aruba curacao bonaire cruise

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Unique flavors, diverse cultural history — immerse yourself in hidden island gems.

A Southern Caribbean Cruise will spoil anyone with its natural beauty that leaves even the most seasoned traveler speechless. Find vibrant green rainforests teeming with life, coral reefs that buzz with hundreds of aquatic species and a people whose kindness is as deep as their cultural history is diverse. Take those extra steps, travel a little farther, and allow yourself to discover the heart of the Caribbean.

* Port order and/or content may vary by sailing date.

Featured Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports

Survey the Southern Caribbean’s most famous islands (plus our main departure port).

Aruba defies expectations with a vibrant desert interior ringed with white sand beaches, a dramatic northern coastline, and quaint colonial Dutch architecture. Cruise to Aruba's famous aloe plantations and factories, and learn their historical importance to the island. Visit the California lighthouse, named for the steamship that sank off the coast over a hundred years ago. Stroll through Oranjestad, the picturesque, Dutch-inspired capital while browsing for the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time here.

View cruises with Aruba | View Aruba shore excursions

A small paradise off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire has some of the world's most pristine diving and snorkeling locations. Preserved coral reefs wait in the warm water, easy to explore from the comfortable beach clubs ashore. Take a diving or snorkeling expedition to the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, offroad through the wild mangrove forests and salt flats of the island's interior, or take in the sights of the quaint Dutch-influenced capital by trolley.

View cruises with Bonaire | View Bonaire shore excursions

With its dramatic landscapes, arid interior and pastel-painted Dutch-style houses, Curaçao is a distinct delight nestled in the warm Caribbean Sea. Cruises to Curaçao allow you to enjoy many beautiful beaches, snorkel through the shipwreck of a 50-year-old tugboat, or marvel at the striking sea cliffs of Boka Tabla. If the history of the island fascinates you, take a tour of the charming capital of Willemstad, or visit Fort Amsterdam and see the cannonball still embedded in its walls from a battle hundreds of years ago.

View cruises with Curaçao | View Curaçao shore excursions

Pristine, lush and alive, Dominica escaped modern civilization's penchant for paving every surface and has remained a nature lover's paradise. Dive into the gorgeous blue depths of the dormant volcanic crater in Scotts Head Marine Reserve, and witness the vibrant sea life that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the verdant rainforests, botanical gardens and waterfalls of the island's interior, and experience a slice of heaven on earth.

View cruises with Dominica | View Dominica shore excursions

A lush rainforest-covered island nestled between two volcanic peaks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pitons, St. Lucia is the definition of a tropical paradise. Cruise to St. Lucia and visit the famous Pitons, journey to the only drive-through volcanic cavern in the world, or experience the sulfur mud baths and recharge your batteries in ancient pools. Travel to the town of Soufriere, supposedly the birthplaces of Napoleon's Queen Josephine, zipline through the lush jungle canopy, or relax on one of the islands many resort beaches.

View cruises with St. Lucia | View St. Lucia shore excursions

Ft. Lauderdale

The "Venice of America" has been the premier destination for spring breakers for almost six decades, but don't let that fool you into thinking the city is one big party. From the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to an amazingly rich biosphere, to seven miles of white-sand beaches, Ft. Lauderdale is a beautifully diverse city.

Cruises with Ft. Lauderdale | Ft. Lauderdale shore excursions | Learn more about Ft. Lauderdale

What Will You Do on a Southern Caribbean Cruise?

Top-rated caribbean beaches.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Perfection might be the best word to describe the picturesque Eagle Beach. Aruba cruises offer soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water and a quiet atmosphere make relaxation easy. Take in the surroundings from a lounge chair, swim the calm warm waters, and enjoy local cuisine right near the beach.

Kenepa Beach, Curaçao

A picturesque beach, sheltered between two rock outcroppings, makes for calm azure waters and relaxing beach days. The sand is soft, white and warm, and everything you could want to complement the beautiful scenery is right at your fingertips.

Mambo Beach, Willemstad, Curaçao

Grab a lounger and relax on the soft white sands, rent snorkel equipment, and swim through the pristine blue waters observing magnificent sea life, or grab a snack at the many eateries on the boardwalk as you indulge in some luxurious shopping.

Island Shore Excursions

Experience the best the Southern Caribbean has to offer with award-winning shore excursions that immerse you in thrilling experiences, unique culinary delights and peaceful rejuvenation. Explore the quaint Dutch-inspired capitals of the ABC islands, snorkel in a dormant volcanic crater teeming with life, or immerse yourself in ancient, rejuvenating sulfur mud baths.

Learn more about Caribbean Shore Excursions

Late Night Departures

The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays in ports such as Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and Bonaire let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.

#PrincessCruises Caribbean Connections

Caribbean cruise onboard experience & featured program.

Comfortable Accommodations

Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. With the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, luxurious 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and specially created SLEEP program by a board-certified sleep expert, you might just get the best sleep of your life. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together.

Bringing Local Life Aboard

Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant island rhythms at exclusive parties, and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities — from concerts and crafts to talks from shark experts and treasure hunters.

Never Miss a Beat

Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands.

Deeper Experiences of the Islands

Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the region’s best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or become a part of the rhythm with steel pan drum lessons. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage.

Discovery at SEA

Sharks, pirates and stars — oh my.

Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel™ on board your Caribbean cruise! Enjoy Shark Week all summer long with shark-themed activities, hear tales of sunken treasure and lost shipwrecks from the stars of Travel Channel’s™ Caribbean Pirate Treasure, and explore the constellations and spectacular galaxies of the night sky with the Voyage to the Stars indoor planetarium experience.

Ship Activities for Every Cruise to the Caribbean

Recharging Your Batteries

Pamper yourself in the Lotus Spa® with a massage, facial or manicure, and feel renewed. Enjoy The Sanctuary, a lounge just for adults, where you can relax with a light meal, specialty drink and al fresco massages while digging into that novel you've been looking forward to reading. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate.

Celebrations

The perfect place to celebrate.

Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Say "I do" at sea in a ceremony officiated by the captain. Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. For us, every day is a celebration.

Love Blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the warm waters of the Caribbean, hopping between tropical islands and white-sand beaches from the comfortable luxury of your ship. While on board we cater to your romantic side with private dining on your balcony, whether a relaxing breakfast for two or a romantic sunset dinner, honeymoon packages for lucky newlyweds, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Food & Drinks

The flavors of the islands.

The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.

Movies Under the Stars®

Outdoor cinema at its best.

Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. Not to mention the best theater in the world, the Caribbean ocean with a ceiling of stars!

Sailing with Your Crew

Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discovery’s Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together.

Caribbean Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about colorful cultures, breathtaking landscapes, must-see attractions and preparation advice for cruising the Caribbean.

2023-2024 Caribbean Cruises

There’s no better way to truly experience the laid-back Caribbean than with Princess.

Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month

From radiant sunshine to turquoise waters, enjoy the best Caribbean cruise weather all year round when you sail to these tropical lands with Princess.

Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Whether you’re a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess.

Best Caribbean Cruises

Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman

From relaxing on the shores of Seven Mile Beach to feeding majestic sea creatures at Stingray City, discover the top things to do in Grand Cayman with Princess.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Discover the best time for a Caribbean cruise. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean.

See all Caribbean cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Caribbean cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Walk along sun-kissed beaches in laid-back style.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Top-Rated Beaches and Water Play

Western Caribbean Cruises

Historic Spots and Natural Wonders

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Work with a Personal Cruise Consultant

A FREE Seabourn cruise specialist will help you plan your vacation.

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Choose Your Suite Type

Please select your suite type and category from the available options.

Veranda Suite

All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

Penthouse Suite

All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Penthouse Spa Suite

Owners suite and above.

Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Your Ship: Seabourn Ovation

Introducing  Seabourn Ovation , the s ister-ship to the already prestigious  Seabourn Encore .  Seabourn Ovation  represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises.

• 690 feet Length
• 92 feet Width

Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

Earth and Ocean

Each evening, our chefs create an array of fresh, inventive dishes from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars. 

Each evening, our skilled Earth & Ocean chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes—a sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavors from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board. 

Photo: Seabourn Ovation

The Colonnade

A more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative for breakfasts and lunch, and regionally-themed dinners with table service nightly. 

Our more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative, features an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly.

Photo: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation

Fitness Center

Featuring a row of state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and weight machines in front of a wall of windows.

