HockeyFan - Thanks for the Frubals. Maybe some day I will be able to join the ranks of those with an abundance. Meantime I’m still watching the Wel come Wagon Parade come by.
You will like Aruba.
That sounds like fun!!! Did you do it through the cruise line or on your own?
We went through the cruiseline as it was a sunset cruise and wanted to make sure we got back to the ship in time to sail.
I neglected to tell you it was a catamaran and they had lots of chi-chis and other marvy drinks (all included in the price). It was the only time on our 10 days that I got a bit tipsy...er...a lot tipsy.
The sun was not out that day, so the "sunset" wasn't all that pretty, but just the cruise itself and the friendly crew of the catamaran made it great. I highly recommend it.
We went through the cruiseline as it was a sunset cruise and wanted to make sure we got back to the ship in time to sail.
I neglected to tell you it was a catamaran and they had lots of chi-chis and other marvy drinks (all included in the price). It was the only time on our 10 days that I got a bit tipsy...er...a lot tipsy.
The sun was not out that day, so the "sunset" wasn't all that pretty, but just the cruise itself and the friendly crew of the catamaran made it great. I highly recommend it.
Sounds heavenly - we are in Aruba until 11:00 and this sounds like a great way to relax at the end of the day.
Carol, it was a beautiful night even without the sun. The crew on the excursion were just fabulous. I wish I were there right now, chi chi in hand of course.
hanna ... That "Sunset Cruise" sounds great! We've never been on it BUT would love to give it a try the next time we have a port stop in Aruba that leaves late! Thanks!
HockeyFan (Carol) .... As promised, I've posted a few things we have actually done in Aruba:
The website www.shorediving.com does just a fantastic job of describing and mapping out the different spots you are able to snorkel from. Yes, I know the title says "diving" but if you read the reviews of each "dive" spot, though the website is for "shore dives" there are many many comments about snorkeling these sites as well.
Some of our personal favs:
Catalina Cove (just north of Boca Catalina)
Boca Catalina (shade palapas)
Malmok Beach (rocky)
De Palm Slope (on De Palm Island, thus not free)
Mangel Halto Reef (aka Spanish Lagoon)
Baby Beach Reef (the furthest taxi ride, thus more expensive to get to...)
Dh and I like Boca Catalina & Catalina Cove. They are next to one another. The little sand beach at Malmok is tiny, so not a lot of people visit there. If my memory serves me correctly, this spot is also a little further away from where the sail/snorkel excursions anchor. If you are able to find it, it is also excellent.
Please avoid any beaches on the east side of the island or #1 Shallow Reef (shorediving.com). My husband and I are both divers and when diving in NJ have seen some rough conditions, but these waters on that side of the island are just treacherous. At Baby Beach also, if you plan on snorkeling outside the wall... the waves and current are extremely strong.
Baby Beach is about the furthest from downtown Oranjestad where the cruise ships are docked. The taxi fare from Oranjestad to Baby Beach is going to be somewhere in the area of $35 each way.
Oranjestad to Arashi is $18.00 each way.
Oranjestad to Malmok is $17 - $18 each way.
Oranjestad to Palm Beach is $10 each way. http://www.taxiaruba.com/
All of the beaches on the island of Aruba are public. You may not however use resort's shade palapas, chaise lounges etc. If you plan on spending the day at Palm Beach, and have your own snorkel gear, there is also another option. A short walk towards the southern end of Palm Beach just before the Phoenix Resort, there is a break that goes about 150 yard out into the water. The water is very calm there. There is also a little rock island where you can view fish, octopus, etc. There is a little Polis (Police) substation right there on the beach (point of reference- between the Aruba Resort [former Wyndham] and Phoenix). This is a perfect spot on Palm Beach if you just want to do some snorkeling on your own. Unfortunately the sand here is loaded with tiny coral pieces and rocks, but there is free shade. There are no chaises though nor much else close by.
With more than half a million visitors a year, Aruba is not a destination that will appeal to those trying to avoid the beaten path. Instead, you should visit Aruba if you're looking for a nice climate, excellent facilities, lots of nightlife, and no surprises. The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere, and English is spoken universally -- this makes Aruba a popular spot for Americans who want an overseas trip to a place that doesn't feel foreign. In fact, Americans go through U.S. customs right at the airport in Aruba, so there are no formalities on landing in the United States
Aruba is the smallest of the ABC islands -- only 193 square km (120 square mi) in area -- with Curaçao and Bonaire rounding out the trio. . . on the south coast, the action is nonstop both day and night. However, the fiercely rugged north coast is a desolate and rocky landscape that has resisted development.
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
-
Centrum Deck
-
Cruise Places
-
Aruba
-
Aruba Basics - What Should You Know
#
Thanks for the Frubals. Maybe some day I will be able to join the ranks of those with an abundance. Meantime I’m still watching the Wel come Wagon Parade come by.
Carlos' N Charlies
still go and enjoy when we happen to have a cruise port stop there. 
#
Linear Mode
