Caribbean Explorer
November 17-27, 2024
Round trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Join us on a fully accessible and dementia-friendly cruise and caregiver retreat throughout the Caribbean! This Elite-supported voyage invites caregivers and their loved ones to escape the crisp fall weather and have fun in the sun enjoying white sand beaches, tropical cocktails, and colorful port towns across the Caribbean Sea.
Where We’re Taking You
Pre-Cruise: Join us for an optional pre-cruise stay in Fort Lauderdale! Guests arriving by plane will be met at the airport by an Elite Cruises staff member for escort to the group hotel where you’ll get a chance to relax and meet the other travelers before the fun begins on our fully accessible, dementia-friendly Caribbean cruise and caregiver retreat.
Day 1: After departing from our Fort Lauderdale group hotel or being escorted from the airport by an Elite staff member you’ll get settled into your cabin before waving goodbye to Florida and heading south to explore the best of the Caribbean. The fun kicks off at a group welcome dinner before a night out enjoying the entertainment venues onboard our ship.
Day 2: Half Moon Cay is everyone’s favorite spot, with white sand beaches and stunning blue waters. Spend the day here feeding the fish, taking a glass bottom boat ride, relaxing in a cabana, and enjoying a beach BBQ! It’s the perfect way to begin your vacation.
Day 3: This day at sea is devoted to neuroplasticity focused activities and optional caregiver workshops, circles, and break time. Workshops feature a rotation of guest speakers who are here to pass on their knowledge and experience so caregivers leave this trip not only refreshed but also better equipped to handle every day life.
Day 4: Travel off the beaten tourist path and discover the pristine coastline of Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic. Today is all about relaxing on soft sandy beaches, dipping our toes into impossibly blue waters, and keeping an eye out for the bright pink flamingos that love the abundance of fish in these waters.
Day 5: This day at sea gives us another opportunity for caregivers to relax and connect with each other while the Elite staff takes over their caregiving duties. We’ll also get to enjoy the warm Caribbean weather from one of the pools on board our ship the Eurodam and take advantage of the all-inclusive beverage package to order some tropical cocktails and mocktails.
Day 6: Bonaire may be tiny but this island is packed with charm! History enthusiasts will love the Terramar museum, art lovers will find the perfect souvenirs to take home at the crafts market, and travelers of every age will fall in love with the beaches here. This island also neighbors Curacao so if you’re in the mood for an adult beverage at a beach bar you can be sure they will be top notch thanks to the local liqueur.
Day 7: This full day in Curacao allows us to enjoy the best of the island. Whether you choose to spend your day taking a tour, relaxing on a beach, shopping the colorful storefronts, or sipping the famous liquor, our Elite staff will always be nearby to provide support as needed and accompany you on the shore excursion of your choice!
Day 8: Explore the colorful Caribbean town of Orangestad before venturing outside to tour the varied landscapes of Aruba, from towering cacti to stunning beaches. For more adventurous travelers make sure you don’t miss taking a submarine tour or 4x4 off road adventure past the mysterious gold min ruins to the famous Natural Pool for a swim.
Day 9-10: These days at sea will feature additional workshops and caregiver conferences and give everyone a last chance to enjoy the best amenities of our Holland America ship. Take a soak in the hydrotherapy pool, treat yourself to a wine tasting, or dance the night away at one of the music venues onboard before waking up docked back in Fort Lauderdale where the Elite staff will escort you from the ship to the airport or to your post-cruise hotel.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date. Final payment date is August 10, 2024.
We offer the following on every Elite Cruise so you and your loved ones can enjoy life to the fullest:
- Daily caregiver break time
- All-inclusive cruise featuring onboard dining, beverage package, and WiFi
- Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7, as well as trained support staff. Staff to client ratio is 1:3.
- Meet and greet at airport
- Transfers to/from cruise ship
- Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff
- Option for accompanied excursions
- Group dinner seating plus 2 specialty dining experiences
- Events exclusively for our group
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.
Ask us about additional assistance options including accompanied flights, extended caregiver break time/adult daycare sessions, or private duty caregivers to travel with you throughout this voyage.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date. Final payment date is August 10, 2024.
Caregiver Conferences & Support
Connect with other caregivers on our cruises and find the support you need with caregiver circles and educational seminars on caregiving managing, self care, diagnosis/prognosis, and neuroplasticity concepts and activities. These sessions are exclusively for our group and feature new guest speakers on each voyage as well as our team of professionals including Kathy, a geriatric neurology nurse with adaptive technology certification. Additionally get the time to regroup, relax, and recharge with daily two hour respite sessions where our team will take over your caregiving duties and you have the break you deserve.
NEW FOR CAREGIVERS: We now feature caregiver breakfasts! Join other caregivers for a breakfast with your new friends while the Elite staff takes over and makes sure your loved ones enjoy their favorite morning foods. You deserve a relaxing start to your day and a chance to enjoy breakfast at your own pace!
M.S. Eurodam 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 keep things lively at B.B. King’s Blues Club. All generations can come together for some fun at the spacious Sea View Pool or at one of the many music venues on board.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date. Final payment date is August 10, 2024.
