By
Rebecca Gibson |
Seven of Holland America Line’s (HAL) ships will explore the Caribbean in the 2015-2016 season.
From October 2015 to April 2016, Eurodam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Veendam, Westerdam, Prinsendam and Zuiderdam will sail a total of 98 cruises to the eastern, western and southern Caribbean. Ranging from seven to 10, 11, 12 and 14 days, the cruises can be combined into longer Collectors’ Voyages ranging from 14 to 21 days.
In addition to the 14-day Collectors’ Voyages, other itineraries can be combined to form a diverse range of options, including a 21-day southern cruise on Oosterdam, a 21-day southern and eastern option on Maasdam and a 17-day non-repeating double-eastern route, also on Maasdam.
“HAL provides the most port intensive and exclusive experience in the Caribbean, with a breadth of itinerary options to highlight the diversity of the region to our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, president of HAL. “The Caribbean is a popular destination because it’s a relaxing, tropical paradise that’s accessible to so many travellers, and by offering a wide range of ships and itineraries, we’re able to offer a dream vacation at a great value.”
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam will sail a series of seven-day eastern and western Caribbean roundtrips that can be combined to form 14-day Collectors’ Voyages spanning both regions.
Nieuw Amsterdam will also sail a new seven-day Tropical Caribbean itinerary in 2016 that calls on maiden port Amber Cove, Carnival Corporation’s new US$85 million cruise centre in the Dominican Republic.
Westerdam will continue to sail weekly seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises from fort Lauderdale, while Maasdam will operate seven- and 10-day eastern routes, as well as longer 11-day southern itineraries. Oosterdam will also offer10- and 11-day southern Caribbean voyages.
The recently refurbished Zuiderdam will offer a partial transit of the Panama Canal during its 10- and 11-day roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean.
All Fort Lauderdale itineraries feature a call at Half Moon Cay, HAL’s private Bahamian island.
Meanwhile, Veendam will reposition from Fort Lauderdale to Port Tampa, also in Florida, in January 2016. The ship will sail seven-day western Caribbean, and 12- and 14-day southern Caribbean roundtrips. These cruises can be combined to form a 21-day Caribbean Collectors’ Voyage.
HAL will also offer 13 holiday sailings in the Caribbean this December. Ranging from seven to 16 days, each cruise enables guests to participate in a Christmas tree lighting ceremony; eat a traditional holiday meal and a Royal Dutch High Tea; attend a musical show; enjoy carol-singing opportunities; holiday-themed craft activities; and visits from Santa Claus.