Our Fitness Center features high performance Technogym equipment for cardio and strength training. We also offer a series of complimentary classes including yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Or, if personal attention is preferred, our personal trainers will design a nutrition and exercise plan that will help you achieve results. Based on your body’s particular needs, this personalized session will expose you to the wellness program that works best with your body. Aboard Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest you may try the Kinesis System. Using a tri-dimensional pulley system, our personal trainers will guide you through a series of exercises designed to improve balance, flexibility and strength.

Photo: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation.

In-Suite Dining

Around the clock for service in your suite. Dinner from The Restaurant menu is served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

Observation Bar

BarsandLounges

Enjoy this stunning lounge with a bar and panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and tea served every morning, and drinks before or after dinner. 

Enjoy this stunning lounge with a bar and panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and tea served every morning, and drinks before or after dinner. Photo: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest

Offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups and freshly-baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an al fresco setting.

Relaxed poolside dining offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties and freshly baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an alfresco setting. Photo: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation.

The Restaurant

Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The cuisine is exquisite and the service is flawless. 

Before Seabourn, open-seating dining on a cruise ship was unheard of. Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The room is beautiful, the cuisine is exquisite, and the service is simultaneously flawless, friendly and fun.

Caviar in the Surf

One of Seabourn’s most popular events is our signature “Caviar in the Surf” beach barbecue. Our uniformed staff members plunge into the water and invite guests to wade in and get iced champagne and caviar at a surfboard bar. The event includes a lavish barbecue lunch, watersports, music and ample time to soak up the sun on a white-sandy beach.

Seabourn Square

A place to enjoy your newspaper or to socialize with your fellow passengers, Seabourn Square is what you're looking for.

The Retreat

A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind

A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind, The Retreat is ringed with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and a refrigerator stocked with a personalized selection of beverages. An additional Spa Treatment Cabana is also available for guests to enjoy personalized spa services, subject to availability. For additional details or reservation, log in and  customize your itinerary.

The Retreat is located around a central whirlpool with step-up access to water maintained at an inviting temperature. Up to 28 guests can stretch out on comfortable sun loungers; pull up a bar stool or take a table seat for champagne and cocktails custom created by Seabourn mixologists; or enjoy a selection of bites from a healthy spa menu. A selection of amenities include fresh fruit baskets, premium sun lotions, Evian mist spray, plush towels and personalized bathrobes, while a dedicated Retreat Concierge will be available to satisfy guest requests.

Cabanas at The Retreat will be available daily and may be reserved for a full day via the Guest Service Specialists at Seabourn Square.

The Sky Bar is a place to enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage during the day, or an evening cocktail under the stars. 

Spa & Wellness

Seabourn’s Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil is the first-ever program of its kind at sea. Seabourn has partnered with Dr. Weil, a visionary pioneer in integrative medicine, whose groundbreaking research 

World's Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise LineTM  

Seabourn’s Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil is the first-ever program of its kind at sea. Seabourn has partnered with Dr. Weil, a visionary pioneer in integrative medicine, whose groundbreaking research and bestselling books combine physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. Each Seabourn ship’s Mindful Living Coach is a certified yoga and meditation practitioner who will inspire and educate guests with orientations, seminars and classes during the voyage. Guests who participate in the Mindful Living Program will have their cruise experiences further enhanced by a holistic mind and body perspective.

With Dr. Weil’s guidance, our fleet-wide mindful living curriculum delivers an even greater degree of mind and body balance, ensuring that guests can break away, relax and rejuvenate while they travel, and offering them an experience that will continue to enrich their lives long after their voyage.

Travel Blog

How To: Island Hopping in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao

Are you planning on going island hopping in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao? Then I got you covered!

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are known as the ABC-islands and are located in the Caribbean Sea close to the coast of Venezuela. All three of the islands are unique and have their charm.

It is therefore not surprising, that many people are choosing to combine visiting Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao for an island-hopping vacation.

Since I was lucky enough to hop between all three ABC islands this year, I am willing to share the perfect Aruba Bonaire Curacao island hopping itinerary as well as important tools on how to book your vacation!

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

How to get around between aruba, bonaire, and curacao, how much time do i need for island hopping in aruba curacao and bonaire, day trip from aruba to bonaire or curacao, where do i start, how to get around aruba, curacao and bonaire, where to stay in bonaire, things to do in bonaire, where to stay in curacao, things to do in curacao, where to stay in aruba, things to do in aruba, conclusion: island hopping on aruba, bonaire and curacao, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

The most important thing for your ABC island hopping experience is knowing how to get around between the islands. There is only one good way of commuting between Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire and that is by airplane. There are no ferry services between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

The two major local airlines, Divi Divi Air and EZ Air commute multiple times per day between the islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire.

The airplanes are very small, so you can not bring a lot of luggage, but tickets are luckily quite cheap. There is only one good platform to book flights in the Caribbean, and that is Kiwi. We have tried booking directly with the airlines, but that has never worked out well. Of course, you can also aim to book an ABC Island vacation package.

The flights between the islands only take half an hour and checking in and out is fairly easy because there are so few passengers. Make sure to fill out all sorts of passenger locator documents before going, so it will be a lot quicker.

All in all, I suggest taking three weeks for your island hopping vacation. Especially Aruba and Curacao are a bit bigger and have a lot to offer, so you might wanna take your time.

Spending a week in each location is ideal.

However, you can probably also get it done by spending at least 4 days on every island.

It depends on what you are planning to do on each island. Check out my detailed guides for all three islands to get a good estimate.

Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba are close to South America , so you could even extend your trip there.

If you are wondering if you can take a day trip from Aruba to Curacao or Bonaire, then I have to disappoint you.

One day is not enough time to hop between the ABC islands. You will need some time at the airports as well, keep that in mind when thinking about planning a day trip from Bonaire to Curacao.

If you only want to have a day trip in Aruba, Bonaire, or Curacao, I suggest booking a Caribbean Cruise instead.

Many cruise lines start in Kralendijk and head on to Willemstad and Oranjestad later.

I suggest starting in Curacao or Bonaire.

Curacao is the most adventurous island of the three of them, and Bonaire is mainly famous for snorkeling and water sports .

Aruba is the most expensive island and is famous for its beautiful beaches. Make sure to check out my article about the ABC Islands and the pros and cons of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

We preferred visiting Aruba last because then we knew exactly how much money we had left over to spend there. Also, we thought the most relaxing part should happen before we return home.

As usual, I suggest taking a rental car at the airport.

The islands are relatively small, but it is not possible to go around them without a car.

We always book our rental cars with Discover Cars, because they are reliable and cheap.

We started our island hopping – Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao edition off on the smallest of the islands – Bonaire.

The beautiful small paradise is famous for its pink salt lakes, the fabulous coral reef as well as the flamingos roaming the island.

Bonaire is also famous for its exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. The island has clear turquoise waters, making it a haven for marine enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Bonaire has the reputation of being one of the world’s top diving destinations.

For your trip to Bonaire, we suggest staying at the Ocean Breeze Boutique Hotel . The Ocean Breeze Boutique hotel is a super chic and luxurious accommodation right next to the colorful capital city of Kralendijk.

They have an amazing pool and are located right next to some fabulous beaches. Also, you can park your rental car for free on the premises.

• Book a Bonaire is a snorkel trip
• Visit the donkey sanctuary
• Stroll through Kralendijk
• Take a Mangrove Kayak Tour
• Discover Washington Slagbaai National Park
• Windsurf at Lac Bay
• Visit Klein Bonaire
• Explore the Marine Park
• For more things to do in Bonaire besides diving head over to my designated blog post

My favorite island of the Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao island hopping trip is Curacao.

This island is the most untouched island, and you can have great adventures there.

Curaçao is famous for its vibrant and colorful capital city, Willemstad , which features beautifully preserved Dutch colonial architecture.

Also, Curaçao is known for its stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and excellent , diving and snorkeling opportunities .

There are many other areas in Curacao that you can stay in, especially Piscadera Bay, Mambo Beach, and Jan Thiel Beach are among traveler’s favorites.

If you are looking for a fantastic luxury hotel in Curacao, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Sunscape Resort & Spa, close to Mambo Beach.

If you are more interested in renting a house off the beaten tracks, then you HAVE to book this hidden gem plac e in Playa Lagun. This house has the best view of the entire island.

• Take a boat trip to Klein Curacao
• Book a snorkel tour to the finest coral reefs in Curacao
• Explore the colorful capital city of Willemstad
• Eat some authentic Curacao food
• Go visit the pristine beaches and hidden bays
• Hike to Playa Gipy and the Watamula Hole
• Check out the Shete Boka National Park
• Go Scuba Diving in Curacao

Aruba is famous for its flamingos and beautiful white sandy beaches. Aruba is especially known for Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, which consistently rank among the world’s best beaches.

