Southern Caribbean
March 13-24, 2027
Miami to Miami

11 days of endless sunshine, shimmering blue water, palms gently blowing in the warm breeze, and colorful Caribbean towns…sounds like Elite Cruises Spring Break! Bring your family and friends with us to the Southern Caribbean as we head south to some of our favorite ports including Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Bahamas, and the bucket list island of the Dominican Republic where adventures await.
 
This group voyage is appropriate for: 
Solo travelers 
Multigenerational families 
Travelers celebrating special events 
Seniors who enjoy a concierge travel experience 
Wheelchair users or travelers with accessibility requirements 
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia 
Caregivers and their loved ones who require a heavily supported travel experience.

Where We’re Taking You

Pre-cruise: The fun starts in Miami, Florida where an Elite Cruises staff member greets you at baggage claim and escorts you to our pre-cruise hotel. Fly in a day or two before the cruise to give yourself time to explore the city, try some of the famous Cuban cuisine, or relax on the beach before we board our ship and begin our journey south to the Caribbean. 
 
March 13: Welcome aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam! This morning we’ll transfer to the port and board as a group with one of our staff members accompanying you through the terminal and port security before leading you directly to your stateroom or suite. After unpacking and getting settled it’s time for a sail away celebration, group dinner, and taste of all the entertainment options we can expect to see for the rest of the cruise. 
 
March 14: Welcome to Holland America’s island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay; the island received its name because of its crescent shape, providing a sheltered white sand beach with turquoise waves gently lapping the shore. It makes this island perfect for light swimming or snorkeling, leisurely walking on the sand or pathways, lounging in a cabana with a book, and enjoying a beach BBQ. It’s the perfect way to kick off your vacation and get a taste of the beach days yet to come!  
 
March 15: Our ship delivers us right to the pristine beaches of Grand Turk where you can expect to walk down the dock and feel the sand on your feet in a matter of minutes. For a relaxing day travelers can meander their way to Margaritaville for a tropical beverage on the sand or by the pool, or ride the Calypso Tram for a look at this small but charming island. Travelers looking for adventure can book a whale watching tour, glass bottom boat ride, or snorkel trip on a catamaran.  
 
March 16: Amber Cove means adventure: make friends with the local monkeys at Monkeyland, learn how to make the potent island drink, the Mamajuana, swim with dolphins at Ocean World, or even take a ride on a zipline through the jungle! Or if relaxation is what you’re looking for there’s an ocean view cabana with your name on it right off the ship and steps away from the refreshing pool right inside the port.  
 
March 17: Happy St Patrick’s Day! This day at sea gives travelers a chance to relax between ports as well as take advantage of Paddy’s Day festivities around the ship. Caregivers can enjoy morning programs and afternoon respite while loved ones participate in activities with the Elite Cruises crew. All travelers can take advantage of ship amenities such as educational port talks, hydrotherapy spa pool, music at a multitude of venues, taste some Irish beers included with your Have It All package, or treat yourself to some goodies at a special Irish high tea. 
 
March 18: Colorful Curacao has something to delight every type of traveler. Take a stroll past the fort and across the Queen Emma swinging bridge into the Old Town where you can view the brightly painted historic buildings and shop for souvenirs in the local boutiques. Venture outside the city center to the Chobolobo estate to sample the famous Curacao liquor. Visit the local ostriches and aloe farms for a glimpse into the more unique features of the island. Or treat yourself to another beach day at one of the beautiful white sand beaches! 
 
March 19: Bonaire is simply charming! This sleepy Dutch island is made for relaxation with pristine beaches, glass bottom boats with fish lazily floating by the viewing windows, sunset catamaran rides, and little local boutiques selling locally made souvenirs featuring the pink flamingos that live on the island. Take an excursion or simply explore the town of Kralendijk, filled with friendly locals who are fortunate enough to call this paradise home.  
 
March 20: Aruba is picture perfect and we’ve got plenty of photo ops for you! Strike a pose holding a fresh coconut (with or without rum in it) in front of the stunning Casibari Rock Formations, marvel at the height of the California Lighthouse, smooch in front of the Alto Vista Chapel from the 1700s, or smile for the camera on a submarine adventure. For a relaxing day take a trip to the Palm Beach neighborhood for resort beaches lined with loungers, gelaterias with tropical flavored treats, and boutiques filled with goodies inspired by the stunning nature of the island. 
 
March 21: Opened in 2024 and modeled after the resorts the Dominican Republic is known for, the port of Cabo Rojo is perfect for strolling right off the ship and stepping right into a tropical paradise. Expect hammocks positioned over the water, shallow lagoon pools to dip your toes in, thatched cabanas perfect for cooling off in the shade, swim up bars featuring local rum drinks and icy cold Caribbean beers, and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. We’ve saved the best port for last on this itinerary and it’s the perfect end to the perfect trip. 
 
March 22-23: These last days at sea give travelers a chance to enjoy ship amenities and Elite Cruises programs and activities before heading home. For travelers who want the ultimate ways to relax before heading home, reserve a private cabana for the day at The Retreat, book a massage or try out the heated loungers at the Greenhouse Spa, or curl up on your private verandah to finish a book from the ship library.  
 
March 24: We’re back in Miami but the adventures don’t need to stop here. Join us on upcoming cruises to cruise the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest, cross the Arctic Circle to see Norway’s Northern Lights, and discover the culture, nature, and history of the Mexican Riviera.

Group Amenities

Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including: 

• 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 specialty dining experiences. 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.  
  
• Family and friends rates for additional cabins booked for your group.

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 director. 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.  
  
• Caregiver workshops 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.

Zuiderdam 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 the Kids Club while adults unwind at Greenhouse Spa, enjoy a wine tasting, or relax at a traditional European high tea. 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 for pricing and availability.