cruise aruba curacao

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Unique flavors, diverse cultural history — immerse yourself in hidden island gems.

A Southern Caribbean Cruise will spoil anyone with its natural beauty that leaves even the most seasoned traveler speechless. Find vibrant green rainforests teeming with life, coral reefs that buzz with hundreds of aquatic species and a people whose kindness is as deep as their cultural history is diverse. Take those extra steps, travel a little farther, and allow yourself to discover the heart of the Caribbean.

* Port order and/or content may vary by sailing date.

Featured Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports

Survey the Southern Caribbean’s most famous islands (plus our main departure port).

Aruba defies expectations with a vibrant desert interior ringed with white sand beaches, a dramatic northern coastline, and quaint colonial Dutch architecture. Cruise to Aruba's famous aloe plantations and factories, and learn their historical importance to the island. Visit the California lighthouse, named for the steamship that sank off the coast over a hundred years ago. Stroll through Oranjestad, the picturesque, Dutch-inspired capital while browsing for the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time here.

View cruises with Aruba | View Aruba shore excursions

A small paradise off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire has some of the world's most pristine diving and snorkeling locations. Preserved coral reefs wait in the warm water, easy to explore from the comfortable beach clubs ashore. Take a diving or snorkeling expedition to the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, offroad through the wild mangrove forests and salt flats of the island's interior, or take in the sights of the quaint Dutch-influenced capital by trolley.

View cruises with Bonaire | View Bonaire shore excursions

With its dramatic landscapes, arid interior and pastel-painted Dutch-style houses, Curaçao is a distinct delight nestled in the warm Caribbean Sea. Cruises to Curaçao allow you to enjoy many beautiful beaches, snorkel through the shipwreck of a 50-year-old tugboat, or marvel at the striking sea cliffs of Boka Tabla. If the history of the island fascinates you, take a tour of the charming capital of Willemstad, or visit Fort Amsterdam and see the cannonball still embedded in its walls from a battle hundreds of years ago.

View cruises with Curaçao | View Curaçao shore excursions

Pristine, lush and alive, Dominica escaped modern civilization's penchant for paving every surface and has remained a nature lover's paradise. Dive into the gorgeous blue depths of the dormant volcanic crater in Scotts Head Marine Reserve, and witness the vibrant sea life that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the verdant rainforests, botanical gardens and waterfalls of the island's interior, and experience a slice of heaven on earth.

View cruises with Dominica | View Dominica shore excursions

A lush rainforest-covered island nestled between two volcanic peaks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pitons, St. Lucia is the definition of a tropical paradise. Cruise to St. Lucia and visit the famous Pitons, journey to the only drive-through volcanic cavern in the world, or experience the sulfur mud baths and recharge your batteries in ancient pools. Travel to the town of Soufriere, supposedly the birthplaces of Napoleon's Queen Josephine, zipline through the lush jungle canopy, or relax on one of the islands many resort beaches.

View cruises with St. Lucia | View St. Lucia shore excursions

Ft. Lauderdale

The "Venice of America" has been the premier destination for spring breakers for almost six decades, but don't let that fool you into thinking the city is one big party. From the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to an amazingly rich biosphere, to seven miles of white-sand beaches, Ft. Lauderdale is a beautifully diverse city.

Cruises with Ft. Lauderdale | Ft. Lauderdale shore excursions | Learn more about Ft. Lauderdale

What Will You Do on a Southern Caribbean Cruise?

Top-rated caribbean beaches.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Perfection might be the best word to describe the picturesque Eagle Beach. Aruba cruises offer soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water and a quiet atmosphere make relaxation easy. Take in the surroundings from a lounge chair, swim the calm warm waters, and enjoy local cuisine right near the beach.

Kenepa Beach, Curaçao

A picturesque beach, sheltered between two rock outcroppings, makes for calm azure waters and relaxing beach days. The sand is soft, white and warm, and everything you could want to complement the beautiful scenery is right at your fingertips.

Mambo Beach, Willemstad, Curaçao

Grab a lounger and relax on the soft white sands, rent snorkel equipment, and swim through the pristine blue waters observing magnificent sea life, or grab a snack at the many eateries on the boardwalk as you indulge in some luxurious shopping.

Island Shore Excursions

Experience the best the Southern Caribbean has to offer with award-winning shore excursions that immerse you in thrilling experiences, unique culinary delights and peaceful rejuvenation. Explore the quaint Dutch-inspired capitals of the ABC islands, snorkel in a dormant volcanic crater teeming with life, or immerse yourself in ancient, rejuvenating sulfur mud baths.

Learn more about Caribbean Shore Excursions

Late Night Departures

The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays in ports such as Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and Bonaire let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.

#PrincessCruises Caribbean Connections

Caribbean cruise onboard experience & featured program.

Comfortable Accommodations

Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. With the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, luxurious 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and specially created SLEEP program by a board-certified sleep expert, you might just get the best sleep of your life. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together.

Bringing Local Life Aboard

Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant island rhythms at exclusive parties, and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities — from concerts and crafts to talks from shark experts and treasure hunters.

Never Miss a Beat

Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands.

Deeper Experiences of the Islands

Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the region’s best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or become a part of the rhythm with steel pan drum lessons. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage.

Discovery at SEA

Sharks, pirates and stars — oh my.

Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel™ on board your Caribbean cruise! Enjoy Shark Week all summer long with shark-themed activities, hear tales of sunken treasure and lost shipwrecks from the stars of Travel Channel’s™ Caribbean Pirate Treasure, and explore the constellations and spectacular galaxies of the night sky with the Voyage to the Stars indoor planetarium experience.

Ship Activities for Every Cruise to the Caribbean

Recharging Your Batteries

Pamper yourself in the Lotus Spa® with a massage, facial or manicure, and feel renewed. Enjoy The Sanctuary, a lounge just for adults, where you can relax with a light meal, specialty drink and al fresco massages while digging into that novel you've been looking forward to reading. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate.

Celebrations

The perfect place to celebrate.

Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Say "I do" at sea in a ceremony officiated by the captain. Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. For us, every day is a celebration.

Love Blooms on the Love Boat

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. While on board we cater to your romantic side with private dining on your balcony, whether a relaxing breakfast for two or a romantic sunset dinner, honeymoon packages for lucky newlyweds, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Food & Drinks

The flavors of the islands.

The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.

Movies Under the Stars®

Outdoor cinema at its best.

Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. Not to mention the best theater in the world, the Caribbean ocean with a ceiling of stars!

Sailing with Your Crew

Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discovery’s Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together.

Caribbean Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about colorful cultures, breathtaking landscapes, must-see attractions and preparation advice for cruising the Caribbean.

2023-2024 Caribbean Cruises

There’s no better way to truly experience the laid-back Caribbean than with Princess.

Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month

From radiant sunshine to turquoise waters, enjoy the best Caribbean cruise weather all year round when you sail to these tropical lands with Princess.

Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Whether you’re a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess.

Best Caribbean Cruises

Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman

From relaxing on the shores of Seven Mile Beach to feeding majestic sea creatures at Stingray City, discover the top things to do in Grand Cayman with Princess.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Discover the best time for a Caribbean cruise. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean.

See all Caribbean cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Caribbean cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

You May Also Like

Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Walk along sun-kissed beaches in laid-back style.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Top-Rated Beaches and Water Play

Western Caribbean Cruises

Historic Spots and Natural Wonders

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Start Searching

• Packages  
• Hotels  
• Cruises  
• Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Caribbean and Bahamas: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao Cruise

8-night celebrity reflection cruise.

From $743 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $125 - $132

Celebrity Cruises

Since pirate days, bargain hunters have come to trade. Today, travelers on Caribbean cruises seek out unique island fashions and fragrances, designer jewelry and Mexican silver, Cuban cigars, even blue Delft figurines.

Included Extras

  executive member benefit.

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Celebrity Cruises sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Fort Lauderdale

Ft Lauderdale is a city of islands held together by an intricate web of canals, rivers, bays and waterways hundreds of miles long. Needless to say, boating is a favorite city pastime, whether zooming along on a speedboat, enjoying a fishing charter, or cruising the coastline by yacht. Beautiful homes of every size and style make up the bulk of this primarily residential area. By the beach, a leisurly stroll can be taken along the new landscaping wavewall design of the beachfront promenade. But this city is anything but sedate. Once a spring break hot spot, the town still has an energetic and colorful nightlife. Nearby, charming Laudrdale-By-the-Sea is home to one of the only living coral reefs in the US accesible from shore. Las Olas Boulevard, a shoppers paradise, is the chic new shopping and trendy dining area of downtown. If sports are more your inclination, dozens of golf courses and hundreds of public parks allow you to absorb the great Florida outdoors. Cultural arts are also popular. Water taxis bring theater-goers from throughout the city to the Performing Arts Center on the water.

Oranjestad is the capital of the Dutch island of Aruba, in the Caribbean Sea. Near the marina, the 18th-century Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower, formerly a lighthouse, house the Historical Museum, which chronicles the island’s past. The Archaeological Museum displays indigenous artifacts dating back as far as 2500 B.C. Along the waterfront, L.G. Smith Boulevard is dotted with boutiques and shopping malls.

