Aruba is among the livelier, more developed islands in the Caribbean. Aruba has high-rise resorts, great restaurants and glitzy casinos lining every white-sand beach. You'll find plenty of things to do on Aruba vacations, too: sunbathing, world-class windsurfing and waterskiing by day, and discos, cabarets, dinner shows and high-stakes gambling at night.
What you won't see in Aruba is an abundance of natural attractions. Nor is Aruba covered in lush foliage. It's about as close to a desert island as you'll find in the Caribbean, with stands of cacti and aloe vera dotting the dusty terrain. In fact, Aruba is so dry, goats eat the cacti in search of something resembling leaves.
Location
Aruba's port is at Oranjestad, the island's capital and main town, which is on the southern coast, 2.5 mi/4 km west of Queen Beatrix International Airport. The dock is toward the north end of the town center, within easy walking distance of the bus terminal, shops, restaurants and casinos.
Cruise ships tie up at one of three terminals, which are operated by Aruba Ports Authority (Port Administration Building, L.G. Smith Boulevard 23, Oranjestad. Phone 297-582-6633. http://arubaports.com.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least-expensive way to see the island, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship.
Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line. Typical shore excursions include around-the-island sightseeing, an off-road Jeep or ATV tour through Aruba's wild countryside, or a sail around the island with stops for snorkeling and swimming. Some passengers may prefer a day of guided scuba diving, or a horseback ride along the coast. Special-interest tours are available for photographers, and beach bums can sign up for a day pass at one of the waterfront resorts, which often includes use of all the facilities and watersports equipment.
