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The other "Dutch Antilles" islands are in the Lesser Antilles - Sint Maarten (the southern part of Saint Martin island), Saba Island and Sint Eustatius Island. Share your wisdom and be a part of the global community that makes travel richer and more rewarding for all. While the port may not have a dedicated Wi-Fi signal, the island of Aruba has numerous hotspots accessible within the downtown of Oranjestad. Home to the best beaches in the Caribbean, Aruba is where soft, cooling white sand meets the restoring turquoise sea. Aruba is honored that the world’s most prestigious and respected cruise lines choose our island as a port-of-call in the Caribbean. Some of these cruise lines visit our port year-round, while others choose Aruba as a port-of-call during selected seasons.
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It is the perfect place for a shopping spree or stroll along the colorful boutiques. Sampling these local delicacies offers a delicious way to experience the island’s culture during your short visit. The beach is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, offering an opportunity to taste local cuisine and refreshing tropical cocktails.
Aruba Ports Authority Oranjestad - Barcadera
There are many car rental companies within walking distance from the Aruba cruise terminal. Hop in your rental car and find out what secret beaches, roads, and vistas Aruba has to offer you. One such docking location is the Barcadera Pier, located in the southeastern part of the island. This pier is often used for smaller ships or private yachts, offering a more exclusive and intimate experience for passengers.
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Cruise ships dock in Aruba in piers next to the north end of Oranjestad downtown, the capital city of the Island (population around 35,000). There are four docking spots, two of which with Terminal Buildings. Depending on how many ships docked are in port, the walk to the main street – Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard – varies between 5 and 10 minutes. This proximity allows cruise passengers easy access to a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences that Oranjestad has to offer. As you plan your cruise to Aruba, be sure to check the specific docking location provided by your cruise line or travel agent.
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Smith Boulevard to the Renaissance Marketplace and then back thinking that there isn't more to see in Oranjestad. From enjoying a shore excursion or relaxing on a beautiful beach, let’s dive into what to do in Aruba on a cruise port day. Moreover, the port area offers various amenities to enhance your time in Aruba. You’ll find duty-free shops where you can indulge in some retail therapy, picking up souvenirs, jewelry, fashion, or local handicrafts. There are also plenty of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, serving a wide array of cuisines.
In conclusion, the Aruba cruise port in Oranjestad presents a multitude of possibilities for every traveler. Whether you're interested in shopping, beach activities, or sightseeing, you'll find it all easily accessible in this tropical paradise, ensuring a memorable visit to the beautiful island of Aruba. We spoke to fellow cruise passengers who opted to rent a car for a different perspective of the island. They simply took a taxi to the nearby Queen Beatrix International Airport, where well-known car rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, and Alamo are located. They found this process to be straightforward and enjoyable, particularly when traveling with family or friends.
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Read on for our breakdown of the Oranjestad Aruba cruise port, including address information, cruise lines, services and more. Also, be sure to check out Cruise Critic's cruise deals to the Aruba cruise port and see what tips, tricks and secret advice our Cruise Critic members have to say about cruises from the Aruba cruise port. We already mentioned Eagle Beach, but we can also recommend Oranjestad. The Aruba cruise terminal is situated here, so you can hop off the ship and get immersed in this colorful town immediately.
Dining In Oranjestad – Aruba
Known for its impeccably white sand beaches and cobalt blue seas, Aruba is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. While there might be some debate whether the eastern or western Caribbean areas are the most beautiful, the truth is that anywhere in the Caribbean is lovely to visit. The official language is Papiamento, an intriguing blend of Dutch, English, Spanish and creole, but most islanders are multilingual (including English). The currency is the Aruban florin, but most shops and restaurants will accept the U.S. dollar.
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Alternatively, if you prefer a guided experience, shore excursion operators often have representatives at the port, offering a variety of tours and activities to choose from. The main cruise terminal at the Port of Oranjestad serves as the main gateway to Aruba, conveniently located in the heart of the capital city. Passengers disembarking here can easily explore the downtown area, indulge in shopping and dining, and immerse themselves in the local culture. The Renaissance Marina, on the other hand, offers a luxurious experience with access to the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino and its amenities, including Renaissance Island with its iconic Flamingo Beach.
Food and beverage options are plentiful within the main cruise terminal, providing a variety of cuisines to suit every palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a refreshing drink, or a sit-down meal, you’ll find plenty of choices to satisfy your cravings. From traditional Aruban cuisine to international favorites, the terminal’s dining options offer a taste of the island’s diverse culinary scene. Cruisers visiting Aruba will want to set out for the shoreline, visiting famous stretches of sand like Eagle Beach or Baby Beach. If time in port allows, be sure to book a sunset cruise shore excursion when the Aruban sky puts on a fiery show. Other popular excursions include an island tour, a trip beneath the Caribbean Sea in a submarine or a visit to an ostrich farm.
When you arrive at the Aruba cruise port, your options for activities are endless. Just like Eagle Beach, Palm Beach is full of great restaurants and beach bars. The three-story Royal Plaza Mall and Renaissance Mall offer incredible duty-free deals, all within easy walking distance of the port. Here you can snag luxury designer jewelry and watches, but also pick up traditional Dutch items like Delft (blue and white) pottery and locally made aloe products. Perched on the northwestern tip of the island, you can climb to the top of the recently renovated California Lighthouse for panoramic views of the crashing waves of the windward coast.
It’s a bit rocky on the surf, but if you prefer fewer people over the most pristine beach possible, Druif is well worth the visit. This small, yet picturesque town is the quintessential Dutch-painted seaport that island-hoppers are accustomed to. Unlike many of the mountainous islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is flat with enchanting beaches, colorful flowers, and of course the inviting climate of relaxation.
Or take your dining experience up a notch and experience a sunset dinner on a cruise. The Port of Aruba is just steps from the luxury shopping, authentic restaurants, and gleaming pastel architecture of our capital, Oranjestad. It’s easy for cruise visitors from all over the world to make the most of a quick stopover in Aruba. I'm Chantelle, the owner, and writer of Flannels or FlipFlops.
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