Embark on Island-Hopping Adventures in the Caribbean
Are shimmering turquoise waters and white sandy beaches calling your name? When you embark on a Holland America Line cruise to the Eastern, Southern, or Western Caribbean, you’re sure to discover the enchanting beauty of the islands. From historical sites to family-friendly activities, here’s a preview of some of the things you could do as you island hop on a Caribbean cruise.
Bahamas
Get ready for the ultimate beach day at Half Moon Cay, our award-winning private island in the Bahamas. Though you’ll find beauty on many beaches in the Caribbean, there’s nothing like a day at Half Moon Cay. Relax to the sounds of the sea, unwind with a massage near the shore, savor Caribbean flavors, indulge in horseback riding through crystal-clear waters, or wade with stingrays as they gently swim by. Whether you’re traveling with a plus one or the whole family, here’s how to make the most of your day at Half Moon Cay.
Fun Fact: More than 700 islands make up the Bahamas, and many of them are uninhabited.
Go horseback riding through crystal-clear water at Half Moon Cay.
U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas
You’ll be in awe of the beauty of St. Thomas in the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, you may be intrigued by the island’s historic sites. They include Charlotte Amalie’s Fort Christian, which was built during the 17th century, and the captivating sight of Blackbeard’s Castle.
Fun Fact: Charlotte Amalie is the largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it’s built on three volcanic spurs, known as Frenchman Hill, Berg Hill and Government Hill.
Explore beautiful beaches and historical sites at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Discover the charm and culture of the Turks and Caicos islands as you journey across the Caribbean. One of the sites you may want to visit is the Turks & Caicos National Museum. Housed in a historic colonial building, you’ll find artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck from the early 1500s, which is considered the oldest European shipwreck in the Western Hemisphere. You can also kick back and relax on a shore excursion in a Margaritaville Cabana for fun in the sun.
Fun Fact: Salt has been exported from Turks and Caicos for centuries due to accumulations of natural sea salt.
Kick back and relax as you soak up the sun at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos.
ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao
Prepare for paradise in the Southern Caribbean. Enjoy scuba diving in Aruba. Embark on snorkeling adventures in Bonaire at the Bonaire National Marine Park. Explore the UNESCO-listed waterfront in Curacao. Experience some of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking coral reefs, colorful street art and colonial architecture. No matter where you go, you’ll discover the wonder and beauty of the ABC Islands.
Fun Fact: The ABC Islands are just outside the hurricane belt, which means they see fewer storms than other Caribbean islands.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ABC Islands, including breathtaking beaches near caves in Curacao.
Jamaica
Considered the birthplace of reggae and home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the Caribbean, there’s nothing quite like a cruise to Jamaica. From horseback riding and ziplining in Montego Bay to hiking the waterfalls in Ocho Rios, you’re sure to make unforgettable memories with loved ones. One of its most famous waterfalls is Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. Thousands of visitors flock to the site to explore its stair-like terrain, often with a tour guide for added safety. It’s 180 feet high and can take up to 1.5 hours to climb, but fortunately it’s surrounded by a lush green landscape, helping keep climbers cool. The falls pour out at Little Dunn’s River Beach, making it one of the few waterfalls to empty directly into the ocean.
Fun Fact: Almost half of Jamaica is 1,000 feet or more above sea level. The island is actually located at the tip of a mountain that’s mostly underwater.
Experience awe-inspiring waterfalls in Jamaica.
Cozumel
Calling all scuba divers, snorkelers and fun-in-the-sun seekers. Cozumel is a popular island in the Western Caribbean, attracting thrill seekers and beach goers. This cruise destination has unique attractions as well, like underwater sculpture gardens and a submarine excursion. You can also experience the world-famous ruins of the walled city of Tulum on a shore excursion.
Fun Fact: Cozumel is the largest of Mexico’s inhabited islands, covered by a tropical jungle with several archaeological sites from the Mayan period.
Snorkel above coral reefs and spot incredible sea creatures in Cozumel.
Are you ready to experience paradise in the Caribbean? Check out our YouTube video highlighting some of our 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises. Then contact one of our Personal Cruise Consultants to begin planning your unforgettable journey.
Which Caribbean islands would you like to visit? Share in the comments below.
