Aruba
Walkability: 9.3/10Aruba
Hours in Port
~9 hours
Walk to Town
5 min walk to downtown Oranjestad
Currency
AWG (USD accepted)
WiFi
Good
Cell Coverage
Excellent
Time Zone
AST (no DST)
Time Zone Alert
Aruba uses AST year-round. Same as EDT in summer, 1 hour ahead of EST in winter.
Overview
Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and sits outside the hurricane belt, so weather is almost always sunny. The cruise terminal is steps from colorful downtown Oranjestad. Eagle Beach consistently ranks among the world's best beaches.
The walkability score is a planning hint for navigating the port on foot from the terminal. Safety information should be confirmed against official travel advisories (e.g. travel.state.gov) before your trip.
All-aboard math
All-aboard in Arubais typically 30–60 minutes before your ship departs — confirm the exact time on the day’s ship newsletter. Time-zone note: Aruba uses AST year-round. Same as EDT in summer, 1 hour ahead of EST in winter.
Top Excursions
Eagle Beach & Flamingos
Arikok National Park 4x4
Butterfly Farm
Snorkeling Catamaran
ATV Island Tour
Book Tours & Activities
Hotels Near Aruba
Flying in the night before? Find hotels near the cruise terminal in Aruba, Aruba.
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Rent a Boat in Aruba
Skip the cruise excursion desk — rent a private boat and explore Aruba at your own pace.
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Free Things To Do
Solar-Powered Tram
Free trolley that loops through downtown Oranjestad — hop on to see the colorful Dutch architecture.
Renaissance Marketplace
Waterfront shopping and dining complex right next to the cruise port. Window-shop and enjoy the views.
Linear Park Walk
Paved walking and biking path along the coast from the port toward Eagle Beach.
Restaurants Near Terminal
Getting Around
Arubus public buses run along the hotel strip for $2.50 one-way. Taxis are metered; downtown to Eagle Beach is about $10. The free solar tram loops through Oranjestad. Renting a car is easy ($40-50/day) for exploring Arikok and the rugged north coast.
Emergency Information
Police
100
Hospital
Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital
US Consulate
No US Consulate — nearest in Curacao: (599-9) 461-3066
Medical Evacuation Coverage
Helicopter evacuations from ports like Aruba can cost $50,000+. Medjet covers medical transport to your home hospital — not just the nearest facility.
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