Arubalisa, question about beach

[arlenez]

Does anyone know if the beach at the Bucuti Beach Resort is a public beach that can be used by cruise ship passengers for a few hours? Also, how far from the dock is it? And lastly, is it a nice clean beach?

 

Thanks & regards,

[serene56]

http://www.arubatourism.com/webcams.html

 

 

We used the beach in front of the Raddison. Beach is public but the chairs and the Palpalas are for hotel guests only.

 

We tooka tour of the island in the morning. Went back to the ship for lunch and headed to the beach in the later afternoon (3pm) the beaches were almost empty and the guy let us use the lounge chairs for free since the people were not out there.

 

 

 

The beach is beautiful. \the waters are calm-- no waves. very quiet. relaxing. Enjoyed our few hours here that we want to go back and do a land vacation next year

[arlenez]

http://www.arubatourism.com/webcams.html

 

 

We used the beach in front of the Raddison. Beach is public but the chairs and the Palpalas are for hotel guests only.

 

We tooka tour of the island in the morning. Went back to the ship for lunch and headed to the beach in the later afternoon (3pm) the beaches were almost empty and the guy let us use the lounge chairs for free since the people were not out there.

 

 

 

The beach is beautiful. \the waters are calm-- no waves. very quiet. relaxing. Enjoyed our few hours here that we want to go back and do a land vacation next year

 

Did you take a cab or the bus to the Raddison?

 

Thanks,

[Arubalisa]

Does anyone know if the beach at the Bucuti Beach Resort is a public beach that can be used by cruise ship passengers for a few hours? Also, how far from the dock is it? And lastly, is it a nice clean beach?

 

Thanks & regards,

All beaches in Aruba are public. Anyone is allowed on them. However resorts will not allow non-guests use of their chaises and shade palapas.

 

 

I have it on VERY GOOD authority that the Bucuti no longer offers day passes. In a discussion involving the very issues here:

"...the Bucuti will no longer rent lounge chairs to non-guests - sure, they could make more money by doing so and add more revenue for food and drinks from non-guests, but this is not the environment they are advertising and want to keep it an "exclusive, uncrowded" environment for their guests."

There are a number of vendors on Palm Beach, and from what I understand, some on Eagle Beach as well, who will rent chaises lounges and umbrellas.

 

Someone in the forum stated awhile back that HAL has made arrangements with some of the resorts on Palm Beach for cruise ship guests to use their facilities, chaise and palapa for $5 each. This was only one report and myself in my mind find it difficult to believe that while someone is paying $600+ for a standard room at one of these resorts on Palm Beach during Christmas week, someone from a cruise ship is going to be paying <$20 to use the same facilites all day long.:rolleyes: Just me and how I see it.

[serene56]

Did you take a cab or the bus to the Raddison?

 

Thanks,

 

 

we took a cab- cab drivers will not let you in the cab if you are wet. SO make sure you dry off before you get one.

 

The cabbie area was in the begining of the hotel-- by the lobby.

 

 

Lisa: Are you saying that for 20.00pp bucks can use a chair/palapala AND the pools???

 

hmmm, maybe i will stay at a cheaper place and just bus in then...:D

[Arubalisa]

Lisa: Are you saying that for 20.00pp bucks can use a chair/palapala AND the pools??? hmmm, maybe i will stay at a cheaper place and just bus in then...

The Hyatt at Christmas is getting $725.00 :cool: for their cheapest room. The Radisson it "appears" has only Plaza Club level left at a mere $929/night:eek: (we never even considered it for our Christmas vacation because of the pricing). Rates go down for the month of January Hyatt $500/night and Radisson must have slow bookings and has a sale $299/night.

 

So I would say $40 a couple/day it would be quite a steal! :D Heck, pay a cheaper rate at the Holiday Inn and walk down (save the bus fare too ;) ) to pay to use the Radisson's beach and you would still be saving a ton of money. :p

 

I sure wish somebody would find out for sure whether any of the Marriott, Hyatt, Radisson or Westin were REALLY doing this...Would solve a lot of speculation.:rolleyes:

[horsesandcruises]

ARUBALISA: We have been watching this thread for the last six months and we leave this friday for 10 days at the Manchebo and Casa Del Mar properties. You have been a big help in our preparations for the vacation of a lifetime. We got great rates at the Manchebo for several nights and a friend gave us a week at the Casa for a gift. How about that for a true friend? We have spend limited time in the past on this stretch of beach and i still think that it is the best on the island. I might be partial, but i like the fact that we have four great restaurants within walking distance including a new one at the Casa that is greating rave reviews. It is the same owners that had Rumba and the they say that the food is tremendous. I will let you know. Will be counting the hours for the next few days and once again our sincere thanks to you and all the rest of the folks that have provided great info on our "favorite" island in caribbean.

