Oranjestad, Aruba Port Q&A
32 Oranjestad, Aruba traveler questions & answers
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Q: what's everyone doing in Aruba. looking for free/cheap ideas to see the city, beaches, etc. is it like walking around in San Juan?
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A: You can walk right through the little port / town area just off the ship. There are many shops and restaurants. * My husband and I continued walking from there all the way to “Surfside Beach”. (more of a local beach than touristy) It’s close to the a... irport, so you’ll see planes landing. It’s very pretty and a nice scenic walk.See More
Answered by NeedToVacation on August 27, 2024
A: Some people take a hop on /off open air bus to fairly close beaches near hotels. I think it's cheap. Maybe you have to pay for beach chair/umbrella these days. does anyone else know more? Those beaches are beautiful, and friends have told me they lov... ed it. (I did a tour.) I think expensive tours, especially for a family, are not nec at every port and these beaches are excellent!See More
Answered by outtoseapatty on August 26, 2024
A: The public transit buses are great! I think it was $10 for an all day, on and off as many times as you like pass, or you could pay $2 for each trip. It's not a far walk to the bus depot from the cruise terminal. We took it to the beaches to snorkel,... which was AMAZING, btw.See More
Answered by ilbcnuxxoo on August 28, 2024
A: We were there a few years ago on the Horizon and rented a car until 5pm. I planned our itinerary using Google Maps. We walked around the Casubari Rock Formations, the Bushiribana Ruins, down to the natural bridge, lunch at Big Mama Grill on Baby Beac... h, and a stop at Charlie's Bar in San Nicholas.See More
Answered by Mickiylou on August 26, 2024
A: Can’t tell you much about Aruba because we took a tour in Aruba. It was really nice and pretty love that there’s no stoplights anywhere. In San Juan, as soon as you get off the ship, you could just walk around old San Juan and there’s a lot of things... to do restaurants sightseeing, so many things.See More
Answered by Bigmoma on August 26, 2024
Q: I have been hearing about Palm Beach, has anyone ever been there? What’s the best way to get there?
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A: there's a bus system near the pier. it stops at all the beaches. $5 round trip
Answered by sopha on August 24, 2024
A: You can also take a taxi to the beach. There are a lot of taxis out by the port. We did this last September and the driver even offered to come back for us. We gave him a time and he ended up having another group at the same time but he sent anoth... er driver for us which I thought was very thoughtful him. I can’t remember what the price was but I know it was reasonable.See More
Answered by DeeMilady on August 25, 2024
A: We always take the city bus down to Eagle Beach and enjoy the day. Restaurants and bars on site. absolutely Breathtaking Beach. Chairs and umbrella rentals available also. Can't go wrong for a $4.00 round trip bus ride 😊⛱️
Answered by our17 on July 17, 2024
A: We rented a car and drove to Baby Beach, very nice and relaxing. An easy and calm beach, nice for kids. With a car we were able to stop at other places along the way like a local grocery store.
Answered by CoastalCruisers on July 18, 2024
A: Horseback riding on the beach was amazing! Took us through town on back road, to a gold mine and rode horses on the beach.
Answered by Ally57 on July 18, 2024
A: we did resort for a day Riu got to enjoy the beach, drinks and the restaurant had the best food.
Answered by dbabyd69 on July 27, 2024
A: We rented a jeep from right near the port and toured the island. This allowed us to see a lot of the island, eat at local restaurants, and snorkel at several of the beaches. We were very happy with our choice.
Answered by ABCruisin on July 18, 2024
A: Please check out the excursions section of Cruiseline.com/Shipmate app: https://cruiseline.com/excursions/port/oranjestad-aruba In addition, this article might help: cruiseline.com/advice/destinations/6-hours-in/6-hours-in-oranjestad-aruba.
Answered by CruiselineAdmin on August 9, 2024
A: Check out this Cruiseline.com/Shipmate article which mentions, Baby Bay https://cruiseline.com/advice/destinations/6-hours-in/6-hours-in-oranjestad-aruba. Including a link for baby beach- https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/baby-beach.
Answered by CruiselineAdmin on August 9, 2024
A: We were just there this week. They wanted $50 for two lounge chairs & one umbrella.
Answered by CindyHalteman on June 15, 2024
A: We were there in May. The price was $50 for two chairs and an umbrella. All the chairs were sold out well before 11:00 AM.