The island is also known for its year-round warm weather, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of water activities .

Aruba’s welcoming atmosphere, luxurious resorts, and pristine natural landscapes make it a top Caribbean destination.

Aruba is also home to the famous Flamingo Beach.

There are many beautiful resorts for you to choose from when heading to Aruba. We have enjoyed our stay at the DIVI Aruba Phoenix Resort and we can recommend it.

Make sure to book a resort with direct access to the beach, for a more relaxed experience.

You can also rent an Airbnb since Aruba is a very safe island. A nice area to stay in is Savaneta Beach, it is a bit off the beaten tracks.

• Visit Renaissance Island, to see the flamingos
• See the California Lighthouse
• Go on a sunset sailing trip
• Have a romantic dinner in a beachfront restaurant
• Visit San Nicolaas, a city full of street art and picturesque spots
• Go to the Aruba Aloe Factory
• Check out the Arikok National Park

Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire are the perfect islands for some island hopping. Commuting between the islands is easy and relatively cheap.

All of them are unique, so you can get different experiences on every island.

If you are still not sure what to expect on each island, make sure to check out my detailed guide to all of the three ABC islands.

One of the best times to explore the ABC-Islands in the Caribbean is in December – make sure to check it out.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, originally from Austria. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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Caribbean and Bahamas: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao Cruise

8-night celebrity reflection cruise.

From $804 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $125 - $132

Celebrity Cruises

Since pirate days, bargain hunters have come to trade. Today, travelers on Caribbean cruises seek out unique island fashions and fragrances, designer jewelry and Mexican silver, Cuban cigars, even blue Delft figurines.

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Fort Lauderdale

Ft Lauderdale is a city of islands held together by an intricate web of canals, rivers, bays and waterways hundreds of miles long. Needless to say, boating is a favorite city pastime, whether zooming along on a speedboat, enjoying a fishing charter, or cruising the coastline by yacht. Beautiful homes of every size and style make up the bulk of this primarily residential area. By the beach, a leisurly stroll can be taken along the new landscaping wavewall design of the beachfront promenade. But this city is anything but sedate. Once a spring break hot spot, the town still has an energetic and colorful nightlife. Nearby, charming Laudrdale-By-the-Sea is home to one of the only living coral reefs in the US accesible from shore. Las Olas Boulevard, a shoppers paradise, is the chic new shopping and trendy dining area of downtown. If sports are more your inclination, dozens of golf courses and hundreds of public parks allow you to absorb the great Florida outdoors. Cultural arts are also popular. Water taxis bring theater-goers from throughout the city to the Performing Arts Center on the water.

Oranjestad is the capital of the Dutch island of Aruba, in the Caribbean Sea. Near the marina, the 18th-century Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower, formerly a lighthouse, house the Historical Museum, which chronicles the island’s past. The Archaeological Museum displays indigenous artifacts dating back as far as 2500 B.C. Along the waterfront, L.G. Smith Boulevard is dotted with boutiques and shopping malls.

Forget the squat resorts muscling each other along the coast and don't be put off by the disjointed shambles of badly signed roads: Willemstad is gorgeous. The capital of the Netherlands Antilles and one of a select number of urban areas on UNESCO's World Heritage List, it's divided in two by capacious St Anna Bay, the largest harbor in the Caribbean. Punda, to the east, and Otrobanda, to the west, are connected by a quaint pontoon bridge known as the Swinging Old Lady - she cocks a leg for boats. Punda is the oldest part of the city, crowded with 17th- and 18th-century Dutch-style buildings. The 1732 Mikvé Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest in the Americas. Its interior, including the original pipe organ and brass chandeliers, has been carefully preserved, and the floor is covered in footstep muffling sand. There's an adjacent Jewish Cultural Museum. Fort Amsterdam was once the center of town and now houses the main offices for the government of the Netherlands Antilles. You can see a cannonball lodged in the wall of the fort chapel, a memento of Captain Bligh's 26-day siege in 1804. Also in Punda is the wonderful floating market (mercado flotante). Vendors make the sea trip from Venezuela every morning with fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood - the stalls aren't actually floating, but they're close enough to the water to justify the name. At the eastern end of Willemstad is the Sea Aquarium, where you can get a preview or a recap on the creatures of the deep. You can even dive or snorkel in this controlled environment if the sea seems a little frisky. Head west and across the channel to Otrobanda ('other side'). Otrabanda became Willemstad's first suburb in the late 17th century, when lepers and convicts banished from Punda began moving here. The area's low-rise architecture is the result of an 18th century order not to obstruct Fort Amsterdam's line of fire. Most of the city's historic buildings are in Otrobanda, including the 1734 St Anna Basilica, the oldest in the Antilles. The Riffort, a defensive post on the entrance to the sea, has been used as a telegraph station, radio station, desalination plant, WWII officers' digs, scout hall and is now partly occupied by a ritzy restaurant. Otrabanda's charm extends beyond its brochure-ready buildings. The maze of streets and lanes wiggling back from the waterfront are fun to wander - stores and houses run the gamut from pastel and spruce to crumbling and spooky. Also, much of the advertising and store signage is hand painted, giving the streets perky, individual characters. The Curaçao Museum in western Otrobanda is housed in a 19th-century sailors' hospital. Displays include paintings by early-20th-century Dutch masters, a carillon and a menagerie of other musical instruments, and a hat-making diorama (hats were a source of income for many women up until WWI). There are also worthy exhibitions on the local Indian population and the geology of the ABC islands.

Kralendijk is the capital of Bonaire, a Dutch island in the Caribbean Sea. Colorful architecture dots the shopping street of Kaya Grandi. The Bonaire Museum displays archaeological finds, shells and old photos. Off the coast is Bonaire National Marine Park, with a coral reef sheltering tropical fish. This stretches west to Klein Bonaire Island, where the sandy beaches provide a nesting ground for sea turtles.

Onboard the Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2012

Celebrity Reflection® completes Celebrity’s Solstice class. Relax like never before in one of the 34 new AquaClass Suites with luxurious interior space and stunning verandas. Celebrity Reflection has expanded with an additional deck, 72 additional staterooms overall, and more seating in the main and specialty dining rooms, more sun loungers on the pool deck and more seats in theater. Excitement brews with up to 50 international craft beers in the enhanced Michael's Club. Celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling in the new Lawn Club Grill. Unwind in your own cabana-style haven, The Alcoves, on the Lawn Club. Your vacation time is precious. Time aboard Celebrity Reflection will make the most of it.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Lawn Bowling
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Conference Center
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Persian Gardens

• Beauty Salon
• Full-Service Spa
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room:  The Main Restaurant offers an enriching range of culinary experiences, with an unparalleled wealth of artfully prepared dishes every evening. And, as part of Celebrity’s Top Chef at Sea experience, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in some of the dishes that the judges raved about on Bravo’s Emmy® Award-winning TV show, Top Chef. Top Chef Night in the Main Restaurant features a full menu of delicious appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts that were big hits on the show.

Blu:  Available exclusively to AquaClass® guests, Blu specializes in the concept of “clean cuisine.” Popular dishes are prepared in imaginative and flavorful ways, without fussiness or pretense. Blu is open for breakfast and dinner.

