Three Ports
There was more to our cruise than the Panama Canal. We also had three stops on the way from Los Angeles to Miami. Yes, 14 days, but only three in ports: Puerto Quetzal, Curaçao, and Aruba. Part of the allure for this cruise was actually because of the lack of stops. We hoped to maximize our time on the ship.
Nevertheless, we did enjoy seeing these sites along the way.
Puerto Quetzal
Our first stop was at the port city in Guatemala.
The ship offered a variety of excursions here; most to the city of Antigua. Though Antigua did look interesting, it was a 2+ hour drive from the ship, on difficult roads with much construction (normally only 1 1/2 hours). Neither of us like being in a bus for that long (we did that a few years ago on a Mexico cruise). With the unusual travel time, this left limited time to be in Antigua. There were also offerings for hiking adventures on local volcanos. Closer to the ship, but similar drive times. With my bad hip and Kevin’s troublesome knee, we weren’t going to take these on. All with the looming ‘will-we-be-back-to-the-ship-on-time?’
We did speak with fellow passengers about the excursions who said it was Antigua was nice and the volcano hikes were spectacular. But indeed, some were late getting back to the ship. Thankfully they were on ship-sponsored tours so the ship waited for them.
The other alternative we sought help with was to get private driver and tour. For this we spoke with the concierge on-board. A few days later, the home office came back with a proposal – $995! That seals it, we’ll just be happy to see the shops and attractions at the port.
Once off the ship, you enter a visitor center with mariachis playing and plenty of tour operators offering their services. Enticing as they may have been, they can’t provide a guarantee of getting you back on the ship at the appointed hour. So onward we moved to the shops.
Thankfully, we got out early-ish before the hottest part of the day and not too many people with the same idea had made it off the ship yet. It’s a small area, so I could see how it could get quite crowded. Today, we were the only ship on port. We wandered through the shops, bought a few things and peeked into the jade museum (who knew Guatemala was a hot bed for jade?)
A few pictures here and there and we were back to the ship having been warned off of the one restaurant. Too bad, because we really would have liked to try some authentic Guatemalan food. We did get to see an out-of-context dance performance, however.
And an obligatory selfie with the ship on the way back.
Though it was really hot that day, so it was a good chance to get a spot by the pool with so many out on tours.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Next up was the beautifully painted city of Willemstad.
Again, we had no pre-arranged tours. There were a few things of interest on the offerings, but we really just wanted to explore Willemstad. And we’re glad we did! 
The path to town leads you passed a phalanx of vendors, then eventually a modern shopping mall that’s built into the old fort. After climbing up to the ramparts (all one flight of stairs) to have a peak through to the harbor, we continued on.
One of the main things we wanted to do in Willemstad was find its famous street art. Many buildings in the older part of town are known for their fanciful facades. Entire walls, or whatever space was available is painted with elaborate scenes and graphics. The quality of many is just outstanding.
It took us a while to start to find them, and we weren’t sure we were going to the right way. After passing through a World Heritage Site, we found ourselves in a part of town with few tourists. It really looked like we didn’t belong! We didn’t have to wander very far before we found what we were looking for. Here’s a sampling of what we saw.
After that walkabout, it was time to return to the touristy side of town. This took us across the famous Queen Emma Bridge (Koningin Emmabrug). This is a type of pedestrian drawbridge that gently swings open (while people are on it!) to allow boats and ships into the harbor.
A few trinkets acquired in the few blocks of the shops and crowds we cared to endure. Sadly, we passed on all the Delft Pottery on offer. We settled in quay side for a little lunch, and of course, some Blue Curaçao based cocktails.
With that, it was time to head back to the ship. Perhaps we’ll see you again sometime, Curaçao!
Oranjestad, Aruba
Our final stop before heading to Miami was another member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba.
Again, no shore excursions. We just couldn’t get our act together soon enough before the cruise to make any decisions. By the time we were onboard, the decision was made for us – everything that wasn’t a full day adventure was completely booked. But that was OK with us.
As we were getting off the ship, we encountered a delegation of dignitaries from Aruba. This was the first time for Queen Anne to call in Aruba. Each time a ship has a maiden call at a new port, there’s an exchange of plaques and mementos. You can find these on display around the ship. With being the maiden call here, the dignitaries were preparing to come aboard for a semi-private ceremony. A few questions of the crew at the gangway, we found out this ceremony would be happening in the Chart Room Lounge back on-board. So back we go to check it out.
The fanfare, no announcements, just a small gathering. We didn’t try to barge in, just watch from a distance. At the entrance to the lounge there was a sign about this, but it was clearly not just generally open. We weren’t shooed off, but also not invited in, so watched from outside. Apparently, this was the second presentation for today. In an unusual occurrence, there was another maiden call in port today, the Star Princess. It was her first time here as well. I did manage to snap a few photos, but one of the junior officers guarding the door, though looking away from me, kept (deliberately, I’m sure) blocking my view. I later had the opportunity to ask the captain why they don’t make a bigger deal of. She just said that they are done as semi-private events without offering a reason why. If anyone knows, please share in the comments.
That done, we set off to town again.
Another hot day! Not as hot as Puerto Quezal, but still hot!
We made our way through the shops, there weren’t many, just a little “shopping mall” as you came off the ship, and then a long walk to get out of the port. This put you right into the town. There was even a trolley stop here that could take you around the city. We continued on foot checking out the architecture as we wandered down the main, waterfront, street. Lots of shops here, from small souvenir vendors, to designer clothing, and all manner of jewelry; not to mention restaurants, bars, and yes, a casino.
.
Eventually we made our way down to Queen Wilhelmina Park and the Anne Frank Monument. Passing by the iguanas, it was our first (and last) chance to dip our feet in the Caribbean.
Walkabout complete, it was of course time for a margarita and some fajitas at a restaurant up above the street, with hopes of a catching a breeze. We found just that at Iguana Joe’s.
Feeling refreshed, and a little lubricated, we popped into one last store to treat ourselves to something(s) special before heading back to the ship.
Before we knew it, we were leaving port, with a fantastic view of the island’s airport.
There were a lot of things to see and do here. I wish we had been better a planning this stay. But the good news is that there are lots of fine resorts here. Hopefully we can make it back for a longer stay!
That wraps up all of our stops this trip. Stay tuned for more about life on board the ship in our next post.
Cheers!