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Aruba: when your ship stops here

The widest beach on the island, its oldest building in Oranjestad, and a ranger-led walk in the national park.

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Aruba is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, 29 km (18 miles) north of Venezuela's Paraguaná peninsula, and a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Cruise ships dock in the capital, Oranjestad, on the southwest coast; its cruise port takes up to five ships.

Sources: Wikipedia: Aruba; Wikipedia: Oranjestad, Aruba

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Eagle Beach

    The widest beach in Aruba, with soft white sand and two of the island's most photographed fofoti trees. Four kinds of sea turtle nest on Aruba, and most of the nests are on Eagle Beach.

    Tip: It has shaded areas and some beach huts, so you can get out of the sun.

    Sources: Aruba Tourism Authority (aruba.com): Eagle Beach; Wikipedia: Eagle Beach

  2. 2. Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad

    Built in 1798, it is the oldest building on Aruba, in the town where the ships dock. UNESCO counts it as a Place of Memory of the Slave Trade Route in the Latin Caribbean. Main Street (Caya G. F. Betico Croes) is Oranjestad's main shopping street.

    Tip: Both are in town, so there is no long ride and more time ashore.

    Source: Wikipedia: Oranjestad, Aruba

  3. 3. Arikok National Park, with a ranger

    Nearly 20 percent of Aruba is national park: caves, old rock drawings by the island's first people, and land formed from lava, quartz diorite and limestone. Guided walks follow dry riverbeds to quiet bays like Boca Prins.

    Tip: Book an organized tour: most park tours are led by real park rangers.

    Sources: Aruba Tourism Authority (aruba.com): Arikok National Park; Wikipedia: Arikok National Park

What to skip

  • The Natural Pool in a regular rental car

    The rock pool on the park's northeast coast can be reached only by 4x4, on horseback, or on a 3 to 4 hour round trip hike; regular cars are not allowed past the park checkpoints. Aruba's tourism board says it is not recommended for guests with limited mobility, and that swimming there is safe only when the sea is calm.

    Source: Aruba Tourism Authority (aruba.com): Natural Pool

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Aruba

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Aruba, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 1, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Aruba

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