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Old 07-02-2006, 01:40 AM LuLu is offline     #1 (permalink)
Thumbs up ARUBA - Report: DePalm Island "Ticket/Passport To Paradise"

Aruba - DePalm Island "Ticket/Passport to Paradise"

We enjoyed going to DePalm Island and had a GREAT time there!

A WARNING to those who desire a beautiful sandy beach: This is NOT the place for you. Go to Palm Beach, not DePalm Island!

Yes, there is a very small sandy beach area "roped off" on the front side of the island. It was quite slallow and basically for children. Also, it overlooked a water processing plant so it was certainly NOT paradise.

The other side of the island had a very nice view with beach chairs in both sunny and shady areas. The "beach" area was very calm and clear BUT the ocean floor was COMPLETELY covered with stones. (Be sure to take water shoes!)

The "HUB" of activity was the large deck and pavillion. All kinds of drinks (including beer, rum punch, etc.) were freely flowing when we arrived on the island at 9:14 AM. There was a breakfast buffet which changed over to a lunch buffet at 11:30 AM. Since we didn't eat anything, can't give an opinion; but, others seemed to enjoy it.

The beer was icy cold and the tasty rum punch was a bit stronger than you might expect at n/c at this sort of place.

SEEING THE HUGE NUMBER OF FRIENDLY BLUE PARROT FISH MADE THIS TOUR WORTHWHILE! As soon as you step into the water from the dock, they are there to greet you!

Anyone who can walk down five regular stair steps with a handrails can do this! The water is only 4 ft. deep (when entering) and quite clear and calm ... and very warm in January.
No real need for snorkel gear around the dock ... but nice to have a swim mask or goggles.

It was fun meeting lots of people from other ships and many on "land" vacations! All of the bartenders and staff were friendly and helpful. We had a GREAT time!

Certainly will be happy to try to answer any other question!

My Signature LuLu ...
Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!

11/21/09 Crown Princess 2/18/10 Island Pricess B2B Ft.Lauderdale to Acapulco and back (total 20 days)
Past Cruises OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star