manateelover

Looking for the price of a taxi from the port to cas abou beach. thank you.

I had read it was $60 one way for up to 4 people.

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FYI: on Avila's site,day guests only have access to beach not the pool. It looked beautiful,but I remember it specifically stated no pool access.

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Hatteras51 thanks so much for the info! I am so grateful for Cruise Critic and everyones wealth of knowledge. I will look into MVP resort. Where would you get off for a taxi for this area? So we could rent chairs and palapas for shade...and wave runners/sea doos are also available for rent on this beach...restaurant as well. Sounds like a good place. I will look into reading about the MVP, I was not familiar with it all. Do you think that stretch of beach is nicer than the Amsterdam Manor beach? Thanks again for your suggestions.

Since we are in port from 1 to 10 pm, hubby thinks AI are too expensive for the limited time. So,what can you tell me about the beach area in front of Manchebo Resort? There is a beach bar, which we could have lunch...is the water as nice as in front of Amsterdam Manor(we went there last time) loved it, and had lunch at there beach bar restaurant. Hubby wants to try a different area. We will have the two boys ages 16 and 20 with us-they will be starving as usual, and will want to rent seadoo's too. are they available by Manchebo as well. What are your thoughts between the two areas-looking for clear water, seadoo rental, beautiful beach-not too crowded(we loved Amsterdam, but thought we may want to try something different) .Any suggestions other than Manchebo for about 4 to 5 hours on the beach with lunch let me know....BTW, I know the AI said 10 to 6pm, do they happen to adjust the time if a ship comes in later? I really did like the Occidental, but hubby thinks too short of time...thanks again!

I've snorkeled Sapphire(beautiful beach), St. John(loved and gorgeous beach), Grand Turk-near Bohio(ok, but you really do need to swim closer to the reef),Belize,and Roatan(West Bay)-my absolute favorite so far. Roatan had the best snorkeling with the reefs so close to shore. It was simply breathtaking.The visibility was awesome. My sons snorkeled with us and they were in their early teens. We did have vests on, which helped stay afloat. Roatan has been our favorite so far.

We will be traveling to Curacao, and we are looking forward to snorkeling while there as well. Bonaire is on my list-heard it is fantastic as well.

Santa Barbara resort is BEAUTIFUL.

 

Nice pool, gorgeous beach. Excellent restaurants.

We stay there sometimes on weekends as a relaxing get-away.

 

However, it is quite expensive as far as consumptions, very far from the cruise port (also about 20-30 minutes each way) and no snorkeling. Very sandy and calm water, but no corral and just a few small fish.

 

The entrance fee for beach goers - $4 per person, which includes use of the pool, showers, beach chair and umbrella.

Isla, thank you for the info on the Santa Barbara Resort-it does look beautiful. Too many decisions! I wish we could stay longer than a day...we will return for sure, so we can explore more of Curacao and the beautiful beaches :) Thank you again...we have some decisions to make very soonl Thanks so much for your help!

With kids I would definitely suggest Palm Beach and the Occidental. Palm Beach's only waves are from the watersports boats passing by. Even if you are only at the resort until 6 pm you could easily take the public bus back to the terminal.

 

Imo, the kids may be bored on Renaissance Island.

thank you so much Arubalisa!

Isa, do you know much about a resort on the north side called the Santa Barbara Resort? My husband saw it on the website and it looks very nice as well. Do you know if they offer a day pass? Distance from port? Good idea? I was set on Cas Abao, but he wants me to find out about this resort....thanks so much

I would personally leave the beach at 1 pm at the latest. It's only about 30 - 40 minutes from the ship, but to stay on the safe side (and plus it gets HOT at that hour).

 

Cas Abao has a beach bar, selling snacks, french fries, drinks, etc. Blue Bay has a real sit-down restaurant (Azzurro).

The snorkeling is definitely better at the Western beaches.

Thank you so very much Isa. We appreciate your opinion, and we can't wait to visit Curacao!

