Ultimate Southern Caribbean 12 Nights • Fort Lauderdale, Florida • CELEBRITY ECLIPSE

In the 1800s, William Lauderdale built a fort. Today, 16 million visitors come each year for miles of broad white sandy beaches, dozens of lush green golf courses, and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Stroll the famous beachfront promenade, just 15 minutes from the port, and plunge into the warm Atlantic.

Head downtown to Las Olas Boulevard, paralleling New River, to sip lattes in outdoor cafés, shop chic boutiques, and catch concerts at the performing arts center. Stop at Stranahan House, the city's oldest structure, built in 1901 as a trading post and preserved as a museum, or explore a whole village of historic buildings at History Fort Lauderdale. Join a Segway tour along the river or a waterborne cruise of Millionaire's Row.

During your cruise to Fort Lauderdale, head out to the Everglades and enjoy Flamingo Gardens, home to pink flamingos, snarling alligators, black bears, and Florida panthers—plus exotic trees, butterfly gardens, and native flowers.

You'll find great shopping on Fort Lauderdale cruises. Look for high fashion at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, north of the port and blocks from the ocean. Head west to Sawgrass Mills for 350 designer outlets, specialty shops, and eateries. Spend a relaxing day in downtown Hollywood, south of the port, for quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and events in the park.

Discover Floribbean cuisine, a fusion of old Florida favorites with new Caribbean influences. Local seafood includes lobster, grouper, mahi-mahi, pompano, snapper, tuna, and stone crabs.

Florida dominates production of citrus fruits. Before you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, take advantage of anything orange—juices, sauces, marinades, marmalades, dressings, soups, and cakes. Try authentic key lime pie, which is sweet, tart, creamy, and yellow—not green—in a Graham cracker crust.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

Explore French and English colonial architecture, breathtaking beaches, and lush landscapes beneath soaring mountain peaks.

Walking distance from the St. Kitts cruise port, find the Circus and Independence Square. The Circus is a roundabout lined by local shops with artisanal batik clothing, leatherwork, and weaving. Stroll another couple blocks to Independence Square, site of the stately courthouse and cathedral.

West of Basseterre, visit 350-year-old Romney Manor estate, once owned by a British earl. The grounds include magnificent gardens with exotic plants and an amazing saman tree—as old as the estate—that covers half an acre.

Tour Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, 750 feet above the Caribbean. Ride a narrow-gauge train through breathtaking scenery on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour. All round the island, take in magnificent views of Mount Liamuiga, a 3,792-foot-high dormant volcano. Of course, pristine beaches and turquoise waters are everywhere.

For lunch, seek out rustic plantation homes that serve hearty West Indian fare like fresh seafood, local rotis, mango ginger chicken, and goat water stew, blending the islands’ staple protein with local papaya and breadfruit.

You'll have so much to discover before returning to the St. Kitts cruise port.

Fan out from Castries to find escapes for every taste. Near the port, browse Pointe Seraphine, for duty-free goods, or colorful Castries Central Market, for native spices and hand-made crafts. Sample the best of St. Lucia on a highlights tour to the Castries Market, historic Catholic church, and city square, and don't miss breathtaking views from Caribelle Batik, offering artisanal goods. Or, join a leisurely coastal cruise past Marigot Bay. Novelist James A. Michener described it as "the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean." 

When Bajans say, "Life's a beach," they mean 80 pristine beaches, some long and straight, some hidden among cliffs, many among the world's most beautiful. Cruise to Barbados for water sports include jet skiing at lively Mullins Beach, paddle boarding at Pebbles Beach, and surfing at Atlantic Shores. Small boats will take you swimming with the turtles, or you can skipper your own Hobie Cat, try spearfishing, or lounge aboard a luxurious catamaran with drinks. Launch a 4x4 safari into the Barbados Wildlife Reserve in search of green monkeys, a rare sight outside Africa. Explore Harrison's Cave from a tram, viewing stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. People have come here to trade since the English in 1627. Today, you'll find designer fashion, fine jewelry, fragrances, electronics, and leather in this tax haven. Talented islanders produce exquisite art and collectables. Foodies love this “culinary capital of the Caribbean,” fusing the flavors of Africa, the West Indies, and Europe. The Atlantic provides a delicious array of fish including shark, salmon, cod, red snapper, and flying fish, a symbol of Barbados, as well as shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and duck are served fried, grilled, baked, roasted, and pickled. On the side, look for cou-cou, rice and peas, pelau, and macaroni pie, along with tropical fruits.

Experience a traditional Dutch cityscape painted in distinctly Caribbean colors. You'll want to stroll the magnificent waterfront, admire the colonial buildings, and explore the backstreet cafés, shops, museums, and galleries of Willemstad.

