Holland America Line Caribbean: 7 nights from with Zuiderdam
Dec 26, 2026

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.