HOLLAND AMERICA SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN MARCH 13, 2009

Southern Caribbean

Company	Holland America Line
Ship	Maasdam
Trip Dates	Mar 13 - 27, 2009
Locations	Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Duration	14 days
Info	Holland America Line believes in the adage, "It's not just the destinations, but the journey that counts." Of course, the cruise destinations are amazing, the shore excursions are unique and memorable, but your perfect journey is made complete by the special onboard amenities that have consistently made Holland America Line the world's highest-rated premium cruise line. All manner of delights await you as you step aboard a five-star fleet of premium cruise ships and into a world of gracious, unobtrusive service, elegant accommodations, spacious public areas, fine dining, comforting spa and salon treatments and glittering entertainment.

Included

· Shipboard accommodations

· Onboard meals and entertainment

Day	Date	Location	Arrive	Depart
1	Fri, Mar 13	Fort Lauderdale, Florida		05:00 PM
2-3	Sat, Mar 14-Sun, Mar 15	Day-at-Sea
4	Mon, Mar 16	San Juan, Puerto Rico	08:00 AM	11:00 PM
5	Tue, Mar 17	St. Thomas	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
6	Wed, Mar 18	Basseterre (St. Kitts)	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
7	Thu, Mar 19	Roseau (Dominica)	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
8	Fri, Mar 20	Bridgetown, Barbados	04:00 AM	11:45 PM
9	Sat, Mar 21	Castries (St. Lucia)	08:00 AM	03:00 PM
9	Sat, Mar 21	Soufriere (St. Lucia)	05:00 PM	06:00 PM
10	Sun, Mar 22	Pointe-à-Pitre	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
11	Mon, Mar 23	Philipsburg (St. Maarten)	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
12	Tue, Mar 24	Road Town, Tortola	07:00 AM	04:00 PM
13	Wed, Mar 25	Day-at-Sea
14	Thu, Mar 26	Half Moon Cay	08:00 AM	03:00 PM
15	Fri, Mar 27	Fort Lauderdale, Florida	07:00 AM

Bridgetown, Barbados Mar, 20 2009 | Half-Day Shore Experience

The trade winds have uniquely blessed Barbados. Its topography is gorgeous. On the Caribbean side, the beaches are dusted with sugar-spun sand and lapped by turquoise wavelets. On the Atlantic side, the surf crashes against the rocky shore and the trees bear a proverbially wind-swept mantle.

Although the Portuguese discovered the island in the 16th century – and named it Los Barbados, “The Bearded Ones,” after the indigenous “shaggy” fir tree – the first settlers were the British, who landed here in 1625, at the now history-rich area called Holetown. The isle exudes a rich air of English traditions fragranced with a sweet dose of Caribbean spice. And it’s a mecca of man peacefully co-existing with nature: gloriously preserved plantation houses, fields of sugar cane, mahogany-tree-lined drives, meticulously maintained gardens, clusters of bamboo and royal palms. And today's adventure affords Virtuoso Explorer guests the opportunity to inhale some of Barbados’ treasures.

Our day begins with a cross-country tour to Farley Hill National Park where you will find the ruins of a once grand plantation house, which was used for the filming of scenes from the movie "Island in the Sun" in 1956. After our walk through the area and its surrounding gardens it's on to the rugged, dramatic landscape of the East Coast. Here you will see one of the most popular and beautiful coasts of the island. This coast made popular for its spectacular rock formations and excellent surfing conditions. The drive includes a stop at beautiful Bathsheba, where a refreshing drink is served. Bathsheba, accented by the rugged Atlantic Coast used to hold the old railroad, which took people from Bridgetown to the East Coast. Now it is the home of world-class surfing and holiday homes.

Next it’s a visit to the beautiful Andromeda Botanical Gardens, overlooking the rugged eastern shoreline of Barbados, where the flora and fauna can be seen in their entire natural splendor. The creation of these beautiful gardens started in 1964 when John and Iris Bonnache moved to their house at this site, located in the middle of what was to become six acres of gardens. Andromeda now boasts a breathtaking and extensive collection of plants and flowers from across the globe, including medicinal plants!

Then it is onto St. John’s Parish Church with its beautiful architecture, interesting history and of course a stunning view to the North and South of the Island. Continuing along the beautiful landscape through the Sugar Cane fields the tour returns to the pier. Guests wishing to remain in town must make their own arrangements back to the ship. We will return guests either to Bridgetown or dockside by approximately 12:00 noon. You have the rest of the day free for independent pursuits.

Approximate Length: Four hours.

Suggested Attire: Casual resort wear with a sun hat and comfortable shoes. Light walking.

PLEASE NOTE: All Virtuoso Explorer events ashore are capacity controlled and require a minimum number of participants to operate. Events are subject to change without notice. Virtuoso Explorer events are individually tailored for each date and arrival. Your event could be different than what’s noted here; but it will be designed to be memorable and to bring you a traveler’s view that you will treasure, and would otherwise miss entirely. Final details will be outlined in program letters provided by your Virtuoso Explorer host aboard ship.

Onboard Hosts: Kathleen and Patrick McGroarty
Exclusives:

· Onboard Host

· Welcome Reception

· Virtuoso Explorer Half-Day Shore Experience