Why Cruise?

Link: Why Cruise?

Ways to Save on Winter Vacations

Link: Ways to Save on Winter Vacations- 11alive.com

Government Announces NEW Attraction within Walking Distance from Cruise Terminal

September 1, 2011 marks the beginning of the construction of what will become the Historical Center of Aruba in its capital of Oranjestad. The attractive project, which is part of the current Government’s BoAruba (Your Aruba) program, aims at repairing and rebuilding historic buildings and monuments in the city center within walking distance from the cruise port’s main gate.

About 10 million dollars will be invested to build a National Historic Center which will serve as the core place that houses the collection of facts and data about Aruba’s history. The center will complete the current cluster of historical Government buildings that currently house both the Legislative and Executive branches of the island’s Government. The buildings will surround a common Plaza area that will be named after Aruba’s most renowned composer, Mr. Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe.

Aruba Resort Day Passes

Aruba Cruise Tourism Resort Day Passes

"Make your cruise visit to Aruba the most enjoyable and memorable Caribbean Cruise experience you’ve ever had. Take advantage of Resort Day Pass offers for families and couples that visit our shores.

These Resort Day Passes will allow you to experience the best that Aruba has to offer and a little more...

Below is a listing of resorts offering cruise visitors exclusive cruise passenger packages or visit any of our information booths at the Aruba Ports Authority Cruise Terminal.

New Passport Fees - Effective July 13

Link: New Passport Fees - Effective July 13

U.S. citizens will  be paying more for passport fees starting July 13.

New, adult passport will jump 35%
New minors under 16, passport will increase 25%

Existing passport fee
Adult fees increase almost 50%- $75 to $110.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Updates

Will we see a day in which all cruises are ala carte & not all inclusive?

Link: Royal Caribbean Unveils Allure Amenities; Upgrades to Other Ships

Cruise Visitors Can Plan Aruba Wedding on ArubaByCruise.com

Aruba Cruise Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino now offer cruise visitors an opportunity to have their wedding on Aruba’s world famous beaches while their ship is docked in the Port in Oranjestad.

Couples who visit our http://www.arubabycruise.com/ site can get all the information they need about marriage requirements in Aruba. Aruba is the perfect wedding destination for couples and their guests when in port.

Oasis of the Seas Arrives in Fort Lauderdale

Photos of Cunard Queen Mary 2

My photos of the Queen Mary 2

A Day at MoomBa on Palm Beach Aruba

For easy access to watersports and a day on the beach you would want Palm Beach.

Where on Palm Beach? There is MoomBa Beach between the Holiday Inn and Marriott Surf Club.

Another suggestion...

I would suggest having the taxi drop you off at the walkway which is the entrance to De Palm Pier. It is located between the Riu and Radisson Resorts.

A Day At Palm Beach Aruba

Here is a breakdown for our extended family of 10 for a day at Palm Beach.

All of the Frills
2 big umbrellas $20 x 2 = $40
6 chaise lounge rentals $8 x 6= $48 (if the kids want to sit they can use their towels)
4 floats to pass the day away $5 x 4 = $20
Banana boat or tube ride for 4 kids $20 x 4= $80
Lunch (hamburger & soda $22.88 pp at the Radisson) for 10 people = $228.80
One hour rental of a Hobie Cat sailboat = $75
2 taxis for 10 people (2 x $20) roundtrip = $40

Queen Mary 2

The Queen Mary 2 is a huge and beautiful ocean liner!!! The public rooms were the most comfortable I've experienced on any ship. My personal favorites were the Chart Room and the Champagne Bar next door. The Commodore Club was also a nice out of the way getaway.

Overall I took about 2300 photos so there will plenty of photos of the ship and her interior. Christmas decorations were very nice, more plentiful than other ships we have sailed in the past and tastefully done. By far the most gorgeous of other ships we have sailed.

Travel Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers

Tired off standing on your home scale without and then with your suitcase to determine how much it weighs?

We have had a luggage scale for years and just upgraded to the digital. You only have to rearrange your open suitcases on the floor of the airport at check-in to realize how much you need one of these scales. They make great stocking stuffers and Dh and I have also bought them as Christmas gifts for other family members who are frequent fliers.

Caribbean Celebration

What's up next? Christmas and New Year's vacation aboard the Queen Mary 2. It has always been my grandmother's dream to sail aboard Cunard, so she is going to make the dream come true and take us along.

The Last Night of Our Christmas Cruise

It has become a yearly tradition, instead of purchasing Christmas gifts for her dd and son-in-law [my Mom & Dad], grandchildren and great-grandmother, my Nana treats us to a Christmas cruise instead. This has occurred the past 4 years. Dh and I missed the first one, my brother and his kids missed the third one.

Once a few years back when the subject of our Christmas cruise had come up I suggested Aruba instead. Nana quickly countered that a Caribbean island like Aruba would never feel like Christmas. Ships feel like Christmas. Period, she had made her mind up.

Will Not Leave From Home Without It

We will never travel again without it. Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover.

Dh took the one he and dd used in Aruba and took it to school to keep in his desk. I already plan on purchasing at least 2 more for our December cruise.