Aruba
Aruba is a captivating island in the southern Caribbean, a place where the sun always shines and the trade winds bring a constant, gentle breeze. Its capital, Oranjestad, is a charming city with a unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences, evident in its colorful colonial architecture. Known for its pristine beaches, a diverse culinary scene, and a warm, welcoming culture, Aruba is a perfect destination for cruisers. Its port is conveniently located in the city center, making it incredibly easy to explore on your own.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock directly at the Port of Oranjestad, which has five cruise berths and two cruise terminals. It's a convenient location right at the edge of the capital city. The walk from the ship to the terminal building is very short, and you'll find yourself right at the city's waterfront promenade. Since the port is a major commercial harbor, the walk to the city center from the farthest pier is about 5-10 minutes, on a well-paved surface.
⚓ Terminal Information
The cruise terminal in Oranjestad is a modern, air-conditioned facility. Once you disembark, you will enter the terminal building. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and you'll find a variety of shops and amenities.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
Inside the terminal, you'll find a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and information. There are also restrooms, an ATM, and a variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs and jewelry to perfume. You'll also find a desk for Setar, the local telecommunications company, for any Wi-Fi needs. Outside the terminal, you'll find a taxi stand, tour buses, and a convenient trolley service that can take you to the main downtown area.
🗣️ Language
The official languages are Papiamento, Dutch, and English. Given the island's strong tourism industry, English is widely spoken and understood, and you will have no trouble navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
Bon bini (bohn BEE-nee) - Welcome
Danki (DAHN-kee) - Thank you
Pasa un bon dia (PAH-sah un bohn dee-ah) - Have a good day
Pasa dushi (PAH-sah DOO-shee) - "Have a sweet time," a common local phrase.
💰 Money
The currency is the Aruban Florin (Afl.), also known as the Guilder. However, the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted everywhere, and many prices are listed in both currencies. It's often easier to pay in U.S. Dollars, but you may receive change in Florins. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in the terminal and throughout the city.
🚗 Transportation
To get to the main attractions from the cruise port, you have a few options.
Walking: Oranjestad is a small, walkable city. You can easily walk to the main shopping streets, museums, and waterfront from the cruise port.
Trolley: A free trolley or streetcar service runs a loop from the cruise terminal to the downtown area. It's a great, easy way to see the main street and get to the heart of the city.
Public Bus: The public bus system, run by Arubus, is an excellent, safe, and affordable way to get around the island. The main bus terminal is conveniently located right across the street from the cruise terminal. Buses run every 15-20 minutes and can take you to the famous beaches.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise port. The rates are fixed and regulated by the government, but it's always a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in.
♿ Accessibility
Aruba has an accessibility rating of 4 out of 10. The cruise pier and the terminal building have wheelchair ramps. Many of the sidewalks in Oranjestad also have ramps at intersections, which makes getting around easier than in other Caribbean islands. However, the island's most popular activities, like snorkeling, do not have accessible boats. Accessible vans with lifts are available but should be booked in advance as they are limited.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town is to simply walk. Once you exit the port gates, you'll be on the main street, and all the attractions are a short, pleasant stroll away. You can also take the free trolley, which is a fun and easy way to get around.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not as common as in the U.S. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminals, museums, or restaurants.
💊 Drugstore
Botica Central: L.G. Smith Blvd 6, Oranjestad, Aruba. This is located in the downtown area.
Medwork Pharmacy: Caya G. F. Betico Croes 136, Oranjestad, Aruba.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine on Local Seafood at the Old Market: For a truly local culinary experience, head to the Old Market (Plasa Bieu) in Oranjestad. This bustling food hall offers a variety of stalls serving up traditional Krioyo (Creole) cuisine, including hearty meat and vegetable stews and fresh fish.
Explore the Arikok National Park on a Local Tour: For a deep dive into the island's natural beauty, take a local tour to Arikok National Park. This rugged and beautiful park covers nearly 20% of the island and is home to a variety of unique landscapes, including desert terrain, natural pools, and dramatic cliffs.
Wander the Streets of Oranjestad and Take a Photo with the "I ❤️ ARUBA" Sign: For a taste of the city's unique charm, take a walk through the streets of Oranjestad. You can see the colorful colonial architecture, visit the Archaeological Museum, and of course, get a photo with the famous "I ❤️ ARUBA" sign, which is located near the cruise port.