Tuscan Grille

Specialty Dining

Sushi on Five:  Sushi on Five satisfies your craving for locally sourced, authentically prepared sushi and other Japanese specialties from a menu crafted by expert restaurateur and sushi chef, Yoshikazu "Yoshi" Okada. Treat yourself to the complex flavors of a hand-made sushi roll or nigiri featuring tuna albacore, shrimp, eel, and other fresh selections, or savor the simplicity of yellowtail, salmon, and octopus sashimi. Your culinary experience would be incomplete without dessert—be sure to try the caramelized gingerbread with wasabi gelato. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Café al Bacio and Gelateria:  The warm atmosphere, comfortable furniture and the sweet scent of the Gelateria's freshly baked waffle cones create an instant emotional connection. Café al Bacio is a great place to relax, any time of day. Many guests like to stop by in the evening for one of the specialty dessert cocktails, and chat about a great meal that they had or a wonderful show they just enjoyed. There's always something to talk about at Café al Bacio. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Murano:  Impeccable service, classic design, world-class cuisine and comfortable sophistication are celebrated here. Experience tableside lobster presentation, an expansive selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, or the extensive American and French wine list. Charming and timeless, Murano transports you, through palate and décor, to a modern and refined level of dining. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Lawn Club Grill:  The bright and modern Lawn Club Grill celebrates the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling. The highlight of dining at the Lawn Club Grill is the opportunity to serve as your party's "Grill Master," by being paired with a Celebrity chef to assist in preparing the menu for your table over custom-built, ventilated grills. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Porch:  Relax and gaze out over the cool, green grass of The Lawn Club, or the cool, blue sea, while savoring just-made fare for breakfast or lunch. Featuring quick, simple and fresh food, like soup, salads and panini. Open for breakfast and lunch. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Qsine®:  Celebrity’s James Beard-featured Master Chef created Qsine to take you on a culinary journey unlike anything you’ve experienced before—on land or at sea. Leave any preconceived notions behind. Dig in and try new things. It's time your palate got a wakeup call. Qsine’s iPad® menus make your dining experience even more fun and interactive. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Tuscan Grille:  An outgoing wait staff ensures tableside service that's personal as well as professional. And the food? Take the traditional style and artisanal flair of Italy, add contemporary influences, and serve the cuisine in abundance. It's all part of the expansive character of Tuscan Grille. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Oceanview Café

Casual Dining

AquaSpa® Café:  Celebrity has created an extension of its leading spa experience by introducing the AquaSpa Café, one of the first venues of its kind in the cruise industry. The result is a creative take on healthy cuisine, featuring an eclectic blend of offerings that are both flavorful and nutritious. The AquaSpa Café is available to AquaClass® guests only.

Luminae:  Offering complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Luminae is a culinary experience that spotlights modern, eclectic cuisine and globally inspired dishes. Luminae offers a deliciously unique dining experience exclusively for Suite Class guests.

Oceanview Café:  Décor and offerings reflect that of an international marketplace. With a menu influenced by multiple cultures, the cuisine takes diners on a voyage around the world. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night.

Pool/Mast Grill:  Let your cravings go wild. Grab a great burger in a relaxed, poolside environment.

Room Service:  Perhaps a day of kayaking, shopping or golfing has you feeling pleasantly languid-or was it the afternoon spent relaxing with a novel that has you so serene? Either way, when you're in the mood to relax and dine in the comfort of your stateroom, Celebrity offers complimentary 24-hour in-stateroom dining.

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Elegant staterooms feature an ample sitting area with a sofa and a flat screen TV.

Inside (Category: I2)

Category: I2

Prime Inside (Category: I1)

Category: I1

Guarantee - Inside (Category: Z)

Category: Z This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Enjoy a view of the sea with spacious staterooms that feature a sofa and a flat screen TV.

Ocean View (Category: O2)

Category: O2

Prime Ocean View (Category: O1)

Category: O1

Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: Y)

Category: Y This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Staterooms feature a spacious balcony. Select categories include AquaClass® or Concierge Class.

Veranda (partial view) (Category: V3)

Category: V3

Veranda (Category: V2)

Category: V2

Prime Veranda (Category: V1)

Category: V1

Deluxe Veranda (Category: DV)

Category: DV

Sunset Veranda (Category: SV)

Category: SV

Ultra Deluxe Veranda (Category: UV)

Category: UV

Concierge Class (Category: C2)

Category: C2

Prime Concierge Class (Category: C1)

Category: C1

Sunset Concierge Class (Category: SC)

Category: SC

Prime AquaClass (Category: A1)

Category: A1

AquaClass (Category: A2)

Category: A2

Guarantee - Concierge Class (Category: XC)

Category: XC This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Guarantee - Aqua Class (Category: XA)

Category: XA This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Guarantee - Balcony (Category: X)

Category: X This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Suites feature European-style butler services, priority check-in and debarkation, seating preferences and much more.

Sky Suite (Category: S1)

Category: S1

Sunset Sky Suite (Category: SS)

Category: SS

AquaClass Sky Suite (Category: AS)

Category: AS

Celebrity Suite (Category: CS)

Category: CS

Signature Suite (Category: SG)

Category: SG

Royal Suite (Category: RS)

Category: RS

Penthouse Suite (Category: PS)

Category: PS

Reflection Suite (Category: RF)

Category: RF

Guarantee - Suite (Category: W)

Category: W This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Celebrity Reflection
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2012
• Ship Class: Solstice
• Maximum Capacity: 3,046
• Number of Passenger Decks: 13
• Number of Crew: 1,440
• Officers' Nationality: Greek
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 70
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,183
• Total Inside Staterooms: 154
• Tonnage (GRT): 126,000
• Country of Registry: Malta
• Total Staterooms: 1,515
• Suites with Balcony: 108
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 11/23/2024, departure date - 12/07/2024, departure date - 12/21/2024, departure date - 01/18/2025, departure date - 03/01/2025, departure date - 04/12/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

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Ship's registry: Malta

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This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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• Celebrity Cruises

Cruising Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire--advice?

By scrabble6 , January 8, 2017 in Celebrity Cruises

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Hello all! We're considering a future cruise to Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire. I'd love to hear from others who have cruised there--any must-do's, tips, advice. Would you recommend a port or a starboard cabin?

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We just returned and I would book a port cabin if I could do it over again. We just took tours of Aruba & Bonaire - bus rides around. We walked around Curacao on our own.

One of the best excursions we have done was in Aruba. Trikes-Aruba

Easy and if your older, it is still so much fun.

http://www.trikes-aruba.com

Soon there will the Trikes-Cozumel. :D

Highly recommend Woodwind Snorkel tour in Bonaire. If you have a late departure in Aruba have dinner at Barefoot, a $10 cab ride away for the 4 of us. In Curacao we did a 3 hour tour to see the island and were dropped at Mambo beach after. The tour was $20 each I think and cab back to the ship was $5 each. We loved the ABC islands!

Be sure to see the flocks of wild flamingos on Bonaire and Curaçao.

Goodtime Cruizin

We did the custom Trikes in Aruba , really a great time as the tour covered the entire island. EZ to operate, fun to ride. We had a late departure in Aruba so we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at El Gaucho. "The Best & Biggest Steaks in Aruba", they were amazing steaks w/ a great local ambiance. Would do again.

In Curacao , we did an all inclusive private beach resort, Santa Barbara Beach Resort. We enjoyed it. Nice spot but would most likely attempt to experience something different given the opportunity.

Bonnaire ... have not been but I hear the snorkeling is the best!

Don't know what your likes are, but if you like snorkeling the best snorkel tour we ever did was with Windward on Bonaire. Very highly recommend. In Aruba you can catch a bus right across street from pier to several beaches for just couple of dollars. Shopping area/bars/casino very close also. Curacao very picturesque. We usually just walk into town and wonder around waterfront and shops. Really depends on what your interests are.

Hello all! We're considering a future cruise to Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire . I'd love to hear from others who have cruised there--any must-do's, tips, advice. Would you recommend a port or a starboard cabin?

Have lots of thoughts and ideas to consider for visiting these "Dutch ABC's" . Interesting and varied area. Much depends on your personal interests, travel desires, likes, etc. Tell us more on your past travel history, loves, desires, budget flexibility, etc.

See below on some of my quick visuals samples, plus the below links with much, much more to check and consider. Not sure that port or starboard will make that much difference as most sailing is done at night and/or at some distances from the shore scenery. Added reactions and questions?

For Curacao : Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015!, see:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2263377

For " Aruba : Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015!", see:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262154

For " Bonaire : Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015!", see:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262075

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 46,779 views for these postings.

We enjoyed our day in Willemstad, Curacao. It was a fun sail-in with their unique, floating, wooden bridge, etc. Here is one quick visuals from their main downtown buildings with their colorful Dutch-style architecture.:

At the Curacao Sea Aquarium, we saw some cute flamingos. Lots of action, focus on keeping themselves looking great. Wonderful to see this creatures so "up close and personal"!!:

And, then there was their fun and interesting dolphin show. Very smart animals to be able do so many different tricks, etc. Great work by the trainers!:

Aruba's Eagle Beach gets high marks as the top beach on this island. Some even mention it as one of the best in the world. We can understand why. It is about six miles long with amazing sand. Busy, but not too crowded. We came back later in the afternoon via a cab to enjoy its fun, people, sights, activities, etc. At one end of the beach, however, are lots of high-rise hotels/housing. Personally, we prefer more of the low-rise, less-busy settings. The varied shades of the blue waters were so great. We had a fun part of the afternoon to be here. BUT, it was hot this day with a very intense sun. Did we enjoy? Yes!:

Earlier on Aruba, we covered a wide range of the island, including the residential areas, airport, etc. Then we headed to the California Lighthouse. Here is an example of a view from that location. This includes desert-style cacti growths that cover this dry island.:

Cruise Raider

  Bonnaire ... have not been but I hear the snorkeling is the best!   Enjoy!

