I want to go to Aruba but Carnival won't take me!

[JordanLovesCruisin]

Oh Ron, Aruba was so beautiful. We did Adventure of the Seas, and that was my favorite cruise so far. Don 't let the San Juan Airport change your mind. San Juan was beautiful when we went.

[lizardhowson]

Celebrity goes there from Ft Lauderdale.

 

Yea, I was thinking along the lines of a 7 day.

 

Looks like Ron has some options, after all.

[MDC]

I too would love to see Carnival do a 7-10 day "Southern Carribean" cruise out of a South Florida port.

 

I think that itinerary would do well for Carnival in that many people like avoiding the cost and hassle of leaving out of San Juan.

 

If other lines can do it, I would think Carnival would give it some serious consideration.

[tef43]

I too would love to see Carnival do a 7-10 day "Southern Carribean" cruise out of a South Florida port.

Miracle out of Ft Lauderdale, 8 days sailing to St Maarten, St Kitts and St Lucia, marketed as "Southern Caribbean" itinerary.

[kyrisong1]

I totally agree and would be one of the first to book. We love these islands. And we love to cruise from Fl, don't want to pay the air fare to San Juan from Nebraska, it's steep!!!!!

Cheers, Carole

[kathy32259]

Hey Ron, we also wanted to see Aruba and Costa Rica, we went on the Constellation 11 day with Celebrity, we enjoyed it so much we did the say itenerary sans Costa Rica and picked up Cartagena, Columbia the next year. It was really nice and I highly recommend this Itenerary.

Carole

 

Hey Carole - any tips on Cartagena? I will be there at the end of March on the Pride. Carnival does not have many (if any) excursions for that port.

[Hat Pinz Guy]

The wife and i finally bit the bullet and are doing a Princess that goes to Aruba next month.

 

Would have loved to have been on a carnival ship and go to Aruba.

but oh well... we will be living the "Dream" in December.

 

Plus this actually works better for us- since we are in NC , Next year we can start going from Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore and not have to fly as much, that should save us alot of money without airfare involved and should still be able to support our hobby.

[kyrisong1]

I know on Celebrity they won't let you out unless you're on a booked tour with the cruiselines, the crime there is kinda bad.

I would book a city overview, we went to the fort (awesome and full of history but you do alot of walking UPHILL) and then the church and of course the Inquistion museum. If you can find a tour that combines these you will love it. The city is amazing, beautiful and so full of history.

Do not forget to get coffee if you're a coffee lover, I brought back some great beans!!! Now I wish I would have gotten more.

The church is amazing, can't remember the name off the top of my head, but it's beautiful and even has a few glass caskets with mummies in them, and stained glass to die for.

There are different metal sculptures out in the courtyards in the downtown area, very cool. And many of the shops and homes are beautiful colors with flower boxes with lush, colorful flowers hanging down.

Your guide will tell you to ignore the people hawking wares on the street, they are very aggressive, but won't hurt you, we just didn't even look at them.

The military is out in force when the ships are in port and there are armed, muscle bound military dudes everywhere, I took a LOT of pictures of them :D They keep a good protective eye on the tourists.

Unfortunately I do not believe this country is far enough recovered from the drug cartels that ripped it apart for people to be taking off on their own. But it's definitely one of our favorites and we are glad we went there.

Hope this helps, Carole

[nealthedeal]

:mad: I would never ever go to aruba what they did to that poor girl & her family was a terrible terrible thing! Yes I said they cause the kids father was a judge so he was given special treatment over us dumb tourists in their minds!

Even though he confessed & bragged about it!

[kathy32259]

I know on Celebrity they won't let you out unless you're on a booked tour with the cruiselines, the crime there is kinda bad.

I would book a city overview, we went to the fort (awesome and full of history but you do alot of walking UPHILL) and then the church and of course the Inquistion museum. If you can find a tour that combines these you will love it. The city is amazing, beautiful and so full of history.

