cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes by visiting celebrity chefs and the ship’s own experts. Regionally inspired workshops, as well as kids’ and teens’ cooking classes, also will be featured. Large mirrors, viewing screens and an open kitchen make it possible for everyone to watch the food preparation and learn from the comfort of their table.
In the evening, the room transforms into a new dinner concept, an immersive farm-to-table experience where the chefs prepare simple, artisanal dishes in the show kitchen and guests enjoy each course as it’s freshly prepared. Every meal will emphasise fresh, thoughtfully sourced selections while incorporating select ingredients harvested from a glass-enclosed growing area just off the kitchen.
Lining the entry to the Culinary Arts Centre presented by Food & Wine® magazine are nine interactive displays that allow guests to explore the lives of food and wine luminaries, their culinary secrets, recipe tips, favourite dishes and more.
Sel De Mer
Sel de Mer ("Sea Salt," in French) is an intimate new seafood brasserie offering a contemporary twist on timeless French classics — from fresh oysters, seafood chowder and fruits de mer to salt-crusted whole fish, scallops and bouillabaisse. Sel de Mer will re-create a setting reminiscent of the finest French brasseries where waiters are traditionally dressed and guests may choose their evening meal from a selection of fresh fish and shell fish displayed on ice in the centre of the room. Koningsdam’s chefs also will go ashore whenever possible and bring back the catch of the day as a daily special for the evening’s menu. Sel de Mer will be available for a modest charge.
Grand Dutch Cafe
Inspired by blue and white Delftware (and their Dutch heritage), the Grand Dutch Cafe is the place to enjoy a fine pale lager or favourite coffee beverage with a traditional Dutch snack.
Lido Market
The Lido, transformed into a modern marketplace with different themed stations, offers a curated selection of delicious options guests can grab on the go or have quickly made to order - from traditional comfort food to great tastes from around the globe.
A wide range of choices include specialty stations such as:
The Dining Room
The Dining Room aboard Koningsdam will span two floors and be framed by views of the sea. What's new: stylish and sophisticated interiors inspired by the latest global trends — anchored by a copper-sheathed wine tower showcasing the great breadth of our cellars. From a boutique Walla Walla white wine to a rich red Bordeaux, our great vintages are elevated from the pages of the wine list and made visible, significant, celebrated — a testament to wine’s central place in the enjoyment of food, friends, and life.
“Our guests, many of whom are world travellers, are accustomed to dining in extraordinary restaurants,” notes Michael Smith, Senior Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations at Holland America Line. “We want to keep pace with their expectations, and also, set the stage for the exceptional culinary experience to come.”
Menus in the Dining Room will reflect the latest signature dishes from the influential chefs who comprise our Culinary Council, along with classic favourites, vegetarian options, and regionally inspired cuisine. Guests can choose whether to arrange a pre-set seating and dining time, or to arrive “As You Wish®,” following the desires of the day.
Pinnacle Grill
This intimate, award-winning guest favourite features choice Pacific Northwest cuts of beef and other traditional steakhouse favourites, beautifully complemented by boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest.
Tamarind
Tamarind's exotic menus evoking the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan, including a newly added sushi bar. Recently noted by Condé Nast Traveler for its “cuisine that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is located on the Panorama deck, providing stunning views. Lunch includes tantalising items such as steamed dim sum and spicy crab. Exotic dinner menus created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin feature dishes honouring the elements of water, wood, fire and earth.
Canaletto
Canaletto’s menu, offering a variety of authentic Italian dishes to enjoy with family and friends, is designed around the Italian concept of spartire, meaning "to share."
New York Deli & Pizza
Authentic deli sandwiches piled high, indulgent personal pan pizzas and creative salads are served up poolside.
Dive In Terrace Grill
The perfect poolside spot for a grilled burger, gourmet hot dog or savoury fries.
Gelato
Enjoy this classic European dessert made fresh on board in a variety of delicious flavours and styles.
Entertainment.
Billboard Onboard
Fifty years of chart-topping hits rock the house as live musicians -including two pianists, a guitarist and a DJ -play music guests know and love. It's all part of Billboard Onboard, an interactive experience made possible by a partnership with Billboard, the leading global destination for charts, news, trends and innovation in music.
Lincoln Centre Stage
In an exclusive partnership with the world's leading centre for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Centre Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music each evening, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea.
