Every season, Holland America Line carries thousands of guests on cruises to the Caribbean. The allure of the region reaches beyond sun-kissed skies and gorgeous beaches. The Caribbean is rich in culture, history, natural beauty and unique adventures.

Guests have the opportunity to take hundreds of shore excursions that offer a variety of experiences. From horseback riding in the surf and snorkeling in secluded coves to participating in a race on an America’s Cup boat and ziplining through a canopy of trees, there truly is something for everyone.

This season guests have had the opportunity to participate in two new tours: the Trapeze School New York at San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Hot Springs Escape at Roseau, Dominica.

San Juan, Puerto Rico:
Trapeze School New York

Photo credit clockwise from left: TSNY. Jack Spratt and Bevin Murphy.

Let loose in the Caribbean and see Old San Juan from a completely different perspective. This excursion is perfect for those with a taste for adventure and for everyone who has ever dreamed of running away to join the circus (you know who you are!). A 15-minute walk with your guide along the San Juan waterfront brings you to the newly developed waterfront park. It is here that you will enjoy a two-hour flying trapeze class with the world-famous Trapeze School New York (TSNY).

I just got back from my cruise yesterday and had to write this review as soon as possible! Do not miss this opportunity of a lifetime! When I first made my way up to the platform I was so nervous I almost backed out. The staff was so patient and encouraging helping to put my fears at ease, and boy am I thankful they did! Such a liberating experience, definitely the highlight of my trip! — Guest Trinka

You’ll accomplish what you never thought possible—learning how to knee-hang and backflip onto the net. Those who dare will even have the opportunity to fly across to a professional catcher! Your class will begin with about 15 minutes of safety instruction and ground school; then, before you know it, you will be flying through the air with the greatest of ease and a backdrop of the San Juan Bahia.

This was the highlight for me on my Caribbean cruise. Something very different, lots of fun, challenging, and exhilarating! What made this experience really special was having a small group with plenty of opportunities to swing on the trapeze, being outdoors in the beautiful weather overlooking the town of San Juan, and the patient and encouraging trapeze artists that guided you through this art effortlessly. Once I understood how safe I was with the harness and net below I was able to conquer my fears and just enjoy! — Guest Dreamcatcher55

At the conclusion of your instruction, receive a TSNY t-shirt and flash drive with professional photos of you performing your new skills. You won’t believe what you’re capable of, and neither will your friends and family until they see the proof in your photos.

Flying on the trapeze has been a long goal on my bucket list. Since I’m not getting any younger, I tried the trapeze in San Juan. The staff were absolutely excellent. As I gained trust (about 10 minutes), I was able to blindly follow their instructions as they called them out from the ground. They went a little easy on me, as I’m 62 years old; the oldest from the Holland America Line! I think it’s the best value of any other venues. They also provided pictures to commemorate the event. I’m the proudest 62-year-old cookie in the land!!! — Guest Kastenca

By the reviews on the Holland America Line website, it looks like it’s already a five-star hit not to be missed.

Roseau, Dominica
Hot Springs Escape

One of Roseau’s gorgeous waterfalls.

Escape on this exotic excursion for a day of fun and relaxation. You will first travel to Laudat village, the eco-tourism center of Dominica that boasts six natural sites. The Titou Gorge, one of the sites features in the Disney blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest,” is your first stop. Here you have the option of swimming between the mountains to discover a crystal clear waterfall or sit and be massaged by a hot water stream fed into the cool refreshing waters of the Gorge. Your experience continues with a drive to the ‘wellness’ village of Wotten Waven. On your way you will view the stunning but serene landscapes that characterize Dominica’s rugged Nature Isle.

Arrive at a haven in the hills where you will take a short walk down a flight of natural steps to the open air pools for a 30-minute hot mineral bath coming directly from an underground source. This is the most natural and rustic of outdoor settings for the nature lover in all of us. Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while you soak in therapeutic sulphur water to relax your muscle and joints whilst detoxifying and cleansing the body. Lounge in the shade on handmade bamboo benches, inhaling the fresh mountain breeze, and drinking healthy complimentary refreshments served before a re-energized you returns to your ship.

This was one of the best tours we did during our cruise. First of all the island is beautiful. The 25-minute drive to the gorge was very nice because we got to see a bit of the rainforest. I really liked that the staff was not over protective but still very helpful and friendly. The gorge is amazing … The walk from the bus stop to the gorge is around 10 minutes through the forest on uneven terrain and a little bit uphill. Very beautiful!! The sulphur springs were very nice as well. There are 3 pools with different water temperatures. The water comes from natural hot springs. The place looks so beautiful, I could have sat there for hours and just watch the forest and birds around you while relaxing in the water. — Guest Appletaart

Which new tour is more your style? Do you like high-flying fun or the natural beauty of the sulphur springs? Tell us in the comments below!