Thanks so much Isa! If we were to go to Cas Abao, and the ship leaves by 4pm...what would be a safe time to leave the west coast??? We arrive at 8am..hoping to get to either Cas Abao or the closer Blue Bay...Does Cas Abao have a restaurant? How far from cruise port, and is the snorkeling in your opinion better there than at Blue Bay? Thank you so much. We are so excited to be visiting Curacao again-last time we just explored the town-beautiful. Now we want to see the beautiful beaches :)

A day pass at the Renaissance would allow use of the private island, but not the resorts swimming pools. There is not a pool on the private island.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1100

"Aruba

 

Occidental Grand Aruba

 

What You Get for Your Money: Passes, which are $76 for adults and about $38 for children, offer access to all amenities, meals, snack and drinks, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price does not, however, include use of a room.

 

How to Get There: Occidental Grand Aruba is a 15-minute taxi ride from port.

 

For More Info: Visit Occidental's Web site or call 800-858-2258.

 

 

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

 

What You Get for Your Money: The day passes offered at this Aruba resort include transportation to the resort's private island, as well as lunch, a drink and dessert. The cost is $99 per adult and $49 per child and does not include use of a room.

 

How to Get There: This resort is just one-quarter of a mile from the cruise port, and it's walkable.

 

For More Info: Visit Renaissance Aruba's Web site or call 800-421-8188"

Thank you Arubalisa! Between the two, which has the nicest beach(clearest water with sandy bottom)...the younger son will need if no pool! LOL...I prefer the ocean, but which resort overall is the nicest for the price? I understand we could walk to the Renaissance so that would save a little from the taxi...we are in port until 10pm, so do we need to leave by 6pm at both resorts???? In port from 1pm, so that's not a lot of time for the money..any other suggestions ? As far as a beach with those requirements(clear/sand entry)...the water on our last visit was murky and not clear for some reason infront of the Amsterdam Manor, that is why I'm asking that...thanks so much for your help! You are a saint :)

Hello,

Hoping Isa will help us. We are a family of 4, visiting via Liberty in 3 weeks. Would like to know if Blue Bay would be a good "fit" for us. We don't want to venture to the west beaches(wish we could) we are in port from 8-4pm. Hubby and I like to snorkel-boys use to, but now that they are 16 and 20, they like some shade, and lounging-sandy beach(are there some entry areas that are sandy here?) What do you suggest? We would like to spend our day at the beach for atleast 5 hours then venture to walk around town before leaving. Hubby and I were in Curacao last summer alone, and we walked around the town. Is there a better beach for us that would serve snorkel/nice sandy entry for all of us to be happy? Thank you in advance!

The Pier is De Palm Pier and the Bar/Restaurant is Bugaloe.

Arubalisa,

Would we be able to take a taxi and ask to be dropped off at the De Palm pier? We could use the beach and eat at the restaurant???? We are a family of 4, with two boys ages 16 and 20. They want to spend time on the beach. We were interested in perhaps a daypass as well where they could use the pool. Does the Renaissance Aruba near the port have day passes available? What would be your choice to spend the day if you were us? First, which beach area or which hotel with a day pass? We are in port from 1pm to 10pm. So we want to be able to enjoy a hotel with a day pass and probably stay atleast until 7pm or so then head in to town to walk around. I am assuming the port area shops will be open while we are in port until 10pm??? Thanks so much for your help. We spent a day at the beach in front of Amsterdam Manor a year ago-loved it. Wanted to try somewhere different this time. Arubalisa I appreciate your help!!!

Does anyone know if the Aruba Renaissance Resort offers day passes? We are a family of four-two boys ages 16 and 21, myself, and hubby looking for a nice beach, beach restaurant, and perhaps(not necessarily needed, but would be nice-younger son likes a pool), to spend 1pm to 10pm in Aruba in 3 weeks. It looks close to the port, perhaps we could walk. Last visit, was a year ago, and we enjoyed Amsterdam Manor beach area and ate at the restaurant. Just looking to try something different. Any suggestions welcomed.

Is Nikki beach loud and crowded? We went to amsterdam manor last time,and loved it. Is there another beach we could go to and swim and has a nice beach restaurant,and clear blue water,with no loud music?

