Holland America has just announced a focus shift to destination-centered experiences and excursions that will be featured on their Caribbean cruises for the 2024-2025 season. This will include the seven ships that will be in the region, with cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale. These experiences will focus on the food, drinks, and history of the destinations that are visited, allowing guests to delve deeper into this beautiful part of the world.
“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. 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.”
— Michael Smith, senior vice president of Holland America

Inspired Excursions
The shore excursion programs will showcase options ranging from water-based tours to immersive culinary experiences, all designed to showcase the best-of-the-best of each destination. Holland America will be offering hundreds of tours throughout the Caribbean during this season, giving guests the opportunity to dive into the rich culture and history of the region through fun, food, and flavor.
Inspired Dining
Alongside the shore-excursion program will be onboard dining experiences that reflect the Caribbean, including regional menu items in the dining rooms and Lido Market, as well as a Caribbean-themed brunch, and rum tastings. The brunch will be served in the Main Dining Room and showcase local ingredients with selections such as Jamaican banana pancakes, Florida Keys mahi-mahi sandwiches, and sweet potato chowder.
Rum Ambassador Program
In addition there will be an exclusive Rum Ambassador program on each sailing, developed in collaboration with experts David Wondrich and Jeff Berry. This program is designed to immerse guests in the flavors and history of the region through rum tastings and seminars that will be held onboard. There will also be several special onboard cocktails introduced for the season, inclusion a pirate-inspired rum punch.
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your Caribbean cruise with Holland America, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ships and programs inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with the cruise line. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
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