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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

A couple at a dining table on a Holland America cruise ship celebrate a birthday with a piece of chocolate cake.
Cruise Tips

5 Secrets of the MDR: Maximize Your Cruise Dining

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One thing that makes cruising special is the opportunity to enjoy restaurant-quality meals every evening in the Main Dining Room, or MDR. But did you know that there are five little-known “secrets” that can make this experience even more enjoyable? 1. The MDR isn’t Just for Dinner I love the MDR, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the MDR isn’t just for dinner — it’s often open for breakfast, brunch and/or lunch. I somehow completely missed this fact until my fourth cruise. Oof! All cruise line apps differ, and sometimes this information isn’t immediately visible, so you may need to dig around a bit to find details of MDR hours, but it’s worth looking into, as (in my humble opinion) all MDR meals are superior to those from the buffet. 2. You Can Order Off the Kid’s Menu If you are, shall we say, a “selective eater” (as one myself, I won’t use the insulting term “picky eater”), you’ll be pleased to know that you are welcome to order off the kid’s menu at any time. The kid’s menu is sometimes not listed on the regular menu, and if you aren’t traveling with children, your wait staff won’t proactively give you one, so if you don’t see it anywhere — just ask! With this menu, you’ll find basic and dependable kid-friendly standbys such as chicken tenders, pasta, burgers, mac and cheese, and burgers. I love mac and cheese, so even when I don’t order from the kid’s menu, I’ll ask for a serving of mac and cheese on the side. Which brings me to our next secret… Want the steak entree, but it comes with mashed potatoes, which you don’t like? But darn it, the broccoli you love comes with a different entree, but one you don’t want. No worries! In the MDR you can mix and match entrees and side items, and this includes asking for items from the kid’s menu (the aforementioned mac and cheese, for example). Related: Read about the Pros & Cons of Flexible and Set Cruise Dining Options in the MDR 3. You Can Mix and Match Want the steak entree, but it comes with mashed potatoes, which you don’t like? But darn it, the broccoli you love comes with a different entree, but one you don’t want. No worries! In the MDR you can mix and match entrees and side items, and this includes asking for items from the kid’s menu (the aforementioned mac and cheese, for example). Related: Read about the Pros & Cons of Flexible and Set Cruise Dining Options in the MDR 4. You Can Take Food “To Go” While I love the MDR experience, it’s not for everyone as it can feel “stuffy” and others may not like the lengthy process, as service can take 1.5-2 hours from start to finish. Or, perhaps you don’t mind these things, but you had a long port day and you’re just tired and don’t feel like a prolonged dinner. Well… good news! You can order food to go. Wait staff will provide you with plate covers so you can take your food back to your stateroom. This is also helpful when you want to bring dessert back to your room, either because you’re too full to eat it, or you want a second serving to enjoy later. Which brings us to my final secret… 5. You Can Order Extras One of the most enjoyable aspects of the MDR is the opportunity to try new foods; sometimes exotic things such as beef tongue, squid, or escargot. But perhaps you aren’t sure if you’ll like it, and don’t want to be left hungry. Or, maybe you had a long day and just brought an extra robust appetitive with you to dinner. No worries — you can order extras! Cruisers are welcome to order more than one appetizer, entree, and/or dessert, which is also helpful, as sometimes portions can be quite small. Some cruise lines are starting to crack down on extras, though. I recently sailed MSC, and they charged $5 for an extra entree. Some of the other lines, such as Carnival, still allow for complimentary seconds, but charge for thirds. Many of them charge for seconds of the more expensive entrees, such as lobster tail on elegant night. But when in doubt, just ask. Now that you know these “secrets” of the MDR, make sure to consider and ask for them on your next cruise. And if you’re curious about the differences between MDR dining times, such as whether to choose flexible or set dining, check out my post here. Clothes featured in photo: Sparkly Ruched Dress in Red Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

An employee opens the submarine hatch.
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, Oranjestad

Submarine Excursion: What to Expect with this Unique Cruise Experience

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Cruisers may hesitate to partake in a submarine excursion after the tragic implosion of the Titanic submarine in 2023. Although that was a completely different situation, tourists may wonder if a submarine or submersibles are safe. According to experts, yes they are. Here’s what you can expect if you brave a submarine excursion, or something similar, popular at port destinations such as Barbados, Cozumel, Aruba, and Bonaire. Most of the cruise lines will offer these as excursions, or you can book independently. Submarine Excursions First, get the details of your submarine excursion and read reviews before booking, as it may be a “semi-submersive” experience. My experience was the real deal — a fully submerged submarine adventure at Oranjestad, the Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition. This was a great experience, but a little pricey, so now that I’ve done it once, I don’t really have a desire to do it again any time soon. If you’re claustrophobic, you’ll want to skip this one. Prepare to feel confined on a submarine excursion. Skip this one if you’re claustrophobic! On my excursion, our group met right outside the cruise port, where we were put on a water taxi and transported over to the sub. This transport took about 20 minutes each way, and then we spent approximately 90 minutes in the sub, which, for me, was more than enough time. Photos taken from a submarine will look washed out. What to Bring to a Submarine Excursion Participants don’t get wet with a submarine excursion, so you don’t need to wear or bring anything special. You’ll end up in a very cramped and confined space, as they cram tourists in, like, well — sardines in a can, so wear comfortable clothing. Getting down into the sub and back out will likely involve climbing a vertical ladder, so some degree of mobility is required, although that’s really the only physical aspect of this excursion. On my submarine adventure, our captain took us 130 feet under the surface and navigated around a couple of shipwrecks and reefs. It was really cool to float along peacefully and see what the fish see. Don’t expect vibrant colors, though, as due to the refraction of light at that depth, everything looks sort of washed out.  You likely won’t be getting any stunning, crisp photographs of marine life, but that’s okay — this one is more about the lived experience and being in the moment. Cruise Ports with Submarine Excursions My submarine adventure was in Aruba, but this is an activity offered in other Caribbean ports of call, including the following: Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition Oranjestad, Aruba “Semi-Sub” Atlantis Submarine Day Tour in Barbados Semi Submarine Bonaire Atlantis Submarine Experience in Cozumel If you aren’t claustrophobic or nervous about plunging into the depths of the ocean, this is a really cool and unique experience that I encourage everyone to try at least once. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and a bucket list achievement! Book a Submarine excursion

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