Difference between Sunset Cruise Excursion in Aruba

[Bellablue]

Has anyone been on either of these sunset sails?  We are trying to determine the difference...size, drinks, atmosphere...any advice appreciated.  

 

Sunset Schooner Cruise

Sunsets in Aruba are like no other. Board an elegant 115-foot wooden schooner for a relaxing cruise in the pristine waters off Aruba's western coast. Sip hand-crafted cocktails and feel the Caribbean sun on your skin as your gaze drifts across the water to white-sand beaches in the distance. Savor the crew's warm hospitality as you relax in one of the vessel's comfortable lounge areas. As the glowing sun slips slowly into the ocean, painting the sky gold, pink, and violet, allow yourself to feel awe at the majesty of nature. Treasure this memorable moment as night falls, a carpet of stars begins to twinkle and your devoted crew steers the ship back to shore. 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/oranjestad-aruba-tours/sunset-schooner-cruise?port=AUA&excursionItemID=100000003417753514

 

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Enjoy spectacular views, rhythmic Caribbean music, and local spirits as you sail past Aruba’s famous beaches on a scenic sunset cruise. After boarding a state-of-the-art catamaran at the pier, you’ll set sail on a festive journey along the island’s southern and western coasts. Melodious Caribbean beats set the mood as you cruise past some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes. Experience the beauty of a Caribbean sunset firsthand and soak in magnificent tropical vistas while gliding over the clear, turquoise waters along Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. All the while, you’ll be treated to an open bar of popular local cocktails and delicious snacks

https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/oranjestad-aruba-tours/aruba-sunset-cocktail-cruise?port=AUA&excursionItemID=100000002970063372

[screwsmcernst]

We did the Sunset Cocktail Cruise a little over a year ago.  We had a fantastic time.  We could either sit inside the Catamaran cabin, or out on the front.  It was casual with upbeat pop music, once the sails were up, the crew started the bar.  We sat out front on the catamaran.  Chatted with the crew and other passengers.  The sunset was beautiful, and we were lucky enough to also have a Super moon night.  It was wonderful.  I can't speak about the schooner.  But if you want casual and relaxed and fun with a little bit of a boat party, that is what the catamaran is.  If we were staying overnight in Aruba again, we would be watching the sunset again from the catamaran.  =)

 

[DENIE]

On 1/30/2019 at 10:32 AM, Bellablue said:

Has anyone been on either of these sunset sails?  We are trying to determine the difference...size, drinks, atmosphere...any advice appreciated.   

 

Sunset Schooner Cruise

Sunsets in Aruba are like no other. Board an elegant 115-foot wooden schooner for a relaxing cruise in the pristine waters off Aruba's western coast. Sip hand-crafted cocktails and feel the Caribbean sun on your skin as your gaze drifts across the water to white-sand beaches in the distance. Savor the crew's warm hospitality as you relax in one of the vessel's comfortable lounge areas. As the glowing sun slips slowly into the ocean, painting the sky gold, pink, and violet, allow yourself to feel awe at the majesty of nature. Treasure this memorable moment as night falls, a carpet of stars begins to twinkle and your devoted crew steers the ship back to shore. 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/oranjestad-aruba-tours/sunset-schooner-cruise?port=AUA&excursionItemID=100000003417753514

 

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Enjoy spectacular views, rhythmic Caribbean music, and local spirits as you sail past Aruba’s famous beaches on a scenic sunset cruise. After boarding a state-of-the-art catamaran at the pier, you’ll set sail on a festive journey along the island’s southern and western coasts. Melodious Caribbean beats set the mood as you cruise past some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes. Experience the beauty of a Caribbean sunset firsthand and soak in magnificent tropical vistas while gliding over the clear, turquoise waters along Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. All the while, you’ll be treated to an open bar of popular local cocktails and delicious snacks

https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/oranjestad-aruba-tours/aruba-sunset-cocktail-cruise?port=AUA&excursionItemID=100000002970063372

 

Bellablue - we just did the Sunset Cocktail Cruise on the catamaran in December 2018.  It was fabulous.  There was plenty of seating, and a large covered area as well...which came in handy when we encountered a 10 minute light shower.  However, the weather cleared and we had a GREAT sunset!  The boat was very clean, and rather new looking.  It was awesome watching them hoist the sails after getting out of the port.  There was plenty of drinks, and some snacks like chicken wings, etc. The crew was very friendly.  Restrooms on board - very modern!  Can't speak for the schooner, although we did see it, as they were docked next to the catamaran.  Don't think you would go wrong with either.  The photo ops are wonderful, and we got our far share! The above description is very accurate!

 

We had to laugh, though, at some of the most ridiculous behavior I have ever seen from a cruise ship passenger.  For some reason, as we were waiting to board, one of the passengers was visibly arguing (very heated!)  with the captain about the "seaworthiness" and "too many people" being allowed to board.  He was demanding to see the passenger manifest.  By this time, people were filing past him (and his wife) to board and begin the fun!  Finally, he loudly announced that he will not be boarding, and stormed away.  The 75 people on board stood up and applauded him leaving.  Though we were only "75", the boat had a capacity of 125.  He has no idea what he missed...

 

 

 

Edited February 1, 2019 by DENIE
Wanted to add

[Bellablue]

14 hours ago, DENIE said:

 

Bellablue - we just did the Sunset Cocktail Cruise on the catamaran in December 2018.  It was fabulous.  There was plenty of seating, and a large covered area as well...which came in handy when we encountered a 10 minute light shower.  However, the weather cleared and we had a GREAT sunset!  The boat was very clean, and rather new looking.  It was awesome watching them hoist the sails after getting out of the port.  There was plenty of drinks, and some snacks like chicken wings, etc. The crew was very friendly.  Restrooms on board - very modern!  Can't speak for the schooner, although we did see it, as they were docked next to the catamaran.  Don't think you would go wrong with either.  The photo ops are wonderful, and we got our far share! The above description is very accurate!

 

We had to laugh, though, at some of the most ridiculous behavior I have ever seen from a cruise ship passenger.  For some reason, as we were waiting to board, one of the passengers was visibly arguing (very heated!)  with the captain about the "seaworthiness" and "too many people" being allowed to board.  He was demanding to see the passenger manifest.  By this time, people were filing past him (and his wife) to board and begin the fun!  Finally, he loudly announced that he will not be boarding, and stormed away.  The 75 people on board stood up and applauded him leaving.  Though we were only "75", the boat had a capacity of 125.  He has no idea what he missed...

 

*****

That is crazy!!!  He definitely missed out.  The cocktail cruise sounds amazing!  We are also now considering a snorkel/sunset catamaran with our larger group.  But it sounds like just being on a boat at sunset - you can't go wrong!  We don't leave Aruba until midnight so I am excited to experience this.  Could you describe the schooner that you saw?  Is it as big as the catamaran?  Thank you!!!!

 

[DENIE]

11 hours ago, Bellablue said:

 

I would say it was about as big as the catamaran.  It just looked like an "old" pirate-type ship.  I am sure we would have enjoyed that as well.  You are correct....just being on the water at sunset is what counts.  We were there until midnight too, so were able to relax and enjoy.  Whatever you choose....you will love! 🙂