Long Port Time 8:00-11:00 p.m.

First of all I know little to nothing about Aruba. We're doing ABC islands (and St Maarten) and I don't want to do the same thing on every island and 8-11 seems like a really really long port time without having a clue as what to do. Suggestions?

We're in our 50s and we love to snorkel but not sure if we'll want to do it every port. Snorkel Aruba or are there better/other things to do?

Aren't afraid to drive/rent car but not interested in the Trikes. We love taking in local culture, not just dong tourist things so maybe we need a car?

We like a sunset sail or some sort of catamaran sail with or without snorkeling.

Don't mind relaxing at the beach but enjoy pools more than ocean for swimming. Are there beach clubs with pools?

Is there really anything to do in the evenings? I read the stores close around 5:30. Are we better off going back to the ship?

Are we too picky?

Get a guidebook and read up on Aruba! You have a long day, which is nice, but you don't have to spend the entire time "doing something" unless you want to! Yes, there are a few hotels that will sell you time at their pool...but I feel if I pay that kind of money, I'd want to stay all day...you may not really need a pool, if a quick dip and walk along the beach will suit you!

The best thing is to KNOW something about where you're going. Libraries have guidebooks, so you can really get the most from your time ashore!

There are restaurants, and casinos within easy walking of port. Plenty to do at night! Just keep track of time!!!

There's tons to do in Aruba, and lots to do after dark. We vacation there every year for 2 -3 weeks and never get bored. There are some old threads with great suggestions. I'll look for them tomorrow and list them.

Jolly Pirate sunset sail. Leaves from Moomba's in Palm Beach.

There are a few day passes for Palm Beach in Aruba See the Occidental and Renaissance sites.

We would spend most of the day on a day pass at a place with pools and then see the town in the early evening.

I'm finally getting back to answer you. I've had a very busy weekend. Below is some beach info, although I know that you aren't particularly interested in beaches, just pools. I'll probably have to link the info in separate posts because I'm not too tech savvy. Here's the beach post. It is from a few years ago,but still accurate, although the pricing may have changed.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2013674&highlight=arubalisa

Here is a link to some non beach activities:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974050

Here are some things to do at night:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2446934

There are lots of restaurant posts, but a few of my favorites are:

Barefoot

Pinchos

West Deck

Passions

Madame Janette

Azzurro

Yemanja

Chalet Suisse

Thanks for the links Hatteras51

Thanks for the links Hatteras51

You are welcome. Have fun!

We're also visiting for a long day in November. We've stayed a number of times at Marriott's, and plan to rent a room for the day and split it between four people. There are two timeshare resorts and one Marriott and one Ritz in Palm Beach. All have very nice pools and beach chairs and palapas (Surf Club has free palapas, Ocean Club charges($10/day?). Not sure about Marriott hotel or Ritz .Even though checkin is not until late in the day, there are locker rooms to change into bathing suits or shower, Will stay on the beach for a long relaxing day, then either back to the ship for dinner or eat somewhere on the island.

Not sure about any day passes at these resorts. Feel free to pm for more info!

We debated a hotel as well.... but ultimately didn't do it. Our long day in Aruba consisted of being dropped off by the Riu and renting palapas. We grabbed a to go lunch at the little pier restaurant there. I walked up and down the beach and didn't miss the amenities of a hotel at all. We even went tubing at one point. Late afternoon we returned to the ship, showered and then head back out to Barefoot for a sunset dinner. It was much cheaper and gave us an opportunity to eat on the island.

We debated a hotel as well.... but ultimately didn't do it. Our long day in Aruba consisted of being dropped off by the Riu and renting palapas. We grabbed a to go lunch at the little pier restaurant there. I walked up and down the beach and didn't miss the amenities of a hotel at all. We even went tubing at one point. Late afternoon we returned to the ship, showered and then head back out to Barefoot for a sunset dinner. It was much cheaper and gave us an opportunity to eat on the island.

I like the way that you handled your day. This is what I recommend to people, instead of paying the all inclusive hotel prices. It's just not necessary in Aruba.

That sounds fun. How much dies it cost to rent a palapas? Was the cab fare much? Restrooms?

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We rode horses in the morning, snorkeled the wreck and reef in the afternoon and enjoyed some beach time and lunch at Bugaloe, and went out for dinner and dancing that evening.

Former Bville girl here! I'm sure we know at least 1 person in common, ha! So, I went back to my pics to double check. We had an umbrella (front row by the water) and 3 loungers. We were greeted when we got out from the cab (beach access by the Riu) by a guy asking if we wanted a package, which we did. I believe it was $30. There are public restrooms right at the beach. The cab was reasonable. Maybe $20? I can't remember that number, so this is just a guess.

That sounds fun. How much dies it cost to rent a palapas? Was the cab fare much? Restrooms?

 

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Small world, isn't it????

That sounds like a great place to go. Thank you for the info.

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Enjoy lunch and drinks at Bugaloe in front of the RIU, may also be a band playing