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Cruising the ABC Islands: The Ultimate Port Guide

Professor Melissa
Professor Melissa
🏅Authority
👁️ 85K views📅 1 years ago⏱️ 25:35
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🏅Authority Creator
CaribbeanVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I just got back from a cruise calling on the ABC Islands. So, I wanted to share my findings.

Bonaire is often skipped on itineraries. So you'll often find AC itineraries calling on Aruba and Curacao and they bypass Bonaire, but it shouldn't be.

If you can find an ABC itinerary, I highly recommend it.

The ABC islands, they're a trio of Caribbean gems, each with their own distinctive and fun and unique personality, and I love them all.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book a private boat charter in Bonaire for snorkeling.
Bring water shoes for beaches in Aruba and Curacao.
Check cruise ship schedules and national holidays before your visit.
Use a travel credit card for better protection and perks.
Plan ahead to see flamingos on Renaissance Island in Aruba.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Seeing flamingos in ArubaAccess is limited to Renaissance Island; plan ahead and check for day pass availability.
Sunburn in Aruba's desert climateUse sunscreen even on open-air bus tours; I got a wicked sunburn.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat makes the ABC Islands special for a Caribbean cruise?
QWhat are the top things to do in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao?
QHow can I make the most out of my port day on each island?
QWhich of the three islands is often skipped and why should I include it?

Topics Covered

Port Destination4 Happy BaconExcursions4½ Happy BaconItinerary Route3½ Happy BaconValue Pricing3 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Kralendijk, Bonaire4½ Happy Bacon
Top: Private boat charter to Klein Bonaire
Oranjestad, Aruba3½ Happy Bacon
Top: Cross Aruba open air bus tour
Willemstad, Curaçao4 Happy Bacon
Top: Private driver tour with Tasha
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Are you planning a Caribbean cruise and wondering what makes the ABC Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, so special? 🌞 In this video, I’ll take you through why each of these Dutch Caribbean gems deserves a spot on your cruise itinerary! Important links: Book a Private Driver in Curacao (Tasha): https://www.profmelissa.com/drivers Book a Private Boat Charter in Bonaire (Hans & Rens): https://www.profmelissa.com/drivers Favorite Capital One Venture X card - https://bit.ly/4cbBF3U Get my FREE Port Guides: Aruba: https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/oranjestad Bonaire: https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/bonaire Curacao: https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/willemstad (0:50) What language do people speak on the ABC Islands? (1:43) How are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao different from each other? (2:30) Is Aruba a tender port and is the Aruba cruise port walkable? (4:04) What are the best things for cruisers to do in Aruba? (9:26) What's Aruba's climate? (9:54) What's the Bonaire cruise port like and is Bonaire a tender port? (10:40) What are the best things for cruisers to do in Bonaire? (11:36) Where is the best snorkeling in Bonaire? (13:41) What are the best beaches in Bonaire? (14:47) What are some unique things about Bonaire? (15:32) Is the Curacao cruise port walkable? (17:33) What are the beaches for cruiers to do in Curacao? (19:34) What are the best beaches in Curacao? (22:36) What’s the climate and time zone like on the ABC Islands? (24:16) Why should you check cruise ship schedules and holidays before visiting? ----------------------------------------------- PODCAST Want this video in audio form? Stream my podcast: Spotify: https://profmel.com/spotify Apple: https://profmel.com/apple ----------------------------------------------- LINKS 🛳 Shop my favorite cruise outfits and essentials: https://profmel.com/shop 🛳 Want to become a travel agent? https://www.profmelissa.com/travelagent 🛳 Get my top recommended travel card: http://www.profmel.com/card 🛳 Want to book a cruise or take a cruise with me? https://profmel.com/book 🛳 Get FREE Port Guides, cruise advice, and more at https://www.profmelissa.com/ 🛳 Get my FREE Cruise Packing List & Planning Guide: https://profmel.com/subscribe 🛳 Want to book my favorite private drivers? http://www.profmel.com/drivers ------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH ME TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@professormelissa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfMelissaCruises/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_melissa_newman/ ------------------------------------------------- Please note that sometimes, my posts contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission through purchases, but this does not affect you as a consumer or cost you more in any way. I appreciate your use of my links, as this helps support my channel. ♥️