Answered by jeffreyschill on June 15, 2024
A: We were there in April. chairs could be rented on beach $10. There were umbrellas but we did not get one. There was a small place to buy drinks and food. Expensive IMO.
Answered by Robbin2022 on June 15, 2024
A: livelife said it perfectly. And we just leave our passports in the safe, as recommended by cruise line. Your room card shows you are on the cruise. Keep photo ID with you.
Answered by joyandjerry on May 10, 2024
A: If you’re on a closed loop cruise (leaving and returning to the same US port) all you need is a birth certificate and ID to board but if something happens medically or if you miss the ship at a port getting back to the US will be a nightmare without... a passport. It’s best to have it but not necessary.See More
Answered by livlifenoregret on May 10, 2024
A: I just got back from Aruba in October. I don't remember being asked for my passport, however I did need my Sea Pass and a photo ID (I used my license).It's always a good idea to have a passport with you on the cruise just in case you need it, but the... ship staff usually tell you when a country needs you to bring your passport off the ship. Some lines don't even do that anymore, they just collect your passport in the beginning of the trip and return it after the last port. They do this to streamline the customs process in foreign ports.See More
Answered by CruiseQueenNH on May 10, 2024
A: If any of the ports you dock at on your cruise. The cruise line should notify you the night before you dock. As someone mentioned if you have one take if with you cause you never know when it might be required!
Answered by booger1xx on May 10, 2024
A: Check this tour company out. https://chogogotours.com/tour/chogogo-happy-wheels?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5cOwBhCiARIsAJ5njuYNmsQOz3Ds9FY84g7L5LXfxlP440A7h7Pg4dTvozL-9dESxhgsicYaAmQWEALw_wcB
Answered by bajfam on April 6, 2024
A: Aside from the shop tours that are labelled accessible, if you are interested in visiting a beach, you may want to try emailing the hotels nearby to see if you can borrow a beach wheelchair from them.
Answered by Tropikali on April 6, 2024
A: I personally found Baby Beach to be the clearest. Since it’s a lagoon, it’s also very calm.
Answered by HarryMess on March 22, 2024
A: We also loved Baby Beach. We seen a couple sea turtles there also.
Answered by Jkuhl78 on March 25, 2024
Q: What is a good souvenir to bring back for the gang at the office? I've brought back shortbread from Scotland and spicy snacks from Mexico. What from Aruba - doesn't have to be food but something (s) for 9 people?
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A: Since it's a Dutch Island, there's beautiful blue pottery & trinkets from Holland (Delftware/Delft Pottery). Although, the gang at the office may enjoy "Stroopwafels" (a delicious sweet treat). Gouda Cheese is another option as a tasty souvenir.
Answered by Chaippini on February 28, 2024
A: Kukukanooku party bus was excellent in Aruba
Answered by SailtheC on January 12, 2024
A: Horseback riding in Aruba was great! curacao we rented a car
Answered by Ally57 on January 4, 2024
A: we did snorkeling from a catamaran and then bbq on a pier, and a party bus took us back to the ship. Saw a sunken German ship from wartime.
Answered by ginakristan on February 10, 2024
A: it looks like you get there at 1:00p. Our Eagle beach experience at that time was that the chairs were all rented out when we got there and the refreshment stand closed shortly afterward. We never saw any cart vendors. hope yours is better
Answered by jallaway on December 31, 2023
A: I see you arrive at 1pm. coming you go and I'll go see if you want tea or lemonade oh I got you oh all right now
Answered by jallaway on December 31, 2023
A: They have a bar and grill called Coco Loco. I was there in march.
Answered by samueloscar on December 31, 2023
Q: Our ship tomorrow is staying until 10pm. What to do and where to east during the night?
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A: Anytime I’m given the opportunity to suggest places to eat in Aruba, I recommend Zeerover if you are there during the day and Red Fish if you’re there in the evening. These are two authentic, locally loved restaurants serving the best red snapper in... the Caribbean. Both have their own ambience and uniqueness. Zeerover is on the water and the view is spectacular. Check them out if y oh want the real deal.See More
Answered by HarryMess on December 14, 2023
A: We've been there a number of times and never had an excursion. If you're a walker, there's a nice park a few blocks from the ship, as well as a ton of shopping everywhere. It's fun to wander on smaller streets, where you can find cafes with signs in... Dutch.See More
Answered by DeedeeJane on November 21, 2023
A: We went off on our own. The taxi driver said the beach bar at Eagle Beach would call for a cab when we're ready to leave, and to specify we had been swimming so we get a cab with protected seating. It was a different rate of fare, and the cab dropped... us off a block away from the pier, no issues but that is what unlicensed cab drivers do.See More
Answered by richjensen on November 21, 2023
A: We rode the public transportation (bus) to and from Eagle Beach. Short walk from the pier to get to the bus station, very minimal cost.
