Need advice for Southern Caribbean ABC Is.

[dacf]

We're thinking of an 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise with RCCL Adventure of the Seas next winter (Jan or Feb 2020).   The itinerary looks like this:

-Embarkation: Ft. Lauderdale

-2 days at sea

-next 3 days, 1 day at each of the ABC islands

-2 days sailing back to Florida

I was speaking with a friend and she told me because the ship is leaving Florida and those islands are so far south, the ship is really bootin' it to get down there.   So much so that the pool deck is so windy, nobody can enjoy laying out by the pool deck and also the pools are shut down.

So I would like to hear from anyone who has done this particular cruise.  Is this true?

Thanks for any help you can offer

Denise

[Northumberland]

On 1/24/2019 at 10:58 AM, dacf said:

We're thinking of an 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise with RCCL Adventure of the Seas next winter (Jan or Feb 2020).   The itinerary looks like this:

-Embarkation: Ft. Lauderdale

-2 days at sea

-next 3 days, 1 day at each of the ABC islands

-2 days sailing back to Florida

I was speaking with a friend and she told me because the ship is leaving Florida and those islands are so far south, the ship is really bootin' it to get down there.   So much so that the pool deck is so windy, nobody can enjoy laying out by the pool deck and also the pools are shut down.

So I would like to hear from anyone who has done this particular cruise.  Is this true?

Thanks for any help you can offer

Denise

We were on the Royal Princess last April with a 2 day return from Curacao to Fort Lauderdale. We didn't experience an adverse wind around the pool deck. That area on most ships is fairly sheltered and you shouldn't experience any abnormal wind unless you happen to hit really bad weather. We are also going on Serenade of the Seas in March for an 11 day Southern Caribbean cruise which includes other multiple sea days and don't expect any problems.

[davekathy]

I wouldn't consider 22 knots (25.5 mph) hauling a$$. Unless the weather is really bad (high winds) enjoy your sea days out on the open decks. 

Edited January 25, 2019 by davekathy

[Grandma Dazzles]

Never had a big problem.  Always thought ships tend to sail faster at night.  There is always some breeze on deck, but never that bad unless you are sailing through storms, bad weather.   

[dacf]

Thanks guys for your input.  I really appreciate it:)   It gives me more confidence to book.   Since we are on the topic, does the ship stop at the ABC islands walking distance to town and beaches?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Clarea]

1 minute ago, dacf said:

Thanks guys for your input.  I really appreciate it:)   It gives me more confidence to book.   Since we are on the topic, does the ship stop at the ABC islands walking distance to town and beaches?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

As far as I can recall, there are no beaches within walking distance of the ship at Aruba or Curacao.

[davekathy]

No beaches within walking distance of the ship at Bonaire. 

Edited January 25, 2019 by davekathy

[ONECRUISER]

20 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

As far as I can recall, there are no beaches within walking distance of the ship at Aruba or Curacao.

In Aruba but almost mile away, cruisers on my Roll Call did it. Just a Beach, no bathrooms/food

[Seaside2358]

I was on 8 night Navigator from Miami to ABC March 2018. Did not notice any extreme winds. Pool decks were packed on sea days. We also stopped at Labadee. I highly recommend Woodwind snorkel in Bonaire. Thought this ship and itinerary were exceptional.

[Clarea]

7 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

In Aruba but almost mile away, cruisers on my Roll Call did it. Just a Beach, no bathrooms/food

 

We take the city bus in Aruba to Palm Beach.  I think it's $2 per person, each way.  The bus terminal about a block away from the cruise terminal entrance.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

we did this itinerary in 1 week on Caribbean Princess. Didn't notice any access wind. The pools didn't close either.

By the way, ABC island itinerary is our ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!

 

It would help you tremendously if you checked out the Caribbean ports of call subforum for each of your ports of call.

[cruiseguy1016]

There are a couple resorts within walking distance in Curacao. I'm not sure about Aruba and Bonaire. For a nominal fee you get access to their beach, pool, lounges and umbrellas or palapas. There are bars and restaurants on the property also.

[NateUpNorth]

On 1/24/2019 at 11:58 AM, dacf said:

We're thinking of an 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise with RCCL Adventure of the Seas next winter (Jan or Feb 2020).   The itinerary looks like this:

-Embarkation: Ft. Lauderdale

-2 days at sea

-next 3 days, 1 day at each of the ABC islands

-2 days sailing back to Florida

I was speaking with a friend and she told me because the ship is leaving Florida and those islands are so far south, the ship is really bootin' it to get down there.   So much so that the pool deck is so windy, nobody can enjoy laying out by the pool deck and also the pools are shut down.

So I would like to hear from anyone who has done this particular cruise.  Is this true?

Thanks for any help you can offer

Denise

 

Just did this trip in mid December. (additional stop Labadee). I can report that pools were open and in full use on all sea days, wind was not a factor near them.

When going up by the flow rider and mini golf course however, it could be quite windy. (Navigator of the Seas)

 

In regards to the Islands, check the Ports Of Call section of Cruise Critic. The beaches on these Islands are amazing, however I'd also strongly recommend looking into some snorkel excursions if you are ocean people.

 

This is without a doubt the best vacation/itinerary we've ever done.

