Aruba in Six Hours?

[loriva]

We're scheduled to be in Aruba on Coral Princess in December. The port call is very limited on time, however, and early--0700 hours docking and 1300 departure. Any ideas from all you experienced folks on the best way to spend this time? We thought about doing the day trip out to the Renaissance (if they have room) or book something at the Manchebo's Spa del Sol, but latter does not open until 0900 and not sure if we'd be able to take full advantage of the Renaissance since there's not really time to stay for lunch.

 

And, of course, I can't really go to Aruba without seeing the divi trees. We're an active couple looking for suggestions.

 

Many thanks,

[Arubalisa]

Because you have such limited time would probably be a waste of money for Ren Island.

 

A spa treatment at Manchebo is a very short taxi ride away, but not very active and something you could do once back on the ship in the afternoon while at sea.

 

If you are active, I would suggest a personalized hiking tour something along the lines of http://sensitivehikers.com/, horseback riding or the ship's jeep tour. I suggest the ship's jeep tour in that you will not miss the ship.

[jolly pirates]

Loriva,

I just wanted to let you know that the Renn Island has a spa of their own called Okeanos. Perhaps this helps you with your planning!

[loriva]

Thanks, Arubalisa and Jolly Pirates for your replies! (JP--very nice website and wish we could do something with you if the port call timing had allowed--next trip to Aruba!)

 

Will check out group recommended by Arubalisa.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the ATOA tours from the ports? Given short time, starting with one of those, having them let us off at Palm or Eagle Beach, spending a couple hours there, and then catching a taxi back might give us a nice taste of Aruba in our limited time.

 

Again, many thanks to all,

[loriva]

We have until December, so not exactly at crisis phase here, but we've been discussing options on our "Roll Call," so thought I'd check in again and ask for some advice from all the experts on Aruba here.

 

I've really enjoyed the suggestions on private tour operators and it sounds like Bully, Wixtours, and 2GoAruba would all be fine choices. We still have that six-hour limit, however, with the odd timing of 0700 to 1300 hours. Following are the places one operator said they visited on their four-hour tour. I'd like to cut tour down to no more than three hours with drop off at Amsterdam Manor to spend a couple hours at the beach and then give a good margin to get back to the ship on time. Here's the list:

Hadicurari & Malmok, California Lighthouse, Alto Vista chapel, Bushiribana gold mill ruins, Natural bridge, Casibari & Ayo rock formations

Frenchman's pass & Mino di oro, Spanish Lagoon and more (?).

 

Which of these would you suggest dropping to shorten tour to our desired time limits? Any that we should add instead of one of these? ArubaLisa previously suggested a tour including Arashi Beach; California Lighthouse and California Sand Dunes with views of Palm Beach; A drive along the windward coast to see a

very rocky and very rough coastline; The outer perimeter of Tierra del Sol Country Club (a green oasis in the middle of a rocky desert); Collapsed Natural Bridge along side the "baby sister" natural bridge; and then on to Alto Vista Chapel.

 

There is obviously a lot of overlap between these two--looks like CA lighthouse (and dunes), collapsed Natural Bridge and the one forming, and Alto Vista Chapel are the essentials. Just looking for your suggestions to form my list prior to beginning to contact operators.

 

Sorry for the long post and hoping for your thoughts!

[ggprincess2004]

We did the ATV adventure, which took us over alot of the island. It was fun, and we caught the highlights of the island, my DH loved the fun of driving a crazy 4WD again.

We did take bandannas and wear them bandit style across our faces, because it is a dusty excursion, so if you choose this, wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty and dirty.

Have a great time!

[loriva]

ggprincess2004--Is the ATV tour a ship's tour or a private one?

 

Thanks,

[Arubalisa]

"...Frenchman's pass & Mino di oro, Spanish Lagoon and more (?)." Just as an FYI, these places are all south of Oranjestad where your ship will be docked. Everything else, including the Amsterdam Manor will be north and/or west of Oranjestad. If you wanted to shorten your tour, the spots above would be the first to exclude from your list.

[queeng]

I have been reading all of your suggestions for Aruba. Our ship is there from12:00pm until 7:00pm. Not much time either. Every since my husband got a look at the pictures you had of the shells on Renaissance Resort that is where he wants to go. Do you think it is worth it for this short time? It sounds easy enough to get to and I guess he could get a good look around in that amount of time but I’d still like your thoughts.

