The final stop on our recent cruise was the island of Curacao. Together with Aruba and Bonaire, it forms the ABC islands. Collectively, CuraƧao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the Dutch Caribbean. Curacao is the largest of the ABC islands in both area and population as well as the largest of the Dutch Caribbean.
For our time on Curacao we booked a private tour with Henry Plaate, a taxi driver who I found on a Curacao tourism website. Henry and I communicated multiple times prior to our visit, and he did a fantastic job in showing us the highlights.
The waves along the northeast (Atlantic) shore were pretty incredible!
Wave action at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, CuracaoWaves crashing on the Atlantic coast at Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
I sometimes have problems with caves, but this one was not too deep, and the photo ops made me forget about any issues. Very cool!
Light rays in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, CuracaoLight rays in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, CuracaoWaves crashing in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, CuracaoWaves crashing in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, CuracaoShete Boka National Park, CuracaoShete Boka National Park, CuracaoShete Boka National Park, CuracaoKunuku House near Willemstad, Curacao
Beaches and boats, some of my favorite scenery!
Beach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on CuracaoBeach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on CuracaoBeach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on CuracaoBeach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on CuracaoView of Grote Knip Beach on the island of CuracaoLocal inhabitant at the Grote Knip Viewpoint on the island of CuracaoView of Santa Martha Bay on the island of CuracaoFlamingos near Jan Kok, CuracaoDowntown Willemstad, CuracaoCelebrity Equinox in Willemstad, CuracaoTourist train in Willemstad, CuracaoColorful restroom in downtown Willemstad, CuracaoDowntown Willemstad, CuracaoDal Toro Restaurant in Willemstad, CuracaoBefore…. Whole Snapper at Dal Toro Restaurant in Willemstad, CuracaoAfter…. Whole Snapper at Dal Toro Restaurant in Willemstad, CuracaoHenry Plaate, our tour guide. At Shete Boka National Park, CuracaoHelipad sailaway from Curacao aboard Celebrity EquinoxOne of the critical operations of a cruise ship departure is “letting go the ropes.” These were taken from the helipad during sailaway from Curacao aboard Celebrity Equinox
Our recent cruise took us to the islands of Grand Cayman, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. We booked a private tour on Bonaire with Luc of Bonaire Photo Shoot. I had found him online a while ago and this was our first opportunity to tour with him. He has a 12-passenger custom built van, which he built himself over a period of years. It is an open air bus for unrestricted photography but with shade, and is quite ingenious with hidden storage and easy access. Luc is a former photographer and all-around great guy. There were five of us on the tour and we had a great time.
Unlike many Caribbean islands, Bonaire is largely unspoiled, and there are plenty of native flamingos, donkeys and tropical birds.
Flamingos! On the island of BonaireGnarly Tree. Island of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Sorobon Beach is a popular spot for windsurfers.
Wind surfers at Sorobon Beach on the island of BonaireSorobon Beach, BonaireSorobon Beach, BonaireWind surfers at Sorobon Beach on the island of BonaireWild donkeys on the island of BonaireFish sculpture on the beach. Island of BonaireCrashing waves along the eastern (Atlantic) coast of BonaireCrashing waves along the eastern (Atlantic) coast of Bonaire
Salt mining is still part of the economy on Bonaire, although the operations are now largely automated. Slaves were once used to harvest the salt, and they lived in the huts that remain along the beach.
Cargill salt works on the island of Bonaire
The marker points the way to one of many dive sites just off the beach.
Along the shore on the island of BonaireSlave huts on the island of BonaireSlave huts on the island of BonaireSemi Private. Te Amo Beach on the island of BonaireThe 1000 Steps beach on the island of BonaireThe 1000 Steps beach on the island of BonaireView of Goto Lake in Washington-Slagbaai National Park on the island of BonaireGoats on BonaireViews from Seru Largu viewpoint on the island of BonaireSeru Largu means ālarge hillā and from the top, you can see the capital city of Kralendijk and the little island of Klein Bonaire. There is a monument at the site which reads in the Papiamentu language as āKristu Ayera Awe Semperā which means āChrist, Yesterday, Today and ForeverāSeru Largu means ālarge hillā and from the top, you can see the capital city of Kralendijk and the little island of Klein Bonaire. There is a monument at the site which reads in the Papiamentu language as āKristu Ayera Awe Semperā which means āChrist, Yesterday, Today and ForeverāKralendijk, BonaireLuc and his ‘Bonaire Photo Shoot’ van on the island of Bonaire
For some reason, I have a thing for ropes and knots. I can’t tie a decent knot to save my life (even my shoes!) but I do like photographing them, especially those along docks and on boats. This is a small collection of photos from our recent cruise plus time in Florida.
