Koningsdam - February 14, 2026 (21 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.

St. Thomas is one of four major islands that make up what is called the US Virgin Islands (USVI). The capital of USVI is Charlotte Amalie and it is located on St. Thomas island. The population of St. Thomas is around 51,000 and it makes up almost half the population of all the US Virgin Islands combined. St. Thomas has a wonderful historic district, sunny beaches, unique culture shops, museums, gardens and a variety of restaurants to choose from. It's a highly attracted tourist island, visited by individuals, groups and families from US and all over the world.

The cruise ship that visits St. Thomas will either dock at Havensight or Crown Bay. Havensight is the first choice, but ships may dock at Crown Bay as well. If there are already 6 cruise ships docked in St. Thomas, which may happen from time to time, your ship may be anchored in the harbor. In that case, you'll be transferred to the center of Charlotte Amalie, from which you can start exploring all that St. Thomas has to offer.

There are many historic sites and beautiful beaches to visit while at St. Thomas. Walking around is a great way to experience the island and take in the beautiful surroundings. Fort Christian at Charlotte Amalie is a historic site that allows visitors to climb its tower to get a great view of the city. Haagensen House is a museum and garden site that also has an antique store. Coral World, a marine park, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are also many shopping malls and stores where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs. In fact, shopping is a very popular activity in St. Thomas because most of the purchases are duty-free.

There are many restaurants located on St. Thomas Island. Cuzzin's Caribbean, Cafe Amic, Gladys', Greenhouse Bar and Restaurant, Virgilio's, Marisol, Herve Restaurant and Wine Bar and Craig and Sally's are a few places that people often rave about. They include Italian, Middle Eastern, American and Indian cuisines. The variety of restaurants allows visitors to have a great selection of dining experiences. The wine menu is also extensive, making it a pleasurable experience for couples and groups.

Unlike the rest of the United States, drivers must drive on the left side of the road. However, it may be slightly confusing because cars exported to the US Virgin Islands have the standard steering column on the left side. If travelers are not interested in driving themselves, the cheapest transportation in St. Thomas is the use of the open air cabs, or safaris. They cost only one dollar and pass by drop off locations every five or ten minutes. Taxi cabs for local destinations are rare, but there are shuttle vans that charge from three to five dollars from town to town. Renting a car can be cheaper for family vacations; they start at around 35 dollars a day.

The average temperature in St. Thomas is in the high 80s and low 90s, which makes it a wonderful destination spot to visit all year round. Since St. Thomas is a US territory, the official language is English and the currency is the US dollar. Should you want to use the Internet, you'll find many internet cafes in the center of Charlotte Amalie. One of the more popular ones is the Beans, Bytes and Websites Cafe located in Royal Dane Mall.

St. Kitts, together with the neighboring Isle Nevis, is among the loveliest and unspoiled islands in the south Caribbean. It attracts many cruise visitors because of its scenic natural beauty as well as for its native culture and fine beaches. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the original name of the island was St. Christopher, shortened more recently to Saint Kitts. The eco-friendly preservation of the island's natural geography is one of the reasons so many come here to relax and explore. However, the tourist trade is alive and well, with a myriad of souvenir shops, gift stores and some extremely fine dining establishments. Above all, however, Saint Kitts is truly a getaway destination, perfect for couples, honeymooners and those who really enjoy nature.

Cruise lines make their port of call at Basseterre, the capital and largest community on the island. Just outside of the town a new, quite modern cruise dock has been constructed at Port Zante, and the terminal is complete with information desks, currency exchange booths and ATMs. Taxis can take visitors into the heart of the city in less than 15 minutes. However, some cruise travelers prefer to stroll along the waterfront to the central district of Basseterre. Port Zante itself has a number of newer shops and restaurants that have opened since the completion of this modern dock facility.

Some of the earliest Colonial style architecture remains around the island, and there are a number of fine old structures worth investigating in Basseterre. Romney Manor was once owned by the grandson of Thomas Jefferson and today visitors can delight in its magnificent grounds and visit the Caribelle Batik shop, one of many such establishments that offer genuine batik clothing. The Nature Reserve contains a stunning display of flora and fauna, including the brown pouchless pelican. One of the most intriguing destinations on the island is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Brimstone Hill Fortress. A 17th century British military barracks, this fortified complex was occupied by a huge number of troops during the period when fighting over control of Saint Kitts was at its height. Among the delightful beaches, the Great Salt Pond is one of the most enjoyable. Here visitors can stroll between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in just a few moments, as the beach is on a narrow peninsula. South Frigate Bay is a favorite for surfers and beachcombers, and waterskiing is popular along this entire stretch of coastline. For those wanting a bit of marine adventure, take a ferry ride to the neighboring Isle Nevis, which is more remote and ringed by coral reefs. The white sand beaches on this smaller island are exemplary.

