Music Cities of the South & Caribbean Cruise
From £1,859 pp
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15 nights
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Economy flights
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Available January - March & November - December
An ideal winter escape, taking in the popular music cities of Nashville and Memphis, before sailing around the turquoise seas and idyllic islands in the Caribbean. Fly to Nashville, the capital of 'Country Music', and take in the wonderful live music on Broadway and learn about some of the worlds most iconic music stars at RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame on an included excursion. The music continues in Memphis as you travel by luxury coach to Memphis, home of the 'blues' and rock 'n' roll and enjoy an included visit to Graceland, former home of Elvis Presley. Fly to Miami for two nights soaking up its vibrant restaurant and bar scene, before sailing away from Fort Lauderdale on a seven-night cruise taking in the beautiful islands of Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Holland America's exclusive island Relaxaway Half Moon Cay.
What's Included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 8 nights
- 7 nights onboard Holland America Line in an inside stateroom
- Full board on Holland America Line
- Tour of RCA Studio B including admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville
- Graceland Elvis Experience tour including his Airplane collection
- Vonlane luxury bus transfer from Nashville to Memphis
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Arrive in Nashville
Upon arrival make your way to your hotel by taxi, your home for the next three nights. Known as the home of country music, we’ve included a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and a tour of RCA Studio B, once the recording home of popular music geniuses such as Elvis Presley and The Everly Brothers! Be sure to make time for a visit to the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry, as well as sampling some live music in one of the many venues on Lower Broadway.
Nashville to Memphis
Travel today by luxury coach to Memphis, home of the blues and rock ‘n' roll, plus one of most famous houses in the USA, Graceland, former home of Elvis Presley. Included during your stay is admission to Graceland to visit his home and to see his personal possessions including his glitzy jump suits and collection of classic cars and planes. Make sure to visit Sun Studios, where music icons including Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded hit songs. Listen to blues music and soak up the lively atmosphere on Beale Street and eat the city’s famous barbecue food.
Memphis to Miami
Fly to Florida to enjoy two nights’ stay in Miami, prior to your cruise. Miami is famous for its miles of golden sand beaches, lively nightlife, world class cuisine and its vibrant Art Deco architecture. If you want to escape the city, perhaps take an airboat ride through Everglades National Park where you may spot alligators and other wildlife.
Holland America*
Take a taxi from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America. Board your cruise this afternoon and settle into your cabin and enjoy the ships’ fine facilities as you leave Florida behind and head for the Caribbean. Enjoy the next two days at sea and take advantage of the wonderful amenities onboard. Dine in one of the many restaurants, either poolside, at the New York deli, or in the market that has different food stations serving dishes from around the world. Sit poolside or play a game of pickleball at the ocean view courts.
* This is a sample itinerary that may vary by sailing date. The ship’s facilities may also vary by sailing date.
Grand Turk
Sail into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Grand Turk this morning, one of the beautiful islands that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands. You have the choice of staying onboard or joining one of the many ship excursions. Excursions include snorkelling boat trips, the island is surrounded by colourful coral reefs and marine life, or perhaps visit the charming capital Cockburn Town, and see its colonial architecture and fascinating maritime heritage.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Arrive in San Juan this afternoon, a treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the colourful Old Town and its cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings and vibrant cafes. Visit the UNESCO-listed Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal Spanish Fort, part of the San Juan National Historic Site and learn about the important role they played in Caribbean history. The port area is very walkable and easy to explore and offers great shopping with markets and souvenir shops and restaurant and bars serving tasty seafood and pina coladas, which the island is famous for.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is your home today, which boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and stunning natural beauty. Optional shore excursions include snorkelling with sea turtles, catching the Skyride to the top of Paradise Point, one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Stroll around the harbour town of Charlotte Amalie filled with colonial architecture, forts and fascinating history or island hop over to the nearby island of St. John to see its unspoiled white sand beaches and lush tropical scenery.
Holland America
Spend today at sea as you cruise to the Bahamas, enjoying the world class entertainment, such as concerts, fabulous shows or taking in the electric atmosphere in the many bars onboard including the popular Rolling Stones Lounge and B.B King’s Blues Club.
RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Your final day of your cruise is on Holland America Line’s private and exclusive paradise island Relaxaway Half Moon Cay. Choose to spend your day on the island’s Beach Club soaking up the sun or take one of the optional excursions from snorkelling, kayaking and horseback adventures.
Homeward Bound
Disembark this morning after breakfast and depending on your departure flight time, either get a taxi back to Miami airport or pay extra to store your luggage near the port (pre-booking is recommended) and go into Fort Lauderdale for some last minute shopping or soaking up the last of the sun before catching your flight home.
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below: