8 NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE |
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DEPARTS: 5:30 PM
BEACHY KEEN
Watch the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon on a morning walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade. Then grab breakfast by the water— you have plenty of spots to choose from, after all this “Venice of America” is home to more than 300 miles of waterways.
THINGS TO DO
STREET SCENE
Las Olas Boulevard, nestled next door to downtown, is the entertainment core of Fort Lauderdale. It has a mile of upscale shops and al fresco dining that runs past high-rises and into the RiverWalk, where you can catch the free water trolley for a cruise across mega-mansion-lined canals.
VITAMIN SEA
Soak up the sun, sand and seaside fun along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Walk along the palm-lined “Strip” on State Road A1A to get your fill of beach bars, souvenir shops and outdoor restaurants. Go full throttle on a Jet Ski®— or go parasailing high above the ocean.
GLADES OF GLORY
Head west and explore the Florida Everglades, an untamed river of grass spanning 2,200 acres of picturesque wetlands. Whether you take a wild ride in an airboat or splash around in a swamp buggy, you’ll encounter wild alligators and native birds thriving among Florida’s finest natural landscapes.
CRUISING
THINGS TO DO
ROCK CLIMBING WALL
A BOLDER BOULDER
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
ICE SKATING
THIS IS NO PLACE FOR COLD FEET
Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve got moves like the Great One, you’ll have a great time every time at the ice skating rink.
CRUISING
THINGS TO DO
GIOVANNI’S TABLE
AL DENTE INDULGENCE
A casual Italian trattoria with indoor and al fresco seating, Giovanni’s Table offers rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including fresh pastas, braised meat dishes and stews.Fee applies.
JOHNNY ROCKETS
MEET YOU AT THE DINER, DADDY-O
With a family-friendly uncomplicated menu that offers all-American good eats and is reminiscent of simpler days, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an era of sock hops, soda fountains and drive-in theaters.
ARRIVES: 9:00 AM
DEPARTS: 8:00 PM
ADVENTURE IN FULL COLOR
Discover the colonial-era fortresses and other landmarks of Willemstad on a trolley ride before exploring more on your own. Go on a distillery tour to sample the island’s signature spirit, Blue Curaçao, or make some new marine friends at the Sea Aquarium. Enjoy the island’s stunning turquoise seas on a boat, snorkeling or just relaxing on the sands.
THINGS TO DO
STOP FOR A PHOTO OP
Take a scenic ride through Shete Boka Park for three incredible sites— the Boka Tabla, where waves break so high against a rocky inlet they look like a geyser; the Boka Pistol, where giant waves make a thunderous sound as they crash into an underground cavern; and the natural bridge which the ocean has carved out of the rock.
TAKE A HIKE
Head to the 4,450-acre wildlife preserve, Christoffel Park National Curaçao, to spend the day immersed in unspoiled nature. Hike or bike any of eight trails and get to know the indigenous flora and fauna— like white-tailed deer, barn owls, blue iguanas, and rare wild orchids.
HISTORY AND MYSTERY
Discover stalagmites, stalactites, unique species and local lore inside the Hato Caves. These ancient limestone caverns are filled with pools, waterfalls, and 1,500-year-old cave paintings. Cruise to Curaçao and cross the mystical underground lake before entering two large caverns lined with ancient Arawak petroglyphs.
INSIDER TIP
Be sure to catch the swinging Queen Emma Bridge in action from the deck during sailaway.
ARRIVES: 8:00 AM
DEPARTS: 5:00 PM
DEEP DIVE INTO ADVENTURE
It’s always sunny in Bonaire, where the days last nearly twelve hours and the adventure never ends. The countless coral reefs surrounding its shores are home to more than 400 species of marine life, earning it the nickname ‘Diver’s Paradise.’ But for some of the best snorkeling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Or hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea views— no swimming required. Cruise to Bonaire and do some onshore exploring at Washington Slagbaii National Park, which covers a fifth of the island. With its dramatic desert landscape, mangrove lagoons, famous pink flamingos and unrivaled dive spots, Bonaire offers endless outdoor adventures— along with a healthy dose of colonial charm.
THINGS TO DO
CHIEF OF THE REEF
Explore 86 unique dive sites at Bonaire Marine Park and discover why they call the island ‘Diver’s Paradise.’
