Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
This Brilliant Star Shines With a Modern Makeover
Set sail on Celebrity Silhouette® and discover amazing enhancements at every turn. You'll relax in transformed staterooms that are so gorgeous, you may never want to leave your room. Gather for a toast at the newly reimagined Passport Bar or the new Craft Social Bar, a cool and casual spot. Shop in exciting new boutiques featuring the hottest designers. And, The Spa on Silhouette is taking rejuvenation to new heights with new spa treatment rooms, new flooring throughout, and much more. Your next vacation aboard Celebrity Silhouette is bound to be even more stunning now than ever before. Discover how the world's best premium cruise line becomes more incredible than ever.
Celebrity Silhouette is sailing with Starlink - the world's most advanced broadband satellite internet - to bring you high-speed connectivity for a better onboard experience.
Cruise ID: 31777
A service gratuity will be automatically applied to each guest's SeaPass® account on a daily basis for sailings*, excluding guests in Excluding Bookings.** Current amounts*** for the daily gratuity are listed below. The gratuities described above are distributed to the crew, such as dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams, and others who work to enhance the overall cruise experience.
A 20% gratuity will be automatically added to spa and salon purchases and a 20% gratuity will also be automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service and mini bar purchases.
Gratuities may be adjusted at the guest's discretion onboard at Guest Relations up until the morning of their departure.
* Guests sailing in group reservations should check with their group's leader or travel agent for details.
**Excluded Bookings include all staterooms booked either (i) at the All Included rate (formerly Always Included on or before October 4, 2023); or (ii) in the Retreat or AquaClass stateroom category from July 14, 2022, to October 4, 2023. Stateroom and restaurant service gratuities, and a 20% beverage package gratuity, are included in the fare of all guests in an Excluded Booking.
***Gratuity amounts are subject to change.
Date | Time | Price * | Booking |
---|---|---|---|
10 October 2025 | 18:00 | €695 | Call us to book |
20 October 2026 | 18:00 | €868 | Call us to book |
* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
Take your Celebrity vacation to new heights in a Sky Suite. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus enjoy exclusive access to dining and lounge areas reserved only for guests of The Retreat. Accessible Sky Suites available.
The perfectly designed Sky Suite offers a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature a king-sized* bed with our signature eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, exclusive for guests of The Retreat.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
Solstice AquaClass guests enjoy a private veranda, Exhale® bedding, premium bathroom amenities, massaging showerhead and complimentary fitness classes. Plus, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge.
Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Elements are thoughtfully infused throughout your stateroom. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you'll enjoy access to the Persian Garden, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. We've thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.
Spa Benefits
Amenities
Dining
AquaClass Features
*Additional charges apply
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring new services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax in a spacious stateroom and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day and enjoy fresh sea breezes.
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Each ocean view stateroom on board Celebrity includes the following world-class amenities that all contribute to your modern experience.
Ocean View staterooms, the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the luxury king sized* mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Your escape at sea, Inside staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may app
Your escape at sea, Inside staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities. Prime Inside staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Celebrity Silhouette® features four inside single staterooms. They are spacious, stylish, and perfectly proportioned for travellers seeking luxury. Single Inside Staterooms feature our exclusive eXhale® bedding and a cashmereTM mattress, perfect for guests traveling solo.
Travel The World In Singular Style
Single Staterooms are perfectly proportioned for the solo traveler. Spacious. Stylish. Singular. These rooms offer all the same luxurious amenities and services as a double stateroom, including our exclusive eXhale® bedding, featuring a Cashmere™ Mattress; premium, custom-blended bath products and 100% cotton plush bathrobe and towels.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax in a spacious stateroom and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Prime Veranda staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring new services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Prime Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Prime Concierge staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Take your Celebrity vacation to new heights in a Sky Suite. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus enjoy exclusive access to dining and lounge areas reserved only for guests of The Retreat. Accessible Sky Suites available.
The perfectly designed Sky Suite offers a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature a king-sized* bed with our signature eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, exclusive for guests of The Retreat.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
ALL EXCLUSIVE, ALL INCLUDED, WELLNESS-INSPIRED SUITES
Introducing our Aqua Sky Suites, which combine our well-being inspired AquaClass experience with exclusive spaces, services, and amenities of The Retreat® to leave you more renewed than ever. These suites feature a king-sized bed with exclusive eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Spa-inspired elements are thoughtfully infused throughout, including eco-friendly bathroom products, on-demand wellness programming on your stateroom TV, yoga mats, in-stateroom fitness amenities, daily bottled water service, and an enhanced air filtration system—which you'll now find in all our staterooms.
Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we offer an entire guest experience around it with our AquaClass® staterooms and now, we've added suites to this category. The perfectly designed Aqua Sky Suite offers a blend of wellness, expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature a king-size bed* with our signature eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. As an Aqua Sky Suite guest, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities combining the best of AquaClass and access to The Retreat.