Mr. X's Shiggedy Shack serves the famous rum cocktail made with cane juice. At the Glimbara Guest House on Cayon Street the locals can be found whetting their appetite at the Glimbara Diner, a well-known establishment specializing in Creole style cuisine. Outside of town and a short taxi ride from the center of Basseterre is the equally popular Rawlins Plantation. Here on the lower slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, diners experience the very finest in shrimp and lobster entrees. The excellent desserts are a mix of French and Caribbean cooking and the views are exceptional.

Taxis are the preferred method of transportation for cruise visitors. The fares are determined by agreement and there are no metered fares. Taxis are plentiful at hotels, restaurants and along the waterfront as well as at the cruise terminal. Rental cars are available. However, you would need to purchase a visitor's permit in order to drive. The rural streets are crowded with pedestrian traffic as well as livestock such as goats and sheep. Driving slowly around the island is highly recommended.

The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, although many of the gift shops and restaurants accept U.S. Dollar as well. The native language of the island is English, but the locals have created their own distinct accent, which can be a bit tricky to understand at first. Several of the cafes in downtown Basseterre have Internet access, especially those located in and around the central circus and at the TDL Mall on Fort Street.

Philipsburg is the biggest town located on the Saint Maarten island. Saint Maarten island is divided into two parts - Dutch and French. Philipsburg is located in the Dutch part of the island. You can also visit the French side of the island, the main city of which is Marigot. Philipsburg and Saint Maarten island have amazing beaches, very large and vibrant duty free shopping opportunities (it's one of the largest shopping centers in Caribbean) as well as many types of entertainment and fun activities.

The majority of cruise ships will dock in Great Bay on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The pier, which is one mile from the Philipsburg city center, is called the A.C. Wathey Pier. Taxis are available directly at the pier to transport travelers into town for a small fare. In addition, one can walk from the pier to downtown Philipsburg in approximately 15 minutes. Some ships may choose to dock at Little Pier and then transport their passengers into the center of Philipsburg.

There is much to see and do in Philipsburg and in St. Maarten. In Philipsburg you can enjoy some of the trendiest restaurants and you can shop in the multitude of duty-free shops available. The most famous shopping streets are Front and Old Streets, although you can enjoy great shopping in many other places. On another note, you can explore Orient Beach (part of which is clothing optional) to enjoy the beautiful white sand that stretches for over 1 1/2 miles along the coast. If you are a big fan of nature, you can take a trip to the Butterfly Farm to admire hundreds of butterflies of various colors and species. For the more adventurous travelers, kayaking activities and snorkeling are available for you to experience the exotic wildlife and coral reefs of St. Maarten. You can also take a historical tour of St. Maarten via bicycle. Finally, St. Maarten is also a great place to sail. In fact, you can even compete in a shortened version of the America's Cup race if you so choose.

There are plenty of nice restaurants to enjoy on both Dutch and French side of the St. Maarten island. On the Dutch side, you can, for example, go to Chesterfield's for a casual lunch or to St. Antoine, which is a more upscale place. On the French side, in Marigot (the main town on the French side) you can go to l'Oiseau Rare - a French bistro that has a great view of Marigot harbor. Or you can visit Le Mini Club, which is famous for its Creole and French cuisine. These are just some suggestions, there are many other places where you can have wonderful dining experience.

Once you arrive at the port, you can either hail a taxi to travel into the center of Philipsburg, or you can choose to take the 15 minute walk. Cab fares are extremely reasonable. Another option is to take a water taxi from the cruise pier to the center of Philipsburg. That will cost you $3 one-way and $5 roundtrip. It is possible to rent a car in St. Maarten, but if you are only staying for a day as part of a cruise, this may not be your best option. In that case, you can just walk or use a taxi to explore the area.

