Caregivers Caribbean Retreat
January 29 to February 7, 2027
Round Trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Caregivers and their loved ones are invited to the ultimate Caribbean vacation! Enjoy the blue waters and golden sands of the Eastern Caribbean and Virgin Islands plus enhanced caregiver programming with the International Caregivers Association while the Elite Cruises crew spends time with loved ones who will enjoy accessible and dementia-friendly activities. All travelers get the chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect on this spectacular Caribbean itinerary. 
 
This group voyage is appropriate for: 
Caregivers looking for support, resources, and educational programs 
Wheelchair users or travelers with accessibility requirements 
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia 
Travelers with a diagnosis that may necessitate RN/medical support while vacationing.

Where We’re Taking You

Pre-cruise: Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Fort Lauderdale when an Elite Cruises staff member greets you at baggage claim to escort you to our pre-cruise group hotel. Here you’ll have a chance to relax after traveling or jump right in to excursions in the area, either independently or with an Elite Cruises staff member. Transportation to the cruise port on embarkation day is included with your hotel stay. 
 
January 29: Welcome aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. On day 1 of our voyage we’ll get to know each other over lunch onboard before going up on deck to wave goodbye to Florida. After unpacking and getting settled it’s time for a night out with a group dinner followed by enjoying one of the many entertainment venues on board.  
 
January 30-31: These days at sea features programs exclusively for our group in addition to enjoying all the luxury amenities offered by Holland America. Caregivers can attend programs curated by the International Caregivers Association while loved ones enjoy activities with the Elite Cruises crew that have been tailored to travelers lifestyles and interests. We also encourage travelers to treat themselves with wine tastings, spa trips, private cabanas, and more…it is vacation after all. 
 
February 1: Our adventures begin on the dreamy island of Antigua. Here history enthusiasts an explore the Royal Naval Dockyard, foodies can visit a traditional Caribbean rum distillery, and beach bums will find the sandy stretch of their dream. The Elite Cruises concierges will be available before travel to make excursion recommendations and provide booking assistance so you have the perfect day on the island. 
 
February 2: Welcome to the US Virgin Islands! St Thomas is the perfect place to recover from the adventures on Antigua with a variety of pristine beaches such as Magens Bay where you can enjoy the warm, calm waters and perfect sunny skies. For any shoppers ready to buy souvenirs for their family and friends who weren’t lucky enough to join them on this voyage, the historic capital city of Charlotte Amalie has everything you could want but don’t forget to get yourself something too! 
 
February 3: It’s a quick trip over to the British Virgin Islands and the former pirate haven of Tortola where you’ll be immersed in unspoiled nature everywhere you go: Sage Mountain National Park features the highest point in the Virgin Islands as well as some of the best hiking, Cane Garden Bay beach is a postcard perfect arch of white sand, or coastal catamarans will guide travelers through the impossibly blue waters where you may just spot a pod of dolphins jumping and playing in the surf.  
 
February 4: Step back in time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the moment you are off the ship. We’ll dock near the Old Town area with its defensive walls and fort San Cristobal dating back to 1634, el Morro castle from 1539, and San Juan Cathedral with the current structure dating back to 1540. Whether you’re taking a bus tour or a walking tour you’ll be immersed in the history, legends, and lore of this island.  
 
February 5: This day at sea gives caregivers another chance to enjoy programming and practice some self care after a few days of fun in the sun. Treat yourself to a massage or dip in the hydrotherapy spa pool, enjoy afternoon high tea, or discover the art of cocktails at a mixology class; whatever you do, today is all about you. In the meantime Caregiver’s loved ones can be found with the Elite Cruises staff playing games, enjoying our favorite music, splashing around in the pool, and just having a blast! 
 
February 6: Our final port is everyone’s favorite spot, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Lounging on the beach is the perfect way to wind down after a busy trip and here you’ll find pristine sandy beaches, shallow lagoon waters, and beach BBQs to keep you enjoying yourself all day long. After the perfect beach day we’ll have one last group meal with a special goodbye ceremony before waking up in Fort Lauderdale.  
 
February 7: Leaving the ship doesn’t have to mean the fun has to end. Join us back at our group hotel to extend your trip and take advantage of the amazing weather Fort Lauderdale has in the winter months.

Group Amenities

Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including: 

• Access to programs offered by the International Caregivers Association 
• All-inclusive onboard package featuring dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more. 
• Option for shore excursion recommendations and booking assistance.  
• Option for car service from your home to local airport or cruise port. 
• Airport meet and greet by Elite Cruises staff and escort to group hotel. 
• Pre/post cruise group hotel stay for dates of your choosing.  
• Transfers from hotel to port and back.  
• Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff and Holland America porters. 
• Group dinner reservations plus a specialty dining experience. Option for group breakfast and lunch is also available.   
• Elite Cruises staff accompaniment throughout travel. Staff is comprised of travel agents, nurses, lifeguards, concierges, activity therapists, and tour guides to ensure every need is met throughout journey.

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc.

Elite Support Services

For travelers who require a robust supported experience as well as their families we provide amenities unique to our travel agency including: 

• Staff to family ratio of 1:1. 
• Accessible accommodations and excursions and mobility device reservations can be made through our agency. Private accessible transport is also available to/from port. Elite Cruises is a certified accessible travel advocate. 
• Daily caregiver respite/break time 
• Neuroplasticity focused activities curated by our programming staff. These activities are tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of any attendees.  
• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7. 
• Option for flights accompanied by Elite Cruises staff. 
• Option for shore excursions to be accompanied by Elite Cruises staff. 
• Private duty care and daily personal care can be arranged with advance notice 
• Caregiver workshops curated by the International Caregivers Association and support circles on sea days.

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc. unless travelers prefer to bring their own from home.

Nieuw Amsterdam offers vacation experiences for all ages!

Create lifelong memories with all generations of your family on this impressive vessel. Younger family members will enjoy dedicated activities and entertainment at Club HAL while adults unwind at Greenhouse Spa or enjoy a private cabana at The Retreat. All generations can come together for some fun at the spacious Sea View Pool or at one of the many music venues on board.

Call 219-608-2002 today for a customized quote.