ABC or Dominica, Barbados, Grenada?

[pug198]

Trying to decide between these two itineraries for Jan 2017.

 

Which do you prefer?  What are the must sees and do's.

 

Thanks.

[Matt]

I haven't done either, but I am doing ABC in Feb 2017 as part of our Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise.

 

Both sound really nice. I have been to Barbados before.  Beautiful island and rather large too.

[DocLC]

I don't think you can go wrong with either itinerary. We loved both Aruba and Curaçao, but also loved Dominica and Barbados. Our favorite excursions of 24 cruises were on Aruba and Dominica, so I could make an argument for either itinerary. The upside is that I don't think either is a bad choice.

[bobroo]

If you value the ports on your cruise, these itineraries couldn't be more different.

 

The ABC's are Dutch islands and are literally deserts. So a lot of European influence and no jungle. Curacao is lovely! The unique bridge, all the brightly colored buildings, and urban shopping. I know I am in the minority but personally I do not see what anyone likes about Aruba. The beaches are the only thing of value there and are quite good. Other than that in my opinion it is one great big Agave plant with a Diamonds International on one side and a crumby, sketchy casino on the other. Bonaire is a refreshing departure from every other island RCL sails to. It is clean, organized, and well kept. Bonaire is NOT out to get every dollar out of every tourist that wonders down the street. In addition it has the clearest water I haver ever been in. Needless to say I like Bonaire a lot just because it is so.....civil.

 

Like Jamaica; Dominica, Greneda, and St Lucia are the tropical rainforest islands that you dream about. There are some great things to do and see on them. On the other hand the ports themselves are very "caribbean", and may not always be that country's best foot forward. Barbados is a bit of an exception and there is a distinct attitude of those who live there. Not a reason not to like it, it's just the way they are.

 

Which should you choose? If you value the ports when you cruise, both itineraries are very different. Go to both and see for yourself. But, doing all 3 of the ABC's is kind of a rare itinerary with RCL, I'd chose that one first because it might become harder to do it at a later time.