What to do at night?

We will be in Aruba from 2-11:30pm. We plan on going snorkeling at Arashi and Boca Catalina and then heading back to the ship to change.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do once it gets dark? (Not really into the dancing, bars, or the food scene since we can get free food on the ship).

Is there any place that's cool to go and hang out in the area? Some "must see" places?

We have a 9 year old daughter with us, so it can be suggestions to do as a family or without (since we could probably take her back to the ship and off to the kids club).

Is it safe to walk around the port area? We have never been before. Is there like a little town or shopping? Or is it more industrialized.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I can only respond to the town question as we will be spending our first 'evening' in Aruba next week.

The ship docs right in town. Several blocks, very safe, very walkable.

Downtown is very sleepy at night, with just a couple of casinos and a few restaurants open. Years ago, downtown used to be where all of the action was, but that has changed, and now everyone heads to Palm Beach after dark. Just take a cab or a bus to Palm Beach. If you don't want to have dinner, there is still lots to do and see. By all means, take your child with you. There will be tons of kids. Paseo Harencia Mall has nightly family shows, a really cool water show, and different family events. There will be tons of stores and kiosks set up along the walkways. You can take a carriage ride, go bowling, go to a movie, shop, get gelato or ice cream, have dinner, walk along the beach, people watch, go to a casino. Palm Beach is definitely the place to visit at night. When you are ready to leave, you can walk over to the bus stop, which only runs every half hour at night, or walk over to one of the hotels, where taxis are readily available.

 

Downtown is very sleepy at night, with just a couple of casinos and a few restaurants open. Years ago, downtown used to be where all of the action was, but that has changed, and now everyone heads to Palm Beach after dark. Just take a cab or a bus to Palm Beach. If you don't want to have dinner, there is still lots to do and see. By all means, take your child with you. There will be tons of kids. Paseo Harencia Mall has nightly family shows, a really cool water show, and different family events. There will be tons of stores and kiosks set up along the walkways. You can take a carriage ride, go bowling, go to a movie, shop, get gelato or ice cream, have dinner, walk along the beach, people watch, go to a casino. Palm Beach is definitely the place to visit at night. When you are ready to leave, you can walk over to the bus stop, which only runs every half hour at night, or walk over to one of the hotels, where taxis are readily available.

Good info! We'll be in Aruba in the afternoon/evening as well. We're planning to do the afternoon Trikes Aruba tour which will bring us back to the pier around 5:30. I was thinking of going to the beach afterwards but wasn't sure what beach or if it would even be a good idea. I also wasn't sure about transportation. Now I have a much better idea. Thanks so much for posting!

 

Downtown is very sleepy at night, with just a couple of casinos and a few restaurants open. Years ago, downtown used to be where all of the action was, but that has changed, and now everyone heads to Palm Beach after dark. Just take a cab or a bus to Palm Beach. If you don't want to have dinner, there is still lots to do and see. By all means, take your child with you. There will be tons of kids. Paseo Harencia Mall has nightly family shows, a really cool water show, and different family events. There will be tons of stores and kiosks set up along the walkways. You can take a carriage ride, go bowling, go to a movie, shop, get gelato or ice cream, have dinner, walk along the beach, people watch, go to a casino. Palm Beach is definitely the place to visit at night. When you are ready to leave, you can walk over to the bus stop, which only runs every half hour at night, or walk over to one of the hotels, where taxis are readily available.

thank you as well for this info we will be there in March as well and this info is awesome!

You are all very welcome. This is definitely the best place to hang out at night! We usually get tired of waiting for the bus and just take a taxi on the way back. We vacation in Aruba two - three weeks every year.

Downtown is very sleepy at night, with just a couple of casinos and a few restaurants open. Years ago, downtown used to be where all of the action was, but that has changed, and now everyone heads to Palm Beach after dark. Just take a cab or a bus to Palm Beach. If you don't want to have dinner, there is still lots to do and see. By all means, take your child with you. There will be tons of kids. Paseo Harencia Mall has nightly family shows, a really cool water show, and different family events. There will be tons of stores and kiosks set up along the walkways. You can take a carriage ride, go bowling, go to a movie, shop, get gelato or ice cream, have dinner, walk along the beach, people watch, go to a casino. Palm Beach is definitely the place to visit at night. When you are ready to leave, you can walk over to the bus stop, which only runs every half hour at night, or walk over to one of the hotels, where taxis are readily available.

Thanks for the info on where to go.

