The Other ABC Islands

[ArubaAce]

Has anyone traveled to the other ABC Islands Bonaire and Curacao? If so what was your experience compared to Aruba?

I'm looking into a Panama Canal Trip out of Miami for next year or 2022. There is a 12 night cruise that goes to all 3 ABC islands, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica. The also have another that goes to just Aruba, Curacao but replaces Bonaire with Dominican Republic Puerto Plata which Ive been there before so I'm more inclined to do the cruise with all 3 ABC islands..

[Andrea J.]

We have been to all ABC islands on cruises and on land based vacations.
The first and most important thing is not to compare Aruba to the other 2.

Curacao is lovely, is fast moving downtown, has lots of traffic, the beaches are not very expansive, there are nice Tradewinds.
Good restaurant selections, lots to see and plentiful shopping. It is not as laid back as many Caribbean Islands.

Bonaire is magnificently beautiful.
There is lots to see, beautiful national park, much history, unbelievable SCUBA and snorkeling.
Not a shoppers or foodie paradise.....hotels and resorts are smaller and mostly geared for Scuba or snorkeling.
Traffic is light, beaches are very few and they are small.
There are a few (2?) casinos.

If you can, book the trip with all 3 ABC islands sounds better than the one with the DR. (Although the DR beaches are awesome)

Paul and I are looking at Panama Canal for 2021.

[robin]

We spent a week in Curacao and it was very nice, but not Aruba. I've been to Puerto Plata and would not return but would go back to Curacao.

[ArubaAce]

Thanks for the input. I think I will go for the ABC. Although I only went to the DR once and they do have beautiful beaches, it wasn't all a pleasant experience so I would most likely not get off the ship.

Andrea, which cruise line are you guys considering? I usually go with Norwegian Cruise line because they have solo cabins and a private solo lounge for those guests. I am also looking at Celebrity Edge which have solo balcony cabins but very pricey which is why I am planning 2 years ahead. The cruise is also 12 nights

[Andrea J.]

we are now diamond with Carnival, so pretty much because of those diamond perks, we looking at their Panama Canal cruise for this time next year out of Tampa.
we are also considering Holland America....we have sailed with them a few times and waiting to hear if they will honor our Carnival status.
Celebrity was too pricey for a balcony cabin and no good discount for Florida residents.

Panama Canal is on Paul's bucket list, not mine.

Thanks for the input. I think I will go for the ABC. Although I only went to the DR once and they do have beautiful beaches, it wasn't all a pleasant experience so I would most likely not get off the ship.

Andrea, which cruise line are you guys considering? I usually go with Norwegian Cruise line because they have solo cabins and a private solo lounge for those guests. I am also looking at Celebrity Edge which have solo balcony cabins but very pricey which is why I am planning 2 years ahead. The cruise is also 12 nights

[phrogg108]

I found this thread from January and wanted to resurrect it because the hubs and I were debating our next trip spending a week in Aruba and a week in Curacao. Of those of you that have gone to Curacao: how easy is it (was it) to get from Aruba to Curacao? Is there (still) an airline or ferry or something that transports between the two? I also realize that right now, Curacao may not be open to Americans just yet, but we are looking at going October 2021. We talked about spending 2 weeks in Aruba next time, but are also entertaining the thought of trying to get to Curacao for some or part of the time. Still up in the air, but any input is appreciated! Thoughts on Bonaire are also welcome!!

[Andrea J.]

Curacao is accessible by Air from Aruba.
No ferries.

It is OK, nothing special.
More "commercial" than Aruba.
Beaches for the most part are small and nothing special either.
Restaurants good.

Bonaire....we love Bonaire.
Few beaches, less than Curacao.
Less commercial area than Aruba and much less than Curacao.
Friendly residents.
Restaurants are fewer and more laid back.
There are many places like Cafe 080.
Snorkeling in Bonaire is like nothing you have ever seen....just plain old snorkeling from shore.
Accessible by Air from Aruba.

Most of the visitors to Bonaire are there for SCUBA and snorkeling.

We have stayed at the Divi, at Captain Don's Habitat and at a resort on Eden Beach.
All had very limited beach but had awesome shore snorkeling right off the dock or beach.

Aruba gets my vote 1st.
Bonaire gets 2nd
Curacao, if it were me, I would skip or just go for a couple of days.

[Pegmeister]

I saw a tweet yesterday saying Celebrity Cruises was going to an all inclusive pricing. Some are speculating that Royal Caribbean May follow suit. I don’t know their itineraries but it may be worth a look.