carnival cruise 8 day southern caribbean

Carnival Celebration 8-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise Review

Welcome to my fun, oftentimes overcritical, and hopefully entertaining review of my 8-day Southern Caribbean Cruise on the Carnival Celebration. I try to provide you with straight facts and honest opinions on everything from the onboard amenities to the meals and the unforgettable (and sometimes, forgettable) sights in the Southern Caribbean islands. Whether you’re a seasoned sea voyager or a fresh-faced newbie, I hope this and my other cruise reviews help you out when planning your cruise vacation.

The 6,000+ passenger Carnival Celebration isn’t just another cruise ship; it’s a full-blown vacation destination in its own right. With her sleek design and state-of-the-art features, Carnival Celebration is a floating marvel that merges comfort, entertainment, and adventure seamlessly.

Carnival Celebration is the second in the line’s Excel-class ships, the first being the Mardi Gras, and the third and final ship in the class, Carnival Jubilee which makes her debut later in 2023.  As the largest ships in the fleet, Celebration’s impressive size allows for a multitude of entertainment options, from the water park and multi-dimensional theater to the tranquil spa and adults-only retreat. For foodies, there are multiple dining options so a culinary adventure is waiting to happen, with global cuisines served in both casual and formal settings.

But it’s not just about the features and amenities. The spirit of celebration is palpable on this ship, after all, it was named and designed to celebrate Carnival’s 50th anniversary. From the moment you step on board, you’re immersed in an environment celebrating those “50 Years of Fun!”  The crew’s top-notch hospitality ensures the Carnival Celebration is a perfect home-away-from-home. So whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, rest assured, Carnival Celebration has something special for everyone.

Date:  July 15 – 22, 2023

• Carnival Celebration Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 1
• Carnival Celebration Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 2 & 3
• Carnival Celebration Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 4
• Carnival Celebration Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 5
• Carnival Celebration Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 6-8

PortMiami, FL: Dubbed the “Cruise Capital of the World,” Port Miami is a vibrant, bustling gateway to exotic destinations. It’s a melting pot of cultures and a hub of entertainment, housing some of the world’s most renowned cruise lines. From its stunning skyline views to its easy accessibility to Miami’s dynamic city life, Port Miami offers travelers a unique beginning and end to their oceanic adventures. With state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier services, it effortlessly caters to millions of cruise passengers every year, setting the stage for memorable journeys.

Aruba:  Known as a slice of paradise in the Southern Caribbean, the Aruba Cruise Port, or Oranjestad, welcomes travelers with its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and the island’s vibrant Dutch-influenced architecture. It serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring Aruba’s natural wonders, historical sites, and eclectic local shopping and dining venues. As soon as you disembark, you’re greeted by the bustling downtown area, filled with a unique blend of island charm and cosmopolitan flair. Aruba truly encapsulates the “One Happy Island” spirit, promising visitors an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

Bonaire: The Bonaire Cruise Port, located in the capital city of Kralendijk, is a charming and welcoming gateway to one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems. Known for its unspoiled beauty and vibrant underwater world, Bonaire is a haven for nature lovers. The cruise port itself is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Kralendijk, a lively town filled with Dutch colonial architecture, charming boutiques, and delightful eateries. As you step off the ship, you are instantly immersed in a tranquil, laid-back island vibe, which perfectly sets the tone for the exploration of Bonaire’s beautiful landscapes, stunning coral reefs, and unique wildlife. The Bonaire Cruise Port is your entryway to a memorable and adventurous eco-paradise.

Curacao: . The Curaçao Cruise Port, located near the capital city of Willemstad, is a colorful and energetic entrance to an island rich in history and culture. This port showcases the island’s iconic Dutch colonial architecture, with a rainbow of brightly painted buildings lining the harbor. As soon as you disembark, you’re just steps away from exploring the vibrant markets, engaging museums, and bustling café-lined streets of Willemstad. Beyond the city, the island offers stunning beaches, outstanding snorkeling, and diving sites, and a diverse range of wildlife.