I did look up (on google earth) the location of Palm Beach. I have a "weird" question...is it actually a beach? Or is that just the name of the little town? Google Earth puts me away from the beach and in a town, so just wondering.

When looking for Paseo Herencia Mall, it shows it's a little further away. Does the bus stop there? If not, how far is it from the bus stop? I did look up the water show (because I had no idea what type of water show this was) and it looks like it's a fountain show maybe? From the pictures I have seen, it looks beautiful. I did find a website on this place and it states that the water show is: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, & 10:30pm. They also have listings for other neat things, such as acrobatic shows, talent shows, cultural dance and so on. However, we will be there on Wednesday and they have shows for all of the other nights EXCEPT for the night we are there. :(

Looking at the map, I see a Kiddie Train, Horse Rides, Carousel, and Pony rides (among other things). However, I can't find anything stating what the charges are for any of them (and no mention of it on the site other than showing it on the map).

Any idea how far away it is from the port (as in minutes)?

Thanks so much. :)

Shopping closes EARLY. In walking distance are restaurants, and casinos. Be sure to be ON the ship by 11...that's your onboard time!

Shopping closes EARLY. In walking distance are restaurants, and casinos. Be sure to be ON the ship by 11...that's your onboard time!

Now cb, you know I'm not a newbie and know when to be on the ship versus what time sailaway is. I'm always on the ship waaaayyyy before this.

Shopping may close early around the port area, but this is a mall and stays open until 10pm. :)

Now cb, you know I'm not a newbie and know when to be on the ship versus what time sailaway is. I'm always on the ship waaaayyyy before this.

 

Shopping may close early around the port area, but this is a mall and stays open until 10pm. :)

Now come on mitsugirly....you know CB is always wrong.:)

Thanks for the info on where to go.

 

I did look up (on google earth) the location of Palm Beach. I have a "weird" question...is it actually a beach? Or is that just the name of the little town? Google Earth puts me away from the beach and in a town, so just wondering.

 

When looking for Paseo Herencia Mall, it shows it's a little further away. Does the bus stop there? If not, how far is it from the bus stop? I did look up the water show (because I had no idea what type of water show this was) and it looks like it's a fountain show maybe? From the pictures I have seen, it looks beautiful. I did find a website on this place and it states that the water show is: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, & 10:30pm. They also have listings for other neat things, such as acrobatic shows, talent shows, cultural dance and so on. However, we will be there on Wednesday and they have shows for all of the other nights EXCEPT for the night we are there. :(

 

Looking at the map, I see a Kiddie Train, Horse Rides, Carousel, and Pony rides (among other things). However, I can't find anything stating what the charges are for any of them (and no mention of it on the site other than showing it on the map).

 

 

Any idea how far away it is from the port (as in minutes)?

 

Thanks so much. :)

Palm Beach is on a beach. Most hotels are right on the beach. The mall, most restaurants, shops, etc. are right across the street from the hotels.

The bus stops all along Palm Beach. The mall is towards the end of Palm Beach. I would tell the bus driver where you want to go and he'll let you know when to get off. It doesn't really matter, because the whole area is just a few blocks long, and you'll probably end up wandering around the whole thing anyway ( we always do).

By bus, it could take 20- 30minutes, depending on traffic. The longest time will be while you are waiting for a bus to show up. The bus will make lots of stops along the way. A taxi will be easier, if you see some available when you get off of the ship. They do add a few dollars to the fare if they pick you up inside the port.

Yes, the water show is a fountain show.

All of the shops in Palm Beach stay open late.

Palm Beach is on a beach. Most hotels are right on the beach. The mall, most restaurants, shops, etc. are right across the street from the hotels.

 

The bus stops all along Palm Beach. The mall is towards the end of Palm Beach. I would tell the bus driver where you want to go and he'll let you know when to get off. It doesn't really matter, because the whole area is just a few blocks long, and you'll probably end up wandering around the whole thing anyway ( we always do).

 

By bus, it could take 20- 30minutes, depending on traffic. The longest time will be while you are waiting for a bus to show up. The bus will make lots of stops along the way. A taxi will be easier, if you see some available when you get off of the ship. They do add a few dollars to the fare if they pick you up inside the port.

 

Yes, the water show is a fountain show.

 

All of the shops in Palm Beach stay open late.

