Port Description

Where You're Docked

You'll be anchored in downtown Oranjestad.

Getting Around

On Foot: The ship is docked in the heart of downtown Oranjestad. Taxis are readily available on the dock or you can take a five-minute walk to downtown.

Taxis: Taxis do not have meters, but the government of Aruba fixes the rates. From downtown to Palm Beach is around $8. If you want a two-hour island tour plan to pay $35 per car, per hour for four people in a car.

Renting a Car: There are 11 car rental companies waiting at the port. Rates for a 4x4 range start at $55 to $75 per day, and rates for a normal car start at $25 to $45 per day.

What to See and Do

Duty-Free Shopping. The main shopping drag in Oranjestad is Caya G. F. Betico Croes. Several malls are located across from the cruise ship terminal; among them are Royal Plaza and Seaport Village Mall for unique jewelry and famous designer clothing stores (from Tommy Hilfiger to Guess). In the heart of Oranjestad are Benetton, Beach Bum Company, The Sting, Mango, Lucor Jewelers, Artistic Boutique, and many others.

Handicrafts at Vibes Aruba (Royal Plaza Mall) has a wide selection of locally made and uniquely Aruban collectors' gift items, such as handmade driftwood candles and paintings and artwork form local artist.

Edible souvenirs from any local grocery store--European soaps and hand creams, Dutch coffees and cheeses, British chocolates and cocoas, and European jams, jellies, and preserves.

Snorkeling (for beginners) and beach bumming can be found at Baby Beach, surrounded by baby-fine powdery white sand and protected by a man-made breakwater, which makes it a perfect for children. You can snorkel in only 5 feet of water to discover gorgeous coral reefs.

One of those much-hyped but still-fascinating attractions is Aruba's Natural Bridge, located on the windward side of the island. The terrain is as rocky and bleak as the moon, and the bridge itself was carved out of rock by the wind. There's a funky little cafe nearby.

The best way to tour the island is in a 4x4; start at the California Lighthouse and head for the Alta Vista Chapel, the Butterfly Farm, the Natural Bridge, Natural Pool, and the abandoned gold mine, and then to Arikok National Park.

Where to Eat and Drink

Casual, in-town joints: Bahia Café is a local food restaurant at the Harbour of Aruba, right across the Royal Plaza Mall (from 11am). Le Dome Restaurant offers Belgian and French cuisine located by Eagle Beach open Tuesday to Sunday (noon - midnight, casual dress code on terrace and semi-formal inside). Boonoonoonoos specializes in funky Caribbean fare (Monday - Saturday, from 11:30am).

Gourmet Lunching: Chez Mathilde, known as "the House of Matilda," is Aruba's finest French restaurant--and most elegant (Monday - Saturday, 11:30am to 2:30pm, proper attire requested). El Gaucho, Aruba's best Argentinean restaurant, is located in an atmospheric old town house on the East end of Oranjestad (Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner from 11:30am).

Staying in Touch

Cafe Internet is located in the Royal Plaza Mall.