Thoughts on the ABC Islands?

[Cruiser]

The Cruiser clan is in the process of deliberating about a vacation after Thanksgiving this year. Initially we had considered a cruise down to the eastern Carribean. We've heard good things about some of the ports down there, and we enjoy cruising. Then we started talking about Aruba. The flights are surprisingly inexpensive right now and the accomodations are really nice. We were also looking at Curacao. Flights are only ~$50 more per person than Aruba and it looks like there's a bit more to do on Curacao with the kids.

So, maggots, what say you? Weeklong eastern Carribean cruise. 6 nights in Aruba. Or 6 nights in Curacao.

[Viva]

We've heard good things about some of the ports down there...

The rum's even better.

[Cruiser]

Dough! Ports of call...

So the Curacao Tourism Bureau is willing to give us $400 in credit towards our airfare, 1 free night in our hotel, and $200 in food and beverage credit at our hotel. These folks are serious about keeping the tourists coming. It's hard to pass up.

Seriously, someone has to have been down to Curacao or Aruba fairly recently. Any info at all?

[DJSapp]

Been on the E. Caribbean Cruise (San Juan PR->St. Thomas->Dominica->Barbados->Aruba->San Juan). Cruise with many PoC and lots of good outdoor activities every day was fun. Aruba came across to me as a flat desert island, with little else to do there other than snorkel and drink. No waves, hot weather, hot water; it was like a hot bath out there (early June, November may be different).

[BigDaddy]

I'm starting to feel like the resident travel agent, but I'll chime in...

I've been to Aruba four times and Bonaire once. Never been to Curacao, but from what I hear, I'd stay away. (That's what many locals on Bonaire and Aruba had to say.) It's a lot more crowded and industrial than the other islands. Also, check out the crime rates...?

So that leaves Aruba vs, Bonaire. Aruba has tons more going on than Bonaire as it has many more resorts, etc. Aruba is much more touristy, but Bonaire does have a great waterfront restaurant area, too. The beaches are great either place, but only Aruba has a golf course. Bonaire has the best place in the caribbean to learn to windsurf, and the scuba/snorkeling is incredible. Given it's a family trip, though, I'd probably pick a resort on Arubas Palm beach. I used to rent a dirt bike and go all over the island... there are sand dunes on the western end that are a blast to bomb around in, if you're into that. Lastly, we were robbed twice on Bonaire vs. never on Aruba. Aruba's motto is, "One Happy Island" and there may be some truth to that.

Curacao may be awesome... I'm sure some parts are. As I said, I've never been, so maybe you'll prove me wrong?! Enjoy.

[Joe Friday]

Kokomo....

[Cruiser]

Kokomo....

I'm honored that you've chosen this thread to make your 23rd post in 3 years. No go crawl back under your rock.

Thanks for the info BD and DJ! Aruba and the cruise are still right up there on the list. Everyone is giving stuff away right now in order to mitigate their damages from the shitty economic situation. We want to do our best to cash in!

[Lloyd Braun]

Bonaire!

It is the best diving I have done. Quiet island.