Do not forget to get coffee if you're a coffee lover, I brought back some great beans!!! Now I wish I would have gotten more.

The church is amazing, can't remember the name off the top of my head, but it's beautiful and even has a few glass caskets with mummies in them, and stained glass to die for.

There are different metal sculptures out in the courtyards in the downtown area, very cool. And many of the shops and homes are beautiful colors with flower boxes with lush, colorful flowers hanging down.

Your guide will tell you to ignore the people hawking wares on the street, they are very aggressive, but won't hurt you, we just didn't even look at them.

The military is out in force when the ships are in port and there are armed, muscle bound military dudes everywhere, I took a LOT of pictures of them :D They keep a good protective eye on the tourists.

Unfortunately I do not believe this country is far enough recovered from the drug cartels that ripped it apart for people to be taking off on their own. But it's definitely one of our favorites and we are glad we went there.

Hope this helps, Carole

 

Thank you Carole - it certainly does help! Now back to Aruba....:D

 

I loved Aruba and went there on Carnival a month before the Natalie Holloway incident. I thought it was interesting that they stopped porting there after that happened. I would like to take a longer cruise to the southern caribbean - those are beautiful islands. Someday I might have to switch to see them all! The Carnival San Juan cruise is too port intensive for me cause I like some sea days....

 

Of course Carnival monitors these threads so maybe they will listen and put some 10+ day itinerarys on in the future!! :D

[Loves_Dogs]

I totally agree and would be one of the first to book. We love these islands. And we love to cruise from Fl, don't want to pay the air fare to San Juan from Nebraska, it's steep!!!!!

Cheers, Carole

 

TELL me about it!

 

I cruised Destiny out of San Juan and was getting scared that I would have to cancel for lack of finding reasonable airfare from Ohio to San Juan. I have AOS booked and cannot wait for the airfare to open up so I can start the search!

 

OP-

Aruba is beautiful, by FAR my favorite port. Can't wait to go back (hopefully this December) do some scuba diving. I can absolutely relate to your wanting to find a cruise that visits there. It really is not bad cruising out of San Juan. We looked at it as getting an extra port. We flew in a day early and visited the forts, it really was enjoyable. Yes, the airfare is more expensive and the flight long, but we are doing it again so to us it was worth it!

[kyrisong1]

And include aruba!!!! Beautiful island, lovely people.

Nealthedeal, this stuff happens everywhere, and I don't for one second believe that they didn't do their best to find the girl. However you cannot convict without a body, unless you have strong circumstantial evidence and to this day there is no body.

You do as you choose, but if you think that the preferential treatment doesn't happen everywhere, well I think your hiding from the truth.

People get away with horrible things all the time. In the end they will have to answer for their sins.

But as for me I will not blame an entire Island for the sins of one tourist there.

Did they give the kid preferential treatment because of his father? I don't believe that there is really good info that they did, although I know he brought in high powered lawyers and blew alot of smoke, I believe the father helped his son get away with murder, but I don't believe the "conspiracy theorists" that the law turned their heads the other way.

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

Hey Ron, we also wanted to see Aruba and Costa Rica, we went on the Constellation 11 day with Celebrity, we enjoyed it so much we did the say itenerary sans Costa Rica and picked up Cartagena, Columbia the next year. It was really nice and I highly recommend this Itenerary.

If you get to Aruba I will suggest that you try to eat at The Old Fisherman in the shopping area downtown, a local pointed us to this place and it's still one of the best meals we can think of. Not fancy at all we were in jeans and baseball caps. But the food was outstanding.

The people of Aruba are friendly and happy people, it's called "one happy little island"

And for the poster that posted the Natalie Holloway poster, shame on you!!!! Do NOT blame Aruba for that. First off things happen here in the US and other countries EVERY day, girls disappear. Second the person that was probable in doing this to this girl was NOT an Aruba native and the people there HATE that this happened there. I talked to several natives there and they all say the same.

