Aruba Cruises: Best Cruises to Aruba

aruba cruise

When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. You can explore the traditional Dutch roots and modern Caribbean flare that define Aruba and its welcoming people. Or, venture into the countryside on a sightseeing tour of the pristine white-sand beaches, sparkling sea, and unforgettable natural wonders that make Aruba our happy home. Great shopping, dining and bar-hopping are within walking distance of the dock. Several malls are located right across the street from the terminal, and as soon as you exit to the left you will find a small market in the Royal Plaza selling trinkets from stalls. A stroll along the waterfront is a great way to take in the faux-Dutch colonial architecture and tropical pastels.

Cruises to Oranjestad, Aruba

12 Best Things to Do in Aruba for Cruisers - Cruise Critic

12 Best Things to Do in Aruba for Cruisers.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

As you explore in comfort during your Aruba cruise, you'll pass schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens, colorful coral reefs, wreck sites and even scuba divers.

Royal Caribbean Details New Deployment to Latin America - Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean Details New Deployment to Latin America.

Posted: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba

The port of Oranjestad is located on the southwestern part of the island of Aruba, and most cruises that go to Aruba will dock here. The port has standard amenities like ATMs, a souvenir shop, and a tourism information center. The port is conveniently close to shopping, restaurants, and the famous Aruba waterfront. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only.

Find Cruises to Aruba's Oranjestad Port

aruba cruise

One of the top reasons people flock to Aruba is for its food scene, where fresh seafood rules the menu and is presented in interesting and delicious ways. Mahi-mahi, lionfish, and grouper are the most popular options. Aruban food is greatly influenced by flavors of the Caribbean as well as its earlier Dutch colonization. While you’re here on a cruise to Aruba, try keshi yena, a ball of cheese steamed or fried and stuffed with meat, or one of the many varieties of soups and stews. There’s cool island soup, which is a nectar of different fruit juices destined to cool you down on a hot day.

It's rare for hurricanes to reach this part of the Caribbean, which means that while it's pleasant to visit year-round, it can also withstand the hurricane season months of May through October. Plan a visit to Aruba on your next Caribbean cruise itinerary. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. The water off Aruba is teeming with marine life and you can see it all up close by riding in a high-tech submarine 150 feet below the sea.

The currency is the Aruban florin, but most shops and restaurants will accept the U.S. dollar. On cruises to Aruba, you’ll dock at the island’s capital and port city, Oranjestad. You could easily spend your entire time in Aruba on a beach or drinking a refreshing cocktail at any of the beachiest bars. Cruisers visiting Aruba will want to set out for the shoreline, visiting famous stretches of sand like Eagle Beach or Baby Beach. If time in port allows, be sure to book a sunset cruise shore excursion when the Aruban sky puts on a fiery show.

View All Cruises to Oranjestad, Aruba

Spend your day on the island embracing the sun, sand, and amenities at one of Aruba’s hotels. The Port of Aruba is just steps from the luxury shopping, authentic restaurants, and gleaming pastel architecture of our capital, Oranjestad. It’s easy for cruise visitors from all over the world to make the most of a quick stopover in Aruba. If you are planning on driving, use caution on the roads, as some international signs might be unfamiliar.

Renaissance Island

It’s easy to find your own tropical beat when you cruise Aruba-style. The port is centrally located near shops and restaurants, so it’s an easy transition to go from cruise ship to shopping. Here, you’ll find mostly strip malls and shopping centers like the Royal Plaza Shopping Center and the Renaissance Marketplace. Find a local store that sells Dutch chocolates and coffee to bring back as mementos from your time in Aruba. Cruises to Aruba have been a staple of the island’s economy for decades, and you’d be hard-pressed to find an Aruban who isn’t friendly to cruise passengers. Aruba’s climate is just one of the reasons it became so popular for tourism in recent years, since it’s beautiful, dry, and sunny almost year round.

Reflexions Beach Bar & Restaurant

Official languages spoken in Aruba are Dutch and Papiamentu, a creole language that emerged from a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish. The island is a surprising mix of soft, white-sand beaches and desert (the aloe plant thrives here and aloe vera is one of the island's biggest exports); Dutch heritage and influences from nearby Venezuela. The official language is Papiamento, an intriguing blend of Dutch, English, Spanish and creole, but most islanders are multilingual (including English).

Informative and incredible, there aren’t many other butterfly farms quite like this. You’ll likely be able to see the Hooiberg volcanic formation from almost anywhere on the island of Aruba. When you’re ready, get up close and personal with the so-called “haystack,” which is over 500 feet tall. Climb the hundreds of restored steps to the summit of Hooiberg, which promises incredible, lush views of the entire island below you. It’s a great opportunity to hike and take unforgettable photos of the island’s beautiful landscape. The National Archaeological Museum of Aruba gives visitors an understanding of life on the island long before European settlement.

The first inhabitants of Aruba were a group called the Arawak, and in 1499, the Spanish arrived. Smuggling and piracy became common practices on the island. The expansion into tourism happened as a way to rebuild the economy after the Aruban oil refinery closed down.

Here you can snag luxury designer jewelry and watches, but also pick up traditional Dutch items like Delft (blue and white) pottery and locally made aloe products. Most commonly, cruises from Aruba go to exciting destinations such as Caribbean - All, Caribbean - Eastern, Caribbean - Southern, World Cruise, and France. Most locals speak English, Spanish and Dutch, as well as Papiamento -- a language native to the ABC islands. If someone says, "Bon bini," he or she is welcoming you to Aruba. You'll be anchored in downtown Oranjestad, Aruba's capital city.

Come here to catch a glimpse of artifacts dating back to 2500 BC. The museum is housed in a restored colonial home that once belonged to a wealthy 20th century merchant. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review Of Wedding Gown Alterations Sacramento References

How to Visit Cozumel, Mexico's Most Popular Cruise Port

The Best Ideas To Wear To A Beach Wedding 2023