Carnival Celebration Accommodations:

For this cruise, I am staying in an oceanview stateroom on Deck 5 (5429).   These rooms are elegantly appointed, with contemporary décor and a range of amenities designed for your comfort. The highlight is a large window or porthole that fills the room with natural light and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and each new destination on your itinerary.

The stateroom features a comfortable king-size bed, which can be converted into two twin beds if needed and some feature a sofa bed. There’s plenty of storage space for your belongings, a well-lit desk area, and a cozy seating nook for relaxation. The private bathroom is compact but well-designed, with a shower, sink, and a good amount of counter space.

Each room also includes a flat-screen TV, a mini cooler, and individually controlled air conditioning to ensure the space is always to your liking.

Personal Day-By-Day Carnival Celebration Cruise Review:

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Carnival Horizon 8 day Southern Caribbean Cruise Review

By jam19872016 , January 26, 2020 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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jam19872016

After spending 38 days at sea in 2018 I decided that I may need to have just a little more self control in 2019. I love my cruises, but every dollar I saved went into the cruise fund instead of more important things like you know, savings. Fast forward another year and after spending 41 days at sea in 2019 I decided not to kid myself into saying I would do better in 2020.

Now that I have forewarned you that I am not a responsible individual I will go ahead of tell you I currently have 6 cruises booked from January-May of 2020 totaling 35 days at sea. My bank account weeps for me.

These will not be as through as the reviews I used to write but I do want to chronicle them for my own selfish reasons. My 2019 cruises are a bit of a blur as I only wrote a review to one of them and I love going back and rereading them and going "oh yea I remember that". If at least one person still finds these reviews useful, then it was worthwhile for me to share instead of just writing a journal or something for myself.

This is part 1 of 6 of my 2020 cruise marathon which will include the following cruises:

January 11- 8 Day Southern Caribbean on Carnival Horizon January 31- 3 Day Bahamas on Carnival Liberty February 21- 10 Day New Orleans & Mexico on Celebrity Reflection March 27: 3 Day Perfect Day at Coco Cay Mariner of the Seas April 23: 4 Day Mexico Independence of the Seas May 16: 7 Day Eastern Caribbean Carnival Breeze

I have a very diversified schedule as I have started branching out from Carnival a bit. Three cruise lines, and only three repeat ports. Grand Turk, Nassau, and Cozumel will all appear twice. I don't really care too much about the ports though but am excited to mix it up a bit from just Carnival, although they do remain my favorite cruise line.  

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I am 32 years old and am lucky enough to live in Florida so taking cruises is more affordable and easier to do than for many people. This was my 28th cruise, my 21st cruise on Carnival and my first time on the Horizon.

A couple disclaimers, I LOVE cruising and always have a good time. But I like to be honest in my review. Everything is not perfect on a cruise and I do intend to include the bad with the good. Just because I complain, does not mean I did not have a great time.

Also, I may not hit on everything that interests you as a cruiser. I would say from reading many reviews that my cruise style is different from the norm, and that is okay. Please feel free to ask questions about something I do not cover and I will do my best to answer anything that you would like to know about.

After traveling on the Vista, I really had no interest in sailing on the Horizon. The ship was crowded, poorly laid out, and had no personality. The crew were obviously miserable. Outside of the fun squad all week I saw one friendly person. That is not an exaggeration - one. Everyone else ranged from indifferent, to visibly bothered by my mere presence. It was a very different experience than anything I'd witnessed on any other Carnival ship. 

Fast forward a couple months when I saw Horizon at her first Caribbean port of call - Grand Turk, while on my cruise on the Magic and I found myself excited again and made the Horizon a priority.

While on the Conquest my casino donations earned me a 35% off voucher for another cruise. Although I still wanted to do the Horizon, I am not a fan of the drive to Miami so gave my mom the choice between Horizon and Breeze. I really expected her to pick Breeze as it was cheaper and much closer. To my surprise she picked Horizon for one reason. 

Cherry soup.

Yep, cherry soup. She had it on our last cruise on the Sunshine. I told her it was only on 8+ day cruises and she remembered that, and for that reason alone she went with this cruise. Oh boy I hope that soup is as good as she remembered lol.

