Aruba

Oranjestad, Aruba

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today is a long port day – 8:00 am – 10:30 pm. We’ve taken the island tour, rode Segways to the Lighthouse, snorkeled, and explored the downtown area – all during the day time. Today’s stop would be the first time we have ever done an evening excursion here.

But first – My day started out as usual with a trip to the Grand Dutch Cafe. I encountered many staff wiping down handrails, elevator buttons, counters, etc. The staff is taking the norovirus seriously. I hope the guests do too.

Once I placed my order at the register and handed her my keycard, the barista said. “Happy Birthday!” Since I didn’t believe she was clairvoyant, I had to assume that the notation popped up with my photo when she scanned the keycard. I smiled and said thank you.

I decided to treat myself and ordered one of their giant raisin buns to go with my latte.

I finally got a raisin bun – a day later

When I received my order, it was not a delicious raisin bun – it was a sad-looking bran muffin. I thought about pointing out the error but then thought about my age and decided she was right – I need the bran muffin. Sigh.

When I got back to the cabin, our disembarkation paperwork had arrived. We still have 8 more days to go, and they are already preparing us to leave. My special day was not going so well.

Chuck and I spent the morning on the balcony reading and harbor watching.

We had lunch in the Lido and then went swimming. Every time I handed over my keycard, I was wished a very enthusiastic “Happy Birthday.” Always made me smile.

When I came back to the cabin to get ready for our evening excursion, I found a nice treat from the Captain and his crew. A chocolate cupcake beats a bran muffin any day.

I also found two of these insulated cups. I thought they were also from the Captain but it turned out they were from the Casino as part of participating in the Ultimate Game Cruise. Didn’t matter – one of them is mine so I’m counting it as a birthday gift.

Our HAL excursion this evening was titled appropriately – Aruba Sunset Sail – 5:00 pm (2 hours)

ABOUT THE EXCURSION: A friendly crew picks you up at the cruise harbor in a custom-built catamaran.

Sail past Aruba’s famous beaches, along the island’s south coast and up the gorgeous west coast, taking in the spectacular Caribbean sunset. Experience the joy of sailing and take advantage of the many perfect picture opportunities as you glide over clear, turquoise waters past famous Aruba’s Palm Beach.

The crew will keep you comfortable and entertained during the two-hour trip and will return you to the cruise terminal at the end of your idyllic adventure.

Notes: An open bar (except beer) and snacks are included.

I put on my sundress, fastened my Birthday Queen Sash, and placed the tiara on my head. I felt like Amy did on The Big Bang Theory. I was ready for my celebration.

There were a lot of people waiting for this excursion, so I was relieved that two catamarans pulled up to the dock. The dock personnel divided us into two groups and directed us to the appropriate catamaran. Each catamaran was operated by Pelican Adventures. If you are in Aruba and want a sunset cruise, I would recommend this company.

We sailed up the coast for one hour. The first mate told us about Aruba. The other crew member served as bartender serving soft drinks, fruit juices, and mixed drinks. They had a choice of alcohol but mostly rum.

The Captain turned the catamaran around and the crew started serving some appetizers – small empanadas, Dutch bitterballen, cheese, and olives. The bar was still open. Then it was time for the show – the setting sun. It was windy but we were fortunate that it was not an overcast day. The sunset was gorgeous.

Once the sun dipped below the horizon, the crew cranked up the music and we sailed our way back to the ship. The last thing the crew did was to have the birthday girl stand up and they initiated a round of applause and well wishes.

After a pizza at the deli, some casino time, a set of the BB King band, and attending another show by the comedian (wasn’t an improvement over the first show), we came back to the cabin to watch the 11:00 sailaway from the balcony.

I was surprised to see the number of people from the apartment complex across the dock using their flashlights to wave good-bye to us. I used my phone flashlight and waved back.

After that, it was time to take off the tiara and call it a night. It was a very good birthday.

Oranjestad, Aruba

Monday, October 28, 2024

Another long port day today: All Aboard is 10:30 p.m.

Our room service breakfast was delivered at 7:15. We were ready to meet the tour operators for our snorkeling excursion at 9:00.

The HAL excursion description: Catamaran, Snorkel and Beach Getaway – 3.5 hours

ABOUT THE EXCURSION: View Aruba’s beautiful beaches and resort hotels while relaxing on the open decks of a sailing catamaran specially designed and built for day cruises.

The catamaran moors at the west point of the island, and ladders provide easy access to the water for 50 minutes of swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water teeming with tropical fish.