[Arubalisa]

ARUBALISA: We have been watching this thread for the last six months and we leave this friday for 10 days at the Manchebo and Casa Del Mar properties. You have been a big help in our preparations for the vacation of a lifetime. We got great rates at the Manchebo for several nights and a friend gave us a week at the Casa for a gift. How about that for a true friend? We have spend limited time in the past on this stretch of beach and i still think that it is the best on the island. I might be partial, but i like the fact that we have four great restaurants within walking distance including a new one at the Casa that is greating rave reviews. It is the same owners that had Rumba and the they say that the food is tremendous. I will let you know. Will be counting the hours for the next few days and once again our sincere thanks to you and all the rest of the folks that have provided great info on our "favorite" island in caribbean.

Have a fabulous trip! I am attaching some photos I found just this week on the internet of the Manchebo to show to my dh. Now that we are a family of 3 instead of just 2, we are always in search of place to stay which is more affordable. The restaurant you refer to, Matthew's is supposed to be very, very good. Enjoy your trip and make sure you come back and tell us all about it.

[horsesandcruises]

Arubalisa: well we just got back from 10 days in paradise. We dodged the the hurricaine by about 100 miles, but got alot of rain and some minor wind damage and flooding. We still made it to the beach the day after the storm passed. Got upgraded at both hotels to great ocean front rooms and ate some great meals. Best meals we got were at the L.G. Smith steakhouse next to the crystal casino( best steaks we have eatten) and the aqua seafood restaurant. Took one meal at the new restaurant at the casa del mar and ordered the wrong thing(ribs) they were not the best. French steakhouse was good but not outstanding. Bob's pizza was outstanding and the father/son music duo were great entertainers. Did this restaurant twice and had a ball both nights. Danced and partied alot and had a super evening with alot of other revelers.Tatoo evening cruise was not as much fun as advertised and the food was mediocre. The people of the island are the nicest we have encountered in our 20 visits to the caribbean. The best!!!!!!! Hope to get back next year. Thanks again to you for your help prior to the trip....

[Arubalisa]

The people of the island are the nicest we have encountered in our 20 visits to the caribbean. The best!!!!!!! Hope to get back next year.

Another Aruba convert! ;) :D It is terrific to hear that you had a wonderful time even inspite of the freak weather. LG Smith is on our "short" list of places to try. Dh and I dined there many times when it was L'Escale. I am glad I was able to help contribute to such a wonderful vacation.

Thanks again to you for your help prior to the trip....

You are very welcome!

[tbag124]

arubalisa - i think you already answered this but i am lost now! :) We are going to take a cab over to palm beach (Radisson) -- about how long is the cab ride? I want to be sure we leave in enough time to get back to the ship after our short stay!! Thanks! :)

[Arubalisa]

arubalisa - i think you already answered this but i am lost now! :) We are going to take a cab over to palm beach (Radisson) -- about how long is the cab ride? I want to be sure we leave in enough time to get back to the ship after our short stay!! Thanks! :)

10 - 15 minute ride at the VERY most...

[serene56]

Thats about how long it took us. We waited longer then most Im sure. Most cabs that passed us thought we were wet and wouldnt pick us up.

 

They will not pick you up if you are wet. so make sure you are dry.

Which does not take long to do in Aruba.

[tbag124]

Thank you lisa!!

 

Thanks serene!! I havent chatted w/ you in a long time!! You helped me out so much when I had a guar on the Liberty in 2005! :) that winded up being our engagement celebration cruise, now here i am planning the honeymoon!!! Hope all is well w/ you!! :)

[serene56]

now look at you-- you are a balcony snob--lol

 

We went to Aruba on the Destiny last sept- now with Lisas help I am going there for my first land vacation next september.

 

The place is extremely beautiful. We took the ABC 1/2 jeep tour to see some of the majority sites.. then went back to the ship for lunch. We then took a cab to the beach and sat at Raddisons beach. Was later in the afternoon and most people were gone--so for us to use their chairs and stuff was no problems as no one bothered us.

 

tHE SUN IS HOT-- pease wear lots of sunscreen. Joe got the top of his feet so burned that by the second week after we got home it was a nasty brown-- that was peeling off...and painful.