Boats and boat stuff at the Bluffs Marina in Jupiter, FloridaBoats and boat stuff at the Bluffs Marina in Jupiter, FloridaBoats and boat stuff at the Bluffs Marina in Jupiter, FloridaOne of the critical operations of a cruise ship departure is “letting go the ropes.” These were taken from the helipad during sailaway from Curacao aboard Celebrity EquinoxOne of the critical operations of a cruise ship departure is “letting go the ropes.” These were taken from the helipad during sailaway from Curacao aboard Celebrity EquinoxOranjestad, ArubaOranjestad, ArubaNautica. George Town, Grand CaymanNautica. George Town, Grand Cayman
We often read about old paintings where previous paintings are discovered beneath the top layer. While not a work of art, it looks like this building in Aruba has had quite a few different looks over the years.
Monte’s recent post reminded me of this sign I came across on the island of Curacao. Litter, and trash in general, is a problem everywhere. This particular sign was in a national park, which thankfully appeared to have its litter problem well under control.
I need to get a sign like this and post on the road in and out of our neighborhood.
This is (finally) the final post of photos from our February cruise marathon. Completed galleries can be found on my Adobe Portfolio page for anyone wanting to see more.
Light fixture over the Martini Bar aboard Celebrity ApexLight fixture over the Martini Bar aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Cruise ships have always had vast art displays on board. Even back in the early days of steamship travel, ships were known to have decor consisting of paintings, sculptures and murals. Modern cruise ships seem to be carrying this artistic theme even into their design. More and more we are seeing sweeping atriums, huge glass observation decks, and dramatic architectural features that are much more about form than function.
On our Celebrity Apex cruise, I tried to capture a bit of the flavor of t his art, as well as some of the design elements. Here is a small collection of what I saw.
The main pool deck area aboard Celebrity Apex‘Eden’ lounge and restaurant aboard Celebrity ApexAboard Celebrity ApexCollection of Champagne seals formed into little chairs. Le Grand Bistro dining room aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexAboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexThe Theater aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity ApexArtwork aboard Celebrity Apex
I’m getting close to the end (you’re welcome) of the photos from our cruise marathon this past February. I’ve posted three galleries on my Adobe Portfolio page for anyone who just has to see more.
Our stateroom #7231 aboard Celebrity ApexThe Infinite Verandah was a bit of a letdown. When the window is open the climate control in the room shuts off. The shade covering the window at night can only be raised or lowered, so there is no way to use the balcony while someone in the room is still asleep.
I get a lot of comments about the size of cruise ships, especially from people who have never sailed on one, or sometimes have never even seen one. So I thought I would post some photos and make some comments about this particular ship plus show a brief comparison of ship sizes.
Le Grand Bistro dining room aboard Celebrity ApexA machine almost as nice as Jeff’s!
Celebrity Apex is the second ship in what is known as the Edge Class that was introduced in 2018. The first ship of course was Edge (2018), followed by Apex (2020), Beyond (2022) and later this year, Ascent. There may be more in the pipeline but I’m not sure. Edge Class is the latest of three classes of ship, with the exception of some smaller specialty ships that sail exclusively in the Galapagos (they are on our long-term list but are quite pricey).
‘Eden’ lounge and restaurant aboard Celebrity Apex‘Eden’ lounge and restaurant aboard Celebrity ApexGuitarist Bryan James performs in Eden aboard Celebrity Apex
Cruise ships are generally compared in terms of Gross Tonnage (a measure of volume, not weight), length and passenger count. I’m using Celebrity’s ships for comparison, although there are many other ships with different lines, both larger and smaller.
