Holland America Line Introduces Enhanced Caribbean Cruises for 2026-2027 Season
Holland America Line, renowned for its leisurely travel and personalized service, has officially announced its highly anticipated Caribbean season for 2026-2027. This season promises an elevated experience, featuring longer voyages that exceed nine days, making the cruise line a standout option for travelers seeking memorable adventures.
At the heart of the new offerings is the exceptional destination of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, an award-winning private island in the Bahamas. Nearly all itineraries for this Caribbean season will include a stop at this idyllic location, which is set to undergo exciting enhancements. Among these upgrades is the introduction of a sophisticated beach club, where guests can indulge in priority tendering service, personalized waiter service, and exclusive culinary delights. This new beach club will feature private beach access, comfortable upgraded beach furniture, and both indoor and outdoor seating that offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
The enhancements don’t stop there. Visitors to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, will find a wealth of improved amenities, including revamped beach facilities, upgraded cabanas, and villas. Additionally, two-person canopy loungers will provide a cozy setting for relaxation. Guests will also enjoy new shopping opportunities, refreshed dining venues with a modernized food court and Lobster Shack, as well as innovative food trucks offering unique island-themed menu items. For those looking for active pursuits, new pickleball courts will be available, along with delightful beverage deliveries via Aperol Spritz tricycles or Bacardi Beach Buggies.
Michael Smith, the Senior Vice President of Guest Experience and Product Development, emphasizes the Caribbean's charm and the importance of creating a relaxing atmosphere for all guests. He remarks, “The Caribbean, with its crystal-clear blue waters and sandy beaches, is the perfect destination to unwind — and we're enhancing the guest experience to ensure the most relaxing vacation possible.”
Additionally, Holland America Line is introducing an adults-only Signature Pool Experience on its Caribbean cruises. Guests can retreat to the Sea View Pool, where they will be pampered with spa-like amenities, such as complimentary cold towels, refreshing cucumber water, and lemonade, along with sunglass-cleaning services. Live ambient music will accompany pool days, creating a tranquil atmosphere that enhances relaxation.
Travelers wanting to explore the southern Caribbean can embark on a unique voyage aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam. This 9-day cruise in partnership with The HISTORY Channel includes stops at the stunning ABC Islands — Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Guests will have the opportunity to dive into the region’s history with excursions like "Caves City Highlights,” which explores Curaçao's role in regional expansion and allows for tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Willemstad, as well as the breathtaking Hato Caves.
For those seeking longer escapes, Holland America Line offers over 70 cruise departures exceeding nine days, showcasing 11 distinct itineraries. These include explorations through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, partial transits of the Panama Canal, the Greater Antilles, and beyond. Special holiday cruises on the Rotterdam will offer unforgettable experiences for those celebrating Christmas and New Year’s in the Caribbean. Guests can anticipate a festive Christmas Day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, followed by a joyful New Year’s Day at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, along with a journey that includes several Caribbean ports.
The 2026-2027 Caribbean cruises will operate aboard various Holland America Line ships, including Eurodam, Zuiderdam, and Nieuw Amsterdam, each with convenient weekend departures and late-night stays in destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico. With dozens of departures and multiple itineraries, guests can choose the journey that aligns perfectly with their island dream vacation and preferred schedule.
Currently, travelers can secure bookings for these enticing Caribbean cruises starting at $1,299 per person, based on double occupancy. The "Have It All" package includes complimentary shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, along with exclusive Mariner Society bonuses that offer additional onboard credits when booking. To learn more about Holland America Line's upcoming season, guests should consult travel advisors or visit the official website.