Thanks for the great info. Any idea how much it cost for a taxi there for 3 people? Are the taxi's regulated? Or do they make their own price...or can we possibly haggle a price? :p

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44076062&postcount=1

Here is an old thread with taxi fares. I don't believe that there has been an increase. Taxi rates are per taxi, not per person, and they are regulated by the govt. There is no negotiating.

When you go to Boca Catalina, the bus will drive through Palm Beach to get there. You'll be able to see where everything is. If you go to Boca Catalina by taxi, the driver will probably drive down the main highway, which is one street over.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44076062&postcount=1

 

Here is an old thread with taxi fares. I don't believe that there has been an increase. Taxi rates are per taxi, not per person, and they are regulated by the govt. There is no negotiating.

 

When you go to Boca Catalina, the bus will drive through Palm Beach to get there. You'll be able to see where everything is. If you go to Boca Catalina by taxi, the driver will probably drive down the main highway, which is one street over.

Awesome. Thanks so much for the link. Even though taxi's are regulated there, it sounds like they were trying to pull one over on the person trying to get a ride back. :cool:

How early is "early" for port shops closing? Are typical souvinier type places open as long as ship is in port?

How early is "early" for port shops closing? Are typical souvinier type places open as long as ship is in port?

The shops in the port area close by 6:00 but some of the flea markets might stay open later. There are a few shops at Renaissance Marketplace that are open until 9:00 or 10:00.

The shops in the port area close by 6:00 but some of the flea markets might stay open later. There are a few shops at Renaissance Marketplace that are open until 9:00 or 10:00.

Thank you

Awesome. Thanks so much for the link. Even though taxi's are regulated there, it sounds like they were trying to pull one over on the person trying to get a ride back. :cool:

Most of the taxi drivers are honest, but every now and then you come across one who is taking advantage of people.

I look forward to reading your review when you get back. I'm currently reading your Jewel review. Your daughter is quite a cutie!

can I ask where would a good place to sit and have drinks and enjoy the sunset?

We will be in Aruba on March 1st until 10:00PM

Mitsugirly thanks for starting this tread, and we also enjoy all your reviews

 

Downtown is very sleepy at night, with just a couple of casinos and a few restaurants open. Years ago, downtown used to be where all of the action was, but that has changed, and now everyone heads to Palm Beach after dark. Just take a cab or a bus to Palm Beach. If you don't want to have dinner, there is still lots to do and see. By all means, take your child with you. There will be tons of kids. Paseo Harencia Mall has nightly family shows, a really cool water show, and different family events. There will be tons of stores and kiosks set up along the walkways. You can take a carriage ride, go bowling, go to a movie, shop, get gelato or ice cream, have dinner, walk along the beach, people watch, go to a casino. Palm Beach is definitely the place to visit at night. When you are ready to leave, you can walk over to the bus stop, which only runs every half hour at night, or walk over to one of the hotels, where taxis are readily available.

This is fantastic info. Thanks so much!

This is fantastic info. Thanks so much!

You are welcome. Glad to help!

can I ask where would a good place to sit and have drinks and enjoy the sunset?

 

We will be in Aruba on March 1st until 10:00PM

 

 

 

Mitsugirly thanks for starting this tread, and we also enjoy all your reviews

Lots of options for sunset - closer to downtown, you could check out The West Deck or Pincho's. If you are at Palm Beach (near the high rises) Moomba Beach is fun and often has live music. You could also go to Bugaloes - out on a pier. All of the high rise hotels in that area have beach bars - just grab a drink and watch the sunset from the beach. Maybe you'll even see the "green flash"

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can I ask where would a good place to sit and have drinks and enjoy the sunset?

We will be in Aruba on March 1st until 10:00PM

 

Mitsugirly thanks for starting this tread, and we also enjoy all your reviews

If you want to stay near the ship, there are several places along the waterfront where you can have a drink and watch the sunset, such as Iguana Joe's, Mojitos, and The Paddock.

Thanks for the options, got to get away from this snow and cold.

Good info! We'll be in Aruba in the afternoon/evening as well. We're planning to do the afternoon Trikes Aruba tour which will bring us back to the pier around 5:30. I was thinking of going to the beach afterwards but wasn't sure what beach or if it would even be a good idea. I also wasn't sure about transportation. Now I have a much better idea. Thanks so much for posting!

We just did the Trike tour two weeks ago and LOVED it. You will see the area near Palm Beach where all the activities/action is. We went through there twice on the trikes. It looked like so much fun we are planning a week's stay at a resort just to be able to hang out there!