17-day southern & eastern Caribbean holiday: ABC islands

Trip Code:59150
(AUD) Twin Share from $4,484pp
Days 18
Nights 17

17-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Rotterdam.

Calling at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Cabo Rojo, Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba, Grand Turk, San Juan and St. Thomas, with 6 days at sea. 9 ports of call across Florida, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Netherlands, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line’s history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America’s signature dining line-up.

Stateroom categories range from Interior to Neptune Suite.

  • 29 Dec 2027 – 15 Jan 2028
    from $4,484 pp twin share *

Additional Pricing Information

  • Interior from $4,484 pp twin share
  • Ocean View from $5,644 pp twin share
  • Verandah from $6,654 pp twin share
  • Vista Suite from $8,984 pp twin share
  • Signature Suite from $14,014 pp twin share
  • Neptune Suite from $16,114 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Departs 04:00 pm.

According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”

Day 2 – RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

Day 3 – At Sea

Day 4 – Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

Day 5 – At Sea

Day 6 – Curacao

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.

Historians still contend over which European adventurer first spied the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles. Some historians claim the honor for Alonzo de Ojeda; other historians champion Amerigo Vespucci. Little does it matter; today’s travelers are content to bask beneath sunny skies cooled by the trade winds. Lying some 40 miles off Venezuela, Curaçao boasts a landscape that is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. In contrast, Willemstad, the capital, seems a cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses. And while those gabled and tiled roofs illustrate the island’s heritage, the bright, pastel houses speak pure Caribbean. Islanders themselves reflect this same colorful contrast: over 50 different nationalities have come to call Curaçao their home.

Day 7 – Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

Bonaire is without a doubt a “diver’s paradise.” Its license plates even state the same. But there is much more to this small Dutch country of 17,500 residents. “Bon Bini,” as you will hear the friendly locals say, means “welcome to the island of Bonaire.” Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and has for years been known as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Diving and snorkeling are still the predominant activities, but today there is also a variety of other activities to enjoy such as kayaking, bird watching, and other eco-tours. Because of the hot and arid weather, Bonaire has been a major producer of sea salt. Do not miss the “white mountains” waiting to be shipped out and the salt flats where the salt is evaporated from the Caribbean Sea, which also happens to be home to another icon of Bonaire-the pink flamingo. Explore the Dutch architecture of the capital Kralendijk, enjoy the pristine coral reefs, or tour the scenic countryside. Whatever you decide to do in Bonaire, you are sure to have a fantastic time.

Day 8 – Aruba

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the island’s arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Aruba’s long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.

Day 9 – At Sea

Day 10 – At Sea

Day 11 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”

Day 12 – At Sea

Day 13 – Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.

Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a small island bursting with turn-of-the-century Caribbean charm, retaining the look and feel of the Caribbean 40 years ago. Grand Turk was founded by Bermudan salt rakers some three centuries ago and its Bermudan-British-colonial architecture surrounded by colorful local dwellings make the island a treasure to visit. It is recognized as being one of the first places in the New World where Christopher Columbus landed and also gained worldwide attention when John Glenn splashed down near Grand Turk on his historic first mission to space. Grand Turk is six miles long and just over a mile wide with a population of only 6,000. It is blessed with miles of uncrowded, beautiful beaches and is close to several uninhabited cays such as Gibb’s Cay, home of the stingray encounter. While there are many landside attractions to explore such as the Old Prison, Lighthouse Park, and the re-created salt salina, the real beauty of the island lies underwater. Grand Turk is world-famous for its healthy and beautiful coral reefs that surround the island, stretching almost from the coastline to the 7,000-foot vertical wall just offshore.

Day 14 – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Arrives 01:00 pm, departs 10:00 pm.

The oldest city under the American flag, San Juan vibrates to a lively salsa beat. There’s an unmistakable zest in the air here. Perhaps it’s the stunning natural setting: the verdant peaks, tropical forests, and gleaming white-sand beaches. Or maybe it’s Puerto Rico’s mix of cultures, the blend and occasional clash of four centuries of Spanish heritage overlaid with a century spent as America’s only Commonwealth. Whatever the reason, San Juan is one of the most enticing ports in the Caribbean, and it only gets lovelier with age.

Day 15 – St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

The US Virgin Islands are America’s paradise, offering an easygoing blend of island ways and American practicality. St. Thomas, capital of the island group, offers every imaginable sport: snorkeling, golfing, hiking, and sailing. Just a few miles away lay St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters, and white-sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze – the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise. The harbor is easily one of the Caribbean’s most scenic. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. St. Thomas has a reputation as a duty free-mecca for shopping.

Day 16 – At Sea

Day 17 – RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 02:00 pm.

Day 18 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Arrives 07:00 am.

According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”

Highlights

  • Cruise aboard the modern Holland America Line ship Rotterdam
  • Visit 9 ports across the southern and eastern Caribbean
  • Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and landscapes

17-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Rotterdam.

Calling at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Cabo Rojo, Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba, Grand Turk, San Juan and St. Thomas, with 6 days at sea. 9 ports of call across Florida, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Netherlands, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line’s history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America’s signature dining line-up.

Stateroom categories range from Interior to Neptune Suite.

Inclusions

  • Dining in the main Dining Room and casual venues
  • Live music venues and nightly entertainment
  • Fitness centre and swimming pools
  • Enrichment programme and port talks

FAQs

Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line’s history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America’s signature dining line-up.

Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Neptune Suite, Signature Suite, Vista Suite, Verandah, Ocean View and Interior.

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 18 days and 17 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 29 Dec 2027 and 15 Jan 2028, subject to live availability.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Provided by: Holland America Line

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $4,484pp
Days 18
Nights 17

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