We made our way down a day early so we would not have to make the 5-6 hour drive the day of the cruise. We arrived too early to check-in so stopped by at a nearby restaurant for some lunch.

My mom had heard good things about a place called Pei Wei so we stopped in there. 

It was good, but that is a $10 plate your looking at and it wasn't THAT good. My mom did not care for what she ordered. Overall I would say give this restaurant a pass if you happen to find yourself near a Pei Wei (and I've never heard of it before so you may not find yourself near one lol)

We drove around a little then checked in at my usual spot in Stuart, Fl. This is about as close to Miami as I can get before prices start getting out of hand. We spent the rest of the day lounging about the hotel.

Next up - cruise day.  

Boarding the Horizon

We left the hotel around 8 and even with construction we arrived in Miami not too much after 10. We parked at the port which at $22 a day is very expensive but honestly I feel like it is worth it as I have not had much luck with parking in Miami. 

Check-in was smooth. I was not given a hard time about my fan I bring on board and my passport scanned with no issues. Last time we boarded the check-in lady was quite rude. She was having a conversation with someone on her watch and my travel companion called her on it after she took another call once we were waiting on her. Then my passport would not scan so I had to go to another check-in counter. I figured she was lying to give me a hard time as it has always scanned before. This confirms it.

We had a short wait and then boarding began at 10:44.

On board the Carnival Horizon.

It was much brighter in person.

Another smaller Dreamscape in the casino.

I have priority so I was able to head right to my room which is a great perk. I dropped off my luggage then we headed up to Guy's BBQ for some lunch.

This was very good, much better than the BBQ served on the Conquest class ships. It was also open on some port days not just sea days like other ships I've been on.

Passing by the coffee bar I see they are stocked up on Pepsi products.

I know I am in the minority, but I prefer Pepsi over coke. I agree it tastes different than Coke, and in my opinion, better. 

I do not have a background in the bar and hospitality industry, but I have worked retail my entire adult life. Although Coke seems to be what more people prefer, Pepsi far outsells Coke at every place I have ever worked (in the south where Coke is probably even more prominent). Then their is Mountain Dew which also outsells Coke. Then their is their overall portfolio of beverages which is far more diverse and better selling. 

Those who think Carnival made a long term bad business decision, I can assure you they did not. More people may prefer Coke products, but more people PURCHASE Pepsi products. Either way, I am used to most establishments serving Coke and I can always drink whatever is available just fine. I was a little sad to see Vitamin Water gone but immediately got over it when I saw how much cheaper Gatorade was to buy. 

Okay, off my soapbox now.  

I next made my way up to Lido for some hand scooped gelato which I buried in toppings. I ended up with a slice of cake and an empenada also.

The empenada counter at the buffet was a nice addition. It was good but a bit too salty. I will try it again with some of the sauces available to tame the salt a bit.

The cake was fantastic and I had intended to skip it in favor of the gelato since the cake is on all the ships but when I saw it I could not resist.

The gelato was also good. The flavors today were mango and coffee. The flavors are always a bit odd but if you don't like the options, the topping bar is still great with the soft serve.  

I love the stairway art and was glad it was carried over from the Vista. Very neat and looks even better in person.

Next we headed to gym where I was tricked into exercising off some of my lunch.

My mini workout results.

After that grueling 15 minute workout, we made our way down to the room. I love that the newer ships have on-demand movies available for purchase in the rooms. I love to chill out in the room and the TV selection is not very good. I was pleased to find a very large selection of free to watch movies available. Very nice touch. We settled in for the afternoon with The Smurfs.  

Next up was muster in my favorite of all inside locations: the casino.

I've read about the Panorama making the casino smoke free on boarding day since you board in the casino. I am going to make a guess now that sometime in the near future that will extend to all ships which muster in the casino. I witnessed a number of people complain that they had to muster in the smokey smell and were allowed to stand outside the casino. I couldn't smell anything (as a non smoker) but maybe others are more sensitive to it.

