Fort Lauderdale to Aruba

Beach Time on Aruba

Our flights from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale via Dallas were relatively uneventful.  The planes were full but thanks to my Gold for Life status we were in the expanded seating area of Economy – those extra few inches of legroom make ALL the difference.  Dallas to Fort Lauderdale was a bit strange – no beverage service because of the bumpy ride (they said), even though we have had flights a lot more turbulent. 

Since the shuttle to the hotel was not the best experience, the next morning we opted for a taxi to the Port Terminal.  We went early enough that traffic was sparse and we were able to check in immediately – only 8 to 10 people in the waiting area.  Of course, we had to wait two hours to board but we had plenty to do – thanks to Kindle. Our friends, the Quastlers, had to disembark after the World Cruise and re-board for this repositioning so we had a chance to see them in the boarding area. 

After lunch in the Lido, we found our room which is our home away from home – we are used to these Holland America cabins so we know where to put everything.  Later we joined our friends at the early dinner seating along with friends of the Quastlers who are also on this cruise.  

The next two days were “sea days” – our favorite time on a ship!  Relaxation, eating, book reading, Team Trivia, eating, naps, lectures, and – did I mention eating?  Actually, we’re trying to be good on the “food front” which is not easy – especially considering the cookies! 

Yesterday was Aruba – undoubtedly our least favorite Caribbean island – but we seem to keep repeating this stop – this was our third time on the island.  This trip we opted to rent a car and go to a beach that was recommended on Trip Advisor – Eagle Beach.  This is in the low-rise hotel area.  We found a spot in front of Amsterdam Manor – at this time of year (past peak season) they allow “day-trippers” to use their beach front.  The Quastlers had joined us so we stayed at a table under a nice shady tree until the restaurant opened.  We ordered lunch and they delivered it to us in interesting stackable “Asian Steam baskets.”  The food was actually quite good and not badly priced for being right on a beautiful beach. 

Imre opens the magic lunch stackables!!

After dropping off the Quastlers in downtown Oranjestad, we drove to the far south tip of the island to a recommended beach – Baby Beach.  Well – not the best idea in some respects.  The drive was uninspiring – through a decidedly non-tourist area.  It was dry, dusty, uninspiring landscape, one small settlement after another.  Finally a sign for Baby Beach – we then drove by an abandoned Valero Refinery and a prison before finding the beach.  It was admittedly a beautiful blue/green sea with white sand in a well protected lagoon but there were few trees and only a few shade structures.  Very glad we went to the other beach. 

Returning the car was an ordeal – it was NOT easy to find a parking place in the public lot across from the Hertz Office.  The walk back to the ship was the walk from HELL – it was in the 90s with the humidity about the same.   If there ever is a “next time” for Aruba – I doubt if I get off the ship.

Today is another wonderful sea day – tomorrow the Panama Canal transit!