New to Aruba

[sscruising]

What do you recommend for a first timer to the island? They like gambling, beaches, shopping. Anyone have a good tour guide for that?

 

Thanks!

 

Sandi

[bntacruising]

I have never cruised into Aruba, but have spent many summer vacations there. The jewelry shopping is fantastic. The shops are downtown near the port, and they love cruise days. They will be ready to deal. Gold Palace is one of my favorites. They have designer jewelry, but also design their own.

 

There is a new area of shopping in the high rise hotel area, just a short bus ride down the main road. It also has a few jewelry stores and the general touristy traps. Some designer shops are also downtown (ie, Lauren, Hilfiger, Ferragamo etc).

 

There is a casino downtown as well. It is the Crystal Casino. It is located in the shopping mall with the designer shops. Another one is located right on the harbor, I believe it is the Seaport Casino. All of the high rise hotels have casinos. Take your pick.

 

I know that a lot of cruisers spend some time on the beach in front of the Aruba Radisson. It has a chair/umbrella rental booth not affiliated with the hotel. It is located between the RIU and the Radisson. What makes it nice is that there is a pier located right in front where there is a bar/restaurant. There is also a restaurant at the Radisson called Gilligans that is on the beach, good for lunch and drinks. This area is usually pretty crowded though, with the two hotels and cruisers. There are many beaches to check out in Aruba. Baby Beach is very tranquil, if you are looking for calm water for children.

 

Taking a tour of the rough side of the island is always a fun way to spend the day too. A jeep tour on Aruba is fun, but be prepared to get bounced around and get very dusty!

 

Hope this helps.

[cb at sea]

You don't need a "guide" to do those things at all. When you get off the ship, shopping and casinos are right there.....start walking!

A cab can take you to the beach..

You do NOT need to pay for excursions for what you like to do!

[Arubalisa]

Bully can give you a great private tour

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/tags.php?tag=bully+taxi+driver

 

The island is small enough that you can tour for a few hours and still have time left over for the beach and some shopping.