The ABC Islands offer you three walkable cruise ports, each with unique attractions.
In Aruba’s Oranjestad, you’ll walk straight from your ship to Dutch-style buildings in bright colours. A complimentary trolley takes you through the main shopping areas.
Bonaire’s Kralendijk keeps things simple: step off at the pier and follow the seafront paths. The calm waters right by the port let you snorkel amongst tropical fish.
In Curaçao’s Willemstad, you can explore UNESCO heritage sites moments from your ship. The floating Queen Emma Bridge connects the two sides of town, giving you easy access to colonial landmarks.
You can safely walk around all three ports without needing transport. Local shops, cafes and attractions sit conveniently near your cruise terminal.
Oranjestad, Aruba Cruise Ship Port Guide
The cruise terminal in Oranjestad welcomes you right into Aruba’s bustling capital. You can step off your ship and reach the city centre within minutes.
Your downtown exploration starts with colourful Dutch buildings along two main streets: Wilhelminastraat and L.G. Smith Boulevard. You can hop on the terminal’s free Trolley Tour to see the historic district‘s highlights.
The city’s oldest building, Fort Zoutman, sits at the heart of Oranjestad. You’ll find local artists selling handmade crafts at the waterfront market nearby.
Beach days are easy to arrange – Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are just a 15-minute taxi journey from the port. You can catch a taxi directly outside the terminal building.
Essential spots near the port:
- Shopping district: 5-minute walk
- Historic centre: 10-minute walk
- Fort Zoutman: 8-minute walk
- Local market: 7-minute walk
- Nearest beaches: 15-minute taxi ride
Kralendijk, Bonaire Cruise Ship Port Guide
Kralendijk: Your Cruise Ship Guide
You’ll find your ship docking right next to Kralendijk‘s town centre. This small Dutch Caribbean port offers easy access to Bonaire’s main attractions.
Key Activities:
- Walk the waterfront path for sea views and shopping
- Snorkel or dive the coral reefs near the shore
- Visit Washington Slagbaai Park for nature trails
- Try local restaurants for Dutch-Caribbean food
Top Tips:
- The port area is walkable and safe
- Most shops accept US dollars and euros
- Local cafes offer free WiFi
- You can spot flamingos in the salt pans
Getting Around:
- The town centre sits 2 minutes from your ship
- Taxis wait at the port entrance
- You can rent bikes for coastal rides
- Local buses run to popular beaches
Remember: Bonaire runs on island time, so plan your activities at a relaxed pace. You’ll get the most from your visit by mixing water activities with local culture.
Willemstad, Curaçao Cruise Ship Port Guide
When your cruise ship arrives in Willemstad, you’ll spot the bright colonial buildings that line the harbour. The main waterfront area holds UNESCO World Heritage status and features two key areas: Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the Queen Emma Bridge.
You can explore several main attractions:
- Handelskade: A waterfront street with shops and restaurants
- Old Market: Where you’ll find authentic local food
- Fort Amsterdam: The island’s most important historical site
- Queen Emma Bridge: A floating pontoon bridge you can cross on foot
The cruise terminal sits close to the city centre, making it easy for you to walk to most attractions. You’ll find boutiques, cafes and art galleries along the cobbled streets. Watch the bridge swing open for boats – many visitors consider this simple event a highlight of their visit.
The city combines Dutch architecture with Caribbean colours, creating a unique atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere in the region. All main areas remain walkable, and you’ll discover most highlights within a short distance from your ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Cruise the ABC Islands?
The best time to cruise the ABC Islands is between December and April. You’ll experience calm seas and minimal rainfall during these months. The temperature stays consistently around 29°C, perfect for beach activities. This period also falls outside the Caribbean hurricane season, making your trip safer and more predictable.
Are There Direct Flights Between the ABC Islands for Extended Stays?
You can fly directly between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao using local airlines Divi Divi Air and EZ Air. These carriers offer regular flights throughout the day between all three ABC islands, making it convenient for you to plan extended stays.
Which Cruise Lines Offer ABC Islands Itineraries?
Major cruise lines serving the ABC Islands:
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Norwegian and Holland America offer regular sailings to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
You can book ABC Islands cruises throughout the Caribbean season with these operators. Each line visits all three islands, giving you complete access to this popular island chain.
Simple tip: These routes run frequently, so you’ll find plenty of scheduling options for your trip.
What Currencies Are Accepted Across All Three ABC Islands?
The US dollar serves as your most practical payment option across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. You can use US dollars for all transactions, from shops to restaurants. Each island maintains its own official currency, but US dollars work universally throughout the ABC islands.
Do I Need Different Visas for Visiting Each ABC Island?
Visiting the ABC Islands is straightforward with your travel documents. You need only your valid passport to enter Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Each island forms part of the Dutch Caribbean, making travel between them simple. Your cruise ship documentation and passport will cover your entry requirements for all three destinations. This shared Dutch connection means you won’t face separate visa processes for each island.