The island of St. Maarten is owned by two different countries. One side of the island has French as the official language, while the other side has Dutch as its official language. However, English is the language most frequently spoken on both sides of St. Maarten. The official currencies of St. Maarten are the Euro on the French side and the guilder on the Dutch side, but the US dollar will be accepted everywhere. Most stores will post prices both in the local currency and in US dollars. If you want to stay in touch with folks back home, you can use the Internet Paradise cafe located at the intersection of Yrausquin Boulevard and Front Street.

Cayman Islands consists of 3 islands, of which the Grand Cayman is the largest. Grand Cayman island also hosts George Town, which is the capital of Cayman Islands. Seven Mile Beach, located on the west coast of George Town, is regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. George Town is a beautiful and alluring area of the Cayman Islands with much to offer to travelers from all around the world. Most travelers find George Town an exciting port of call when cruising the Caribbean.

Cruise ships usually anchor in the harbor; after that the passengers are transferred to either Northern or Southern cruise ship dock of George Town port. It's very convenient because both of these docks are located right in the center of George Town and you can start enjoying all that this beautiful island has to offer right away.

George Town offers a fascinating plethora of activities and attractions, including three within immediate walking distance from the port - the Cayman Islands National Museum, the Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum and the remains of Fort George, a fortress built in 1790 to protect the harbor. Those who enjoy multimedia shows may also wish to consider a visit to the Pedro Saint James Castle, which is a stone structure created in 1780, much of which was preserved in its natural state and is now host to hourly multimedia displays. Another place you may want to visit is the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. There is much to observe in these famous gardens and it is not uncommon to come face to face with endemic blue iguanas when walking one of the many nature trails of this 1900s Cayman sand garden and farmhouse. You should also stop by Seven Mile Beach - an amazing beach that is perhaps the most popular spot of cruise travelers.

There are a number of outdoor cafes and restaurants located directly on the shore, many of which can be seen when pulling into port. In addition, local eateries such as the Sunset House and Breezes by the Bay are located in downtown George Town. Those who enjoy contemporary international fare may wish to visit the Bacchus Restaurant and Wine Bar where the menu changes on a daily basis. For an alternative experience, one may visit the Sapphire Lounge, the island's only authentic martini lounge. One can choose from an impressive 225 different cocktails and over 125 unique martini creations. For those who find the cozy atmosphere of a genuine Irish Pub enjoyable, Fidel Murphy's Irish Pub is the perfect choice. Vacationers who prefer a sports bar will not want to miss a trip to Legendz, the busiest and most popular sports bar on the island.

Although many walkable shopping and dining areas lie throughout the George Town harbor, areas such as Seven Mile Beach and many of the bars and lounges are not within walking distance. However, getting around George Town is not difficult as taxis are readily available at the cruise docks and at every resort. In addition, bus transportation is available and the Grand Cayman public bus system is an excellent way to transverse the island for a nominal fee. Buses are easily identified by blue license plates and daily service typically starts at 6am.

The Cayman Islands has its own currency named Cayman Island Dollar. A US dollar is worth about 80 cents in Cayman dollars. You can, however, use US dollars for pretty much all your shopping and meals. The official language is English. Should you need to use the internet, you can easily find cafes and shops in George Town center that offer wifi service.

Belize City is the largest city in the country of the same name, which is located on the southeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. This exciting cruise stop is popular not only for visiting the city itself but also for exploring the natural wonders of the region and understanding the ancient heritage of the Mayans. There is no shortage of places to visit and the educational experience is quite memorable. One of the more affordable and reasonably priced countries in the Western Hemisphere, Belize offers tourists a treasure trove of activities centering around native culture.

All cruise ships arriving in Belize City anchor in the main harbor, and passengers are ferried via the local Belizean tender vessels. Passengers are deposited at the docks in the main Tourism Village, directly in front of the city center and near the bus stops, restaurants and taxi stands. Most of the souvenir shops and arts and crafts stores are located in Tourism Village as well.

The favorable climate of the region, along with the presence of the Belize Barrier Reef and the multitude of offshore islands makes this area a favorite for boating, diving and snorkeling. San Pedro Beach in Ambergris Caye offers white sands, gentle surf and excellent picnic areas. The highest waterfall in Central America is located in the Cayo District and is a favorite spot for photographers. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is excellent for backpacking or enjoying the many easy hiking trails. Visiting some of the ancient Mayan ruins is a highlight of any stop in Belize City. The Altun Ha excavation site is a short day trip from the city and includes some of the most spectacular temples and burial tombs found in the country. The nearby Xunantunich, across the Mopan River, consists of over 25 temple remains and religious palaces. At Caracol visitors will find the Caana Maya pyramid, the highest such structure in the country. Exploring wildlife around the Belize City is another favorite activity of cruise travelers. From the spectacular city zoo to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, tourists get a close up and personal look at the amazing variety of wild fauna.