BEACHING IT
Unwind onshore or go windsurfing in the warm, shallow waters of Sorobon Beach, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
FOR THE BIRDS
Hike through Bonair’s historic plantations while mingling with parrots, parakeets and pink flamingos in Washington Slagbaai National Park.
LOCAL CUISINE
You’ll find lots of traditional Creole fare, like keshi yena (cheese stuffed meat) and kabritu stoba (goat stew), blended with Dutch specialties on menus across the island. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the conch stew— it’s a local delicacy. And be sure to cap off your meal with a cone from Kralendijk’s Lovers’ Ice Cream.
SHOPPING
For your fix of duty-free deals, head to Harborside Mall, located just steps from the port in Kralendijk. You’ll find plenty of luxury jewelry, flamingo-themed souvenirs, and knick-knacks for diving and snorkeling.
INSIDER TIP
Restaurants may include a standard 10-15% service charge on the bill. If not, a gratuity of 10-20% is appropriate.
ARRIVES: 7:00 AM
DEPARTS: 5:00 PM
TWO SIDE TO
EVERY ADVENTURE
Oranjestad is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial ‘gingerbread’ houses painted in bright Caribbean hues, powdery white beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine water. Explore Aruba’s unique geological formations amid desert-like landscapes. Or discover aquatic wonders under the waves on a snorkeling excursion or a thrilling submarine ride. Sun-seekers can choose the beach that best suits their style, from the activity-filled De Palm Island to resort-studded Palm Beach, one of the island’s most glorious stretches of sand.
THINGS TO DO
ROADS LESS TRAVELED
Buckle up for an off-road 4X4 ride through the rough and rugged Aruba Arikok National Park. Along the way, you’ll spot the local plants and wildlife of the craggy but beautiful coastline on your way to Conchi, a natural pool created by the ocean’s relentless crashing waves.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’
Perched on the northwestern tip of the island, you can climb to the top of the recently renovated California Lighthouse for panoramic views of the crashing waves of the windward coast. From 100 feet up, you can even see the tranquil waters of the leeward shore.
SEA FLOOR EXPLORING
The water off Aruba is teeming with marine life and you can see it all up close by riding in a high-tech submarine 150 feet below the sea. As you explore in comfort during your Aruba cruise, you’ll pass schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens, colorful coral reefs, wreck sites and even scuba divers.
LOCAL CUISINE
Taste your way through the multicultural heritage of the island. Sample Argentine meat dishes, Venezuelan empanadas and arepas, and nutty Dutch cheeses. Or for something a little more Caribbean, try a hearty pumpkin soup or gumbo with some pan bati— a pancake made from wheat and corn flour. INSIDER TIP
Free trolleys run in a loop from the port to the downtown area.
CRUISING
THINGS TO DO
POOLS
SWIM IT TO WIN IT
Soak up the sun or savor the shade on expanded pool decks, with complimentary loungers, live music, and the opportunity to enjoy a frosty cocktail.
SOLARIUM
SUN AND SERENITY
Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat.The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist.
CRUISING
THINGS TO DO
POOLS
SWIM IT TO WIN IT
Soak up the sun or savor the shade on expanded pool decks, with complimentary loungers, live music, and the opportunity to enjoy a frosty cocktail.
SOLARIUM
SUN AND SERENITY
Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat.The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist.
ARRIVES: 5:30 AM
A YACHT OF ADVENTURE
Before leaving South Florida, be sure to visit the Florida Everglades for a thrilling afternoon gliding in a high-speed airboat across this expansive river of grass. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, turtles, and the American alligator— all of which are native to the wetlands.
THINGS TO DO
LOCAL CUISINE
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Fort Lauderdale dining experience than eating fresh-off-the-boat seafood in a waterfront eatery. Local “Floribbean” cuisine melds Caribbean and Latin-influenced flavors with locally caught fish, shrimp and crab. Surf-and-turf joints line every inch of A1A along the beach, while white tablecloths drape the majority of Las Olas sidewalk restaurants.
SHOPPING
Pick up beachwear at The Gallery at Beach Place, or find rare books and handmade hats on Hollywood Boulevard. Dania’s Antique Row is home to some 100 dealers, while art galleries and unusual boutiques line Las Olas Boulevard. For serious bargains, head to the Swap Shop flea market or the Sawgrass Mills outlet sprawl.