Thanks,

Ginger

[trippy]

Too bad you only have such limited time in Aruba. Since you are an active couple why not try out kite surfing on De Palm beach, the lessons start at 8 and last 2 1/2 hours so you could do a small island tour with a taxi on the way back to the ship. http://www.excursionworld.com/tours/531.htm

I would check ahead though about the times to make sure you make it to the ship in time.

For peace of mind it might be better to take a ship's tour, the jeep tours are very nice on Aruba.

[Arubalisa]

Since you are an active couple why not try out kite surfing on De Palm beach, the lessons start at 8 and last 2 1/2 hours so you could do a small island tour with a taxi on the way back to the ship.

De Palm Island or Palm Beach?

[trippy]

Palm Beach, (You'd think they would come up with some more original names to avoid this confusion, right?)

[rbfcruise]

I have been to Aruba 3 times- twice for a one-week stay each and then once via cruise ship.

 

a) The jeep tours of the island are the best ...... you see so much, you laugh and have a great time (you will be covered in dirt for months and if you wear a hat you will lose it) and everyone we have recommended this to loves it. If you are in port for a short time - go through your cruise chip, if not, there are several companies on the island. But really, I can't say it enough! This is the best option. Some of the Jeep tours include a snorkel stop at baby beach - very cool.

 

b) I don't recommend the North Side on your own unless you know the area ....

 

c) DINNER - if you are in aruba for dinner time you can book this online ahead of time. But El Gaucho is the most amazing brazilian steak house (different than those all you can eat places in the states). You will need reservations. The other place to eat is Driftwood for excellent fish.

 

d) It is very easy to navigate around Aruba. Rent a jeep and go to the lighthouses, baby beach, arikok national park and if you have the time the sand dunes.

 

e) Shopping is within very short walking distance from the cruise port.... walk past the booths and cross the street (see the Mc Donalds) there is a major shopping center there. It is also attached to a casino if you choose to go that route.

 

f) Deep sea fishing (while not my thing) ... the marina is also within walking distance to the port, so you could easily look online and hook up with a charter for deap sea fishing. (The Driftwood Restaurant has a charter that what you catch in the a.m. they will cook and serve you in the p.m.)

[tbag124]

I have the same time constraints on the Coral in October for our honeymoon...we are thinking of just a beach day, maybe rent jet skis or parasail b/c i've always wanted to try it....still can't decide which beach to do although i've gotten a lot of good advice here....anyone have any thoughts on which one for that particular time period?? Thanks!! :)

[rbfcruise]

Snorkeling - baby beach

 

Parasailing and banana boating - go to the low-rise hotel area near where Mi Dushi launches (Eagle and Palm Beach area)

 

Wave Runners - I know that there is a place on Renassaince Island to rent from and there you can be on the runner between mainland and the private island..... (but first you have to get a pass to the private island)

[rbfcruise]

http://www.aruba-redsail.com/cruiseship.shtml

 

this is the same group that is on renassance island and this has great info for you all!

[Blue Eyes]

Since you arrive early in the morning...rent a jeep or 4 wheel drive vehicle. We did that several years ago and explored the island on our own. I checked out some websites and ordered maps so we pretty much knew what we wanted to before we got there. Roads are well marked although quite rough in some areas. Sightsee early and spend some time on the beach later in the day. We did Baby Beach, the caves and then drove around to see the then intact Natural Bridge. Aruba is very different in terrain from most of the other islands.

[loriva]

Thank you all for your posts and ideas! So many choices and so little time!

[Arubalisa]

Thank you all for your posts and ideas! So many choices and so little time!

You are very welcome! Any questions, just ask. Certainly not enough time to do it all, but more than enough reasons to go back. ;)

[panathrasher]

I have been to Aruba 3 times- twice for a one-week stay each and then once via cruise ship.

 

 

c) DINNER - if you are in aruba for dinner time you can book this online ahead of time. But El Gaucho is the most amazing brazilian steak house (different than those all you can eat places in the states). You will need reservations. The other place to eat is Driftwood for excellent fish.

 

 

I second that, i just posted that in someone elses Aruba post, awesome food!!!