Oranjestad, Aruba
White-sand beaches, a desert national park and a pastel harbor town right at the pier. Many ships stay into the evening, so here’s how to make a long day ashore count.
A Southern Caribbean favorite
Aruba is the westernmost of the Dutch ABC islands, less than 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It’s dry, sunny and breezy, with calm turquoise water on the west side and a wild, rocky coast to the north. Ships dock right in Oranjestad, the capital, where Dutch colonial facades in candy colors line the streets behind the harbor.
Most of what people come for is close by: the long white sands of Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, snorkeling over the Antilla shipwreck, and the cactus-studded hills of Arikok National Park. Many calls run late into the evening, which gives you time for a morning on the water and a sunset sail. Below are the cruise line favorites and the details that keep the day easy.
Where you’ll dock
Aruba has one cruise port, right in town. Your berth number is on your itinerary or the port’s posted schedule.
Port of Oranjestad
The cruise terminal sits on the downtown waterfront along L.G. Smith Boulevard, and every berth is alongside. Step off the ship and you’re a short walk from the Renaissance Marketplace, Royal Plaza and the shops and cafés of the harbor front. The terminal buildings have restrooms, souvenir shops and tour desks.
Used by: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, MSC, Virgin Voyages, Margaritaville at Sea, Oceania, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Cunard, Crystal, Azamara and Windstar.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- Arikok & the Natural Pool. A 4x4 safari into Arikok National Park to Conchi, a rock-ringed pool on the rugged north coast. It’s bumpy and hot, and it’s the most requested adventure on the island. The park entry fee is extra on some tours.
- Submarine reef dives. Aruba’s tourist submarine and semi-submarine tours head down to the reefs and wrecks off Oranjestad. A good pick for kids and non-swimmers.
- Catamaran & snorkel sails. Afternoon sails to the Antilla wreck and Boca Catalina are sold on most ships, often with an open bar.
- Beach days. Transfers to Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, sometimes with a reserved chair and umbrella or a resort day pass. Extra charge for the resort options.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
Downtown Oranjestad
Fort Zoutman, the island’s oldest building, and the Willem III Tower now house a small historical museum. Nearby are Wilhelmina Park, the Dutch colonial facades of Main Street and the Renaissance Marketplace on the water.
The west-coast beaches
Eagle Beach, with its famous windswept fofoti trees, and Palm Beach, lined with resorts and beach bars, are the island’s classic stretches of white sand. The water on this side is usually calm and clear.
The wild north
The California Lighthouse, the little yellow Alto Vista Chapel and the rock formations at Casibari and Ayo show a very different, desert side of Aruba. Surf on this coast is strong, so it’s for looking, not swimming.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Check your departure time. Many Aruba calls stay until 10 or 11pm, but some leave mid-afternoon. Your sailing time decides whether a sunset sail fits.
- The sun is strong. Constant trade winds make it feel cooler than it is. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water, especially for Arikok.
- Easy terminal, flat town. The terminal and downtown waterfront are flat and paved. Guests with limited mobility should still ask in advance for wheelchair assistance, and we can arrange it with your cruise line.
- Changes at the port. The Aruba Ports Authority is redeveloping the old cargo area next to the cruise terminal into a new waterfront district. Expect some work zones around the harbor in the coming years.
Sailing to Aruba
Southern Caribbean itineraries call here, mostly round trip from San Juan and South Florida, along with many Panama Canal sailings.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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