Edited January 25, 2019 by NateUpNorth

[ONECRUISER]

11 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

We take the city bus in Aruba to Palm Beach.  I think it's $2 per person, each way.  The bus terminal about a block away from the cruise terminal entrance.

Can't beat that. Where I live in Michigan and AZ there is no Public Transportation available. If traveling with my Grand Children we'd take motorized transportation, me I don't mind walking usually do 10+ miles day when on a ship. But realize some people 1 mile might as well be 100...

[dacf]

Thanks everyone for weighing in.  You guys are awesome!  

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

47 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

I don't mind walking usually do 10+ miles day when on a ship. But realize some people 1 mile might as well be 100...

when we were in Curacao, the heat and humidity were unbearable. And we are from the south...

We walked for about 20 minutes, and then even my 5 yo begged to go back, because it was horrible. So, yeah, there is a difference.

[LeeW]

1 hour ago, ONECRUISER said:

Can't beat that. Where I live in Michigan and AZ there is no Public Transportation available. If traveling with my Grand Children we'd take motorized transportation, me I don't mind walking usually do 10+ miles day when on a ship. But realize some people 1 mile might as well be 100...

 

The walk north to where the beach starts is junky, along the outside of the industrial port area.  Beach starts around a mile and then runs five or so continuous, with various resorts, casinos, and condos along the way.  We take the #10 bus, ride until we feel like getting out, walk the beach and then back to the road to bus back to town.  South, there is a small beach in the inlet just beyond the hotel and before the airport.  Narrow and no facilities.

 

Bonaire and Curacao you do need an excursion, taxi or rental car to get anywhere but town.

 

Temperatures are normally mid-80s with 90% humidity.  With luck you will have a breeze but walking anywhere except on a beach isn't going to be much fun for a Michigander.

Edited January 25, 2019 by LeeW
more

[Hoopster95]

2 hours ago, dacf said:

Since we are on the topic, does the ship stop at the ABC islands walking distance to town and beaches?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

1 hour ago, dacf said:

Thanks everyone for weighing in.  You guys are awesome!  

 

 

I wasn't going to post with all the good advice you're getting here, however it looks like you're looking for as much info as you can get to get a good idea of your ports. I thought I'd offer this up if you have a few minutes to look through pictures and descriptions... might give you a good perspective:

 

Aruba (click on "Hoopster95 replied to a topic" below)

 

Curacao

 

Bonaire

 

Use the search tool above on this page... there are many other great threads from fellow cruisers about the ABC's, various ideas about the ports and excellent pictures reviews for you

 

 

 

Edited January 25, 2019 by Hoopster95

[JTBCruiser]

We did the ABC islands on the Navigator and I don't recall any issues on deck by the pool when it was going down or coming back.

[The Fun Researcher]

I just have to say, that's a killer itinerary.  2 sea days to fully relax at the start.  Three awesome ports.  2 sea days back, which is one of the things I look for.  It's nice to have a FULL relaxing sea day on your way back to your home port, so you aren't packing up right away like you do with only one sea day on the return.  For us, this makes a world of difference in how we feel on the return after visiting the Caribbean ports.

Dan

[dacf]

Thanks Dan!  You must agree then with everyone else that the pools are opened and they're relaxing sea days?   I would also like to respond to others but I don't know how to do it.   When did you do that destination?

 

 

[RedSails1968]

Just want to mention that Ft. Lauderdale can be very cold in January. It is now and it was when we cruised to Aruba, Curacao and Dominican Republic last January. Nobody used the pools or outside deck the first sea day. We couldn’t even open our balcony door the first day, it was so windy. After that though, the weather was beautiful and warm.

[jmh2006]

Did this itinerary from Miami two years ago on Navigator and I agree with the others that sea days were just perfect.  We did a beach day in Aruba at an all inclusive and took a cab from ship.  It was very easy and a wonderful beach day.  I can also second the recommendation for Woodwind snorkeling on Bonaire.  The best ever! 

 

 

 

[cementhands]

On 1/24/2019 at 11:58 AM, dacf said:

We're thinking of an 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise with RCCL Adventure of the Seas next winter (Jan or Feb 2020).   The itinerary looks like this:

-Embarkation: Ft. Lauderdale

-2 days at sea

-next 3 days, 1 day at each of the ABC islands

-2 days sailing back to Florida

I was speaking with a friend and she told me because the ship is leaving Florida and those islands are so far south, the ship is really bootin' it to get down there.   So much so that the pool deck is so windy, nobody can enjoy laying out by the pool deck and also the pools are shut down.

So I would like to hear from anyone who has done this particular cruise.  Is this true?

Thanks for any help you can offer

Denise

Aruba bus terminal is across from ship. Like $2.50. Arrachi beach at end of bus loop has excellent snorkeling from shore. Back on bus stop at Eagle or Palm beach. Hotels are there. Cabs or bus outside.

Curacos cab to Maho beach by sea aquarium is very European. Tiki hut bars. Very nice.

Bonaire off ship boat to Klein Bonaire for excellent snorkeling.

Tripadvisor for specific information. Love the ABC islands. Favorite destination. Polar beer is excellent.

 

[janetz]

Rent a golf cart in Bonaire and stop at multiple places to snorkel.

in Aruba check out Trilkes-Aruba. Such a blast,