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June 24, 2024

A large sign reading "I ❤️ Aruba" in a park with palm trees and buildings in the background, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Aruba, Caribbean, Cruise Ports

Oranjestad, Aruba Cruise Port: Guide to an Amazing Experience

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Oranjestad, the vibrant capital of Aruba, offers a delightful cruise port experience with its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and unique shopping opportunities. Moreover, known for its charming Dutch colonial architecture and a lively waterfront, Oranjestad is a prime destination for cruisers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Aruba is one of the “ABC” islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao. About the Oranjestad Cruise Port Oranjestad Cruise Port is a popular stop for several major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others. The port features two main terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, both of which are equipped to handle large cruise ships and offer a range of amenities for passengers. Terminal A is primarily used for cruise passengers and provides easy access to the city center. If you’re visiting Aruba, it’s important to note that civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage. What sets Oranjestad apart as a cruise port is its proximity to the city center and the availability of unique shopping experiences right at the port. The port area is well-known for its selection of Aruban cuisine, with local specialties like keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and pastechi (filled pastries) being favorites among visitors. Related: Learn how to prepare for port days.  A view of the Roatan cruise port from afar. From Oranjestad Cruise Port to the City Center The Oranjestad Cruise Port is conveniently located about a half mile from the city center, making it easily accessible by foot. For those who prefer not to walk, there are several other options. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available, offering a quick and convenient way to get around. Alternatively, shuttle services and taxis are readily available at the port. Taxis in Oranjestad are regulated with set rates, typically costing around $10 to $15 to the city center. Alternatively, public transportation is also an option, with buses running regularly and costing approximately $2 per ride. If you opt for a bus, the main bus terminal is conveniently located across the street from the cruise terminal. If you aim to visit the city center, however, your best option is to take the trolley, which is FREE.  The Oranjestad Trolley A great thing about this cruise port is its Oranjestad Downtown Trolley, which offers a convenient and free transportation option for cruisers in the downtown area of Oranjestad, Aruba. The trolley offers a scenic ride through the city, stopping at popular attractions, shopping areas, and historical sites. It is a great way for visitors to explore the city center without any cost, and it’s a “hop-on, hop-off” trolley, so cruisers have the freedom to explore the sites they want and for however long they want and skip the ones that don’t interest them. There are eight stops where passengers can explore the Archaeological Museum’s exhibits on pre-Ceramic, Ceramic, and historic cultural periods, view several historic 19th—and 20th-century Dutch Colonial buildings, and pass by the executive and legislative branches of the Aruban government. Other points of interest directly accessible include: Aruba Bank House, Huisje Wild, Cas Henriquez and the Archaeological Museum, the Protestant Church, Zoutman Straat #1, Government offices, House of Parliament, Fort Zoutman (Historical Museum), Hotel Colombia, Wilhelmina Straat #11, and the Cocolishi Building. Beaches at the Oranjestad Cruise Port If downtown Oranjestad isn’t your thing, and you want to enjoy a day at the beach to experience Aruba’s gorgeous sands and crystal clear waters, there are lots of great options. While there’s no direct beach access at the Oranjestad cruise port, several beautiful beaches are located nearby. At all of these beaches, you can expect to find local vendors on hand to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, and these prices are often negotiable.  Arashi Beach Arashi Beach, situated approximately 7 miles from the Oranjestad cruise port, is a beautiful destination known for its calm waters, pristine sandy shores, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Although it isn’t walkable from the port, unlike some other beaches, it may be worth the cost of a taxi or Uber to visit Arashi Beach due to its excellent swimming conditions and the likelihood of smaller crowds. Eagle Beach Eagle Beach, located approximately 1.5 miles from the Oranjestad cruise port in Aruba, is renowned for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters and is one of the most popular beaches in the city. Known for its serene atmosphere and ample space, Eagle Beach offers visitors a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.   The turqoise waters of Oranjestad, Aruba Palm Beach Palm Beach is situated approximately 3 miles from the port. It’s a short taxi ride away, costing around $10. This beach is famous for its calm waters and vibrant atmosphere, with numerous resorts, bars, and restaurants lining the shore. Druif Beach Druif Beach, located approximately 2 miles from the Oranjestad cruise port, is a picturesque spot in Aruba known for its expansive sandy shore and calm, clear waters. This beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, offering a peaceful environment away from the busier tourist areas. Things to Do at the Oranjestad Cruise Port There are plenty of activities for cruisers who prefer to stay in the cruise port and terminal area. The port area is home to several duty-free shops offering a variety of goods, from jewelry to electronics. There are also local craft stalls where visitors can purchase handmade souvenirs and gifts. Additionally, the port features a number of restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine, providing a great opportunity to taste some of Aruba’s culinary delights without venturing far from the ship. Several historical and cultural sites are within walking distance from the cruise terminal. These include the Museo Archeologico (Archeological Museum) and Exposition Hall, Fort Zoutman/Historical Museum, the Protestant Church (1950), the Town Hall building, and others. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Top Things to Do in Oranjestad Below are some of the top things to do in Oranjestad. Many of these are offered as official cruise line excursions, or you can opt to get yourself there and enjoy the activity on your own. Before

