About Our Destination
Climate
Average year-round temperature is a perfect 82°F (28°C). High noon is a bit warmer and at night it can get breezy, but mostly you’ll be fine in shorts and a t-shirt. The islands are fairly dry, averaging a little over 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain per month. Most rain falls from September to early December so in February you can expect mostly dry days.
Currency
U.S. Dollars are accepted in all ports-of-call.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
COVID-19 vaccination, plus booster and a negative COVID-19 test are required for this trip. We will keep you updated on the vendor’s COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.
Travel & Entry Requirements
With international travel resuming, we’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans, please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.
Before Your Trip
Airfare Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airline discounts page for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Celebrations – Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons and more
If you will have a birthday or other celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Connect with Other Guests – Join the Facebook Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia's 50th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise Facebook Group.
Passports and Visas
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation. U.S. citizens DO NOT need to get a visa ahead of time.
Travel Gear Store
To help you get ready for your next vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store, featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!Specific Needs – Dietary, Medical and Mobility
If you have any medical, mobility needs, or specific dietary requirements that you have not already advised your travel consultant. Please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Vaccinations
Holland America requires that all guests show proof of vaccination to sail. Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Click on the Travelers’ Health section, then click on the Destinations Link and choose your destination in the “For Travelers” pull-down menu.
2023 50TH ANNIVERSARY CARIBBEAN CRUISE |
START DATE | END DATE | CANCEL PENALTY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 2/19/2022 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 2/20/2022 | 2/19/2023 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
To help you get ready for your next vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store, featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!
Travel and Arrival
Airports
You will need to fly into and out of Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Florida (FLL). We encourage all guests to arrive a day early into Fort Lauderdale to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Flight Arrival and Departure Times
All flights should be scheduled to arrive in Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Florida (FLL) at or before 12 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Departures from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Florida (FLL) on Sunday, February 26, 2023 should be scheduled to depart at 12 pm or later.
Luggage Allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.
Parking at Port Everglades
For guests who plan to drive to the port terminal on embarkation day, here is a link to parking information: Parking (porteverglades.net)
Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia
Getting to Your Ship
Airport transfers are not included. You can take a rideshare (such as Uber or Lyft) from the Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) to the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal for approximately $12, or a taxi for approximately $25-$30. The port address is: Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
You will be able to book a one-way airport to ship transfer through Holland America approximately 30 days prior to sailing. Stay tuned for more information.
Check-In
Embarkation and check-in begin at 11:30 am and will be available until 3:30 pm with all aboard at 4 pm.
Host Hotel
For guests needing prior accommodations, Olivia is proud to offer a special group rate at two host hotels in Fort Lauderdale.
SOLD OUT - Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale Hotel - SOLD OUT
1100 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
To book by phone, call toll-free at 800-362-2779 and reference group code OLV.
To book online, click here.
Rates: King or 2 Double Bed Suite — $279 USD/night (based on double occupancy)
Rate includes wifi, plus complimentary breakfast and evening reception featuring beer, wine, premium spirits, and light snacks.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel
1881 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
To book by phone, call 888-554-2131 and reference group code OPC23
To book online, click here.
Rates: Marina View Room (King or Double) — $359 USD/night (based on double occupancy)
Rate includes wifi.
You will be able to book a one-way airport to ship transfer through Holland America approximately 30 days prior to sailing. Stay tuned for more information.
1100 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
To book by phone, call toll-free at 800-362-2779 and reference group code OLV.
To book online, click here.
Rates: King or 2 Double Bed Suite — $279 USD/night (based on double occupancy)
Rate includes wifi, plus complimentary breakfast and evening reception featuring beer, wine, premium spirits, and light snacks.
1881 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
To book by phone, call 888-554-2131 and reference group code OPC23
To book online, click here.
Rates: Marina View Room (King or Double) — $359 USD/night (based on double occupancy)
Rate includes wifi.
During Your Trip
What's Included?
What's Not Included?
