By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Cruise to ABC Islands
Why Cruise to ABC Islands?
There’s something magical about spending the holidays under a palm tree instead of a pine tree.
For two consecutive Christmases, I traded Minnesota snow for Caribbean sunshine and set sail with Holland America to explore the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. While each island brought its own flavor, culture, and unexpected adventure, I loved every minute of it.
Over the course of two separate Holland America cruises, I visited the islands on the 12-Day Panama Canal Sunfarer in 2023 aboard the Zuiderdam, and the 9-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer in 2024 on the Rotterdam.
The first cruise brought me to Curaçao, while the second cruise checked Aruba and Bonaire off my list.
Here’s everything I loved about this sunny escape—and why you might too.
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Table of Content:
- Where Are the ABC Islands? A Cruiser’s Guide to Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao?
- Setting Sail: How to Choose the Right Cruise to the ABC Islands
- When to Go: Best Time to Cruise to the ABC Islands
- Cruise to Aruba: Snorkeling, Beach Time & Iguana Joe’s Highlights
- Cruise to Bonaire: Golf Carts, Flamingos & First-Time Snorkeling Fun
- Cruise to Curaçao: Caves, Cas Abao, and Colorful Willemstad Streets
- Cruise to ABC Islands vs. Land-Based Travel: Which Wins?
- What to Pack for a Cruise to the ABC Islands (and What I’d Do Differently)
- Should You Cruise to the ABC Islands? My Honest Take
Where Are the ABC Islands? A Cruiser’s Guide to Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao?
In case you’re not familiar, the ABC Islands are three islands tucked away in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela.
In addition, each island has its own unique vibe, yet they share the same impossibly blue waters, laid-back charm, and Dutch-Caribbean flair.
Also, even better for travelers, the islands are outside the hurricane belt, which makes them perfect for a winter getaway.
Setting Sail: How to Choose the Right Cruise to the ABC Islands
To begin with, both of my cruise journeys started with Holland America, a line I recommend for travelers looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. In addition, the crowd tends to be mature, and the vibe is chill—perfect if you’re not into late-night dance parties or water slides.
On one of the two trips, the 12-day Panama Canal Holiday Cruise offered an incredible mix of destinations, with Curaçao being one of the highlights. It’s a trip I still recommend to anyone wanting a balance of scenic cruising, historic ports, and beach time.
After that, in 2024, I set sail on a holiday cruise aboard the Rotterdam—my favorite ship in Holland America’s fleet. This particular itinerary had me especially excited, with planned stops in both Bonaire and Aruba—two dreamy destinations I’d been eager to check off my list.
In addition, there’s something comforting about sailing on a ship you already know your way around, and the Rotterdam delivers with a sleek layout, cozy spaces, and standout dining options. One highlight is the Tamarind restaurant—a must-visit for sushi and pan-Asian cuisine.
As a result, the Rotterdam quickly became my favorite ship in the Holland America fleet. It strikes the perfect balance—modern and easy to navigate, yet never overwhelming in size. Also, I loved the thoughtful layout, quiet spaces for relaxing, and upscale dining options like Tamarind, Pinnacle Grill, and Rudi’s Sel De Mer.
Plus, the live music venues, especially the Rolling Stone Lounge and B.B. Kings Blues Club, adds just the right touch of evening entertainment without the chaos of bigger ships.
Before diving into the island experiences, let’s talk cruise options—If you’re hoping to replicate my Holland experiences, or find something similar—here are a few great choices to consider:
Cruise Line Comparisons for Your ABC Islands Adventure
Holland America offers a 9-Day Caribbean Cruise to the ABCs.
→ For a more refined and relaxed experience, ideal for travelers who enjoy quieter ships, great dining, and cultural enrichment programs.
Carnival offers a livelier 8-Day Caribbean Southern Cruise.
→ Known for its party atmosphere, casual fun, and affordable pricing—great for families or groups looking for high-energy entertainment.
Celebrity Cruises offers an elegant 8-Night Caribbean Southern Cruise.
→ Offering a premium experience with stylish ships, elevated dining, and a blend of relaxation and enrichment. Ideal for couples or travelers who enjoy modern luxury without the crowds.
When to Go: Best Time to Cruise to the ABC Islands
I’ve cruised the Caribbean multiple times during the winter months, and it’s one of the best seasons to go.
From December through March, you’ll find warm temperatures in the mid-80s, lower chances of rain, and virtually no threat of hurricanes—making it a perfect escape from cold northern winters.
Whether you’re cruising over the holidays or simply looking for sunshine in January, the ABC Islands deliver tropical vibes, clear water, and a much-needed dose of Vitamin D. (That said, celebrating Christmas on board is pretty unforgettable.)
First up on our itinerary: Aruba, where the sun, sea, and margaritas took center stage.
Pro Tip: Winter offers more stable weather and lower hurricane risk compared to the hot, humid, and storm-prone summer months.
Cruise to Aruba: Snorkeling, Beach Time & Iguana Joe’s Highlights
First off, our day in Aruba was all about soaking up sun and exploring under the sea.
Right after disembarking, we grabbed a taxi right outside the cruise terminal and headed straight to Arashi Beach. The taxis were plentiful and organized—you won’t have to search long.
Pro Tip: Bring cash to pay for the taxi. Most drivers don’t accept cards, and it makes the ride smoother.
Once we arrived at Arashi Beach, we rented an umbrella (a must-have in the blazing sun), kicked back with a local beer, and took to the water. Also, the beach was clean, not overly crowded, and perfect for first-time snorkelers. It was only my second time snorkeling, but I spotted a rainbow of tropical fish, an octopus, an eel, and even a flounder.
