9-day southern Caribbean: ABC islands

Trip Code:59185
(AUD) Twin Share from $2,534pp
Days 10
Nights 9

9-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Oosterdam.

Calling at Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, with 4 days at sea. 5 ports of call across Florida, Caribbean Netherlands and Bahamas.

Oosterdam is a Holland America Line Vista-class ship that entered service in 2003, carrying around 1,960 guests. She offers the line’s hallmark mid-size cruising — teak promenade deck, extensive art collection and refined dining — with regular seasons in Australia and beyond.

Stateroom categories range from Interior to Pinnacle Suite.

  • 25 Feb 2028 – 05 Mar 2028
    from $2,534 pp twin share *

Additional Pricing Information

  • Interior from $2,534 pp twin share
  • Ocean View from $3,154 pp twin share
  • Verandah from $3,854 pp twin share
  • Suite from $5,634 pp twin share
  • Pinnacle Suite from $13,694 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

Day 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.”

Day 2 – At Sea

Day 3 – At Sea

Day 4 – Curacao

Arrives 12:00 pm, departs 11:00 pm.

Historians still contend over which European adventurer first spied the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles. Some historians claim the honor for Alonzo de Ojeda; other historians champion Amerigo Vespucci. Little does it matter; today’s travelers are content to bask beneath sunny skies cooled by the trade winds. Lying some 40 miles off Venezuela, Curaçao boasts a landscape that is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. In contrast, Willemstad, the capital, seems a cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses. And while those gabled and tiled roofs illustrate the island’s heritage, the bright, pastel houses speak pure Caribbean. Islanders themselves reflect this same colorful contrast: over 50 different nationalities have come to call Curaçao their home.

Day 5 – Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

Bonaire is without a doubt a “diver’s paradise.” Its license plates even state the same. But there is much more to this small Dutch country of 17,500 residents. “Bon Bini,” as you will hear the friendly locals say, means “welcome to the island of Bonaire.” Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and has for years been known as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Diving and snorkeling are still the predominant activities, but today there is also a variety of other activities to enjoy such as kayaking, bird watching, and other eco-tours. Because of the hot and arid weather, Bonaire has been a major producer of sea salt. Do not miss the “white mountains” waiting to be shipped out and the salt flats where the salt is evaporated from the Caribbean Sea, which also happens to be home to another icon of Bonaire-the pink flamingo. Explore the Dutch architecture of the capital Kralendijk, enjoy the pristine coral reefs, or tour the scenic countryside. Whatever you decide to do in Bonaire, you are sure to have a fantastic time.

Day 6 – Aruba

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 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.

Day 7 – At Sea

Day 8 – At Sea

Day 9 – RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.

Day 10 – 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.”

Highlights

  • Cruise to 5 ports across Florida, Caribbean Netherlands and Bahamas
  • Discover the natural wonders and Dutch heritage of the ABC islands
  • Relax on the private island of Half Moon Cay

9-night Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida aboard Oosterdam.

Calling at Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, with 4 days at sea. 5 ports of call across Florida, Caribbean Netherlands and Bahamas.

Oosterdam is a Holland America Line Vista-class ship that entered service in 2003, carrying around 1,960 guests. She offers the line’s hallmark mid-size cruising — teak promenade deck, extensive art collection and refined dining — with regular seasons in Australia and beyond.

Stateroom categories range from Interior to Pinnacle Suite.

Inclusions

  • 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

FAQs

Oosterdam is a Holland America Line Vista-class ship that entered service in 2003, carrying around 1,960 guests. She offers the line’s hallmark mid-size cruising — teak promenade deck, extensive art collection and refined dining — with regular seasons in Australia and beyond.

Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Pinnacle Suite, Suite, Verandah, Ocean View and Interior.

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 10 days and 9 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 25 Feb 2028 and 05 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Provided by: Holland America Line

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $2,534pp
Days 10
Nights 9

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