This is true. We just took a boat over to Klein Bonaire with our snorkel equipment, walked up the beach and the drift brings you back. Turtles everywhere ... it was so fun!!!

In Aruba, we went to DePalm Island for my 50th birthday ... I absolutely loved it!!! Loved it, loved it, loved it!!

Eagle beach and Palm beach are equally as beautiful. We've also hit the shops and the fun casino right there in town. So many excellent things to do here.

In Curacao, one time we went to the Curacao factory ... now that is fun!! It comes with all the tasting!! We were all in a very good mood on the way back to the ship. hahaha! Actually, it is very interesting, too.

And once, we just went down to the sea life park and it was surprisingly good.

Just putting around the fort area and the shops across the bridge was is also very nice.

I love the ABC islands and go back as often as possible. They are relatively safe and absolutely gorgeous islands.

I did the Sail, Snorkel and Lunch cruise on the catamaran Jonalisa. It was fantastic. Booked it thru Bounty Adventures. This was in Curacao. In Aruba try to find an excursion that stops at Baby Beach. Very calm water and best shore snorkel on the island. Trouble is it's difficult to reach on your own.

All those islands have truly fantastic snorkeling. Bonaire probably gets the best reviews but I like Curacao the best. You may want to invest in your own snorkel mask and fins. At most dive stores you can get them for $50-$60. Also a good underwater camera.

Went on Oct on Infinity....loved this itin

Took 3 nice ship's excursions:

Bonaire...Flamingos and Salt tour,..saw quite a bit including windsurf beach, .flamingos in the wild....very scenic and informative..salt flats...

Will post the others later

Our Bonaire Tour was BO38....our bus was air conditioned... had a great guide and bus driver. Beach visit was a stop only at Sorobon...but not a swim stop. Was really a great tour. Afterwards we had a nice lunch at Kraals...waterfront in the port, shopped in a few very nice shops and enjoyed the outdoor market...local items salt, spices.Mailed cards at the post ofc. If you are not snorkeling this would be a nice plan....Other cruisers explored on open air vehicles, in jeeps etc...but in the heat and covering some distance, we were glad we had the AC bus...

On Curacao we booked a beach club tour...long ride to a lovely man made beach, nice beach club,( long walk on slope to get there) clear, clean water with tons of fish...no need even for a snorkel, AC bus as well.....we had a short day in port so we could not go over the pontoon bridge to the area of restaurants and shops...but did get a bit of shopping time at the port..limited. Guess everyone has to pick , won,t be enough time to do it all! Our tour did not include the liquer factory...Those who took that version of the tour got back late ( ship held) but no time to shop!

We'll post abt Aruba later...we loved being back there!

Wow! You guys are great! Thanks so much for all the great replies! And Terry in Ohio--beautiful photos and reviews! Thank-you for sharing that!

To answer your questions about what we enjoy doing--well, just about anything! On cruises and land vacations we've done snorkel catamaran cruises, sailing, bike rides, guided walks, bar hops, day passes at hotels, bus tours, beach breaks, hikes, etc. We love scenery. We do both "touristy" things and off-the-beaten-path things. We're not terribly fond of crowds. We're not foodies but do love to eat and enjoy a local brew. We'd rather dine where there is atmosphere and/or a view. So really, anything that anyone else has enjoyed, we'd love to hear about it! I'm a sucker for cruise critic reviews !!

Highly recommend Woodwind Snorkel tour in Bonaire

Ditto! Best snorkeling we have ever done. Woodwind had every kind of equipment you might need. Snorkeling in groups as to abilities. Each group had a guide to point out all things of interest. Highly recommend this tour, if you can book it. It is a private tour.

We were on the Eclipse last December and the ports included Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. We took an open bus tour of Aruba. Wasn't thrilled with Aruba. On Bonaire, we took the authentic Thai Samur for a sail to Klein Bonaire for snorkeling. Amazing excursion!! Make sure you have lunch at Karel's (delicious burger and mixed drinks). Curaçao we just walked the streets. Enjoy!

.....To answer your questions about what we enjoy doing--well, just about anything! On cruises and land vacations we've done snorkel catamaran cruises, sailing, bike rides, guided walks, bar hops, day passes at hotels, bus tours, beach breaks, hikes, etc. We love scenery. We do both "touristy" things and off-the-beaten-path things. We're not terribly fond of crowds. We're not foodies but do love to eat and enjoy a local brew. We'd rather dine where there is atmosphere and/or a view. So really, anything that anyone else has enjoyed, we'd love to hear about it! I'm a sucker for cruise critic reviews !!

Then I would recommend checking out the forums for those 3 islands to get even more good info from cruise passengers who have been to each of them.

Here are links:

Aruba - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

Bonaire - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

Curacao - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

Wow! You guys are great! Thanks so much for all the great replies! And Terry in Ohio-- beautiful photos and reviews! Thank-you for sharing that! To answer your questions about what we enjoy doing--well, just about anything! On cruises and land vacations we've done snorkel catamaran cruises, sailing, bike rides, guided walks, bar hops, day passes at hotels, bus tours, beach breaks, hikes, etc. We love scenery. We do both "touristy" things and off-the-beaten-path things. We're not terribly fond of crowds. We're not foodies but do love to eat and enjoy a local brew. We'd rather dine where there is atmosphere and/or a view. So really, anything that anyone else has enjoyed, we'd love to hear about it! I'm a sucker for cruise critic reviews !!

Appreciate your above follow-up, kind comments and helpful added background/info regarding your interests. Very good!!! Glad you have a nice range of interests. In sharing my pictures, I did not have space initially to give some attention to Bonaire. Below are some visuals from there. As you can tell, we were lucky to have our timing match when it was Carnival time on that island.

Let us know any added questions. We will be back in Aruba this coming early March. But, our timing there will be somewhat limited during that cruise stop on the way to doing a Panama Canal transit on the way up the Pacific Coast to San Francisco.

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure , getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 166,239 views for this posting.

Here are three visual samples from being in Bonaire National Marine Park. From being at water level and with our expert guide, it was very educational to learn more about these interactions with natural life. At the end, you can see a nest with two baby green heron chicks. Cute? In the middle of this series, you can see when we encountered a couple doing their own paddling around in this nature area with their guide.:

Here are some visuals from the Carnival parade on Sunday afternoon in Bonaire. It was suppose to start at 2 pm. BUT, as our destination speaker Cory Sandler noted, he had the "cover" by saying it would have a "Caribbean Time"!!! starting schedule. That actually meant a timing that started closer to around 3:30-4 pm. It was such total fun to be here to sample these festivities. We really got a feel for some of the "real people" who live here and how they like to enjoy, celebrate, etc.:

Here is my wife getting her picture captured with the "KING" of this segment of their parade group. Are people having fun? The facial expressions summarize the enjoyment perfectly! We were lucky hitting Bonaire when the timing was right/best for this parade. Unfortunately, not all cruises will get this "bonus" activity. Sorry!!:

champagne123

TLCOhio......I read EVERYTHING you post. You are such an asset to CC. Thank you for everything you post. I have learned a lot from you over the years. :):):)

lauraodonnell86

Following along as we will be visiting these islands in a couple of weeks!

If your port hours permit sunset dinner on the beach in Aruba at Passions on the beach in downtown Palm Beach is one of our favorites. Really nice dinner served on tables set on the beach next to the water.

Appreciate your kind viewpoint on my pictures and posts. Glad to know you're a person of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments.

I did show your post to my wife. She kind of rolled her eyes and and had a big question mark look on her face. She knows me well!! Plus, has to put up with me during trips while I am taking the time to take pictures, edit them, post on the web, etc. She "suffers" in this process, but is generally fairly patient under those challenges.

Have you looked through the pictures and details from early 2016 during our Africa adventure? See the link below. Comments, questions and reactions?

AFRICA?!!? : Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 25.258 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Another vote for Woodwind snorkelling on Bonaire. It was amazing. They have prescription masks for those who wear glasses and they take the time to make sure everything fits. One bit of warning, there is no cover on the deck of the catamaran, so I would strongly suggest that you take a good sunscreen.

Also, we did the Dolphin Experience on Curacao and we would highly recommend it.

The only thing we would recommend against, was the restaurant The Governeur (sp) in Curacao. The service was very inattentive and very bad. We had to find the waitress to get the bill after waiting almost 20 minutes.

cruisetexas

We've also done these fantastic islands.

We snorkeled with Woodwind in Bonaire, unfortunately, it was extremely windy and the water was very rough, so not the best conditions. Woodwind was a wonderful group.

Curacao we walked into town and looked around and then rented a car and hit the beach after seeing flamingos. It was great...beaches there can be very rocky, take water shoes.

Aruba....we absolutely LOVED this: http://www.arubabob.com/

Bob picked us up at the port and took us to his shop. We spent lots of time in the water, and while I was a bit concerned about 'handling' the power snorkel equipment, it was the best time we've had snorkeling. He also takes a camera and sends you tons of photos...all included in the price. Highly recommend this. We'll be doing it again next year.

Checkout https://www.iflymagazine.com/EN_GB/beach/littlesecrets-curacao It will wet your appetite. ENJOY

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ARUBA, BONAIRE Y CURAZAO: EL ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE LA DIVERSIÓN EN EL CARIBE

Última actualización: 06 de febrero de 2020 a las 02:12 p. m.

Este trío ganador de islas caribeñas se ha hecho famoso por acoger distintas culturas y brindar algunos de los paisajes más icónicos en los trópicos. Aruba ha alcanzado la fama por su vivaz espíritu caribeño, mientras que Bonaire es reconocida por su vibra de tranquilidad y entornos apartados. Curazao se destaca por su colorida arquitectura e impecables playas de revista.

Aruba , sin duda alguna, es una de las mejores islas caribeñas para visitar y disfrutar de la fabulosa fusión de diversas culturas, que incluyen influencias indígenas, españolas , africanas , holandesas y sudamericanas. Esta isla es un crisol de casi cien nacionalidades y dos idiomas oficiales: el holandés y el papiamento, aunque muchos residentes hablan otros, entre ellos, inglés y español. La cultura arubeña se centra en un espíritu de celebración y deapreciarr la diversidad de la isla.

Verás un destello de ese popurrí de culturas al recorrer galerías de arte como Unoca, teatros como la Cas di Cultura, y lugares como el Museo Arqueológico Nacional de Aruba, el Museo y Fábrica del Aloe, o incluso, la tienda de rones y licores The Arubian Taste. También puedes visitar Cosecha, el edificio centenario de Oranjestad repleto de objetos de arte y artesanías locales, y al Centro Creativo adjunto, donde ofrecen clases de arte. La música arubeña es también producto de la hermosa fusión de culturas diversas cuyos ritmos incluyen calipso, tumba, música de latón y los famosos bailes con música roadmarch. Este último es característico de la época de carnaval, pero podrás disfrutar todo el año de alegres fiestas callejeras, disfraces impresionantes, música local y desfiles creativos. El Festival Bon Bini de Aruba tiene lugar todos los martes, y es perfecto para apreciar música y bailes folclóricos. Los jueves por la noche le toca al Festival Caribeño, con la presentación de artistas, y puestos de comida y artesanías. Cabe mencionar también la celebración de Dera Gai, el Festival de Jazz del Mar Caribe y el Festival de Música del Verano en junio.

Al igual que las artes y la cultura, la cocina arubeña es un casamiento de sabores caribeños , holandeses , africanos y latinoamericanos . Al menú se incorporan mariscos siempre frescos, deliciosas frituras, guisos nutritivos y sabrosas sopas. Encontrarás por toda la isla platillos básicos como pan bati (pan sin levadura dulce y suave), stobá di cabrito (guiso popular de cabra) y keri keri (deliciosa sopa de pescado). En cuanto a bebidas, podrás disfrutar de una gran variedad de cervezas (Balashi es la más popular) y cócteles, como el Aruba Ariba, con su distintivo color rojo. Para el postre, prueba el bolo di banana, un rico pudín de plátano, o saborea un pan bollo, un delicioso pudín de pan con salsa al ron, acompañado de helado de vainilla.

No dejes de ir al norte de Aruba para visitar el Parque Nacional Arikok, una joya de la naturaleza, con sus senderos de excursionismo y varias formaciones geológicas, como lava, cuarzo y calizo. También verás algunas de las pinturas indígenas más antiguas de Aruba, realizadas por los arahuacos, así como minas de oro y ruinas de algunas plantaciones de antaño. Cerca del parque está también el jardín rocoso de los deseos, donde puedes construir torres con piedras que, según la creencia, concederán tus deseos. Dirígete al sur y llegarás a las islas de arrecifes de la bahía de San Nicolás, lugar perfecto para ver al charrán de Cayena y otros pájaros tropicales. Y a poca distancia de Playa el Águila (también conocida como Eagle Beach), el Santuario de Aves Bubali alberga más de 80 especies de aves.

Aruba es conocida por su abundante y colorida arquitectura, que encontrarás por todas partes durante tu crucero al Caribe Meridional , en ruta a Oranjestad , la capital de la isla. Los edificios holandeses albergan de todo: restaurantes, tiendas y bares, donde podrás sentir lo que es vivir como un lugareño. Puedes ir a pie hasta el parque Guillermina, que honra a la Reina Guillermina de los Países Bajos con una escultura de mármol blanco brillante, y ver el faro California, que es uno de los monumentos más famosos de Aruba. El faro fue terminado en 1916 después de que el barco de vapor California naufragó en las cercanías a finales del siglo XIX. Otro ícono arquitectónico que no puedes perderte es el Antiguo Molino de Viento Holandés, reliquia de la época cuando Aruba pertenecía a Holanda, que ahora es un restaurante muy frecuentado.

Si quieres intentar hablar papiamento empieza por "con ta bai?" (¿cómo estás?), "danki" (gracias) o "hopi bon" (muy bien). La moneda de Aruba es el florín, pero todos los establecimientos de la isla aceptan dólares de EE. UU. Las propinas por lo general son opcionales, aunque algunos bares y restaurantes incluyen un cargo por servicio de 10 a 15% en la cuenta. También es importante saber que, en Aruba, el agua del grifo se puede beber ya que está entre las más limpias del mundo, lo cual es una gran ventaja para combatir el sol tan fuerte que azota la isla. ¡Mantente hidratado!

Inmigrantes de la India, África, Asia y Europa conformaron lo que hoy es Bonaire, y los isleños mantienen vivas muchas de las tradiciones que trajeron sus antepasados. Las celebraciones religiosas y los días festivos son la esencia de la cultura de Bonaire. Su música se caracteriza por sus vivaces sonidos tribales, instrumentos improvisados y ritmos modernos.

En tu crucero por el Caribe Meridional a Bonaire , te deleitarás con suculentos platillos que a menudo incluyen mariscos y cabra. Muchos se acompañan con fungi (una especie de polenta), arroz y frijoles, y bastantes plátanos fritos, mostrando la influencia latinoamericana. La influencia africana es palpable en la cocina de la isla, por ejemplo, en platillos como el guiambo (una sopa de quimbombó y mariscos). Otra delicia que debes probar es la cocada, un dulce postre de coco elaborado con azúcar, vainilla y esencia de rosas. Para una experiencia gastronómica típica de Bonaire, visita Posada Para Mira en Rincón, y prueba las albóndigas de pescado y el guiso de iguana, o dirijite a el restaurante Brass Boer, que ofrece platos de inspiración asiática, como su famoso aguacate con pescado y especies de Indonesia.

Algunos de los instrumentos elaborados por bonairenses incluyen el bari, un tambor hecho con un pequeño barril de ron cubierto con piel de oveja, y el chapi, un instrumento de percusión elaborado con el extremo metálico de una azada, que se golpea con una barra de metal. También se utilizaban cuchillas de arado, caracolas e incluso mandíbulas secas de burro con dientes para producir sonidos musicales. Los bailes tradicionales de Bonaire son el bari y el simadan, pero a los lugareños también les gusta bailar la polka, el merengue, el vals de jazz y la carioca. El bari se baila en épocas de festival con un cantante principal que improvisa la letra. El simadan, en cambio, se canta en tiempos de cosecha, que toma lugar desde febrero hasta abril.

Al ser Bonaire un paraíso para los amantes de la naturaleza, la industria turística lidera los esfuerzos de conservación. No dejes de visitar Gotomeer para admirar los flamencos, el ave nacional de Bonaire, en su hábitat natural. Otra visita recomendada es el Parque Nacional de Washington Slagbaai. Puedes tardar todo un día para verlo todo, así que pasa primero por el museo y centro para visitantes para que planifiques tu recorrido. Bonaire cuenta con nada menos que 22 playas y te brinda la oportunidad de disfrutar tanto de sus arenas suaves y finas como de sus costas escarpadas. La playa Atlantis es ideal para quienes practican kitesurf, sueñan con arena blanca y fina o disfrutan de largas caminatas por la orilla, mientras que la playa Te Amo es de aguas tranquilas, orilla arenosa y tiene cerca lugares perfectos para hacer snorkel. Dentro del Parque Nacional de Washington Slagbaai está la playa Chikitu, una ensenada apartada con dunas de arena blanca, aguas luminiscentes y nidos de tortugas marinas. Debes ser cauteloso allí, pues las corrientes en Chikitu son fuertes y está prohibido nadar.

El riesgo de tormentas tropicales es muy bajo en Bonaire. La temperatura oscila entre 73 y 77 grados Fahrenheit (22 y 25 centígrados). La temporada más calurosa es de mayo a octubre, pero los vientos alisios envían brisas a la isla y la temporada de lluvia es corta: de octubre a diciembre. Para tu comodidad, lleva ropa liviana de algodón y calzado que permitan la ventilación. Procura llevar en tu bolso suficiente protector solar y una botella de agua para mantener un buen nivel de hidratación.

Al igual que sus islas hermanas en la cadena de islas A-B-C del Caribe, Curazao tiene una variedad de culturas, pero es en Curazao donde se nota claramente una mayor influencia holandesa, puesto que esta isla sigue siendo parte del Reino de los Países Bajos . El papiamento y el holandés son los idiomas oficiales, aunque muchos lugareños también hablan inglés y español.

Si bien la cocina holandesa constituye la mayor influencia sobre los platos de Curazaoa, las influencias afro-caribeñas, venezolanas e indonesias también están presentes. Uno de sus platos básicos, el piska ku funchi, consiste en polenta, plátano frito y ensalada. El pescado más popular en Curazao es el pargo del golfo y lo encontrarás en muchos platillos. Pero si lo que te apetece es algo dulce, prueba una arepa di pampuna, un panqueque de calabaza que se come entre comidas o de postre.En Curazao, la calabaza se consigue todo el año, por lo tanto es un ingrediente que se utiliza en muchos platillos. Acompáñalos con una cerveza Polar o Amstel, dos de las favoritas entre los lugareños.

En cuanto a música se refiere, a Curazao se le conoce por la tumba, un género muy popular en la época de carnavales, con abundante sonido de congas. Entre los bailes se incluyen valses, danzas y mazurcas.Con el tiempo, lo innovador ha sido incorporar en la música tradicional los sonidos de la música cubana y dominicana , como el bolero, merengue y guaracha. Para bailar al son de música curazoleña, date una vuelta por lugares como Blues Bar, Hofi Fidel y Kokomo Beach.

La capital de Curazao, Willemstad, cuyos pintorescos y coloridos edificios frente al agua hacen recordar la ciudad de Ámsterdam, fue declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Las amplias plazas europeas, los mercados vibrantes y los puestos artesanales multiplican la vibra de esta alegre ciudad, en contraste con los diseños minimalistas de lugares como el Hotel Papagayo.

Entre los sitios que debes conocer está Christoffelpark, un parque protegido que ostenta el pico más alto de la isla a 375 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Allí podrás ver antiguas plantaciones, ruinas de mansiones y dibujos de la antigüedad. Las Cuevas de Hato es otro punto de interés que debes visitar para admirar las estalactitas, estalagmitas, cascadas y lagos subterráneos. En lo que a playas se refiere, tanto Cas Abao, Playa Lagun, Playa Santa Cruz y Playa Santa Bárbara te brindan sendas de arena blanca a orillas de un mar plácido, perfecto para nadar, hacer snorkel o simplemente para relajarte y descansar.

Al igual que las otras dos islas, el clima en Curazao es cálido, así que empaca los atuendos adecuados. Lo ideal es llevar ropa cómoda y ligera, así como calzado que permita la ventilación. Se recomienda alquilar un vehículo para conocer bien la isla, así que no olvides tu tarjeta de crédito. Curazao se considera un lugar seguro, pero siempre aconsejamos que seas precavido y mantengas tus pertenencias cerca.

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What to Know About the ABC Islands of the Caribbean

T he "ABC Islands"- Aruba , Bonaire , and Curaçao , the three westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea-have an easy, breezy nickname for a grouping of three distinctly different spots. Yes, there's plenty of sunshine and postcard beaches, and they have a shared language (Dutch) and ancestry (the Arawak people, mostly farmers and fishers), but each island has its own flavor and vibe.

Like diamonds cast in the blue waters north of Venezuela's coast, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are brilliant reflections of their respective cultures. Aruba is now a blend of 90 nationalities across 70 square miles. Bonaire, with its Afro-Caribbean heritage, has become a destination for divers and adventure travelers. Curaçao is a laid-back island blending of European and Latin American culture. All three countries share ties to the Netherlands; Aruba and Curaçao are autonomous, self-governing constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands.

One more thing these islands share? They're all outside the hurricane belt . Let's explore what each island has to offer.

• Where to stay: Ritz Carlton Aruba

Aruba may feel familiar on arrival, be it the friendly beach community, high-end retail, global cuisine, or a charged nightlife scene. It's also a disarmingly unusual landscape of natural parks bordered by blue coastal waters, with moonlike stretches filled with cacti and wind-blown divi-divi trees.

Trendy shops, colorful beach bars, and dozens of dining options are available in and around Oranjestad, Aruba's capital and largest city. Visit the Pastechi House to try the deep-fried, half-moon pastries known as pastechis, or taste Cuba's influence on the island with a plate of ropa vieja (shredded beef sautéed in a sofrito sauce) at Cuba's Cookin'.

For lovers of local culture and cuisine, Zeerovers (a Dutch word for "pirates") is an open-air wharf restaurant in Savaneta, Aruba's oldest village, where local anglers clean and cook fresh fish. The eatery has evolved into a local hangout, attracting visitors and residents alike to "lime" (relax), drink, and enjoy the day's catch. Fresh fish is served finger-food style from baskets. Patrons dine from picnic tables offering panoramic Caribbean Sea views.

The island's beaches range from large and long white-sand stretches lined with luxury resorts and water sports operators to secluded coves set amid limestone cliffs. Eagle Beach is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing. Visitors can also snorkel Mangel Halto's reefs and shallow waters or enjoy Baby Beach's quiet solitude. Nearly 20 percent of Aruba is designated as National Park territory, highlighted by Arikok National Park , 8,400 acres with rocky cliffs, deep caverns, natural stone bridges, and other unusual land formations made from lava, quartz diorite, and limestone.

Travelers can arrange guided hiking, horseback riding, and ATV excursions across the expanse to view geometric and zoomorphic cave drawings that Arawak Indians created 2,000 to 3,500 years ago. Follow up an afternoon of rugged cave exploration with a cooling wade in the secluded waters of the Moro, Boca Prins, and Dos Playa coastal bays.

• Where to stay: Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino

Scuba diving in Bonaire is a world-class experience. With the island's coral reef positioned only a few feet from the shore, travelers can easily access pristine scuba sites without a boat. Less adventure-inclined travelers can still experience underwater thrills by snorkeling in the island's warm blue waters, filled with marine life.

As on the other ABC islands, Bonaire travelers can find their inner explorer outside. Jibe City is a beachside windsurfing instruction and rental center with a colorful beach bar shop. The facility rents stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. The outdoor fun extends beyond the coastline: With an estimated 400 island caves, Bonaire is well suited to spelunkers. Guided tours lead visitors through wet and dry caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.

Ready for some offshore exploration? Venture aboard a water taxi to Klein Bonaire (Dutch for "Little Bonaire"), an uninhabited protected island within the Bonaire National Marine Park . Ultra-flat (as in, no more than seven feet above sea level), Klein Bonaire's only structures are the haunting ruins of colonial-era one-room dwellings for enslaved people. A small shelter on the beach faces Bonaire but the islet is otherwise deserted-so no running water or sanitation facilities. Embark to the island for some uncrowded fun and sun, but pack a lunch (Klein Bonaire lacks food facilities). Keep in mind the last boat back to the mainland departs at 4:45 p.m.

