Western 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 to the Western Caribbean! This Elite-supported voyage invites caregivers and their loved ones to escape the crisp fall weather and have fun in the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

Where We’re Taking You

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.

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: Cozumel is an enchanting island off the coast of Mexico and offers so much for every traveler! Try snorkeling, swim with dolphins, go on a submarine adventure, or spend a lazy day on the beach, but whatever you do don’t leave this enchanting Mexican getaway without tasting some tequila.

Day 5: Beautiful Belize should be on every traveler’s bucket list and we are fortunate enough to be stopping here for the day. Take a tour of the city, visit some Mayan ruins, taste some conch fritters, and discover why Belize deserves its nickname of “The Jewel.”

Day 6: 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 7: The Cayman Islands have a thriving turtle population and hopefully today we’ll get a glimpse of one of these majestic animals on the beach or snorkeling, but you definitely will if you choose to make a stop at the Cayman Turtle Center. Or spend your day embracing your inner pirate and tasting some rum aged under the sea or indulging in the rum cake the island is known for. There’s something for everyone in Georgetown whether you’re getting in touch with nature or exploring the city sights so it’s a good thing we have a full day in port!

Day 8: Jamaica is always one of our favorite stops, especially because it’s home to the Appleton Estate rum distillery. Learning about the history of the island and how rum is made is fascinating but the true highlight is getting a tasting flight. Or for travelers looking for some adventure ask us about tubing excursions on the White River!

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

We offer the following on every Elite Cruise so you and your loved ones can enjoy life to the fullest:

• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7, as well as trained support staff. Staff to client ratio is 1:4.
• Meet and greet at airport
• Accompanied excursions
• Group dinner seating
• Exclusive group events such as music therapy, interactive educational and support seminars for caregivers, and Memory Café sessions that ensure all caregivers have time to themselves each day

Clients with neurological diagnoses, post CVA, slow walkers, diabetes, heart disease, and families that feel more comfortable with RN clinical support are appropriate to travel with us.

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 scooters, power wheelchairs, etc.

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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.

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