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Discover the southern Caribbean's natural wonders and colonial history on this 14-night cruise from Florida, visiting islands like Aruba, Grenada and St. Lucia
- Explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the southern Caribbean
- Enjoy 5 relaxing days at sea on the intimate Volendam ship
- Visit historic ports and natural attractions across 8 island destinations
Trip Details
- Departs
- 22 December 2026
- Returns
- 5 January 2027
- Embarks
- Operator
- Holland America Line
14-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Volendam.
Calling at Key West, Aruba, Charlotteville, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, San Juan and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, with 5 days at sea.
Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 1999, carrying around 1,430 guests. One of the smaller ships in the fleet, she is prized for longer and more unusual itineraries, with a flower-themed art collection and the line's classic teak promenade deck.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Pinnacle Suite.
Departures & Pricing
- 22 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027
from $2,789 pp twin share *
- Interior from $2,789 pp twin share
- Ocean View from $3,259 pp twin share
- Pinnacle Suite from $29,929 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Volendam
Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 1999, carrying around 1,430 guests. One of the smaller ships in the fleet, she is prized for longer and more unusual itineraries, with a flower-themed art collection and the line's classic teak promenade deck.
- Guests
- 1,837
- Crew
- 647
- Gross tonnage
- 61,214
- Speed
- 26 knots
- Length
- 237.7 m
- Launched
- 1998
- Deck plans
- 10
Deck 10 — Sky Deck
Source: Holland America Line, captured 5 August 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Departs 04:00 pm.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is "where the boys are." The city's reputation as America's Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the "Carrie B."
- 2
Key West, Florida, US
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.
- 3
At Sea
- 4
At Sea
- 5
Aruba
Arrives 12:00 pm, departs 11:00 pm.
Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Aruba's long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.
- 6
At Sea
- 7
Charlotteville, Trinidad and Tobago
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
- 8
Grenada
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Grenada is the Caribbean's "Isle of Spice" -- one of the world's major producers of nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. Indeed, the fragrant aroma of spice seems to envelop the island's emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Grenada is truly a feast for the senses. Americans, of course, may remember the island from the 1983 U.S. military intervention. Over two decades later, Grenada is again an ideal vacation spot. No building here may be built higher than a coconut palm. The majority of hotels are small and family owned. St. George's Harbor is a picture-perfect postcard of an idyllic Caribbean anchorage.
- 9
Barbados
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Barbados is one of the few Caribbean islands solely colonized by one nation. It's no wonder Bajans describe their country as being "more English than England sheself," surnames like Worthing and Hastings abound. But look around and you know you're not in England: rich and fertile tropical fields meet a glistening, azure sea. The soft pastels of old chattel houses blend with the vibrant reds, oranges, and greens of roadside fruit stands. In short, Barbados exudes a charm all its own. Perhaps it is due to Bajan culture, that celebrated blend of English tradition and the African heritage brought to the island by slaves imported to work the sugar plantations. The potent brew which results flavors every aspect of island life, from music, dance and art, to religion, language and food.
- 10
St. Lucia
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Nestled below the Pitons, twin peaks rising over 2,600 feet above the azure waters of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is an oasis of tropical calm. The island's capital, Castries, is a town of charming, pastel-colored colonial buildings, home to some 60,000. Yet despite its peaceful setting, St. Lucia has a turbulent and colorful history. Fierce Carib warriors overran the peaceful Arawaks in the 9th century. The first European settler, Francois Le Clerc, was a French buccaneer. Le Clerc's countrymen followed in his wake, establishing the town of Soufriere in 1746. Sugar was the lure, sugar was king. Within four decades some 50 plantations flourished on the island. Thus St. Lucia became part of the Caribbean's 18th-century trade triangle of sugar, slavery, and rum. Today this beautiful island welcomes visitors drawn to its exotic tropical landscape, superb beaches, crystalline waters, and colorful marine life.
- 11
At Sea
- 12
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
The oldest city under the American flag, San Juan vibrates to a lively salsa beat. There's an unmistakable zest in the air here. Perhaps it's the stunning natural setting: the verdant peaks, tropical forests, and gleaming white-sand beaches. Or maybe it's Puerto Rico's mix of cultures, the blend and occasional clash of four centuries of Spanish heritage overlaid with a century spent as America's only Commonwealth. Whatever the reason, San Juan is one of the most enticing ports in the Caribbean, and it only gets lovelier with age.
- 13
At Sea
- 14
RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
- 15
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Arrives 07:00 am.
According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is "where the boys are." The city's reputation as America's Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping. The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the "Carrie B."
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Dining in the main Dining Room and casual venues
- Live music venues and nightly entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pools
- Enrichment programme and port talks
Accommodation
Volendam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 1999, carrying around 1,430 guests. One of the smaller ships in the fleet, she is prized for longer and more unusual itineraries, with a flower-themed art collection and the line's classic teak promenade deck.
Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Pinnacle Suite, Ocean View and Interior.
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
What is generally included?
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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