Aruba - Tell me what to do!

[Melbae9]

Hi friends!

We're on Symphony in December for a Southern Caribbean itinerary. I'm having trouble finding something we want to do (two 30 somethings ) in Aruba and Curaçao. What are some of the unique excursion you've done? We've been to both islands but not in several years and are willing to do it on our own.  

Thanks! 

[octaviocloss]

I'd go to Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, book the day pass. Its worth every penny. (We are also a 30's couple) 

[Jolly Ogre]

We are on Symphony doing the same cruise Dec 2....doing a highlight tour then heading to Eagle beach.

[CrimsonCruiser]

De Palm water park is pretty fun. Nice beaches (a little rocky but you should be fine in water shoes), flamingos, 3 water slides, food and drinks included. Also pretty sure snorkeling was included.

It's pretty far from the pier and you'd have to do it yourself: Baby Bay beach was uncrowded and really nice. Shallow for quite a bit unless you go toward the snorkel area si great for families or people who want to  be in the sea without having to swim.

I also recommend checking out Palm Beach Plaza.

 

In Curacao definitely take a tour of the liquor facility. I think it's pretty interesting and you can get free samples of the various flavors (I like the Tamarind).

[Melbae9]

57 minutes ago, octaviocloss said:

I'd go to Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, book the day pass. Its worth every penny. (We are also a 30's couple) 

@octaviocloss - From what I can tell, I need to book the saturday before the cruise on their website? I would love to have something confirmed before then if possible. Any other way to book?

[Xaa]

I think if you book a spa package it includes access to the facilities.  I haven't done it, but that's how it looks.  The packages start at $160 pp, and that would get you started with a 50 minute Swedish Massage.

 

http://renaissancearubaspa.com/SPA/Hotels/hotel-information/Travel/auabr-renaissance-aruba-resort-and-casino/Spa/Renaissance/index.cfm#92_Seascapes

[octaviocloss]

I went to Aruba a twice, the first time we did a royal caribbean excursion to an island that has a Water Park on it, and Flamingos to take pictures with. While that experience was good, the one i quoted before was the one i did right after the restart while onboard Odyssey of The Seas, and it was way, way better. 

[WhoCruiser]

12 hours ago, Melbae9 said:

Hi friends!

We're on Symphony in December for a Southern Caribbean itinerary. I'm having trouble finding something we want to do (two 30 somethings ) in Aruba and Curaçao. What are some of the unique excursion you've done? We've been to both islands but not in several years and are willing to do it on our own.  

Thanks! 

I wouldn't necessarily call it unique, but if you can get the sunset catamaran harbor cruise that's run by the local operator Red Sail (and yes they do contract with the cruise line through the ship's tour office normally) it is probably the best booze cruise of its kind that I've ever done. Every time our group goes back to Aruba we try to book it, we have done it three times in the last 5 years, one of the few that runs a complete full open bar, not just a jug of rum punch and some ice cubes, hahaha.

[ChessE4]

In Curacao a nice lunch in a Venezuelan restaurant downtown would be delightful, and you'd enjoy the walking bridge.

[Va4fam]

We did a super fun UTV tour with ABC Tours in Aruba.   Scenery was amazing (beach, rocks, natural bridge)   Highly recommend.

If you are headed downtown, take a minute to see the Bridge of Locks in Curacao.....better yet bring one to add to it.  

 

 

[MO & LO on the go!]

We did the trikes!  Lots of fun and saw lots of the island!

Made this video of it!