Continue to Pelican Marina and experience Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. Here on the white-sand beach, the crew serves unlimited drinks. Relax on a lounge chair or take a walk along the beach.

More adventurous guests may want to try one of the many watersport activities (at your own expense) or try your luck in one of the casinos within walking distance.

Sail back to the cruise terminal, enjoying tropical cocktails and entertaining Caribbean music.

Guests wishing to stay at the beach independently are welcome to do so but must make their own way back to the ship.

Notes: Snorkel equipment and instruction are provided. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Swim at your own risk. Guests who are pregnant or have a respiratory, heart, back or neck condition or epilepsy are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Participants must be able to enter and exit the vessel on their own and must be able to swim to snorkel.

The day was sunny and not very windy, so I had high hopes for a good experience today. There were several people on this snorkel and seating was tight on the catamaran until they got underway, unfurled the sails, and opened up the bow for people.

We sailed to almost the lighthouse where there was a calm bay. The water was much warmer than Bermuda, so I was fine in my neoprene shirt. We swam toward the rocky shore as the fish were more plentiful there. We were having so much fun that the 50 minutes passed quickly, and we were surprised when we heard the boat horn blow. It was a long swim back to the boat.

Everyone was back on board except one man’s wife. They kept scanning the water and then realized she was swimming away from another boat toward our boat. She wasn’t making much progress and had to signal for help.

A crew member jumped in with a life ring and swam toward her. With her life jacket and the ring, she was able to just float and kick while the crew member pulled her to our boat. She was embarrassed to say that when she heard the horn she swam to the wrong boat and didn’t realize it until she got on it. She just tired out trying to get to the right boat. I’m just glad she had on a life vest.

Our next destination was a beach area. The crew ramped up the music and started serving Aruba Aribas. They were very potent and tasted great.

The catamaran was able to get close to the beach, so we were able to climb down easily. They advised that we could go shopping in the surrounding stores but, unlike the tour description, told us we should not sign up for any of the other activities: jet skiing, parasailing, etc. as we would not have enough time (unless we intended to stay at the beach and take a taxi back to the ship).

We spent the time bobbing in the water and talking with others on the excursion as the crew kept bringing the drinks from the boat.

Sadly, it was soon time to head back to the ship. As we were sailing back, the Aruba Coast Guard pulled up alongside of us and boarded. That shut down the music and the good times. It appeared all they did was check the Captain’s paperwork. I guess everything was in order as they disembarked and pulled away. Music and good times started up again.

If you are in Aruba and interested in snorkeling or a catamaran sail, I would highly recommend Pelican Adventures. I hope HAL continues to contract with them.

We got back at 1:00 in time for a Lido lunch and a long nap.

Refreshed after the nap, we looked at the menu for the main dining room and decided we would rather have dinner in the Lido. They have many of the same menu items and you can wear shorts. Shorts are not allowed in the main dining room or the specialty restaurants at dinner time.

We stopped again at the Billboard on Board bar to chat with the couple from Las Vegas about their day. We were surprised when the Casino opened around 5:30. Typically, the ship casino can’t open when in port, especially if the port offers gambling too. We didn’t ask questions. We just enjoyed an almost empty casino with our choice of machines.

We finally wandered up to the Lido. I went to the salad bar and Chuck got some jerk chicken and vegetables. I failed to get any photos.

We then headed to the World Stage for the show. The performer was Jeff Taveggia and his show was called “Juggling and Other Bad Habits.” We both thought he was very good.

By the time the show was over, the Casino had opened their table games, so Chuck headed that way. The Rolling Stone Band had the night off. I headed to the room and sat on the balcony watching the lights of Aruba until I got sleepy.

Snorkeling luck update: 1 – 2

Tomorrow: Sea Day

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Before I started getting ready for our first dressy night of the cruise, I got the laundry sorted so the stewards could pick it up this evening. Free laundry is one of the best perks about being a 4-star HAL mariner.

Played some slots and then went to the main dining room. I expected to get another pager since the dining room is usually very busy on the dressy nights. However, we were escorted right to a table for two. We made it easy on the waiter. Chuck and I each had the crab and avocado dip, the tomato and carrot soup, and the sole. Excellent dinner.

I was surprised we were able to get a seat at the comedy show of Sean Kent. When the comedy shows are held in the BB King lounge, most all seats are taken. Tonight, the staff had to bring in more chairs to set up on the dance floor. We were able to get one of those seats. Not as comfortable as the regular lounge chairs but the show is only 45 minutes. He had some good jokes. Little more risqué than most HAL shows.

