Cruise to Aruba, Aruba - Ports of Call
Aruba, Aruba Cruises
Aruba is the Caribbean cruise port where light-hearted adventures and sun go hand in hand. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, in fact, perhaps offer the most beautiful sands to soak in the sun in the entire Caribbean. But water-based sport buffs would say this perfect water paradise is equally good for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Spend some time exploring the museums, shops, and Dutch colonial architecture that tell the history and culture of vibrant Aruba's capital-Oranjestad; then the fun begins: head straight toward the Natural Bridge and California Lighthouse with off-road adventures through stark desert landscapes being thrown in on the side; then top up the fun with Arikok National Park. Then, terrace the world-class casino, island tours, and food prepared fresh off the shore. Sunset sailing on a catamaran and a jeep safari awaits your visit!
Best Things to Do in Aruba
Aruba is considered comfortable with everything for any age group, owing to dozens of activities and attractions. However, Aruba beaches are a great attraction. Having said that, Aruba surely has lots of places and activities worth seeing and doing while you are there.
Beaches and Coves
There are around 40 beaches in Aruba for you to explore. You can visit several beaches and coves in Aruba – Boca Grandi, Grapefield Beach, Fisherman’s Hut, and Bachelors Beach for Wind/Kitesurf; Malmok Beach, and Boca Catalina for snorkeling; Renaissance Island is a private beach; Santo largo beach and Manchebo Beach are quiet/secluded beach; Surfside beach is family friendly; Dos Playa and Andicuri Beach are great body boarding spots; Rodgers Beach is a local spot; Druif Beach is sunset spot, and the hidden gem of Aruba is Blackstone Beach.
Attractions and sights
The happiest island in the Caribbean has many things to offer apart from beaches, sun, and white sand. This exotic desert-like island is fully covered with famous sights and attractions – Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Ruins, Churches, Grot di Lourdes, Plaza Daniel Leo, Seroe Colorado, Museums, Antilla, California Lighthouse, Fort Zoutman, and King Willem III Tower, Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and the Old Mill.
Shopping
All sorts of shops and outlets can be found in Aruba to satisfy the shopper's whim, from malls and street shops to small vendors selling trinkets and local items, not to mention the big-time international brands. For some great deals, explore downtown Oranjestad. This place covers all your shopping lists, such as perfumes, apparel, shoes, souvenirs, jewelry, sunglasses, etc. There are even some boutiques in larger hotels and along the seaside.
Art and Culture
Indulge in the Aruba arts and culture belt and infuse harmony into your trip. Museums of this belt expound upon the alluring history of the region, art schools conjure up creativity, and galleries display craft. Music and regional cuisine are the best things to do while soaking in the arts and culture. Moreover, you can mark your calendars for three of the hottest annual Aruba music festivals – the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, and the Aruba Summer Music Festival. All three festivals feature international artists as well as local artists of Aruba.
Tours and Activities
There are so many options in Aruba to divert you if you are not planning to soak in the sun the entire day. You can keep your itinerary cheap and easy-going or do one that is very active. Guided trips and activities are available in one form or another on both land and water. For anyone who likes the water, great options would be scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing.
Top Cruise Line to Aruba Cruise Port
Here are some great cruise lines that will take you to Aruba. Some offer bubbles, extravagance, daring activities, and fun for children; everyone adds something different to the mix. So here is the list of the best cruise lines going to Aruba.
Royal Caribbean
What Royal Caribbean gives is both leisure and excitement. Family amusement with theater-style Broadway production and surf simulators on the Adventure of the Seas and the Explorer of the Seas. On the other hand, off-road jeep safaris into Arikok National Park, snorkeling, and sunbathing at Eagle Beach await you on the Aruban shore.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Amongst the features Norwegian Cruise Line is famed for its flexible dining and entertainment options on board its ships-a concept it calls Freestyle Cruising. Broadway-style shows, aqua parks, and many dining options are aboard Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Prima. Jeep safaris, boat cruises, and beach time galore-await in Eagle and Palm Beach. Aruba sure places a neat twist on fun!
Celebrity Cruise
Elit and prestigious Celebrity Cruise Line brand blends old traditions with modern ones. Celebrity Equinox and Reflection travel in the upper stratosphere of fine dining, fine lounges, and lavish spa treatments. Sails, reef snorkeling, or simply wandering around the lively streets of Oranjestad are some of the activities in Aruba. Just right for those who would wish for some aura of modernity around their cruise.
MSC Cruises
MSC offers a bit of European flair for your Caribbean cruises. Check out the modern spas and family entertainment at your own convenience with MSC Seaside or MSC Divina, also conversing the whole world at the dining medium. Aruba is home to world-famous beaches-if only you could see them all, snorkel at the Antilla shipwreck, or book a guided tour of the island.