Forget the squat resorts muscling each other along the coast and don't be put off by the disjointed shambles of badly signed roads: Willemstad is gorgeous. The capital of the Netherlands Antilles and one of a select number of urban areas on UNESCO's World Heritage List, it's divided in two by capacious St Anna Bay, the largest harbor in the Caribbean. Punda, to the east, and Otrobanda, to the west, are connected by a quaint pontoon bridge known as the Swinging Old Lady - she cocks a leg for boats. Punda is the oldest part of the city, crowded with 17th- and 18th-century Dutch-style buildings. The 1732 Mikvé Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest in the Americas. Its interior, including the original pipe organ and brass chandeliers, has been carefully preserved, and the floor is covered in footstep muffling sand. There's an adjacent Jewish Cultural Museum. Fort Amsterdam was once the center of town and now houses the main offices for the government of the Netherlands Antilles. You can see a cannonball lodged in the wall of the fort chapel, a memento of Captain Bligh's 26-day siege in 1804. Also in Punda is the wonderful floating market (mercado flotante). Vendors make the sea trip from Venezuela every morning with fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood - the stalls aren't actually floating, but they're close enough to the water to justify the name. At the eastern end of Willemstad is the Sea Aquarium, where you can get a preview or a recap on the creatures of the deep. You can even dive or snorkel in this controlled environment if the sea seems a little frisky. Head west and across the channel to Otrobanda ('other side'). Otrabanda became Willemstad's first suburb in the late 17th century, when lepers and convicts banished from Punda began moving here. The area's low-rise architecture is the result of an 18th century order not to obstruct Fort Amsterdam's line of fire. Most of the city's historic buildings are in Otrobanda, including the 1734 St Anna Basilica, the oldest in the Antilles. The Riffort, a defensive post on the entrance to the sea, has been used as a telegraph station, radio station, desalination plant, WWII officers' digs, scout hall and is now partly occupied by a ritzy restaurant. Otrabanda's charm extends beyond its brochure-ready buildings. The maze of streets and lanes wiggling back from the waterfront are fun to wander - stores and houses run the gamut from pastel and spruce to crumbling and spooky. Also, much of the advertising and store signage is hand painted, giving the streets perky, individual characters. The Curaçao Museum in western Otrobanda is housed in a 19th-century sailors' hospital. Displays include paintings by early-20th-century Dutch masters, a carillon and a menagerie of other musical instruments, and a hat-making diorama (hats were a source of income for many women up until WWI). There are also worthy exhibitions on the local Indian population and the geology of the ABC islands.

Kralendijk is the capital of Bonaire, a Dutch island in the Caribbean Sea. Colorful architecture dots the shopping street of Kaya Grandi. The Bonaire Museum displays archaeological finds, shells and old photos. Off the coast is Bonaire National Marine Park, with a coral reef sheltering tropical fish. This stretches west to Klein Bonaire Island, where the sandy beaches provide a nesting ground for sea turtles.

Onboard the Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2012

Celebrity Reflection® completes Celebrity’s Solstice class. Relax like never before in one of the 34 new AquaClass Suites with luxurious interior space and stunning verandas. Celebrity Reflection has expanded with an additional deck, 72 additional staterooms overall, and more seating in the main and specialty dining rooms, more sun loungers on the pool deck and more seats in theater. Excitement brews with up to 50 international craft beers in the enhanced Michael's Club. Celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling in the new Lawn Club Grill. Unwind in your own cabana-style haven, The Alcoves, on the Lawn Club. Your vacation time is precious. Time aboard Celebrity Reflection will make the most of it.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Lawn Bowling
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Conference Center
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Persian Gardens

• Beauty Salon
• Full-Service Spa
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room:  The Main Restaurant offers an enriching range of culinary experiences, with an unparalleled wealth of artfully prepared dishes every evening. And, as part of Celebrity’s Top Chef at Sea experience, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in some of the dishes that the judges raved about on Bravo’s Emmy® Award-winning TV show, Top Chef. Top Chef Night in the Main Restaurant features a full menu of delicious appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts that were big hits on the show.

Blu:  Available exclusively to AquaClass® guests, Blu specializes in the concept of “clean cuisine.” Popular dishes are prepared in imaginative and flavorful ways, without fussiness or pretense. Blu is open for breakfast and dinner.

Tuscan Grille

Specialty Dining

Sushi on Five:  Sushi on Five satisfies your craving for locally sourced, authentically prepared sushi and other Japanese specialties from a menu crafted by expert restaurateur and sushi chef, Yoshikazu "Yoshi" Okada. Treat yourself to the complex flavors of a hand-made sushi roll or nigiri featuring tuna albacore, shrimp, eel, and other fresh selections, or savor the simplicity of yellowtail, salmon, and octopus sashimi. Your culinary experience would be incomplete without dessert—be sure to try the caramelized gingerbread with wasabi gelato. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Café al Bacio and Gelateria:  The warm atmosphere, comfortable furniture and the sweet scent of the Gelateria's freshly baked waffle cones create an instant emotional connection. Café al Bacio is a great place to relax, any time of day. Many guests like to stop by in the evening for one of the specialty dessert cocktails, and chat about a great meal that they had or a wonderful show they just enjoyed. There's always something to talk about at Café al Bacio. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Murano:  Impeccable service, classic design, world-class cuisine and comfortable sophistication are celebrated here. Experience tableside lobster presentation, an expansive selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, or the extensive American and French wine list. Charming and timeless, Murano transports you, through palate and décor, to a modern and refined level of dining. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Lawn Club Grill:  The bright and modern Lawn Club Grill celebrates the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling. The highlight of dining at the Lawn Club Grill is the opportunity to serve as your party's "Grill Master," by being paired with a Celebrity chef to assist in preparing the menu for your table over custom-built, ventilated grills. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Porch:  Relax and gaze out over the cool, green grass of The Lawn Club, or the cool, blue sea, while savoring just-made fare for breakfast or lunch. Featuring quick, simple and fresh food, like soup, salads and panini. Open for breakfast and lunch. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Qsine®:  Celebrity’s James Beard-featured Master Chef created Qsine to take you on a culinary journey unlike anything you’ve experienced before—on land or at sea. Leave any preconceived notions behind. Dig in and try new things. It's time your palate got a wakeup call. Qsine’s iPad® menus make your dining experience even more fun and interactive. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Tuscan Grille:  An outgoing wait staff ensures tableside service that's personal as well as professional. And the food? Take the traditional style and artisanal flair of Italy, add contemporary influences, and serve the cuisine in abundance. It's all part of the expansive character of Tuscan Grille. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Oceanview Café

Casual Dining

AquaSpa® Café:  Celebrity has created an extension of its leading spa experience by introducing the AquaSpa Café, one of the first venues of its kind in the cruise industry. The result is a creative take on healthy cuisine, featuring an eclectic blend of offerings that are both flavorful and nutritious. The AquaSpa Café is available to AquaClass® guests only.

Luminae:  Offering complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Luminae is a culinary experience that spotlights modern, eclectic cuisine and globally inspired dishes. Luminae offers a deliciously unique dining experience exclusively for Suite Class guests.

Oceanview Café:  Décor and offerings reflect that of an international marketplace. With a menu influenced by multiple cultures, the cuisine takes diners on a voyage around the world. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night.

Pool/Mast Grill:  Let your cravings go wild. Grab a great burger in a relaxed, poolside environment.

Room Service:  Perhaps a day of kayaking, shopping or golfing has you feeling pleasantly languid-or was it the afternoon spent relaxing with a novel that has you so serene? Either way, when you're in the mood to relax and dine in the comfort of your stateroom, Celebrity offers complimentary 24-hour in-stateroom dining.

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Elegant staterooms feature an ample sitting area with a sofa and a flat screen TV.

Inside (Category: I2)

Category: I2

Prime Inside (Category: I1)

Category: I1

Guarantee - Inside (Category: Z)

Category: Z This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Enjoy a view of the sea with spacious staterooms that feature a sofa and a flat screen TV.

Ocean View (Category: O2)

Category: O2

Prime Ocean View (Category: O1)

Category: O1

Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: Y)

Category: Y This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Staterooms feature a spacious balcony. Select categories include AquaClass® or Concierge Class.

Veranda (partial view) (Category: V3)

Category: V3

Veranda (Category: V2)

Category: V2

Prime Veranda (Category: V1)

Category: V1

Deluxe Veranda (Category: DV)

Category: DV

Sunset Veranda (Category: SV)

Category: SV

Ultra Deluxe Veranda (Category: UV)

Category: UV

Concierge Class (Category: C2)

Category: C2

Prime Concierge Class (Category: C1)

Category: C1

Sunset Concierge Class (Category: SC)

Category: SC

Prime AquaClass (Category: A1)

Category: A1

AquaClass (Category: A2)

Category: A2

Guarantee - Concierge Class (Category: XC)

Category: XC This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Guarantee - Aqua Class (Category: XA)

Category: XA This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Guarantee - Balcony (Category: X)

Category: X This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Suites feature European-style butler services, priority check-in and debarkation, seating preferences and much more.

Sky Suite (Category: S1)

Category: S1

Sunset Sky Suite (Category: SS)

Category: SS

AquaClass Sky Suite (Category: AS)

Category: AS

Celebrity Suite (Category: CS)

Category: CS

Signature Suite (Category: SG)

Category: SG

Royal Suite (Category: RS)

Category: RS

Penthouse Suite (Category: PS)

Category: PS

Reflection Suite (Category: RF)

Category: RF

Guarantee - Suite (Category: W)

Category: W This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Celebrity Reflection
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2012
• Ship Class: Solstice
• Maximum Capacity: 3,046
• Number of Passenger Decks: 13
• Number of Crew: 1,440
• Officers' Nationality: Greek
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 70
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,183
• Total Inside Staterooms: 154
• Tonnage (GRT): 126,000
• Country of Registry: Malta
• Total Staterooms: 1,515
• Suites with Balcony: 108
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 11/23/2024, departure date - 12/07/2024, departure date - 12/21/2024, departure date - 01/18/2025, departure date - 03/01/2025, departure date - 04/12/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: Malta

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

8 - Day Southern Caribbean from Miami, FL

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Miami

Day 2 & 3: Fun Day at Sea

Day 4: aruba, day 5: bonaire, day 6: curaçao.

Day 7 & 8: Fun Day at Sea

Day 9: miami.

Get to Know Carnival Horizon

The line that brings the sea and the sky together inspired us... to build a ship that unites you with great fun, comfort, dining and exotic destinations. And most importantly, unites you with one another. It's Carnival Horizon! This ship doesn't just do it a little bit, either. First, Carnival Horizon goes big with the two-screen Carnival Multiplex ® , which brings together one theater packed with huge IMAX ® action and one with 3D visuals, incredible motion effects and more! This ship keeps things flowing with an onboard waterpark that splashes you more than a little — Dr. Seuss WaterWorks ™ splashes you oodles, with a little help from the wacky characters everybody loves. Go for a bike ride way, way above it all at SkyRide ® . The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ and Playlist Productions ™ are just two of your top onboard entertainment picks, and they’re both focused on uniting you with unforgettable performances up on stage. For relaxation, get to Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , or step up to max relaxation at Cloud 9 Spa ™ featuring great massages, thermal suites and more. Havana Bar ™ & Pool is a good one too — a spot that brings together stylish poolside lounging with authentically Cuban cocktails... adding hot nightlife into the mix once the sun goes down. And all day long, you know we've got stuff for the kids — Carnival Horizon has three age-specific youth spaces! This ship brings tons of flavor to every meal. It starts with a guy named Guy — Fieri — who created two awesome spots on the ship: one's the crowd-pleasing Guy's Burger Joint ™ , and the other happens to be Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse ™ , a spot that serves up BBQ classics paired with freshly-brewed-right-on-board beers. If you're looking for great seafood on Carnival Horizon, then Seafood Shack ™ 's the place to cast your net. Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ is an intimate meal and interactive performance, while Fahrenheit 555 ™ is a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Jiji Asian Kitchen ® and Cucina del Capitano ® each specialize in delighting certain taste buds: the ones craving pan-Asian favorites, and classic Italian dishes served family-style. (Check... and check!) Add all this together and you've got... a vacation on Carnival Horizon that truly brings it all together.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

change your itinerary

Log in   to use Future Cruise Credits & Deposits.