Went to Cantare’s show at the main stage. The organization has been with HAL for 10 years. The show consists of 4 men who perform a variety of songs with no back-up band. Each group of men we have ever seen always harmonize well. Tonight, was no exception.

Once it was over, we called it a night. Came back to our cabin to find the dreaded “clocks move forward one hour tonight” notice. We are getting a jump on daylight savings time.

Since I didn’t wake up until 8:00, I went to the Crow’s Nest to pick up the coffee instead of the Dutch Cafe. It was much less crowded than the DC. They even had plenty of large To Go cups. The main dining room closes at 9:00 for breakfast on port days and we got in about 8:50.

Once breakfast was finished, I went to the Future Cruise desk to see if I could get a printout of one of the cruises I saw in the presentation. Lots of printouts available for Caribbean and Alaska cruises but not the one I was wanting. Decided I will have to sign up for an appointment with the consultants.

Went to Shore Excursions desk to check on our excursion in St Marteen that had disappeared off my list in the Navigator app. It was what I had feared- canceled. The usual explanation – “operational reasons” – a catch-all phrase that could mean anything from not enough interest from the passengers to the tour operator went out of business. I usually get an email when that happens but not this time – just the disappearance from the app. The attendant said he thought it would be refunded during the next leg of this cruise. We’ll see.

Also, the Barbados tour is still listed. I’ll have to keep checking to be sure it gets refunded since I did get notified that the port has been cancelled. My email said that any excursion for this port would automatically be cancelled and refunded but it obviously has not been. Annoying.

We walked 1.5 miles on the Promenade deck and then played some slots. When we got back, the stewards had finished the room and left us a towel animal and chocolate. They usually are delivered on dressy nights. Better late than never.

I’m frustrated with my laptop. I can’t get any of my Office apps to sync. The error message is vague and unhelpful. But the bottom line is that I can’t go back and forth between my phone and laptop when using the apps. I’ll try to see if I can work on it when we get back to Ft Lauderdale and I can use my phone as a hotspot.

We docked early in Aruba and people were able to get off at 1:30 instead of 2:00. Nobody needed to be in a rush because all aboard time is 11:30 pm. Most rushed out anyway.

Our view today of Aruba from the balcony:

We’ve been here several times – walked around the port area, been snorkeling, and taken an island tour on a Segway. Today, we opted to stay on board and relax, spending the day in the relatively empty Sea View pool.

Previous Aruba visits:

One thing I discovered today was that their blended juices are included in the drink package. I had the carrot, apple, and parsley blend. Excellent. I plan to try them all before the cruise is over.

It was soon time to get ready for our dinner at the Tamarind.

Travel Trivia

Oranjestad, Aruba

Alonso de Ojeda became the first European to land on the island in 1499.

Aruba was declared a useless island because of its absence of natural resources, including precious metals.

Fort Zoutman is Aruba’s oldest building. It was built in 1798 to protect Oranjestad from pirates.

Oranjestad became the capital city of the island in 1824. It was named after the first King William I of the Netherlands.

The oil industry discovered Aruba in 1924.

Eighteen percent of Aruba’s land area lies within Arikok National Park.

Every year in June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament.

Flamingoes can be seen on the island. However, they are not native to Aruba.

*Trivia provided by Wikipedia

PC – Day 6 – Aruba

Wednesday, November 7, 2018 – Aruba

Time in port today is 1:00 – 11:00 so there was no rush to get up and out. I still woke up at 7:00 and we were both ready for coffee. From the looks of this morning, it was going to be a beautiful day. We had no excursion planned as we have taken both the island tour and done some snorkeling before.

Aruba, part of the ABC islands, is located just off the coast of South America and is 19.6 miles in length and 6 miles across at its widest point. Aruba is a former Dutch colony though it is now its own country. However, Aruba is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is considered outside of the hurricane belt. The average temperature is 82 degrees. Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island.”

Languages spoken are Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish. The origin of Papiamento is still a bit of a mystery. However, Arubans say that it was developed from Portuguese-African pidgin which was used as the language for communication between slaves and slave traders.

Though the US dollar is widely accepted, the currency is the Aruban Florin which is worth about 0.56 US Dollars.

Aruba has a national park – Arikok National Park which houses the natural pool and the Fontein Cave which are famous for the decorative brownish-red Arawak pictographs etched by the Amerindians. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails. It is home to a rare species of the burrowing owl. It lives in burrows in the ground hidden by cacti. It is one of Aruba’s national symbols and appears on postage stamps. There are numerous Divi Divi trees all over the island and they all lean the same way because of the winds.

