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Are you looking for the ultimate Caribbean getaway? This summer, my family and I embarked on an incredible cruise aboard the Carnival Celebration to the ABC Islands, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget. From the vibrant streets of Curacao to the crystal-clear waters of Aruba and the hidden gems of Bonaire, this itinerary is a must-do for any cruise lover.
In this post, we’re breaking down our highlights from each stop and why an ABC Islands Cruise should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Why the ABC Islands?
Located in the Southern Caribbean, the “ABC” islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—are famous for sitting outside the hurricane belt, making them a fantastic year-round destination. Each island has its own distinct personality, and sailing there on a ship like the Carnival Celebration makes the journey just as fun as the destination.
Stop 1: Willemstad, Curacao
Our first stop was the picturesque island of Curacao. It’s a beautiful place with so much to offer. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping, there are plenty of options within a very easy walk from the boat.
For those wanting to get into the water, the island is surrounded by beautifully clear turquoise sea. We actually did a full separate video on our excursion here, so be sure to check that out for a deeper dive into what to do in Curacao! While we did book our excursion through Carnival, you can get the excursion here (but you will have to provide your own travel to get there).
Stop 2: Kralendijk, Bonaire
Bonaire was the island I knew the absolute least about, but it ended up exceeding my expectations by far.
We booked the “Samur Sail, Beach, and Snorkel” excursion through Carnival. We set sail for No-Name Beach, a secluded spot that was absolutely stunning. The snorkeling was incredible; there’s a ridge running parallel to the beach where we saw tons of fish and beautiful corals.
Pro Tip: After your excursion, take a quick walk to Karel’s Beach Bar. All the tables are right over the water, providing an awesome view while you eat. We even got to see our excursion boat sail by while we had lunch!
Stop 3: Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba was the island I was most excited for. Although we had a bit of a stressful start when our original excursion was canceled last minute, we ended up on a Banana Bus Tour that turned out to be a blast.
The tour included:
- The California Lighthouse: A quick 5-minute stop for some iconic photos.
- Eagle Beach: Known as one of the best beaches in the world. The water was calm with no real current, making the swimming absolutely fantastic.
Even with the initial scheduling hiccup, Aruba’s natural beauty won us over, and I’d definitely give it another go!
Final Thoughts on our ABC Islands Cruise
Overall, this ABC Islands Cruise was absolutely amazing. My family had a great time exploring three very different islands, all while enjoying the amenities of the Carnival Celebration. If you get the chance to book this itinerary, I highly recommend it!
Are you planning a cruise to the ABC Islands? Let us know in the comments!