[tbag124]

now look at you-- you are a balcony snob--lol

 

We went to Aruba on the Destiny last sept- now with Lisas help I am going there for my first land vacation next september.

 

The place is extremely beautiful. We took the ABC 1/2 jeep tour to see some of the majority sites.. then went back to the ship for lunch. We then took a cab to the beach and sat at Raddisons beach. Was later in the afternoon and most people were gone--so for us to use their chairs and stuff was no problems as no one bothered us.

 

tHE SUN IS HOT-- pease wear lots of sunscreen. Joe got the top of his feet so burned that by the second week after we got home it was a nasty brown-- that was peeling off...and painful.

 

lol, technically, we've always been balcony snobs!! :D Jay is spoiled and has only had balconys and isnt willing to give it up, even if it means we coudl cruise more!! and i only stayed in an inside once w/ my cousin, our guar in 2005 was for a 8A!! :) we actually booked a mini for the HM so we're pretty excited about that!! doubt we'll be able to do that often!!

your vacation sounds great!! we love cruising but were thinking maybe we would try a land based one day. maybe we'll fall in love w/ aruba too!! i cant wait to hang out on the Radisson's beach!!

thanks for the warning!! Jay easily burns so I just told him he better load up on the sunscreen that day!! :) Take Care!! Theresa

[tbag124]

now look at you-- you are a balcony snob--lol

 

We went to Aruba on the Destiny last sept- now with Lisas help I am going there for my first land vacation next september.

 

The place is extremely beautiful. We took the ABC 1/2 jeep tour to see some of the majority sites.. then went back to the ship for lunch. We then took a cab to the beach and sat at Raddisons beach. Was later in the afternoon and most people were gone--so for us to use their chairs and stuff was no problems as no one bothered us.

 

tHE SUN IS HOT-- pease wear lots of sunscreen. Joe got the top of his feet so burned that by the second week after we got home it was a nasty brown-- that was peeling off...and painful.

 

lol, technically, we've always been balcony snobs!! :D Jay is spoiled and has only had balconys and isnt willing to give it up, even if it means we coudl cruise more!! and i only stayed in an inside once w/ my cousin, our guar in 2005 was for a 8A!! :) we actually booked a mini for the HM so we're pretty excited about that!! doubt we'll be able to do that often!!

your vacation sounds great!! we love cruising but were thinking maybe we would try a land based one day. maybe we'll fall in love w/ aruba too!! i cant wait to hang out on the Radisson's beach!!

thanks for the warning!! Jay easily burns so I just told him he better load up on the sunscreen that day!! :) Take Care!! Theresa

[serene56]

We never took a land vacation and quite frankly Im scared to death. Afraid I will be bored. A cruise everything is set up for you--meals, entertainment etc.

I am guessing a land vacation is more relaxed. Honey will sleep in while I do the pool thing in the morning-- something neither of us does on a cruise---so afraid they will run out of breakfast foods---lol :D :D

[Arubalisa]

Afraid I will be bored.

If all else fails there is always miniature golf or the movie theater. :D Get real daring and if you have a car...head to the drive-in. :D

[greenbay2]

Hey Jerseygirl3,

I know its over 2 years now but I've been reading your startup posts on Palm Beach. We're going on our 2nd cruise ever(in our mid 50's) and I saw your back and forth with

Arubalisa. we're leaving in less than 2 weeks and our first port is Aruba on RCCL. How was that FlyingFishbone? Romantic as it looks? Unfortunately, can't stay for dinner.

Can you tell me more about Palm Beach and the do's/don't I should be aware of? Are there chaise lounges to use or for only hotel members? I know it's been 2 years and maybe things have changed but any advise you can give would be greatly appreciated. Getting off the boat around 9ish am. Are there any other things to do to also incorporate the beach? I know, a lot of questions. We're from NW Jersey originally.

 

Thanks, Warren

 

Also, is the Flying Fishbone near Palm Beach and is it open for lunch and what kind of cuisine do they have besides seafood?

[greenbay2]

Hey Jerseygirl3,

I know its over 2 years now but I've been reading your startup posts on Palm Beach. We're going on our 2nd cruise ever(in our mid 50's) and I saw your back and forth with

Arubalisa. we're leaving in less than 2 weeks and our first port is Aruba on RCCL. How was that FlyingFishbone? Romantic as it looks? Unfortunately, can't stay for dinner.

