As far as the Dutch “ABC Islands” are concerned, the ms Noordam has stopped in “B” (Bonaire), “C” (Curacao) and today we’re in “A” – Aruba!
We arrived in the Paardenbaai Bay in Oranjestad, Aruba around 6am and docked shortly thereafter with passengers cleared to disembark just before 7am. The sun was out in full force and it was a hot, humid day with the only relief from the heat coming in the form of water misters and cold beer!
Dubbed “One Happy Island,” Aruba is laid back and has recently become a major tourist destination. From the dock, you can see the airport and witness the amount of air traffic bringing visitors from all around the world to this vacation spot known for its beaches and snorkeling.
1/5 of the island is made of up the Arikok National Wildlife Park, which is comprised of basaltic lava, granite, and ancient reef rock which make up the island. If you walk around the park, you’ll see the famous twisted divi-divi trees that Aruba is known for, along with several types of cacti.
The main shopping district of Aruba is located just a short walk from the ship. Of course, like many ports, you’re forced to walk through the duty-free area which is home to local craft vendors and souvenir shops before actually getting out to the street. So if you need one more refrigerator magnet, you’ll have the opportunity to buy it before you get to town or on your way back to the ship.
If you choose to walk around, take a trip along the main street which is home to the Renaissance Casino Resort. Here will you walk along the shore, be able to see the resort’s beach and pool area and take a nice stroll along the waterfront and catch a glimpse of some of the critters that live here including some huge and colorful iguanas.
You’ll also get to see some of the toys belonging to the rich and famous who call Aruba home or are here for a visit.
The Renaissance is also home to a high-end shopping mall where all the major brands can be found for those looking to spend some money on luxury goods. I’m not sure how well the prices compare to American prices, but if you’re looking for a new Louis handbag, you may want to check it out.
One thing to note, most prices are listed in Aruban florins, but the U.S. Dollar is accepted in most places as are major credit cards. For example, I stopped for a few beers with some crew members and the bill came to $97 florins, but when converted, was $52 USD.
If you’re wandering around town looking for free WiFi, good luck. There is WiFi available throughout most of the downtown, but it’s not free. If you’re having a drink or lunch in one of the restaurants, ask if they offer WiFi, I’m told that some used to, but no longer offer it.
If you want to find free WiFi, follow the crew. I did and ended up at the Starbucks in the Renaissance Mall where there were more people sucking down bandwidth than iced lattes. I was one of them.
Once you venture out of the shops within the Renaissance complex, you’re not going to find many brand-name stores in the main shopping district. Yeah, there are two Foot Locker stores, but most of them are small, independently owned stores catering to the tourist trade with knick-knacks, clothing, and “I Love Aruba” t-shirts.
A trolly, that actually runs on a track, will transport you up and down the shopping district and you can hop on and off at various stops along the route.
There were several shore excursions offered for those looking for an organized tour. You could hit up the Atlantis Submarine for a trip underwater to visit the 100-year-old shipwreck of the Atlantis. For those looking for life on the wild side, you could visit the Aruba Ostrich Farm. And of course, there’s the white sand beaches or the butterfly farm. The shore excursion guide whose presentation is playing on the ship’s televisions made an interesting comment when explaining what you can see at the butterfly farm – “caterpillars fart to ward off predators.”
That would do it.
After wandering around the town and getting a little too far out of the tourist area, I made my way back downtown where I ran into some crew members. We spent the rest of the afternoon at a restaurant called 7West where we cooled off with a few beers before heading back to the ship for a 5pm departure.
After a full day on land, I headed to my Retreat Cabana where I got a Nathan’s Famous hot dog from the Dive In and spent some time in the sun before heading back to my stateroom to get ready for dinner at Le Cirque.
On each cruise, for one evening the Pinnacle Grill is transformed into New York City’s legendary restaurant, Le Cirque where dishes from the Big Apple’s mainstay are presented on Le Cirque china and in Le Cirque fashion. The four-course meal is $49 per person.
I started off with the Lobster Salad Le Cirque which featured a poached lobster tail with haricots verts and citrus. Very, very good.
Next up was a Chilled Yogurt and Melon Soup with Shrimp that wasn’t one of my favorites. The other soup choice was Garden Pea, which definitively would not be one of my choices.
For my main course, I was going to go with the Seabass, but Mario recommended the Chateaubriand which is carved tableside and served with horseradish flan and sweet & sour beets. The beef was cooked a perfect rare and had excellent flavor. Its accompanying au jus was an added touch to a very good steak.
For dessert, I got the Pineapple which was served in a Malibu rum with coconut and bourbon vanilla. Another good choice, though the Strawberry Pavlova would have been a good selection as well.
Every Le Cirque experience on a Holland America Line ship has been a winner and I highly recommend it, even though it is priced $20 more than a regular evening in the ship’s Pinnacle Grill.
Having spent a long, hot day ashore, I did not take in the evening’s performance in the Visa Lounge but immediately retired to my stateroom after a quick walk around the Promenade Deck after dinner. I think it took a total of 30 seconds from the time my head hit the pillow to the time I knocked out only to get up after 9am this morning. I did miss the Indonesian Crew Show which was held at 11pm, which was pretty late, even for me!
Speaking of this morning, we’ve begun to sail back to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. For the next two days (Saturday & Sunday) we will be at sea. I just finished breakfast from the Lido Buffet in my cabana and enjoyed a few glasses of champagne to kick off the weekend.
The breeze is light, the sea is moderate and it’s once again sunny and hot. There are plenty of things going on throughout the ship today to keep us busy. Debra, the steelpan player is entertaining the people out at the Lido Pool. This gal has been playing every single day, all afternoon. You have to give her credit, as she’s out in the sun banging that pan and cranking out the island tunes hours at a time.
Different shopping events are happening onboard throughout the day and I may head down and see what kind of a deal I can get on some diamond earrings. The Noordam singers and dancers are doing a bit of a tour and Q & A session at 2pm today for those who wonder what it’s like to be a ship-board entertainer.
All I can say is it can’t be easy.
In fact, I don’t think any shipboard job can be easy. Imagine having to be “on” all day long and on Holland America Line ships answer every question with “excellent.”
Hey Edwin, how are you today?
“Excellent, Mr. Scott.”
Did you enjoy your time in Aruba?
“Yes I had an excellent time.”
What did you do last night?
“I had an excellent dinner in crew buffet and came in second place in excellent karaoke contest in crew bar.”
Speaking of the Noordam singers and dancers, tonight they’re putting on the “Rock Legends” show in the Vista Lounge.
The captain just made his afternoon announcement and let us know that today will probably be the last day of sunshine. Booooo!
Tomorrow we will be hitting a front as we make our way back to Florida and it’s expected to bring with it clouds and showers. Looks like Bingo will be replacing a day in the sun. Sunday-fun day looks as it may be called on the count of rain.
So with that said, it’s off to soak up what little remaining Caribbean sun I can get before that weather moves in.
The next update is tomorrow and the final recap comes Monday.
Personal Day-By-Day Noordam Cruise Review:
Photo Tour of the Noordam:
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