Caribbean

The three open wagons of the one and only railway on the ABC-islands, that use hydrogen as an energy source are operated according to the Hydrail principle. The energy required is generated from solar and wind power.

Star Flyer is a four masted barquentine built as a cruise ship, and operated by Star Clippers Ltd of Sweden. Built 1990, length 112 m, 170 passengers.

For Star Flyer see next image. Eurodam is a cruise ship of the Holland America Line (Signature Class). Built 2007, 86273 tons, length 285 m, 11 passenger decks, 64000 kW power, 2104 passengers, 929 crew.

Celebrity Reflection is the largest Solstice-class cruise ship, launched in 2012. 125366 tons, length 319 m, 17 decks, 62400 kW power, 3046 passengers, 1271 crew. We are leaving Aruba, an island with a population of 179000 and an area of 179 km², the curreny is "Aruban florin", official languages are Dutch and Papiamento. Now we are heading to the second of the ABC islands, Curaçao.

Willemstad harbour

approaching Willemstad / Curaçao, early morning

chimneys of the huge refinery in Willemstad in the background - Curacao

I know, I know, many will say, this is nothing but kitsch, but I admit to like it ;-)

Star Flyer and Eurodam in the Pip again. The funny thing is, the chimney of the cruise ship is very similar to the abandoned hotel to the left ;-) In the background AIDAperla ("our" ship) and Celebrity Reflection. Pictures are taken from Queen Juliana bridge.

Curaçao is a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, grown on the Dutch island of Curaçao.

So this is "our" ship finally. And I agree with the comment of José Manuel Polo: "Nobody likes these big and ugly cruise ships, except those who made a cruise trip". Sooo many people on one ship, the ecological footprint is bad, very bad. I always was convinced, this is not my kind of travelling. After long discussions my son persuaded me to do this family trip and - surprise, suprise - I was excited. The hotel is travelling with you, it's convenient and relaxing, very nice cabin with balcony, excellent restaurants and entertainment if you want it, by far not so crowded as expected. The ship sailed at night, we arrived and departed around sunrise and sunset (or later) and could enjoy the different islands the whole day. AIDAperla was built in 2017, power is 46.8 MW, length 300 m, width 37.6 m, draught 8.1 m, 18 decks, 1643 cabins, 12 restaurants, 18 bars, 6 pools, 3100 m² wellness, 8 lounges, 4350 passengers, 900 crew. Wether you like it or not - HFF and a great weekend, my friends!