From a previous cruise: Celebrity Constellation, Oasis of the Seas and Celebrity BeyondThe orange structure on the side is the Magic Carpet. It travels up and down the side of the ship and functions as a bar by day, a restaurant at night, and a tender platform when the ship is operating tenders to take guests to shore.
We don’t usually sail on ships when they are fairly new, because in general they are more pricey than ships that have been out a while. But in this case, we were already in Fort Lauderdale for our first two cruises, so by spreading the travel expenses over another cruise we were able to bring the average cost down. And we got a pretty good price for booking fairly late, and it gave us a chance to try out a ship sooner than we might otherwise.
The Solarium aboard Celebrity ApexThe main pool deck area aboard Celebrity ApexOceanview Cafe dining area aboard Celebrity ApexRooftop Garden area aboard Celebrity ApexRooftop Garden area aboard Celebrity ApexRooftop Garden area aboard Celebrity Apex
One of the recent trends among some of the cruise lines is to make the ships larger and larger. Royal Caribbean has the largest ships afloat, and will soon be introducing Icon of the Seas, which will carry 7,600 passengers. I’m sorry, but that is stupid big. Not to say we’ll never sail on her, but when our preference is ships 1/3 of the size, we aren’t going to be standing in line!
What always surprises us is that for the most part, the ships don’t feel crowded. Exceptions are sea days by the pool, and “lobster night” in the main dining rooms. Sometimes there is a special event going on in the central atrium (called different things on different ships) and those can get crowded. Other than that, Kathy & I have developed some routines that get us out and about before the crowds arrive (we call them “the nooners” although I’m aware that term has several meanings. š ). There are often out of the way places where it is quiet and uncrowded, although that also means we have to walk a way to the bathrooms and retrieve our own drinks. š
The main pool deck area aboard Celebrity ApexPassageway along the pool deck aboard Celebrity Apex
The great thing about newer ships, however, is that the decor and architecture are beautiful. The layout, styling and technology have come a long way since we started cruising in 2000. There are more dining choices, more entertainment options, the theaters have new technologies and even the staterooms have fancy gadgets like temperature and lighting controls. It’s even possible to adjust the shades, lighting and temperature of a stateroom using an app, from anywhere on the ship. Not terribly useful, but there are cases where it might be.
Production show ‘Rockumentary’ in The Theater on Celebrity ApexCellist ‘Elanka’ performing in The Theater aboard Celebrity ApexThe Theater aboard Celebrity ApexCosmopolitan dining room aboard Celebrity ApexTuscan dining room aboard Celebrity ApexCasino aboard Celebrity Apex
There were things we loved about Apex, and a few things that we didn’t care for. I won’t go into a lot of detail here, but overall we liked the ship, but for our money we prefer the smaller and slightly older Solstice Class like Equinox that we sailed on for the first two cruises.
Cleaning the light fixture over the Martini Bar aboard Celebrity Apex
Jaguar Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
After our visit to Key West, Celebrity Apex sailed to Belize. We had sort of visited Belize in 2020, but only to stop at Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island. This time we got to see the “real” Belize with a visit to Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.
From travelbelize.org: Lamanai (from the Yucatec Maya for āsubmerged crocodileā) was a city-state dating to 1500 BCE. Archaeological research has revealed that the site was continually occupied for 3,000 years until European contact. More than 700 Maya structures have been identified, but only a few have been excavated and studied, including a ball court, stelae, and principal structures like the Mask Temple, adorned by two impressive carved limestone masks over 13 ft. (3.9 m) in height.
The vast majority of the site remained unexcavated until the mid-1970s. Archaeological work has concentrated on the investigation and restoration of the larger structures, most notably the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple, and High Temple. The summit of this latter structure affords a view across the surrounding jungle to a nearby lagoon, part of New River.
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, BelizeHigh Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, BelizeRestoration work in process at High Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, BelizeMask Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, BelizeMask Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, BelizeJairo, one of our guides at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
We were not able to climb the High Temple, as it was closed for restoration work. Instead, we were able to climb the Mask Temple. It doesnāt have the view of the High Temple, but it was interesting and fun to climb.