Highlights
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Aqua Sky Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
Solstice AquaClass guests enjoy a private veranda, Exhale® bedding, premium bathroom amenities, massaging showerhead and complimentary fitness classes. Plus, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge.
Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Prime AquaClass staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you'll enjoy access to the Persian Garden, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. We've thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.
Spa Benefits
Amenities
Dining
AquaClass Features
*Additional charges apply
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
Each ocean view stateroom on board Celebrity includes the following world-class amenities that all contribute to your modern experience.
Expansive views make Ocean View staterooms the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the luxury king sized* mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs. Prime Ocean View staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
Unwind in modern spaces that will make you feel on top of the world. Relax in ultimate luxury on your private veranda. Lounge in the king-size Cashmere™ Mattress in your bedroom. Enjoy VIP treatment with your butler, expansive lounge areas and much more.
Our Penthouse Suites feature a primary bedroom, bathroom, dining area, guest bedroom and bathroom, terrace, and private hot tub. They even have an attentive butler on hand to ensure you never have to lift a finger during your vacation.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Penthouse Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
With spaces fit for a king or queen, our Royal Suites deliver on style and comfort. Separate living, dining, and sleeping areas provide all the room you need to relax in luxury.
Unwind in a luxuriously large living area featuring floor to ceiling panoramic windows. The Royal Suite features our luxury Cashmere™ Mattress, a primary bathroom with a large soaking tub, a separate shower, a double sink vanity, and a spacious private veranda. No matter where you are in this suite, you'll enjoy stunning views of the sea, the way every royal should.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Royal Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
Leave it to us to make your vacation dreams come true with new Horizon Suites featuring private veranda, luxurious living spaces, and access to The Retreat—every moment of your vacation will be unforgettable. Only available on Celebrity Silhouette®.
Unwind in a Horizon Suite where you'll begin your journey with a welcome bottle of sparkling wine to help you ease into vacation bliss. Get comfortable in the luxuriously spacious, stylishly designed living area. Step into the great outdoors on your private veranda—perfect for sunset views.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Horizon Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
Vacation dreams come true with our new Sunset Suites.
Unwind in a Sunset Suite where you'll begin your journey with a welcome bottle of sparkling wine to help you ease into vacation bliss. Get comfortable in the luxuriously spacious, stylishly designed living area. Step into the great outdoors on your private veranda—perfect for sunset views.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Sunset Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
It's time you got the Celebrity treatment. Your dedicated butler will assist you at every step and you'll receive exclusive access to The Retreat.
These two-room suites feature a large living area with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, private veranda, and a primary bedroom with a king-size bed featuring our signature eXhale® bedding and Cashmere™ Mattress. When you stay in a Celebrity Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of a butler. This includes assistance with unpacking and packing. In-suite lunch and dinner service. Afternoon tea. Evening hors d'oeuvres and complimentary in-suite specialty coffees from Café al Bacio.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Celebrity Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
Day 1 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
There's history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.
Days 2-5 Cruising
Day 6 Willemstad, Curaçao
Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam.
Day 7 Kralendijk, Bonaire
Day 8 Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
Days 9-10 Cruising
Day 11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Like many southeast Florida neighbors, Fort Lauderdale has long been revitalizing. In a state where gaudy tourist zones often stand aloof from workaday downtowns, Fort Lauderdale exhibits consistency at both ends of the 2-mile Las Olas corridor. The sparkling look results from upgrades both downtown and on the beachfront. Matching the downtown's innovative arts district, cafés, and boutiques is an equally inventive beach area, with hotels, cafés, and shops facing an undeveloped shoreline, and new resort-style hotels replacing faded icons of yesteryear. Despite wariness of pretentious overdevelopment, city leaders have allowed a striking number of glittering high-rises. Nostalgic locals and frequent visitors fret over the diminishing vision of sailboats bobbing in waters near downtown; however, Fort Lauderdale remains the yachting capital of the world, and the water toys don't seem to be going anywhere.
Day 1 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
There's history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.
Days 2-5 Cruising
Day 6 Willemstad, Curaçao
Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam.
Day 7 Kralendijk, Bonaire
Day 8 Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
Days 9-10 Cruising
Day 11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Like many southeast Florida neighbors, Fort Lauderdale has long been revitalizing. In a state where gaudy tourist zones often stand aloof from workaday downtowns, Fort Lauderdale exhibits consistency at both ends of the 2-mile Las Olas corridor. The sparkling look results from upgrades both downtown and on the beachfront. Matching the downtown's innovative arts district, cafés, and boutiques is an equally inventive beach area, with hotels, cafés, and shops facing an undeveloped shoreline, and new resort-style hotels replacing faded icons of yesteryear. Despite wariness of pretentious overdevelopment, city leaders have allowed a striking number of glittering high-rises. Nostalgic locals and frequent visitors fret over the diminishing vision of sailboats bobbing in waters near downtown; however, Fort Lauderdale remains the yachting capital of the world, and the water toys don't seem to be going anywhere.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise