8 Night Southern Caribbean

Welcome to Aruba— or as the locals say, Bon bini. Here Dutch traditions mix with island charm. The capital and port town of Oranjestad, is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial ‘gingerbread’ houses painted in bright Caribbean hues. While Aruba is only 20 miles from tip to tip, it is packed with incredible contrasts. Cruise to Aruba and go from relaxing in a tropical paradise to trekking rugged desert in no time. The southern coast is one giant photo op— a bustling port town surrounded by powdery white beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine waters. To the north, waves crash onto a rocky coast, scattered with cliffs, cacti and divi-divi trees. Best of all, you don’t have to choose which spots to hit— just which to hit first.

Curaçao is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, rich history, and natural scenery — from desert landscapes and rugged cliffs to 38 spectacular, and mostly secluded, beaches. Sint Anna Bay separates the two sides of the capital of Willemstad. Punda, the original settlement, is a tidy grid filled with shops and unique markets, restaurants and open-air cafes. Not to mention the famous tropicalized Dutch architecture in vibrant hues. Otrobanda (literally, “the other side”) is a maze of narrow streets and even narrower alleyways. And at only 40 miles long, a wide variety of island adventures are within easy reach during your Curaçao cruise.

It's always sunny in the port of Kralendijk, Bonaire, where the daylight shines for nearly 12 hours a day on pink salt flats and turquoise seas. The coral reefs surrounding its shores are home to more than 400 species of marine life, earning the island the nickname "Diver's Paradise." For some of the best snorkeling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea views — no swimming required. Explore onshore at Washington Slagbaai National Park, which covers a fifth of the island and is home to birds, lizards and donkeys. You'll also find a wealth of cultural experiences throughout the island. With its dramatic desert landscape, mangrove lagoons and unrivaled dive spots, there are exceptional things to do in Kralendijk against the stunning backdrop of the Dutch Caribbean.