10-night Caribbean cruise: Tampa to Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Norwegian Gem
The 10-Day Caribbean from Tampa to New York: Dominican Republic & Aruba is a 10-night Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Gem, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. Departing Tampa on April 3, 2027 and arriving in Manhattan Cruise Terminal on April 13, 2027, the voyage visits 5 ports including Cabo Rojo, Willemstad, Curacao, Oranjestad, Aruba. Fares start from $979 per person.
Set sail from Florida’s Gulf Coast and you’ll discover just how convenient — and action-packed — cruises out of Tampa can be. Welcome to one of Florida’s busiest ports — where the historically Cuban district of Ybor City, the aquarium, city shopping and local art museums are all in easy reach. Wide beaches and urban adventures are also at your fingertips when you book a Carnival cruise from Tampa. And come nightfall, 7th Avenue in Ybor City heats up, Latin-style.
Willemstad, Curacao
A beauty to behold, Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela, offers dramatic coastlines, hidden beaches tucked into coves, expansive coral reefs, wondrous caves and two different climates: one wet and tropical, the other dry.
Abuzz with European flair, Willemstad, the capital, boasts a thriving art and culinary scene, pretty pastel-coloured colonial architecture, museums and a go-go attitude, thanks in part to its booming economy.
As you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in Willemstad, you’ll have options for MSC excursions at your fingertips as diverse as its climate: Cultural tours or nature tours? Beach or hiking? A blend of both? The choice is yours.
Start by exploring the narrow alleys and gaze at the curious houses in bright colours in the picturesque old town of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dutch colonial-style houses with sloping roofs, and alternating pink, light green, blue and yellow colours contrast with the monochrome blue of the sky and sea, a panorama worthy of Instagram. MSC excursions let you hop on a trolley tour or join a guided walking tour to marvel at the city’s best known sites.
At the mouth of the bay of Sint Annabaai, between the two districts of Willemstad, lies Fort Amsterdam, one of the most important forts on the island. Built in 1635, the fort is now the seat of the governor, and houses a Protestant church and a museum. The church, built in 1769, was fired upon by a British warship in 1804, and you can still find a cannonball embedded in the southwestern wall of the church. Another fort worth seeing is Fort Beekenburg, overlooking Caracas Bay. Constructed in 1703, it was actively used in the 19th century to defend against the French, British and pirates, and is one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Caribbean.
A Curaçao cruise lets you tour the factory where the world-famous Curaçao liqueur is made. At the sunshine yellow Chobolo Mansion, visit the old distillery to learn how the distillation process works and, of course, you get to sample the Blue Curaçao liqueur.
For an otherworldly experience, opt for a short drive to the north of Willemstad, passing salt flats and flamingos, to explore the Hato Caves on a guided tour. At this natural wonder, you’ll learn about stalagmites, stalactites, limestone formations and, if you're lucky, you’ll spot long-nosed fruit bats.
Or to observe the stunning coastline, another MSC excursion takes you on a country drive, past old plantation homes, to Boka Tabla, part of Shete Boka National Park, on the north coast. Admire the phenomenon of how the pounding surf has over time formed beautiful coves and interesting rock shapes stretching over seven miles of unspoiled shoreline.
Puerto Plata/Dominican Republic
Christopher Columbus dubbed the peak overlooking the town Monte de Plata due to the silvery hue of its cloud cover, but the region is actually best known for its abundant amber deposits. View ancient fossils and insects encased for millions of years in this translucent, hardened sap at the Amber Museum, stroll among vividly painted Victorian mansions and then take a cable car to the 2,600-foot summit of Pico Isabel de Torres for glorious views of the entire Amber Coast. At the superbly preserved 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe, look out to sea and imagine an onslaught of pirates eager to plunder the town’s treasures. Fortunately, today you need not cannonade Puerto Plata from a frigate to access its myriad attractions.
Enjoy the more intimate, relaxed atmosphere of our mid-size ship, Norwegian Gem® while sailing to top destinations. This sparkling cruise ship is the perfect choice for year-round cruises in style. Sail to the The Caribbean, Bermuda, or Bahamas and toss your schedule to the breeze. Fuel up for the day's activities with your favourite beverage from Starbucks. With the award-winning Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, hot tubs and pool, pampering “me time” is a must! Then roll into good times in the casino. The excitement doesn’t end when the sun goes down, with live entertainment and unique bars and lounges, from Sugarcane Mojito Bar to Maltings Beer & Whiskey and more. Savour every moment with a wide range of delicious specialty and complimentary dining options, including Cagney's Steakhouse and La Cucina Italian restaurant. You won’t want to miss cruising to unforgettable destinations on this gem!
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