Day 1 : Fly to Fort Lauderdale

Our trip begins with a flight to one of the most popular beach towns in Florida, the artsy cultural hub of Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy an evening at leisure with dinner on your own.

Day 2 : Set Sail!

Before we begin our 12-night cruise, enjoy a tour of the Sawgrass Recreation Park in the Everglades by airboat. Take in close-up views of endangered wildlife and learn about the area’s history from our experienced tour captain. This afternoon, we board our luxurious cruise liner, the ms Rotterdam. As Holland America’s newest vessel it delivers opulent rooms, award-winning service, exceptional cuisine, and enriching activities. With all meals included onboard, you may opt for a late lunch once settled.

Day 3 : Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Enjoy an exclusive experience today at Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. As the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas, you can expect nothing but spectacular scenery and intriguing excursions. Sink your toes into the white sandy beaches or explore the crystal-clear blue waters. Optional excursions include a Stingray Adventure, Historic Nature Walk, Eco Lagoon Cruise, and much more.

Day 4 : At Sea

Today is the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with all the ship’s fabulous amenities as we have a full day at sea. Delight your taste buds with a wide variety of culinary options, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or simply soak up peaceful, breathtaking views with a cocktail. Be sure to take advantage of the world-class entertainment onboard with their Music Walk®, an expansive collection of live music performances. This evening we join our tour group for a private Holiday Vacations Social Hour followed by another wonderful dinner together.

Day 5 : At Sea

Soak up rest and relaxation today with another day at sea as we cruise through paradise. You may choose to lounge by the pool, visit Explorations Central for cultural encounters, listen to award-winning soundtracks performed live as incredible wildlife footage fills the big screen at BBC Earth In Concert. Slip on your dancing shoes and dance the night away in the Rolling Stone Rock Room or B.B. King’s Blues Club, direct from Beale Street in Memphis.

Day 6 : Willemstad, Curaçao

Step back in history today with a port of call at Willemstad, the vibrant capital of Curaçao. Willemstad's protected natural harbor, Schottegat Bay, is a fascinating display of Dutch colonial architecture including centuries-old fortifications while colorful pastel houses overlook Sint Anna Bay, a waterway dividing the city in two. Stroll through the historic district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about the area’s history at Kura Hulanda or the Curaçao Maritime Museum. Take time to explore the natural wonders within the city, indulge in flavorful regional cuisine, or choose from the many optional excursions, such as a dolphin encounter or cultural tour.

Day 7 : At Sea

Today we are at sea, giving us another chance to take advantage of our ship’s spectacular amenities. Enjoy scenic serenity as we cruise westbound through the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Day 8 : Cartagena, Colombia

Our port of call today is Cartagena, Colombia, officially known as “Cartagena of the Indies” as a tribute to its colonial relationship with Spain. Founded in 1533, there is an abundance of historic sites dating back to its beginning as a treasure city with precious metals and stones sought after by New World prospectors. Presently, the city is known for its rich exports and exceptional cuisine. Pursue your personal interests with optional excursions including visiting the National Aviary, a regional food tour, or a walled city tour to see the impressive wall that surrounds the old town and fort of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.

Day 9 : The Panama Canal

Connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, today we witness one of the 20th century’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal. The United States completed the Panama Canal in 1914, saving ships a two-week, 5000-mile journey around South America’s southern tip. We cruise into the Panama Canal, traversing the locks to Gatun Lake where you may disembark for optional shore excursions. Consider an aerial tram ride or a visit to Embera Quera Native Village to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous community’s time-honored traditions. Later in the day our ship retraces her route to dock in Colón, Panama where we may disembark and explore the dockside shops.

Day 10 : Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

Our port of call today is Puerto Limón, an eco-tourism enthusiast’s paradise with dense rainforest and sprawling banana farmsteads. The optional excursions offer something for everyone. Find your adventurous side with treetop zip-lining, discover wildlife on an animal sanctuary tour, or take a cultural journey featuring soul food from this region.

Day 11 : At Sea

With another day at sea, there's plenty more to experience on our cruise ship! Enjoy live music at one of the many lounges, try your luck at the onboard Vegas-style casino, or attend a personal enrichment class taught by experts.

Day 12 : At Sea

Enjoy one last full day at sea aboard our luxurious ship. Check out last-minute activities or onboard events that peak your interest, or devote this last day at sea to relaxation in tropical paradise. Later today, we join our Tour Director for a private Holiday Vacations Social Hour, followed by dinner together.

Day 13 : Key West

As we venture into America’s Caribbean, we dock at our port of call in Key West. Marvel at the hundreds of birds freely roaming the streets and the colorful gingerbread wooden houses. This area is brimming with tropical charm, fascinating architecture, premier fishing opportunities, and picturesque scenery. Visit the Old Town district to see Ernest Hemingway’s 1800s mansion, famous for having six-toed cat residents, and Truman’s Little White House that was once a naval station’s command headquarters during both world wars. Stroll down Duval Street to browse quaint shops, vintage restaurants, and art galleries. This evening, have your camera ready to capture Key West’s brilliant sunset.

Day 14 : Arrive in Fort Lauderdale

This morning we enjoy one more included breakfast aboard the ship before disembarking in Fort Lauderdale. Our adventure here begins with a tour of the historic Bonnet House, designed and built by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. This afternoon, we board the world-famous Jungle Queen riverboat for a remarkable sightseeing cruise, allowing us to gaze upon the opulent homes of Millionaires Row. Later, we check in to our hotel and gather for a fantastic Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner to celebrate our vacation and say goodbyes to our new friends.

Day 15 : Fly Home