A most famous stop in Belize is the Riverside Tavern on Mapp Street in Belize City. This is home to the nation's only active brewery and includes a full lunch and dinner menu. The cafeteria-style Big Daddy's Diner is a favorite with the locals and is nearly always full from opening to late night closing time. On Queen Street try the Nerie's Restaurant, offering reasonably priced local cuisine that focuses on rice and beans, stews, seafood platters and fish burgers. And on Ambergris Caye the place to go is Ruby's Cafe, serving visitors hot and cold sandwiches, home-baked pastries and snacks such as burritos and tostadas.

Over a half dozen bus companies operate in and around Belize City, most of which stop at nearly every corner on the routes they serve. The San Pedro Belize Express is the favored water taxi service, operating routes from the main harbor to Caye Caulker, San Pedro and many other islands in the area. Land taxis can be hailed at the Tourism Village or in front of any hotel. Taxis do not publish standard fares; all prices are negotiable between the driver and the passengers.

The Belize Dollar is the monetary unit of the country and is easily exchanged for U.S. Dollars. Most local merchants will accept U.S. Dollars but will often attempt to give Belize Dollars in change. Visitors can find ATMs at the Tourism Village and at any major bank in the city. The official language of Belize is English and is spoken fluently by nearly everyone. If visitors need to make international telephone calls there are Internet cafes in the Tourism Village as well as in the National Handicraft Center in the business district.

Cozumel is Mexico's most famous tropical island resort and is located off the coast of the Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula. Every year hundreds of cruise ships ferry travelers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike from all over the world to this beautiful Caribbean island. Ancient Mayan ruins and natural reefs compliment Cozumel's immaculate coastline. You don't even need to travel far from the port to walk along the island's near-perfect beaches or explore its lush tropical landscape.

Three piers serve cruise ships passing through Cozumel. The primary docking terminal lies at Punta Langosta, located on the shores of the island's only city, San Miguel de Cozumel. But the International Pier and Puerta Maya to the south of Punta Langosta also see plenty of cruise ship traffic throughout the year. No matter where you arrive and disembark for the day, Cozumel's prime attractions are very accessible on foot, or by taxi, which is the most useful way to get around the city.

If you happen to be in the mood for an adventure, look no further than the San Gervasio Mayan ruins only a few miles east of San Miguel. In fact, Cozumel is home to many ancient Mayan landmarks that are over 2,000 years old. But the San Gervasio ruins take the prize as the largest ancient structures left standing on the island. The Plaza del Sol is another attraction you have to see while docked in Cozumel. This retail complex provides cruise ship travelers with plenty of opportunities to find the perfect souvenir. Locally known as 'zocalo', Plaza del Sol houses shops, which sell jewelry, clothing, handcrafted products as well as other memorabilia. One of the most popular activities on the island is the Palancar Reef. From San Miguel follow the shoreline south on the Rafael E. Melgar Boulevard in order to find Cozumel's world-renowned snorkeling and diving waters. Water sports like sailing and surfing have a strong following as well on the island's long, pristine beaches. You can take part in all kinds of outdoor activities while on Cozumel. For example, Chankanaab National Park services over a million visitors each year. Both snorkeling and diving, especially into the infamous underwater Chankanaab Caves, are very popular activities in Cozumel.

While there are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal, a short taxi cab ride into the heart of San Miguel can give you a better feel for the wide range of dining options. Mexican and Caribbean cuisines are the most common ones. Cozumel's fresh seafood is very popular and is a major attraction in town and out on the beach.

Once you set foot on Cozumel, many of the island's best amenities are located within walking distance from the dock. But a large number of visitors opt to get around the island by taxi. If you happen to be the adventurous type, you can rent a vehicle for the day. But it is advised that first time visitors stay close to San Miguel since many of the island's inland rural roads are isolated and may be in poor condition.

While the official currency is peso, most shops accept (even prefer) US dollars. Also, almost all shops have English speakers in case you don't know Spanish. There is also a calling station (located at Plaza Orbi - Local 1, Av. Rafael E. Melgar 27) that you can use for Internet or for making an international phone call.