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Where is Nikky beach located? Do you have a link?

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Pillory Beach is where the Bohio Dive Resort is located. We snorkeled right from the shore. You do need to go pretty far out to see some fish and coral. The water was beautiful and clear. The beach was not crowded at all, and we enjoyed our day at Pillory Beach. Away from the crowds....

My wife, daughter and I are also going on Aug. 9

Hello!

We are also booked on the Liberty-Aug. 9th. Myself, my hubby, and two sons ages 16 and 20(almost 21!) We have been to all three islands previously on cruises. Loved all of them. We have also been on the Liberty back in 2010 before refurbishment, so I can't even imagine her looking even better! Last time, we went to Amsterdam Manor Hotel for a day pass at the beach-beautiful-then headed back to town to shop a little. By the way, the beach was beautiful, except water was not crystal clear enough to see your feet. Pretty blue, but a little stirred up for some reason.In Curacao, we walked all around the town over the Pontoon Bridge-even saw it swing open to let a cargo ship through-really cool to see! We had some drinks and appetizers in the Fort Riff shops and walked in the shops near the port at night. It was beautiful at night! In Grand Turk, we went to the Bohio Dive Resort to use the beach and snorkeled. Super clear water! We swam out pretty far to see some fish, but it was a great day. A beautiful and really quiet beach-no crowds at all. Headed back, and shopped a little at the Margaritaville shopping area. Hope that helps a little. We may venture out to a beach this time after a quick walk over the pontoon bridge this time...we don't want to go too far from town. Have a great cruise!

Manateelover- Thanks for the imput! Hilton sounds nice..no kids, just the 2 of us...question: does the $60 include lounge chairs AND an umbrella? I can't stay directly in the sun TOO long? Was there a hot tub?

 

Big Al

A lovely pool, and numerous lounge chairs, even round cushioned and covered loungers big enough for 2 adults. No hot tub. We did not use the loungers on the beach, we just used the loungers by the pool-you can find shade, numerous large palm trees, and lovely grounds. My husband and I will be going to Nassau within the next two weeks, we are going to spend our day at the Hilton. Very relaxing, and great food. Believe it or not, the $40 vouchers go a long way-I think last time I had two drinks, a salad, and fish tacos for lunch-plenty-large portions. We lounged, went in the pool, and there are outside showers to rinse off if you go into the ocean as well. You do have to leave your license with the towel hut employee-kept safely in a lock box, and then when you return towels, you get the license back-no problems. As I said, the staff was very nice and social. They walk around the pool and see how things are going-very nice people. We will be on our cruise this time without our children, so we will be relaxing for sure :) Enjoy! I don't know about the umbrella, but I know you can find shade around the pool, and the larger loungers have a shade canopy-they are really nice.

My wife & I will be on the Disney Dream coming into Nassau on Nov 4th ( my b'day!!)..we are in port 9:30- 6 PM , but will probably only spend 4-5 hours at one of the beach resorts...from what I've read, it looks like the Sheraton is the # 1 choice and the Hilton ( which I have visited last Feb on Allure) is #2...it LOOKS like the beach at the Sheraton is wider & nicer than the Hilton and the pools at the Sheraton are bigger..price wise, we figure on eating an early lunch on the ship, then heading down..so that would be $30pp for the Sheraton vs. $60 ( on line ) vs Hilton, which includes $40 for food & beverage...we thought the Hilton was nice, albeit a bit small, both pool & beach areas..have not been to the Sheraton..my wife doesn't drink much ( maybe she'll have ONE drink) and I drink maybe 2-3 beers...I love hot tubs, and I hear the water at the beach near the Hilton is not great, nor clear...any opinions would be appreciated!!

