Join us for a 7-day cruise of the Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdade and back
January 17-24, 2027
Reserve your cabin now for the best selection and pricing.
Ahoy!
Welcome, fellow ringers and friends, to an enchanting voyage with Bells of the Cascades!
Plans are now in place for our 17th cruise, the latest in our cruising history.
As we set sail for the captivating Caribbean, our journey will resonate with the harmonious tones of handbells. Joining us are esteemed clinicians Brenda Austin, whose expertise will enrich our musical experience. Prepare to be mesmerized by the artistry of handbell ringing against the backdrop of the tranquil Caribbean and awe-inspiring vistas. Here's to creating harmonies amidst nature's grandeur and crafting melodies that echo through the proud islands of this region.
Prices start at $1821 per person based on double occupancy. Your fare includes the 7-day cruise, all Bells of the Cascades’ activities, a hosted cocktail party, meals, standard taxes and gratuities, Signature Beverage Package, Surf WiFi Package, on shore excursion up to $100 (or $100 off a more expensive excursion, one night of specialty dining, entertainment onboard the ship, and all taxes and port charges. Prices do alter the closer to departure so please validate the current prices with TravelPerks.
Booking is now open.
Cruise Overview
Our seven-day cruise to the Eastern Carinbean, January 17-24, 2027, will feature Brenda Austin as clinician.
Join us on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We start with a visit to Nassau in the Bahamas, which boasts a vibrant culinary scene and opportunities for shopping and exploring historical sites. You can even swim with pigs on Pearl Island (but would you want to?). From there, cruiser can relax at Holland America's Caribbean retreat island, a place where it is easy to relax, hike or enjoy special activities. Next up we sail to the Grand Turks, known for its beaches, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. Or, just soak up the sun while walking through the town while doing some shopping.
Framed by emerald-green mountains and turquoise waters of the Bay of Maimón, our next stop is Amber Cove. You can enjoy free amenities like pools, water slides, and a splash pad within the port area. For those seeking excursions, popular options include visiting the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, exploring Ocean World Adventure Park, or enjoying the Puerto Plata Cable Car. You can also find beaches, ziplining, and opportunities for watersports at the port itself or nearby.
All BOC ringing activities will take place on the days we are at sea, while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the ship and all the amenities provided by Holland America. Given the port schedule for this cruise, optional ringing sessions may be set up the evening of the two days of the voyage so that we can meet and greet each other (and ring).
Ringing activities includes massed ringing with our guest clinician, Brenda Austin. There is usually time to assist people with bass techniques, treble techniques, special techniques, and ensemble ringing, or other topics cruisers find interesting. When bell activities are not scheduled, the bells are available for rehearsing, ensemble practicing (formed by those interested on the first day), and more.
The final days at sea, handbell cruisers will perform the pieces they have learned. This showcase is open to all of the ship's passengers, but space is limited as it is done in the practice rooms given Holland America restricted use of their world stage. Bells of the Cascades will also play a concert at some point during the cruise that is also open to all passengers on board and is done on the main stage given special permission from Holland America.
Our Clinician
Brenda Austin is in demand internationally as a conductor and clinician because of her dynamic and energetic approach to connecting musicians through handbells. In 2019, Brenda joined the team at Hope Publishing Company in Carol Stream, IL as Editor. In 2023, she was named Music Director for Embellish Handbells. Before joining Embellish, she served as the Artistic Director for the Detroit Handbell Ensemble since 2016. Under her baton, DHE was honored to open the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in 2018 and be the featured concert for HMA’s AREA 2 2019 Festival in Lancaster, PN. Additionally, she has served First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI, as Director of Music since 2003. She is also active in the community directing Children’s musical theatre.
Brenda graduated with degrees in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She studied with Craig Arnold, Steve Zegree and Eph Ehly.
Brenda is sought after as a handbell clinician throughout the year and has been the conductor and clinician at numerous festivals and workshops including HMA National Seminar, and many of the Areas’ festivals. Additionally, she has had more than 100 titles published for handbells and sacred choral since 2015.
Cruise Itinerary
- Jan 17
Fort Lauderdale, FL, departing 4:00 pm - Jan 18
Nassau, Bahamas - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - Jan 19
Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - Jan 20
At sea, ringing in the morning! - Jan 21
Grand Turks - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - Jan 22
Amber Cover (Puerta Plata), Dominican Republic - 7:00 am to 4:00 pm - Jan 23
At sea, ringing practice and concert - Jan 24
Fort Lauderdale, arriving at 7:00 am
Cruise Pricing
To participate in ringing activities, your cruise must be booked through TravelPerks. Please use the registration button below to start that process.
Prices, based on double occupancy, per person are as followed but may change as the departure date approaches. Please validate prices with TravelPerks.
- Signature Suite
starting at $4,263 per occupant - Veranda cabins
starting at $2,386 per occupant - Ocean-view cabins
starting at $2,133 per occupant - Interior State Rooms
starting at $1,821 per occupant
When booking, ask your agent about special pricing for third and fourth passengers in a cabin and any promotions that can be applied to add amenities to your cruise. There will be a $100 discount for non-ringers.
You may book a room with a $250 deposit per person.