What can be better than nine tropical islands in 11 night? Having perfect weather, a spacious mini-suite (upgrade), and well-planned excursions on most of the islands.
The boat is the perfect size for us, and we found that it lacked nothing we needed.
We enjoyed all the vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and did not have a bad meal once. The service was excellent, except for our first night in the Italian eatery, where it seemed that we were invisible.
We LOVED our cabin, with its private and unobstructed balcony. Bath with bathtub.
We always stay a couple of night in Old San Juan before or after a cruise. One of the most historic ports in America, with forts and churches to explore.
We previously spent two weeks in Curaçao, so we knew what we wanted to revisit. We rented a car and drove to Tugboat Beach for a day of snorkeling and relaxing. There is also a historic fort there.
Aruba previously was always our least-favorite island, as the downtown is one boozy shopping mall. But this time we took a cab to Arikok National Park and hike to the Conchi Natural Pool. Not for those who are unfamiliar with hiking in a hot climate.
We had booked a local tour, but the ship had to lighter in, so we missed it. Instead we enjoyed our day with a lunch at a harbor-side restaurant and then a visit to the history museum and the chocolate museum
We did a very long walk to the Old Garrison, and visited the art and history museum there. We were disappointed in the Garrison, as there were numerous old buildings, but so signs, maps, or other interpretive information. Took a public car back to the downtown area and enjoyed drinks at a bar overlooking the bridge.
Even though we almost killed ourselves by hiking on a hurricane-ravaged trail on seaside cliffs, we had a fine day. DO NOT attempt the hike between Guana Bay and the Natural Pool, as the trail is washed out in places, necessitating perilous cliff-crawling.
After we survived that, we took a cab to Maho Bay and stood on the beach while the planes glided in right above us.
We enjoyed a visit, and the historical narration, at the old sand-floored synagogue. Then we found a bar above the island ferry where we could watch the seaplanes land and take off.