The capital of Aruba is made for walking. Browse the candy-colored townhouses, architectural details, and open-air patios that define this charming Dutch community. Gentle trade winds tame the Caribbean sun, shoo the infrequent rain, and maintain the perfect conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. When it’s beach time, dig your toes into the soft white sand and soak your skin in the warm Caribbean water. After lounging awhile, find spas, restaurants, and bars just steps away. Divers and snorkelers flock to cruise to Aruba for its vibrant coral reefs, neon tropical fish, and eerie old shipwrecks. With just a mask and snorkel, you can watch the fish dart in and out of Antilla, a major wreck. Board a catamaran for a peaceful day of sailing and snorkeling, recharging with a barbecue lunch at Pelican Pier on Palm Beach. Or, venture to De Palm Island for water sliding and banana boat riding. When it’s time to shop, browse Aruba’s boutiques and find the leading designers at Renaissance Mall. Uncover local crafts in the marketplace nearby. Both are close to the port. Aruba serves French fare with a Caribbean twist. Find everything from haute cuisine to casual food. Maybe even discover an ostrich burger on the menu. Of course, the fish doesn’t get any fresher.

Experience a traditional Dutch cityscape painted in distinctly Caribbean colors. You’ll want to stroll the magnificent waterfront, admire the colonial buildings, and explore the backstreet cafés, shops, museums, and galleries of Willemstad. Visit 17th-century Fort Amsterdam in the historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Netherlands established a settlement here in 1634. Today it reflects Spanish and Portuguese styles, as well as Dutch. But on cruises to Curaçao, the sun warms your skin to remind you it’s the Caribbean. Swim with charming, clever dolphins—an unforgettable experience—or go below the surface on a reef dive. View otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites inside Hato Caves and take a trolley tour to learn about Willemstad’s landmarks. Curaçao cuisine incorporates Indonesian, as well as Dutch traditions. Try the local waffles, fresh-cut fries drizzled in toppings, and raw herring served with pickles. Favorites include stewed goat, meat wrapped in banana leaves, and others.

Kralendijk is the sleepy capital of Bonaire, an island in the Dutch Antilles. Kralendijk is lined with delightfully pastel stucco houses, in pinks, oranges and lime greens. Famous for its diving, the lively world under the sea is the allure of this laidback island. The island is surrounded by a marine park that starts at the beach and extends 200 feet in depth and covers its entire coastline. Cruises to Bonaire also offer such treats as flamingos, hiking and the only barefoot casino in the Caribbean. Head downtown to the Rincon section for a great selection of restaurants with menus offering authentic local fare, like the Dutch snack, Frikandel, a deep-fried sausage or the Creole gumbo stew called Yambo.