Yes, I climbed it! Mask Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
Getting to Lamanai involved a tender ride from the ship (there is no cruise ship dock in Belize), an hour plus bus ride to a boat, then a boat ride to the reserve. Once there, a lot of walking, then back to the boat and do it in reverse back the ship. Fortunately, between the return boat ride and the bus ride, we got lunch!
Colorful canopies shade the walkway along the waterfront in Belize City, BelizeColorful canopies shade the walkway along the waterfront in Belize City, BelizeColorful waterfront in Belize City, BelizeColorful waterfront in Belize City, BelizeColorful buildings along the waterfront in Belize City, Belize
The ruins were very interesting, and our guides did a good job explaining the various pyramids and their uses. The Mayan culture has largely disappeared, although their descendants, including our guides, help keep the heritage alive.
After our stop on Bonaire, we sailed to the island of Curacao. Like Bonaire, we had visited previously but it was a number of years ago. Things hadn’t changed a lot, but there were a few obvious differences from our prior visit.
Arriving in Curacao aboard Celebrity EquinoxColorful mural on a building in Willemstad, Curacao
The cruise port on Curacao is the capital city of Willemstad. The colorful waterfront and the Queen Emma floating bridge are two of the main symbols of this beautiful island. Downtown Willemstad is an easy walk from the cruise terminal. Although we made the walk three times, and it got a little longer each time!
Colors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, CuracaoColors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, CuracaoColors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, CuracaoColors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, CuracaoColors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, CuracaoColors of all kinds in the New Market, a marketplace in Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating bridge, hinged on one end with an engine and propulsion unit on the other end that allows the bridge to open, allowing ship traffic to pass in St Anna Bay. We were fortunate to be able to see the bridge open several times throughout the day, and from both sides of the water. When there is a lot of ship traffic and the bridge needs to stay open for more than a few minutes, there is a free ferry that will take pedestrians from one side to the other. We only saw that happen once, as a large cargo ship was escorted out of the bay, and the bridge stayed open long enough for the tugs to return. And yes, it is possible to stay on the bridge when it opens for a long time, and it is possible to get off, but only on one end. So be careful if you have somewhere to be (like the ship?)!
Street scene in Willemstad, CuracaoShip traffic on the St Anna Bay through Willemstad, CuracaoThe Queen Emma Bridge opens to allow ship traffic to pass in St Anna Bay in Willemstad, CuracaoPunda Love Heart sculpture covered with padlocks on the waterfront of Willemstad, CuraƧaoStreet scene in Willemstad, CuracaoInteresting artworks in Willemstad, Curacao
When our ship first arrived in Curacao, Kathy & I walked into town and spent several hours walking around. We walked all over, including through the New Market, a public market offering all kinds of items, from clothing to produce and beyond. The best part for me was all the color there and in the town. It made for some interesting photography, for sure!
After our walkabout we headed back toward the cruise dock, stopping for lunch at the “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.” Yeah, it was a tourist trap, but it was close to where we needed to meet our tour, which was scheduled for that afternoon.
It is precisely our human diversity that keeps this ship afloat to resist the storms.Waterfront of Willemstad, CuraƧao viewed from the Queen Emma BridgeWaterfront of Willemstad, CuraƧao viewed from the Rif Fort, former fort turned shopping mallGelato cow. Willemstad, CuracaoWhen in doubt, use the apostrophe?Building in Willemstad, CuracaoFlamingo mural in Willemstad, Curacao
Our tour took us back into town, where we retraced a number of the steps from earlier in the day. This time we had a guide and narration, however, so we learned a bit more about the town, its history and architecture. After our walk, we boarded a bus for a tour through the city and a stop at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. Curacao liqueur is a bitter orange liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own, or used as flavoring in numerous cocktails.
Cruise ships Silver Dawn and Celebrity Equinox viewed from atop the Rif Fort, former fort turned shopping mall in Willemstad, Curacao
After our distillery visit we were taken to a local restaurant, where we were served local cuisine, including baked chicken, plantain and rice & peas. Except for the fact that we weren’t too hungry after a big lunch, it was a yummy experience.