Airfare, airport transfers, travel insurance, personal items, medical attention, alcohol, soft drinks, specialty coffee, specialty restaurants, bottled water, spa services, salon services, telephone, internet, shore excursions, ship’s photos, bingo, casino activities and other incidentals.
Accommodations
Stateroom amenities feature Signature Mariner’s Dream bed, featuring a plush Euro-top mattress and finely woven cotton linens; luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage; 100% Egyptian cotton towels; premium massage showerheads; 5x magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers; fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure; complimentary fresh fruit upon request; elegant ice bucket and serving tray; flat-panel TV and DVD player; ice service; shoeshine service; and nightly turndown service.
Neptune & Pinnacle Suite Amenities: In-suite coffee/espresso machine, Bose Bluetooth-enabled Soundlink, expanded line of Elemis bath amenities, complimentary mimosas with in-suite breakfast, premium duvet, bathrobes, slippers; complimentary laundry, pressing, and dry cleaning throughout your cruise; complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation; in-suite coffee/espresso machine; binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise; priority boarding for tender ports of call; special disembarkation service; exclusive daily breakfast service; personalized cruise stationery; fresh flowers; no-host mini-bar for easy entertaining; and high tea service in suite on request. As a suite guest, you will have exclusive access to the industry-leading Neptune Lounge—this lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests, and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The Neptune Lounge features a large-screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day, and wifi for a nominal charge. One-Touch 24-hour concierge service is also available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
Bringing Alcohol and Beverages Onboard
Guest are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use except as follows:
Guests may bring wine and champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of $20 USD will be applied to each bottle. Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the ship or security will be refused. Wine purchased during ship-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).
Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. In an effort to protect our environment and reduce use of plastic, plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Any amount in excess of this allowance will not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding.
In addition to the wide selection of lounges where you can enjoy cocktails and sunsets, the ship offers a variety of beverage packages—from cocktails to wine to soda. You’ll be able to purchase beverage packages 30 days prior to your cruise.
An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges and all for purchase a la carte menu items.
Dining – Restaurants and Room Service
If eating incredible meals is one of your favorite activities, rest assured that you will be more than satisfied. There are plenty of food and dining options available, and most are included in the cost of your cruise.
You will be assigned a set dining time for dinner and have the flexibility to dine at a different table each night within your assigned dining time. Guests in 1st seating will have dinner at 5:30 pm and guests in 2nd seating dinner will have dinner at 8 pm. If you do not have a medical reason to dine early, our recommendation is to select 2nd seating where you can attend your evening show early and then enjoy a relaxed dinner. Guests in 1st seating sometimes hurry their dinner to line up for the show because seating in the show lounge is limited.
24-hour room service
If you would like to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack in the comfort of your cabin, a room service menu is available 24 hours a day.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room features five-course menus offering classic preparations, regionally inspired cuisine and vegetarian/vegan options. This restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch on our at-sea days and is the main restaurant for dinner nightly.
The Dive-In Grill
This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.
Explorations Café
The relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening.
The Lido Market
A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snack.
New York Pizza
This poolside pizzeria has fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.
Canaletto Restaurant (Specialty restaurant for dinner only)
Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared. Reservations required and a nominal per-person charge will be applied to your onboard account.
The Pinnacle Grill (Specialty restaurant for dinner only)
The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine. Reservations are required and a nominal per-person charge will be applied to your onboard account
Tamarind (Specialty restaurant for dinner only)
Explore traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with cuisine praised by Conde Nast Traveler as rivaling the top restaurants on land. Reservations required and a nominal per-person charge will be applied to your onboard account.
Nami Sushi (Specialty restaurant for dinner only)
Nami Sushi presents the vibrant recipes of Master Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda. Located within Tamarind, it offers tasty sushi and Asian spirits. Reservations required and a nominal per-person charge will be applied to your onboard account.
Electricity
Cabins are equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt outlet.
