Overnight in Aruba? What did you do?

[mafig]

I'm looking at a Reflection cruise that overnights in Aruba (arrives 4 pm, departs 6 pm the next day).

 

Have you done something like this in Aruba? What did you do?

[Luvcrusn]

Although we haven't yet overnighted on a cruise (we will do so on our next sailing) we have stayed in Aruba on many great land vacations. It's a wonderful island with lots of great restaurants, some sizeable casinos and some evening entertainment as well. There will be lots to do. It is also a very friendly island as well.

[janetz]

We loved this

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

[hcat]

Arrival day we walked around the port area...It was crowded and more built up than last time we were there. Bought some tee shirts/ gifts. DH could not find any real cuban cigars worth buying,,,very hot as we walked back to the ship.

 

We stayed on board that night...it was Halloween and there was a great party on board...On previous trips with late departures we went out to eat but nothing really appealed to us this time around. Transp or cab would be needed.

 

Next full day was fabulous.. we took a Celeb excursion tour of the Island, which included the lighthouse, cactus area, baby bridge, hotel areas and long enough stop at the beach,..,,,nice to have had the full day in port

 

We enjoyed Aruba very much esp getting out of the immediate port area, We hope to return for a land based vacation...

[lenquixote66]

I'm looking at a Reflection cruise that overnights in Aruba (arrives 4 pm, departs 6 pm the next day).

 

Have you done something like this in Aruba? What did you do?

 

 

We went to a casino and were there nearly all night.

[Goodtime Cruizin]

We loved this

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

 

We enjoyed this as well. A fun way to see & enjoy the entire island. We also enjoyed a great steak dinner 'off' the ship. A wonderful spot w/ a superbly cooked steak. Go as a large group or as a couple, either way is enjoyable... EL Gaucho. Google it and enjoy.

[mafig]

We went to a casino and were there nearly all night.

 

 

We might do this as well. Then the next day taking a cab (or bus) to Palm Beach and having lunch there. We've been to Aruba once before and took a tour of the whole island. At that time we were impressed with the Palm Beach area and wanted to return there one day.

Another thought was to rent a car the night before and then head out bright and early the next day.

Edited July 15, 2017 by mafig

[hcat]

We enjoyed this as well. A fun way to see & enjoy the entire island. We also enjoyed a great steak dinner 'off' the ship. A wonderful spot w/ a superbly cooked steak. Go as a large group or as a couple, either way is enjoyable... EL Gaucho. Google it and enjoy.

 

El Gaucho is fun...we went there a few times...took a cab both ways

[mafig]

I did Google it. It looks interesting. No prices though. Is it in the $30's for the steak (if you recall)?

[Cathy in Boston]

Two food suggestions for you. If you want something nice but a little slower than El Gaucho, try Madame Jeanette. You'll need a reservation. Also go for breakfast at Linda's Pancakes. The best Dutch pancakes on the island IMHO. Also, they do gluten free pancakes as well that are nearly as good. They are closed on Sunday.

[mafig]

Thank you, Cathy.:hearteyes:

[miched]

I'm looking at a Reflection cruise that overnights in Aruba (arrives 4 pm, departs 6 pm the next day).

 

Have you done something like this in Aruba? What did you do?

 

Getting a little personal 😉 but since you asked a nice romantic night on the beach 😍 under the stars with the moon light reflecting off the waves and the sound of the ocean. The only problem besides the sand causing a little irritation the sand fleas were nasty. Plus the salty feeling if you decide to skinny dip.

 

Makes for good movies or novels but not real life. 🤗

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

[hcat]

I did Google it. It looks interesting. No prices though. Is it in the $30's for the steak (if you recall)?

 

It was awhile ago.. pricey plus.... but a great meal..good beef, cooked to order, strolling musicians, very good service....we booked online res for an early time to make sure we made our late evening sailaway,..If you are overnight it may not matter but I recall the restaurant needs lead time to call a cab...

 

We heard the immed area is not that great but try Aruba board for up to date info.. Things with restaurants can change over a few yrs...

[phoenix_dream]

I'm one of those thrifty people who won't be eating meals on land when the ship and all it's good food is right there. We have had one overnight so far (another scheduled for October). The first day we rented a car (we had all day on that trip) and then came back to the ship for a nice leisurely dinner. Walked around town the next day, and took the little trolley or whatever it's called to go from one end of town to the other. Stopped and did a little gambling (a couple options in walking distance) but didn't stay long as it was very smoky and we were recovering from a head cold. Just enjoyed having a more leisurely pace, and since there must be a number of people who aren't as thrifty as me the dining rooms (we were in Blu) were much less crowded than usual which was nice.

