Far-flung exotic islands like Aruba, Barbados and Curacao with a potpourri mix of Spanish, Dutch, French and British influences are your heady ports of call in the Southern Caribbean. Also check out our selection of Shore Excursions in Eastern & Western Caribbean.

ARUBA
Ships sailing to the Southern Caribbean cruise port of Aruba dock on the island’s southwest coast in the capital, Oranjestad. You’ll hear English, Spanish and Dutch spoken in Aruba, and although the official currency is the Aruban florin you’ll find that US dollars are widely accepted. A half-day shore excursion tour will show you Aruba’s highlights, or you could learn to dive, snorkel or sail on an excursion to the island’s famous white-sand beaches.

BARBADOS
The island of Barbados is a little slice of England in the Southern Caribbean. English is spoken and the Barbadian dollar is the currency. You can use US dollar bills but not coins, so expect to pick up some local Barbadian currency in your change. Ships dock in the capital, Bridgetown, with department stores, historic buildings and the famous Mount Gay rum distillery. See the best of the island on a tour, or take in some wildlife and underwater coral viewing on an interior or coast excursion.

CURACAO
Attractive pastel-painted gabled houses with red roofs welcome cruise ships to Curacao’s capital, Willemstad. English, Spanish and Dutch are spoken, and although the local currency is the Antillean guilder, US dollars are accepted. Cruise ships dock on the western side of the channel at Otrobanda, just a short walk over the bridge to the shops and restaurants in Punda. See all the highlights on a city tour, watch dolphins perform at the aquarium or visit the national park by jeep safari.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Port of Spain on Trinidad is your port of call for Trinidad & Tobago, on the island’s northwest coast. English is spoken with a Creole dialect, and US dollars are as widely accepted as the local currency, the Trinidad & Tobago dollar. Explore downtown easily from the cruise terminal, take an island explorer tour of historic forts and rainforest scenery, visit beaches or snorkel the coral gardens of Buccoo Reef.

BONAIRE
Southern Caribbean cruises visiting Bonaire dock in the capital, Kralendijk, the island’s hub for shopping, dining and water-based activities. Bonaire is a Caribbean Netherlands port, where English, Spanish and Dutch are spoken and US dollars are accepted along with the local currency, the Antillean guilder. Pink flamingos are the local highlight on island tours, along with mangrove forest strolls and snorkeling offshore.