Aruba Cruise Port, often known as the Aruba Cruise Terminal or Port of Oranjestad, is among the main gateways to the Southern Caribbean’s stunning ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
The port is nestled proper on the sting of Oranjestad, the capital metropolis of Aruba, offering guests with the chance to discover the town or chill and loosen up on the close by white sand seashores.
If you happen to plan to go to this bustling port and the heritage-rich metropolis on its doorstep, we’re right here to assist. This information will clarify every little thing it’s essential know in regards to the cruise port, its environment, and extra.
Aruba Cruise Port Location and Handle
The Aruba Cruise Port is conveniently situated alongside Lloyd G. Smith Blvd. in Oranjestad. Since cruise ships dock on the piers instantly adjoining to the north finish of the capital metropolis’s bustling downtown space, cruise guests have easy accessibility to the town’s many sights and facilities.
Variety of Terminals and Piers
The cruise port boasts 4 docking berths, three of which have devoted terminal buildings. Relatively than utilizing the prolonged piers in neighboring Curacao, cruise ships dock instantly in entrance of the three terminals, with a fourth berth used solely for spillover through the busy season.
Aruba Cruise Terminal Amenities and Providers
Every of the three terminal buildings within the Aruba Cruise Port is absolutely air-conditioned, which could be a welcome escape from Aruba’s sizzling and humid local weather when you find yourself ready to return to your ship.
Every terminal constructing additionally has well-maintained public restrooms. If the terminal is especially crowded and there’s a line for the amenities, loos can be discovered on the close by Renaissance Mall.
All through the cruise facility, additionally, you will discover quite a few info cubicles staffed by pleasant and welcoming workers. You may as well discover assist desks with representatives of a number of the extra outstanding cruise traces and tour suppliers promoting numerous packages.
Whereas the port doesn’t provide free public Wi-Fi, you possibly can go to the Setar Telecommunications desk for all of your mobile and Wi-Fi wants. Web entry comes at a price, however costs are affordable, and the connection pace is pretty common for the Caribbean.
Seating within the terminal buildings is proscribed, however loads of eating places and cafés are close by, so in the event you arrive again on the port early, you possibly can simply discover a place to attend for departure time.
Accessibility
Every of the three terminal buildings and the complete port facility is wheelchair-friendly, so it’s fully accessible to these with mobility wants. If you happen to want additional help or want a wheelchair, you possibly can converse with representatives out of your cruise line earlier than arriving on the port.
Which Cruise Traces Go to Aruba Cruise Port?
Given Aruba’s reputation as a vacationer vacation spot, the trendy port facility can accommodate as much as 4 cruise ships at a time; it’s commonly utilized by a number of the most recognizable cruise traces. Simply a number of the many cruise traces that frequent Aruba Cruise Port embrace:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Celeb Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide Cruise Line
- Virgin Voyages
- Cunard
- Azamara
- Holland America
- TUI Cruises
Not one of the cruise traces have a long-term devoted berth, so ships are inclined to dock in several places from voyage to voyage. Passengers will probably be given a quantity from one to 4, informing them the place their ship will probably be. The port is extremely simple to navigate, so there are not often any points.
Transportation Choices
Upon exiting any of the three cruise terminal buildings, guests will discover a lengthy row of taxis circling the Cruise Ship Taxi Stand on the north aspect of the port facility.
Price Studying: Bonaire Cruise Port – What You Have to Know
Taxis are typically the popular technique of transportation for cruise passengers visiting the island, as they’re plentiful and most present flat charges. Given the significance of tourism to the island’s financial system, flat charges are official and enforced, so that you don’t have to fret about getting ripped off.
The island doesn’t but have any of the foremost rideshare apps, so don’t be stunned when you possibly can’t name an Uber. Nonetheless, this isn’t a significant difficulty as a result of taxi charges are so affordable.
A bus terminal is situated close to the port’s principal exit, providing easy routes across the metropolis of Oranjestad.
Fortunately, Oranjestad is a well-organized and comparatively small metropolis, so visitors is normally minimal. That mentioned, issues can get a bit congested across the port and the island’s hottest sights in the event you go to throughout peak vacationer season.
Getting Between Aruba Cruise Port and Airport
Aruba Cruise Port can be strategically near the island nation’s principal airport, Queen Beatrix Worldwide Airport (AUA). Because the airport companies direct flights from the USA, Canada, and several other different Caribbean nations, vacationers generally use it, as do these flying to and from cruises.
