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Curacao & Aruba Is it worth it?

geovet

By geovet,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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geovet

geovet

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I have been to most eastern and western ports several times. Also been to St Kitts and St Lucia. I'm thinking about heading south again. Would you say that Aruba and Curacao are just another beach ports or something not to be missed?

 

Thanks

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leenieweenie

leenieweenie

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My dh and I have been to both islands and we believe both are truly worth a visit. we are not "beachy" people so I can't answer about their beaches, but Curacao is beautiful. And Aruba was totally different than we thought it would be. Very much a desert environs. we took island tours on both places to get a feel for them. Also, In Aruba, we were there late into the evening and we went to the casino and won $800! so maybe that influences our memories a little.lol. Check out the excursions available for both to see what appeals to you. I'm sure you will be pleased to visit both!

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RealAlexD

RealAlexD

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LOVED those ports.

 

We did the Natural Pool and off road excursion and it was a lot of fun! It kicked our butts!

 

Curacao is BEAUTIFUL. Every trip should include this port. We just got into the port area and found a driver to show us the island. He stopped at a Curacao distillery that gave free samples to us for 15 minutes. We sure earned our nap after that!

 

I feel that just going to a beach and not seeing anything in these ports would do a disservice to the islands. Absolutely beautiful places.

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dbrucern

dbrucern

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My dh and I have been to both islands and we believe both are truly worth a visit. we are not "beachy" people so I can't answer about their beaches, but Curacao is beautiful. And Aruba was totally different than we thought it would be. Very much a desert environs. we took island tours on both places to get a feel for them. Also, In Aruba, we were there late into the evening and we went to the casino and won $800! so maybe that influences our memories a little.lol. Check out the excursions available for both to see what appeals to you. I'm sure you will be pleased to visit both!

 

It's our number one favorite cruise

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123linz123

123linz123

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I have been to Aruba twice on a cruise, loved it so much we went there for our honey moon. No tender needed.

It's a small island, easy to get around, you can catch a bus within walking distance from the port, to various parts of the island. very friendly.

I highly recommend it.

I've been to Curacao once, and really liked it. no tender needed , wallk straight form the ship into the town, where there is a new side and old side, we were not there long enough imo and so we only did the new side. Loved it.

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PROCRUISE

PROCRUISE

Posted
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Aruba and Curacao are in the DEEP Southern Caribbean and are not to be missed. :)

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

Going back to these wonderful ports on 1/1/14 for the third time and looking forward specially to these two ports of call within the whole 11 day itinerary.

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oshunreef

oshunreef

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Did our first Southern Caribbean cruise this past November and loved Eagle Beach in Aruba and loved Curacao. Husband went snorkeling over a tugboat and loved it and I did some shopping around town. We went to Columbia and I was honestly not crazy about this port.

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icruz

icruz

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My dh and I have been to both islands and we believe both are truly worth a visit. we are not "beachy" people so I can't answer about their beaches, but Curacao is beautiful. And Aruba was totally different than we thought it would be. Very much a desert environs. we took island tours on both places to get a feel for them. Also, In Aruba, we were there late into the evening and we went to the casino and won $800! so maybe that influences our memories a little.lol. Check out the excursions available for both to see what appeals to you. I'm sure you will be pleased to visit both!

 

What is the name of the casino and where is it located in relation to where the ship is docked...

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MDSue

MDSue

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Definitely not to be missed! Curacao has a waterfront like no other- beautiful day and night.

Aruba is so easy to get around on your own and has wonderful beaches, shops, restaurants. and bars.

They are far south so it takes extra time to get there, but well worth the visit.

 

I have tons of pictures or both islands posted in my review of the Carnival Freedom trip last spring. A link is included in my signature

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AmberTeka

AmberTeka

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Bonaire is the least touristy. The least developed but like the other islands...it is Dutch. The mind boggling poverty you see on some Islands.......Not there.

 

They are very green. You cannot swim in some areas because it will damage the coral formations. If you steal a bird...it is three years in prison. It is hard to build there, but they do have hotels. Clean. Not fancy. No chains.

 

it is beautiful. We saw parrots fly over our bus. Just takes your breathe away.

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Fla Senior

Fla Senior

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What is the name of the casino and where is it located in relation to where the ship is docked...

 

Aruba - about 8 or 10 blocks off the ship in downtown Oranjestad. I think it's called Crystal Casino, part of Renaissance Hotel. Also a $14 cab ride to Marriott which also has a nice casino. (and a beautiful beach)

 

Curacao - right off the ship, Carnivale Casino, very nice.

Edited by Fla Senior
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Windinmahair

Windinmahair

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Bonaire is the least touristy. The least developed but like the other islands...it is Dutch. The mind boggling poverty you see on some Islands.......Not there.

 

 

 

They are very green. You cannot swim in some areas because it will damage the coral formations. If you steal a bird...it is three years in prison. It is hard to build there, but they do have hotels. Clean. Not fancy. No chains.

 

 

 

it is beautiful. We saw parrots fly over our bus. Just takes your breathe away.

 

 

Does Carnival go to Bonaire? If so what ship please?

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Lace

Lace

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I have been to most eastern and western ports several times. Also been to St Kitts and St Lucia. I'm thinking about heading south again. Would you say that Aruba and Curacao are just another beach ports or something not to be missed?

 

Thanks

 

Loved them both, especially Aruba. Was glad they put these two gems back on some itineraries. Both are primarily beach stops for us, but the colorful little town on Curaçao is quite a treasure.

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cruzeluver

cruzeluver

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Both are excellent and well worth a visit. Aruba is very modern with fantastic shopping (not like in most ports on a typical Eastern or Western itinerary), great nightlife and excellent restaurants. The climate is arid and more desert-like.

 

Curacao is in my top five favorite places I have ever been, simply gorgeous! Great island to tour around for at least part of the day. The swinging bridge and market where produce and seafood from Venezuela are sold are not to be missed.

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