Cruising the ABC Islands: Aruba NCL Travel Blog

Table Of Content

• Carnival Vista, ABC Islands New Year cruise from Port Canaveral, December 28, 2024
• Carnival Horizon, ABC Islands from Miami, November 23, 2024
• First Stop In Aruba
• Experiencing Bonaire’s Culture
• Holland America, ABC Islands from Fort Lauderdale, January 10, 2025
• Visit The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao)
• Cruises from Tampa

Bonaire has a very low risk of tropical storm activity and temperatures usually stay between 73 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest season runs from May to October but the trade winds send breezes to the island and the rainy season is short, running from October to December. Also, bring plenty of sunblock and always keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. Aruba is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit and has a fantastic blend of different cultures that includes indigenous Spanish, African, Dutch, and South American influences. This melting pot is home to close to one hundred nationalities and two official languages, Dutch and Papiamento. Aruban culture is all about the spirit of celebration and having an appreciation for the diversity of the island.

Carnival Vista, ABC Islands New Year cruise from Port Canaveral, December 28, 2024

Arguably the most famous and most photographed beach in the ABC Islands, Eagle Beach is a wide expanse of soft, white sand and sea that’s the most intense shade of turquoise imaginable. The iconic feature of Eagle Beach is the two fofoti trees here, their gnarled trunks twisted to point the foliage to the south west, the direction in which the wind blows. Bonaire is a bonafide spelunker’s nirvana with more than 400 caves to explore.

Carnival Horizon, ABC Islands from Miami, November 23, 2024

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. The port of Willemstad is in the capital of Curacao, which is Willemstad. The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic pastel-hued Dutch colonial architecture.

First Stop In Aruba

One of the best places to visit in Aruba is the Antilla Shipwreck, a vast German ship that was scuttled by the Dutch in 1940 and now lies in 60 feet of clear water. It’s populated by sponges, corals, and dozens of species of marine creatures. You’ll spot an array of Caribbean wildlife as you explore the islands. Lizards, goats, snakes, bats, colorful butterflies, and brilliant pink flamingos inhabit all three islands. Cycling tours, off-road ATV adventures, caves, historic houses, vibrant markets, and street art await. Prepare your own boozy elixir and learn all about the history of the island’s namesake spirit, Curaçao liqueur, at  Landhuis Chobolobo.

Experiencing Bonaire’s Culture

The ABC Islands are a treasure trove of attractions and activities for cruise passengers to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by Bonaire's pristine marine park, home to diverse coral reefs and abundant marine species. Curaçao offers a blend of history and natural beauty, with attractions such as the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, the Curacao Sea Aquarium, and the unique Hato Caves.

Cruises from Miami

Aruba is famous for its colorful architecture and you'll find plenty of it on your Southern Caribbean Cruise to Oranjestad, the island's capital. The Dutch buildings house everything from restaurants to shops and bars and allow you to see what it's like to live like a local. You can walk to the lush Wilhelmina Park, which honors Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands with a sculpture made with bright white marble, and see the California lighthouse, which is one of Aruba's most famous landmarks. The lighthouse was completed in 1916 after the steamship California wrecked nearby near the end of the nineteenth century. Another architectural must-see is the Old Dutch Windmill, a relic from when Aruba was owned by Holland which is now a popular restaurant.

Holland America, ABC Islands from Fort Lauderdale, January 10, 2025

All three enjoy a high standard of living and exude a laid-back Caribbean charm. After all is said and done, retreat to  Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino, an all-inclusive escape on the fine sands of Piscadera Bay, or all-suite  Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa a stone’s throw away. Not far from Handelskade,  Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort has an achingly attractive infinity pool and enjoys proximity to the 1828-built Rif Fort, where precious views of the city and the sea are on offer. Wherever you stay in Curaçao, be sure to explore the full breadth of the island.