With solely 3.4 miles separating the 2, cruise passengers can simply commute by taxi instantly alongside Lloyd G. Smith Blvd. in roughly 10 minutes.
Language, Foreign money, and Tradition
Though Dutch and Papiamento are Aruba’s two official languages, English is extensively spoken, particularly amongst these working within the tourism business. The workers working the vacationer info cubicles in cruise terminals are additionally fluent in English, making communication simple for many worldwide vacationers.
The official foreign money of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), however virtually each institution will settle for U.S. {Dollars}. When you can’t use bank cards from avenue distributors, most eating places and shops in Oranjestad settle for the foremost playing cards. Keep in mind that Aruba is dearer than another Caribbean islands, so don’t be stunned if costs appear excessive.
Whereas tipping just isn’t necessary in Aruba, some eating places and bars cost a ten% to fifteen% service cost for bigger teams. Even in the event you don’t see these expenses in your invoice, tipping for good service is at all times appreciated in Aruba and different components of the Caribbean.
The Finest Time to Go to Aruba and Seasonal Climate Circumstances
Aruba’s tropical local weather makes it a year-round journey vacation spot, however situations range from season to season. Common guests usually agree that late spring to early summer season is the most effective time to go to the island.
Learn Additionally: When is the Finest Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
Between April and July, it is best to get pleasure from loads of sunshine, temperatures within the 79° to 89°F vary, and comparatively low probabilities of rainfall.
With that mentioned, not everybody can or needs to journey throughout these months, so right here’s a fundamental breakdown of seasonal situations in Aruba:
Summer time (June to August)
Temperatures are inclined to hover between 79° and 90°F, with situations at their hottest in August. Whereas rainfall is decrease than that of the northern Caribbean islands, occasional showers and thunderstorms can happen.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in Aruba is much like summer season, with temperatures ranging between 75° and 88°F; nevertheless, humidity tends to rise barely. Rainfall will increase with moisture, so you want gentle, moisture-wicking clothes.
Winter (December to February)
Though winter is the good season in Aruba, its proximity to the equator means it’s normally fairly heat and dry. Temperatures are normally measured within the 75° to 80°F vary, with minimal rainfall. This makes it a preferred time to go to, particularly for vacationers who dwell in chilly climates.
Spring (March to Might)
Spring brings hotter temperatures within the mid-80° F vary, light winds, and comparatively low humidity. Rainfall can be minimal, making it the best time to get pleasure from out of doors actions and seashore outings.
Facilities and Points of interest Close to Aruba Cruise Port
Since Aruba Cruise Port sits proper on the sting of Oranjestad, the town’s many facilities are all inside affordable strolling distance. Town is effectively price exploring, as its shut historic ties to the Netherlands imply it’s stuffed with Dutch colonial structure however with Caribbean-style colours. It’s a really stunning metropolis.
You probably have restricted time in port, you possibly can simply stroll to the next Oranjestad highlights.
The Nationwide Archaeological Museum of Aruba
The museum is extremely spectacular for such a small island nation, with collections spanning from 2500 BC to the trendy period. It’s situated simply 0.3 miles from the terminals, so you possibly can stroll to it in minutes.
The Royal Plaza Mall
For these much less taken with historical past and archaeology, the cruise port can be situated only a 5-minute stroll from the Royal Plaza Mall. The mall has a mixture of native distributors and high-end designer shops. If you happen to’re restricted on time or wish to seize a fast memento earlier than getting again in your ship, it’s an amazing possibility.
Historic Museum of Aruba
Constructed into the stays of Fort Zoutman, a former navy fortification, it now serves as a museum devoted to the island’s historical past and its connection to the slave commerce. Taking a guided strolling tour of the fort grounds is among the greatest methods to get essentially the most out of the expertise.
On condition that it’s lower than a mile from the port, it’s very simple to get to. The stroll will take you previous Aruba’s authorities buildings, which showcase traditional Dutch structure.
Queen Wilhelmina Park and Renaissance Seaside
Positioned only a 15-minute stroll from the port, this peaceable, ocean-side park is a wonderful place to take a seat again and loosen up. With statues, water fountains, and direct entry to Renaissance Seaside, it’s possibility for these in search of a quiet afternoon.
Fresco Beachside Bar can be situated simply steps from the park. You may as well style Aruba’s Dutch connection by trying out The Dutch Pancake Home, which is steps away from the seashore.
