7-Day Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Here are the Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itineraries for all 7 days. These itineraries will give you a good idea of what to expect while on the ship regarding daily activities, shows, and special events. It is incredibly easy to miss special events on the ship, so hopefully, this article will help you know what to look out for on your itineraries.

About These Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

These itineraries are from our cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship. We took a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean that traveled to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Nassau Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. You will find that the itineraries will be very similar for all Caribbean-themed cruises on Holland America regardless of destinations or what ship you’re traveling on.

Highlights

Here are some of my favorite highlights you do not want to miss. Just click on the highlight to jump to the section that gives a more detailed explanation.

• Captains Welcome
• The Orange Party
• Cake Me Away
• Caribbean Themed Culinary Experiences
• Afternoon Tea

Day 1 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

The First Cruise Day

The first day of your cruise is a bit unique. It is full of raffles, prizes, champagne receptions, and booking reservations (if you haven’t already done so). This is your time to explore the ship and join different raffles. Just remember that in order to win the raffle, you have to be present when they announce the winners.

Sports Activities

You’ll notice on each itinerary, Holland America has a few organized sports activities, the most common being pickleball. Below are the sports activities to look out for.

• Intro to pickleball
• Numerous pickleball tournaments both morning & evening
• Beach volleyball on Half Moon Cay
• Cornhole
• Ping Pong
• Shuffle Board Challenge

Fitness Activities

If you’re looking to stay in shape and be active while cruising, Holland America offers a wide variety of fitness classes listed below. Some classes do charge an extra fee which is noted.

• Sunrise & Evening Stretch
• Thai Chi
• Yoga on the Beach in Half Moon Cay $20
• Tour de Cycle $20
• Pure Form Pilates $20
• Walk a Mile
• Guided Meditation $20
• Abs Class
• Total Body Conditioning
• Body Sculpt Bootcamp $20

Day 1 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

Art & Crafts

Each day, guests can choose from a wide selection of artistic activities. The majority of these are complimentary. I have noted the ones that have a fee. On the first day of the cruise, there is also an open house in the Art Studio where you can meet the instructor. See below for the full list of arts & crafts activities.

• Origami Folding
• Modern Brush Lettering
• Coloring for Adults
• Adventures with Watercolor
• Creating Designs from Doodles
• Guided Painting on Canvas $25
• The Art of Flower Arranging

Dancing

Holland America has a few fun dancing events that always seem popular among cruisers. On every cruise, you’ll find the following dance events.

• Permission to Dance (usually morning and afternoons)
• Ballroom Dancing (in the early evening)
• Dance to the Hits (late night dancing)

Music

One of the most popular activities on Holland America is their live music, which you’ll find every evening. On the Nieuw Amsterdam, there is the Rolling Stones Lounge, Billboard, and Ocean Bar. The larger ships also have the B. B. King Blues Lounge. Guests can dance the night away to a variety of themed music to fit everyone’s taste. You’ll find classical music, country, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, top hits, rock legends, sounds of soul, disco, funk, piano, and R&B.

Day 3 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

Nightly Entertainment

Each evening you’ll find a special production show put on at the main stage. Accept for the first cruise night, these shows take place at 7:30pm and 9pm. Be sure to plan your dinner accordingly. Holland America typically does not have any issues with finding seating. The most crowded event at the World Stage is the captain’s toast which you do not want to miss!

• Origin Story: This is the first evening of the cruise at 8pm and takes a look at Holland America’s history.
• Captain’s Toast: Enjoy complimentary champagne and Kir Royales as you toast with the captain and his crew. This is always the 2nd evening of the cruise at 7:15 pm. It’s extremely popular and they keep the champagne flowing!
• Step One Dance Company: Several shows combining modern music and unique dance performances
• A Taste of Steel: A live musical performance by Alx Xandr who plays the popular Caribbean steel pan instrument that is so popular in Caribbean music.
• Comedian: Every Holland America cruise features 2 comedy shows

Movies

Holland America will typically show several recent movies on the big screen at the World Stage with popcorn. There are also educational films such as, “Unexpected Heroes: Legends of Caribbean Sports”, “The Deep Blue: Life Below the Waters Edge”, and

The Orange Party

The Orange Party on Holland America takes place on every cruise at 9:45 pm and is not to be missed. At this special event, guests wear their favorite orange-colored outfits and party the night away. You’ll find fun orange-themed food & drinks. Cruisers can wear just a splash of orange or go all out, it’s completely up to you. Many also wear orange for the entire day.

Day 4 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

Caribbean Themed Culinary Experiences

Holland America does a great job bringing culinary experiences that represent the destination you’re sailing. Here are the Caribbean-themed dining experiences you may want to take note of.