Pro Tip: Rent that umbrella—It’s worth every penny.
To wrap up the day, before heading back to the ship, we walked to Iguana Joe’s Caribbean Bar and Grill from the cruise port. At Iguana Joe’s, we ordered the 3-2-1 Classic Margarita and the Cadillac Margarita, both strong and refreshing. For food, we shared Jamaican Jerk Chicken and the Igua-Na-Chos (massive nachos). The portions were huge, and our server was full of local tips.
Pro Tip: Share your meals when dining off the ship—you can’t bring leftovers back onboard.
After soaking up the sun in Aruba, we were off to my favorite island: Bonaire.
☀️ Explore Top Tours in Aruba
From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to jeep adventures through Arikok National Park, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences in Aruba.
Book your activities with trusted tour providers:
Cruise to Bonaire: Golf Carts, Flamingos & First-Time Snorkeling Fun
Among the three islands, Bonaire was my favorite—it felt the most laid-back and untouched by mass tourism.
To kick our day off in Bonaire, we rented a golf cart from Bonaire Cruisers and took the South Route, which, featured everything from salt flats and flamingo sanctuaries to snorkeling coves and a donkey sanctuary.
Top Stops During Our Cruise to Bonaire
- Salt Pier
- Slave Huts
- Atlantis Beach (wind surfers galore!)
- Flamingo Sanctuary
- Sorobon Beach (coconut drinks in hand)
- Donkey Sanctuary
- Ocean Oasis Beach Club
- Bachelor’s Beach (where I snorkeled in crystal-clear water)
Throughout the day, driving the golf cart made it easy for us to stop and explore places.
As part of the loop, we visited Sorobon Beach (famous for windsurfing), where we waded into shallow, crystal-clear water and sipped on a fresh coconut drinks at the nearby beach shack.
After that, at the Donkey Sanctuary, our little cart gave us an up-close encounter with hundreds of donkeys—some friendly, others sassy.
Finally, snorkeling at Bachelor’s Beach was surreal. Although it was my first time snorkeling, and even though I accidentally swallowed some seawater at first, I quickly got the hang of it. The water was vibrant and teeming with life. Also, one purple-and-yellow fish even reminded me of the Minnesota Vikings team colors.
Pro Tip: Bring a GoPro—I wish I had captured those snorkeling moments!
After we returned the golf cart, we wandered through town and grabbed drinks at Peir Dos, a bar perched right over the water. We watched fish swim below us while sipping cocktails and soaking in the last rays of island sun.
Pro Tip: If you’re renting a golf cart, leave time to refill the gas tank. There’s only one gas station nearby, and the line can be long.
Lastly, our final island stop offered a blend of natural wonders and urban charm.
🌊 Discover the Best of Bonaire
Whether you’re diving into vibrant coral reefs or exploring the island’s rugged landscapes, Bonaire is packed with adventure and natural beauty.
Book top-rated tours and experiences with trusted providers:
Cruise to Curaçao: Caves, Cas Abao, and Colorful Willemstad Streets
For our stop in Curaçao, we opted for a half-day tour that included a visit to Hato Cave and Cas Abao Beach.
The Hato Cave were fascinating, but not the cool reprieve I expected—it was hot and humid inside. Still, the limestone formations and hidden chambers were a treat to explore. Also, our tour guide was a natural storyteller, weaving tales of local culture and history as we rode through colorful Willemstad toward the cave.
Later that afternoon, we headed to Cas Abao Beach via a bumpy dirt road. As expected, the beach was gorgeous with clear turquoise waters. Also, there’s a bar and grill on site, and even options for beach massages or renting snorkel gear.
That said, the only downside was that it felt rushed. Just as we got comfortable, it was time to go. If I return, I’d skip the cave and do a full day at the beach or try an ATV tour instead.
Before returning to the ship, we made a quick stop to snap photos of flamingos lounging in the salt ponds.
Then, back in Willemstad, we strolled across the famous floating bridge and into town. Reminiscent of Amsterdam with a Caribbean twist, the pastel-colored buildings were bursting with charm. We stopped at De Buren Curaçao for tropical drinks and people-watching before heading back to the ship.
Pro Tip: Curaçao is a great walking city—wear comfy shoes.
🌴 Unforgettable Adventures in Curaçao
Swim with sea turtles, wander pastel-colored streets, or take a catamaran to hidden coves—Curaçao offers something for every type of traveler.
Book the best tours and experiences here:
Cruise to ABC Islands vs. Land-Based Travel: Which Wins?
Compared to land-based travel, cruising is hands-down the best way to get a sampler of all three islands. Since, flying to each island would be expensive, with multiple connections and high seasonal rates. Plus, a cruise is efficient and lets you figure out which island you might want to return to for a longer stay.
- Cruise Pros: Sample all 3 islands, budget-friendly, no inter-island flights.
- Land-Based Pros: More time in one spot, immersive.
However, if I were to fly back for a holiday week, I’d choose Bonaire—The snorkeling was top-notch, the pace was slower, and the island felt more authentic. But, flights to Bonaire can be tricky and costly.
Even so, Aruba is a close second—The island is more developed and easier to get to, with better deals on flights and plenty of accommodations. Also, our server at Iguana Joe’s tipped us off that VRBO rentals can be just as affordable as hotels.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes. Many beaches are rocky or have sharp coral.
🏡 Stay Your Way in the ABC Islands
Whether you’re looking for a beachside villa, a downtown apartment, or a quiet cottage, VRBO has great options across the ABC Islands—often at lower prices than traditional hotels.
Explore vacation rentals on each island:
