Cunard Queen Elizabeth Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 7: November 2, 2026

Day 7 on Queen Elizabeth, and we’ve made it to the final port of call on this nine-day cruise. We started in Grand Turk, visited Curaçao and Bonaire, and today we’re finishing off our backward ABC itinerary on “One Happy Island,” Aruba. So there you have it, our CBA cruise is complete!

We docked in the capital, Oranjestad, around 7am, and with all aboard not until 5pm, there was plenty of time to head ashore. It was a three-ship day, with Norwegian Sun and Celebrity Silhouette joining the Queen.

Now, there are ports where three ships means you’re going to spend the day walking behind someone who stops dead in their tracks every six feet to look at a $3 t-shirt. But Aruba does a pretty good job of absorbing everyone. People head off to beaches, tours, shopping, and restaurants, so once you get away from the terminal, it doesn’t feel like you’re competing with thousands of cruise passengers plus tourists from the local hotels.

A Day in Aruba Without an Excursion

If you’ve followed along on my other Aruba visits, you already know what I like to do here. Walk around. That’s pretty much the plan.

Oranjestad is one of those ports where you can get off the ship and spend a few hours wandering without having to book anything. The port is right downtown, so you’re already where you need to be. There’s no bus ride to get to the interesting stuff, and you don’t need to hire someone to drive you three blocks.

And since I keep getting asked what there is to do in these ports without booking an excursion, yes, I put together another walking guide!

My Aruba Walking Tour from the Cruise Port: A DIY Guide takes you around ten stops downtown, with a Google Maps route you can bring up on your phone and follow as you go. There’s also a printable version with a QR code to open the map, so you can have everything handy when you get off the ship.

You don’t have to do every stop, either. If museums aren’t your thing, skip them. If you find somewhere you want to sit and have a beer, sit and have a beer. I may join you.

What’s There to See Around Town?

Right outside the terminal, you’ll find local merchants selling souvenirs and people offering island tours. It’s generally a pretty low-pressure area to get through without one of the locals running after you trying to sell you something you’ve already said no to four times.

Head right along L.G. Smith Boulevard, which is the main street that runs along the water, and you’ll come to Royal Plaza Mall. That’s the big pink building with all the fancy trim. You’ll know it when you see it.

There are shops inside, more along the street, and plenty of places to stop as you make your way farther into town. But don’t spend the whole day on the main drag, because there’s more to see a few blocks in.

Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower are on the walking route, and the fort houses Aruba’s Historical Museum. It dates back to 1798, so there’s a little more history here than when the last cruise passenger bought a watch. Just check what’s accessible before planning a visit inside, as restoration work has been affecting access to the tower and there’s still a lot of working going on all around it.

The National Archaeological Museum is another stop if you want to learn about the island’s Indigenous history. Or you can keep heading toward the real Main Street, officially Caya G.F. Betico Croes, where there are more stores, cafés, and the blue horse sculptures you’ll see scattered around downtown.

Yes, blue horses. If you’ve been here before, you’ve probably taken a picture with one. If you haven’t, now you have something to look for while whoever you’re traveling with goes into ANOTHER jewelry store.

The route also takes you onto Havenstraat and Schelpstraat, a couple of the smaller shopping streets where you can browse without sticking to the main drag the whole time.

Eventually, you’ll work your way over to the Renaissance Marketplace and marina, which is a good spot to grab lunch. There are several restaurants, a Dutch pancake place, Starbucks, and a 5 o’Clock Somewhere bar. So whether you need caffeine, lunch, or something a little stronger, you’ve got options.

The marina is also a nice place to walk around and take some pictures before heading toward Wilhelmina Park. You can sit down for a bit, enjoy the waterfront, and then make your way back through town past the Parliament Building and Protestant Church.

Somewhere along the way, you’ll probably come across an Aruba sign for the obligatory photo.

There’s also a free trolley that runs through downtown, although I’d treat that as a bonus if you happen to catch it. Some days it runs, some days it doesn’t, so I wouldn’t stand around wasting half your port day waiting for it.  Today, presumably because there were three ships in port, it was running.

The walk is pretty easy, but it’s still Aruba. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and remember that the breeze isn’t sunscreen. You can get pretty crispy while convincing yourself it doesn’t feel that hot.

If You’d Rather Spend the Day at the Beach

Now, if your idea of a day in Aruba involves doing absolutely none of that and heading straight for the beach, I get it. Aruba has some terrific beaches and they’re all pretty easy to get to, but you will need a way to get to them.

You can book through the cruise line if you want the transportation and whatever else is included taken care of, or grab a taxi outside the terminal and do it yourself. Just check what you’re paying for. Here are the top beaches you can get to and most cruise lines at least offer an excursion to Eagle or Palm:

• Eagle Beach: One of the best-known beaches in Aruba, with a big beach area and plenty of room to spread out. If you’ve seen pictures of those bent over fofoti trees on the beach, this is where they are. It’s an easy, solid choice, and has been a favorite for decades.
• Palm Beach: This is the busier resort area, with lots of restaurants, beach bars, water sports, and people. If you want to be close to all of that, Palm Beach is a popular choice.  If you’re here on an overnight or have a late evening all aboard, it’s worth checking out some of the nightlife, as there’s plenty.
• Arashi Beach: Farther up toward the California Lighthouse, with swimming, snorkeling, and a more relaxed feel than the main resort strip.
• Baby Beach: It’s farther from the cruise port, though, so this is one where you want to give yourself plenty of time for the ride back.
• Druif and Manchebo: A couple more options closer to Oranjestad if you want to spend time on the sand without heading to the far end of the island.

Eagle and Palm are the two names you’re going to hear most often. If you want a wide beach and somewhere to relax, look at Eagle. If you want more going on around you, look at Palm.

And while the beaches are public, that doesn’t mean the chairs sitting in front of a resort are free. Ask before you park yourself in one and get comfortable.

A Quick Note About Taxis

If you’re taking a taxi, confirm the fare before you get in. Aruba has regulated fares rather than meters, so you shouldn’t need to haggle, but you still want to know the total, what currency it’s in, and whether there are additional charges for your group.

If you’re paying by card, ask whether that’s possible before the ride. Having some smaller U.S. bills with you makes things easier.

Most importantly, figure out how you’re getting back. At the busy resort areas, finding a taxi is generally easier. Somewhere farther away, arrange a pickup and get the driver’s contact information.

Yes, There’s a Beach You Can Walk To

If you don’t want to take a taxi at all, there is Governor’s Beach, a small stretch near Wilhelmina Park that you can walk to from the port.

But I need you to keep your expectations low. Very low.

This isn’t Eagle Beach without the taxi fare. It’s a little spot along the road where you can put a towel down, get in the water, dry off, and move on. There aren’t beach facilities or a setup with loungers, umbrellas, and someone coming around to take your drink order.  But there is a little restaurant and bar right there.

If all you want is a quick dip while you’re walking around town, it works. You can get your little bit of beach time in and be heading back toward the ship in under an hour. But I wouldn’t plan my whole day around it.

I’ve included a walk-around video below so you can see what’s there. That way, you can decide for yourself whether it’s enough or whether spending a few bucks on transportation is the better move.

All Aboard Means All Aboard

A few minutes before our 5pm all-aboard time, two guests got their names announced throughout the ship. Yes, even Queen Elizabeth can have pier runners. But the names were only called once before the captain came on to let us know everyone was accounted for, the lines were coming in, and we were heading out. So whatever the situation was, it was sorted out pretty quickly.

Having until 5pm worked out well for our day in Aruba. Norwegian Sun, on the other hand, left at 3pm, which likely meant an all-aboard time around 2:30pm. Even with an early arrival, that makes for a much shorter day once you get off the ship and get wherever you’re going.