Decided to eat in the main dining room this morning. I like eating there when I have no need to be anywhere specific. But the service can be slow, so I avoid it when I am in a hurry. We were seated at a table for eight. There was a couple from North Carolina and two couples from Florida (one originally from West Virginia, the other I don’t remember). I finished my breakfast before the others because I ordered fruit and oatmeal and they brought them both out as starters. I don’t know who could eat a big bowl of oatmeal and then eat more, but oatmeal is not considered the main meal. I chatted with people and read the flyer on upcoming cruises while they finished. Chuck had the western omelet. He ordered turkey sausage to go with it but they forgot to bring it.

After breakfast, we went to the gym. We were supposed to be going every day but this is the first day we have made it. It is small but well-equipped – bicycles, steppers, treadmills, free weights, weight machines, etc. There was a yoga class being conducted in the corner. Chuck got on the bike while I went to the treadmill. Since the gym is at the very front of the ship, I could feel the motion. I don’t normally have to hang on to the handrails of a treadmill but I did this one. As I was finishing the treadmill, Chuck was finishing with the rowing machine. He didn’t like it as much as he does the one at the rehab place.

We decided to finish our walk outside so we headed for the promenade deck and walked six laps around the ship which was 2 miles. Very breezy. Did feel good to get in some real exercise.

The location director was going to start her narration into Aruba around 11:45 so we got showers and I went out on Deck 10 to watch us sail in. I could have gone to the bow but I knew it would be crowded. As I was watching the sail in, the pilot boat was beside us and there were 3 dolphins swimming just right in front of it. One veered off but the other 2 were staying just in front. The little boat was gaining on them and I got so caught up in telling them to swim faster or veer off that I forgot to get a picture. The boat finally went over the top of them. I have to hope that they had dived down or veered off as I didn’t seem them again in all the froth made by the boat.

They made the announcement exactly at 1:00 that people could get off. We were eating lunch by the Lido pool of grilled chicken sandwiches from the Dive In Burger spot on deck. We finished, got the backpack, and some water and walked off about 2:00.

Of course there were a lot of vendors on the street offering rides to the beaches or tours of the island. I looked for the free trolley but didn’t see one. We walked along the main road toward Fort Zoutman/William III Tower which now serves as the Historical Museum of Aruba. It is one of the oldest building on the island. We passed a number of high-end shops, casinos, and craft markets as well as sculptures. The fort/museum was small (at its heyday It only housed 25 people) but we enjoyed listening to the docent and looking at the artifacts. We climbed 4 flights to get to the top of the bell tower. And it was a climb as there were no regular steps, just ladders. But the view was great.

Walked back along a different street toward the ship and looked at the different artwork that had been built. Even turned some solar panels into a work of art. Before leaving home, I ordered from Amazon two “cooling cloths.” You are supposed to wet them with cold water, wring them out, and then “snap” them. The snap activates the cloth into getting cold. When the coolness starts to wear off, you snap them again and they are cold again. I specifically bought them for our tour in Costa Rica but we decided to try them in Aruba. I thought it worked pretty well. We had them wrapped around our neck and snapped them a couple of times during our walk to help stay cool because it was sweltering. It had to be higher than the average 82 degrees.

Once we got back, we needed another shower. Got cleaned up for the evening. It was casual night so we both just wore jeans. Went to the Crow’s Nest and talked to some people about their tours that day in Aruba. At dinner, we sat with one of the couples we had had dinner with on a previous night. They were from Florida and we really enjoyed their company. I had the carne asada – thin slices of steak on top of black beans and rice, with a side of guacamole and salsa. Chuck had the regular NY strip steak. I had ice cream for dessert. Chuck skipped dessert.

Since we would be in port until 11:00 tonight, there was not a lot happening on the ship. BB King band had the night off and there was no main stage production. They were going to show Mama Mia 2 on the big screen but neither Chuck nor I cared to see it. All the shops and the casino were closed. We did watch the one hour presentation on the history of the Panama Canal. There was a DJ playing some dance music in the lounge so we hung out there for a while.

Decided to call it a night about 11:00 and came on back to the room. Laundry was there, ready to be put away. Towel animal, I assume, was a flying fish. Tomorrow is Curacao. Again, no specific plans for the day.

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Oranjestad, Aruba

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PC – Day 6 – Aruba

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