Aruba

jbond · July 8, 2008

We rented a jeep at the dock. Drove all over the island. Saw the lighthouse, divi divi trees, natural bridge, cave writings, got lost a few times and ended up at Baby Beach. Lots of fun.

DebbieandJerry · July 8, 2008

I teach a water aerobics class. I have a husband/wife couple who take my class. They are leaving tomorrow for 16 days in Aruba. I'll be able to get alot of information from her when she returns. I just need to remember to ask and then remember to post the answer.

cruisetarp · July 9, 2008

Thanks Debbie - it's always great to have some first hand information when visiting a new port.

DebbieandJerry · July 10, 2008

MaryLou: Caribbean Travel & Life, Sept 2008 issue (got in mail last night): Special Promotional Feature: ARUBA Romance. Family. Nightlife. All with a Dutch Accent

They have a website www.aruba.com. "To learn more about the island where happiness lives, call 1-800-TO-ARUBA."

I'll still make sure that Brian and Sara give me feedback to pass along. Debbie

DebbieandJerry · July 29, 2008

MaryLou: Sarah and Brian (and their 2 kids) reported that it was an extremely restful vacation, but not a whole lot to do. They snorkel, skindive, boggie board, etc. and said that Aruba is loaded with water sports. Sarah said to imagine endless beaches and magnificent water.

The two kids (high school age) got bored by week two. Why? No computer, no t.v., no movies to rent. They didn't like "playing games" with the parents. They were too young for the casinos and bars.

Bars and restaurants are plentiful and wonderful. Sarah said fabulous meals at incredibly low prices (very delicious fresh fish that she's sure she swam with earlier in the day.)

The highlight of their 16 days was seeing the turtles leave "en mass". Totally unexpected and very wonderful.

She said, "Don't waste your time or money on their museum and bridge". Bridge washed out years ago and it's a ploy to get you to buy souveniers once you're there. Museum "is a joke".

No gardens and/or parks to wander around in. Again, not a whole lot to do if you don't do the water sports and/or gambling in their casinos.

A few cruise ships came to Aruba during their vacation. They stayed away from the traffic. She did pass along that the cruise ships have their own excursions that the tourists don't know about.

A co-worker leaves this weekend for Aruba. I will get her feedback when she returns the middle of the month. Sorry that there wasn't much more to report. Debbie

cruisetarp · July 29, 2008

Thanks for the information Debbie. I know nothing about Aruba so any information I can pick up along the way is a big help.

zebra · August 12, 2008

I must say - we've been there twice.... and for us it's not the most memorable island in the Caribbean. We walked the casino - but we'd rather go the casino on the ship. Yes it's very much a beachy experience. For those who can't take too much sun (like me) the best bet is to just walk into town from the ship.

DebbieandJerry · August 18, 2008

MaryLou, co-worker returned to work today and the exact words were, "We are going to try and go back to Aruba once a year for a week." She said they mainly hung out at the beaches and ate.