Tour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery in Willemstad, CuracaoTour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery in Willemstad, CuracaoView of the harbor from atop the Queen Juliana bridge during our tour of Willemstad, Curacao
Our tour brought us back to the cruise dock in the late afternoon, and we debated whether or not to return to the ship. I really wanted to head back into town in order to photograph the bridge and the waterfront at dusk. We decided that if we went back to the ship we would likely not leave again, so despite being tired and thirsty we headed back into town. We found some bottled water and a place to chill while we waited the hour or so before twilight.
The Queen Emma Bridge opens to allow ship traffic to pass in St Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curacao
Our efforts were rewarded, as we not only got to witness another bridge opening, but we were treated to some really gorgeous light on the buildings as the sun set. Soon after, the lights came on on the bridge and I was able to capture the photos I had hoped for. We then walked back to the ship one last time, grabbed a quick shower and headed for drinks and dinner. My Garmin tracker recorded 15,672 steps for the day, so those drinks and dinner were well deserved!
The Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, CuracaoThe Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, CuracaoThe Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao
Swimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
‘Bon Bini’ means ‘Welcome’ in Papiamentu, which is the common local language on Bonaire.
Flamingo in the distance on BonaireDonkey on Bonaire
This was only our second visit to this lovely island, as not too many cruise ships stop there, opting instead for the more popular Aruba and Curacao. We last visited in 2007, and while we knew we enjoyed the island, we hadn’t remembered a whole lot about it. I tried to set up a private tour, but we couldn’t generate enough interest on our message boards to make it cost effective, so we booked a ship tour to see the highlights.
Cargill Salt Works on the island of BonaireCargill Salt Works on the island of BonaireCargill Salt Works on the island of BonaireSalt crystal on Bonaire
The main industry on Bonaire other than tourism is salt. Yes, salt. There is a huge Cargill salt facility there, where they evaporate sea water in large ponds, scrape away the salt then move it out to container ships to be sent around the world.
Slave huts along the beach on Bonaire. The huts were originally built to house the slaves that worked the salt operations. They have been preserved to document some of the history of the island.Along the beach on Bonaire.Slave huts along the beach on Bonaire. The huts were originally built to house the slaves that worked the salt operations. They have been preserved to document some of the history of the island.Slave huts along the beach on Bonaire. The huts were originally built to house the slaves that worked the salt operations. They have been preserved to document some of the history of the island.
The island is very dry and arid, and is probably best known as a diver’s paradise due to the shallow and clean water. We enjoy looking at water more than getting in it, but there is plenty to see and do for everyone. Flamingos are also very common on Bonaire, and while they are generally pretty shy, we did manage to come across a few.
Crashing waves along the eastern (Atlantic) coast of BonaireMarker commemorating the history of this stretch of beach on the east coast of Bonaire, a site of many shipwrecks and attempts to minimize them.
Along several beaches are restored slave huts. These huts were used to shelter the workers that were brought here in the early days of salt production, before the implementation of heavy machinery. The huts are pretty to look at, even though they represent a less than pleasant past.
Sebastians Beach Bar at Sorobon Beach, BonaireWindsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, BonaireWindsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, BonaireSwimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, BonaireSwimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, BonaireShe wouldn’t get out of my shot…what could I do? Sorobon Beach, BonaireSwimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, BonaireSebastians Beach Bar at Sorobon Beach, BonaireCoconut weather forecast. Sorobon Beach, BonaireWindsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
The Atlantic coast has several beaches with huge waves, and the prevailing winds make places like Sorobon Beach especially attractive for wind surfing and kite boarding. There is also a place on the island where you can rent go karts that are powered by sails.
Government Office Building in Kralendijk, BonaireDowntown Kralendijk, BonaireDowntown Kralendijk, BonaireDowntown Kralendijk, Bonaire
The town of Kralendijk reflects the Dutch influence of the island, in the buildings and architecture. We spent a little time walking around the area close to the ship, which included a marketplace with locally made arts and crafts. A good place to pick up a flamingo souvenir!
Bon Salud! (Cheers!)
Arriving in Bonaire aboard Celebrity EquinoxWindstar “Star Legend” in Bonaire during our arrival aboard Celebrity EquinoxArriving in Bonaire aboard Celebrity Equinox