[keithm]

I'm looking at a Reflection cruise that overnights in Aruba (arrives 4 pm, departs 6 pm the next day).

 

Have you done something like this in Aruba? What did you do?

We were on the Eclipse in Jan. We're foodies & like to check out nice restaurants. Went to "Chalet Suisse" By far the best meal of our 2 week trip.

[PelicanLvr]

PASSIONS ON THE BEACH RESTAURANT

 

If you are looking for a beautiful dinner at a table on the sand on the beach.....Passions on the Beach is for you! A bit expensive but worth it!!

 

Plenty about it here on CC just search. We were there in January and it lived up to every rave. Lovely people, good food and sitting right on eagle beach made it perfect.

 

We went right from the beach just before sunset. The restaurant is part of the New Amsterdam Hotel and the front desk let us store our stuff and after a quick shower at the beach shower we transformed in the lobby restrooms. They could not have been nicer. Great afternoon and evening. Back on the ship around 11pm.

 

Go when it opens for a front row table --we had no problem getting one. Watch the beach quiet down and get dark.

[ukellie]

Kanooko bus is a great night out

[cb at sea]

We weren't there ALL night, but until 1am....went out to dinner, then to some casinos.....it's nice being in a different place at night!

[C 2 C]

If you wish to eat a special non North American food..

try: The Indonesian rijsttafel (Dutch pronunciation)

"rice table", is an elaborate meal adapted by the Dutch following the hidang presentation of nasi Padang from the Padang region of West Sumatra.[1] It consists of many (forty is not an unusual number) side dishes served in small portions, accompanied by rice prepared in several different ways. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruit, vegetables, pickles, and nuts. In most areas where it is served, such as the Netherlands, and other areas of heavy Dutch influence (such as parts of the West Indies), it is known under its Dutch name. Although the dishes served are undoubtedly Indonesian, the rijsttafel’s origins were colonial. During their presence in Indonesia, the Dutch introduced the rice table not only so they could enjoy a wide array of dishes at a single setting but also to impress visitors with the exotic abundance of their colony.[2]

If you are into nature and understand Dutch ( Author happens to be my uncle):

A pocket book describing what grows and flowers on the three islands.

Zakflora : wat in het wild groeit en bloeit op Curaçao, Aruba en Bonaire

 

Author: Arnoldo N Broeders Publisher: Curaçao : Natuurwetenschappelijke Werkgroep Nederlandse Antillen ; 's-Gravenhage : In de handel gebracht door M. Nijhoff, 1964.

[cjwhistle]

Thank you, Cathy.[emoji813]eyes:

Ggrvvobtvg

 

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[mnocket]

We went to a casino and were there nearly all night.

 

Any casino recommendations? Thanks

[Cathy in Boston]

Their are two relatively near by the port. The Seaport and The Crystal. I wasn't overly impressed with the Seaport, but The Crystal wasn't bad. If you want to go to the Palm Beach area, the Stellaris is pretty nice, plus you have lots of food options because you are in the "High Rise" Hotel area.

[Goodtime Cruizin]

I did Google it. It looks interesting. No prices though. Is it in the $30's for the steak (if you recall)?

 

To be honest I can't remember, but I don't think it was too much, but that's relative. I ordered a T-Bone. It was a great steak and very large too. I didn't finish it all. I don't think the ships can cook a steak as good as a land based restaurant does. The cut and quality of the meat is so much better as well.

[123kitties]

We chartered a fishing boat through Driftwood Charters for the afternoon and caught a bunch of fish. They also have a restaurant. So that evening we went there. They clean your fish and for a low price they fix your fish a variety of ways and serve it with all the trimmings. All you can eat. It was great fun. This was the highlight of the trip for DH. The next day we went to a beach.

[Arubababe52]

We chartered a fishing boat through Driftwood Charters for the afternoon and caught a bunch of fish. They also have a restaurant. So that evening we went there. They clean your fish and for a low price they fix your fish a variety of ways and serve it with all the trimmings. All you can eat. It was great fun. This was the highlight of the trip for DH. The next day we went to a beach.

 

 

 

Driftwood is my favorite seafood restaurant in Aruba. Another nice restaurant is Ricardo's. It's right on the beach at the Aruba Beach Club. Great food and atmosphere. Right nearby Ricardo's is the Alhambra Casino. Another good casino is at the Marriott Hotel in the high rise area.

 

 

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