Disney and Carnival cruise ships at the cruise port in Nassau, Bahamas
Advice, Cruise Tips

What’s a “Mustard Drill”?! Decoding the Language of Cruising

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Cruise lingo can make cruising a bit intimidating for a cruise newbie. If you’re a first-timer or still somewhat new to cruising, it can be helpful to learn the “language of cruising.” Here are some common cruise-specific terms that will help you as you make your booking and once you set sail.   Aft and Forward, Port Side and Starboard These are sections and directions of a cruise ship. Knowing these terms is crucial for navigating the ship. “Aft” refers to the back of the ship, while “forward” indicates the front. “Port side” is the ship’s left side when facing forward, and “starboard” is the right side. Understanding these terms will make it easier to find your way around. For a deeper dive into these concepts, check out my post about understanding these terms and navigating a cruise ship.  Disembarkation Disembarkation is the process of getting off the ship. It happens both on port days, when you get off the ship to explore, and also reflects the final step of your cruise journey, the final disembarkation at the end of your cruise which involves getting yourself and your luggage off the ship and passing through customs. Read my post here to learn more about final disembarkation, what’s involved with it, how long it takes, and the pros and cons of luggage handling options. The term “debark” is synonymous with disembarkation, and both are commonly used in cruise lingo, although “disembarkation” is generally the more commonly used term. Embarkation Embarkation is the process of getting on the ship (you and your luggage). This involves checking in at the port, going through security, and finally boarding the vessel. The embarkation process can be exciting as it marks the beginning of your cruise adventure. It also can be a little chaotic, especially for a newbie, and feels like navigating TSA at an airport. For tips about how to ensure a smooth cruise embarkation, and the pros and cons of carrying on your luggage yourself versus checking it, read this post. Main Dining Room (MDR) Embarkation is the process of getting on the ship (you and your luggage). This involves checking in at the port, going through security, and finally boarding the vessel. The embarkation process can be exciting as it marks the beginning of your cruise adventure. It also can be a little chaotic, especially for a newbie, and feels like navigating TSA at an airport. For tips about how to ensure a smooth cruise embarkation, and the pros and cons of carrying on your luggage yourself versus checking it, read this post. Related: Learn the 5 Secrets to Maximizing Your MDR Experience. Muster Drill A muster drill (not “mustard”) is the required safety briefing conducted by all cruise lines before the ship can set sail. During this drill, passengers are instructed on where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Attendance is mandatory, and it’s a crucial part of ensuring everyone’s safety on board. If you try to skip it, the cruise line will hunt you down like a dog, so don’t even bother trying.  Port Day A port day is when your cruise ship docks at a port, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the destination. Port days are filled with excursions, sightseeing, shopping, and dining opportunities. Each port offers a unique experience, from cultural tours and historical sites to beach outings and adventurous activities. Port days provide a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the beauty of new places before returning to the ship for the next leg of your journey. Learn more about what to expect for port days, and how to prepare for them. Sea Day A sea day is a day during your sailing when your ship does not call on a port and you do not leave the ship. Sea days offer the perfect opportunity to explore the ship’s amenities, relax by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, or participate in onboard activities and entertainment. Stateroom Your cruise room isn’t just a “room”; it’s a stateroom — sometimes called a cabin. Staterooms come in various categories, from inside cabins with no windows to luxurious suites with private balconies. No matter the type, your stateroom will be your cozy home away from home during your cruise, although some staterooms may be better for some people than others. In my post here, I explain the differences between various stateroom types and categories. Related: Learn 3 benefits of an interior stateroom. Steward This is your stateroom attendant, sometimes mistakenly called a “Stewart.” A steward is a crucial part of the great cruise experience. They provide personalized service and ensure your stateroom is clean and comfortable. Stewards often go above and beyond to make your stay special, learning your preferences and addressing your needs promptly. Tender Port Due to narrow channels or shallow water, large cruise ships cannot always navigate to a pier. In these cases, they anchor in the ocean and use smaller boats, or “tender boats,” to transport passengers from ship to shore. Tendering can add an element of adventure to your port visits and offers a unique perspective of your destination from the water.  Decoding the Secret Language of Cruising By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll feel more confident and prepared as you embark on your cruise adventure. My video below also explains these things in a bit more detail. https://youtu.be/lswylTJa13Q

A light blue beach cabana with a sign that reads "GUINEP 2" stands against a clear blue sky.
Bahamas, Cruise Ports, Princess Cays

