Too late to book excursions. What to do in Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao and Aruba?

[radhak]

This can't get any more 'last minute'!

 

A friend is a Carnival employee, and just got us a deal we could not refuse, so we are sailing on the Carnival Breeze on Dec 21 (the day after tomorrow!!) for the 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise!!!

 

In all the hurly, I realize that most organized shore excursions are already booked and tied up, leaving us on our own. So what can we do to enjoy the four ports - Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao and Aruba?

 

We are a family of four, with two girls 11 and 14. We love exploring new towns on our own, are open to ad-hoc hiking, etc. Is there some way we can get to do this? Maybe rent cars or take cabs or buses?

[kurgan]

This can't get any more 'last minute'!

 

A friend is a Carnival employee, and just got us a deal we could not refuse, so we are sailing on the Carnival Breeze on Dec 21 (the day after tomorrow!!) for the 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise!!!

 

In all the hurly, I realize that most organized shore excursions are already booked and tied up, leaving us on our own. So what can we do to enjoy the four ports - Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao and Aruba?

 

We are a family of four, with two girls 11 and 14. We love exploring new towns on our own, are open to ad-hoc hiking, etc. Is there some way we can get to do this? Maybe rent cars or take cabs or buses?

 

For Aruba easiest way to spend day- rent car and drive around ( that's what we did there). Some rental companies have offices close to cruise terminal. get car and drive to Eagle beach, Baby beach( !!!), natural reserve in a north side etc. Aruba is small island with easy driving around.

[kurgan]

This can't get any more 'last minute'!

 

A friend is a Carnival employee, and just got us a deal we could not refuse, so we are sailing on the Carnival Breeze on Dec 21 (the day after tomorrow!!) for the 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise!!!

 

In all the hurly, I realize that most organized shore excursions are already booked and tied up, leaving us on our own. So what can we do to enjoy the four ports - Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao and Aruba?

 

We are a family of four, with two girls 11 and 14. We love exploring new towns on our own, are open to ad-hoc hiking, etc. Is there some way we can get to do this? Maybe rent cars or take cabs or buses?

 

 

In Curacao we walk through that colorful city, went to Sea Aquarium, see show with dolphins and sea lions etc, and later just stayed in a nice beach nearby

[radhak]

Good suggestions, exactly what I'm looking for! Keep them coming!

[radhak]

For Aruba easiest way to spend day- rent car and drive around ( that's what we did there). Some rental companies have offices close to cruise terminal. get car and drive to Eagle beach, Baby beach( !!!), natural reserve in a north side etc. Aruba is small island with easy driving around.

While I research rentals, how about buses and taxis? Are they available, convenient, reasonably priced?

 

 

In Curacao we walk through that colorful city, went to Sea Aquarium, see show with dolphins and sea lions etc, and later just stayed in a nice beach nearby

A walk thru a new city always excites us. Sounds like the city is walkable from the port.

 

Somebody also mentioned the 'Hato caves' in Curacao. Anybody gone there? How far are these?

 

 

Why not organize some day passes for Dreams La Romana whilst you dock in La Romana, it is 20 minutes away and is perfect for adults and kids alike! all inclusive food and drinks! pools and a stunning beach to relax on! if you are interested email econcierge.drelr@dreamsresorts.com , happy travels, Louise x

After taking a look, I realize this is a hotel; not for cruise visitors like us who are in port part-of-a-day. At least, not something we are looking for. But thanks for the suggestion :)!

[kurgan]

Aruba

You can try to get day pass to Renaissance resort ( locates close to pier in easy walking distance) and go to famous private Renaissance island ( to see flamingos btw). Also you can take city bus to highrise hotels area to Palm beach