Where Holland America Is Going in the Caribbean for 2026-2027
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Holland America Line has just unveiled its 2026-2027 Caribbean season, a set of cruises that promises to stretch your idea of what a getaway should be. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s an extended break from reality, offering more voyages lasting nine days or longer than any other cruise line in the region. And, because no island paradise is complete without its own slice of heaven, nearly every itinerary includes a visit to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay—Holland America’s very own private piece of the Bahamas.

For the 2026-2027 season, the island is getting some upgrades. A new Beach Club will cater to the most discerning beachgoers, complete with priority tendering, waiter service, and food and drink offerings that feel as exclusive as they sound. You’ll be lounging on upgraded beach furniture, with indoor and outdoor seating that offers magnificent views of your ship, the sea, and life’s many pleasures.
And if you’re not in the Beach Club? No worries. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the tranquility of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, like enhanced beach facilities and upgraded cabanas. Or perhaps a luxury villa or a canopy lounger for two. Add in new shopping opportunities, a refreshed food court, and new food trucks serving island-only treats, and you’ve got a recipe for the ultimate island escape. Oh, and did I mention pickleball courts and Bacardi Beach Buggies delivering cold drinks? Trust me, it’s paradise redefined.
"The Caribbean is a place for relaxation," says Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America. "But we’re taking relaxation to a whole new level, ensuring guests can truly unwind with the award-winning service we’re known for."
For those seeking something even more laid-back, Holland America introduces a new adults-only Signature Pool Experience aboard its Caribbean cruises. Available at each ship's Sea View Pool, this serene sanctuary offers spa-like amenities, like cold towels, cucumber water, and lemonade, all served with a side of sunglass cleaning. Oh, and the live ambient music on sea days? A touch of tranquility in the middle of an already tranquil sea.
More than two dozen itineraries await, ranging from seven to 14 days aboard six ships, with departures from Fort Lauderdale and Miami between October 2026 and April 2027. And if you’re the type who craves a little extra history with your island hopping, Holland America has partnered with The History Channel for a special nine-day Southern Caribbean and ABC Islands voyage aboard *Nieuw Amsterdam*. This unique trip includes calls at Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and—of course—RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Plus, there’s a late-night call at Curaçao and excursions that delve into the region's rich past, like a guided tour of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Hato Caves.
But it’s not just about the historical side of things. For those who like their vacations on the longer side, Holland America offers over 70 departures that last more than nine days—more than any other line in the region. The 11 unique itineraries cover everything from the U.S. and British Virgin Islands to partial Panama Canal transits and explorations of the Greater Antilles.
If you're aiming for a holiday at sea, consider Rotterdam’s Christmas and New Year’s voyage. Expect to celebrate Christmas in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and New Year’s Day at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay—talk about a way to ring in the new year. The journey also includes stops in St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda.
For a more classic experience, Holland America’s seven-day Caribbean cruises aboard Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Nieuw Statendam offer weekend departures and the convenience of late-night stays in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and evening departures from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Highlights of the 2026-2027 Caribbean Season
Seven-Day Voyages:
Western Caribbean aboard Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam, or Zuiderdam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. A special holiday edition sails from Miami and replaces Half Moon Cay with Key West, Florida.
Eastern Caribbean aboard Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Nieuw Statendam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; Grand Turk; Amber Cove; and either Key West or Nassau, Bahamas.
Eastern Caribbean aboard Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam, and Zuiderdam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; St. Thomas; a late-night visit to San Juan; and Grand Turk.
Nine- to 14-Day Voyages
Nine-Day Eastern Caribbean aboard Nieuw Amsterdam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling at Tortola, Antigua, San Juan, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and a late-night stop at St. Thomas.
10-Day Western Caribbean aboard Rotterdam or Zuiderdam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, exploring the Greater Antilles, Mexico, and sometimes Belize.
11-Day Itineraries aboard Zuiderdam, Rotterdam, or Eurodam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, exploring either the eastern or southern Caribbean.
12-Day Itineraries aboard Nieuw Amsterdam: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, with a choice between Panama Canal and Costa Rica or a Windward and Leeward Islands adventure.
14-Day Voyage aboard Volendam: Over Christmas and New Year’s, visiting eight ports in the eastern Caribbean, with a late-night stop in Aruba.
And here’s a deal: Starting “Have It All” fares for these Caribbean cruises start at $1,299 per person. Book early with the premium package, and you’ll get shore excursions, specialty dining, the Signature Beverage Package, and Wi-Fi. Plus, for a limited time, you’ll also enjoy perks like free prepaid crew appreciation and an upgrade to the Elite Beverage Package.
Holland America’s Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus gives loyal guests up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when booking before June 30, 2025. So go ahead—book that trip, and let the Caribbean charm work its magic.
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