“Classical music has been one of the many hallmarks of a Holland America Line cruise, and to partner with an organisation as esteemed as Lincoln Centre takes our program to an entirely new level,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to bringing the best of this musical genre to our guests.”
“Lincoln Centre is delighted to partner with Holland America Line, a company that shares a commitment to excellence for its customers,” said Jed Bernstein, president of Lincoln Centre. “How marvellous that there will be a brand-new setting for wonderful and classic performances."
Crow's Nest
The Crow’s Nest, a favorite place for guests to gather at the top of every ship, is elegantly styled aboard ms Koningsdam.
As always, views—captured by huge wrap-around windows—take center stage, offering panoramic scenes that change by the nautical mile.
Settle in and salute the sunset with a fresh signature cocktail from the Crow’s Nest bar. Take a front row seat as Koningsdam glides through a breathtaking fjord or into the next colorful island port.
From an intimate nook to observe and wonder to a festive setting to meet family and friends, the Crow’s Nest is your airy, expansive perch on the world.
B.B. King's Blues Club/Queen's Lounge
Direct from Beale Street, the B.B. King's All-Stars Band brings the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, this eight-piece band performs nightly in the newly reimagined Queen's Lounge while guests enjoy specialty cocktails like Lucille and Rock Me Baby.
World Stage
Breaking from the line’s traditionally styled theatres, the World Stage is a flexible space that can have multiple stage configurations, ranging from in-the-round to the more conventional proscenium staging. The theatre will initially host five new productions performed in repertory by a cast sourced from around the world. Entertainment meets innovation with a new main theatre design that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED screen.
At two stories high and 250 feet long, the high-definition LED screens will make the World Stage a trend-setting theatre at sea capable of showcasing an exciting array of performances and productions. Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, projection and sound systems, the screens enable the environment of the World Stage to change throughout the day to present anything the designers can imagine. For example, the room can evolve effortlessly from an Italian palazzo for a concert performance to an imaginary world for innovative production numbers.
“The World Stage on Koningsdam will enable us to debut new entertainment concepts to delight our guests with shows they’ve never seen before,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Having the flexibility to configure the room into many different and vibrant settings enables us to set new heights for cruise entertainment in this extraordinary theatre at sea.”
Explorers Bar
A refined place for coffees, drinks and liqueurs.
Casino
From perennially popular slot machines and blackjack tables to the latest in sophisticated gaming, our casino is well-equipped and staffed with professionals eager to help guests learn new skills.
Signature Shops
Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in the Signature Shops.
Health & Fitness.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
The tranquil contemporary spa is a haven of luxurious beauty salon and spa treatments, featuring thermal pools, heated ceramic lounges and treatment rooms facing the sea.
Fitness Centre
The spacious, professionally-staffed Fitness Centre is equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines and features fitness classes in yoga, Pilates and more. Two refreshing outdoor pools also await, along with a jogging track and sport court on deck 11.
Lido Pool
A hallmark of the Holland America Line experience, the Lido Pool, domed by a retractable glass roof, has been given added dimension aboard Koningsdam, extending its appeal from day into night.
Swimming, sunning and lunch al fresco by day give way to the hum of moviegoers arriving for the evening’s show, projected on an expansive outdoor movie screen. Feature films play under a canopy of stars with complimentary snacks served chair-side and guests can also pick up a great dish from any of the adjacent casual dining venues.
Now spanning two levels, the Lido Pool is a haven with comfortable lounge chairs for relaxing and great choices for a bite to eat, from New York Deli & Pizza to Dive-In for a gourmet burger to Gelato for delicious ice cream treats.
Promenade
A nautical tradition, the teak Promenade deck encircles the ship, offering spectacular views in every direction—the perfect place for a brisk run, an after-dinner stroll or simply relaxing in the sun on a classic teak lounge chair.
Enrichment.
Digital Workshop Powered By Windows
Guests on Holland America Line cruises can learn how to display and share their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows. This enrichment program offers free, informative sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained "techspert" on a variety of relevant topics such as:
How to take, edit and enhance better photos
How to post your photos to the web or email them to friends and family back home
How to create blog entries, videos, scrapbooks and more
The Digital Workshop offers many free, easy-to-use photo sharing tips and tools, so it's not necessary to be an expert photographer or an experienced computer user to benefit from the program. The workshops showcase state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows8 computers, printers, scanners and a wireless network -- and conveniently have their own dedicated space on each ship. Flat-screen TVs in each session allow for easy viewing of videos and "techspert" demonstrations.
