When Holland America Line’s Veendam II sailed from New York in February 1926, it charted a course that would help define Caribbean cruising, making the company among the first to offer regularly scheduled vacations to the region. A century later, Holland America Line is commemorating 100 years of Caribbean cruising with a limited time promotion that includes a $100 onboard credit for a party of two.
From February 3–9, 2026, guests can book select Caribbean sailings departing now through April 30 to receive up to 50 percent off fares and a $50 per guest onboard credit with Free Fares for Kids (18 and under on select sailings). Travelers can enjoy a relaxed style of Caribbean cruising, with no oversized ships, amusement parks at sea, or overcrowded beaches and decks.
“Our first Caribbean voyage in 1926 marked a defining moment for Holland America Line and for the evolution of modern cruise travel,” Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said in a statement. “As we celebrate 100 years, we wanted to offer something both meaningful and memorable—$100 for 100 years, with added ways for guests to save. It’s our way of honoring the milestone while inviting travelers to experience what sets us apart in the Caribbean: perfectly sized ships designed for guests to relax and connect, a premium onboard experience and time ashore at our private island RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.”
Eligible departures include a variety of Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, including:
- 10-day Westerdam Caribbean: Greater Antilles, Belize and Mexico on Koningsdam, departing Feb. 25, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
- 7-day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles and Mexico on Eurodam, departing March 22, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
- 10-day Southern Caribbean: Amber Cove and ABC Islands on Zuiderdam, departing March 25, 2026, roundtrip from Miami.
- 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas on Eurodam, departing March 29, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
- 12-day Eastern Caribbean: U.S. and British Virgin Islands on Koningsdam, departing March 29, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
- 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas on Zuiderdam, departing April 4, 2026, roundtrip from Miami.
A History of Caribbean Cruising
A pioneer in the industry for more than 150 years, Holland America Line has a history of firsts in the Caribbean:
- 1926: First Caribbean (then “West Indies”) cruise by Veendam II.
- 1927: First calls at Willemstad, Curaçao and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- 1938: First dedicated cruise call to Cristóbal/Colón, Panama.
- 1959: First calls at Aruba once larger docks were developed.
- 1964: First calls at St. Maarten as the island became a growing tourism destination.
- 1997: Opening of Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas, with Ryndam III making the first call.
Holland America Line’s maiden Caribbean cruise was a 26-day itinerary that departed New York February 18, 1926, and visited Havana, Cuba; Kingston, Jamaica; Colon/Cristóbal, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Bermuda before returning to New York.
The cruise line’s Caribbean voyages were introduced during the North Atlantic off-season and quickly gained popularity throughout the 1920s and 1930s. As demand grew, the company expanded its Caribbean presence with multiple ships, including Veendam, Statendam and Volendam.
In the years leading up to World War II, the line’s flagship vessels, including Nieuw Amsterdam II, joined Caribbean itineraries. Following the war, winter Caribbean cruises resumed and expanded.
By the 1970s, the rise of commercial air travel reshaped Caribbean cruising, allowing Florida—particularly Fort Lauderdale—to emerge as Holland America Line’s primary gateway to the region.
For more information, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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