Only in Aruba from 7AM to 12:30PM - what to do?

[Cinderellie]

I'm sad we'll only be in Aruba for just 5 hours max, having to be back on the ship by noon... so my husband and I want to make the most of our first trip to Aruba on our Coral Princess Panama Canal cruise.

 

We are chubby 50-something newlyweds who do NOT like historical/museum tours, NOR strenuous walks or adventure activities.

 

We DO like fun, interactive experiences. Beaches, yes. Shopping OK but not all day.

 

What do you suggest we do in that short time period to make the most of our Aruba morning?

 

Thanks!

[cb at sea]

There is shopping right across from where the ship docks, as well as casinos and restaurants. Beaches are an easy cab ride...about 15 mins or so...

 

You won't be there long enough to do too much! I'd hit a beach early, then head back to the dock area and do a bit of shopping....then, it's time to go!

[barbershop]

We have Aruba on a hoping to get there list. Let me know about your experience there. We are a lot older than you are and do not do strenuous trips anymore.:p

[Keith1010]

You really have so little time.

 

I would visit the shopping area across the street and also take a nice walk.

 

Keith

[Langley Cruisers]

Go to the beach! Oh my goodness, Aruba has some of the prettiest beaches you will see anywhere. Stunning! When you get off the ship, go directly to a cab (you will see them lined up there). A taxi to Eagle Beach is $13.00 per cab - perhaps you could split the cost with another couple. Anyway, we did this on a short port stop like you did - we were swimming in the beautiful aqua water by 8:30 am. It was glorious!! Then we took a cab back to the pier area and shopped until it was time to head back.

 

And as far as your preference for non-strenuous activities, this is perfect. The beach is so gorgeous - I know you will want to say you did this. PLEASE - as a personal favor to me... hehe.... you must go. :p

 

Google pictures of Eagle Beach (or Palm Beach) and I hope you'll agree this is a lovely way to spend a morning. :)

 

EDITED to add: The shopping area at the pier is very, well, what I would call commercialized. There is every manner of store there and I can honestly say that it's not really how I would want to spend a couple or 3 hours. Beach, then leisurely shopping, is my suggestion.

.

Edited February 5, 2016 by Langley Cruisers

[Arubalisa]

Maximum beach time, the beaches are SO much better than the shopping.

[beachnut2011]

Go to the beach! Oh my goodness, Aruba has some of the prettiest beaches you will see anywhere. Stunning! When you get off the ship, go directly to a cab (you will see them lined up there). A taxi to Eagle Beach is $13.00 per cab - perhaps you could split the cost with another couple. Anyway, we did this on a short port stop like you did - we were swimming in the beautiful aqua water by 8:30 am. It was glorious!! Then we took a cab back to the pier area and shopped until it was time to head back.

 

And as far as your preference for non-strenuous activities, this is perfect. The beach is so gorgeous - I know you will want to say you did this. PLEASE - as a personal favor to me... hehe.... you must go. :p

 

Google pictures of Eagle Beach (or Palm Beach) and I hope you'll agree this is a lovely way to spend a morning. :)

 

EDITED to add: The shopping area at the pier is very, well, what I would call commercialized. There is every manner of store there and I can honestly say that it's not really how I would want to spend a couple or 3 hours. Beach, then leisurely shopping, is my suggestion.

.

 

Concerning taking a cab to Eagle beach, where is the best location to stop and get out of the cab if you want beach time? A certain hotel or where?

[6rugrats]

Agree - skip the shopping, it's nothing special on Aruba, and head for beautiful Eagle Beach.

[Langley Cruisers]

Concerning taking a cab to Eagle beach, where is the best location to stop and get out of the cab if you want beach time? A certain hotel or where?

 

Just tell the driver. He is very familiar with where to drop you off, no problem. That's what we did. :)

[cruiseapril]

The beach- Eagle or Palm. Lovely places.