Answered by jcb91777 on November 26, 2023
A: My daughter and her boyfriend rented a car (negotiate for the price) and drove around the island. It is only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide.
Answered by 19luv2cruz58 on November 26, 2023
A: We went to an all inclusive place - DePalm Island. It was fabulous!!
Answered by khuber68 on November 25, 2023
A: Eagle beach was awesome. For 2 of us, bus ride, beach chairs and umbrella was $40. You can pay cash for the bus but only card for the chairs. Get off on the second beach stop. The first one will be crowed.
Answered by cvaughn2376 on September 4, 2023
A: you can actually ride the bus from the port. it's $2 each and takes 10 to 15 minutes to get to Eagle beach. My favorite beach anywhere 💙 😍 ❤️
Answered by Canadachick on September 5, 2023
A: We went to Eagle Beach, which I think was free. What cost money is renting the umbrella and beach chairs. Look for “YU YU Tour & Transfers” to take you there, when you get off at the port. The drivers name was Julio Croes and he was amazing! You won’... t regret it.See More
Answered by Luv2Cruise2014 on September 4, 2023
A: Taxi to Eagle Beach from cruise dock was $15
Answered by willwork4cruz on September 5, 2023
A: I'm going there in October, so like u, I'm interested in knowing as well, lol
Answered by ericbran on September 4, 2023
A: right by the ship as you get off..Lots of shopping in the area and walking distance.
Answered by speedy12508 on June 3, 2023
A: Right next to the pier. Many many shops
Answered by Carnivalfoodie on June 3, 2023
A: Are you going to cuacao too? Reason I’m asking is cause we saw flamingos there. We rented mo-peds and drove around on our own and saw a good bit. We also found a private beach area and had the best time!
Answered by tlabruyere on May 9, 2023
A: De Palm Island and Renaissance Island.
Answered by diamondplus4lyf on May 5, 2023
A: I am interested in seeing live flamingos
Answered by nursenanci78 on May 5, 2023
A: Take public transportation to San Nicholas (5 dollars a person) and check out the beautiful murals. We had a blast and had great food, drinks and took some AMAZING pictures. Whatever you do just make the most of it and have a great time. Happy sailin... gSee More
Answered by Tsweets on May 5, 2023
A: We were in Aruba on our cruises, but we had the excursions through the ship.
Answered by enjoyurdaysmile on May 5, 2023
Q: Has anyone booked an snorkel excursion out side of what the cruise lines offer? How was it and did they get you back to the ship on time?
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A: We always book excursions thru the ship. The ship guarantees the return and will holdup the ship if there is an issue. We had two experiences when this happened to us. On one excursion the tour bus broke down and we were 1 hour late to the ship and t... he ship waited for us. Another time we booked thru a private vendor and the van got tied up in traffic and as we pulled in to the ship they were pulling the gangway in. They saw us running and and we were lucky to make it at the last minute. We almost missed the ship!See More
Answered by Cruiselovers70 on February 20, 2023
A: yes we do most of our excursions outside of the cruise line. Haven't ever had any problems getting back on time
Answered by StefBri on February 20, 2023
A: We have cruised extensively. We like to do business with the locals. Their livelihood depends on our business. They certainly want to make sure we have great experiences and get back to the ship on time. Allow enough time. Some people wouldn't be com... fortable doing anything other than excursions booked through the ship. Others are happy to walk off the ship and go with a group of passengers with a local guide.See More
Answered by Conniek9 on February 24, 2023
A: i rather pay a little extra through cruise line than watch my ship sail without us.
Answered by eorzo53 on February 23, 2023
A: I have booked 2 excursions on this site with no issues!! just booked another for my cruise on Celebration in June cause the one I wanted on Carnival was sold out!!!
Answered by vicki018 on February 22, 2023
A: Yes, worked out quite well. Both bus and cab transportation to main beach near hotels. Bus pass is $10 unlimited for travel up and down the coast. Bus terminal is just past the main Street downtown for exploring on your own.
Answered by Hurder on February 22, 2023
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