The best part of cruising out of Miami is definitely the sail away. I usually go to a top deck for a good view and good photo ops. But I had my mom in tow and an elevator to the top was a tall order right after muster and there was no way she could climb to the top (even I struggle with that) so we settled for a spot on the Lanai. I am only going to include two of the photos because they didn't come out very well at all since I had to take them through the rained on glass panels.

Carnival Conquest and Empress of the Seas.

Following along and I can’t wait to read more! 

After sail away we went to the spa for the spa raffle. We did not end up being drawn for some free spa money and it ran a little long so we missed the Imax tour so we just ended up going down for some dinner.

The Hub app was not working for me so I went to the check in desk for YTD. The line was slower than I would like but not the end of the world. The group in front of me could not seem to wrap their head around why they needed to come to this line when the dining room was on another deck and would not stop complaining about it to the hostess and when I did get down to the dining room none of the people in line had checked in. And Carnival thought we could handle these smart elevators? You think too kindly of our ability to follow directions lol.

I'll admit I'm a little bored with Carnival's dinner menu at this point and had hoped to do some specialty restaurants this cruise but my mom is not able to eat a lot at one sitting without her sugar levels spiking so she could not really get her money's worth out of it. They did have a specialty dining package you could purchase for $60 which included the steakhouse and two of the following: Ji Ji's, Cucina, or a $15 voucher at Bonsai Sushi or Guy's BBQ. Normal price would be $68. They also had a lesser advertised package for three $15 vouchers for $38 that could be redeemed at Cucina, Ji Ji, Guy's, Bonsai, or Seafood Shack.

I did not get pictures of the menu for the first two nights. I thought I could get screen shots from the Hub App but I am not very tech savvy when it comes to cell phones and can't seem to figure it out. So I am recycling some menu pics from another cruise. The menus are the same the only difference is now the dessert menu is on the same page as the appetizers on the newer menus.

For my starter I tried something new and ordered the croquette and empenada.

This was very good and something I would order again when its on the menu.

For my main I ordered the pork loin and the vegetable lasagna.

The pork was not good tonight. It was very fatty. The lasagna remains one of the best dishes in the MDR.

For dessert I kept it simple with some chocolate ice cream.

Overall dinner was very good and service was perfect.  

While walking along the Ocean Plaza I found a duck!

I took that back to my mom. She gets a kick out of collecting the ducks on the cruise ships.

The rest of the night was spent taking it easy. I spent a little bit of time i n the casino and I got this 4 of a kind.

A nice $250 in my pocket. I did not play much since my casino budget has been depleted booking all these cruises! I ended the night up since I did not play a lot for them to get their money back.

I tried to go to the comedy showcase in the main lounge but the line to get in was long and I was pretty sleepy anyway. Too bad as I knew I would probably not get in to a show at the limelight lounge. I do wish Carnival would take reservations.

That's it for night one on Carnival Horizon. Tomorrow will be a "fun?" day at sea.  

13 minutes ago, kelkel2 said: Following along and I can’t wait to read more! 

Thanks for following 🙂  More soon.

Sagittarius traveler

I like the rained on glass pictures it's unique.

30 minutes ago, jam19872016 said: The best part of cruising out of Miami is definitely the sail away. I usually go to a top deck for a good view and good photo ops. But I had my mom in tow and an elevator to the top was a tall order right after muster and there was no way she could climb to the top (even I struggle with that) so we settled for a spot on the Lanai. I am only going to include two of the photos because they didn't come out very well at all since I had to take them through the rained on glass panels.   Carnival Conquest and Empress of the Seas.    

1 hour ago, Sagittarius traveler said: I like the rained on glass pictures it's unique.    

Thank you. It was a frustrating experience and I don't think my mom got to enjoy Miami's gorgeous sail away from our vantage point. Front of the ship would have been better, but alas we had just walked to the back of the ship to get her a glass of water from the plaza bar. I'm not so worried about me, I've seen it and will probably see it again many times but I don't think my mom will make the long trip to Miami again.

Don't worry the back of the ship where I was for the sail away as well because it was crowded on the main deck so my family and I went to the back with the pizza and found chairs hahaha. 