Standard Seashores Close to the Port
Whereas the mix of Dutch and Caribbean tradition and structure makes the island uniquely charming, the seashores make Aruba a real gem of the Southern Caribbean. The next are simply a number of the extra in style choices:
Eagle Seaside
This picture-perfect seashore is situated lower than 3 miles from the cruise port, so it’s a must-visit vacation spot. The neighborhood on the high of the white sand seashore is a wonderful place for a stroll. With Dutch structure and loads of cafés and bars, it’s the right place to spend a day.
Palm Seaside
Positioned a bit of additional north however nonetheless solely 4.3 miles from the port, you’ll discover Palm Seaside. Because of its proximity to a number of the island’s many resorts, there are many bars and eating places.
It’s additionally very near the Bubali Hen Sanctuary, the place you possibly can view a number of the many tropical birds that decision Aruba residence, like flamingos and snowy egrets.
Surfside Seaside
In order for you a quieter seashore, Surfside Seaside has a extra relaxed environment. Positioned simply 1.5 miles from the port, it’s additionally possibility for these with restricted time. With a number of beachside bars, it’s a stunning seashore to get pleasure from a calming drink and watch the surfers.
Distance to Standard Points of interest
For these keen to journey a bit of additional outdoors the port, the entire of Aruba is comparatively accessible. The next are simply a number of the in style sights which are price taking a taxi to:
Conchi Pure Pool
Positioned practically 8 miles from the port, this pure saltwater pool is extremely stunning. Splashing within the pool can be a good way to cap off a hike across the island’s northern conservation space.
Aruba Butterfly Farm
Positioned just some minutes stroll from the north aspect of Eagle Seaside, the Butterfly Farm is simply 3.8 miles from the port. Step right into a tropical backyard and get swarmed by butterflies from all around the world. If you happen to’re in search of the right Instagram image, you’ve discovered it!
The Donkey Sanctuary of Aruba
Positioned 6 miles from the port, this secure haven for injured and rescued donkeys is effectively price a go to. Not solely are you able to feed the pleasant donkeys, however all proceeds and donations go in direction of their welfare. Do your self and the donkeys a favor and convey a number of apples or carrots!
Aruba Pure Bridge in Arikok Nationwide Park
This distinctive rock formation mimics a man-made bridge. The pure limestone arch is extremely photogenic, particularly in the event you can snag {a photograph} of the crashing waves on the opposite aspect of the bridge.
Taking a hike by means of Arikok Nationwide Park to the bridge is a very talked-about exercise. At simply over 7 miles from the port, attending to the park just isn’t overly troublesome.
Eating Close to Aruba Cruise Port
Oranjestad has a vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of choices that showcase the island’s weird mix of Dutch, Caribbean, South American, and African delicacies.
When you can simply wander across the metropolis and stroll into any of the quite a few eating places that catch your eye, the extra in style choices embrace The West Deck and Yemanja Woodfired Grill. Each provide dishes that showcase the island’s distinctive flavors. An alternative choice is Sandra’s Backyard Restaurant, which is inside strolling distance from the port space and subsequent to Surfside Seaside.
For one thing nearer to the cruise port and with a extra laidback environment, take a stroll over to Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant. Seize some recent seafood and watch the boats come and go from Renaissance Marina.
Given Aruba’s pretty excessive GDP and booming tourism business, Oranjestad is a client’s paradise. We already mentioned how shut The Royal Plaza Mall is to the cruise port, however loads of different choices are close by.
Renaissance Mall & Market is a extra upscale procuring advanced with loads of worldwide retailers, duty-free retailers, and high-end luxurious shops. You may as well stroll by means of the town streets and discover quite a few retailers, particularly wandering alongside L.G. Smith Boulevard, dotted with jewelers and designer retailers.
Steadily Requested Questions (FAQs)
Are you able to stroll round Aruba from the cruise port?
Sure, the cruise port is situated instantly throughout the metropolis of Oranjestad, so its many sights, retailers, and eating places are all inside strolling distance.
What’s near the cruise port in Aruba?
The cruise port is situated on the sting of downtown Oranjestad, so it’s simple to entry many sights, together with the Archaeological Museum, Fort Zoutman, the Renaissance Mall, and Eagle Seaside.
How a lot is a taxi in Aruba from the cruise port?
Taxi fares range relying on the place you’re going however are typically very affordable. Plus, official flat charges are displayed on the cruise port and throughout the cabs themselves. Count on to pay between $10 and $35 to get round, relying on how far you’re touring from the port.
