By Judy Koutsky
In 2008, Holland America Line doubled its departures of its seven-day deep southern Caribbean itinerary, created for those seeking a week-long cruise to lesser visited Caribbean ports. The latter departure visits Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Curaçao and the company’s award winning private island Half Moon Cay.
The first port call is at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island, where guests can unwind on white sandy beaches and enjoy the aqua blue waters. For the more adventurous, the island offers deep-sea fishing, kayak tours, horseback riding, parasailing and snorkeling.
Another highlight of the cruise includes a late night departure from Oranjestad, Aruba, where guests can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the island. During the day guests can try scuba diving without the gear on a submarine adventure. The Atlantis submarine dives to depths of up to 150 feet viewing exotic marine life and shipwrecks that surround the island.
At the final port call, Willemstad, Curaçao, visitors can tour the Distillery at Chobolobo Mansion, where famous Blue Curaçao liqueur is still made by hand. Other sightseeing on the island includes 17-century Fort Amsterdam, Mikve Emmanuel Israel, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, Pietermaai Cathedral, the Franklin D. Roosevelt House and the many distinctive examples of Dutch colonial architecture.
Cruise fares begin from $849 per person for an inside stateroom. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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