43 minutes ago, jam19872016 said: Thank you. It was a frustrating experience and I don't think my mom got to enjoy Miami's gorgeous sail away from our vantage point. Front of the ship would have been better, but alas we had just walked to the back of the ship to get her a glass of water from the plaza bar. I'm not so worried about me, I've seen it and will probably see it again many times but I don't think my mom will make the long trip to Miami again.

Thanks for the review!  I am sad to hear that you did not like the Vista. I have a cruise on her in a few weeks. I hope things have improved.

Anyway, can't wait to read more of your adventures.

Great review! Keep it coming! We will be sailing on the Horizon in October and love reading the reviews of her.

Hi, Also following this review with great interest since we are thinking about trying Carnival for the first time and go on Horizon with this itinerary in February 2021. 

Thanks for doing this review.  We are doing the eight night in March! 

I was on this cruise with my mother and sister! Looking forward to the rest of your review!  😃

On 1/26/2020 at 4:18 PM, jam19872016 said: While walking along the Ocean Plaza I found a duck!       I took that back to my mom. She gets a kick out of collecting the ducks on the cruise ships.   The rest of the night was spent taking it easy. I spent a little bit of time i n the casino and I got this 4 of a kind.       A nice $250 in my pocket. I did not play much since my casino budget has been depleted booking all these cruises! I ended the night up since I did not play a lot for them to get their money back.   I tried to go to the comedy showcase in the main lounge but the line to get in was long and I was pretty sleepy anyway. Too bad as I knew I would probably not get in to a show at the limelight lounge. I do wish Carnival would take reservations.   That's it for night one on Carnival Horizon. Tomorrow will be a "fun?" day at s

Are the ducks hidden for passengers to find and keep?

7 minutes ago, Derbie said: Are the ducks hidden for passengers to find and keep?

It's a game people play:

https://cruiseradio.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cruise-ducks/

23 hours ago, Sagittarius traveler said: Don't worry the back of the ship where I was for the sail away as well because it was crowded on the main deck so my family and I went to the back with the pizza and found chairs hahaha.     

Maybe we'll have another chance someday! I'll make sure I am better prepared to give her a better sailaway.

22 hours ago, TravelE said: Thanks for the review!  I am sad to hear that you did not like the Vista. I have a cruise on her in a few weeks. I hope things have improved.   Anyway, can't wait to read more of your adventures.

I wouldn't worry too much, the crew issues are likely resolved as it has been two years and so there has been time for a crew turnover. The crowding issues could be a week to week issue. And other than that, well Vista class has some quirks that take some getting used to but I am sure you will still have a good time if you intend to have a good time 🙂  Enjoy your cruise.

6 hours ago, jordanaire said: Great review! Keep it coming! We will be sailing on the Horizon in October and love reading the reviews of her.

Thanks for reading along.

6 hours ago, MonikaNJ said: Hi, Also following this review with great interest since we are thinking about trying Carnival for the first time and go on Horizon with this itinerary in February 2021. 

I think this would be a great choice! It is a wonderful itinerary and has a large variety of things to do and places to eat. 

3 hours ago, lazydayz said: Thanks for doing this review.  We are doing the eight night in March! 

This is a great itinerary! Enjoy 🙂  

1 hour ago, ashley1474 said: I was on this cruise with my mother and sister! Looking forward to the rest of your review!  😃

Thanks for reading along! That was quite a rocky cruise wasn't it? It took me about three days to stop randomly feeling like I was still rocking.

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Carnival Cruise Line, Southern Caribbean From Miami, June 17, 2023

Cruising from: Miami, Florida ;

Departure Date: 17 June, 2023 ;

Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line ;

Cruise Ship: Carnival Celebration ;

Duration: 8-day cruise ;

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Miami ;

8-day cruise to Miami, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Miami on board Carnival Celebration.

Day 0 miami, florida.

