Category: Cruise

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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.

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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!

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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!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support Reddy on the Go so we can keep sharing our travel adventures. Thank you for your support!

If you are looking for the perfect Curacao cruise excursion, you probably already know that the choices are overwhelming. From the white sands of Mambo Beach to the historic caves, there is so much to see.

During our recent stop at the Curacao port, we tested out the Sea & See tour, and it quickly became one of our favorite port days. Here is everything you need to know about why this is a top-rated Curacao excursion.

Exploring Willemstad in Comfort

Many Curacao cruise excursions involve long, hot bus rides. One thing we loved about this tour was the air-conditioned bus—a must in the Caribbean heat! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, pointing out the famous vibrant Dutch architecture and even the island’s famous baseball stadium.

The Sea: Semi-Submarine Adventure

The “Sea” part of this Curacao excursion takes place at the Dreams Resort. You board a semi-submarine where you sit below the water line.

• The Marine Life: We saw schools of tropical fish, vibrant coral, and even a sea turtle!
• The Diver: About halfway through, a diver enters the water to feed the fish right in front of your window. It’s an incredible up-close experience.

We booked this directly through Carnival, but you can do just this part (while having to arrange your own transportation to and from) by booking here!

The See: Tallest Bridge in the Caribbean

One of the highlights of this tour is driving over the Queen Juliana Bridge. Standing at 200 feet high, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the port. If you want that “postcard-perfect” photo of your cruise ship from above, this is the excursion that gets you there.

A Taste of History: The Chobolobo Liquor Factory

No Curacao cruise excursion is complete without a stop at the Chobolobo Liquor Factory. You get to see exactly how the world-famous Blue Curacao is distilled and, of course, enjoy some free samples. It’s the perfect spot to pick up an authentic souvenir before heading back to the ship.

Final Verdict for our Curacao Cruise Excursion

If you want a Curacao excursion that combines history, city sights, and underwater adventure without a massive time commitment, this tour is a winner. It leaves you with plenty of time to explore the Rif Fort or do some shopping near the pier before your ship departs.

If you’re planning a cruise on the Carnival Celebration and wondering whether a balcony room is worth the upgrade… the short answer? Absolutely. We stayed in Room 14231, and this post breaks down everything you need to know—from the balcony views to storage space, the bathroom setup, and the overall layout.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a repeat Carnival fan, here’s a full walkthrough of what you can expect.

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Room Overview: Carnival Celebration – Room 14231

We stayed in balcony stateroom 14231, located on the starboard (right) side of the ship. The moment we walked in, the room felt more spacious than expected, with a clean layout and plenty of room for two adults.

But let’s be honest…

We booked this room for one main reason: the balcony.

The Balcony — The Best Feature of the Room

The balcony was hands-down our favorite part of the entire room.

What you’ll find:

• Two chairs
• One small table
• Wide open views of the ocean

Stepping outside each morning for fresh air, quiet time, and unlimited ocean views made the entire experience feel more peaceful and private.

One thing to note:

Since this room is on the right side of the ship, you won’t see land while docked at most ports—you’ll mostly be overlooking the water. Not a bad thing… but good to know if you love port-side views.

The Bed Setup

The room comes with two twins pushed together to make a king, which is super common on cruise ships. Surprisingly, you can’t even tell—they felt like one solid mattress and were genuinely comfortable after long days exploring.

The Bathroom: Small but Functional

Cruise ship bathrooms aren’t known for being spacious, and this one is no exception. It’s tight, and really only fits one person at a time.

Bathroom highlights:

• Surprisingly hot water (test it before jumping in!)
• A real shower door — not a curtain
• Clean layout and enough room for cruisers who pack light

Compared to older Carnival ships, the shower door was a big win.

Storage, Closets & Space

For two people, this room had more than enough storage.

Closet Features:

• Multiple compartments
• Plenty of hangers
• A safe in the left section (perfect for passports, wallets, etc.)

There’s also a couch in the room that we mostly used as a landing zone for clothes, bags, and the “things that don’t have a home.” If you’re traveling as a family, it can be converted into a bed.

Overall Room Space

The cabin layout is simple, clean, and surprisingly roomy. You get:

• A couch
• Desk area
• TV
• Good lighting
• Multiple shelves and surfaces

It didn’t feel cramped, and for a week-long cruise, we had everything we needed.

Final Thoughts: Is a Carnival Celebration Balcony Room Worth It?

In our honest opinion: 100% yes.

The balcony elevated the entire experience—from morning coffee with ocean views to late-night quiet time hearing the waves. Room 14231 was comfortable, functional, and perfect for couples or small families.

If you’re debating between an interior, ocean view, or balcony…

Go balcony. Especially on a ship like the Celebration.

Thinking About Booking a Carnival Celebration Balcony Room?

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