The jargon-free interactive classes include:
Scheduling of classes can be done on board only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.
On Location
From steel drum lessons in the Caribbean, to tai chi with a master in Asia, to Celtic fiddlers in the Canadian Maritimes—Holland America Line’s "On Location" program brings local culture to life showcasing unique entertainment and enriching activities as well as the cuisine of each region.
"On Location" provides so many experiences for guests to enjoy, like taking a Tango lesson in Argentina, a hula class in Hawaii or searching the southern sky with an astronomer in the South Pacific, the options go on and on. The Culinary Arts Center also comes alive as visiting chefs from along the route add local flavour to cooking shows and hands-on classes. Guests may choose to prepare the perfect salmon in Alaska, make sushi in Asia or learn to enhance dishes with the spices of the Caribbean. Wine lovers can pair food with the perfect wine as experts from vineyards in Europe, Australia and Chile host tastings.
There will also be a new sizzle to Holland America Line’s menus each day. The onboard chefs will create dishes using locally sourced ingredients, which will delight guests with an enticing array of regional cuisine.
Culinary Arts Centre - Demonstrations & Classes
Hosted by the on-board party planner, classes take place in the Culinary Arts Centre, a first-class “show kitchen at sea,” or in one of the many bars and lounges. The line schedules classes throughout the day on both sea and port days to fulfil the demand for the culinary program.
Ranging from seasonal cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff and discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Itinerary themed cooking demonstrations focus on the ship’s sailing region and bring the local flavours on board. When in Alaska, the program offers “Flavours of the Northwest” and “Fresh Ketch.” Guests sailing on Caribbean itineraries may learn how to make jerk chicken or shrimp scampi, while those on Mediterranean cruises could prepare pasta with chorizo sauce or a warm crostini with classic caponata and mozzarella.
Culinary Arts Centre - Signature Cooking Classes
The Culinary Art Centre features a theatre-style venue, with two large plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff. Offered on all sailings and ranging from itinerary based cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Sign up for an intimate hands on cooking class or attend one of the very popular cooking demonstrations in the theatre.
Culinary Arts Centre - Wine Tasting And Mixology
In conjunction with the Holland America Line Beverage team, the Culinary Art Centre offers a Signature Cocktail program where guests can learn how to prepare world class cocktails from one of the ship’s bartenders. Wine tastings hosted by the Cellar Master and Party Planner are also available on every cruise. You can enjoy two different tasting levels – Navigator Wine Tasting or Premium Wine Tasting.
Culinary Arts Centre - Party Planner
To complete the culinary experience the Culinary Art Centre features demonstrations on the Fine Art of Flower Arranging, Ice Carving, Cake Decorating, Plate Presentation and Garnishing, Easy Entertaining and more. All hosted by the onboard Party Planner and demonstrated by Holland America Line culinary experts, florists, and carvers.
Kids/Teens.
Holland America ships provide a wide variety of exciting youth and teen friendly activities and facilities for guests ages 3-17. With supervised fun for younger guests, the entire family can have the cruise vacation of their dreams. All Club HAL activities are supervised by permanent, full-time staff, and are designed to be kid friendly and age appropriate. Youth Staff hold degrees in education, childhood development, recreation, leisure studies or related fields.
Club HAL - Kids
Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, hands-on pizza making, storytelling, "Little Artists" crafts, ice cream sundae parties and a farewell pyjama party.
All children participating in Club HAL must be completely toilet trained. No diapers or pull–ups are permitted in the Youth Centre. Youth Staff cannot assist children in the restroom.
Club HAL - Tweens
Tweens, ages 8-12 take part in Xbox and Wii tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, karaoke disco parties and participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program in Alaska on Alaska cruises.
The Loft And The Oasis - Teens
Teens, ages 13-17 enjoy mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, teen yoga and hip hop classes, guys verses girls scavenger hunts, cooking demos, tech classes and teen only night club events. When there are more than 100 children onboard, a HAL Talent Show is offered. [The Loft and Oasis are not available on the Prinsendam. The Oasis is located on the Statendam, Ryndam, Veendam, Rotterdam, Zaandam, Volendam and Amsterdam.]
