Aruba's port stands apart in the Caribbean, acting as a vibrant gateway to One Happy Island where sun, sea, and sophisticated service converge to create a seamless cruise experience. Here, signature experiences begin the moment you step ashore: crystal waters invite snorkeling and stand‑up paddleboarding at Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, while inland adventures in Arikok National Park reveal dramatic limestone caves, rugged desert terrain, and native wildlife reachable by guided jeep or nature walks. The capital Oranjestad captivates with its candy-colored Dutch colonial façades, lively markets, and waterfront dining that blends Caribbean flavors with European flair. What sets the port apart from others is Aruba’s consistent warm climate and steady trade winds, which make sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding especially reliable year‑round, paired with a passenger‑friendly terminal that streamlines embarkation and disembarkation for smooth port calls. Fleet-wise, the destination is equipped to welcome the newest generations of ships, with modern facilities and flexible berthing options designed to maximize efficiency, passenger comfort, and ship-to-shore coordination. Local shore experiences complement onboard services, offering curated excursions—from spotlighted beach days and couture shopping to cultural tastings, reef snorkeling, and cave explorations—that deepen the island’s distinctive blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Onboard, guests enjoy the hallmark cruise‑line amenities: world‑class dining, immersive entertainment, spa and fitness experiences, and family‑friendly clubs, all enhanced by Aruba’s warm hospitality and the option to tailor days with island‑centered itineraries and memorable sunset sails. Together, Aruba's port and island atmosphere deliver a uniquely engaging voyage that stands out among Caribbean cruise calls.
Currency
Aruban Florin (AWG)
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Mar
Typical Duration
8-14 nights
Price Range
$340-$4,879 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Aruba is a premier Caribbean cruise destination renowned for its pristine beaches, consistent sunny weather, and vibrant Dutch-influenced culture with excellent shopping and water sports.
Cruises that visit Aruba
- cruises to Aruba
- Aruba sailings
- Aruba cruises
- 7-night Seabourn cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Seabourn cruise
- 9-night Holland America Line cruise
- 9-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 9-night Holland America Line cruise
- 10-night Holland America Line cruise
- 10-night Holland America Line cruise
- 10-night Holland America Line cruise
- 11-night Holland America Line cruise
- 11-night Holland America Line cruise
- 11-night Holland America Line cruise
- 11-night Seabourn cruise
- 11-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night Holland America Line cruise
- 12-night Holland America Line cruise
- 12-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 13-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 13-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
Build Your Day in Aruba
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 9:00 PM
Usually about 13 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
California Lighthouse
Very fun, only $6 per person and kids are free.
Natural Bridge Aruba
There is a gift shop on site and they sell snacks and drinks.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant
The staff, service, drinks, food, and overall atmosphere is fantastic here.
Flying Fishbone
The ambiance, food, drinks, and service were all top quality.
Palm Beach Plaza Mall
Shopping center with a bowling alley
Open · Closes 10 PM
Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
So much fun and super educational!
Closes soon · 6 PM
Paseo Herencia Mall
Very cool outdoor mall with lots of shops, restaurants, and food carts.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Arikok National Park
My whole family had a blast just exploring and we’d do it all again.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
De Palm Island
Lots of activities to fill out a day for all ages.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Renaissance Marketplace
A lot to do good shopping, good food, quick customer service.
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Butterfly Farm Aruba
Super fun and so educational.
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Arashi Beach
We had such a blast we didn't want to stop!!!
Passions On The Beach
The food, service and ambience is 10 out of 10. You must eat at P.O.T.B
Bugaloe
The ambience is really nice, with live music and a lively, fun atmosphere.
Bushiribana Ruins
It is free to enter, and kids can climb until they are exhausted.
Madame Janette
... cocktails, amazing service and the Bang Bang Shrimp was the best!
Conchi Natural Pool
It's a cool spot, but there's plenty of other stuff to do in the park.
Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Philip's Animal Garden
A great activity, especially for a rainy day!
Closes soon · 6 PM
Fofoti Tree
Easier to find your own divi tree and create your own spot.
Barefoot Restaurant
Caesar salad, mahi and the seafood pasta were all amazing.
Royal Plaza Mall
Great place for high e d shopping from Starbucks to LV Gucci Coach
Closes soon · 6 PM
Bushiribana Gold Smelter
Can walk up inside for some really great photo ops.
Sexy Shrimp Aruba
Relaxed atmosphere with delicious cocktails and fantastic food!
Renaissance Mall
They have alot of designer stores - Gucci, Prada, Louie Vuitton and more.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Surfside Beach Bar
Great location, good quality bar food, quick service and reasonable price.
Fontein Cave
A great free activity to do.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Rum Reef Cocktail Bar & Grill Aruba
The drinks excellent 👌 The atmosphere and the waitress excellent!
Lima Bistro
The service was top notch, and the cocktails and food blew us away.
Quadirikiri Cave
Small stream you can stick your feet in and the fish give you a pedicure.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Azar Aruba
The short ribs were so tender and the atmosphere was phenomenal!
Druif Beach
You will become even more relaxed 😌
The Vue Rooftop Aruba
Amazing food, great atmosphere, and top-tier service!
Opens soon · 6 PM
Museo Histórico Aruba
Lots of different screens in cooled rooms to watch engaging documentaries.
Closes soon · 6 PM
Apotek Speakeasy
Great atmosphere, concept, music, delicious cocktails and nice staff.
Opens soon · 6 PM
Beach Bar
Good service, many different cocktails and the food is good.
CAYA House Aruba
Beautiful environment, good food and drinks, and friendly quick service.
D Shop Aruba
Great selection of shoes,bags ,accessories, and plus-size clothing.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Sea Trek Underwater Helmet Walk at De Palm Island
Xavier, Dino, and Ramone made this experience unforgettable and so magical!!
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Amare Beach Bar
Cocktails are relatively cheap and service is great.
Liquid Chef Gastro Bar
Amazing cocktails, great service, cheerful atmosphere.
Boutique Speakeasy
A hidden gem with a relaxed, intimate vibe and exceptional drink service.
Opens soon · 6 PM
Aruba Flea Market
Lots of wonderful things to purchase and friendly people.
Closes soon · 6 PM
HIDDEN Nightclub
Amazing staff, dope diverse music, vibes all around were great!
Closed · Opens 9 PM
Bar25 Aruba
The cocktails are unique and enjoyed the atmosphere so much.
The Village Mall Aruba
Cute stores, great pofferdories shop, good food specials at fat Tuesdays.
Open · Closes 1 AM
The Cove Mall
Maybe less than 10.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Sea Glass Island Aruba
Perfect guide for this place
Alhambra Shopping Mall
Great place to shop and if your hungry there are restaurants
Open 24 hours
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
Aruba
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About Aruba
Cruise Lines at Aruba
- Carnival Cruise Line (100 cruises)
- Holland America Line (69 cruises)
- Seabourn (16 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (2 cruises)
- Disney Cruise Line (1 cruise)