Caribbean Ports Cruise Review

Recently I was lucky enough to travel aboard Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam, which made its debut in summer 2008, to the sun-filled Caribbean. I thought I would take a moment and let you know all the fabulous things activities I did while in the Caribbean.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos: I spent the day lounging in complete bliss by the pool at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Turks & Caicos at the Carnival Grand Turk Cruise Center. It was fun in the sun at its best with pool games, a swim up bar, delicious food and 52 margarita flavors. You could hang out on the beach and then rinse off in the freshwater pool. Side note: if you want more of an adventure you can rent scooters and take a trip around the island – beware they do drive on the opposite side of the road!

Rainforest

San Juan, Puerto Rico: In San Juan we had an adventure and a half! First we walked from the ship (uphill) to El Morro Fort – it was kind of strenuous with all the hills and humidity, but well worth the trip. If you don’t think this activity is right for you, the ships offer a guided tour of the city, plus it’s very easy to walk around from the ship itself.
In the afternoon we took a tour out to the El Yunque Rainforest. It’s sort of a long drive from the cruise pier, but the atmosphere is lush and tropical. There is some walking on trails on this tour with several photo opportunities.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: Shop, shop, shop until you drop, drop, drop. Or at least that’s what I did. If you’re looking for diamonds or perfume this is the place for you! With streets lined with boutiques for you to shop through.

Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: Holland America’s private island is a true paradise and by far my favorite place of all! Whether you want to lounge by the turquoise sea or take part in one of the many ships tours; think swimming with the sting rays. There are endless opportunities here. I chose to bunker down by the beach and swim my day away in the clear waters. Holland America provides a great barbeque lunch out on the island, as well.

Don’t forget – Days At Sea: Long, lounging days at sea were everything I wanted them to be. I did take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center a couple of times, plus had a massage in the wonderful Greenhouse Spa. It was great to be in the Caribbean at sea, sitting by the pool – the Eurodam has two pools, one with a retractable roof for incremental weather. The Eurodam also has Private Cabanas available on two decks that can be reserved per day or per cruise.

I can’t wait to go on another cruise adventure so I may share my travels with you.

Debra Dickerson
Cruise Consultant

Tags: Caribbean Cruises, Holland America Cruises, Port Reviews

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 am and is filed under Caribbean Cruises, Cruise Ports, Cruise Report, Cruise Specialists Staff, Holland America Cruises. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.