Eurodam - December 14, 2025 (7 Nights)

When one thinks about a Caribbean or a Bahamas cruise, it is usually assumed that Miami is the departure point, but the northern suburb of Fort Lauderdale has its own modern port facility and has rapidly become a favored jumping off point for ships taking vacationers to exciting tropical destinations. And the beaches, nightlife and colorful restaurants in this city are enough to keep everyone occupied and happy both before and after the cruise itself. A nice mix of South Florida bustle and quieter southern atmosphere is a good way to describe this vibrant city. Its 23-mile stretch of white sand beach is as inviting as any to be found elsewhere.

Vacationers departing from Fort Lauderdale embark at the modern, full service facility at Port Everglades. Only a ten minute taxi ride from both downtown and the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, the dock areas have a number of visitor information centers, vending machines and ATMs, as well as a small number of kiosks stuffed with see-and-do brochures and restaurant advertisements. The complex is also the busiest section of the commercial dock area and there is plenty of security around to make sure passengers are guided to the area where the cruise ships anchor. Most departures are at the Midport and Northport areas of the terminal facility.

First of all it is imperative to get away from the dock area, which is heavily congested and offering little in the way of entertainment. The sand beaches of town are the favorite draw, and although they have been immortalized as the popular spring break destination for college students, they are actually quite clean, family-friendly and have undergone some major renovations in the past few years. New lighting for nighttime beach activities, landscaping improvements and the addition of many new shops and restaurants along the waterfront has completely transformed this glorious stretch of coastline. A great walking tour of the city would not be complete without a stroll along the Intercoastal Waterway, running directly through the city center. Downtown has a new flavor with the cropping up of boutiques, antique shops and upscale restaurants. One of those restaurants is the Mangoes on E. Las Olas Blvd. - a traditional Miami restaurant in its design as well as in its offerings that center around combination lunch and dinner plates including both steak and seafood. Another favorite is the 15 Street Fisheries, located naturally on 15th Street and considered the finest chowder house in the area. Those who want a bit more exotic experience can try the famous Jungle Queen Riverboat. It has drawn visitors for six decades and takes visitors on an inland sightseeing cruise as well as offering nighttime dining on board. Those who have come with families can try two and a half mile boardwalk on Hollywood Beach, known for its low-key atmosphere and street performers.

Aside from the local favorites already mentioned, there are a number of smaller establishments along the waterfront that offer everything from pizza to seafood stews and hot dogs. La Bonne Crepes on Las Olas Blvd has a yummy breakfast of waffles, French toast and mouthwatering crepes. The H2O Cafe on South Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd is famous for its Italian cuisine and serves up pasta, chicken and barbeque beef with a Cuban influence. Its outdoor seating area is in full view of the beach activities and is perfect for an evening meal while exploring the waterfront.

Most of the cruise lines will have shuttle service to and from downtown for their passengers regardless of whether they have confirmed reservations at one of the local hotels. For vacationers arriving at the airport there is a free shuttle to Port Everglades itself, and rental cars can be booked ahead of time and picked up either at the airport or in downtown.

Internet cafes are numerous throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale and of course there is Internet connection and WiFi at the airport. Although there are a number of banks that can exchange U.S. dollars for foreign currencies, it is best to wait until arriving at individual Caribbean ports, as many of these destinations will be full of merchants accepting American money, thus helping to save tremendously on exchange fees.

One of the most spectacular destinations in all of the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay is a privately owned island held by the Holland America cruise line. It is situated approximately 100 miles south of the city of Nassau and is accessible only by one of the cruise ships making stops throughout the Bahamas. Holland America proudly operates these cruises in partnership with private companies licensed to operate businesses on the island, and promotes these vacations to those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the major communities. Half Moon Cay is truly a getaway spot, where one can imagine being king or queen of his or her own personal paradise.

Half Moon Cay is largely natural area, with few docks and piers. The cruise ship anchors in the bay and all passengers are ferried ashore by small tender vessels, bringing visitors directly to the beach area and docking at modern arrival piers on the waterfront. The tourist shops and souvenir stores are located on this section of beach, where there is also a large restaurant and areas where organized recreation is overseen.

Over 90 percent of Little San Salvador Island (another name for Half Moon Cay), which has a total land area of only 2.8 square miles, is unspoiled and totally natural. The entire island is a wild bird preserve and beach strolling while enjoying the many avian species is a favorite activity. Holland America operates many recreational activities as well, and visitors to the island can rent a catamaran, sailboat, view board or traditional surfboard while visiting. The beach recreation facilities include a volleyball and tennis court, basketball court, shuffleboard area, fitness trail and exercise stations. Several hiking trails lead from the activities center to various parts of the island, and for the more adventurous, jet skis and snorkeling equipment can be rented. The bay itself is well-protected from strong ocean currents, making Half Moon Cay very family-friendly in terms of swimming and relaxing on inflatable rafts. The Stingray Adventure Program offers guided tours for swimmers and snorkelers and is operated by experts that bring the world of undersea life up close and personal with tourists. The souvenir shop is simple but complete with locally made items such as straw hats, belts, sunglasses, sandals and photography supplies.

The beach restaurant at Half Moon Cay offers cruise visitors an exciting blend of international cuisine, with the large Food Pavilion organized in cafeteria style. There are a number of open air dining shelters. Fresh fruit, buffet-style menu and a full service bar make for an enjoyable lunch or dinner while visiting the island. There is a complete restroom facility, shower station and changing room area located at the Food Pavilion.

Because of its small size, the Half Moon Cay area is basically for foot travel. The island has no highways or long surface roads and all of the activities take place at or depart from the main docking areas. Long walks on the beach or strolls along the hiking trails are the only transportation needed in this beautiful, tiny paradise.

Most purchases can be billed to the passenger account aboard ship, so using currency while on the island is unnecessary. The operators of the shops and recreational facilities at Half Moon Cay speak English as well as several European languages. The island is promoted as a getaway vacation, so there are no hotels, Internet cafes or other city conveniences. Passengers can make emergency international calls from aboard ship if necessary. Half Moon Cay is a place to relax and forget about the outside world.