Princess Cays Private Island: Important Info to Know

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Princess Cays (pronounced “key,” not “cays”) is located on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas and is a pristine private island for cruisers. Princess Cays is owned by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, so you’ll find that Princess, Carnival, and Holland America Line call upon this private paradise. Of all the cruise line private islands, this one is admittedly my least favorite, and I’ll tell you why in a moment. Still, though, it has a lot to offer cruisers. Primarily, I love that it offers a FREE beach day experience that can even feel relaxing and serene if you make your way further down the beach to avoid the more crowded areas instead of clustering right near the entrance. The island spans over 40 acres, so it’s pretty huge. About Princess Cays Princess Cays is part of the Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. I’ve visited many of them, and they’re all wonderful. The water is perfect, and the turquoise is so clear you can see straight through it. Princess Cays is no exception.  Is Princess Cays Rocky? Yes, the beach at Princess Cays is very rocky, and this is my biggest issue with it compared to the other cruise line private islands like MSC’s Ocean Cay and even Carnival’s other private island Half Moon Cay. While the water and beach are gorgeous, getting into the water can be frustrating (and painful!), as it’s rocky everywhere, although some areas are more so than others. So, I offer two bits of important advice to cruisers who plan to visit: Enjoying the gorgeous but rocky waters of Princess Cays. Bring a water float and/or snorkel gear. I always bring these things anyway to all beach destinations, but it’s especially important here, because Princess Cays is so rocky that it’s not the kind of place where you’ll want to just stand in the water. Bring water shoes like these. I personally dislike water shoes and find them ugly, bulky, and squishy, so I generally don’t bring them with me on cruises, but they’re almost a necessity at Princess Cays. Recently, I’ve started to embrace water socks, which also work. The area can also be very windy and gets a lot of direct sun, so these are two other factors to consider when planning your day here. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Is Princess Cays Worth It? Absolutely, Princess Cays is worth it. Although I find it the least desirable of all the cruise line private islands, it’s still a private island in the Bahamas, for crying out loud! You’ll still enjoy a great beach day with gorgeous sand and water and amazing snorkeling if that’s your thing. If you plan ahead with protective foot coverings and arrange for shade, you’ll be more likely to enjoy your day here.  Is Princes Cays a Tender Port? Princess Cays operates as a tender port, which means passengers are transported from the cruise ship to the island using smaller boats, and this tendering process takes about 20-30 minutes each way. I personally don’t like tender ports since the process can be tedious getting to and from the pier, and this is another reason that Princess Cays (while still great) just isn’t my favorite island. What I like about MSC’s Ocean Cay and Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, in comparison, is that they have piers. While I’m generally not much of a fan of cruise line excursions, there’s an additional benefit to them when it comes to tender ports, and that is that the purchase of a cruise line excursion earns you the benefit of priority tendering, meaning you get to be the first people onto the water shuttles over to Princess Cays. If you’re not an early riser, this isn’t much benefit, but if you’re yearning to maximize your time on the island, this is the way to do it. Related: Learn more about how to prepare for port days. Arriving at the beautiful Princess Cay! Ready to explore and enjoy everything this stunning destination has to offer. Things to Do at Princess Cays Because Princess Cays is a private island, no third-party excursion options exist. If you want to take an excursion, you must book it directly through the cruise line. These excursions generally include activities like horseback riding in the surf, snorkeling, jet skiing, and other water activities. My recommendation is to save money and enjoy a beach day here. Using loungers is free for cruise guests, and it’s really all you need for a good beach day experience. The only downside here is that the beach area gets a lot of direct sun, and umbrellas and clamshells are not free, so plan for this aspect. Umbrellas cost $25 to rent, and I’ll talk about clamshells in detail in a moment.   What to Bring to Princess Cays I recommend bringing a few things with you to enhance the experience (beyond the obvious things like sunscreen and the aforementioned water shoes and floaties). Princess Cays is great for snorkeling; I always bring my own set. My favorite is this one from Amazon; it’s affordable yet high quality and has traveled with me worldwide to all sorts of snorkeling experiences. It’s also much more hygienic this way, as you’re not putting something in your mouth that’s been used by many other random people. I also recommend a lockable beach bag of some sort. Princess Cays does have lockers available for rent, but they’re $10 per locker and not always conveniently located where you’re hanging out on the island. Having your own lockable bag allows you easy access to things like your phone while keeping it secure, along with your money and ship card. Also, don’t forget to bring your beach towels from the cruise ship! Related: Not sure about whether to pack beach towels? Here’s what you need to know.   Wi-Fi at Princess Cays Wi-Fi is not available on Princess Cays. It’s frustrating because even if you pay the high fees for cruise Wi-Fi, it does not work here (unlike at MSC’s Ocean Cay private island, where guests who pay for ship Wi-Fi

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