Best Time to Visit in Aruba
Sunny white sand beaches describe the weather of Barbados, while the tourist-friendly climate remains throughout the year. So, what would precisely be the best time to pack one's bags and head for Barbados? Such an uncertain answer would all depend on one's preference for crowd, weather, or deals. A few pointers that may aid in scheduling a Barbados cruise.
Winter in Aruba (December-February)
Winter is the peak travelling season. It is the marriage between the bitter cold from anywhere else and constant sunshine in Aruba with temperatures averaging in the low to mid-eighties. Islands will be graced with events, nightlife, and beach sports...Very busy beaches and expensive cruise rates-one best avoids the holidays and New Year's dates!
Spring in Aruba (March - May)
Spring-time will grace you with just the right weather and a little solitude. Temperatures remain warm, nearly summer, under the bright sun and low humidity. Cruise sales may dwindle during this time, offering some bargaining leverage. It does indeed look like the best time to go cruising, snorkeling, and just walking down Oranjestad streets.
Summer in Aruba (June-August)
There are hot summer days in Aruba, dotted with steady trade winds and fewer tourists. Compared to several Caribbean islands, storms seldom occur here as it is not in the very slot of the hurricane belt. This is a season of discounted cruises and excursions, whereas diving and snorkeling are at their best. Great time just relaxing at Eagle or Palm Beach with mere warm waters.
Fall in Aruba (September-November)
One may say that in Aruba, a visit is to be planned for the fall. Actually, it becomes blistering hot, but the wind manages to keep it bearable. This paradoxical peak hurricane season is a time when hurricane wrath strikes other places, leaving places adjoining the Caribbean with calm winds and mere inconveniences from hurricanes. This season affords opportunities for bargain travel and tranquility.
Packing Tips for Cruises to Aruba
Any cruise will also be pleasant because it makes smart packing possible with this simple checklist of additional mandatory items:
Daytime Attire: Sunshine would have given you the opportunity to stay cool in the light attire under the sunlight in Aruba. Winds that blow from land to sea require loose-fitting and lightweight clothes for complete sun protection on the shore.
Casual daytime clothes: Casual daytime clothes would thus serve as functional apparel with multiple options for an egg-to-eight-day excursion, as well as on a sea day occasion.
Evening wear: In contrast, the shore excursions dress code is somewhere along the smart casual, with gala nights thrown in, which means one is required to dress up in groomed cruise wear for gala performances and fine-dining opportunities. One formal dress to three will be necessary for formal occasions.
Key swimwear and activewear: This beach wardrobe will consist of two to three swimsuits, cover-ups, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that would offer at least about UV protection for chilling about Eagle or Palm Beach. Activewear of around two or three sets is going to be necessary for working out in the gym on board, engaging in watersports, and hiking in Arikok National Park.
Footwear: Whatever you desire in comfy walking shoes is needed for passing through Oranjestad: dress shoes for fine dining, and sturdy sandals for the beach.
Weather: The weather is expected to be bright and windy in Aruba. A light sun shirt will come in handy with SPF lip balms and good reef-safe sunscreens. Either a shawl or a windbreaker would be the perfect accompaniment once the A/C kicks in and cool chills start setting or the wind picks up around dinner time.
General Overview of When Cruising in Aruba
Shopping & Local Markets: Oranjestad has served as the center and host of taifa markets, duty-free shops, and jewelry of all descriptions. One could find anything here-from local aloe beauty products and Caribbean arts to tasty souvenir stuff.
Foods to Try: Must have pastechi, kasina shellfish, and Keshi Yena as a meal. Order a few cocktails of Aruba Ariba or Balashi Draughts along with it.
Travel Safety Info and Scams: Aruba is a safe place to visit but always keep an eye on your belongings. Beware of aggressive sellers pushing bogus tourist-y tours. Only take taxis that have been authorized.
Currency Information: The US dollar is readily accepted as currency there; the Aruban Florin is, however, its official counterpart. Cards are accepted all over the island.
Language Tips: English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento make up most of the world's spoken languages in Aruba.
Mobile and Wi-Fi Recommendations: Check roaming charges before leaving. Usually, there exists an availability of free Wi-Fi at cafés and near cruise terminals, although the speeds.
Aruba Cruise Port Facilities & Amenities
Services available at the Aruba Cruise Port (Oranjestad):
- Concierge desk for visitors
- Restrooms, waitrooms, air conditioning
- Boutiques, duty-free shops, and local crafts outlets
- ATMs, banks, and currency exchange
- Taxi-rental car-tour booths
- Cafes, bars, snack counters
- Free Wi-Fi at the station and restaurants nearby