Holland America Line Caribbean: 21 nights from Boston with Zuiderdam
Oct 18, 2025

San Juan

One of the largest islands in the eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's panorama includes mountains, caves, coral reefs, white sand beaches and an incredibly lush rainforest.

San Juan is the oldest city under the rule of the United States. San Juan is located in the northeast of Puerto Rico and features distinctly a century-old architecture, such as Spanish military fortresses built from 1540 to 1800, an active port, and a very active economic zone in the Hato Rey district. San Juan has magnificent beaches, hotels, squares, historical sites, and museums. San Juan is a Latin American city with Spanish culture mixed with African and Taíno traditions with American influence. The citizens of San Juan are very festive, as in the rest of the island.

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of Thomas, is the capital of the US Virgin Islands. It was founded in 1666 by Danish settlers and was named after Queen Charlotte Amalia, wife of King Christian V of Denmark. In the past, it was a lively trading center for pirates and sailors in the area. The culture of Charlotte Amalie is a mix of African, European and Caribbean vibes. The architecture showcases its Danish colonial past with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.

Traditional music, dance and festivals are an important part of city life. A famous local legend concerns the "Three Queens of St. Thomas", three slave women who led a rebellion against Danish colonial rule in 1878.

This myth is a symbol of resistance and pride for the community and is celebrated in various cultural events around the country. The city has a number of historical places such as Fort Christian, the oldest building in the US Virgin Islands, built in 1671. Other notable places are Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 steps, a staircase made with bricks brought from Danish ships. Charlotte Amalie is surrounded by beautiful beaches, clear waters and tropical forests. The most famous beaches are Magens Bay and Lindbergh Bay. The city is known for duty-free shopping, which offers everything from jewelry to local handicrafts. The lively Market Square is perfect for experiencing a day of unbridled shopping.

The food in Charlotte Amalie is a tasty mix of Caribbean flavors, with African, Danish, and American influences. Fish is a central element in local cuisine, and one of the area's dishes is fish and fungi. This is a cornmeal dish similar to polenta, usually served with fried or stewed fish, seasoned with local spices. This dish highlights the mix of cultures and ingredients on the island. Charlotte Amalie is a major Caribbean cruise port. The port welcomes a lot of cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the city's historical sites, reach the beaches, and go shopping. Cruises departing from or stopping in Charlotte Amalie often include itineraries in the Caribbean, where it is possible to visit places like St. John, St. Croix, and Tortola. These cruises are a great way to see the natural beauty and learn about the culture of the Caribbean.

Sint Maarten

Even if it is only 32 square kilometers, St Thomas has 1 million things to do. Go shopping, sailing, snorkeling and visiting the city, diving and lavish lunches.

Today, the charm goes beyond the natural gifts of the island. The political division of the land has given the island two very different personalities, like a pair of twins, although basically only one entity; both sides are engaged in unconscious tug-of-war as if to affirm their individuality. But, although neither likes to admit it, the best is obtained from the sum of the two parts.

Castries

St Lucia is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The most popular is Vigie Beach, a beautiful curve of golden sand, dotted with swaying palm trees.

St. Lucia has been part of the British Commonwealth since 1803. But before that, it was often occupied by the French, whose influences are evident in much of the island's culture. Castries offers a colorful local market and great shopping. And the surrounding areas offer lush rainforests, impressive waterfalls, beautiful beaches and sulfur springs. Admire the beautiful coast of Santa Lucia from the deck of a catamaran. You will have an unbeatable view of the landscape and you will get an exhilarating ride.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown, an island located in the eastern part of the archipelago, is the capital of Barbodos islands. It is renowned for its duty-free shops and its cultural and historical attractions.
It is one of the most oldiest cities of the Carribean Islands; its architecture full of colonial buildings blending with warehouses and brash modern office blocks fascinates and entertains visitors. The center of the city is the Carenaggio, a tourist port that confines with the Parliament of Barbados (where are located two small fashinated history museums). Some of the most famous religious buildings are distant five minutes from the Parliament like Sant Micheal Cathedral and the synagogue.

Bridgetown is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean; its architecture with balconies of colonial buildings blending with warehouses and brash modern office blocks fascinates and entertains visitors. The center of activity is the careenage, a marina that borders the Barbados Parliament (home to two small but fascinating local history museums). A number of the island's most important religious buildings are located within a five-minute walk of Parliament, including St. Michael's Cathedral and a synagogue.

