By Sandra Marsian
Former Vice President, Travel, Marketing & Membership for AAA Pioneer Valley
Editor’s Note: Originally planned to appear in an earlier issue of Prime, this armchair visit to the Caribbean is the perfect primer to help plan your own winter vacation.
To escape winter, my husband and I took a Holland America Line cruise on the ms Rotterdam to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, also known as the A, B, C islands. These Dutch Southern Caribbean islands with their unique charm, offer travelers crystalline waters, vibrant cultures, and outdoor adventure.
An elegant lady
Holland America’s flagship, ms Rotterdam, is a Pinnacle class ship just four years young. Designed with timeless maritime tradition and luxury in mind, you don’t lose the sense that you are at sea as you might on a mega ship designed as a floating city. As a tribute to Holland America’s rich heritage, the ship also incorporates artistic and cultural elements that reflect its Dutch roots. This elegant ship offers a premium cruising experience and world-class dining, with all the amenities one requires.
At night we enjoyed music at B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Lounge and also enjoyed singing along with other guests at the Billboard Onboard Dueling Piano Bar. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon’s Thermal Suite is our favorite place to spend an afternoon, relaxing on the heated ceramic lounge chairs, or soaking in the hydrotherapy pool.
But what has always set Holland America line apart from other lines for me has been the exceptional service and the high quality of the food prepared. If you sail, be sure to eat and drink at my favorite specialty restaurant, Tamarind, for flavors from South East Asia, China and Japan.
Whether exploring global destinations or relaxing at sea, the ms Rotterdam provides comfortable accommodations, beautiful spaces, good music and delectable food.
Island A-B-C’s
Aruba, known as “One Happy Island,” is beloved for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and welcoming atmosphere. Aruba’s sunshine and constant cooling trade wind creates an ideal destination for beach goers and outdoor adventurers.
Eagle Beach, with its powdery white sand and iconic divi-divi trees, is rated a world’s best and transfers can be purchased on board the ship. Those wanting more than a beach day may prefer Palm Beach, located on a bustling strip of luxury resorts, offering lively nightlife. We opted for a cab to Arashi Beach where for $40 we rented chairs and an umbrella just steps from ocean and in view of The California Lighthouse.
Visit Arikok National Park, covering almost 20% of the island, and discover its rugged terrain, caves, and natural pools. Consider an off-road tour to view the Natural Bridge ruins and Baby Natural Bridge both made of coral rock carved by the ocean’s erosion. The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and the Ayo Rock Formation, created from an eruption that created the island itself, are other worthy ways to occupy your port day. Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is a colorful city with Dutch colonial architecture blended with Caribbean flair. Just steps from port, discover museums, local markets, and traditional dishes like keshi yena, a savory stuffed cheese casserole.
Bonaire is synonymous with underwater wonders, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. Commitment to sustainable tourism, the island is perfect for nature lovers who appreciate untouched beauty. Bonaire’s coral reefs are among the healthiest in the world, thanks to strict conservation. The Bonaire National Marine Park encompasses the entire coastline, offering over 85 dive sites teeming with marine life. Snorkeling is equally rewarding, with vibrant fish and coral easily accessible from shore. We embarked on Holland America’s shore excursion, Samur Sail and Beach Snorkel Adventure for an amazing day in Bonaire. The Samur, a gorgeously authentic, red sailed Siamese Junk, is a sailing vessel reminiscent of a time when ships were not only primary transportation, but also works of art. We sailed to Ebo’s Reef where we drift snorkeled to Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island. The sail, the sea creatures, the beach, the surf, the rum punch and the crew made for an forgettable experience.
Beyond its underwater treasures, Bonaire boasts stunning landscapes dotted with cacti and salt flats. Visit Flamingo Sanctuary at Pekelmeer to observe these graceful birds in their natural habitat.
Washington Slagbaai National Park offers hiking trails, secluded beaches, and panoramic views of the island.
The capital, Kralendijk, exudes a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Visitors can sample local specialties like goat stew and enjoy shopping for handmade crafts. Of the three ports, shopping here was most enjoyable. Consider visiting the pink salt pyramids, a testament to Bonaire’s rich history in salt production. We were sure to bring salt home to enjoy the flavors of the island again.
Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage City dotted with pastel-colored buildings along the Handelskade waterfront. Stroll across the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pedestrian bridge, and explore neighborhoods like Punda and Otrobanda for shopping, galleries, historical landmarks and street art. You may enjoy taking a free walking tour. Visit www.freewalkingtourscuracao.com to book in advance.
Playa Knip and Playa Cas Abao are perfect spots for snorkeling and sunbathing, while Shete Boka National Park offers dramatic coastal landscapes. On a past visit to Curaçao, I enjoyed a fun, educational excursion to an Aloe Vera Farm and an Ostrich Farm. My mother and I tentatively fed the massive birds at the Ostrich Farm, and we learned about the aloe extraction process and healing properties, while purchasing aloe products.
Curaçao’s history is shown in its cuisine, music, and customs. Taste authentic dishes like iguana stew and enjoy the lively rhythms of tumba music. The Kura Hulanda Museum and Village provides a deep dive into the island’s complex past, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The A, B, C Islands each offer a distinctive slice of paradise, from Aruba’s sunny beaches to Bonaire’s marine wonders and Curaçao’s vibrant culture. So pack your bags, board the ms Rotterdam and be captivated by the magic of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, as well as the comfort and service excellence provided by Holland America’s Rotterdam crew.