Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Aruba?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Aruba: A Caribbean Cruise Ship Paradise

When it comes to Caribbean cruise destinations, Aruba is often at the top of the list. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class resorts, it’s no wonder that so many cruise lines make Aruba a regular stop on their itineraries.

But where do cruise ships dock in Aruba? And what are the different things to do and see in the area?

In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more. We’ll also provide you with a comprehensive guide to cruising to Aruba, so you can make the most of your trip.

So if you’re planning a Caribbean cruise, be sure to put Aruba on your list!

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Aruba?

| Port Name | Location | Cruise Lines |
|—|—|—|
| Port of Oranjestad | Oranjestad | Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar |
| Port of Barcadera | Barcadera | Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar |
| Port of San Nicolas | San Nicolas | Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar |

Aruba is a popular cruise ship destination, with four ports of call that offer a variety of amenities and attractions for passengers. The ports are located in Oranjestad, Barcadera Bay, Spanish Water, and Savaneta.

Cruise Ship Ports in Aruba

  • Port of Oranjestad is the largest and busiest cruise ship port in Aruba. It is located in the heart of the capital city and offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. The port has two terminals, one for cruise ships and one for cargo ships. The cruise ship terminal has a shopping mall, a casino, a duty-free shop, and a variety of restaurants.
  • Barcadero Bay is a small cruise ship port located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Oranjestad. The port is surrounded by beautiful beaches and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The port has one terminal that can accommodate up to two cruise ships at a time. The terminal has a small shopping area and a few restaurants.
  • Spanish Water is a small cruise ship port located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Oranjestad. The port is surrounded by mangrove forests and offers a tranquil setting for a cruise ship stopover. The port has one terminal that can accommodate one cruise ship at a time. The terminal has a small shopping area and a few restaurants.
  • Savaneta is a small cruise ship port located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Oranjestad. The port is located in a charming fishing village and offers a glimpse into local Aruban culture. The port has one terminal that can accommodate one cruise ship at a time. The terminal has a small shopping area and a few restaurants.

Facilities at Cruise Ship Ports in Aruba

The cruise ship ports in Aruba offer a variety of facilities for passengers, including:

  • Terminals The cruise ship terminals in Aruba are all modern and well-equipped. They have check-in areas, baggage claim areas, duty-free shops, and restaurants.
  • Docking facilities The cruise ship ports in Aruba have deep water docks that can accommodate large cruise ships. The docks are also equipped with gangways to allow passengers to easily board and disembark from the ships.
  • Shopping The cruise ship ports in Aruba have a variety of shops, including duty-free shops, boutiques, and souvenir shops.
  • Dining The cruise ship ports in Aruba have a variety of restaurants, including cafes, fast food restaurants, and fine dining restaurants.
  • Entertainment The cruise ship ports in Aruba have a variety of entertainment options, including casinos, bars, and nightclubs.

The cruise ship ports in Aruba offer a variety of amenities and attractions for passengers. Whether you are looking for a bustling cityscape, a tranquil setting, or a glimpse into local Aruban culture, you are sure to find a port that is perfect for you.

3. Cruise Ship Activities in Aruba

Aruba is a popular cruise ship destination due to its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse activities. There are many things to do in Aruba for cruise ship passengers, including:

  • Beaches. Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white-sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Arashi Beach.
  • Water sports. Aruba is a great place to enjoy water sports, such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing. There are many different tour operators that offer water sports excursions.
  • Land excursions. There are also many different land excursions available in Aruba. You can visit the Arikok National Park, go horseback riding, go hiking, or take a cooking class.
  • Shopping. Aruba is a great place to go shopping. There are many different stores and boutiques selling everything from souvenirs to designer clothes. The duty-free shopping is also a popular attraction for cruise ship passengers.
  • Dining. Aruba has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from local cuisine to international favorites. There are also many different bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy a drink and dance the night away.

4. Getting to and from Cruise Ship Ports in Aruba

There are three cruise ship ports in Aruba:

  • Oranjestad Cruise Terminal. This is the main cruise ship port in Aruba and is located in the capital city of Oranjestad. The port is within walking distance of the city center, where you can find shops, restaurants, and bars.
  • Philipsburg Cruise Terminal. This cruise ship port is located in the town of Philipsburg, which is the capital of Sint Maarten. The port is about a 15-minute drive from Oranjestad.
  • Savaneta Cruise Terminal. This cruise ship port is located in the town of Savaneta. The port is about a 45-minute drive from Oranjestad.

There are several ways to get to and from the cruise ship ports in Aruba:

  • By plane. The Queen Beatrix International Airport is located about a 15-minute drive from Oranjestad. There are direct flights to Aruba from many major cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.
  • By ferry. There are ferries that run between Aruba and Sint Maarten. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes.
  • By car. You can rent a car in Aruba and drive to the cruise ship ports. There are several car rental companies located in Oranjestad.

Aruba is a beautiful island with a lot to offer cruise ship passengers. There are beautiful beaches, clear waters, and a variety of activities to choose from. Whether you want to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or exploring the island, Aruba has something for everyone.

Where do cruise ships dock in Aruba?

There are two cruise ship terminals in Aruba:

  • Oranjestad Cruise Terminal, located in the capital city of Oranjestad. This terminal is the largest and most popular of the two, and it can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.
  • Sant Nicolaas Cruise Terminal, located in the town of Sant Nicolaas. This terminal is smaller than Oranjestad Cruise Terminal, but it is still able to accommodate ships of up to 800 passengers.

Which cruise ship terminal is better?

The best cruise ship terminal for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Oranjestad Cruise Terminal is larger and more centrally located, making it a better option for passengers who want to explore the city of Oranjestad. Sant Nicolaas Cruise Terminal is smaller and more secluded, making it a better option for passengers who want to relax in a more peaceful setting.

How far is it from the cruise ship terminals to the airport?

Oranjestad Cruise Terminal is approximately 10 kilometers from the airport, and Sant Nicolaas Cruise Terminal is approximately 15 kilometers from the airport. Both terminals offer shuttle services to and from the airport, which typically cost around $10 per person.

What are the different types of cruises that visit Aruba?

Aruba is a popular destination for a variety of different types of cruises, including:

  • Repositioning cruises, which sail from one part of the world to another and stop in Aruba along the way.
  • Caribbean cruises, which typically include a stop in Aruba as part of a longer itinerary that includes other Caribbean islands.
  • Transatlantic cruises, which sail from Europe to North America and stop in Aruba along the way.
  • World cruises, which circumnavigate the globe and stop in Aruba as part of a longer itinerary that includes multiple continents.

What are the best things to do in Aruba?

There are a variety of things to do in Aruba, including:

  • Snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

* **Exploring the island’s beautiful beaches, including Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach.
* **Visiting the historic city of Oranjestad.
* **Playing golf at one of the island’s many golf courses.
* **Taking a dip in one of the island’s many natural pools.

What is the weather like in Aruba?

Aruba has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The average temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average humidity is 75%. The rainiest months are October and November, and the driest months are February and March.

What is the best time to visit Aruba?

The best time to visit Aruba is during the dry season, which runs from December to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain.

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 benefits and amenities, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you. Whether you are looking for a lively city atmosphere, a secluded beach setting, or something in between, you are sure to find the perfect cruise ship port in Aruba.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

  • The Port of Oranjestad is the largest and most popular cruise ship port in Aruba. It is located close to the city center and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • The Port of Barcadera is a smaller and more secluded cruise ship port. It is located on the west coast of Aruba and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
  • The Port of San Nicolas is a historic cruise ship port that is located close to the island’s airport. It offers a variety of duty-free shops and restaurants.

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.