I mention this because it’s something to pay attention to when you’re looking at an itinerary. Seeing “Aruba” on the list is great, but having to be back at 2:30pm versus 5pm changes what you can actually do. Head to a beach on the other end of the island, and a good chunk of that shorter visit gets eaten up by transportation.

San Juan is another place where you’ll sometimes see a 3pm departure, which really cuts into the day. Before you start filling your port schedule with things to do, check how much time you actually have.

With everyone back onboard, it was time to get ready for the evening. For those heading to the Britannia Restaurant, here’s a look at tonight’s main dining room menu.

QE Britannia Restaurant Caribbean Night 7

2026/2027 Caribbean Season

Available on: Queen Elizabeth

Open all sections

Appetisers4 items

Salt Cod Arancini

Smoked paprika mayonnaise

Chicken Liver Parfait

With caramelised apple, sauternes jelly and toasted brioche

Shaved Vegetable Salad

Black olives, grains and green goddess dressing

Shrimp Cocktail

With brandy cocktail sauce

Soups and Salad4 items

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Asian Style Chicken Broth

Sweetcorn and egg white

Classic Caesar Salad

Garlic croutons, anchovies and shaved Parmesan

Roasted Beet and Mesclun Salad

With hazelnut chilli vinegar

Entrées5 items

Sweet and Sour Pork

With bok choy and egg and vegetable fried rice

Pan-Roasted Duck

Braised beetroot, duck fat fondant potatoes, ruby grapefruit, hazelnuts, and Grand Marnier sauce

Fillet of Trout

Crab and shrimp croquettes, fennel, cherry tomatoes in a light fish soup

Goan White Curry

Fragrant basmati rice, coconut, green beans and bread

Spaghetti Carbonara

Smoked bacon, parmesan and egg yolk (Also available as an appetiser)

Surf and Turf2 items

Prime USDA Fillet Mignon 8oz

$35.00

Triple-cooked chips, grilled asparagus, béarnaise sauce

Half-Grilled Maine Lobster 10-14oz and Prime USDA Fillet Mignon 8oz

$45.00

Claw mac'n'cheese, garden salad, garlic and herb butter

Available Daily3 items

Grilled Salmon

Lemon pepper seasoning, broccoli, fingerling potatoes

Breaded Chicken Cutlet

Buttered greens, crushed red skin potato, drawn garlic butter

Slow-Roasted USDA Striploin

Whipped potato, string beans, pan gravy

Desserts and Cheese8 items

Warm Apple and Apricot Tart

Custard sauce

Passion Fruit and Coconut Cheesecake

Italian Hazelnut Cake

Honey roasted red plums, mascarpone cream

Strawberry Ice Cream

Rocky Road Ice Cream

Fruit Sorbet

Ice Cream Sauces

Toffee fudge, chocolate, or mixed berry coulis

Selection of Cheese and Biscuits

⬇ Download PDFAll Cunard Restaurant MenusAll Cunard Bar Menus

🖼️ Menu Images

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Dinner at Karibe

For me, dinner was at the last of the three specialty dining pop-ups offered this cruise, Karibe. Like La Piazza and Bamboo, it takes over a section of the Lido buffet and comes with a $40 per person cover charge, plus gratuity. We’ve done Italian, we’ve done Asian, and tonight it was time for Caribbean.

Karibe

2026/2027 Caribbean Season. $40 per person.