Curacao

Curacao, located in the heart of the Dutch Antilles, is an island that fascinates visitors with its rich history, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. This unique destination offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for those looking for a different vacation. Cruises to Curacao allow you to enjoy this wonderful island in all its beauty, offering travelers the opportunity to discover a Caribbean paradise where local hospitality meets breathtaking landscapes.

The island of Curacao is famous for its colorful and lively cities, where Dutch colonial architecture mixes with Caribbean and Latin American influences, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Willemstad, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and enchants with its historic pastel-colored buildings that are reflected in the calm waters of the harbor. Exploring the city center offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, discover craft markets and savor Creole cuisine that blends African, European and Asian flavors.

In addition to its fascinating urban culture, Curacao invites you to discover its natural resources. The island is surrounded by a coral reef accessible directly from the beach, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The crystal clear waters hide an underwater world rich in biodiversity, with colorful corals and a variety of marine life that makes every dive an unforgettable experience. For those seeking terrestrial adventures, Christoffel National Park offers hiking trails through desert landscapes and endemic flora and fauna.

Opting for a cruise that stops in Curacao means choosing a journey that perfectly combines relaxation, discovery and adventure. The island, with its sober but charming style, promises to give its visitors unforgettable moments, between unspoiled nature, fascinating history and vibrant cultures, making every stay a unique and enriching experience.

Half Moon Cay

Grand Turk

Grand Turk may be small, but it is full of scenic flair and historical charm. An outpost to explore an enchanted island, dotted with old windmills, grassy trails and perfect beaches.

Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a small island brimming with Caribbean charm, maintaining the look and feel of the Caribbean 40 years ago. Grand Turk was founded about three centuries ago and having been English it is surrounded by typically colonial, colorful houses that make the island a treasure to visit. It is recognized as one of the first places in the new world where Christopher Columbus stopped and also gained the attention of the whole world when John Glenn landed near Grand Turk on his historic first mission in space. Inland there are many attractions to explore such as the old prison, the lighthouse Park and the salt pan, the true beauty of the island is found underwater. Grand Turk is world famous for its healthy and beautiful coral reef that surrounds the island, extends almost to the 7,000-foot vertical wall off the coast.

San Juan

One of the largest islands in the eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's panorama includes mountains, caves, coral reefs, white sand beaches and an incredibly lush rainforest.

San Juan is the oldest city under the rule of the United States. San Juan is located in the northeast of Puerto Rico and features distinctly a century-old architecture, such as Spanish military fortresses built from 1540 to 1800, an active port, and a very active economic zone in the Hato Rey district. San Juan has magnificent beaches, hotels, squares, historical sites, and museums. San Juan is a Latin American city with Spanish culture mixed with African and Taíno traditions with American influence. The citizens of San Juan are very festive, as in the rest of the island.

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of Thomas, is the capital of the US Virgin Islands. It was founded in 1666 by Danish settlers and was named after Queen Charlotte Amalia, wife of King Christian V of Denmark. In the past, it was a lively trading center for pirates and sailors in the area. The culture of Charlotte Amalie is a mix of African, European and Caribbean vibes. The architecture showcases its Danish colonial past with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.

Traditional music, dance and festivals are an important part of city life. A famous local legend concerns the "Three Queens of St. Thomas", three slave women who led a rebellion against Danish colonial rule in 1878.

This myth is a symbol of resistance and pride for the community and is celebrated in various cultural events around the country. The city has a number of historical places such as Fort Christian, the oldest building in the US Virgin Islands, built in 1671. Other notable places are Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 steps, a staircase made with bricks brought from Danish ships. Charlotte Amalie is surrounded by beautiful beaches, clear waters and tropical forests. The most famous beaches are Magens Bay and Lindbergh Bay. The city is known for duty-free shopping, which offers everything from jewelry to local handicrafts. The lively Market Square is perfect for experiencing a day of unbridled shopping.

The food in Charlotte Amalie is a tasty mix of Caribbean flavors, with African, Danish, and American influences. Fish is a central element in local cuisine, and one of the area's dishes is fish and fungi. This is a cornmeal dish similar to polenta, usually served with fried or stewed fish, seasoned with local spices. This dish highlights the mix of cultures and ingredients on the island. Charlotte Amalie is a major Caribbean cruise port. The port welcomes a lot of cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the city's historical sites, reach the beaches, and go shopping. Cruises departing from or stopping in Charlotte Amalie often include itineraries in the Caribbean, where it is possible to visit places like St. John, St. Croix, and Tortola. These cruises are a great way to see the natural beauty and learn about the culture of the Caribbean.

Half Moon Cay