Southern Caribbean Holiday Cruise ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
San Juan , Puerto Rico | Philipsburg , St Maarten | Willemstad , Curacao | Oranjestad , Aruba | Kralendijk , Bonaire | San Juan , Puerto Rico
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FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
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IT'S SHOWTIME
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HEAD SOUTH
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San Juan, Puerto Rico
TAKE IT DESPACITO
Your journey begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital. You’ll find 500 years of history to delve into here, from ancient fortresses to colourful colonial-era buildings. If you’re travelling to San Juan by plane, arrive at least a day earlier to explore this beautiful city. If you’re arriving the same day, the airport is just a twenty-minute taxi ride to the port.
Your journey begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital. You’ll find 500 years of history to delve into here, from ancient fortresses to colourful colonial-era buildings. If you’re travelling to San Juan by plane, arrive at least a day earlier to explore this beautiful city. If you’re arriving the same day, the airport is just a twenty-minute taxi ride to the port.
in San Juan
PASSPORT TO THE PAST
From the moment you arrive, you’ll find that San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting at the seams with unforgettable cultural discoveries. Every alleyway in Old San Juan offers a glimpse into a vibrant past that stretches back centuries, while monuments like the UNESCO World Heritage site Castillo San Felipe del Morro will make you feel as though you’ve wandered back in time. Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, the beloved Paseo de La Princesa in the city’s historic center is a great place to experience Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage up close.
SHORES GALORE
Puerto Rico is the third largest island in the United States, so it should come as no surprise that there’s a beach here for every kind of adventurer. You’ll find world-class surfing and plenty of water sports in Rincon on the island’s west side. Secluded shores with crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs on Flamenco Beach in Culebra. Family-friendly beaches with plenty of cafes and shopping along star-studded El Condado – nicknamed ‘The Rivera of the Caribbean’. And an Instagrammer’s paradise in Vieques Playa Negra, which draws beachgoers from around the world with its unique black sand.
SHOP ‘TILL YOU DROP
Craving a bit of retail therapy? Puerto Rico has plenty of options. The boho-chic neighbourhood of Santurce is your go-to for shops selling some of Puerto Rico’s leading local designers. If international designers and top-end boutiques are more your style, you can spend hours window shopping in glitzy El Condado. And on Cristo and Fortaleza Streets in Old San Juan you’ll find some of the best souvenirs and artisanal souvenirs on the island – think finely-crafted lace and jewellery, hand-rolled cigars, colourful guayaberas and Puerto Rico’s brightly coloured papier-mâché vejigante masks.
INSIDER TIP
The free, open-air trams in Old San Juan are a great way to see the city’s top sites.
Philipsburg, St Maarten
OF THE CARIBBEAN
St Maarten sits at the crossroads of the Caribbean and the Atlantic. It’s also a place where over 120 cultures meet. You can taste it in the island’s cuisine, which is rated amongst the best in the Caribbean. And you can feel it whether you stay in the upbeat, party-centric Dutch side where the port is located, or cross into the laid-back, local-driven French side of the island.
St Maarten sits at the crossroads of the Caribbean and the Atlantic. It’s also a place where over 120 cultures meet. You can taste it in the island’s cuisine, which is rated amongst the best in the Caribbean. And you can feel it whether you stay in the upbeat, party-centric Dutch side where the port is located, or cross into the laid-back, local-driven French side of the island.
in Philipsburg
LOTERIE FARM
Loterie Farm is a nature sanctuary with 135 acres of hiking trails, a zip line adventure course, and a spring fed multi-level pool with cascading waterfalls.
SIMPSON BAY LAGOON
The largest saltwater lagoon in the Caribbean, Simpson Bay is a great spot for lounging and watching the boats and yachts that dot its picturesque harbour.
MOUNT CONCORDIA
Hike to the top of Mount Concordia, which marks the border between the French and Dutch sides of the island, for the best views of both sides
Local Cuisine
This gourmet capital of the Caribbean serves a mix of French, East Indian and island flavours. Cruise to St Maarten and stop by a roadside barbecue stand (called a lolo) and enjoy lobster grilled on split-metal drums. Or dine on stuffed crab and cod fritters at any local café. Be sure to try some guavaberry liqueur, made exclusively on the island.
Shopping
Head to Front Street in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St Maarten, and shop your way down a mile of duty-free shops. Before you go, pick up some famous guavaberry liqueur at the Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company.
INSIDER TIP
A service charge is sometimes included at Dutch-side restaurants, but you may wish to add 15% if the service was especially good.