Culinary Arts Centre
Workshops and lively demonstrations for kids and teens offering basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety and recipe instruction. Workshops are offered for two age groups: ages 3-7, and ages 8-15. Demonstrations are open to all ages.
Example Itinerary
DAY 01 -02: FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - 4* HOTEL STAY
DAY 02: FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (EMBARK)
Shimmering blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft ocean breezes greet you in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where you'll find yourself somewhere between laid-back island time and the fast pace of a thriving city. In this sun-filled, year-round beach town, pristine beaches are the main attraction, shorts and flip-flops are the daily uniform, and yachts are often the preferred form of transportation. It's a place where you can do as much, or as little, as you desire.
DAY 03 - 04: DAYS AT SEA
DAY 05: ORANJESTAD, ARUBA
Located off the coast of Venezuela, the windswept Dutch island of Aruba is otherworldly. Here, the beaches are spectacularly pristine, the waters are romantically restless, the island interior is lunar-like and filled with cacti, and the trees are—quite famously—bent in the wind. The island's consistent trade winds are part of the destination's allure: They keep the humidity, rain and hurricanes common in much of the Caribbean during its off-season at bay.
DAY 06: WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO
The capital of Curaçao, Willemstad, is almost as old as a more famous Dutch settlement—it was founded in 1634, just 10 years after New Amsterdam, later called New York. But while the Dutch control of New Amsterdam was relatively brief, Curaçao remains a part of the Netherlands to this day. Its historic center is a unique mixture of Dutch architecture and Caribbean pastels, its gabled row houses overlooking Sint Anna Bay, a waterway dividing the city in two and connecting the Caribbean to the protected Schottegat Bay. The entire historic center of Willemstad has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 07: KRALENDIJK, BONAIRE
Almost as soon as you pull into the port of Kralendijk, you’ll realize it’s one of the most laid-back landings around. Though there are some colorful streets to stroll nearby—remnants (mostly) of Bonaire’s Dutch-colonial era—even the busiest lack the bustle of other Caribbean capitals. Which is a good thing. The comparative sleepiness helps maintain the island’s chief attributes: legendarily pristine wilderness, both above and below the surface; mangroves full of baby fish; and salt flats full of flamingos. And reefs full of . . . everything. Nature’s cup overfloweth here. And, by the way, so will yours (have the cactus liqueur even if you try no other local beverage). There’s also an embarrassment of cultural riches, thanks to the layers of Amerindian, Spanish, African, Dutch and British influences on the island. In fact, you’ll hear traces of the languages of all of the above (plus some French and Portuguese) during any given conversation in Papiamento, the creole language spoken throughout the Netherlands Antilles. You'll find you can get by just fine with a few key phrases: por fabor, danki and bon dia—all of which mean exactly what you think they do.
DAY 08: DAY AT SEA
DAY 09: AMBER COVE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Located on the Dominican Republic's north coast, the port of Amber Cove, near Puerto Plata, is a new phenomenon. Built in 2015, the area was fashioned as an homage to the country’s colonial architecture and features restaurants, bars and shops, as well as an activity center, a pool and cabanas. But it’s the neighboring region, known as the Amber Coast for its plethora of the semiprecious stone, that’s this port’s true draw. Along with golden-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, there's the city of Puerto Plata, one of the Caribbean’s oldest, founded in the early 1500s. Another nearby option is Santiago de los Caballeros, known locally as simply Santiago, about an hour's drive from the port. The second-largest city in the Dominican Republic, it is home to excellent museums, historic buildings and cigar and rum makers.
DAY 10: GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS
Sugar-white sand, brilliant blue waters, kaleidoscopic sea life—all this is plentiful in the Caribbean archipelago nation of Turks & Caicos. Without hyperbole, this is one of the world’s most photogenic spots. T&C, as it is sometimes called, is the ultimate fantasy-island destination—the screen saver in all its glorious reality.
DAY 11: HALF MOON CAY, BAHAMAS
If you've ever dreamed of the castaway experience or having a private island of your own—and who hasn’t, at least once?—Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas offers the opportunity to fulfill that fantasy. Also known as Little San Salvador Island, Half Moon Cay is located 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Nassau. In 1996, Holland America Line purchased the island and decided to set aside most of it as a protected wildlife sanctuary—only two percent of the island has been developed. This is especially appreciated by photographers and bird-watching enthusiasts as they explore the preserve and its variety of species.
DAY 12: FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (DISEMBARK)