Holland America Line officially launched its 2024-2025 Caribbean season on October 20, with seven ships in the region. Cruise travelers can look forward to a variety of new destination-focused culinary, beverage, and shore excursion experiences that dive deeper into the local culture.
“Caribbean culture is full of vibrant flavors that allowed us to get creative developing new dishes and cocktails that showcase the culinary traditions of the region,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development at Holland America Line. “We continue to add new and exciting experiences ashore that make a memorable impression on our guests while also taking a more personal look at the destination.”
These immersive experiences, whether it’s sampling regional dishes, learning about the rich history of rum, or taking part in culturally focused shore excursions, offer guests a deeper and more authentic connection to the Caribbean.
Regional Menus Offer a Taste of the Caribbean
One of the highlights of Holland America Line’s Caribbean cruises is the culinary offerings that reflect the rich and diverse flavors of the region. Guests aboard any of the seven ships will have the opportunity to indulge in regionally themed menus both in the Dining Room and at the casual Lido Market.
From sweet Jamaican Banana Pancakes at the complimentary Caribbean Brunch to savory dishes like Jerked Pork Tenderloin with rice pilaf and black beans, the menus are a celebration of local ingredients. The Lido Market also joins in with favorites like Caribbean Lamb Curry and Puerto Rican Tostones. Pinnacle Grill adds Caribbean flair to its fine dining menu, with dishes such as Jerked Chicken Bao and Cuban Mojo Pork Chop.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Themed Caribbean Tea Time offers delightful treats like Piña Colada Mousse, Rum Baba Cupcake, and Key Lime Tartlet. These special events add an extra layer of immersion, allowing guests to savor the tastes of the Caribbean throughout their journey.
Sip Your Way Through Caribbean History
Holland America Line is introducing an exclusive Rum Ambassador program, developed in collaboration with beverage experts David Wondrich and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. This program, available on all Caribbean sailings, offers guests the chance to dive deep into the history and flavors of rum through tastings and seminars.
Each ship will have a dedicated Rum Ambassador to lead these tastings, sharing the rich heritage of this iconic Caribbean spirit. Guests can sample unique rum-based cocktails such as the Green Swizzle and 17th Century Caribbean Pirate Punch, along with other drinks that capture the essence of the islands. These onboard activities are a fun way to unwind and experience the region’s rum culture firsthand.
Immersive Shore Excursions
Beyond the onboard experiences, Holland America Line’s shore excursions are designed to immerse guests in the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a laid-back cultural experience, the wide range of tours caters to every taste.
Some of the standout new excursions for the 2024-2025 season include:
- Dominican Culture: Cooking, Coffee & Casa Typica (Amber Cove, Dominican Republic): A hands-on culinary experience that explores traditional Dominican cuisine.
- Steel Band Extravaganza at Sunbury Plantation (Bridgetown, Barbados): Immerse yourself in the vibrant music of the Caribbean while visiting a historic plantation.
- Traditional Alebrije Carving & Painting Workshop (Cozumel, Mexico): Learn the traditional Mexican art of creating and painting Alebrijes, mythical creatures from Mexican folklore.
- San Juan Artisanal Rum Distillers Experience (San Juan, Puerto Rico): Dive into the world of artisanal rum production in Puerto Rico, complete with a delicious local lunch.
These new experiences reflect Holland America Line’s commitment to providing guests with meaningful, authentic encounters at each port of call.
Caribbean Itineraries for Every Traveler
Holland America Line offers a range of Caribbean itineraries that cater to various vacation styles, from quick getaways to longer, more leisurely cruises. Here are just a few of the standout sailings for the upcoming season:
- 11-Day Eastern Caribbean Wayfarer aboard the Eurodam, departing Nov. 27, 2024
- 7-Day Western Caribbean aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, departing Dec. 8, 2024
- 14-Day Southern Caribbean aboard the Volendam, departing Dec. 21, 2024
- 12-Day Panama Canal Sunfarer aboard the Rotterdam, departing Feb. 2, 2025
- 7-Day Tropical Caribbean aboard the Nieuw Statendam, departing Feb. 8, 2025
- 10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer aboard the Eurodam, departing Feb. 19, 2025
- 6-Day Tropical Caribbean aboard the Rotterdam, departing April 6, 2025
With a variety of itineraries, travelers can choose the perfect cruise to explore the islands, whether they’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery.
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Why Cruisers Will Love This Season
Holland America Line’s 2024-2025 Caribbean season is perfect for those who want a relaxing and enriching cruise. With seven ships Holland America ship sailing the Caribbean, there’s ample opportunity for everyone to find an itinerary that suits their interests.
If you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway this winter or Holiday season, these HAL cruises might be the perfect fit.
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