Log In or Continue as Guest

Work with a Personal Cruise Consultant

A FREE Seabourn cruise specialist will help you plan your vacation.

Please correct errors in the following fields:

By providing a phone number and/or email address, Seabourn will use the information provided to contact me with marketing and promotional messages. For more details, see our  Privacy Notice  and  Website Terms of Service .

Choose Your Suite Type

Please select your suite type and category from the available options.

Veranda Suite

All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

Penthouse Suite

All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Penthouse Spa Suite

Owners suite and above.

Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Your Ship: Seabourn Ovation

Introducing  Seabourn Ovation , the s ister-ship to the already prestigious  Seabourn Encore .  Seabourn Ovation  represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises.

• 690 feet Length
• 92 feet Width

Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

Earth and Ocean

Each evening, our chefs create an array of fresh, inventive dishes from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars. 

Each evening, our skilled Earth & Ocean chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes—a sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavors from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board. 

Photo: Seabourn Ovation

The Colonnade

A more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative for breakfasts and lunch, and regionally-themed dinners with table service nightly. 

Our more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative, features an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly.

Photo: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation

Fitness Center

Featuring a row of state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and weight machines in front of a wall of windows.

Our Fitness Center features high performance Technogym equipment for cardio and strength training. We also offer a series of complimentary classes including yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Or, if personal attention is preferred, our personal trainers will design a nutrition and exercise plan that will help you achieve results. Based on your body’s particular needs, this personalized session will expose you to the wellness program that works best with your body. Aboard Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest you may try the Kinesis System. Using a tri-dimensional pulley system, our personal trainers will guide you through a series of exercises designed to improve balance, flexibility and strength.

Photo: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation.

In-Suite Dining

Around the clock for service in your suite. Dinner from The Restaurant menu is served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

Observation Bar

BarsandLounges

Enjoy this stunning lounge with a bar and panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and tea served every morning, and drinks before or after dinner. 

Enjoy this stunning lounge with a bar and panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and tea served every morning, and drinks before or after dinner. Photo: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest

Offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups and freshly-baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an al fresco setting.

Relaxed poolside dining offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties and freshly baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an alfresco setting. Photo: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation.

The Restaurant

Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The cuisine is exquisite and the service is flawless. 

Before Seabourn, open-seating dining on a cruise ship was unheard of. Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The room is beautiful, the cuisine is exquisite, and the service is simultaneously flawless, friendly and fun.

Caviar in the Surf

One of Seabourn’s most popular events is our signature “Caviar in the Surf” beach barbecue. Our uniformed staff members plunge into the water and invite guests to wade in and get iced champagne and caviar at a surfboard bar. The event includes a lavish barbecue lunch, watersports, music and ample time to soak up the sun on a white-sandy beach.

Seabourn Square

A place to enjoy your newspaper or to socialize with your fellow passengers, Seabourn Square is what you're looking for.

The Retreat

A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind

A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind, The Retreat is ringed with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and a refrigerator stocked with a personalized selection of beverages. An additional Spa Treatment Cabana is also available for guests to enjoy personalized spa services, subject to availability. For additional details or reservation, log in and  customize your itinerary.

The Retreat is located around a central whirlpool with step-up access to water maintained at an inviting temperature. Up to 28 guests can stretch out on comfortable sun loungers; pull up a bar stool or take a table seat for champagne and cocktails custom created by Seabourn mixologists; or enjoy a selection of bites from a healthy spa menu. A selection of amenities include fresh fruit baskets, premium sun lotions, Evian mist spray, plush towels and personalized bathrobes, while a dedicated Retreat Concierge will be available to satisfy guest requests.

Cabanas at The Retreat will be available daily and may be reserved for a full day via the Guest Service Specialists at Seabourn Square.

The Sky Bar is a place to enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage during the day, or an evening cocktail under the stars. 

Spa & Wellness

Seabourn’s Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil is the first-ever program of its kind at sea. Seabourn has partnered with Dr. Weil, a visionary pioneer in integrative medicine, whose groundbreaking research 

World's Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise LineTM  

Seabourn’s Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil is the first-ever program of its kind at sea. Seabourn has partnered with Dr. Weil, a visionary pioneer in integrative medicine, whose groundbreaking research and bestselling books combine physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. Each Seabourn ship’s Mindful Living Coach is a certified yoga and meditation practitioner who will inspire and educate guests with orientations, seminars and classes during the voyage. Guests who participate in the Mindful Living Program will have their cruise experiences further enhanced by a holistic mind and body perspective.

With Dr. Weil’s guidance, our fleet-wide mindful living curriculum delivers an even greater degree of mind and body balance, ensuring that guests can break away, relax and rejuvenate while they travel, and offering them an experience that will continue to enrich their lives long after their voyage.

Page not translated

The exact page you are looking for has not been translated.

Confirm Selection

This site uses cookies. Some are essential while others improve your browsing experience and allow us to advertise. For more info visit the privacy policy page.

Allow inessential cookies for:

Your preferences have been updated.

Cruise to Aruba Guide: Find the perfect one for you!

Oct 25, 2019, jennifer richardson.

So you're planning your next cruise with Aruba on the itinerary...

So, you're planning your next cruise with Aruba on the itinerary? Good idea! When it comes to vacations, there’s nothing like going on an Aruba cruise: from stunning ocean views to fun-filled excursions at various ports along the way—cruises are truly one of the best ways to see the world while enjoying luxurious, all-inclusive amenities. With a cruise docking in Aruba, it’s possible to see the very best of the Caribbean in a single, unforgettable trip. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cruises to and around Aruba. There’s a lot to discover, so let’s get into it!

Why take a cruise to Aruba?

In Aruba, guests are treated to sunshine that just won’t quit, and the island consistently ranks as having the fewest number of rainy days in the Southern Caribbean. Besides the persistent, 82-degree weather, Aruba is also one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean and there’s a lot to explore – whether you like an active trip or you’re looking for a more laidback experience. Indeed, Aruba has earned its nickname of the “One happy island”. With this knowledge, it is obvious that Aruba is a great destination during your cruise.

When taking a cruise to Aruba, the cruise ship will arrive at Oranjestad Aruba Cruise Port, which is conveniently located within walking distance of various restaurants, bars, shops, and fun activities like Jeep Safari Tours. However, it’s best to plan your Aruba adventure so you can make the most of your time on the island. There are plenty of things to do in Aruba, so it’s best to start planning as soon as you can! Do you want to spend some money in the Aruban stores, bars or restaurants? There’s no need to worry about currency exchanges, as the U.S. Dollar is accepted everywhere.

There are a number of cruise lines that regularly go to Aruba with their beautiful cruise ships, for example Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and many more. We have listed all the interesting cruise lines for you so you can find out which one can offer the perfect cruise through the lovely Caribbean for you!

Best cruises to Aruba 

Choosing the right cruise to Aruba can be tricky, especially since there are so many options of cruise ships which are heading to the beautiful Aruba – but don’t worry, we’ve done most of the research for you! So, without further ado, we present to you our top picks for cruises to Aruba:

Carnival Cruises

Carnival stands apart from other companies on this list, as they’re by far the largest and most diverse cruise line on the planet. Explore the Breeze cruise ship: this cruise liner offers 8-day cruises spanning Fort Lauderdale, Grand Turk, La Romana, Aruba, and Curacao, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience everything the Caribbean has to offer.

The Breeze cruise ship also features premium amenities, such as an onboard waterpark known as WaterWorks – that’s right, this cruise ship has a massive waterpark located right on the ship! Other amenities include an onboard theater featuring full-blown musical productions, a daycare for kids, and a luxurious spa. For food, Breeze offers a whole host of dining options, ranging from gourmet burgers to pizza and Mexican favorites. 

Accommodations on this ship include 4 room types, ranging from Interior Cabins perfect for couples to Ocean Suites featuring balconies and spacious interiors capable of sleeping 4 guests. Needless to say, no matter what you’re looking for in cruise to Aruba, Carnival Cruises has something for everyone!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Aruba

Besides Carnival, no other cruise line has the brand recognition of Royal Caribbean. The company operates 4 of the largest cruise ships in the entire world! If you’re looking for the best cruises to Aruba, Royal Caribbean has some of the best offerings in the industry. For example, an 11-night cruise spanning, Boston, San Juan, Willemstad, Oranjestad, George Town, and Tampa aboard the Brilliance of the Sea cruise liner.

Aboard the Brilliance of the Sea, travelers will find top-notch amenities, like a 40 ft. rock climbing wall, mini-golf, an arcade, shopping, live music, a spa and fitness center, and so much more!

Brilliance of the Sea also offers several premium bars and lounges. If you’d prefer to stay near the pool, Brilliance of the Sea also offers a Pool Bar serving up delicious frozen drinks. Got a little hungry? There are a lot of tasty options to try out!

Accommodations aboard the Brilliance of the Sea include rooms perfect for babies, couples, and large families. No matter what you’re looking for, Royal Caribbean has you covered: want a spacious interior room that’s elegantly decorated? Check! A suite with its own private balcony and lounge chairs? No problem!

Norwegian Cruise Line

Even though it may not be as big as the previous entries on this list, Norwegian Cruise Line is still a top pick for cruises to Aruba. Norwegian Cruise Line was recently named the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” for the 7th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, making it one of the best cruise lines for the southern Caribbean. 

