Holland America's 5.0 star-rated ship the Westerdam offers seven day round trip sailings from Ft. Lauderdale. These sailings to the southern Caribbean take place from November through April. Ports of call include Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, the island of Aruba and Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles. This ship was built in 2004 and fully refurbished in 2007. The ship is one of three in the fleet with a culinary arts center on board. Guests can enjoy spa treatments in the Garden Spa or on board shopping at Merabella.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-3535
hollandamerica.com
Celebrity's ship the Solstice is the only 5.5 star-rated ship devoted to the eastern Caribbean. Seven day round trip sailings from Ft. Lauderdale are offered year round. The ship visits the port cities of San Juan in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles. This ship was built in 2008 and was the first of the four larger, Solstice class ships introduced into the Celebrity fleet. Passengers have the option to stay in the new Aqua class of staterooms each adjoining the spa with a devoted specialty restaurant.
Celebrity Cruises, Inc.
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
305-539-6000
celebritycruises.com
This region is highly competitive. The 6.0 rated ship Regent Seven Seas Voyager sails here, as does the Celebrity Solstice with it's 5.5 star-rating. Newly released in 2009, the RCCL Oasis which sails this route as of May 2010 is devoted to the western Caribbean. Ports of call in this seven day round trip cruise from Ft. Lauderdale include the controversial port of Labadee, Haiti, either Jamaica or Cozumel, Mexico and Costa Maya, Mexico. This new ship was introduced into the fleet in 2009 and has a passenger capacity of over 5,000. This floating resort features 22 different restaurants and cafes and activities for all ages including an onboard carousel and zip line.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
305-539-6000
royalcaribbean.com