Open all sections

Appetizer5 items

Pigeon Pea Guacamole

warm tortilla, tomato choka

Adobo Short Rib

dark rum glaze, coco bread, banana and hot pepper ketchup, crispy onions

Local Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche

avocado purée, lime vinaigrette, cilantro oil, plantain crisps

Island Style Fish and Tiger Prawn Chowder

roasted corn, sherry peppers

Tajin Spiced Mushroom Tostadas

pimento, coconut dukkah

Entree5 items

Crab Crusted USDA Dry-Aged Beef Tenderloin

8oz, lime and creole butter

Jerk Chicken

drunken onions, mac 'n' cheese croquettes

Blackened Caribbean Catch of the Day

Mexican street corn

Curry Goat

aromatic curry sauce with coconut

Jerk Sweet Potato

miso tofu, pumpkin seed pesto

Add-On1 item

Local Spiny Lobster Tail

$15.00

add to beef tenderloin

Side4 items

Rice and Peas

Broccolini with Mojo Sauce

Caribbean Slaw

French Fries with House Jerk Seasoning

Dessert5 items

Karibe Sundae

rice pudding gelato, espresso, caramelized Rice Krispies, chocolate fudge sauce

Shaved Local Pineapple

chilli, allspice syrup

Dark 'n' Stormy Sticky Ginger and Rum Toffee Pudding

rum raisin gelato

Mango Key Lime Meringue Pie

coconut gelato

Selection of Homemade Gelato

⬇ Download PDFAll Cunard Restaurant MenusAll Cunard Bar Menus

🖼️ Menu Images

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I originally had Karibe booked for tomorrow, our second gala night, but canceled that reservation with the idea that I’d just make another one for tonight. Easy enough, right?

Except when I went to book it, the system said everything was full.

Rather than leave it at that, I stopped by the host stand and asked whether they could accommodate me at 8pm. They said yes, so dinner was back on. A little reminder that if the app says no, it doesn’t hurt to ask an actual person.

Dinner follows the same three-course setup as the other pop-ups: an appetizer, a main course, and dessert, with a little something for the table to get things started.

Tonight, that was pigeon pea guacamole with chips and tomato choka. My server made a point of assuring me that it didn’t contain any pigeon.

He said it very seriously, which makes me think someone, somewhere, has asked that question. Probably more than once.

The “guac” was thick and paste-like, which made sense given that it was made with pigeon peas. If you’re expecting the texture of avocado guacamole, this is a little different.

For my appetizer, I went with the Adobo Short Rib, listed with a dark rum glaze, coco bread, banana and hot pepper ketchup, and crispy onions.

It was essentially a little build-your-own sandwich, with shredded short rib that you tucked into the bread yourself. I was expecting something closer to a soft, squishy steamed bun, but the coco bread had a firmer texture. The meat itself was tender and flavorful, though, so it wasn’t a bad way to start dinner at all.

For the main course, I ordered the eight-ounce Crab Crusted USDA Dry-Aged Beef Tenderloin and added the lobster tail for another $15. So my $40 dinner had now become a $55 dinner before gratuity. Those little extras do have a way of finding you.

I asked for the filet rare, and that’s exactly how it arrived. After some of the temperature and cooking issues I’ve had this cruise, getting what I ordered deserves a mention.

It was nicely seasoned and came topped with a rather substantial dollop of lime and Creole butter.

The lobster tail was served out of its shell, so there was no work involved there, and it had a sweet, buttery flavor of its own. For sides, I went with the rice and peas and the broccolini with mojo sauce.

Now, if you order rice and peas and wonder why there are kidney beans on your plate, that’s perfectly normal. In the Jamaican version of the dish, those are the “peas.” The beans weren’t the issue here. The lack of flavor was.

Rice and peas would typically get flavor from ingredients such as coconut milk, thyme, scallions, and pepper. What I had tasted pretty much like plain, sticky rice and kidney beans.

When dessert time came around, I went with the Karibe Sundae.   This one was made with rice pudding gelato, espresso, caramelized Rice Krispies, and chocolate fudge sauce. Definitely a little different from the usual couple of scoops with whipped cream on top, and it was my pick to finish off the evening.

That also checks off all three of the Lido pop-ups for this cruise and the steakhouse, putting all speciality dining to the test.  In my day 9 final report, I’ll have a full rating for each of the restaurants and dining experiences onboaard.

Once again, service was the best part of the dinner with the pop-up experiencing having an amazing wait staff who are always attentive and on top of things.

We’re currently at sea, and will be, for the next two days as we head back to Miami to wrap up this adventure.  In tomorrow’s report, a look around the ship with some deck tours.  As always, thanks for following along.

Queen Elizabeth Day 7 Daily Planner

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