Excursions
Exploring our ports of call will be the highlight of your cruise. Holland America takes pride in offering the best shore excursion options for our guests. We will notify you via email when excursions are available for online booking, approximately 30 days in advance of your cruise.
Gratuities
Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maitre'd and other-behind-the-scenes crew members. If you receive exceptional service and wish to tip a bit more, it is always appreciated.
Internet and Mobile Phones
You can purchase and connect to satellite internet 24 hours a day, either by accessing the ship’s wireless network with your mobile device (laptop, iPad or mobile phone) or utilizing the workstations located in the Explorations Café. Internet packages/prices will be posted on board.
Through an agreement with the Wireless Maritime Service, the ship offers an advanced roaming network onboard allowing you to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages and access emails and surf the web while at sea using your mobile phone and telephone number. Phones must be activated for international calling with your home provider and it’s important to check with your cell phone service provider to find out information about roaming fees.
Laundry Service
Laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning services are available onboard for an extra charge. Pricing is available on board.
Medical Services
There is an onboard infirmary. Medical services entail an additional fee.
Money: On-Trip Purchases
On board, the currency is US dollars. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office on board for further details.
Ports of Call
The ship will be docked in San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. The ship will anchor at sea and guests will take tender boats ashore at Half Moon Cay.
Sisters at Sea and Friends
Olivia’s Sisters at Sea & Friends program is dedicated to promoting and celebrating diversity on our trips. Meet your Olivia Sisters at Sea coordinators on board so that you can find out about the special events we have planned for you during the week. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Smoking Policy
Please take note of Holland America’s new smoking policy on board. All staterooms (cabins) including stateroom verandahs, showrooms and all other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. Smoking is permitted on certain designated, outside decks. The designated smoking areas will be noted on board. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices may only be used in designated smoking areas.
Solo Travelers
Traveling solo? Be sure to attend the Solos Welcome on the first day. Here you will meet your Olivia Solos Coordinator who will share your Solos program for the week. We plan dozens of activities for our Solo Travelers, including a special designated Solos excursion. In addition, we organize a special Solos dining area for all meals and reserve a section for the nightly shows.
Spa Services
Enjoy the luxurious Greenhouse Spa complete with massage, facials and a myriad of other spa treatments. Massages and other services are available for an additional fee.
Telephone
Each cabin has a phone which you may use to call cabin-to-cabin, and to the various onboard facilities. There is an additional fee to use this phone to call outside of the ship; cost is available on board.
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- Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam
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- All meals, including room service (specialty restaurants have a nominal charge)
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- Gratuities (covered in NDA fees)
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- Olivia’s special 50th Anniversary entertainment and signature programming
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- Personalized Team Olivia assistance throughout the voyage
Guests may bring wine and champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of $20 USD will be applied to each bottle. Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the ship or security will be refused. Wine purchased during ship-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).
Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. In an effort to protect our environment and reduce use of plastic, plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Any amount in excess of this allowance will not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding.
In addition to the wide selection of lounges where you can enjoy cocktails and sunsets, the ship offers a variety of beverage packages—from cocktails to wine to soda. You’ll be able to purchase beverage packages 30 days prior to your cruise.
An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges and all for purchase a la carte menu items.
After Your Trip
Disembarkation
Disembarkation will begin once the ship has cleared customs and can be as early as 7 am. You will receive colored luggage tags to designate the time you will be called to disembark the ship.
Transfers to the Airport
For those going directly to Fort Lauderdale Airport, you can take a rideshare from the port to the airport for approximately $12, or a taxi for approximately $20. The airport is about 15 minutes away. Transfers will also be available to book via the Shore Excursion office on board.
This trip is great for all guests, including those with limited mobility. The ship is wheelchair/scooter accessible, with wheelchair accessible rooms and multiple elevators. There may be excursions or bus/van tours that require a lot of walking or the ability to walk up and down stairs. If you have limited mobility, we strongly encourage you travel with someone who can assist you.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