Norwegian Cruise Line offers unique amenities that can’t be found on any other cruise liner. On vessels such as the Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore, guests can enjoy race tracks and open-air laser tag courses. In addition, some ships even come with a quarter-mile-long oceanfront promenade where guests can indulge in interesting conversation and breathtaking views. 

If you want to experience some of these modern amenities and accommodations, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 21-day trip that spans California, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Santa Maria, Oranjestad, Willemstad, and New York. If 21-days at sea are too much, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers shorter, 7-day trips that span Puerto Rico, Oranjestad, Kralendijk, Castries, and Basseterre aboard the Norwegian Epic.

Celebrity Cruises

For the 2nd year in a row, Celebrity Cruises (a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean) has won the annual award for Best Southern Caribbean Cruise Line from Cruise Critic. The company takes great pride in differentiating itself from the rest of the pack by bringing together world-class architects, interior designers, and landscape artists for the perfect experience.  

Celebrity Summit offers a wide range of dining options, including the Tuscan Grill – an Italian ristorante serving handmade pasta, artisanal salumi, and butcher-cut meats – and Sushi on Five, a Japanese restaurant serving authentically prepared sushi and other Japanese specialties. For lounges and bars, Celebrity Summit includes 5 unique places to get your drink on, including Cellar Masters – an elegant lounge featuring 400 wines from all over the world – and the Sunset Bar offering spectacular views and a country club-esque atmosphere.

Accommodations aboard the Celebrity Summit include 5 room types, including Inside, Ocean View, Veranda, Concierge Class, AquaClass, and Suites. When choosing between the best cruises to Aruba, we recommend this 7-day trip spanning San Juan, Basseterre, Oranjestad, Willemstad, and Kralendijk aboard the Celebrity Summit.

Regent Cruise Line

If it’s luxury that you’re after, then it doesn’t get any better than Regent Cruise Line (a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line). The company has been chosen as the world’s top-rated cruise line six times by readers of Conde Nast Traveler and other travel magazines—helping establish it as a leader in the 6-star cruise line industry.

Amenities aboard the Seven Seas Explorer include 7 world-class restaurants, like Prime 7 – a handsomely decorated restaurant serving up the very best filet mignons and côte de boeuf – and a pool grill for casual dining. For entertainment, Seven Seas Explorer has a full-fledged casino where you can try your luck at Blackjack, roulette, poker, slot machines, and full-sized craps tables. If gambling isn’t your thing, there’s also the Constellation Theater where guests can enjoy full-scale musical revues and cabaret shows.

When going on a southern Caribbean cruise, Regent Cruises offers a 12-night cruise aboard the Seven Seas Explorer spanning Miami, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Kralendijk, St. George’s, Castries, and many more must-see Caribbean locations!

Princess Cruises

Like Regent Cruises, Princess Cruises is a luxury-focused cruise line offering high-class amenities, captivating live shows, and technology packages like keyless entry to make your embarkment smooth and enjoyable. The Regal Princess also is equipped with Princess Medallion Class amenities which includes a “wearable” device called the OceanMedallion™, which enables an entirely new level of service and personalized attention.

If you’re looking for something to do aboard the Regal Princess, you can expect a wide variety of entertainment options including shows, musicals, standup comedy, and even an exclusive open-air poolside amphitheater to watch feature films while cozying up under the stars.

Princess Cruises offers a 10-day cruise spanning across New York City, St. Maarten, Antigua, Aruba, Ft. Lauderdale aboard the Regal Princess. Not a fan of long trips? Princess Cruises also offers shorter, 8-day trips that span Ft. Lauderdale, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands, and a return trip to the original port aboard the Sky Princess.

Holland America Line

The Holland America Line, subsidiary of Carnival Cruises, is a winner of several prestigious awards. To get to Aruba, we recommend this 10-day cruise spanning Fort Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Kralendijk, Willemstad, and of course, Oranjestad. This cruise takes you aboard the Volendam, a mid-sized vessel featuring great amenities and activities. 

The Volendam features Club HAL, where kids aged 3-17 can engage in arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games, and themed parties – all under the supervision of a professionally trained staff! This vessel also houses a variety of exciting places to eat, like the Lido Market which features freshly baked bread and pastries, hearty salads, hand-carved meats, fish, and much more. For a little more sophistication, there’s also The Dining Room which offers elegant breakfasts and multi-course dinners. 

Accommodations on this vessel include 5 room types: Inside, Ocean View, Lanai, Vista Suite, and the Neptune & Pinnacle Suite.

Disney Cruise Line

The magic of Aruba meets the wonder of Disney when Disney Cruise Line sails to Oranjestad. Aboard the ship, first-run movies from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and 20th Century Fox could be playing – Avengers: Endgame at sea, anyone? On the upper decks, guests can find a variety of pools – from interactive splash zones to serene adult retreats that make it easy to get the tan you’ve always wanted. 

For those who are hungry from all the excitement, the Disney Wonder offers an endless array of options. With Rotational Dining, guests can experience a different restaurant and a different menu every night of the voyage. Snack options are conveniently located around the ship, and soda, water, coffee, and hot chocolate is included in the cruise fare.

Accommodations come in four main categories, ranging from Inside cabins with porthole-shaped mirrors to the limited-availability Concierge Royal Suite—a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom retreat with Concierge services. No matter what you could be looking for in a cruise to Aruba and beyond, Disney Cruise Line offers options for the entire family.

Book your cruise today! 

Now that you know exactly what Aruban cruises are all about, you should be ready to book your trip! For additional offers, don’t forget to check out our Deals & Offers page to get the best price on a hotel or resort, because you never know what kind of deals could be waiting for you!

Related Articles

Start Booking Your Trip To Aruba

• Deals & Offers

Check-in Check-out Search

Depart Return Select 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults 5 Adults 6 Adults 7 Adults 8 Adults 9 Adults Passengers Origin City or Airport Search

Arrival Departure Search

From To Search

We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.

Plan Your Effect

myAruba planner

Save your favorite places and experiences to a custom itinerary you can manage while you're visiting the island: Start Planning

Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles

7-NIGHT ROUND-TRIP SAILING FROM SAN JUAN

The tiny island paradise of Aruba

Cruise from San Juan to the dreamiest islands in the southeast Caribbean — sailing to Aruba, Curaçao, Martinique, and St. Kitts & Nevis. With a very late stay in Aruba, you can start your day beach-lounging and end it with a cocktail aboard a catamaran under the stars.

Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles • 7 Nights

Sailing on Resilient Lady

  Day 1

Departs at 08:00 PM, All aboard 2 hrs before departure

  Day 2

  Day 3

09:00 AM - 11:59 PM, local time

  Day 4

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM, local time

  Day 5

  Day 6

Fort-de-France

  Day 7

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, local time

  Day 8

Arrives at 06:30 AM. Please allow up to an hour for the Gangway to open to disembark

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

Easy port access in San Juan

Have all the must-see spots within walking distance with the ship docked in the heart of Old San Juan, and soak up Puerto Rico’s effervescent vibes.

Hassle-free embarkation

Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes.

Visit Aruba and Curaçao

See for yourself why Aruba was coined as “One Happy Island” indulge in the delightful Dutch vibes of Curaçao, and catch up on some fab Caribbean glow.

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

Beyond the picturesque beaches and pastel-lined streets, Puerto Rico’s capital is perfectly located to easily access the geographic diversity of this gorgeous island.

Known as “One Happy Island”, Aruba is home to electric-colored architecture uncrowded beaches, and crystal-clear water perfect for a diving glimpse of the marine life.

A little piece of Europe at the edge of the Caribbean, Curaçao delivers a delightful Dutch vibe with picturesque weather, pristine beaches, and relaxing essence.

An island rich with contrasts, Martinique mixes quiet moments on quaint beaches or atop dramatic mountains with the cultural vibrancy of downtown Fort-de-France.

From rum tastings and beach hangs to rainforest explorations and catamarans to Nevis, the capital of St. Kitts’ social scene revolves around good living and chat.

More Shore Things for your wishlist...

We have even more in our curated catalog.

Let’s make waves

An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

Ready to book.

We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Because we didn’t build a cruise, we created a voyage.   Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.

Limited-time cruise deals

You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

A flexible, pay-over-time solution

• Book Now, Pay Later
• Low Monthly Payments
• Easy Application
• Autopay on Autopilot

Add a Splash for Your Bash

• Bottomless brunch event
• Revelrous dinner party
• Lock it in for $250 per cabin

Rest Your Head

These are the spots you might be calling home. Whether you prefer coffee (or cocktails) overlooking the waves, or waking up late in your own cocoon, we're holding space for you.

Always Included Luxury

We’ve taken care of all the details — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

Soft Drinks & Water

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

Group Fitness Classes

Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

Shows & Entertainment

Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, you have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows.

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Select a Month to update Weather info

• MONTH Jun Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
• AVG. TEMPERATURE thermometer 32 ° C HIGH 27 ° C LOW
• AVG. PRECIPITATION drops 18 MM
• Cruise Ports

Oranjestad, Aruba

• Need to Know
• Itineraries
• VIEW CRUISES

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island's history.

Oranjestad Cruise Image Gallery

• Oranjestad Beaches
• Sail on a Catamaran
• See all shades of blue
• Pastel coloured buildings
• Aerial of Aruba
• Aruba's Beaches
• Wreck of Antilla Certified SCUBA

What you NEED TO KNOW

Featured Oranjestad CRUISE ITINERARIES

🏖️Beaches of Aruba

Your Guide to the Best Beaches of Aruba!

Day Trip from Aruba to Curaçao

Is a day trip from aruba to curaçao worth it.

Absolutely! When it comes to things to do in Aruba , a day trip from Aruba to Curaçao is a great idea if your holiday is long enough for a little island hopping.

Several airlines operate multiple flights from Aruba to Curaçao daily. The best part is, it’s only a 30-minute flight! Because of the short distance by air, a day trip from Aruba to Curaçao can make your Caribbean vacation even more satisfying.

You can search for flights from Aruba to Curaçao on Booking.com! They offer convenience, extensive options, and the ability to seamlessly compare prices and schedules.