Miami is well known across the globe for its glitz and glamor and its beaches and sunny weather. PortMiami, formally the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami, is a major seaport located in Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. PortMiami delivers a tropical vacation experience like no other port in the world.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 At Sea, At Sea

Day 3 aruba, dutch caribbean.

Aruba is one of the three ABC islands in the southern Caribbean and a popular port of call for cruise ships from Miami, Florida. Aruba, a Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, is an extremely safe tourist paradise, filled with glistening white sand beaches and countless entertainment options. Aruba also has a unique climate, combining the Caribbean tropics with a beautiful desert landscape. The Aruba travel season from Miami, Florida, lasts all year since the weather stays consistently warm. The best way to maximize your happy memories on the One Happy Island is to spend some time researching the sights and attractions or try some adventurous activities and entertainment.

Day 4 Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

Bonaire, the westernmost of the Lesser Antilles, is an island and special municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean. Although Bonaire is the least well-known of the three major islands that make up the Dutch Caribbean ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), it is known across the world as a scuba diver's paradise. Bonaire's capital is Kralendijk. Kralendijk is a great starting point for exploring the natural attractions of Bonaire. Due to Kralendijk's small size, the entire town grid may be traversed on foot. You'll find interesting places, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, public spaces, and art galleries. Booking an island tour or participating in outdoor pursuits like scuba diving, snorkeling, or mountain biking may allow you to see even more during your time in port.

Day 5 Curacao, Dutch Caribbean

Curacao cruises put you in the center of the Southern Caribbean's action. The vibrantly colored island of Curacao, located some 37 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, is part of the ABC chain of islands, which also includes Aruba and Bonaire. Curacao has two main docking spots: the new Curacao Mega Pier (West Willemstad) and the Curacao Cruise Terminal (Mathey Wharf). Willemstad, often called the Amsterdam of the Caribbean, is the capital and main cruise port on the island of Curacao. It is like an old-world European metropolis that was dumped into the Caribbean. You can take a slow walk through the historic district and port, relax on Mambo Beach, or go to one of the city's many museums to learn about the area's rich cultural history.

Day 6 At Sea, At Sea

Day 7 at sea, at sea, day 8 miami, florida.

Sail with Carnival Cruise Line from Miami to the Southern Caribbean . Discover the best of Florida, At Sea, Dutch Caribbean on this Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami on board Carnival Celebration cruise ship . Visit amazing Miami, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Miami. Carnival Celebration leaving Miami, Florida for 8 days from June 17, 2023.

View all of the Southern Caribbean cruise vacations available in June 2023 , or browse the full collection of cruises departing from Miami Port during June 2023 .

Port order and/or content may vary, please check specific sailing date for details at Carnival Cruise Line website. Port arrival and departure times are approximate and subject to change without notice. For more information please visit the Carnival Cruise Line website.

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Holland America Line to Deploy All Three Pinnacle-Class Ships and Feature Longer Cruises in Robust Caribbean 2025-2026 Season

Nearly 30 different itineraries range up to 14 days and span the Caribbean region

Seattle, Washington, April 2, 2024 — Travelers looking to explore the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean will have nearly 30 different Holland America Line itineraries to choose from between October 2025 and April 2026. New to the season is the addition of Miami, Florida, as a homeport, as well as the return of Koningsdam, putting all three Pinnacle-Class ships in the Caribbean.

Through the expansive variety of itineraries, cruisers can explore the eastern , western and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial Panama Canal transit. In addition to weeklong getaways, Holland America Line offers longer Caribbean cruises from nine to 14 days, featuring more islands on one itinerary. Select November sailings and special December cruises make it fun and easy to celebrate Thanksgiving and the winter holidays in the tropics.

“ This will be the first time all three of our Pinnacle-Class ships are in the Caribbean together, allowing for even more opportunities for guests to experience all we have to offer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “With demand for Caribbean cruises remaining strong, we’ve planned a robust season allowing guests to choose the islands they want to visit and the ideal length for their vacation.”

Caribbean 2025-2026 Highlights:

· All itineraries include Half Moon Cay , Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas boasting the finest beaches in the Caribbean, crystalline waters, an abundance of watersports, private cabanas and memorable shore excursions.

