Eastern Caribbean
January 4 to 11, 2025
Round Trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This January we’ll be following the footsteps of pirates and travel across the Caribbean in search of all the rum in destinations famous for their outlaws. Walk through history in old San Juan, view Blackbeard’s Castle on St Thomas, drink rum on a beach in the Bahamas, and spend some time on Grand Turk of Turks and Caicos (also known as the Pirate Islands). This Elite supported cruise and caregiver retreat will be filled with fun and adventure for every traveler and we can’t wait to welcome you onboard!
This voyage is fully accessible, dementia-friendly, offers supported travel options for seniors, can include special family rates for additional travelers in your group, and offers daily caregiver respite sessions.
Where We’re Taking You
Pre-Cruise: The fun begins at our pre-cruise group hotel! The Elite Cruises staff will meet you at Ft Lauderdale airport and escort you to our hotel where you’ll have a chance to relax after traveling and get to know our group. Transportation to the cruise port on embarkation day is included with your hotel stay.
January 4: Welcome aboard the Nieuw Statendam! 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 5: This day at sea features programs exclusively for our group with workshops and conferences for caregivers as well as respite/adult daycare where our staff takes over so caregivers can take the break they deserve. Respite activities can include music therapy, art, games, puzzles, movies, and more. Tell us what activities your loved ones enjoy and we’ll make it happen! Our supported cruises are fully customizable so every member of your family gets to do something they enjoy and have a true vacation.
January 6: Welcome to the Pirate Islands! Grand Turk is guaranteed to meet every traveler’s style; history buffs can explore colonial towns and visit the lighthouse, sun worshippers can set up their spot for the day at one of the many white sand beaches, and adventurers can swim with stingrays or joy ride in a dune buggy. There’s no shortage of things to do here so good thing our ship gets into port early!
January 7: Step back in time in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with a visit to San Cristobal fortress which has watched over the city since 1634. Get lost in the streets of the old town or take a tour so you don’t miss anything! Make sure to try some of the foods Puerto Rico is known for while you’re out and about, especially tostones which are nicknamed the Puerto Rican French fry.
January 8: Charlotte Amalie is the capital city of St Thomas and our ship docks nearby the colorful colonial city center. Take advantage of the duty free shopping here or leave the city behind you as you head to one of the famous picture perfect beaches or visit the indoor/outdoor aquarium Coral World where you can get up close to all manner of sea creatures.
January 9: This day at sea gives us another chance to enjoy caregiver conferences and workshops and take advantage of the ship’s amenities. We highly recommend a trip to the hydrotherapy pool in the spa which is our favorite spot to relax onboard.
January 10: We saved the best for last! Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas is our favorite spot in the Caribbean and there’s no better way to end an amazing trip than by living it up on the beach. Take a glass bottom boat ride or go on a walk to learn about the history of the Bahamas. Or really treat yourself with a day spent in a private cabana with butler service. This private island has so many amazing things to do that it’s easy to fall in love with it like we have.
January 11: 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 Ft Lauderdale has in January.
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 October 1, 2024.
We offer the following on each Elite Supported Cruise so you and your loved ones can enjoy life to the fullest:
- Daily caregiver break time
- All-inclusive cruise which includes 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 and escort to pre/post cruise hotel
- Transfers to/from cruise ship
- Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff
- Group dinner seating plus 2 specialty dining experiences
- Events and programming 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 services to make your vacation truly stress free including:
- Transportation from your residence to your local airport
- Flights accompanied by an Elite Cruises staff member
- Private duty caregivers
- Private accessible transportation to/from cruise port
- Extended daily respite so caregivers can enjoy longer shore excursions or ship amenities while their loved ones have fun with our Elite staff
- Shore excursions accompanied by an Elite staff member for additional support
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 Elite Cruises owner 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.
Nieuw Statendam 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.
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 October 1, 2024.
FOR PRICING CALL
888-826-6836