• Caribbean Lunch at Half Moon Cay: This is a fabulous lunch they have on the island of Half Moon Cay. If you are doing an excursion be sure to arrive early as it is only served from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. It is fantastic!
• Caribbean Themed Dinner: check your itinerary to see which night this will be held on, but it is usually at 8:30pm and held at the Lido Buffet. They often have a full cooked pig on display.
• Seafood Boil $35: The Seafood Boil is an additional fee. You’ll enjoy a giant pot stuffed with Dungeness crab, fresh fish, clams, mussels, and shrimp with fresh bread and a dessert.
• Caribbean Brunch: This takes place on the last sea day from 10am – 1:30 pm instead of the usually breakfast. You’ll find special items on the menu of brunch takes on popular Caribbean dishes.

More Culinary Events

In addition to Caribbean-themed culinary events, there are also many other special dinners and food-focused events on the ship that are not to be missed!

• Afternoon Tea: On sea days Holland America always has an additional Afternoon Tea that takes place at 3pm in the MDR (main dining room). I absolutely love their Afternoon tea and try to attend at least once on each cruise. Guests will all receive a teired tray with delicious tea sandwiches, scones, tarts, cupcakes, and more. There are a wide variety of teas to choose from or you can keep the party going with champagne.
• Welcome Aboard Steak Dinner: this takes place on the first night of the cruise in the Lido buffet.
• Cake Me Away: I absolutely love this event and it’s very easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it. Cake Me Away brand new and usually from 11:30am – 2pm on the last sea day. A section of the Lido Buffet features a huge variety of every type of cake you can imagine and they are absolutely delicious. If you have a sweet tooth, this event is for you!
• Chocolate Surprise: this is a late-night event at 10 pm that is usually on the last sea day which has chocolate treats being handed out near the music venues.

Day 5 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

Cocktail & Wine Events

The cocktail & wine-tasting events are always an extra fee, but are wonderful.

• Orange Party Bar Hop $25: this event is incredibly popular and takes place before the Orange Party. You’ll visit several different bars across the ship and enjoy watching the bartenders put on quite the show as they make a different signature cocktail at each bar. This is definitely an event you’ll want to get your cameras and phones ready for.
• Wine Tastings $29 – $49: All cruises typically have several wine tastings which feature wines from the region. A cheese and fruit board with snacks or food pairings is also provided. You will see signs for these events in the MDR, Lido Buffet, and on display at the different bars. You can ask any bartender about the wine tastings available and sign up right through the navigator app.
• 50% Off Happy Hour: If you do not purchase that Have It All package, you’ll find 50% off drinks between 3:30pm – 4:30pm at the Billboard Bar. Look at the back of your itinerary for exact details.
• Martini Hour: Ships which have Tamarind Restaurant will also find a discounted martini hour from 5pm – 6pm.
• Mixology Class $20: Learn how to make Cosmos & Manhattans

Day 6 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

Games

If you love games, trivia, and bingo you’ll find a wide variety of game-themed activities on the ship. You can even win prizes and a free cruise. Please note that there is a fee for some of the games which is noted below. Each day you can also gran crossword and number puzzles in the morning at the library.

If you head to the Crows Nest, you’ll also find a great selection of board games as well as a shuffle board. Some ships also have a small arcade which is typical reserved for teens, but open to everyone after 6pm.

• Party Bridge Play
• Mahjong
• Daily Trivia
• Evening Game Nights
• No Limit Texas Holdem $1/$2 Bets
• Bingo
• Deal or No Deal Game Show
• Poker Tournaments

Meetups

Whether you are a solo traveler or have a teen cruising with you, there are a variety of meetups on all Holland America Line cruises which take place daily. Keep an eye out on your itinerary for the below meetups.

• AA Meetings: You will see these written as “Friends of Bill W. Meet” on your itinerary
• Singles & Solo Travelers Meetup & Lunch Meetup
• Pride Meetup for LGBTQ+
• Young Adult Meetup ages 18-30

Kids & Teens

If you are traveling with children you will be able to register them in the kids club on the first day of your cruise until 3pm. Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They’ll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Kids Club activities are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on port days.

Day 7 Holland America Caribbean Cruise Itiner

Religion

Every Holland America cruise holds a variety of religious services listed below.

• Interdenominational Service led by the congregation
• Mass is Celebrated
• Shabbat Service

Library

Though not listed on the itinerary, I wanted to mention that there is a wonderful Library available on Holland America. You may enjoy taking out a book to read during your cruise and return it at the end of the cruise.

Additional Itinerary Notes

A few extra things to take note of on your itinerary. If you are cruising during the football playoffs season, they will show the games at the World Stage.

There are numerous meetups with the cruise host as well as opportunities to meet with the entertainment performers. On our cruise, Claire was our host, so you will see numerous “Coffee with Claire” and “Cocktails with Claire” meetups.

If you are traveling across time zones, be sure to check your cruise itineraries to see if there is a time change. Our phones did not always automatically change, so this is important to take note of.

Items marked “promotion” are typically geared at promoting and selling a service. They do often include complimentary champagne, but just know that they are trying to encourage you to shop and book services such as massages during your cruise. There are also numerous Art Auctions throughout the cruise.

I hope you found these Holland America Caribbean cruise itineraries helpful. There is so much information on each itinerary; it can be easy to miss some really fantastic events if you aren’t sure what to look out for.

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