· On select itineraries, late-evening departures from Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire mean more time in port and the chance to experience the vibrant Caribbean nightlife.

· Cuisine on board highlights fresh, local flavors with regional favorites including yellowtail snapper, plantains, and other regional specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

· For travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays, 10 sailings in December will sail the waters of the Caribbean on cruises from seven to 14 days.

Eastern Caribbean :

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam and Zuiderdam.

· Seven-day cruises are a combination of ports: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Key West, Florida; and Nassau, Bimini and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

· An eight-day cruise on Koningsdam departs and calls at Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.

· Longer 11-day eastern Caribbean itineraries call at St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, plus Martinique or Dominica.

· A 14-day holiday cruise on Volendam departs Dec. 21, 2025, and includes visits to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, St. John, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad.

Western Caribbean:

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam.

· All western Caribbean cruises are seven days and call at Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Half Moon Cay.

Southern Caribbean:

·Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

·Ships: Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The nine-day cruise makes its way to the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao before visiting Half Moon Cay.

·The 10-day itinerary also includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay, and adds Grand Turk and Amber Cove.

· All Curaçao visits have a late-evening departure, and select cruises also have a late-evening departure from Bonaire or Aruba.

Partial Panama Canal:

· Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

·Ships: Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The 12-day “Panama Canal Discovery” itinerary makes it possible to visit the Panama Canal without a coast-to-coast transit.

·Explores the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake and sails a partial transit of the Canal.

· Ports include Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Grand Cayman, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay.

Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.

Early Booking Bonus Offers For a limited time, when guests book newly opening 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Beginning cruise-only fares for 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises start from $579 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

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8 Night Southern Caribbean & Perfect Day

Your ship oasis of the seas.

PLAY IT UP BIG

The Perfect Storm℠

Splashaway Bay℠

Royal Escape Room℠ - Mission Control: Apollo 18

Ultimate Abyss℠

The nighttime of your life.

Bionic Bar ®

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Music Hall℠

Spotlight℠ Karaoke

Even more on the menu.

El Loco Fresh ®

Portside BBQ℠

Sugar Beach℠

Chops Grille℠

Day 1: fort lauderdale, florida.

STREET SCENE

VITAMIN SEA

GLADES OF GLORY

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2 - 3: Cruising

Adventure Ocean ®

Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City℠

Teen Spaces

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Day 4: oranjestad, aruba.

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

ROADS LESS TRAVELED

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

SEA FLOOR EXPLORING

Day 5: Willemstad, Curacao

STOP FOR A PHOTO OP

TAKE A HIKE

HISTORY AND MYSTERY

Local Cuisine

Day 6 - 7: Cruising

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

The Lime and Coconut ®

Giovanni's Table

Day 8: perfect day at cococay, bahamas.

Thrill Waterpark

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THRILLS & CHILLS

UP, UP AND AWAY

OASIS LAGOON

South Beach

CAPTAIN JILL’S GALLEON

SPLASHAWAY BAY

CHILL ISLAND

Day 9: fort lauderdale, florida.

8 - Day Southern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Day 2 & 3: Fun Day at Sea

Day 4: aruba, day 5: curaçao.

Day 6: Fun Day at Sea

Day 7: grand turk.

Day 8: Fun Day at Sea

Day 9: port canaveral (orlando).

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8-Day Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise

Fun with a capital F is what you can expect on a Carnival Cruise. With the largest fleet at sea Carnival offers sailings perfect for the whole family.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

• Mardi Gras - Passenger Capacity: 5,282 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2020 Last Refurbished: N/A

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

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Port Canaveral, Florida , Port of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean , Curacao, Caribbean , Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Special Promotions*

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit* - TCW Exclusive

• Itinerary & Pricing

8-Day Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise sailing on the Mardi Gras

Departure dates: jun 2024 - aug 2025.

From $1,439

From $1,169

From $1,149

From $1,019

Stateroom prices for Jun. 8, 2024

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Based on Inside cabin prices

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Based on Suite cabin prices

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Carnival reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel. Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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