Aruba is in the southern Caribbean Sea and is one of the four countries that form the Kingdom of Netherlands.  Aruba has a dry climate with cacti type landscape.  It lies outside Hurraine Alley.  The capital is Oranjestad.  Aruba has more sunny days than any other island in the Caribbean with a daily average temperature a comfortable 82 degrees.  Aruba is safe and they speak English.

We spent  a wonderful day at the Palm Beach.  There were bright colorful tropical fish and red colored starfish swimming around in the clear blue water.  The high rise resorts along the long stretch of white sandy beaches have excellent BBQ food platters and drinks.  We had banana daiquiris all day, each from different beachside bars and restaurants.  All were excellent!

In Aruba the stores and boutiques, banks, gas stations, supermarkets, taxi, bus, and other services relied upon by tourist are closed a half day before and all day on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Taxi is one of the most popular means of transportation.  All of the taxi drivers have participated in the government’s Tourism Awareness Program and they speak English.  It is effortless to get a taxi ride to any beach on the island from the cruise port.  However, beware because returning from the beach is quite difficult to say the least.  E.g.  If you had a ten minute ride to a beach from the cruise port,  anticipate at least an hour for your return to the cruise port.  The drop off area at the beach is exactly as stated “drop off ” area.  Taxis do not pick up from the beaches.   If fact, many of the taxi had a sign posted on the dashboard that read “Shirtless, wet or damp passengers are not allowed”.  Aruba taxi companies will charge $50 for seat damage due to sand, wet clothing and sharp objects.  So after enjoying the wonderful beaches in Aruba:  clean up, change clothes and request a taxi in any of the resort lobbies along the beach.

We enjoyed Aruba!