Caribbean-Southern Cruise roundtrip from FORT LAUDERDALE aboard Holland America - Statendam

Ft. Lauderdale

The Seminole Indians were the original inhabitants of the area now known as Fort Lauderdale. The city itself was named for Major William Lauderdale, who led a group known as the Tennessee Volunteers into the area during the Seminole War.

Fort Lauderdale began as an agricultural community, full of citrus groves. By the 1960?s, the city took on a new identity as the place for college students to come for spring break. Hedonism and public drunkenness became the norm for much of the next twenty years, but the residents of the once sleepy town decided to take it back from the rowdy youngsters. The police began to make their presence known a little more, and soon Fort Lauderdale was off the list of top Spring Break destinations.

Today, Fort Lauderdale is a little closer to its roots, with a gentle breezy demeanor to it. You can still have a good time here, exploring the 300 miles of waterways that led to the labeling of Fort Lauderdale as "the Venice of America." There are places to rent boats, and plenty of opportunities to take a boat tour around the city. Or, get really acquainted with the water by snorkeling or diving in the Atlantic.

There is still plenty to do in and around Fort Lauderdale. Take a water taxi to some of the area's best restaurants and bars. Stroll along busy Las Olas and visit the eclectic shops and art galleries.

The sports enthusiast will get his fill here. Tennis courts and golf courses are everywhere in Fort Lauderdale. It's just a matter of deciding which one to play on. Choose from baseball, football, or jai alai. You can even place a bet at the greyhound racetrack.

The nature lover can check out over 500,000 acres of Florida Everglades, which are part of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. The Everglades, which were formed by the constant overflow of nearby Lake Okeechobee, are home to flamingos and alligators, among others.

Of course, if you're visiting Florida, chances are that you will want to hit the beach, and there is ample space for everybody along Ft. Lauderdale's beautiful coastline. There are over 3,000 hours of sunshine here every year, so enjoy!

St. Thomas

St. Thomas was discovered by vacationers shortly after World War Two, and tourists have been flocking to this island paradise ever since. It is one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean, and its capital, Charlotte Amalie, is the busiest shopping center in the islands. St. Thomas is a wonderful mixture of the beauty of nature and the efficiency of a powerful trade center. There is always so much going on in Charlotte Amalie that you can't help but let the excitement get to you. The fun and enjoyment of this bustling young city is incredibly contagious, and it will add a certain zest to your already phenomenal trip to St. Thomas.

More than ten cruise ships a day steer into the port at St. Thomas, and because of successful tourism, the standard of living in St. Thomas has been raised considerably. The island is only twelve miles long and a mere three miles wide, but you will think it is gigantic when you start investigating all that there is to see and do. Thanks to U.S. government programs, this island is the most developed out of all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is an additional reason to visit and adore St. Thomas. The locals are eager to assist you on your travels, and they are incredibly friendly and responsive. The national language is English, and the currency is the U.S. dollar, and both of these factors contribute in making St. Thomas an even more ideal vacation spot.

In addition to the busy shopping and cultural center located in and around Charlotte Amalie, over half of the island is the environmentally protected Virgin Islands National Park. It is quite refreshing to see a collection of individuals who care so deeply about nature and their surroundings. This area is simply gorgeous, as is the rest of the island. Numerous engaging activities await you on St. Thomas, and the shopping is marvelous. The island is safe , and you will be made to feel right at home in this comfortable and warm tropical hideaway

St. John's

Surrounding a small but beautiful harbor, and east of the Avalon Peninsula, St. John's, the capital city of Newfoundland, is the easternmost city in all of North America. The heritage and history of St. John's are inspiring, and in the beginning of the 16th century, Europeans started to pay particular attention to the bustling harbor. Because of its seaside location and close proximity to lucrative fishing sites, St. John's soon became famous, and attracted Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese sailors and fishermen. Explorer John Cabot sailed into the harbor of St. John's on June 24, 1497, which is the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Cabot founded the city and named it in honor of his country's beloved saint. St. John's is officially recognized as being the oldest city in North America founded by Europeans, and is Newfoundland's major commercial and financial center.

Even with a modest population of 100,000, the attractions in St. John's are varied and vast. Great restaurants, shopping complexes, and lively pubs line the streets, making for spectacular evenings for those who partake in the active nightlife. Northgale and The Cellar are the two premier dining engagements in St. John's, featuring exquisite cuisine and lovely decor. Signal Hill is an incredible landmark that charms everyone who visits, and the Newfoundland Museum is pleasantly informative. The trees and trails of Pippy Park dazzle the young and old, and the accompanying Fluvarium is an enchanting ecological wonder. The actual harbor itself is quite working class, and collections of oil tankers and huge sea vessels are always nearby. St. John's is known as the most colorful city in the province, and the vibrant trees and flowers of the protected areas certainly convinced me.

