Walking Distance from Pier

[GoochDSA]

What, if anything, is within walking distance of the pier in Aruba? Right now there is not much as far as sight seeing that is peaking our interest, but since Aruba will be our first port of call after 2 days at sea, we might be needing to get off the ship to stretch our legs for a bit before heading back on to enjoy a somewhat empty ship. Any info would be a great help.

 

TIA! :D

[cb at sea]

Sure! Hotels, restaurants, shops and casinos are within a 4 block (and they are short blocks!) radius! Lots to do within easy walking distance!

[Lynxcat]

I was in Aruba for a day on a cruise 20 years ago, and all I remember doing was walking around and going to Senor Frog's/Carlos and Charlie's. However, I just returned from a weeklong vacation in Aruba last month. If you think you might want to take advantage of your time in Aruba outside the usual touristy stuff near the port, I highly recommend a Jeep Safari tour with ABC Tours. We did an all day (8 hour) tour and had a blast! They also offer half day tours.

 

We rode in a caravan of Land Rovers. A guide drove the one in front and tourists volunteered to drive the others. We saw all the highlights of the island, including the rugged north side. This part of the ride was quite bumpy and lots of fun! Our tour included a stop at the lighthouse, an ostrich farm, the natural pool (where we snorkeled), a famous old church, a cave, and Baby Beach (where we swim and snorkeled again).

 

I know you weren't asking about this kind of excursion, but I thought I'd share my experience since I just returned. I'm still on an Aruba high right now and I highly recommend going beyond the cruise port and seeing what Aruba has to offer! Have a great cruise!

[sail7seas]

There's lots very close to the Pier in Aruba.

Stores, Casino, Hotel, restaurants, small outdoor market area, indoor mall......... plenty to see and browse around.

 

[GoochDSA]

Thank you for the responces. I know next to nothing about Aruba (I was there 15 years ago or so). Right now she wants it to be a beach day, but I hate the beach so I am trying to figure out some sort of relaxing counter-offer. We have quite a while before making a decision (478 days, but who's counting). Glad to know there are some places to walk to from the pier.

 

Thanks again.

[Jasperdo]

It looks like you'll be on the Coral Princess. My wife and I just did a Panama Canal trip on the Coral a few months ago. It was terrific!

 

To answer your question: As others have said, the cruise ship terminal is right in the heart of downtown Oranjestad. We walked along the waterfront to Queen Wilhelmina Park. Then we went to historic Fort Zoutman. After that we wandered back through the shopping district. The whole thing took us about 3 hours, walking slow.

 

Here are a few photos I took while on the ship. It gives you an idea how close you are to town.

 

Oranjestad, Aruba by Jasperdo, on Flickr

Oranjestad, Aruba by Jasperdo, on Flickr

[GoochDSA]

Yup we will be doing a partial on the Coral next October for our honeymoon. Lucky for us we will be getting more time in Aruba than most others that do a partial (our partial is 11 nights instead of 10, with more time in Aruba and a day at sea between Aruba and Cartagena). I'm not interested at the moment as to what exactly is in that area, a lot canchange in 475 days, but just wanted to know if it is built up. I have only been to Aruba once, years ago, and neither my parents or myself could remember if there was anything near the pier at that time.

[luvdisney2010]

Yup we will be doing a partial on the Coral next October for our honeymoon. Lucky for us we will be getting more time in Aruba than most others that do a partial (our partial is 11 nights instead of 10, with more time in Aruba and a day at sea between Aruba and Cartagena). I'm not interested at the moment as to what exactly is in that area, a lot canchange in 475 days, but just wanted to know if it is built up. I have only been to Aruba once, years ago, and neither my parents or myself could remember if there was anything near the pier at that time.

 

OT - I just have to say I love your avatar!