What to do in Aruba?

[Bonnie J.]

We will be in Aruba March 10th. Ship arrives at 1pm, leaves at 10pm. We once took a sunset snorkeling tour with Roll Call friends (we had boat to ourselves) buy we no longer snorkel. We've had other snorkeling tours there but don't know what to do now. We don't take ship tours and aren't interested in having dinner ashore. Any suggestions? We're cruising with our cruise buddies who don't snorkel any more either.

Edited February 24, 2015 by Bonnie J.

[cb at sea]

Right across from the dock are shops, and casinos...you could try your hand at some gambling!!!

 

There are plenty of tours that are not through the ship....is there ANYTHING in Aruba that does interest you? I'm assuming a beach day isn't on your radar, either. Beaches are easy to do on your own. That's what we do...we are NOT into snorkeling, either! You could rent a vehicle, and drive around.....

 

Or, stay on the ship and enjoy that ship...it will be virtually empty on a port day!

Edited February 24, 2015 by cb at sea

[SuiteTraveler]

Have you considered going to a Casino

http://travel.usnews.com/Aruba/Things_To_Do/Casino_at_Hyatt_Regency_Aruba_62902/

 

or the Donkey Sanctuary

http://main.arubandonkey.org/portal/

 

or the butterfly farm:

http://www.aruba.com/things-to-do/butterfly-farm

 

or the caves:

http://www.aruba.com/things-to-do/caves

 

or visit a spa, such as Spa del Sol which is right on the beach in teak Balinese huts:

http://www.spadelsol.com/links.htm

or Nafanny spa:

http://www.nafanny.com

 

There is also De Palm island:

http://www.depalmtours.com/de-palm-island

 

or a day pass for Rennaisance Island - share the beach with pink flamingos!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147247-d2634450-Reviews-Renaissance_Island-Aruba.html

[Bonnie J.]

We don't gamble, we don't shop and have been to Aruba a few times. Don't know about a beach we wouldn't get to til around 2 if ship come in at 1. We live on the NC coast- it takes us maybe 10 minutes to get to a beach so beaches aren't a big thing for us.

Thank you Suite Traveler, I am going to check out the links you sent. I think it was in Aruba we found a big van giving tours and we took it. May do that again, who knows?

Keep suggestions coming! Thanks!

Edited February 24, 2015 by Bonnie J.

[Cruisen Elf]

Last November, we took a 3 hour tour arranged with Sonny Binns tours that cost $30.00 per person. This was arranged through our roll call and hit the highlights of the island. Here is the website if you want to check it out: http://www.sonnytoursaruba.com

[ksqueak]

It's been a few years but I went to an Ostrich farm. That was something different.

[Hlitner]

We have spent a few vacations on Aruba, and the island is primarily about the weather and beaches. One does not have to snorkel to enjoy a beach, and getting a beach about 2pm and leaving about 5 is a decent beach afternoon for many folks. One of our favorite beaches, when arriving on a ship, is Eagle (also known as the "Low Rise Area"). Its pretty easy to get there via taxi, using the shared taxi/vans that are always moving around the island, or by taking a local bus (the bus station is near the cruise port).

 

Another popular option is rent a vehicle (4 Wheel drive is idea) and just spend a few hours driving the dessert-like area on the far side of the island. This activity if fine until near sunset.

 

Hank

[Scrapnana]

We did an island tour with Bully tours. Had a great time.

[janetz]

A Blast!

 

http://www.trikes-aruba.com/

[LocoLoco1]

We will be in Aruba March 10th. Ship arrives at 1pm, leaves at 10pm. We once took a sunset snorkeling tour with Roll Call friends (we had boat to ourselves) buy we no longer snorkel. We've had other snorkeling tours there but don't know what to do now. We don't take ship tours and aren't interested in having dinner ashore. Any suggestions? We're cruising with our cruise buddies who don't snorkel any more either.

How 'bout Drinking Beer and Shooting Pool at Zee Rover Bar and Grill? It is where the fishermen boat in with their morning catch to be put on ice and sent to the Hotels. My favorite place. Great ambiance amongst the locals and Seagulls with dockside tables. The Menu is 'Catch of the Day'. It's 'ZeeRover, mon. Locomotiveman Tom

[cruiseapril]

We like to take a cab up to the Radisson on Palm Beach, have a drink at Gilligans on the beach, go to the casino etc. Beautiful beach.

[Sandy Sails]

Twice we did a ship excursion called something like "Kuku Kanuku Bar Hop" that was just too much fun. It was an open air party bus that took you to about 4 bars, maybe dinner. Last bar is Carlos & Charlies which is right by the ship.

[Bonnie J.]

Thanks for all your suggestions. We have booked with Sonny Tours. There were only 4 of us but I found another couple to join us - thru Roll Call. Now there at least 6 of us- Sonny's minimum.

Edited February 27, 2015 by Bonnie J.

[Cruisen Elf]

Glad you found an option that appealed to you. Hope you have a good time!

[cruiseapril]

Where does the tour go? Which stops?

[Bonnie J.]

We're going on Sonny tours. You can Google him and see where he goes. It is 3 hours, cost is $30. He must have at least 6 people but can take 22. We got #5 & 6 thru our roll call. He will leave at 1:30 (we get to port at 1pm) and return at 5- 5:30. If you book with him tell him you learned about his tour from bonnie!

[travlngrl1996]

Do you pay before you go? How do they reserve?

[cruznjan]

We don't gamble, we don't shop and have been to Aruba a few times. Don't know about a beach we wouldn't get to til around 2 if ship come in at 1. We live on the NC coast- it takes us maybe 10 minutes to get to a beach so beaches aren't a big thing for us.

Thank you Suite Traveler, I am going to check out the links you sent. I think it was in Aruba we found a big van giving tours and we took it. May do that again, who knows?

Keep suggestions coming! Thanks!

 

Having been to Aruba before, the last time I was there I just walked around Orangestad.

[janetz]

http://www.trikes-aruba.com/ :)

[Flatbush Flyer]

We will be in Aruba March 10th. Ship arrives at 1pm, leaves at 10pm. We once took a sunset snorkeling tour with Roll Call friends (we had boat to ourselves) buy we no longer snorkel. We've had other snorkeling tours there but don't know what to do now. We don't take ship tours and aren't interested in having dinner ashore. Any suggestions? We're cruising with our cruise buddies who don't snorkel any more either.

 

 

Use the time to plan your trip to Hawaii.

[Treven]

Stay onboard the ship & treat it as a sea day and has been posted, plan a cruise somewhere else. Needless to say, I was quite underwhelmed with Aruba.