Aruba

[Joan1]

I did already book the horseback ride for my family.They don't require payment till 2 weeks before your date. All the cruise people are picked up at the port so you wouldn't be alone. I'm not worried about being 30 min away from the ship cause Disney cruise is there so late that date.You also get to gallop the horses on the beach.

Can you share which company you used - my DD wants to do horseback riding

Thanks

 

[mirby72]

Question for the WB Panama Canal cruisers and anyone else that has been to Aruba

What did you do during your time there and what did you think of your choice?

Thanks

We did the Baby Beach Jeep excursion and had a blast. Even though it was hot and dusty (open top jeeps) DW and I had the best time doing it.

We highly recommend it!

 

[figment52]

you can't go wrong with your decision

Sandy

 

[Skallywag]

you can't go wrong with your decision

Sandy

Thak you for the lovely photos of Aruba can you share where they were and has anyone walked from the ship to Wilhemina park and how far is it?
Bren

 

[figment52]

Thak you for the lovely photos of Aruba can you share where they were and has anyone walked from the ship to Wilhemina park and how far is it?
Bren

As best as I can describe it -

Walk off the ship and head out to the street and turn right. Go through town, over the bridge and there will be a small strip mall (Seaport something) on your right. You will know if you are in the right place because there is a slot machine casino that is right on the end. We walked to the end of that, right out to the beach and then turned left. There is a big hotel there, Radisson I think, and these pictures were all taken in that area. It wasn't long before we saw this:

We went straight there so maybe a 15 minute walk

 

[poohmomof5]

Thanks for the tips!

Right now we have the Sea and See tour with the submarine booked. Anyone with any experience on this excursion?

 

[CBJHockeyNut]

For those of you that have talked about renting a room at a resort for the day, when could you check in? If it is a standard 3 or 4 PM check-in, a substantial portion of the day will be gone before you can get into the room.

How would this work?

 

[CraftyMouse]

For those of you that have talked about renting a room at a resort for the day, when could you check in? If it is a standard 3 or 4 PM check-in, a substantial portion of the day will be gone before you can get into the room.

How would this work?

Usually resorts let you check in early, even if the room is not yet ready. You can then use the resort's facilities until official check-in time.

 

[LuvBaloo]

We did the Sea & See and it was okay. Took DD6 & DD3. They liked the submarine part. It was a good overview of the island, and the tourguide was good.

 

[bonnielynn]

Natural Bridge

Waters on the rough side of the island

Lighthouse

 

[CBJHockeyNut]

Usually resorts let you check in early, even if the room is not yet ready. You can then use the resort's facilities until official check-in time.

Understood. To me, I thought the great benefit would be having a room to drop stuff in and for getting out of the elements/heat. Unless an early check-in to the room is available it is still just access to the resort. For me (just my preference) by 3 or 4, I will be ready to be back at the Magic. Different strokes . . .

Thank you for your response.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Understood. To me, I thought the great benefit would be having a room to drop stuff in and for getting out of the elements/heat. Unless an early check-in to the room is available it is still just access to the resort. For me (just my preference) by 3 or 4, I will be ready to be back at the Magic. Different strokes . . .

Thank you for your response.

You often don't get access to a resort unless you are a guest so I think many are booking rooms for that reason. You often can't use the pools or the hotel section of a beach unless you are a guest.

 

[ga9497]

Understood. To me, I thought the great benefit would be having a room to drop stuff in and for getting out of the elements/heat. Unless an early check-in to the room is available it is still just access to the resort. For me (just my preference) by 3 or 4, I will be ready to be back at the Magic. Different strokes . . .

Thank you for your response.

We requested an early check in, we booked a room at the Westin, I also emailed the hotel manager directly asking for the early check in and the reason why. We told them we would be arriving at the hotel around 10am. We did hear back letting us know that they have put that request in and that they have many cruise passengers booking rooms throughout the year so are used to these request. When we check in we will again ask for any room that is ready as the location of the room isn't going to matter. It was the same price for us to get a room then purchase a daily pass from the hotel. Actually the room was less then the daily pass offered at the Rennaisance. We were in Aruba in 2006 on a cruise and this time we just want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and resort amenities. DH can't be in the sun all day long and having a room will give him a chance to get out of the sun for a while if he needs to. Kids and I can be out in the sun from morning till night. The beaches in Aruba are beautiful and the water amazingly clear

 

[figment52]

Natural Bridge

Waters on the rough side of the island

Lighthouse

great pictures

 

[dahuffy]

We have rented a Harley Davidson through a local dealer that does tours of the island.

 

[bonnielynn]

Figment...

Thanks

 

[crystald]

Can you share which company you used - my DD wants to do horseback riding

Thanks

I used a place called Rancho Daimari in Aruba. Your can search them on the internet and put in a request you want a reservation for that day .They are rated #2 best thing to do in Aruba on tripadvisor.

 

[NewportCat]

You often don't get access to a resort unless you are a guest so I think many are booking rooms for that reason. You often can't use the pools or the hotel section of a beach unless you are a guest.

You're exactly right. I contacted a number of Aruba resorts and every one told me that to use the pool and beach palapas (with bar service!), you have to be a hotel guest or buy a day pass. The actual beach is public, but the shade palapas are only for hotel guests.

Renting a room was cheaper for us (and offered more ammenities, obviously) than buying day passes for the 4 of us. If we get an early check-in - great! But if not, we will still be able to use the facilities for the day and once we can access the room, will have a place to relax, shower and get ready for the evening. I personally like to spend as much time in port as possible.