I've heard many people say they would never go there because of the Natalie thing. Well those people should stay locked in their homes and go no where. Everywhere, everyday there are girls disappearing, people being robbed, mugged, killed, raped, etc.:rolleyes:

Carole

 

For some reason Colombia scares me but Aruba is one of the few places I have yet to go.

 

Thanks for the tip on the Old Fisherman. I will try to remember that.

 

I love the 8 days itens on Carnival to Panama and Costa Rica. Perhaps Carnival will try to work Aruba into one of those.

[kyrisong1]

Ron that would be so awesome if they did. Costa Rica is just one of my favs also. Love the country!!!!

Carole

[Kurbanfan]

The wife and i finally bit the bullet and are doing a Princess that goes to Aruba next month.

 

Would have loved to have been on a carnival ship and go to Aruba.

but oh well... we will be living the "Dream" in December.

 

Plus this actually works better for us- since we are in NC , Next year we can start going from Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore and not have to fly as much, that should save us alot of money without airfare involved and should still be able to support our hobby.

 

I think you will be glad you bit that bullet JMHO;)

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

Ron that would be so awesome if they did. Costa Rica is just one of my favs also. Love the country!!!!

Carole

 

Isnt Costa Rica Da Bomb?

 

I have actually looked into staying there. I found a little hotel with open air rooms in the country side next to a lake. Heaven. Still considering that for the future.

 

So anyone want to go on a Princess cruise next Feb to Aruba? :D

[Kurbanfan]

I too would love to see Carnival do a 7-10 day "Southern Carribean" cruise out of a South Florida port.

 

I think that itinerary would do well for Carnival in that many people like avoiding the cost and hassle of leaving out of San Juan.

 

If other lines can do it, I would think Carnival would give it some serious consideration.

 

Carnival Corps other lines do........ like Princess...that is their market. Carnival's market is the shorter cruises.......

They don't want to compete with their own lol!

[Kurbanfan]

Isnt Costa Rica Da Bomb?

 

I have actually looked into staying there. I found a little hotel with open air rooms in the country side next to a lake. Heaven. Still considering that for the future.

 

So anyone want to go on a Princess cruise next Feb to Aruba? :D

 

I would love to.......

[Gater Girl]

It is way past time Carnival had some new routes.. Many of their usual ports have become places I am afraid to go. HAL has the Westerdam do a seven day to Aruba and Curaco..and I think the Legend and the Miracle are as fast as the Westerdam.

AND AS FOR NATALEE HOLLOWAY... I am from Alabama. I will go to the ocean if I can and ,if I get there..say a prayer..toss a flower into the Sea..for that is where I think she rests...and PROMISE HER that we will NEVER forget her. NEVER. Sometimes I think murdered souls have restless spirits..even the Bible talks of such...and while I DO NOT WISH to throw money at ARUBA..and would NEVER land stay...I will sure take a cruise...and remember that child who lies in the sea. AND not everyone in Aruba is guilty.

HAL is so darn borning. The food is wonderful. The service is great. The fellow guests..for the most part..are nice. The shows are fine. The casino is great. BUT THEY MIGHT..MIGHT HAVE ONE GAME OF TRIVIA A DAY. NO SPORTS TRIVIA. NO MIND GAMES. AND I ENJOY THE CHALLENGE AND THE SOCIALIZATION OF THOSE ACTIVITIES. SOMETIMES THEY ARE HILAROUS.

 

ON HAL.............AFTER DINNER...THAT IS ABOUT IT. AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON PRINCESS. NCL IS BRINGING A SHIP TO ORLANDO IN 2010. GUESS WHERE THEY ARE GOING? ST. MARTEEN AND ST. THOMAS. I MEAN THE GLORY GOES THERE..THE DREAM WILL GO THERE...RC GOES THERE...WHY OH WHY COULD THEY NOT GO TO TWO ISLANDS IN THE E. CARRIBEAN THAT IS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?? EVEN GRAND TURK? ISLANDS IN THE BAHAMAS THAT ARE NEW. NEW PORTS IN THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN VIRGIN ISLANDS. PLEASE.

