Advertorial – Experience a different type of Holiday with the family this year. A truly pleasurable one where someone else is making dinner, washing the dishes and dusting off the Christmas bobbles. This year, spend Christmas aboard Holland America’s gracious ms Volendam and create everlasting memories with your family as you all customize your voyage to suit your individual and family passions and interests.
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or relaxation, or creating a good balance of both, you’ll find it all on this captivating voyage. Make every part of your experience just right for you! So what are you in the mood for?
Immerse yourself in arts and culture…
The Caribbean is known for its stunning beaches, reggae music, and rum distilleries, but there’s so much more to this beautiful region. Named for its founder John Philips, Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of Saint Maarten, has some excellent international art galleries to explore. On the French side of the island, spend some well-deserved leisure time in one of the cafés serving café au lait and pain au chocolat or enjoy chilled rosé and savoury crêpes in a sidewalk bistro. Sit back and enjoy the tropical vibes!
Relax on a secluded stretch of sand…
You’ll find beautiful white-sand beaches and lush tropical scenery on any one of the islands on this voyage. Soak up the warm Caribbean sun or unwind in the shade of a coconut tree on a remote beach. Aruba in particular has spectacularly pristine beaches, a truly otherworldly experience!
Dive into the crystalline turquoise waters…
If you like snorkeling, you should make time for an underwater tour in Trunk Bay, St. John, where you’ll find dazzling coral formation and exotic fish in this tropical paradise. The Cayman Islands offer opportunities to experience what National Geographic describes as ‘one of the most rewarding experiences in the underwater world.’ Snorkel in only four feet of water at a sand bar and pet the stingrays.
Celebrate exciting architecture…
Willemstad’s historic centre is a unique mixture of Dutch architecture and Caribbean pastels, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Barbados, the historic centre of Bridgetown, is centered around a waterway called the Careenage and its handsome Chamberlain Bridge. The country’s capital was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011 for its wealth of British colonial architecture dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Indulge in mouth-watering Caribbean flavours…
Food in the Caribbean is a result of many influences, with various dishes being infused with the flavours of Africa, Spain, China, and East India. Be sure to dig into a number of delicious meals while exploring off the ship, from jerk chicken in Jamaica, Indian-style roti or curried crab and dumplings in Trinidad, to fried flying fish in Barbados. While on board, explore a wide range of exquisite dining options. With their global traditions and diverse culinary interests, the team of world-class celebrity chefs are constantly adding inspired new signature dishes to the menus with an exciting local flare!
If you’re seeking a rejuvenating holiday in paradise next winter and the Caribbean is tugging on your heartstrings, contact Craig Travel and enjoy the experience of Christmas in the Caribbean. Enjoy excellent rates, prepaid gratuities and extras on this 17 day sailing departing December 20th, but don’t delay, you’re not the only one that wants someone else to do the cooking this year.
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
