Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in the Caribbean
Sights to see & things to do
Aruba
Arriving at Oranjestad’s modern Aruba Port Authority terminal, cruise passengers find a tourist information center and duty-free shops. This busy capital city is more attractive to shoppers than sightseers. Aruba is arid and the sun shines nearly year-round. Cooled by trade winds, it has the fortunate distinction of being outside the path of hurricanes that routinely batter islands to the north. The interior of the island is dry and generally uninteresting. A day here is better spent by the sea.
Diversions
Gambling is a round the clock attraction and casinos are located mainly in the large resort hotels on Palm Beach. From the cruise terminal, catch a taxi to try your luck.
A journey on the Atlantis Submarine is wonderful opportunity for non-divers to experience the underwater splendor of a coral reef. Advance reservations are recommended and the tour can often be arranged as a shore excursion on your ship.
Shopping
From the pier, it’s an easy walk to the main shopping street, Caya G. F. Betico Croes, where Delft pottery from Holland is a good buy. Also within walking distance are Royal Plaza Mall and Renaissance Mall.
Beaches
By far the most popular activity on Aruba is a day at the beach. All are open to the public but if you wish to use the facilities of the island's many resorts, you’ll be charged a fee. A short taxi ride will get you to two of the islands best beaches, Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.
Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman
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