Ah, Aruba. The word alone conjures up images of sugar-white beaches, sapphire waters, and that ever-present trade wind tousling your hair like a flirtatious island breeze. But if youâre not careful, your “One Happy Island” cruise stop can turn into “One Big Travel Oops.” Donât worryâIâve sailed into Aruba more times than I can count (probably because I stopped counting after the third frozen mojito), and Iâm here to make sure your first time is smooth sailing.
Letâs dive into the classic rookie mistakesâand how to dodge them like a local in flip-flops running for happy hour.
1. Staying Too Close to the Cruise Port
Oranjestadâs colorful Dutch colonial buildings are adorable, sure. But many first-timers think the port area is the main show. Spoiler: itâs just the welcome mat.
What to do instead: Venture beyond the shopping strip. Rent a car (yes, they drive on the right) or hop in a taxi to Arashi Beach for tranquil turquoise waters, or explore the lesser-known Mangel Halto for epic snorkeling. The real magic is off the tourist trailâtrust me, your Instagram will thank you.
2. Not Booking Shore Excursions Ahead of Time
Aruba might be small, but cruise excursions sell out faster than free samples on deck 12. I once overheard a couple at the port say, âWeâll just wing it.â Spoiler: They didnât get wingsâor anything fun, really.
Fix it: Pre-book your top picksâparticularly catamaran snorkels, UTV tours through Arikok National Park, or the famed Kukoo Kunuku party bus. Bonus: Booking in advance often saves you a few bucks and guarantees your spot.
3. Forgetting to Factor in Island Time (Literally!)
Aruba doesnât observe Daylight Saving Time. Some cruise ships do. Thatâs your cue for an âoops momentâ when your watch says 1:30 and your ship says âBye, Feliciaâ at 2:00.
Insider Tip: Always triple-check your shipâs “onboard time” vs. local time. Better yet, switch your phone to airplane mode and use a reliable wristwatch so you’re not relying on that confused time-zone-hopping smartphone. Aruba is lovely, but you donât want an unplanned overnight stay.
4. Skipping the Lesser-Known Beaches
Everyone flocks to Palm Beach. Itâs beautifulâbut so is Costco, and both are full of people and no parking.
Try this instead:
- Eagle Beach: Frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world, and for good reasonâitâs wide, soft, and blessedly less crowded.
- Baby Beach: Ideal for kids (and adults still learning to snorkel without drinking half the sea). Shallow, clear, and calm.
- Boca Catalina: A hidden gem for snorkeling straight from shore. Bring a waterproof cameraâyouâll likely meet some curious parrotfish and maybe a sea turtle or two.
5. Wearing the Wrong Shoes on Island Adventures
I get itâyou packed those bejeweled sandals âjust for Aruba.â But when youâre climbing rocks at the Natural Bridge or checking out the caves in Arikok, youâll wish you had something sturdier than beach bling.
My advice: Bring comfy, closed-toe shoes. I swear, sneakers have saved more cruise marriages than onboard couplesâ trivia night.
6. Overlooking Arubaâs Culinary Scene
Resisting the urge to go back to the ship for lunch? Good. Youâre ready for Arubaâs underrated culinary delights. First-timers often miss the gold mine of local cuisine because they stick close to the port or donât know where to look.
Donât miss:
- Zeerovers: A local favorite in Savaneta where the fish is so fresh it asked you not to eat it.
- The Dutch Pancakehouse: Trust me, you havenât had a pancake until youâve tried one topped with bacon, cheese, and apples. Just… go.
- Pastechi: Think of it as an Aruban empanada. Flaky, fried, filled with cheese or meat, and found at nearly every corner store or bakery.
7. Not Bringing Cash (in Small Bills!)
Aruba uses the florin, but US dollars are accepted everywhere. Still, many tourists forget to bring small denominationsâand then get stuck paying $20 for a $7 cab ride because ânobody ever has change.â
Pro tip: Bring $1s and $5s for taxis, tips, and buying souvenirs like that coconut carved with your name (that youâll proudly display for six months and then “accidentally” leave at your cousinâs house).
8. Assuming Wi-Fi Is Everywhere
Yes, Aruba has modern infrastructure. No, that doesnât mean your phone signal will magically cooperate everywhere. Even seasoned cruisers sometimes forget that beach bars aren’t known for stellar upload speeds.
Avoid this trap: Download offline maps, save e-tickets/screenshots in advance, and let your camera roll instead of your feed. Besides, you’ll appreciate the disconnect (and so will your blood pressure).
Bonus Tips to Elevate Your Aruba Game
- Visit the Aloe Vera Museum: Aruba has been farming aloe since 1890. The museum is small and quirky, and your sunburned shoulders might thank you with a gentle âahhh.â
- Bring a dry bag: Perfect for boat tours or spontaneous swims. No one likes dripping phone drama or soggy dollars.
- Snap a photo of your taxi license plate number: Itâs a simple safety move if your wallet or phone is left behind.
In Conclusion: Make Your Aruba Moment Count
Aruba is more than just a beautiful pit stopâit’s a soulful, sun-soaked invitation to unwind, explore, and maybe discover that you’re a bit more adventurous than you thought. Avoiding these common cruise traveler mistakes isnât just about dodging mishaps; itâs about making room for spontaneity and joy. When you plan smartly, you leave space for magic. And in Aruba, magic tends to happen when your toes are sandy, your schedule is flexible, and thereâs at least one pastechi in your bag for later.
So go aheadâwander farther, eat boldly, snorkel wildly, and let Aruba surprise you. Just remember: donât forget your watchâŚand your sense of humor!