CRUISING
CAN'T-MISS FAVOURITES
THINGS TO DO
NOW BOARDING FOR ADVENTURE
Grab your board and get ready for 100,000 litres of rushing amazingness headed your way. The surf’s always up on the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator.
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 12 metres (40 feet) above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Willemstad, Curacao
ADVENTURE IN FULL COLOUR
Discover the colonial-era fortresses and other landmarks of Willemstad on a tram journey 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, snorkelling or just relaxing on the sands.
Discover the colonial-era fortresses and other landmarks of Willemstad on a tram journey 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, snorkelling or just relaxing on the sands.
in Willemstad
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.
Local Cuisine
For a taste of the real Curacao, explore the capital and stop at local eateries like Plaza Bieu, Trio Penotti or La Boheme. At spots like these, you'll find a storm of local flavors reflective of the cultural mix. Try kabritu, curried goat stew, or ayaka, meat-filled tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Or savor African peanut soup with bananas.
Shopping
Walk by multicolored storefronts filled with local arts and crafts in the Punda and Otrobanda districts. Or venture into the New Market, a place to find handicrafts from Curacao, like the quintessential Dutch clogs, and souvenirs like hammocks from neighboring islands.
INSIDER TIP
Be sure to catch the swinging Queen Emma Bridge in action from the deck during sailaway.
Oranjestad, Aruba
EVERY ADVENTURE
Oranjestad is best known for its colourful 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 snorkelling 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.
Oranjestad is best known for its colourful 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 snorkelling 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.
in Oranjestad
ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
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 30 metres 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 45 metres below the sea. As you explore in comfort during your Aruba cruise, you'll pass schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens, colourful coral reefs, wreck sites and even scuba divers.
LOCAL CUISINE
Taste your way through the multi-cultural 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.
SHOPPING
The three-storey Royal Plaza Mall and Renaissance Mall offer incredible duty-free deals, all within easy walking distance of the port. Here you can snag luxury designer jewellery and watches, but also pick up traditional Dutch items like Delft (blue and white) pottery and locally made aloe products.
INSIDER TIP
Free trams run in a loop from the port to the central area.
Kralendijk, Bonaire
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 snorkelling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Or hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea view – 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 unrivalled diving spots, Bonaire offers endless outdoor adventures – along with a healthy dose of colonial charm.
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 snorkelling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Or hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea view – 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 unrivalled diving spots, Bonaire offers endless outdoor adventures – along with a healthy dose of colonial charm.
in Kralendijk
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 favourite 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 specialities 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 jewellery, flamingo-themed souvenirs and knick-knacks for diving and snorkelling.
INSIDER TIP
Restaurants may include a standard 10-15% service charge on the bill. If not, a tip of 10-20% is appropriate.
CRUISING
FOR FOODIES
THINGS TO DO
AL DENTE INDULGENCE
A casual Italian trattoria, Giovanni's Table offers rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including fresh pastas, braised meat dishes and stews.
MEET YOU AT THE DINER, DADDY-O
With a family-friendly uncomplicated menu that offers all-American good food 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 cinemas.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
FOR ADVENTURE
The adventure doesn’t have to end once you get back to San Juan. Before you go, be sure to enjoy some homemade criolla cuisine in one of the many cafes you’ll find in Old San Juan. Then pick up some local crafts or duty-free luxury items in the nearby boutiques – there are plenty to choose from in the old city.
The adventure doesn’t have to end once you get back to San Juan. Before you go, be sure to enjoy some homemade criolla cuisine in one of the many cafes you’ll find in Old San Juan. Then pick up some local crafts or duty-free luxury items in the nearby boutiques – there are plenty to choose from in the old city.
in San Juan
CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO
Strong and beautiful, this fort has helped guard the shore for nearly five centuries while overlooking some of the island’s best scenery. Explore it via spiral staircases between levels, and grab a photo at one of the iconic garita sentry boxes that line the outer walls.
CATEDRAL DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Founded in 1521, this can’t-miss landmark is one of the oldest churches in the Americas. It houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon and the mummified remains of religious martyr St Pio.
Local Cuisine
In Old San Juan, you’ll find plenty of island fare and criolla cuisine – home cooking flavoured by Spanish and African influences. Try some mofongo, mashed fried green plantains often stuffed with meat, or snack on some cod fritters, called bacalaitos.
Shopping
During your San Juan cruise, head to the blue-hued cobblestone streets of Old San Juan for your pick of boutiques offering handmade lace and hand-rolled cigars, plus duty-free luxury items like diamonds, gemstones and watches.
© 2019 Royal Caribbean International
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INSIDER TIP