Sunday, March 31, 2024

9-DAY SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN: ABC ISLANDS

abc island cruise

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. After we walked across the bridge, we wandered the streets of Curacao. We were the only cruise ship in port and we were told our ship was too small to keep the shops open for. Taxis and tour operators were at the gate but we headed towards the old fort.

SEA FLOOR EXPLORING

Sample sweet but spiny cactus liqueur at the  Cadushy Distillery, and don’t forget to buy a bottle to go (it’s the quintessential Bonairean souvenir). Run by a mother-son duo, hilltop restaurant Posada Para Mira in Rincon serves up local favorites like funchi (cornmeal), iguana soup, and lip-smacking goat stews and alongside Dutch pancakes and croquettes. For 137 years, Aruba was controlled by the Spanish before the Dutch occupied it in 1636.

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As cruise passengers disembark, they'll find themselves immersed in a lively tapestry of history and modernity. The Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge, adds to the picturesque scene and connects the two sides of the city, offering breathtaking views of the harbor. Beaches line the shorelines of Aruba, and in many areas, large resorts line the beaches. Eagle Beach, consistently ranked among the world's best, offers a tranquil escape with its powdery sands and gentle trade winds. Cruise passengers can indulge in water activities or simply relax under the shade of swaying palm trees. When you cruise to the ABC Islands with Celebrity, you'll enjoy the best in service, entertainment, luxury accommodations, and style.

See & Sea Island Tour

The water visibility was great and there was so much to see in shallow water when we snorkelled. When next we visit to ABC islands, we will definitely look at returning to Bonaire. Board the family-friendly trolley train for a general tour of the island.

This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza. These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view. Essentially, though, the ABC Islands lie outside the hurricane belt so are much less affected by seasonal storms from June to November.

Why Visit the ABC Islands

Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories. Personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard.

If you like upscale, high-end shopping, you should check out the Renaissance Mall and Marketplace which is home to many luxury retailers. If you’re looking for a more laid back, browsing and strolling shopping experience, the Royal Plaza Mall offers a good mixture of name brand retailers and local, unique souvenir shops. Lastly, the Wharfside Flea Market offers bargain deals for t-shirts, hats, bags, beach towels, crafts and all types of souvenirs. If you don’t mind using your bargaining skills, you can walk away with some really awesome keepsakes for good prices. For more information on shopping, visit Norwegian’s Port Shopping Guide.

At NOTES, a dedicated whisk(e)y bar guests can gaze in awe at the more than 120 labels on display — and sample some of the rarest whisk(e)y selections in the world. An interactive menu board and multiple tasting options are designed to identify uniquely personalized flavor profiles for every guest. The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine. FREE Holland America specialists to help you plan your cruise vacation.

Bask on Knip Beach

The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are blessed with natural beauty, world-class diving, and a sunny southern Caribbean location. On a cruise to the ABC Islands, you'll be able to visit all three islands and experience everything from golden sandy beaches to pristine coral reefs. Enjoy old-world Dutch charm in each port of call, as well as excellent shopping, eclectic dining, and exciting nightlife options on overnight stays. Aruba is a captivating cruise port of call that promises an unforgettable experience for travelers. Oranjestad is a vibrant and colorful city that offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and outdoor activities to cultural landmarks and exciting nightlife. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, you're sure to find it in this tropical paradise.

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Aruba 2024 (with Prices) - Aruba Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Aruba 2024 (with Prices) - Aruba Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:05:40 GMT [source]

Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor. Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

abc island cruise

The more adventurous can arrange hiking, biking, or four-wheel driving tours in the national park. Many of these activities can be arranged through excursions, but cruisers can also rent a car, pickup or even a golf cart for the day and drive themselves. We were glad we found a cruise that provided an itinerary to visit the ABC islands. We found it to be bigger and more commercial than the other islands. It took us back to our travels through the volcanic islands of the north Atlantic. David wanted to visit Klein Bonaire (the island just offshore), so we took the Caribe water taxi over.

abc island cruise

Bonaire has a whooping 22 beaches to discover and the island offers soft sand beaches as well as rugged coastline. Atlantis Beach is ideal for kiteboarders, white-sand seekers and those looking for a long beach stroll while Te Amo Beach has tranquil waters with a sandy shoreline and great snorkeling nearby. Playa Chikitu, which is located inside the Washington Slagbaai National Park, is a remote cove with white sand dunes, luminescent waters and sea turtle nests. Be careful there because the currents are strong and swimming is not allowed.

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. 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.

This Caribbean islands trifecta is famous for embracing different cultures and having some of the most iconic vistas in the tropics. Aruba is famous for its lively Caribbean spirit, while Bonaire is known for its quiet and remote vibe, and Curacao has colorful architecture and picture-perfect beaches. The three-story Royal Plaza Mall and Renaissance Mall offer incredible duty-free deals, all within easy walking distance of the port.

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. Stroll through the colorful buildings in pastel shades of pink, yellow, and blue that line the UNESCO-protected section of CuraƧao’s port city, Willemstad. Explore the charming, Dutch-influenced center of Kralendijk in Bonaire, known for its excellent shopping and dining.

Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. 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. With award-winning onboard programs, regional cuisine from world-class chefs and celebrations of Caribbean life, Princess makes your ship a destination all its own.

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