Postcards from the Sea: A Visual Journey from Miami to Aruba
Ever dreamed of island hopping to South America? So have we! In April, we nearly made it, stopping just shy of Venezuela and the South American coast.
We set sail on the Dinogo Vista from Miami, aiming to explore four destinations in eight days. On our journey, we sailed past Cuba and Haiti before arriving at Grand Turk and the Dominican Republic. As we ventured into the Southern Caribbean, the stunning beaches of Aruba and Curacao, with their Dutch influence, awaited us just off Venezuela's coast.
From Miami, it’s 983 nautical miles to Aruba (or about a three-hour flight). Our voyage, however, was nothing short of luxury. After all, Dinogo Vista boasts North America’s first cruise-ship brewery—if the Mayflower had this, maybe the Pilgrims would have skipped Plymouth!
Each night, standing on our balcony, we felt a sense of solitude like no other. There’s something both humbling and thrilling about the vast sea at night, where the horizon melts into darkness. Mornings greeted us with a new island on the horizon, and over coffee and croissants, we would finalize our plans before stepping off the ship.
Each island offered its own unique experiences. We roamed the streets of Curacao and La Romana, while in Aruba and Grand Turk, the day was all about swimming. We’ve compiled our most cherished moments from each stop into a visual travel guide, hoping it will spark your own Caribbean adventure plans.
Grand Turk
Date: March 27, 2017
Activity: Snorkeling took center stage in Grand Turk. We signed up for a multi-site snorkeling excursion that whisked us off to a couple of spots near White Sands Beach. The water was crystal clear, teeming with vibrant reefs and marine life—we even spotted our first Manta ray! An unexpected highlight was 'Splashdown Grand Turk,' a complimentary exhibit at the port that celebrates NASA's link with the Turks and Caicos and America’s first astronauts.
La Romana, Dominican Republic
Date: March 28, 2017
Activity: We explored Altos de Chavón, a true replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village featuring artists’ studios and unique dining spots. Perched above the Chavón River, the village is enveloped by vibrant greenery and towering cacti. The hillside is alive with wildlife and birds, enhancing the breathtaking vistas of the village.
Curacao
Date: March 29, 2017
Activity: Curacao marked our first afternoon stopover at a port. Sadly, I was unwell, so Beth ventured out alone to explore Curacao—swimming and enjoying cafes into the night. She described the island’s Dutch-inspired architecture and stunning beaches as creating a truly distinctive Caribbean atmosphere.
Aruba
Date: March 30, 2017
Activity: During our cruise, we always dedicate a full day to the beach, and this time, it was Aruba. We hopped on the town bus from the port to Eagle Beach and spent the entire day relaxing and swimming. The beach was even better than I imagined; I haven't encountered sand this soft and white since visiting the Maldives.
Do you have a favorite snapshot from our Caribbean cruise aboard the Dinogo Vista? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tell us about your next adventure!
Evaluation :
5/5