Visit 17th-century Fort Amsterdam in the historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Netherlands established a settlement here in 1634. Today it reflects Spanish and Portuguese styles, as well as Dutch. But on cruises to Curaçao, the sun warms your skin to remind you it's the Caribbean.

Swim with charming, clever dolphins—an unforgettable experience—or go below the surface on a reef dive. View otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites inside Hato Caves and take a trolley tour to learn about Willemstad’s landmarks.

After a day of discovery, sit back, relax, and watch the sun set over a glass of traditional blue curaçao. Landhuis Chobolobo, a 19th-century historic mansion you can tour, is home to the famous liqueur.

Curaçao cuisine incorporates Indonesian, as well as Dutch traditions. Try the local waffles, fresh-cut fries drizzled in toppings, and raw herring served with pickles. Favorites include stewed goat, meat wrapped in banana leaves, and others.

In the Punda shopping district, explore Willemstad’s vibrant open-air markets. You'll find traditional blue Delft figurines and wheels of cheese. Otrobanda offers high-end designer options. Browse the Floating Market, the New Market, and the Old Market, too.

Kralendijk is the sleepy capital of Bonaire, an island in the Dutch Antilles. Kralendijk is lined with delightfully pastel stucco houses, in pinks, oranges and lime greens. Famous for its diving, the lively world under the sea is the allure of this laidback island. The island is surrounded by a marine park that starts at the beach and extends 200 feet in depth and covers its entire coastline. Cruises to Bonaire also offer such treats as flamingos, hiking and the only barefoot casino in the Caribbean. Head downtown to the Rincon section for a great selection of restaurants with menus offering authentic local fare, like the Dutch snack, Frikandel, a deep-fried sausage or the Creole gumbo stew called Yambo.

 

The capital of Aruba is made for walking. Browse the candy-colored townhouses, architectural details, and open-air patios that define this charming Dutch community. Gentle trade winds tame the Caribbean sun, shoo the infrequent rain, and maintain the perfect conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. When it’s beach time, dig your toes into the soft white sand and soak your skin in the warm Caribbean water. After lounging awhile, find spas, restaurants, and bars just steps away. Divers and snorkelers flock to cruise to Aruba for its vibrant coral reefs, neon tropical fish, and eerie old shipwrecks. With just a mask and snorkel, you can watch the fish dart in and out of Antilla, a major wreck. Board a catamaran for a peaceful day of sailing and snorkeling, recharging with a barbecue lunch at Pelican Pier on Palm Beach. Or, venture to De Palm Island for water sliding and banana boat riding. When it’s time to shop, browse Aruba’s boutiques and find the leading designers at Renaissance Mall. Uncover local crafts in the marketplace nearby. Both are close to the port. Aruba serves French fare with a Caribbean twist. Find everything from haute cuisine to casual food. Maybe even discover an ostrich burger on the menu. Of course, the fish doesn’t get any fresher. 

In the 1800s, William Lauderdale built a fort. Today, 16 million visitors come each year for miles of broad white sandy beaches, dozens of lush green golf courses, and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Stroll the famous beachfront promenade, just 15 minutes from the port, and plunge into the warm Atlantic.

Head downtown to Las Olas Boulevard, paralleling New River, to sip lattes in outdoor cafés, shop chic boutiques, and catch concerts at the performing arts center. Stop at Stranahan House, the city's oldest structure, built in 1901 as a trading post and preserved as a museum, or explore a whole village of historic buildings at History Fort Lauderdale. Join a Segway tour along the river or a waterborne cruise of Millionaire's Row.

During your cruise to Fort Lauderdale, head out to the Everglades and enjoy Flamingo Gardens, home to pink flamingos, snarling alligators, black bears, and Florida panthers—plus exotic trees, butterfly gardens, and native flowers.

You'll find great shopping on Fort Lauderdale cruises. Look for high fashion at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, north of the port and blocks from the ocean. Head west to Sawgrass Mills for 350 designer outlets, specialty shops, and eateries. Spend a relaxing day in downtown Hollywood, south of the port, for quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and events in the park.

Discover Floribbean cuisine, a fusion of old Florida favorites with new Caribbean influences. Local seafood includes lobster, grouper, mahi-mahi, pompano, snapper, tuna, and stone crabs.

Florida dominates production of citrus fruits. Before you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, take advantage of anything orange—juices, sauces, marinades, marmalades, dressings, soups, and cakes. Try authentic key lime pie, which is sweet, tart, creamy, and yellow—not green—in a Graham cracker crust.

Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues. Take advantage of the fantastic activities in the area. If you're flying out, please keep your departure flight time in mind and plan accordingly.