[kyrisong1]

Isnt Costa Rica Da Bomb?

 

I have actually looked into staying there. I found a little hotel with open air rooms in the country side next to a lake. Heaven. Still considering that for the future.

 

So anyone want to go on a Princess cruise next Feb to Aruba? :D

hmmmmmmmmmm where else they going? :D

Oh Columbia is really cool too, just have to be careful and stay with ship tours. I know this doesn't move you Ron, but those muscle bound military dudes are pretty reassuring <wink wink>

We did an Charlie Soto tour in Costa Rica, loved it!!! We have talked about a land vacation in two places. Costa Rica and Aruba, otherwise we cruise :D

Carole

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

hmmmmmmmmmm where else they going? :D

Oh Columbia is really cool too, just have to be careful and stay with ship tours. I know this doesn't move you Ron, but those muscle bound military dudes arepretty reassuring <wink wink>

We did an Charlie Soto tour in Costa Rica, loved it!!! We have talked about a land vacation in two places. Costa Rica and Aruba, otherwise we cruise :D

Carole

 

Kyrisong if you are interested it is Ruby Princess:

 

Ft Lauderdale

At Sea

At Sea

Aruba

Bonaire

Grenada

Dominica

St Thomas

At Sea

Princess Cays

Ft Lauderdale

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 19 sailing.

 

I am by no means interested in taking on a group cruise type thing but if anyone is interested it is still far enough out to plan.

 

Muscle bound Military men? WOOF!

 

I live in an area with over a dozen military bases. Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard, NATO Forces......:D

 

Did I say woof?

[Kurbanfan]

Kyrisong if you are interested it is Ruby Princess:

 

 

 

1

 

Ft. Lauderdale' date=' Florida

 

5:00 PM [center']2[/center]

 

At Sea

 

 

 

3

 

At Sea

 

 

 

4

 

 

Aruba

8:00 AM

 

 

5:00 PM

5

 

 

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

7:00 AM

 

 

2:00 PM

6

 

 

Grenada

12:00 PM

 

 

7:00 PM

7

 

 

Dominica

7:00 AM

 

 

5:00 PM

8

 

 

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

8:00 AM

 

 

6:00 PM

9

 

At Sea

 

 

 

10

 

 

Princess Cays, Bahamas

9:00 AM

 

 

4:00 PM

11

 

 

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

7:00 AM

 

 

 

January 19 sailing.

 

I am by no means interested in taking on a group cruise type thing but if anyone is interested it is still far enough out to plan.

 

Muscle bound Military men? WOOF!

 

I live in an area with over a dozen military bases. Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard, NATO Forces......:D

 

Did I say woof?

 

 

No thanks....too long and too many sea days for me. We are going to do the Caribbean Princess out of San Juan:D

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

No thanks....too long and too many sea days for me. We are going to do the Caribbean Princess out of San Juan:D

 

10 days and 3 sea days. Not too bad in my opinion.

 

7 days just isnt long enough for me.

 

To each his own.

 

Enjoy yourself though ok?

[wannacruisemore]

GOOD!!!!!!! I wouldnt give them a dime!!!!! The way they handled the Natalie Holaway case is unforgivable!!!!! There are plenty other beautiful beaches to see. Sorry, but thats my feelings!!!

[birdie16]

I really don't get it...we HATED Aruba! We rented a car, drove around the island, went to the National Park (everything was caged up and closed), Baby Beach...next to the smelly, ugly oil refinery...we were back on the ship by 1:00 PM! Maybe it is because we are from Arizona and didn't want to look at desert, but we thought it was one of the ugliest places we have ever been. I will admit, the people were nice though.

 

In my opinion it is way too far away and not worth the effort...so many beautiful places in the Caribbean...why Aruba?