 

Big Al

First,I so hope Scubagirl is able to post.We have valued her opinions for so many trips to the Bahamas....Since we have spent a few day trips in Nassau at the Hilton,and have also spent Imelda at the Sheraton I can tell you a few things.We have had our two teenage sons with us as well.We like the Hilton,it is close by so we can walk there and then walk around and shop a little on the way back to the port.The staff I very nice,and the foo is very good.Most of all it is so quie and relaxing.The beach is nice,and the water is clear and usually calm. The beach is not huge,but big enough.No snorkeling at the beach,just clear sandy beach. We booked w Island Marketing and you pay a deposit,and the cost is $60 and then you get $40 in food and drink vouchers.The restaurant is nice,and the views are nice,seeing the ships in port is nice. my boys liked the pool,and the food was plentiful for all of us. We really have like our experiences at the Hilton. The Heraton,was much more busier,louder,and the staff was not so friendly..all business.At the Hilton,they were more personable. The pools are beautiful,but w more people and more children. The beach is larger,and the water is clear. I saw a few fish,but its shallow and too many people in the water...we just prefer the Hilton. The food is ok,but expensive. It is a beautiful resort,but you also have to take the jitney to get to Cable beach...just have to be aware of your time,to get back to port..took a little longer on the return trip back to the port.Hope this helps you out. If your children are younger they would like the Sheraton. The Hilton is more geared for adults older teenaged children,it s a quiet kind of atmosphere.Enjoy your trip!

I think if you went all the way down there you might be ok...I've never been down that far. But I can almost guarantee that you won't see the variety that you do in Roatan.;) The water is very clear on HMC because there aren't a lot of waves generally. But there also aren't all the coral formations to support the large populations of fish Roatan has.

Thanks so much for your help! We will try walking all the way down the beach and see what t looks like! Very excited to be going to HMC-looks beautiful! Thank you for your help.

Because it is a very sandy bottom area, there aren't a lot of fish that I have ever seen, but there are a few. I have seen some poeple post that they've seen good fish while snorkeling there, but I don't think they could have been in the main beach area. It won't be ANYTHING like Roatan, trust me!;)

Thanks so much Irishlinny-I know...nothing can compare to Roatan :) We have done some fabulous snorkeling right off shore each time we visit. So beautiful! Then when you try to snorkel somewhere else, you automatically compare it to Roatan... thanks for your help. Just wondering if we walked down to the end of HMC and swam out a little if it would be a little rocky or some reefs to attract some fish...???

Making my second attempt to get to HMC this fall...like you, we had to skip the port under press of weather.

 

As a general rule, the farther you go from the tender pier, the more and more isolated you will be on the beach. Based on reports here from cabana renters, it seems like if you go past Cabana #9 or so, you'll usually find much smaller crowds. People with Cabanas 14 and up often report on CC that they have the beach almost to themselves.

 

 

 

Hoping to get a solid answer about this, too. I've heard different things about it.

We want to know if we should bring our own snorkeling gear? We like to swim out from the beach and snorkel if it is worth it....we have been spoiled by Roatan :) love the snorkeling from the beach..best ever!

Scubagirrl,

 

Compass Point looks like a great place. Only thing it is a distance from the cruise port.

They said day pass $20.00 ( must bring your own towel), $30.00 if you have no towel.

 

Joanne

That is the info I got as well Joanne. Looks beautiful, except a good distance away from the cruiseport..our thoughts exactly...we have taken the Jitney bus to the Cable Beach area and back, and honestly that seemed rather long especially on the ride back. Compass Point is even further, so we are thinking to stay closer and go to the Hilton again. We can walk there, and leave at our leisure with plenty of time to do some shopping before we head back to the ship. Great food, nice pool, quiet, and a nice beach. the staff has always been just great, it is a very relaxing atmosphere. So we think we will just go with the Hilton once again.

You are correct. $19.00 on HAL, most likely a few dollars less on Carnival. Once they are fixed in place, you are unable to move them.

What is the cost for the shade/clamshells? This is our first time at HMC-hoping we get there this time. Last time we had to pass due to heavy winds and spent an extra day at sea. I really want to go this time! Any other suggestions for HMC? When coming onto the island is it any quieter on any specific area of the beaches? Looks beautiful! Is there snorkeling from the beach or do you really need to take a tour?