Barbados

Barbados is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from most other Caribbean islands. It is nearly 1000 miles east of the Netherlands Antilles chain. In 1536, during a quest for fresh water, the Portuguese "discovered" Barbados. They gave the island its current name, which translates to "the bearded ones." This name was derived from their observation of local fig trees that have roots resembling thick beards. Despite the Spanish name, there is virtually no Spanish influence that remains. The British landed a century later, and ruled the island until 1966. It was at that time when Barbados claimed its independence. The English culture, however, is alive and well, and this can be observed by the sport of choice on Barbados. Cricket is the featured game, and, in per capita terms, there are more Barbados born world-class cricket players than any other country in the world.

The capital, Bridgetown, is a marvelous city full of bustling activity and breathtaking surroundings. The island itself is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Barbados is quite flat, and the highest point is Mount Hillaby at 1,115 feet. Sugarcane is the crop that has sustained Barbados for decades. The valleys and hills are blanketed by acres of this sweet plant. The people in the city of Bridgetown are especially friendly and hospitable, and they had better be, because tourism is the island's most profitable industry. Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, the government of Barbados is stable and the business community sophisticated. The population is 260,000, and a great number of them live in or around Bridgetown. The perimeter of Barbados is gorgeous white-sand beach, and the interior is comprised of exquisite rolling hills and flat grasslands.

All of the facilities on Barbados, and particularly in Bridgetown, are fabulous. The city of Bridgetown and all of the luxurious west coast has been named the Platinum Coast by British vacationers. Fine dining, scuba diving, sea excursions, and festivals are only the beginning of the fabulous activities of Barbados. Museums and archaeological sights highlight the rich heritage of the island, and so many of the locations combine education and entertainment. The miles of exquisite beach offer every water sport imaginable, and Barbados has a terrifically active nightlife. A combination of European and strictly Caribbean influences create a diverse and fascinating ambiance everywhere you go.

Port of Spain

Lying 9 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad is a Caribbean paradise and the southernmost link in the Antillean chain of islands. Trinidad is part of the two-island nation known as Trinidad & Tobago. Yet, although these two islands are linked in their government and geographical proximity, they are quite varied.

Trinidad's recorded history is thousands of years old, but the region became known to Europeans in the 15^th century, when Columbus sailed around its southern bay. Sighting three large mountain peaks on the island, he named the land La Trinidad, in reverence to the Holy Trinity. In 1797, the British Empire captured Trinidad from the Spanish, ending more than 300 years of Spanish rule.

In more modern times, Trinidad has grown into a major tourist destination in part because of its success in the oil industry. The booming petroleum business in the area made Trinidad into an ideal location for upscale business travelers. Therefore, an entire industry unfolded which catered to these foreign travelers. Today, Trinidad remains a prosperous island that welcomes cruise ships from all over the world to dock at its picturesque capital, Port of Spain.

Port of Spain is a cultural and visual highlight of any cruise excursion. A city of just over 50,000, it is known throughout the world for its vibrant and colorful festivals, including the annual Carnival celebration. It is a great melting pot of cultures, featuring prominent African, European, Indian, and Asian dining, architecture, and language.

In and around the Port of Spain and Trinidad itself, you will be treated to a land that has been spared from the massive over-development that has troubled other notable ports of call. Instead, you will find ample beaches that have remained in their pristine states, casual and elegant dining in friendly local restaurants, and a great assortment of activities and events that will allow you and your family to explore this magical island and all it has to offer.

Isla Margarita

A visit to the island of Margarita is a splendid journey into the past, and provides a glimpse into a successful and relatively independent island nation. Porlamar is the largest city on Isla Margarita, and it is a lovely city full of grasslands and great dining. In total, Margarita is 363 square miles, and is by definition a Caribbean Island, because it is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on all sides. Located 23 miles northeast of mainland Venezuela, this is one of the most glorious islands anywhere. Because of rampant tourism in the area, in recent years Margarita has become a lot more modernized, but the culture of the island remains intact. One of the most splendid aspects of Margarita is that, while the region has been built up significantly, everything that has been constructed has added to the quality of the island. There are enough fine restaurants and shopping complexes to keep you happy for days. Historic sites such as Ports Church and Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo are fascinating, and Mother Nature has provided a number of gorgeous outdoor spots, as well. The Parque Nacional Laguna De La Restinga is a protected habitat on Margarita that is a bird sanctuary and a great place to hike. If you enjoy water sports and outdoor activities, Margarita is the ideal destination, as everyday seems like a holiday in this tropical dreamland. The weather is lovely, with the average daytime temperature in the mid-to-high 80?s year round, so grab you suntan lotion and have a blast.

Curacao