Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Aruba?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Aruba: A Caribbean Cruise Ship Destination

Aruba is a Caribbean island known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also a popular cruise ship destination, with many ships docking in the capital city of Oranjestad.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different cruise ship terminals in Aruba, as well as the pros and cons of each one. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the most of your time in Aruba when you’re on a cruise ship.

So whether you’re planning a cruise to Aruba or you’re just curious about where the cruise ships dock, read on for all the information you need to know!

| Cruise Ship Terminal | Location | Year Opened |
|—|—|—|
| Muelle de Barcas | Oranjestad | 1959 |
| Renaissance Marina | Oranjestad | 1996 |
| Port of Palm Beach | Palm Beach | 2005 |

Aruba is a popular Caribbean cruise destination, with its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture. There are three main cruise ship docks in Aruba: the Port of Oranjestad, Barcadera, and Savaneta. Each dock has its own unique offerings, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

The Port of Oranjestad

The Port of Oranjestad is the largest and busiest cruise ship dock in Aruba. It is located in the heart of the capital city, making it easy to explore the shops, restaurants, and bars. The port has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a casino, and a number of restaurants. It also offers a variety of shore excursions, such as beach tours, snorkeling trips, and catamaran cruises.

Location and history

The Port of Oranjestad is located on the north coast of Aruba, just a short walk from the city center. The port was originally built in the 1950s, and it has been expanded and upgraded several times since then. Today, the port can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.

Facilities and amenities

The Port of Oranjestad has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, including:

  • A duty-free shopping mall
  • A casino
  • A number of restaurants
  • A variety of shore excursions
  • A baggage claim area
  • A customs area
  • A passenger terminal
  • A parking lot

Cruise lines that dock at the port

The Port of Oranjestad is home to a variety of cruise lines, including:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • Costa Cruises

Number of cruise ships that dock at the port each year

The Port of Oranjestad welcomes over 2 million cruise passengers each year. The port is home to over 100 cruise ship calls each year.

Barcadere

Barcadere is a small town on the west coast of Aruba. It is home to a small cruise ship dock that can accommodate ships of up to 500 passengers. The dock is located just a short walk from the beach, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a casino, and a number of restaurants.

Location and history

Barcadere is located on the west coast of Aruba, about 10 miles from the capital city of Oranjestad. The town was originally founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The cruise ship dock was built in the 1980s, and it has been expanded and upgraded several times since then.

Facilities and amenities

The Barcadera cruise ship dock has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, including:

  • A duty-free shopping mall
  • A casino
  • A number of restaurants
  • A variety of shore excursions
  • A baggage claim area
  • A customs area
  • A passenger terminal
  • A parking lot

Cruise lines that dock at the port

The Barcadera cruise ship dock is home to a variety of cruise lines, including:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • Costa Cruises

Number of cruise ships that dock at the port each year

The Barcadera cruise ship dock welcomes over 1 million cruise passengers each year. The port is home to over 50 cruise ship calls each year.

Savaneta

Savaneta is a small town on the southeast coast of Aruba. It is home to a small cruise ship dock that can accommodate ships of up to 300 passengers. The dock is located just a short walk from the beach, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a casino, and a number of restaurants.

Location and history

Savaneta is located on the southeast coast of Aruba, about 15 miles from the capital city of Oranjestad. The town was originally founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The cruise ship dock was built in the 1990s, and it has been expanded and upgraded several times since then.

Facilities and amenities

The Savaneta cruise ship dock has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, including:

  • A duty-free shopping mall
  • A casino
  • A number of restaurants
  • A variety of shore excursions
  • A baggage claim area

Where Do the Cruise Ships Dock in Aruba?

The cruise ship docks in Aruba are located in the Port of Oranjestad. The port is located on the south side of the island, and it is the main port of entry for cruise ships. The port has two cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.

The cruise ship terminals are located close to the city center, so passengers can easily access shops, restaurants, and other attractions. The port is also close to the airport, so passengers can easily connect to flights to other destinations.

The following is a list of the cruise ship docks in Aruba:

  • Cruise Ship Terminal 1
  • Cruise Ship Terminal 2

Factors Affecting Where Cruise Ships Dock in Aruba

There are a number of factors that affect where cruise ships dock in Aruba. These factors include:

  • The size of the cruise ship
  • The time of year
  • The weather conditions

The size of the cruise ship

The size of the cruise ship is one of the most important factors that affects where it docks in Aruba. The port has two cruise ship terminals, and each terminal has a maximum capacity for a certain size of ship. Cruise ships that are too large to dock at one terminal will have to dock at the other terminal.

The time of year

The time of year is another factor that affects where cruise ships dock in Aruba. During the peak season, which runs from December to April, the port is very busy. Cruise ships that arrive during this time may have to wait to dock until a space becomes available. During the off-season, which runs from May to November, the port is less busy, and cruise ships are more likely to be able to dock at their preferred terminal.