About Curaçao

As Aruba generally is known for its high- and low-rise resorts, pristine Caribbean beaches , shopping opportunities and a vibrant nightlife, Curaçao is best known for being a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise with more than 35 captivating beaches and over 60 diving spots.

The island’s capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with iconic European architecture. The heart of Willemstad offers a handful of museums, monuments, restaurants and shopping malls, and promenades. However, life on Curaçao seems a bit more laid back, and things just seem to move a bit more relaxed, as the island is less ‘Americanized’. On average, 3000 people go on a day trip to Curaçao every month.

Popular Things to Do in Curaçao

Just like Aruba, Curaçao offers an array of activities and attractions that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, or adventure, Curaçao has something for everyone!

One of the highlights is exploring the pristine sands of popular spots like Playa Kenepa, Cas Abao, or Porto Marie. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world, discovering colorful coral reefs and marine life.

Visiting Willemstad, the capital city, is a must for history and culture buffs. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center, characterized by its charming pastel-colored colonial architecture. Discover museums like the Kura Hulanda Museum and learn about the island’s rich history, including its connection to the slave trade.

Nature lovers can venture to Christoffel National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, and hike to the top of Mount Christoffel for breathtaking panoramic views. Exploring the Hato Caves’ ancient limestone formations and fascinating rock paintings is an awesome experience!

Save Money and Book in Advance!

Browse a few popular activities in Curaçao at getyourguide and skip the lines:

Where is Curaçao Located?

Curaçao is located approximately 70 miles east of Aruba and 50 miles north of the mainlands of Venezuela. Curaçao lies in between Aruba located to the West and Bonaire situated to the East.

Aruba vs. Curaçao

The landscapes of both Caribbean islands are very similar: a bit dry and dusty, with plenty of cactuses and iguanas! Curaçao is roughly twice as large as Aruba. It is about 10 miles wide at its widest point, and has a total area of about 170 square miles, making it the largest island of the Dutch Caribbean islands. Overall, the beaches of Curaçao are smaller and less crowded. Just like in Aruba and Bonaire, the weather is good all year round with comfortable average temperatures when you compare the seasons.

How to Get from Aruba to Curaçao

The best way to get from Aruba to Curaçao is by taking an airplane. It’s also the cheapest way to go. Flying from Beatrix International Airport Aruba to Willemstad Hato International Airport (also known as Curaçao International Airport) should take no more than 30 to 35 minutes.

As there currently are no ferry services between the ABC islands, the other options would be to book a private jet or to go by cruise ship, but that would either be very costly or too time-consuming.

What Kind of Accommodations Does Curaçao Offer?

There are hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, guesthouses, vacation homes and resort villages to choose from among other possibilities. Many accommodations offer ocean view rooms or are oceanfront properties with spectacular views, splendid amenities, white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and beautiful sunsets. Most accommodation is situated in the southern part of the island and close to Willemstad. Certainly, you will be able to find the perfect accommodation to enjoy your stay on your day trip from Aruba to Curaçao!

Which Airlines Fly from Aruba to Curaçao?

Flights from Aruba to Curaçao are operated by Divi Divi Airlines, EZ Air and JetAir.

Divi Airlines operates morning, afternoon, and night flights between Aruba and Curaçao.

EZAir flies to Curaçao daily, except on Saturdays.

JetAir operates flights from Aruba to Curaçao daily, except on Saturdays.

Note: flight schedules often vary depending on season and can be subject to change.

Divi Divi Airlines

Divi Divi Airlines is a regional airline based in Curaçao, serving as a convenient and popular transportation option for travelers visiting the ABC islands and other destinations in the Caribbean. With a focus on providing reliable and efficient air travel, Divi Divi Airlines offers a range of services to meet the needs of both tourists and locals.

The airline operates scheduled flights connecting Curaçao with Aruba and Bonaire, the two other major islands in the ABC group. These short-haul flights provide convenient connections for travelers looking to explore the beauty and attractions of the region. Divi Divi Airlines operates a fleet of small aircraft, typically including Cessna Grand Caravans or similar models, which offer comfortable seating for passengers.

• Divi Divi Airlines telephone number : +297 5242424 (ext. 264)
• Have a look at this schedule for more information about times for direct flights from Aruba. All times are shown in the local time zone. There is no time difference between Aruba and Curaçao.

EZAir is a small regional airline that specializes in providing scheduled flights and charter services between various destinations in the Caribbean and Colombia. The airline primarily serves the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), as well as other locations.

Founded in May 2000, EZAir has its headquarters in Curaçao and operates a base station in Bonaire. In the early days, the airline operated a Piper Seneca PA34-200T aircraft, but in 2005, it upgraded to a Piper Chieftain PA31-350.

EZAir’s scheduled flights connect the ABC islands, offering convenient transportation options for travelers between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Additionally, the airline operates scheduled flights to Colombia, with destinations including Baranquilla, Medellin, Cali, and Bogota.

The airline caters to various destinations, including St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, the ABC islands and the aforementioned Colombian cities.

Visit EZAir Website

Jetair Caribbean, headquartered in Curaçao, is a private commercial airline providing both scheduled and charter flights to and from destinations across the Caribbean and South America. Originally established as United Caribbean Airlines in 2006 as a charter company, it obtained its commercial Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in November 2019. The airline operates a fleet comprising two F70 aircraft.

The Fokker 70 (F70) is a regional jet aircraft manufactured by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker. It is a member of the Fokker 70/100 family, which also includes the larger Fokker 100 variant.

The F70 is designed to accommodate approximately 70 to 85 passengers in a typical two-class seating configuration, although configurations can vary depending on the airline’s preferences.

JetAir operates flights from Aruba to Curaçao daily except on Saturdays.

Visit JetAir website

Airport Taxes

Once you’ve decided to go island hopping from Aruba to Curaçao, note that you will have to pay taxes at Hato International Airport.

As per 2024, the airport tax  (Passenger Facility Charge, or PFC) amounts to USD $34.25 for Curaçao/St. Maarten. When you fly back to Aruba, you’ll have to pay around $20.00 at Beatrix International Airport as well. It’s also important to note that airport taxes usually are not included in ticket prices.

FlightRadar24

You can watch and track flights from Aruba to Curaçao live, courtesy of FlightRadar24.

• Zoom out to see all active flights in the Caribbean.
• Click on an airplane icon to learn more about its flight.

This article was last updated in March 2024.

Protect Your Trip »

The safest places to travel during hurricane season.

Some destinations pose less of a risk than others.

Travel During Hurricane Season

Getty Images

Hurricanes can wreak havoc on countries in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as far as several miles inland. This includes destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S.

Hurricane season occurs between June and November , which means that for about half of the year, you may have to worry about a hurricane interrupting your travels.

This doesn't mean you can't plan a tropical vacation or cruise during that time, though. Read on to discover where to safely travel during hurricane season.

Best islands to visit during hurricane season

In 2017, hurricanes Maria and Irma devastated Caribbean islands including Dominica, Puerto Rico and St. Martin. Yet other islands were untouched by the storms, namely those outside of the "hurricane belt." These include what's known as the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. There are also other islands you can visit with some confidence during hurricane season. The following Caribbean destinations pose the least threat of a hurricane:

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Best places to cruise during hurricane season

It's not as crazy as you might think to book a cruise during hurricane season. In addition to cruises within the southern Caribbean (in the destinations noted above), you can avoid worrying about a hurricane by choosing one of the following cruise vacations:

• Alaska cruises
• Hawaii cruises
• Mediterranean cruises

What's more is many lines offer last-minute cruise deals or deep discounts to those who are willing to travel during this time. Bonus: If you don't have school-aged kids, fewer crowds make this an especially good time to travel.

Also consider that cruise ships have onboard weather tracking systems that help them avoid trouble. Experts at Cruise Critic say it's not uncommon for cruises to be shortened or extended during hurricane season so they can work around a storm. Your cruise line might switch your itinerary to include a stop at a different island in order to stay out of a storm's path (assuming there's space). Stopping at an unexpected destination such as Grand Turk instead of the Bahamas doesn't seem so bad.

Tips for travel during hurricane season

If you've got your eyes on an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or an East Coast beach vacation and are worried how hurricane season will pan out, you can save yourself time and stress by planning ahead. Consider these tips when planning your vacation:

Purchase travel insurance

No matter where you decide to vacation during hurricane season, you should consider purchasing travel insurance . You may be given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your trip, but you can also buy a separate policy through companies like Travelex and Nationwide .

In addition to travel insurance products that cover flight cancellations , lost luggage and illness, you can also buy cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR) that will do exactly what it says – let you cancel for any reason, including weather-related events like hurricanes (which aren't always covered by standard policies). CFAR policies will refund you for the cost of your prepaid airfare, hotels and more, but only if you buy them ahead of time.

If you have a credit card that offers travel insurance as a member perk, you might also rely on that coverage, provided you use your card to pay for the trip. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a free travel insurance benefit that will refund you up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid travel (think flights, hotels and tours) if severe weather ruins your plans. The card also provides protections for lost luggage, auto rental collision damage and more.

Consider destinations closer to home

Maybe you don't even want to deal with the potential for canceled or rescheduled flights. In that case, it might make sense to plan a weekend getaway or vacation in a destination you can reach by car.

Book a refundable hotel rate

To make this strategy work, you'll need to book a hotel fare you can cancel without any penalty. Since the National Hurricane Center knows when a hurricane is forming and, for the most part, can predict where it's heading, you can cancel your accommodations with even a few days' notice and just stay home.

You might also be interested in:

• Is a Travel Agent Worth It?
• The Best Travel Rewards Programs
• The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport
• TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is Right for You?

Tags: Travel , hurricanes , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best scotland tours.

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

How to Renew a Passport Online

The Best Small Group Tours of Italy

John Rodwan June 12, 2024

Crystal Symphony Review

Jill Schildhouse June 12, 2024

Fall in New England

Amanda Norcross June 11, 2024

Fun Things to Do in New Mexico

Alissa Grisler and Ashley M. Biggers June 11, 2024

Top Orlando Theme Parks

Lyn Mettler and Timothy J. Forster June 11, 2024

The Best Places to Go for July Fourth

Sharael Kolberg June 10, 2024

The Best Places to Celebrate Juneteenth

Suzanne Mason June 6, 2024

Celebrity Blog

• Special Occasions
• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

Curaçao vs. Aruba: Which Should You Visit?

