Southern itinerary - Aruba from 1-11pm

[CJDepew]

It's too far in advance to see excursions on our cruise for 2019, but I'm wondering if any past cruisers on this itinerary can share what sort of beach excursions are available through Carnival? The typical outside vendors appear to only offer day passes that are available from 9a-6p.

 

I'm not sure what kind of chair availability we'll have on Eagle beach with our arrival being so late, but it does appear that we're the only ship in port that day. That would be our other option, unless someone has other suggestions.

 

Thanks

[A&Jfamily]

It's too far in advance to see excursions on our cruise for 2019, but I'm wondering if any past cruisers on this itinerary can share what sort of beach excursions are available through Carnival? The typical outside vendors appear to only offer day passes that are available from 9a-6p.

 

I'm not sure what kind of chair availability we'll have on Eagle beach with our arrival being so late, but it does appear that we're the only ship in port that day. That would be our other option, unless someone has other suggestions.

 

Thanks

 

I have been to Aruba but not with these port hours. What time of year are you sailing, because in the winter months, you will lose your daylight long before 6 pm. This is a beautiful island worth exploring, and so I would consider some kind of island tour to see the natural highlights -- especially the undeveloped rocky (north?) coast. But if that doesn't appeal, there is a small beach not far from the pier - can't remember the name of the resort we used to access it but it didn't cost anything. You could go there early, go back to the ship to clean up and head into the town/market for evening. I loved Aruba.

[CJDepew]

I have been to Aruba but not with these port hours. What time of year are you sailing, because in the winter months, you will lose your daylight long before 6 pm. This is a beautiful island worth exploring, and so I would consider some kind of island tour to see the natural highlights -- especially the undeveloped rocky (north?) coast. But if that doesn't appeal, there is a small beach not far from the pier - can't remember the name of the resort we used to access it but it didn't cost anything. You could go there early, go back to the ship to clean up and head into the town/market for evening. I loved Aruba.

 

Thank you. I hadn't even considered the darkness factor. We're sailing mid-February.

[jimbo5544]

Due to some weather issues getting there, we had our private excursion cancelled and we ended up doing a sunset catamaran tour offered by Carnival. Fantastic is to light a word, one of our top 10 ship based excursions.

[Katie62]

We also did the Sunset Catamaran excursion in Aruba. My favorite excursion ever!

 

 

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[lcpagejr]

We cruised on the Vista this past November and we stopped from 1-10pm at Curacao. Plenty to do there in the afternoon and evening. We were in Aruba from 8-4 the next day...Beautiful island and beaches are quite close. Very nice downtown area with upscale and touristy shopping...Some great Reastaurants, Bars, Casinos right on the waterfront. Plenty to do.... Check the Ports forum for ideas ....others have arrived at your time too so I'm sure there is some feedback. Also check Trip Advisor for tour ideas....

[tonyhb12]

We also did the Sunset Catamaran excursion in Aruba. My favorite excursion ever!

 

This excursion sounds great for the time in port. Do you remember what time you had to leave the ship and what time you would get back? I'm trying to figure out dinner options either in port or on the ship. Eat before or after?

 

Thanks

[cellfree]

Aruba is a very easy island to take public transportation on. We did it recently. You simply walk off the ship and ask a police officer for directions to the bus station - it is about three blocks away. There you can get a bus pass and catch the bus which in 5-10 minutes will take you to/go by a most beautiful beach, Eagle Beach, on the island. Then you just catch the bus back when done at the beach.

[Micahs Grandad]

We typically walk over the bus terminal and purchase round trip bus tickets. Go to one of the beaches where the hotels are and typically rent chair and umbrella for ten bucks for a few hours.

 

No reason to do a beach day with cruise line

[jimbo5544]

We also did the Sunset Catamaran excursion in Aruba. My favorite excursion ever!

 

 

 

This excursion sounds great for the time in port. Do you remember what time you had to leave the ship and what time you would get back? I'm trying to figure out dinner options either in port or on the ship. Eat before or after?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Not totally sure, but I think it was 6:30 and back around nine. Some of our group ate a Cucina afterwards.

 

 

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[GeorgiaMomof4]

It's too far in advance to see excursions on our cruise for 2019, but I'm wondering if any past cruisers on this itinerary can share what sort of beach excursions are available through Carnival? The typical outside vendors appear to only offer day passes that are available from 9a-6p.

 

I'm not sure what kind of chair availability we'll have on Eagle beach with our arrival being so late, but it does appear that we're the only ship in port that day. That would be our other option, unless someone has other suggestions.

 

Thanks

 

 

I'm absolutely interested in this thread - but I'm wondering...what's your sail date? We will be on the Sunshine 8 day on Feb. 15, 2019. Will you too?

[soccer2010]

If you just want a relaxing beach experience, there is a great beach that's not busy at all. Reflections on Surfside beach is great. 20 minute walk or short taxi ride. Chairs, umbrellas, beach bar and grill, changing room, etc that is nice and laid back.