ABC Islands & French Antilles: 8-Night Crystal Caribbean Cruise

This eight-night Crystal cruise is a good fit for travelers who want Caribbean sunshine in early December with a mix of Dutch, French and Spanish colonial heritage. Crystal Symphony departs Cartagena, Colombia, on December 2, 2027, visits Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, then sails east to Guadeloupe and St. Martin before arriving in San Juan on December 10. Early December marks the start of the Caribbean’s dry season.

Before boarding, consider a night in Cartagena to explore its walled old city. Aruba is known for its dry climate and long white beaches, such as Eagle Beach, along with rugged Arikok National Park. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, has a famous row of colorful Dutch-style buildings along the waterfront and a floating pontoon bridge. Bonaire is one of the Caribbean’s best-known diving and snorkeling destinations, with protected reefs close to shore, salt flats and flocks of pink flamingos in the south of the island.

After a sea day, the ship reaches Pointe-à-Pitre on Guadeloupe, a French island with rainforest, waterfalls and the La Soufrière volcano, along with Creole food and markets. Marigot, on the French side of St. Martin, is known for its café culture and French-Caribbean cuisine. The voyage ends in San Juan, where Old San Juan’s blue cobblestone streets, pastel buildings and El Morro fortress are worth a post-cruise stay of a night or two.

Crystal Symphony is a refurbished classic from Crystal, a line known for gracious service and fine dining. Most Crystal fares cover beverages, gratuities and the majority of specialty dining, which suits a relaxed island-hopping week. Two sea days balance the island calls and give you time to enjoy the pool deck and the ship’s restaurants. We will review your fare details with you.

This is a timely trip for anyone wanting warmth before the holidays. Send us your dates and we will check fares, cabin availability and current offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the ABC islands outside the hurricane belt?
Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao lie south of the main hurricane belt and are rarely hit by major storms. Early December is also after the Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30.

Do I need a passport for a cruise from Cartagena to San Juan?
Yes. Because the cruise starts in Colombia, you need a valid passport to fly there and board. Entry rules for each island depend on your citizenship, and we will confirm them for you.

What is the weather like in the southern Caribbean in December?
Expect warm, sunny weather with comfortable trade winds. December is the start of the dry season, though brief showers are always possible on the greener islands like Guadeloupe.