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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. Spots you should see include Christoffelpark, which is a protected park with a peak that's the island's highest at 375 meters above sea level. You should also visit the Hato Caves, which has stalactites, stalagmites, underground lakes and waterfalls. For beaches, Cas Abao, Playa Lagun, Playa Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara Beach all offer white sandy shores great for swimming, snorkeling or just lounging. In the water, with luck, you’ll see graceful sea turtles, dolphins, and stingrays, as well as dozens of species of vibrant tropical fish.
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The walls of the fort remained but encircled just a shopping and restaurant spot. We climbed to the top of the walls for our first clear view of the harbour area. When we booked our cruise to the southern Caribbean, we were excited about the chance to visit the ABC islands.
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Enjoy luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service as you discover Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and Fort Lauderdale. Climb, snorkel, swim, bike or chill in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Papiamento and Dutch are the official languages and English and Spanish are often spoken by locals as well. Some of the instruments that Bonaireans crafted are the bari, a drum made with a small rum barrel covered with sheepskin and the chapi, a percussive instrument that was created from the metal end of a hoe and hit with a metal bar. Plow blades, conch shells and even dried donkey jaws with teeth were also used to make musical sounds. The traditional dances in Bonaire are the Bari and the Simadan but locals also enjoy polka, the merengue, the jazz waltz and the carioca.
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Things to Do on a Cruise to Aruba
An African influence can be seen in the island's cuisine as well with dishes like guiambo (a soup made of okra and seafood). Another delicacy you should try is cocada, a sweet coconut dessert made with sugar, vanilla, rose essence, and coconut. Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows.
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Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local flavor, this Caribbean gem will leave you with cherished memories. Willemstad, Curacao is a must-visit destination for any Caribbean cruise itinerary. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, shopping, and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore historic landmarks, or indulge in local cuisine and nightlife, Willemstad has it all. So come and experience the magic of this vibrant city and create memories that will last a lifetime. In Bonaire, discover the laid-back vibe of the island's capital and cultural center, Kralendijk, and visit dive sites that are perfect for both beginners and experts.
Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack. Praised by Condé Nast Traveler for cuisine “that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is the perfect place to explore the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The menu, which honors the elements of water, wood, fire and earth, features such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster, barramundi (Asian sea bass) in banana leaf and sushi, accompanied by chilled or heated sake. Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.
Discover the rich history of Amber Cove, explore the dry, cactus-filled terrain on a hiking adventure in Oranjestad, or traverse the bustling waterfront of Willemstad. The word “nami,” Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is an homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea. Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients.
Here you can snag luxury designer jewelry and watches, but also pick up traditional Dutch items like Delft (blue and white) pottery and locally made aloe products. Buckle up for an off-road 4X4 ride through the rough and rugged Aruba Arikok National Park. Along the way, you’ll spot the local plants and wildlife of the craggy but beautiful coastline on your way to Conchi, a natural pool created by the ocean’s relentless crashing waves. Bonaire was our favourite stop on our cruise to visit the ABC islands. Our great underwater experience in Bonaire will definitely draw us back for a return visit.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Cruise passengers can stroll along the bustling streets, exploring local shops, cafes, and capturing the perfect Instagram-worthy shots of the iconic Willem III Tower. Aruba is the most popular tourist destination among the ABC Islands, and the farthest west. You're likely to find more ABC Islands cruises that include Aruba than either of the other two, with many cruise lines including it on sailings from South America or even the Western Caribbean. Cruise Critic has unraveled the secrets of the ABC Islands for you, exploring a bit about what makes each island a captivating destination. We'll look at which cruise lines visit the ABCs and what you might do on each island.
Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening. Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses. Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.
When we headed back across the pedestrian bridge after we walked through downtown, we heard the whistle blow. We were surprised we were allowed to stay on the bridge as it opened fully to let several boats through. After it was completely moved to the side, it remained that way for some time. When you visit the ABC islands, there will be many reminders that these islands are part of the Netherlands. A large pile of massive rocks we another leftover from the volcanic eruptions in the sea surrounding Aruba.
You'll also find Ponant and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruising the ABC Islands with stops in Bonaire. Off-road excursions provide an exhilarating journey through the island's untamed beauty. If getting out onto the water is more your style, choose from speed boats to leisurely kayaks. Indian, African, Asian and European inhabitants formed Bonaire and the islanders keep alive many of the traditions brought by settlers.
Meanwhile, more than 80 species live inside the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, which is close to Eagle Beach. Just like the arts and culture, Aruba's food is a mix of Caribbean, Dutch, African, and Latin American flavors. Fresh seafood, fried delicacies, wholesome stews, and tasty soups are all incorporated. Dishes like pan bati (a sweet and soft flatbread), cabrito stoba (a popular goat stew), and keri keri (a delicious fish soup) are all local staples and easy to find around the island. For drinks, there's beer (the most popular is Balashi) and cocktails like Aruba Ariba, which has a distinctive bright red color. For desserts, go with bolo di banana, a plantain pudding, or with pan bollo, a bread pudding served with rum sauce and a side of vanilla ice cream.
Aruba entices visitors with its iconic natural formations like the Ayo and Casibari rock formations, the Natural Pool, and the picturesque California Lighthouse. The ABC Islands are popular ports of call for Caribbean cruises, attracting travelers from around the world. Each island has its own distinct port, where cruise ships dock, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the unique offerings of each destination. In Aruba, cruise ships dock at Oranjestad, a lively port city with a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and excellent shopping opportunities. Bonaire's main port, Kralendijk, is a charming and picturesque town known for its colorful waterfront, friendly locals, and easy access to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Caribbean. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a picturesque harbor, pastel-colored buildings, and a lively waterfront district filled with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks.
Head to north Aruba to find natural wonders like the Arikok National Park, which has hiking trails and various geological formations, including lava, quartz and limestone. You'll also find some of Aruba's oldest indigenous paintings, made by the Arawaks, as well as gold mines and plantation ruins. Near the park, you can also find Rock Wish Garden, where you can build stone towers that are believed to grant the wishes of those who make them. In the south, you'll find the San Nicolas Bay Reef Islands, which are a perfect place to see the Cayenne tern as well as other tropical birds.
Meanwhile, if you're looking for something sweet, try arepa di pampuna, a pumpkin pancake eaten between meals or as a dessert. Pumpkin isn't seasonal on Curaçao so you'll find it as an ingredient in many dishes. You can wash it all down with a Polar or Amstel beer, which are the local favorites.
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