Carnival Horizon - Port Stops

[2prettygirls]

We are looking at a cruise with with 2 options for dates and ports. They both have stops in LaRomana, Aruba, Amber Cove but one offers a stop in Bonaire and the other in Curacao. South Caribbean is completely new for us so I am looking for recommendations between Bonaire and Curacao, what does each port offer and what has been your experience at one or both ports? Help us to make a decision on which cruise to choose.

Edited January 12, 2020 by 2prettygirls

[SDPadreFan]

Bonaire is primarily known as a world class diving spot. Snorkling is also supurb. But that is basically why people go to Bonaire. It is not as developed as Curacao or Aruba. Bonaire has about 20,000 residents, Curacao about 128,000.

 

Spent a week in Aruba many years ago and loved it. Also planning a cruise on Horizon and will probably go the Aruba/Curacao route. Actually looking at doing the 8day/6day B2B on Horizon around Oct/Nov timeframe. We had Mardi Gras booked for her 15 day run from New York to Canaveral in Oct but they canceled that cruise (and many more) because the ship is delayed. So looking at Horizon as an option/replacement.

[cbaker1974]

Unless you are a diver, I'd recommend Curacao, one of our favorite ports.  They have a great beach setup around the Mambo beach complex with its protected artificial reef that is great for swimming and snorkeling, plus the downtown near the port is great.