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The Oranjestad Aruba cruise port offers wheelchair and step-free accessibility within the terminal facilities. There are also wheelchair accessible vans and taxis available at the port. Immediately at the Aruba cruise port facilities, travelers will find a handful of local bites and bars. Within walking distance, visitors will find a broader array of Caribbean cuisine, grills and steakhouses, fresh fish and Aruban cornbread. Aruba’s shopping and dining scene truly offers something for everyone.
What's within walking distance
For cruises bound for the southern Caribbean, making a stop in Aruba is often the most eagerly anticipated part of the journey. As your ship docks at the Aruba cruise port in Oranjestad, we're here to provide cruisers with a comprehensive guide to the port area. Our aim is to equip you with all the essential information to ensure your day on 'One Happy Island' is nothing short of exceptional.
Oranjestad Aruba (Netherlands Antilles)
The second you disembark, warm, friendly Arubans will welcome you to Oranjestad, our capitol, bustling with shopping, restaurants, and vibrant pastel Dutch-colonial architecture to browse and explore. Or, to hop aboard an organized tour with an experienced guide, see an authentic side of Aruba that only locals know, and make the most of your one sunny day on our happy island. Aruba, a picturesque Caribbean island, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a rich cultural tapestry that reflects its Dutch and indigenous heritage. Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the northern coast of Venezuela, Aruba offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. With a year round warm climate, Aruba is a popular destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a laid back island escape.
Aruba shore excursions and tours
One of the popular Arubus routes, the L10A bus, runs approximately every 20 minutes, covering the northwest side of the island and stopping at renowned beaches like Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Malmok Beach, and Arashi Beach. We suggest taking this route to Arashi Beach, where the bus conveniently drops you off right in front of the parking lot, ensuring a hassle-free day of sun and surf with views of California Lighthouse. There's also an open-air trolley that provides tours around downtown Oranjestad, suitable for both sightseeing and shopping. This is a great free option for those who want to stay close to the ship. Just like Eagle Beach, Palm Beach is full of great restaurants and beach bars. Oranjestad is a shopper’s paradise with locally made arts and crafts, Dutch cheese shops, designer fashions, and leather goods all within the central downtown core.
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If you search for an ATM or free Wi-Fi, you can get them at the Diamond International store that you’ll spot upon exiting the terminal. The currency in Aruba is the Aruban Guilder (aka Florin; AWG), but credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted, so there is no need to change the money. Oranjestad is an amazing place to explore and go shopping, and my advice is to save some time to visit the capital as well. Taxis in Aruba are not metered, and the drivers should stick to the official fares established by the government. However, they don’t always respect that, so it’s highly recommended to check the official fares at the tourist information desk beforehand and then agree on the price with the driver. Beyond this area, you'll encounter additional souvenir shops and tour buses.
If you are looking for those famous, white sand Aruban beaches near the cruise port, there are multiple options. Turn right on the Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard and after a fifteen minute walk you can dip your toes in the sand at the beach. Other possibilities are taking a taxi or Arubus to Eagle Beach or - a little up north - Palm Beach. Both are larger than Surfside Beach and you can find many beach bars, restaurants and water activities here. The Aruba cruise terminal facilities are air-conditioned and offer access to taxis, local transportation and rental cars. There is also a variety of restaurants and shops immediately at the Oranjestad Aruba cruise port, and within walking distance.
Adventure begins on the water
Great shopping, dining and bar-hopping are within walking distance of the dock. Several malls are located right across the street from the terminal, and as soon as you exit to the left you will find a small market in the Royal Plaza selling trinkets from stalls. A stroll along the waterfront is a great way to take in the faux-Dutch colonial architecture and tropical pastels. The island is a surprising mix of soft, white-sand beaches and desert (the aloe plant thrives here and aloe vera is one of the island's biggest exports); Dutch heritage and influences from nearby Venezuela. The official language is Papiamento, an intriguing blend of Dutch, English, Spanish and creole, but most islanders are multilingual (including English).
MVC Eagle Beach Aruba
Right outside the cruise terminals or close to the gangways if your ship docks at one of the piers without a terminal building, you will find taxis with official rates. The beaches of Aruba are famous, spectacular, and very easy to enjoy on your own. The Bus Terminal is right in front of the port exit, public buses are affordable, have stops next to the most popular beaches, and taxis are not the rip-off found in many other Caribbean ports. Oranjestad (the capital and cruise port of Aruba) is a neat city, clean, very well kept, and organized, which from the moment you step out of the cruise ship embraces you with a sense of relaxed safety.
Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades. While the port may not have a dedicated Wi-Fi signal, the island of Aruba has numerous hotspots accessible within the downtown of Oranjestad. Shopping The terminal is close to the city centre of Oranjestad. This is where the shopping district starts and you will come across more and more stores the closer you get to the city centre of Oranjestad.
However, U.S. currency is widely accepted, and most banks' ATMs will dispense it, including the Caribbean Mercantile Bank in the cruise terminal next to the information center. Your experience and unique tips can be the guiding light for fellow cruisers, enriching their journeys and ensuring they uncover hidden gems, savor extraordinary moments, and create memories that last a lifetime. Share your wisdom and be a part of the global community that makes travel richer and more rewarding for all.
These are just a few of the incredible beaches that Aruba has to offer. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, water sports, or underwater exploration, you’ll find the perfect beach to suit your preferences in this Caribbean paradise. For culinary enthusiasts, the port also features a variety of dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, offering both local Aruban cuisine and international flavors. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or sample some traditional Caribbean dishes as you take in the picturesque view of the waterfront.
This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean. Surely you will not miss any of these streets if you look out for the tram tracks or the tram itself which offers both transportation and sightseeing to Plaza Nicky and back. Aruba is one of the most popular destinations in the south Caribbean itineraries. And there are good reasons why this island is a first sight love for most cruisers.
Return in time to the Aruban cruise ship port for a lovely dinner at a nearby restaurant or a sunset dinner on a cruise. As you disembark at the Aruba Cruise Port, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the island’s hospitality and the beauty of its surroundings. Take the time to explore the top attractions, from natural wonders like Arikok National Park and Palm Beach to historical sites like Fort Zoutman and the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.
Fort Zoutman is a major tourist attraction, along with the Willem III Tower (near the fort) and the tax-free harbour zone (port locode AWORJ). Naturally, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Aruba. Celebrity Cruises offers as many 43 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 43 cruise excursions.
The ferry service will boost the Dutch Antiles tourism industry. Renaissance Island is a man-made island located off the coast close to Oranjestad. It has a total area of 16 hectares (40 acres) and is privately owned, with Aruba's two private beaches - Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach. The private island also has two shipwrecks - Beechcraft 18, and Convair 400, both deliberately sunk in order to create a diving site. Oranjestad is a port city on Aruba Island - an island country, one Holland's overseas territories. The city is also the country's largest town and capital, with population around 35,000.
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