By Kieran Meeke

Last updated: February 6th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

When comparing Aruba vs. Curaçao, you’ll see they are both part of the Dutch ABC Islands (the “B” is Bonaire), just off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. That gives them similarities, but there are also many things to set them apart.

Most of the differences between Aruba and Curaçao can be explained by their geography. Aruba is the smaller island at 70 sq miles, while Curaçao is more than twice as large, and further from the mainland.

Perhaps surprisingly, this small variation gives these neighbors their own distinct character, even down to the weather. Fortunately, they are so linked that it’s simple to visit both, saving you from having to choose Aruba over Curaçao—or vice versa.

Geography, Climate & Location

Beach in Aruba

With its tallest point barely 600 feet high, Aruba is a relatively flat island. Curaçao is much hillier, with a highest point in Christoffelberg at 1,220 ft.

Aruba has an arid climate with low rainfall, while Curaçao sees slightly more rain, making it semi-arid. The aloes for which Aruba is famous for require no irrigation, while Curaçao’s bitter oranges have adapted to the aridity.

Both islands are outside the so-called hurricane belt, but can still be affected by tropical storms; travel in October and November and you may encounter some rain, which clears the air.

Any rain on either island arrives in short-lived bursts from October, and into December. These quick showers are often a welcome break from the heat, with warm temperatures otherwise being a constant.

With so little rainfall, almost all the freshwater used on both islands is distilled from seawater. This produces what’s said to be the best quality drinking water in the Caribbean.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

The prevailing northeast trade winds give many trees on both islands a distinctive bend to the southwest. The weather-twisted fofoti and divi-divi trees on both islands must be among the most photographed in the Caribbean.

That wind hits the flatter Aruba more strongly than Curaçao, with its protective hills. Windsurfers love Aruba for this, although beginners prefer the more sheltered neighbor.

Curaçao has a population of around 150,000, a large part of whom live in the capital, Willemstad. Aruba’s population of 125,000 live mostly around Oranjestad, and San Nicolaas.

Aruba’s aridity comes into its own where the land meets the sea in long, idyllic white sand beaches. Sun-worshippers will not want to leave gems such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.

Eagle Beach’s much-photographed pair of fofoti trees are a major landmark. Palm Beach is busier, but has the same pure white sand and aquamarine water.

Arashi Beach, Aruba

One of the quieter beaches on Aruba is Arashi, near the California Lighthouse. It’s popular with snorkelers, and beginner surfers, for its mild currents, clear water, and abundant marine life.

Boca Catalina, Aruba

Another popular spot for snorkeling in Aruba is Boca Catalina, a small cove near Arashi Beach. A German shipwreck in the bay, the Antilla, is also an attraction for divers—although it’s a bit too far out, and too deep for inexperienced snorkelers.

Curaçao, in contrast, has 230 miles of coastline, against the smaller neighbor Aruba’s 40 miles. That’s room for 38 beaches in Curaçao in total, but the better ones are mostly found along the south coast in small coves.

Mambo Beach, Curaçao

A notable exception is the long man-made stretch of Mambo Beach, just a few miles outside Willemstad. Popular for water sports, it is backed by a boulevard full of restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Knip Beach, Curaçao

Among those smaller ones, a standout is Knip Beach, split into Grote (Big) Knip, and Kleine (Little) Knip. This is a good place to snorkel in Curaçao , although it’s a long swim out to the reef.

So essentially, if you’re weighing up the idea of Aruba vs Curaçao and beach life is a priority, you can’t go wrong with either.

Curaçao Underwater Marine Park

There is great scuba diving on both islands, with Aruba notable for its wrecks, as well as some of the best reefs in the Caribbean . Curaçao has more variety, including plenty of excellent shore dives.

Curaçao Underwater Marine Park covers 12 miles along the southeast coast. It offers a choice of 11 dive sites, including several sunken wrecks.

Unable to choose, many divers take in not only both islands, but also Bonaire. It does seem a shame to visit the A&C but not the B of the ABC islands if exploring the underwater world is your dream.

Dutch pancakes

You might not expect much difference between the food on two small islands, both part of the same chain with the same Dutch background. Indeed, a fusion of Dutch, Spanish, Caribbean, European, and American cuisine is a constant on Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

However, the more-visited Aruba has a stronger American and Dutch feel to its food. Curaçao’s cuisine shows more of a Spanish and Portuguese influence.

That said, the national dish in Curaçao, and Aruba is keshi yena , a cheese dish showing their joint Dutch heritage. It’s a hearty ball of cheese ( kaas in Dutch, from which comes the word keshi ) stuffed with spiced meat, then steamed or baked.

You’ll also enjoy discovering Dutch pancakes, if you’re not already a fan. One of the best things to do in Aruba is to sample your way around the island’s pancake outlets.

Blue Curaçao

Traveling around Curaçao, you’ll notice its laraha (bitter orange) trees. Their oil is an essential ingredient in the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur, and triple sec, but also in Belgian witbier.

These trees were introduced by the Spanish but lack of water meant they did not prosper, and began to run wild. It was centuries later before it was realized how flavorful their skins had become.

In short, both islands have exciting cuisine to discover and you’ll leave either pleased that you’ve tried something new.

Read: Best Food in Aruba

Natural Attractions

Casibari Rock Formation, Aruba

Reached on foot, horseback or by 4×4, Aruba’s Conchi Natural Pool is a calm swimming pond surrounded by rugged coastal rocks. Surf sometimes breaks into the pool, adding to the thrill of the adventure.

The Casibari Rock Formation is a set of huge boulders from the top of which you can enjoy surprisingly big views over the flat Aruban landscape. There is a popular hiking trail, and an even more popular  BBQ shack to relax in.

Arikok National Park, Aruba

One of the best places to visit in Aruba , Arikok National Park takes up almost 20 percent of the island, and is best explored on a 4WD tour, or on horseback. You’ll see the desert-like interior, covered in cacti, and a wild stretch of coastline.

Although Curaçao is much larger than Aruba, it has fewer visitors, so it’s much easier to find a wild corner. Near the rugged western point of the island is Shete Boka National Park, where waves crash into a spectacular series of coral sea caves.

Hato Cave, Curaçao

Hato Cave, on the north coast near the airport, is an ancient coral limestone cave. Its rock formations include one in the form of a Madonna, and it’s also home to a flock of long-nose bats.

History & Culture

Willemstad, Curaçao

Aruba (along with Curaçao) was “discovered” by the Spanish in 1499 but the lack of water meant it was mostly used as a source of Amerindian slaves. Spanish rule came to an end in 1636 when the Dutch seized Aruba and Curaçao during their Eighty Years’ War with Spain.

With its large natural harbor, Curaçao had a more troubled history. It became a centre of the Dutch slave trade, and was seized several times by the British before finally returning to Dutch rule in 1815.

Aruba and Curaçao are now two of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands itself, and the island of Sint Maarten are the other two parts.

You can see the Dutch influence in the architecture of each island, from farmhouses to government buildings. You’re also going to hear lots of Dutch (and Spanish) around you, but visitors will have no trouble as English is very widely spoken.

Oranjestad, Aruba

A guided tour of Aruba’s pretty capital, Oranjestad, will introduce you to its long and interesting history. The pastel-colored buildings, many with Dutch-style gables, are a delight.

The Historical Museum in Fort Zoutman, and the National Archaeological Museum, whose building dates to 1929, are other sites for those interested in history. Fort Zoutman was built in 1798, making it the oldest structure on the island.

California Lighthouse, Aruba

Aruba’s California Lighthouse is the island’s most historic monument, and tallest structure. It stands near Arashi Beach and has wonderful views of the island.

Bushiribana Gold Mill is now a picturesque ruin. Standing in the middle of Aruba, it was the site of a short-lived 1824 gold rush.

Curaçao, with its larger settlements, has more obvious history to see. The Historic Area of Willemstad dates to 1634, and its buildings show strong Dutch but also Spanish and Portuguese influences.

This area of the capital is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site. Protected by Fort Amsterdam, it is the Caribbean’s best surviving example of European colonial history.

Fort Amsterdam was designed to defend Curaçao from the Spanish, who kept trying to take the island back. The picturesque yellow building, now used for government offices, houses a small museum.

Pietermaai District, Curaçao

Pietermaai District, the “SoHo of Curaçao”, has shops, bars, restaurants, and history. Founded in the 18th century, it preserves many buildings reflecting its long history.

At the Curaçao Museum, you can find out more about the island’s past. Set in a former military hospital, the museum has a strong emphasis on art and culture center.

Visitor Attractions

Curaçao Sea Aquarium

Aruba sees four times more visitors than Curaçao. That’s partly down to better air connections to North America, and the appeal of its longer, wider beaches.

Given Aruba’s beautiful beaches, it has little need of extra attractions. The much larger Curaçao has more things to do generally, with the capital of Willemstad being the center for many.

The aloe features on Aruba’s coast of arms, and Aruba Aloe has been making its products since 1890. It is one of the few companies in the world that grows, harvests, and processes its own aloe.

De Palm Island, Aruba

De Palm Island is an idyllic private island off the coast of Aruba with a water park and coral reef to explore. Its flock of pink Chilean flamingos and Cuban flamingos is a unique sight in this region.

There’s more wonders of nature at Aruba’s Butterfly Farm. The farm has hundreds of species from around the world that you can photograph to your heart’s content.

Landhuis Chobolobo Estate, Curaçao

Given that there are more things to do in Curaçao beyond the beach, you need to plan your time. You know you’ve arrived on the island when you visit Landhuis Chobolobo Estate, built as a country retreat for a wealthy 19th-century merchant. It’s now the home of the famous Blue Curaçao distillery, making a guided tour and tasting a unique must-do.

Floating market in Willemstad, Curaçao

The floating market on Willemstad’s waterfront sees colorful boats from Venezuela mooring up to sell their fresh produce. Photographers love the boats, and the fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables.

The modern Queen Juliana Bridge in Willemstad is the tallest bridge in the Caribbean. There are great views from the walkway of the capital, and the rest of Curaçao.

Ostrich Farm, Curaçao

One of the biggest breeding farms outside Africa, Curaçao’s Ostrich Farm lets you see, photograph, and even ride an ostrich. Its Zambezi restaurant offers African and international cuisine, including ostrich burgers.