Can you tell me more about Palm Beach and the do's/don't I should be aware of? Are there chaise lounges to use or for only hotel members? I know it's been 2 years and maybe things have changed but any advise you can give would be greatly appreciated. Getting off the boat around 9ish am. Are there any other things to do to also incorporate the beach? I know, a lot of questions. We're from NW Jersey originally.

 

Thanks, Warren

 

Also, is the Flying Fishbone near Palm Beach and is it open for lunch and what kind of cuisine do they have besides seafood?

 

Hey Arubalisa & Serene56,

Maybe you can read above and respond...........need to hear from as many experts as I can

 

thanks,

 

Warren

[serene56]

Hey Arubalisa & Serene56,

Maybe you can read above and respond...........need to hear from as many experts as I can

 

thanks,

 

Warren

 

 

I only been to aruba two times---once on a cruise-- Loved it so much we decided to take our first land vacation for a week.

 

When we cruised-- we used abc-tours for a half day jeep tour around the island to see some of what aruba has. We went back to the ship for lunch then headed to Palm Beach to watch the sunset- That sunset is what made me want to go back - i never seen a sunset like that.

 

I dont know if I would waste a cruise day heading to flying fishbone-- by cab would be expensive. There are soooo many places within walking distance from Palm Beach.

There is even an opened air mall down the street from the Radisson- if you wanted to get off the beach for a bit.

[greenbay2]

thank you for your insight - when you got to the beach were you able to use any of the chaise lounges? that Bugaloe Bar and Grill sounds nice, did you go?

 

Warren

[serene56]

thank you for your insight - when you got to the beach were you able to use any of the chaise lounges? that Bugaloe Bar and Grill sounds nice, did you go?

 

Warren

 

 

Because of the time we got to the beach--aboput 3pm the beach was practically empty. We used the chairs outside the radisson with no problem. But you are going during a differnt (high peak) time.

 

if youkeep walking past the raddisson there is a vendor that rents chairs-- and will set you up right between the radisson and the vendor-- there is a dunkin donuts located there.

 

Gilligans is the beach bar for radisson- we grabbed something quick there one day. Pizza place across the street called Casa Tua was very good. Smokey/iguana Joes has the best ribs/burgers/chicken that we had one night. Actully honey got the chicken fingers and i got the ribs--we shared half of each and still had tons left over.

 

Have you the chance to visit any of the aruba message boards to get their input?

 

feel free to email me- serene56@aol.com

[Arubalisa]

How was that FlyingFishbone? Romantic as it looks? Unfortunately, can't stay for dinner.

Yes, but as serene said, expensive taxi ride. Not worth it just for cocktails.

 

Taxi fares http://taxiaruba.com/new/farelist.html are set by the government and are per fare, not per person

confirm pricing with the driver BEFORE getting into the taxi

 

From Oranjestad to Palm Beach (Radisson & High rise hotels)-- $10 each way

From Oranjestad to Ealge Beach-- $9 each way

Oranjestad to Flying Fishbone-- $19 each way

 

The last time we visited Aruba by cruise dh and I sat up on deck (our balcony was on the opposite side of the ship) with some snacks and drinks and watched the sunset from there. You will have a free and clear view from the west side of your ship.

 

This was the Prinsendam departing before us:

click on the thumbnail to enlarge

 

Can you tell me more about Palm Beach and the do's/don't I should be aware of?

Perfectly safe, just take the same precautions as you would at home. Keep an eye on your belongings and do not walk alone in unlit areas after dark. As a side note we have often asked couples on the beach, fellow guests, to keep an eye on our belongings while we are taking a swim in the ocean and naturally return the favor. Have never had any problems.

 

Are there chaise lounges to use or for only hotel members? I know it's been 2 years and maybe things have changed but any advise you can give would be greatly appreciated.

It seems the best bang for the buck nowadays is a day pass at the Radisson.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/tags.php?tag=aruba+radisson+day+pass

 

Getting off the boat around 9ish am. Are there any other things to do to also incorporate the beach?

You could tour part of the island in two hours or head back to Oranjestad for some shopping.

 

Also, is the Flying Fishbone near Palm Beach and is it open for lunch and what kind of cuisine do they have besides seafood?

Unfortunately the FFB http://www.flyingfishbone.com/ is no where near Palm Beach. From the cruise terminal, Palm Beach and Savaneta where the FFB is located, are in opposite directions. According to their website, their first dinner reservations are at 5 p.m.

http://www.flyingfishbone.com/ourmenu/ They have meat and other non seafood selections.

 

Anything else, just let me know.:)