The weather conditions

The weather conditions can also affect where cruise ships dock in Aruba. If there is a storm or high winds, the port may be closed to cruise ships. This means that cruise ships that were scheduled to dock in Aruba may have to divert to another port.

The Future of Cruise Ship Docking in Aruba

The Port of Oranjestad is planning to expand its cruise ship facilities in order to accommodate larger ships. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2023, and it will include a new cruise ship terminal and a new parking garage. The expansion will also increase the port’s capacity to handle up to 2,000 passengers.

In addition to the expansion of the Port of Oranjestad, there are also plans to build new cruise ship docks in other parts of Aruba. These docks would be located in the following areas:

  • Barcadera Bay
  • Eagle Beach
  • Palm Beach

The construction of these new docks would provide more options for cruise ships to dock in Aruba, and it would also help to spread out the cruise ship traffic.

The cruise ship docks in Aruba are located in the Port of Oranjestad. The port has two cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers. The size of the cruise ship, the time of year, and the weather conditions are all factors that affect where cruise ships dock in Aruba. The Port of Oranjestad is planning to expand its cruise ship facilities in order to accommodate larger ships. There are also plans to build new cruise ship docks in other parts of Aruba.

Where do the cruise ships dock in Aruba?

  • Oranjestad Cruise Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in Aruba. It is located in the capital city of Oranjestad, on the south coast of the island. The terminal has two berths that can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.
  • Marina Renaissance is a smaller cruise ship terminal located in the northwest of Aruba. It has one berth that can accommodate ships of up to 500 passengers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each terminal?

  • Oranjestad Cruise Terminal is the larger of the two terminals and has more facilities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a casino, and a variety of restaurants. It is also located closer to the city center, making it more convenient for passengers who want to explore the city. However, it is also more crowded than Marina Renaissance.
  • Marina Renaissance is smaller and less crowded than Oranjestad Cruise Terminal. It is also located in a more scenic area, with views of the Caribbean Sea. However, it has fewer facilities than Oranjestad Cruise Terminal and is further from the city center.

Which terminal is best for me?

The best terminal for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a terminal with more facilities and are not concerned about crowds, Oranjestad Cruise Terminal is the better option. If you are looking for a more scenic and less crowded terminal, Marina Renaissance is the better option.

**What are the different cruise lines that dock in Aruba?

A variety of cruise lines dock in Aruba, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The following is a list of some of the most popular cruise lines that dock in Aruba:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • Aida Cruises

**What are the different types of cruises that visit Aruba?

There are a variety of different types of cruises that visit Aruba, including:

  • Repositioning cruises: These cruises are typically one-way trips that take passengers from one part of the world to another. For example, a repositioning cruise from Miami to Aruba would take passengers from the east coast of the United States to the Caribbean.
  • Round-trip cruises: These cruises depart from and return to the same port. For example, a round-trip cruise from Aruba to Curaao would take passengers from Aruba to Curaao and back.
  • Cruises with multiple stops: These cruises visit multiple destinations on the same trip. For example, a cruise from Aruba to Bonaire to Curacao would take passengers from Aruba to Bonaire and Curacao and back.

**What are the best things to do in Aruba?

Aruba is a beautiful island with a lot to offer visitors. Some of the best things to do in Aruba include:

  • Snorkeling and diving: Aruba’s clear waters and coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling and diving. There are a variety of different dive sites to choose from, including shipwrecks, coral reefs, and caves.
  • Beaches: Aruba has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Some of the most popular beaches include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Manchebo Beach.
  • Hiking and biking: Aruba has a variety of hiking and biking trails to explore. The trails range from easy to challenging, and offer stunning views of the island.
  • Golf: Aruba has two championship golf courses, both of which are designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
  • Shopping: Aruba has a variety of duty-free shops where you can find everything from souvenirs to designer clothes.
  • Cuisine: Aruba has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving everything from international cuisine to local specialties.

**How can I get to Aruba?

The main way to get to Aruba is by plane. There are direct flights to Aruba from a variety of cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. You can also fly to Aruba via connecting flights.

Aruba is also accessible by boat. There are a variety of cruise lines that offer cruises to Aruba. You can also take a ferry to Aruba from neighboring islands, such as Bonaire and Curacao.

there are three main cruise ship ports in Aruba: the Port of Oranjestad, the Port of Barcadera, and the Port of San Nicolas. Each port offers its own unique set of amenities and attractions, making it the perfect destination for a cruise vacation. Whether you’re looking for a bustling cityscape, a quiet beach town, or something in between, you’re sure to find it in Aruba.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • The Port of Oranjestad is the largest and most popular cruise ship port in Aruba. It is located in the capital city of Oranjestad and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • The Port of Barcadera is a smaller and more secluded cruise ship port located on the west coast of Aruba. It is known for its beautiful beaches and quiet atmosphere.
  • The Port of San Nicolas is a historic cruise ship port located on the east coast of Aruba. It is home to the Aruba Historical Museum and the Fort Zoutman.

No matter which port you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable cruise vacation in Aruba.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.