Curaçao Sea Aquarium, near Mambo Beach extends out to the coral reef, letting you see marine life in a very natural setting. A highlight is the tours by semi-submarine, or glass-bottom boats.

Read: Aruba Travel Tips

Still can’t decide between Aruba and Curaçao? Then visiting both is the answer. Browse our Caribbean itineraries and you’ll find the perfect cruise to help your dream become reality.

Kieran Meeke

Kieran is a freelance travel writer who has lived and worked in 12 different countries, on every continent except Antarctica. He now spends his time between Kerry, Ireland, and Granada, Spain, while writing for newspapers and websites worldwide.

Related Itineraries

Grand Cayman, Aruba & Curacao

• 8 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
• Starting from $680 USD

Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

• Starting from $771 USD

Aruba, Curacao & Bonaire

• 9 nights ON CELEBRITY ECLIPSE
• Starting from $927 USD

Boston to Fort Lauderdale

• 10 nights ON CELEBRITY ECLIPSE
• DEPARTING FROM BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
• Starting from $1436 USD
• 8 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $2009 USD
• Starting from $5693 USD

Related Articles

12 Top Things to Do in Bonaire

Insider’s Guide to Belize City

One Day in Key West

12 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Fort Lauderdale

13 Best Places to Go Snorkeling in St. Croix

The Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Seafood

Two Days in Bangkok

8 Best Spots for Snorkeling in Aruba

15 Best Things to Do in Ushuaia

The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand’s Wine Regions

Unique Places to Visit in Greece

18 Famous Landmarks in Rome to Discover

Free Vacation Planning Services

CALL US 888-751-7804

Sign Up for Special Offers

I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Please view our Privacy Policy .

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• Country * Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

STAY IN THE KNOW

Thank you for subscribing.

See you on board soon.

Best cruise destinations for every type of traveler

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Choosing where to cruise is one half of a successful vacation: The right ship plus a carefully selected destination that matches your overall interests typically equals an enjoyable cruise experience.

So, what are the best cruise destinations for every type of traveler?

That depends. With several dozen destination options around the globe to choose from — everything from popular locales you can cruise to from U.S. ports to far-flung regions known to top many bucket lists — it can take a bit of research to find your perfect match.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

That’s why we’re here. We’ve been around the block (and around the world) when it comes to cruises. We’ve explored the most captivating cities, waded into the surf on world-class beaches, hiked unspoiled landscapes and gazed upon treasured landmarks. So before you book your next cruise, have a look at our picks for the best cruise destinations for every type of traveler.

Best cruise destination for beach lovers: The Caribbean

When it comes to optimal sun, sand and surf, it’s tough to beat the Caribbean. It also helps that every major cruise line offers multiple itineraries in the region, most from November to March but quite a few year-round. You can cruise to the Caribbean from more than 10 U.S. cities — everywhere from New York to Galveston, Texas — although the majority of Caribbean cruises sail from Florida ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Tampa.

Which Caribbean islands have the best beaches? It’s impossible to choose since every island is fringed by talcum-soft sand and warm turquoise water and is home to lively beach bars offering music and tropical cocktails that will make your day in the sun all the more fun.

Cruises here are offered in three regions. Eastern Caribbean cruises visit ports including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. The Western Caribbean itineraries feature calls on Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. The Southern Caribbean voyages sail to islands such as St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Many cruise lines also call on Nassau in the Bahamas and their own Bahamian private islands , where beach days are sublime. Some longer itineraries (10 nights or more) also combine Eastern and Southern ports of call with less-visited islands such as St. Kitts and Antigua.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Best cruise destination for history buffs: The Eastern Mediterranean

The Eastern Mediterranean, where it meets the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas, is home to century-spanning sites sure to tempt any history buff. Cruises in this region typically call on Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy, while some also visit Israel, Jordan and Cyprus. More than any other region, the Eastern Mediterranean offers cruisers the chance to step back in time simply by stepping off their ship.

For example, cruises often begin in Istanbul, home to the 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the elaborate Blue Mosque, constructed between 1609 and 1616. Ports of call also in Turkey may include Kusadasi for the nearby Roman city of Ephesus and its wondrous Library of Celsus. In Greece, medieval and Venetian architecture are thoughtfully preserved in the islands of Rhodes and Corfu, respectively. Your cruise might end in Athens, site of the 2,500-year-old Parthenon and its antiquities.

Or you can cruise from Venice, with its splendid 11th-century Basilica of San Marco and palazzo-lined canals, across the Adriatic to the coast of Croatia. These sailings typically call on Split (home to Diocletian’s Palace, which dates to the 4 th century) and Dubrovnik (with its postcard-perfect 13th-century walled Old Town), as well as the island nation of Malta (realm of the Knights of St. John).

If Israel and Jordan are must-visits, look for a cruise with Holy Lands in its title. These sailings often depart from Athens and also call on several Greek islands and Cyprus.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruises for every type of traveler

Best cruise destination for outdoor adventurers: Alaska

The 49 th State is a vast 665,400-square-mile wilderness. It offers an incredible 46,600 miles of coastline (longer than the shorelines of all the lower 48 states combined) and a unique and plentiful mix of wildlife. An Alaska cruise offers true outdoor adventure.

In port, choose from hiking amid boreal forests to sea kayaking among seals and sea otters. You can fish for salmon (and have it shipped home), zipline above a landscape inhabited by black bears and gaze down at massive glaciers from a seaplane or helicopter (and even land atop one).

Have a less-adventurous travel companion? They can pan for gold, ride a vintage train and dog-sled (and afterward cuddle adorable husky pups).

The Pacific Northwest port cities of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia are the gateways for the majority of Alaska cruises. Inside Passage itineraries are the most popular and cruise lines offer these sailings from May through September .

On a round-trip cruise, you’ll call on Juneau, Alaska’s remote capital that’s reachable solely by sea or air and offers access to Mendenhall Glacier. Other top ports are Ketchikan, known for wet-suit snorkeling and floatplane flightseeing; Skagway, where you can combine an invigorating hike and a relaxing river float trip; and Icy Strait Point, a top spot for sea kayaking and whale watching.

A highlight for many passengers is scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park . This 3.3-million-acre national park is home to more than 1,000 glaciers, including the accessible and photogenic Margerie Glacier, which extends 21 miles from the mountains to the bay. Have your camera ready to capture the action as huge chunks of Windex-blue ice calve off of its 250-foot-high face with a thunderous crack and crash into the frigid waters below.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Best cruise destination for honeymooners: French Polynesia

Lagoons that shimmer in a mosaic of the purest blues imaginable, palm-fringed islets comprised solely of pristine white sand, and Polynesian culture steeped in heart-pounding song and dance make a cruise through the islands of French Polynesia ideal for honeymooners. Tahiti and the other Society Islands — Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Taha’a — offer a setting for celebratory romance that’s scenic and sensual.

Most cruises through the Societies are seven or 10 nights, with mornings spent exploring an island’s lush landscape by 4×4, visiting vanilla or black pearl farms or venturing into the lagoon for snorkeling excursions or shark and stingray feedings. In the afternoon, laze by your ship’s pool or give stand-up paddleboarding a try. Diving here is also superb, so couples who are certified can experience the thrill of underwater life beyond the lagoon.

On a cultural level, couples cruising through the islands of Tahiti can try new foods such as breadfruit and poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut and lime juice), melt into a state of blissful relaxation with traditional taurumi massage, and experience the soul-stirring drumbeats of Polynesian dance. Be sure to pluck a plumeria blossom and place it behind your left ear — to signify that your heart is spoken for.

Related: 7 things to do in French Polynesia that don’t involve romance or over-water bungalows

Best cruise destination for city explorers: The Baltic

The sophisticated capitals of Scandinavia — Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki — plus other coastal cities such as Tallinn, Estonia and Gdansk, Poland, are each compelling in their own right. So, imagine the rush of urban euphoria you’ll feel while exploring all of them on a Baltic (or Northern Europe) cruise from May through September.

While itineraries range from seven to 14 nights and the ports visited vary by cruise line, most sailings call on Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn. The Danish capital is a fascinating blend of imperial palaces, photogenic landmarks (including the vibrant waterfront of Nyhavn and the Victorian-era Tivoli Gardens) and modern culinary and design innovations.

Equally captivating is Stockholm, where a stroll through Old Town (Gamla Stan) will take you back to medieval times. A visit to the one-of-a-kind Vasa Museum offers a fascinating glimpse at a doomed 17th-century wooden warship, and a few hours in the ABBA Museum will have you humming the band’s hits for hours afterward.

Then there’s Helsinki. Expect to be charmed by this quirky city with its unpronounceable street names, elegant Esplanade and cache of unique churches (among them the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral and the Temppeliaukion Church, aka the Church of the Rock). And Tallinn? The city’s remarkably intact medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encircled by red-capped storybook-style towers. Easily explored on foot, it’s home to architectural landmarks that include Gothic-spired churches, Hanseatic merchant houses and a Pseudo-Russian cathedral.

Related: Best European cruises: 6 ships that stand out across the pond

Best cruise destination for the culturally curious: Japan

A single-country cruise itinerary gives you a chance to enjoy a deeper dive into local culture. One of the most popular destinations for this type of immersive experience is Japan. As an island nation, it has a wealth of ports that can be explored on 12- to 14-night circle-island sailings offered by both large-ship and small-luxury cruise lines.

From the bright lights and youthful energy of modern Tokyo, an itinerary will visit 10 or so Japanese cities. Your ship will also call on Busan, South Korea as required by maritime regulations.

Kobe is your access point for Kyoto, with its temples and gardens, while Shimizu is your gateway to scenic Mt. Fuji. Visit the moving Peace Memorial Park honoring the tragedy of WWII in Hiroshima and historic Hirosaki Castle in Aomori. In Kanazawa, explore the well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. Don’t miss Sakaiminato, famous for its seafood and the Izumo-taisha Grand Shrine.

Along with enjoying Japan’s top sights on guided excursions, you’ll also have a chance to experience the country’s traditional music and dance, visit museums filled with centuries of art and soak in thermal hot springs. Be sure to sample culinary specialties, from udon noodles and sake to elaborate kaiseki multi-course feasts. Even better — you can do it all while only having to unpack once.

