We Visited Aruba on a Cruise. Here’s 8 Reasons Why We’re Planning a Week-Long Return Trip
More than 60% of cruise passengers return to a destination first visited on a cruise, according to Cruise Lines International Association. Well, add us to the list. After visiting Aruba on a Holland America Line Spring Break cruise, we decided to plan a Fall Break trip for our family to enjoy the island for a week.
1. Return to Happiness
Aruba’s nickname is One Happy Island, and we felt it. Every person we met, from our taxi driver to staff at the Butterfly Farm to our waitress at lunch, was very friendly. It’s precisely the vibe you hope to feel on vacation, and we can’t wait to return.
2. Explore Arikok National Park
This hidden treasure is only 40 minutes from the hotel strip and so beloved by visitors that it received a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2024. Nearly 20% of Aruba is designated as a National Park to preserve spectacular caves, ancient Indian rock drawings, and striking land formations. Who wouldn’t want to take a guided nature walk through dry riverbeds that lead to secluded, idyllic bays like Moro, Boca Prins, and Dos Playa?
3. Enjoy Baby Beach Before It Becomes More Crowded
The shallow, crystal-clear water makes it not just one of the Caribbean’s best family-friendly beaches but also a great place to snorkel away from the crowds. The gorgeous half-moon, calm lagoon is worth the 40-minute drive. It’s ranked the third best thing to do in Aruba according to TripAdvisor reviews.
This summer, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, an adults-only all-inclusive hotel, opens, and more resorts are sure to follow in this area of the island, so now’s the time to go.
4. Relax on One of the World’s Best Beaches
Eagle Beach has long been recognized as the Caribbean’s best beach and one of the best in the world. Aruba’s pristine, soft white sand is at its widest on Eagle Beach.
No wonder many of the island’s best hotels are located here. Brand new for 2025, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is a 5-star resort offering true luxury and personalized service.
5. Visit More of Aruba’s Animals
The “A” in Aruba might as well stand for animals. Our day visit was spent with the butterflies at the beloved Butterfly Farm and the flamingos at Renaissance Wind Creek’s 40-acre Private Island. A dedicated trip means we’d have time to also visit The Donkey Sanctuary and tour Arikok National Park on horseback.
Pro Tips: Visit the Butterfly Farm early in your vacation, as your admission ticket is valid for the entirety of your trip. Do you want to stay at Eagle Beach or a vacation rental and spend the day on Renaissance’s tropical paradise private island? Day passes are available, and admission is also included with a spa booking.
6. Play Aruba’s Best Golf Course, Recently Refreshed
Tierra del Sol Golf Course by Iberostar is an 18-hole certified championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. It is situated on nearly 600 acres of unspoiled beauty underneath the historic lighthouse and offers spectacular panoramic views. By the end of July, refreshed greens and enhanced fairways will be completed across all 18 holes, making 2025 the perfect time to tee off.
7. Enjoy The Renowned Culinary Scene
Thanks to its proximity to South America and influences from its constituent country, the Netherlands, as well as Africa, India, Venezuela, and even China, Aruba’s cuisine is unique and a constant high point when talking to other visitors. For example, my hairdresser in New Jersey raves about the Italian restaurant Gianni’s, a must during her annual Aruba vacations.
“When my husband and I visited Aruba in January, we found that it was nearly impossible to eat a bad meal. My favorite was Papiamento, where we ate delicious local delicacies like a seafood stew covered in melted cheese. Another standout was the roasted chicken at Azar,” adds Alicia Richards, Founder of Travels With The Crew.
8. Indulge In Its Fine Dining
“The culinary scene in Aruba is exciting because it is a true melting pot of international influences and flavors. The food on the island is extremely varied, and we find that guests and locals alike are very open-minded when it comes to trying new cuisines,” explains Alejandra Baisotti, the Director of Food & Beverage at The St. Regis Aruba Resort.
“Whether that be the finest-grade sushi and sashimi at Divi Sushi at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba; coastal Mediterranean at Eskama at The St. Regis Aruba Resort; or the newly-opened Akira Back at The St. Regis Aruba Resort, where diners can experience Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back’s signature Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine,” she adds.
We Caught the Aruba Fever
“When our visitors leave the island, the feeling of rejuvenation they experienced during their trip follows them home – we call it The Aruba Effect,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority.
No wonder they have more repeat visitors than any other Caribbean island. We can’t wait to be one of them later this year.
NEXT: My Honest Review of Redweek: The Website That Saves Travelers Up to 50% Off Marriott Aruba Surf Club and More
If you’re looking to learn about the resort rental website Redweek from a real person who has used it twice, then you’ve come to the right place for an honest take,
It’s a place for you to book condo and suite rooms at Aruba resorts like Marriott Aruba Surf & Ocean Clubs, Divi, La Cabana, Playa Linda, Eagle Aruba Resort, Costa Linda, and Casa Del Mar at significant cost savings or when the resort website shows sold-out rooms.
Vacation Like Food Network Star Jeff Mauro in The Cayman Islands
Three in four Americans who have traveled in the last five years went for the food, according to a OnePoll/Hello Fresh Survey.
One of those travelers is Emmy-Nominated Food Network Star, The Sandwich King, Chef Jeff Mauro, who said, “I want to go to places with great food. And Cayman never ceases to amaze me. I like going to new places and discovering new things, but out of all the places that we have been, this is the one that we come back to,” Mauro explained to the audience at the Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival.
Here’s his favorite places across the island.
Vacation Like Food Network Star Jeff Mauro in The Cayman Islands
Think Luxe Sint Maarten Is Out of Reach? Here’s How This Caribbean Island Can Be Surprisingly Affordable
What if I told you about a small island nestled in between The Caribbean Sea and The Atlantic Ocean with one idyllic setting after another? One that is actually two European territories and considered the melting pot of The Caribbean with over 130 different nationalities? It’s a fabulous beach vacation with an international flair. It’s called Sint Maarten.
If you’ve only considered this destination expensive and out of reach, here’s what we discovered on our trip to the island.
