Occidental Grand Aruba Hotel Day Pass?

One of the ports we go to on our upcoming Panama Canal cruise is Aruba.

Has anybody done the day pass at this resort? If so, was it worth the 79.00?

Also did you purchase it ahead of time or just get one at the front desk when you got there? Not sure if they would limit the number sold based on occupancy of the hotel and number of cruise ships in port.

We would like to know if it's worth the 158.00 for the two of us plus the taxi fare. Thanks Cruise Critics! We have gotten so much great advice from all of you. :)

You know, all of the beaches are public, and have chair/umbrella rentals.....you don't NEED to pay a hotel for a pass, if you don't want to! I think we spent about $26 for 2 loungers and umbrella....there was a bar nearby, where we settled after we'd had enough sun!!!

As a previous poster said, all the beaches as well as access in Aruba are free. When we were in Aruba about a year ago, we took a bus from the end of the pier, got off at the stop near the Divi Village Beach Resort, walked across the street to the beach, rented our chairs and had a great day. I don't remember what the bus fare was but know it was not vey much. Plenty of bars and places to eat along the beach.