The Netherlands Antilles, an archipelago with many faces
The Netherlands Antilles is an archipelago comprising the Leeward Islands, off the coast of Venezuela, and the Windward Islands, in the heart of the Lesser Antilles. These islands cover a total area of 960 km² in the heart of the Caribbean. Although they are all of volcanic origin, each has its own unique identity. Aruba, the main Leeward island, stands out for its featureless landscape and lush vegetation, dominated largely by cactus. With its black coral forests and diving sites, wild donkeys and pink flamingos, Bonaire is a small paradise for nature lovers. Curaçao, the former pirate stronghold, stands out for its rich history. Located just north of Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, the other island in the Dutch Antilles, is a delightful natural landscape of coral reefs and mangroves. St. Eustatius, once home to an old military fort, presents visitors with installations and cannons left intact despite the weight of time. Saba, the smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles, boasts the highest point in the Netherlands, Mount Scenery, at 887 meters above sea level. Unlike its sister islands, Saba has no beaches, as the coastline is protected by rocks and cliffs. On the other hand, the seabed is a colorful spectacle.
Advanced search
Your search criteria:
Netherlands Antilles
Itinerary : Fort Lauderdale, Labadee, Aruba, Willemstad (Curaçao), Fort Lauderdale
3 other departures
Adventure of the Seas
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Fort Lauderdale
12/05/2026
from
$ 689
Other departures:
02-30 Jan 2027
27 Feb 2027
Itinerary : Port Canaveral, Coco Cay, Aruba, Willemstad (Curaçao), Port Canaveral
2 other departures
Adventure of the Seas
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Port Canaveral
10/02/2026
from
$ 796
Other departures:
12 Jun 2026
07 Aug 2026
Itinerary : Fort Lauderdale, Aruba, Willemstad (Curaçao), Kralendjik, Fort Lauderdale
10 other departures
Celebrity Silhouette
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Fort Lauderdale
12/11/2027
from
$ 871
Other departures:
07 Nov 2026
05 Dec 2026
02-30 Jan 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Port Canaveral, Philippsburg, San Juan, Coco Cay, Port Canaveral
5 other departures
Harmony of the Seas
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Port Canaveral
12/05/2026
from
$ 929
Other departures:
28 Nov 2026
23 Dec 2026
16 Jan 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Miami, Philippsburg, Charlote Amalie, Puerto Plata, Miami
3 other departures
Celebrity Xcel
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Miami
01/10/2027
from
$ 967
Other departures:
08 Nov 2026
20 Dec 2026
14 Mar 2027
There are several itineraries for discovering the Netherlands Antilles. If you're traveling to the Lesser Antilles, you'll pass through the town of Phillipsburg, the capital of Saint-Martin. Small in size but big in historical richness, this town discovered by Christopher Columbus is perfect for historical escapades. The town's streets are brimming with centuries-old buildings such as the Backstreet Dutch Mill, Forts William and Amsterdam and the Courthouse. The rich collection of pre-Columbian artifacts on display at the Historical Foundation is also well worth a visit. When it comes to entertainment, Philipsburg has nothing to envy other Caribbean cities. Sandy beaches, discotheques, bars, a casino and duty-free stores are all there to make your vacation unforgettable. Before reboarding your cruise ship, don't leave Philipsburg without sampling the local cuisine, with its emphasis on seafood.
If you choose an itinerary that takes in the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), a stopover in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a must. Let yourself be seduced by the colonial atmosphere that reigns in this city, where period buildings are surprisingly well preserved. As you stroll through the historic district of Punda, you'll come across well-preserved, centuries-old buildings such as the 17th-century Fort Amsterdam and the Mikve Israël Emmanuel synagogue. And don't miss a stroll across the Koningin Emmaburg floating bridge to admire the facades of the traditional houses nearby. Before leaving Willemstad, take a trip to the Otrabanda district to sample cactus soup, goat stew and other local specialties in one of the many restaurants.
If you're passing through Aruba, don't miss seeing the capital's orange-fronted houses up close, or the Alto Vista chapel, which you'll recognize from afar by its bright yellow façade. And don't forget to bring your mask and snorkel, as Aruba's multicolored seabed is well worth a visit.
The Dutch West Indies enjoy a mild climate all year round. This makes for a pleasant stay in any season. However, if you want to make the most of the scenery, it's best to plan your trip for the beginning of the year, i.e. from January to April. At this time of year, precipitation is lower, and the rains won't spoil your nature walks. If you're planning to visit the Netherlands Antilles between October and December, it's a good idea to check the weather conditions beforehand. This is the time of year when the risk of cyclones is greatest.
514 8190600