• Where to stay: Avila Beach Hotel

Curaçao is known for its exemplary beaches -many set in achingly beautiful, isolated coves. The island's culture reflects a deeper beauty, filled with a mix of African, Caribbean, Creole, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese influence, plus colonial-era architecture in capital city Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Playa Porto Marie, a lovely white coral sand beach near the village of Sint Willibrordus at Porto Marie Bay, is a great place to visit for those interested in exploring Curaçao's nature and culture. The beach has scuba diving and snorkeling operators, plus a small bar . But the quiet beachfront also belies Porto Mari's important link to Caribbean history: Tula, an enslaved African, launched what became known as the Curaçao Slave Revolt on August 17, 1795. By that evening, the group had freed thousands of slaves, who encamped on the present-day beachfront, where they defeated a Dutch attack. A monument to the leader is located amid quiet beaches and a flamingo reserve on Curaçao's south coast.

Back in the capital, the colorful Handelskade waterfront strip features an eclectic collection of museums, monuments, restaurants, and shops. But fascinating history and food can be found throughout the city, almost all within walking distance of Handelskade. These include Willemstad's Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue (the oldest in continuous use in the Americas) and the waterfront 19th-century Rif Fort in Punda, separated from Willemstad's Otrobanda district by Sint Anna Bay.

In terms of museums, the Curaçao Maritime Museum 's maps, archival photographs and letters, and maritime equipment-including a wooden "Neptune's angel" taken from the prow of a 19th-century ship-create a multimedia panoply of Curaçao's maritime history and settlement. The museum is located in one of the oldest houses in Scharloo, a neighborhood of residential neoclassical mansions. The Kura Hulanda Museum offers African artifacts chronicling slavery's devastating impact on Curaçao's African population, as well as the island's postslavery transition.

Don't leave Willemstad before making a pit stop at Plasa Bieu , an open-air dining hall off Plasa Godett. Several restaurants operate in the casual venue: Under a metal roof, wooden picnic tables are covered with distinctive tablecloths to distinguish each eatery. Cooks prepare meals using huge barbecue grills with charcoal-fed fires. Popular with locals and visitors, the venues offer reasonably priced Curaçao fare, including fish, peas and rice, goat, and plantains.

This article was originally published in 2022 and was most recently updated on February 13, 2024.

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Best vacation spots if you’re trying to avoid hurricanes in the caribbean.

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The Caribbean is an enticing place to escape, especially if you’re searching for sunshine and warmth. 

Yet taking a jaunt there during the heart of hurricane season is always a bit of a risk that a major storm could crash your vacation plans. Some islands have fared better at dodging tropical systems than others. 

The FOX Forecast Center has found six islands that have become a “hurricane haven” in the last 170-plus years and have been a safe bet for vacation seekers.

“Of course, every island in the Caribbean can see hurricanes,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime said. “However, there’s a couple of islands that are south of what we call the ‘hurricane belt’ that aren’t as prone to seeing tropical disturbances, and hurricanes and tropical systems.”

For Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao – sometimes colloquially known as the “ABC Islands” – it’s been more than a century since the islands have felt major hurricane impacts.

While eight hurricanes have passed within 100 miles of the islands since 1851, none of the islands have ever recorded a direct landfall. The last time any hurricane caused impacts was over 130 years ago.

The dual island chain of Trinidad and Tobago has also had fortuitous luck in dodging hurricanes. Again, only eight have passed near the islands and the only recorded hurricane landfall was from an unnamed storm in 1933.  

However, the island did feel some impacts from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Emily in 2005.

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San Andrés, a small island near Nicaragua, hasn’t fared quite as well as the previous five islands, but still rates in the rare category for experiencing hurricane impacts.

The FOX Forecast Center has found only two hurricanes have made landfall in their records, plus Tropical Storm Julia in 2022. Only 13 hurricanes have passed near the island, most recently was Hurricane Iota in 2020.

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Captivating Panama Canal

Embark on an extraordinary 10-night cruise along the Panama Canal and the Caribbean Sea, where enchanting tales of the past merge seamlessly with breathtaking coastlines and vibrant local cultures.

• Explore tradition and modernity in Panama City, where historic charm meets contemporary vibrancy.
• Experience the awe-inspiring engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and traverse its historic locks.
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• Indulge in the serene beauty of Santa Marta’s sun-drenched Sierra Nevada mountains and forest-fringed beaches.

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Panama City, Panama Day 2: Panama City Day 3: Panama City | Panama Canal Daylight Transit Day 4: Cartagena, Colombia Day 5: Santa Marta, Colombia Day 6: Oranjestad, Aruba Day 7: Willemstad, Curacao Day 8: Kralendijk, Bonaire Day 9: Cruising the Caribbean Sea Day 10: Port Antonia, Jamaica Day 11: Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Day 12: Miami, Florida

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Celebrity Eclipse

• Celebrity Equinox
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Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
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The Retreat

• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
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• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• View All Suites

Concierge Class

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Flights by Celebrity

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• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
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• All Included
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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select Caribbean sailings.

Aruba, Curacao & Bonaire

From FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - onboard CELEBRITY ECLIPSE

†Taxes, fees and port expenses $157.52 USD *

At Celebrity Cruises®, we believe choice matters. That’s why we’ve pre-packaged our most popular amenities—drinks, and Wi-Fi— Tips charged separately. So you can now choose the most convenient way to get the best value from your cruise.

 Drinks

Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water.

 Wi-Fi

We know staying in touch is important, so we’ve included internet access for all guests. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.

Cruise Itinerary

• Port of Departure
• Port of Call
• Cruise Route

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Thu, Jan 2, 2025

Departs: 3:30PM

At Sea - Cruising

Fri, Jan 3, 2025

Sat, Jan 4, 2025

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Sun, Jan 5, 2025

Docked: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

Willemstad, Curacao

Mon, Jan 6, 2025

Docked: 8:00AM to 8:00PM

Oranjestad, Aruba

Tue, Jan 7, 2025

Wed, Jan 8, 2025

George Town, Grand Cayman

Thu, Jan 9, 2025

Tendered: 10:00AM to 6:00PM

Fri, Jan 10, 2025

Sat, Jan 11, 2025

Arrival: 7:00AM

See Full Itinerary

Popular excursions at this port

About This Ship

Aerial shot of Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Eclipse Ship

Onboard Features

Moonlight Sonata Restaurant

The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

Clean, crisp flavors and inventive cuisine meet an extensive list of sustainable and biodynamic wines. Exclusively for AquaClass guests.

The exclusive restaurant for guests of the Retreat. Select and cutting edge, the globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

Martini Bar & Crush

Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views. The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand.

Ensemble Lounge

Ensemble Lounge is the ideal setting for an aperitif en route to an extraordinary dining experience, or a digestif afterward.

The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

Say "Ahh" in spa-inspired staterooms designed just for you. Savor clean eating at Blu and escape to the Relaxation Room.

Tailored services and amenities await you in these exceptionally appointed staterooms. We're here to help you make the most of your time on board and on shore.

Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games at The Casino. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

Camp at Sea

For our Camp at Sea program, we’ve designed more than 500 activities that make every sailing a brand new experience and an unforgettable memory for our junior cruisers.

Shops on Eclipse

Aboard Eclipse, Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores.

Fitness Center

Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

Basketball Court

Shoot some hoops before or after your day’s adventure. Located centrally aboard the ship, you can enjoy a great basketball game while a nice ocean breeze keeps you cool.

Hot Glass Class

Now, on board Celebrity Eclipse® you can experience our Hot Glass Class, where you'll create a beautiful flower, starfish, bowl, vase, or other memento to take home.

The Lawn Club

Who said grass can’t be on a ship? Enjoy a friendly pick-up game of leisure sports like Croquet, Bocce, golf putting, Blongo or Baggo.

SEARCH FLIGHTS FOR THIS CRUISE

Price is per person and applies to selected sailing, lowest available fare stateroom category, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Additional terms and conditions apply to offers. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. 

Celebrity Edge® Series Iconic Suites, Edge Villas, Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites, AquaClass® Sky Suites, and Sky Suites (and Family Suites during Holiday sailings) require double the deposit amounts listed.

All Included  pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate.  Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins.  Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

Departing Jan 02, 2025

$865 USD * Avg Per Person

DAY 1 - Thursday , Jan 02

DAY 2 - Friday , Jan 03

DAY 3 - Saturday , Jan 04

DAY 4 - Sunday , Jan 05

DAY 5 - Monday , Jan 06

DAY 6 - Tuesday , Jan 07

DAY 7 - Wednesday , Jan 08

DAY 8 - Thursday , Jan 09

DAY 9 - Friday , Jan 10

DAY 10 - Saturday , Jan 11