The activity level of this excursion is easy, and the tour is entertaining, educational, and fun. You will see the sights of the famous pontoon bridge, colonial homes from the 1800s, and a floating farmers market where merchants sell produce and fish right from their boats. Add a hotel package to your Southern Caribbean cruise and enjoy convenient, comfortable overnights in Ft. Find out the best Caribbean cruise for newcomers, families, and more, whether you’re looking for otherworldly scenery, wildlife and adventure, or fun in the sun. Discover the secrets of mango peeling and fish filleting before diving into a hands-on cooking class, where you'll craft tantalizing dishes using regional spices, fresh produce, and fish. Afterward, relish your culinary creations at a beautifully-set outdoor table.

Celebrity Beyond Holiday Cruise to the ABC Islands and Panama Canal - Royal Caribbean Blog

Celebrity Beyond Holiday Cruise to the ABC Islands and Panama Canal.

Posted: Sat, 16 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Educational guided tours are offered around this mansion, where the world-renowned Laraha orange-peel spirit is distilled. Ròm Bèrdè (green rum) also wrestles for the title of most popular alcoholic beverage in Curaçao, and it’s available at  Netto Bar, the island’s oldest drinking hole. You can feast on a variety of Curaçao’s culinary treats at the open-air Marche Bieu (or Old Market) or at a truk di pan (food truck) like  BBQ Express Caracasbaai or  Koko Riba Bloki in Willemstad. Influences from Indonesia—another Dutch colony—are also present in Curaçao’s cuisine. Head to  Landhuis Daniel which has a stellar Indonesian rice table (rijsttafel) as does  Batik Asli in Jan Thiel. This lesser-known sibling is without contest the best place for shore diving and snorkeling.

The food and drink in the ABC Islands has been influenced by the Netherlands, certainly, but you’ll find everything from Portuguese to Asian flavors in the local dishes you try. Punda, a district dating back to the 17th century,  is a great place to head for traditional Dutch cheese and Delft figurines. Built to defend the island from pirates, the fort today houses the local government. You can visit an old plantation house which is home to a small museum containing household items, furniture, and tools from that dark time in the island’s history. The islands were originally inhabited by the Arawak, an indigenous tribe. The first European to arrive was Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer who sailed to the islands in 1499.

A long walk along the beach got us to a spot right where the coral dropped off into the sea. When we headed underwater in Klein Bonaire, we were immediately met great views of coral and fish. The second cruise port on our trip to visit the ABC islands was in Willemstad, Curacao. Discover the waters of Curaçao by kayak on this one-of-a-kind adventure. You’ll kayak past a fort as you make your way to the top snorkeling spot on the island, where you will have a chance to snorkel around a shipwrecked tugboat filled with marine life. Each port offers a unique experience and access to the local culture, attractions, and activities, making ABC Islands an excellent destination for a Caribbean cruise.

There's a shallow bay dedicated to wind surfing, a safe zone for learning to kite surf and mangroves to kayak through. While sandy beaches are not abundant on Bonaire, there are stretches where sand and rock come together for easy access to the turquoise waters for those who enjoy beach sitting, but water shoes are a must. There are deals on cruises to Aruba often, which are often a bit seasonal in nature. Cruise lines that visit Aruba most frequently include mainstream lines like Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. You'll also find alternative cruise lines like Star Clippers, Explora Journeys and Virgin Voyages.

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. Both scuba diving and snorkeling in Bonaire can be arranged from boats, but the beauty of visiting Bonaire is that the reefs are swimmable right from shore. Rent or buy gear from the local dive shops, look for the yellow rocks that mark entrances and walk right in. Local guides are available to hire for shore diving if you are hesitant to head out on your own. Beyond the beaches, Aruba's rugged interior unfolds with desert landscapes and unique rock formations.

Set sail on this 14-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean cruise and enjoy pristine beaches in St. Thomas, marvel at the vibrant marine life in Barbados, and walk along the blue cobblestones of Old San Juan. Begin your adventure at Monkey Land, a lush tropical jungle where you'll interact with playful squirrel monkeys in their natural habitat. Then, visit a rustic countryside home frozen in time, offering insights into local life and the island's history and culture. You’ll end the trip at the beautiful Te Amo Beach, one of Bonaire’s best beaches.