Best cruise destination for nature lovers: Panama Canal & Central America

Yes, the Panama Canal is manmade, but it cuts across 82 miles of Central American jungle on the isthmus of Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A transit of the circa-1914 original or the 2016 extension takes a single day. The remainder of the cruise will be spent calling on ports in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia (historic coastal Cartagena), Mexico and the Caribbean.

That means there’s plenty of nature to appreciate. Some ships will spend a day in Colon, Panama, which offers access to Chagres National Park and the Gamboa Rainforest Preserve. Both are home to indigenous species such as toucans, coatimundis and monkeys.

During a visit to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the volcanic landscape and surrounding rainforest and cloud forest offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking and spotting native species such as howler monkeys, sloths and crocodiles. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala is known for its coffee plantations and access to the historic city of Antigua. The region also offers the chance to hike the Pacaya Volcano or visit the ancient Mayan site of Iximche.

In the Caribbean, some Panama Canal itineraries call on one of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao) while others visit Grand Cayman, where stellar snorkeling and diving (and interaction with the playful residents of Stingray City) are top activities. On Mexico’s Pacific Coast, ports might include Huatulco, offering access to an iguana sanctuary and ecological park, or Puerto Vallarta, where you can enjoy a snorkel trip to Los Arcos de Mismaloya.

Related: The best time to cruise the Panama Canal

Best cruise destination for food and wine aficionados: Western Mediterranean

Italy, France and Spain are all celebrated for their distinctive cuisines and award-winning wines, which makes a Western Mediterranean itinerary perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

The fact that the region’s top cruise ports are the birthplaces of foodie favorites such as paella, pizza, spaghetti alla carbonara and moules-frites makes a cruise here a delicious indulgence. You can eat your fill of local cuisine in places such as Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, Marseille and Saint-Tropez in France, and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Rome and Naples in Italy.

Add in the Western Med’s top island ports, and it’s impossible to cruise here without enjoying some of the world’s most memorable foods and flavors. Olives and olive oil are an art form on the Spanish island of Mallorca, while wild boar is a rustic favorite on the French island of Corsica. The Italian island of Sardinia is known for its strong Cannonau red wine, and Sicily is the birthplace of the famous cannoli.

Some cruise lines are especially attuned to offering their guests local culinary experiences. These take the form of shore excursions (cooking classes, market visits and farm and winery tours) and onboard dinner menus that highlight regional specialties and local wines. FYI: Cruise ships also have fully equipped fitness centers where you can work off all the extra calories you’ll consume.

Related: Western Mediterranean vs. Eastern Mediterranean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more? 

Best cruise destination for bucket-listers: Antarctica

When travelers dusted off their bucket list post-pandemic one of the places they most wanted to visit was Antarctica. The seventh continent, a place that belongs to no single nation but hosts research stations from almost 30, has fascinated adventurers for decades. But the swift expansion of luxury expedition cruising over the past five to seven years has made this frozen polar frontier the “It” destination of the 2020s.

What’s the experience like? On an expedition cruise, generally roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll first have to cross the Drake Passage, a notoriously rough and windy body of water. Safely on the other side, you’ll arrive at landing points in the South Shetland Islands along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Whether viewing regiments of gleaming icebergs from your ship’s deck or photographing parades of waddling penguins against a surreal landscape of ice while ashore, the experience is like no other. Some expedition itineraries also venture farther south to the continent while longer sailings call on South Georgia Island and/or the Falklands.

Antarctica requires two things of visitors. The first is a healthy budget. Expedition cruises generally start at around $12,000 per person, although some major cruise lines offer scenic cruising in Antarctica — with no landings — for under $3,000 per person. The second is a moderate fitness level to be able to venture ashore in Zodiacs and explore the rugged landscape.

The cruise season spans just five months, from mid-November to March, and you’ll want to book far in advance so you have time to prepare.

Related: Best Antarctica cruise ships exploring the White Continent

Best cruise destination for travelers without a passport: Hawaii

If you’re passport-less or have let yours expire, you can still enjoy a tropical island cruise that’s exotic and yet reassuringly familiar. We’re talking Hawaii, where a seven-night inter-island itinerary visiting four islands doesn’t require that you have a passport. These itineraries are offered year-round aboard Norwegian Cruise Line ’s Pride of America.

Since you’ll be cruising in U.S. territory, you don’t have to worry should you need to leave the cruise early and fly back to the states because of illness or a family emergency. This can be a concern for passengers on round-trip, closed-loop sailings from Florida to the Caribbean or Bahamas who board only with a driver’s license and birth certificate.

Beyond the practical, a Hawaii cruise that begins and ends in Oahu and spends two days on each of the other main islands — Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island) — offers plenty of time to enjoy the sights and even experience a cultural evening activity, such as a sunset luau. You’ll also avoid all the inter-island flights required for hotel stays.

Highlights of a Hawaii itinerary include a pre- or post-cruise visit to the historic sites of Pearl Harbor and perhaps even an overnight stay in Waikiki. On Maui, you can enjoy active thrills, such as biking down a switchback road on the volcanic slopes of Haleakala or snorkeling the offshore Molokini Crater.

Kauai is the place to admire the 50 th State’s lushest rainforests and to cruise past the scenic cliffs of the Napali Coast. And with two ports of call on the Island of Hawaii, you’ll enjoy the waterfalls of Hilo (along with access to Volcanoes National Park) and the sunny Kona coast, where snorkel trips and coffee farm visits are popular.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• What to pack for your first cruise
• How to get a deal on a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Puerto Rico hit eight, Dominican Republic cruise

Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic registered thumping victories, while Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis also won in the race for FIFA World Cup places.

Youngsters thrilled as Puerto Rico thrashed Anguilla 8-0

Dominican Republic, Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis won

Puerto Rico are the talk of the region. After success as David in a draw in San Salvador, they revelled as Goliath and thumped Anguilla in the biggest win in Concacaf qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Elsewhere, Dominican Republic cruised to victory, Guyana struck thrice in six minutes to triumph, St Kitts and Nevis did enough and St Lucia rallied to deny Aruba.

How it works How it works

Between six and eight teams will represent Concacaf at the World Cup 26. Canada, Mexico and USA have already qualified as co-hosts. Thirty nations are in the hunt to join them. They were drawn into six groups of five in the second round. The top two from each group will reach the third round, which will feature three groups of four. The group winners will qualify for the global finals automatically, while the best two runners-up will go into the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Group B Group B

St Kitts and Nevis 1-0 Bahamas Ethan Bristow’s bizarre goal grabbed the Sugar Boyz their first points of the campaign. The 22-year-old defender collected possession on the left wing in the 12th minute, sped past two opponents and cut the ball back from the byline. Goalkeeper Michael Butler, sliding, repelled it, only for Bristow to head in the rebound himself. It left Bahamas, pursuing a first World Cup qualifying win in 13 years, facing an uphill struggle, and their climb was heightened just before half-time when Jean Tilo was dismissed for quick-fire bookings. St Kitts and Nevis monopolised the second half but, despite a plethora of corners and chances aplenty, had to settle for a one-goal victory. It lifted Austin Huggins’ charges third, one point behind Trinidad and Tobago and three off Costa Rica.

Group C Group C

St Lucia 2-2 Aruba

St Lucia battled back from two goals down to hold Aruba. Walter Bennett snapped the deadlock, nodding home a corner. In the 43rd minute, Isai Marselia sent goalkeeper Vino Barclett the wrong way from the spot after Caniggia Elva felled Stiven Melchor Rua. Crucially for the Piton Boyz, they pulled one back on the stroke of half-time through Ridel Stanislas’s smart finish, and significant pressure thereafter was rewarded in the 67th minute. Elva showed great desire to keep a move alive, and his cross was diverted home with the outstretched leg of substitute Peter Pearson. Saint Lucia and Aruba are now on one point apiece, five behind front two Curaçao and Haiti.

Group D Group D

Guyana 3-1 Belize Three goals in six second-half minutes helped the Golden Jaguars kick-start their campaign. Jamaal Shabazz’s side had 70 per cent of the possession and nine shots before the break, but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Woodrow West. They finally did so in the 66th minute, Jalen Jones and Omari Glasgow co-creating poetically to present Deon Moore with a close-range opener. The advantage was amplified just 18 seconds after the restart, Liam Gordon jigging his way past three adversaries and arrowing the ball into the bottom corner. Moore improvised to flick home a cross and make it three minutes later. Carlos Bernardez’s deflected header gave Belize a consolation to take home. The result left Guyana third, three points behind Nicaragua and Panama. Belize are pointless and bottom.

Group E Group E

Dominican Republic 4-0 British Virgin Islands Two Rafa Nunez wonder goals helps get Los Quisqueyanos got up and running. The 22-year-old, who plays for Elche in Spain, broke the deadlock with a thunderous swerver in the second minute, before making it 3-0 with another solo screamer. Dorny Romero also bagged a brace. Leeds United’s Junior Firpo won the penalty from which the Aktobe ace slotted home the first, and then laid on his second at the end. Dominican Republic are now on three points, three behind Guatemala and Jamaica.

Group F Group F

Puerto Rico 8-0 Anguilla El Huracán Azul hit their guests hard. Two 20-year-olds electrified, with Real Madrid Castilla’s Jeremy de Leon winning a penalty and bagging a brace, and Orlando City B’s Wilfredo Rivera decorating his double with a goal-of-campaign-contending rocket. Roberto Ydrach, Leandro Antonetti, Darren Rios and Niicolas Cardona were also on target for Puerto Rico, who moved on to four points, level with El Salvador and two behind Suriname. Anguilla have lost both their games, failing to score and leaking 12 goals.

Top scorers Top scorers

Rangelo Janga (3 goals) Shamar Nicholson (3) Oalex Anderson (2) Tyrone Conraad (2) Jeremy de Leon (2) Alejandro Galindo (2) Orlando Galo (2) Bancy Hernandez (2) Myles Hippolyte (2) Deon Moore (2) Reon Moore (2) Jaime Moreno (2) Duane Muckette (2) Wilfredo Rivera (2) Niall Reid-Stephen (2) Edwin Rodriguez (2) Rubio Rubin (2) Malcolm Shaw (2)