Aruba has an all-things-for-all-people vibe that you don’t often find in the Caribbean. You’ve got your Instagram-worthy beaches on the north shore, rugged wind-swept coastline on the east that’s ideal for surfing and windsurfing and the dramatic vistas of the Arikok National Park that cover almost 20% of the island.
Whether you want to laze the day away on a deserted beach or have an inland adventure on horseback, you’ll easily fill your time here — and craving more by the day’s end.
Best cruises to Aruba
Take to the seas and head straight for Aruba with our list of the best cruise companies to choose from.
Best for a breezy budget escape: Carnival
Grab a seven-night sail for as little as $400 per person — and sometimes less, if you score the right deal. For that price, you’ll get your accommodation, entertainment and nightly shows, a wide variety of dining options and onboard facilities including pools, hot tubs, water slides and youth programs.
No free room service
No free alcohol
Food included
No price matching
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Paypal, Carnival EasyPay, Gift Card, Discover Card, Debit, Western Union, Cheque
If its “kids cruise free” policy doesn’t sway you, then we’re sure you’ll be a fan of the kids club program for ages three and up. Video game arcades, LEGO-designed playrooms and late-night entertainment and activities are all on offer.
Babies and toddlers won’t miss out either. Bottle warmers, strollers, bouncing chairs and high chairs are available to hire and the mini club is outfitted with fun and educational toys so you can play together.
Celebrity offers an overnight stay in Aruba on many of its itineraries so you can have a full day to explore plus a chance to experience the island at night. Enjoy a sunset sail, dinner on the beach or a romantic stroll by moonlight without needing to rush back to the ship.
With no more than 600 cruisers on board, Seabourn’s luxury all-inclusive ships create an intimate atmosphere for you both to unwind. Relax with a couples massage, savor an elegant meal and indulge in a bottle of champagne in your oceanfront suite. At night, you can dance the night away to a live band or listen to piano music in a quiet corner of one of the lounges.
Royal Caribbean sure knows how to entertain a crowd and every day brings something new for you to experience. We’re talking Broadway shows, late-night comedy, nightclubs and tons of live music. Not to mention, it’s the only line out there to offer ice skating shows in an onboard rink and water-based acrobatic shows in a pool stage area.
Room service included
No free alcohol
Food included
Price matches
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card
Don’t let the distance dissuade you. Norwegian offers several round-trip and one-way itineraries, often with up to 12 hours in Aruba. Costs are reasonable, sales are generous and you’ll find a wide range of dining and entertainment options on board that will keep most types of cruisers satisfied on days at sea.
Room service included
No free alcohol
Food included
No price matching
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card
Looking for that champagne and caviar getaway? Regent’s spacious all-suite accommodations feature marble accents and walk-in wardrobes, exquisite cuisine choices with a perfectly paired glass of wine and dynamic entertainment options that’ll have you cheering late into the night. Even better, there’s no penny-pinching here with everything including your shore excursions covered in the fare.
When choosing cruises for this list, we look at the quality of routes available from each cruise line, prioritizing well-paced itineraries with port stops at key destinations around Aruba.
We also consider onboard dining options, weighing the number, variety and overall quality of restaurants against passenger reviews. Finally, we weigh cabin amenities against each price point, looking for cruise lines that are known to deliver the highest value.
We also seek out customer reviews on travel websites and personal travel blogs, considering first-person experiences and each company’s overall reputation.
When is the best time to cruise to Aruba?
Aruba’s peak tourist season runs from November to April, but due to the consistently warm temperatures, you aren’t limited to any particular season when planning your visit.
Narrow down your options by considering these weather, festival and budget factors:
Best time to visit. Late March to May is our recommendation for fewer crowds, fun festivals and overall great weather.
Rainy season. Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt but it’s not unknown for tropical systems to form close by. Summer through fall is when you’ll find the worst of the storms and November is the wettest month of the year. Consider cruise travel insurance before your trip to avoid any disappointments.
Key festivals and events. Aruba’s Carnival period is from January to March when street parties and celebrations abound. April 27 is when the island celebrates the King of the Netherlands’ birthday on King’s Day. Wear something orange and get ready to join the locals in fun-filled activities around the island. National Flag and Anthem Day on March 18 is another big one to look forward to.
Looking to save some money? April through October is when you might find prices for excursions and activities considerably lower than during the peak season.
What are the must-do cruise excursions in Aruba?
Sure Aruba’s got its fair share of stunning beaches but once you’re ready to venture away from the shore, here are our top things to check out around the island.
Arikok National Park. Hike or opt for a horseback ride or 4WD through this rugged park featuring rock-face paintings, caves, sand dunes, unique rock formations and centuries-old cacti.
Aruba Aloe factory tour. A freebie but a goodie, learn anything you’ve ever wanted to about aloe plants. After the tour, you can pick up some soothing products to help with those pesky sunburns.
Scuba diving. Aruba is famous for its wreck diving and you can visit the Antilia, the Caribbean’s largest wreck or the 76-meter former concrete freighter, Jane Sea.
The Butterfly Farm. If you’ve got kids in tow or just love nature, make a beeline for these lush, tropical gardens and be surrounded by some winged beauties. Get there early enough and you might see butterflies emerging from their chrysalides.
De Palm Island. Whether you want to relax or try as many water activities as you can, this private all-inclusive retreat features beach cabanas, snorkel gear, water parks and even banana boat rides.
Sailing. Brunch cruises, party boats and sunset sails are all on offer here. You can get a full view of the island, hit some lesser-known swimming spots or snorkel among the coral reef.
Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic
With infection rates rapidly spiking nationwide, expect stronger travel restrictions as the holidays near. The CDC strongly advises postponing travel and staying close to home to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19.
If you plan to travel during the pandemic, monitor and understand the risk assessment levels for your destination when planning your trip, before departure and on arrival. Follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public settings, maintaining social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed, have symptoms of or are waiting for test results for COVID-19 — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not host, attend gatherings or travel for 14 days. Note that the CDC warns against cruise travel at this time.
Up to $1,000 to spend on board with Norwegian Cruise Line
Just book your next cruise vacation with Priceline Cruises and get up to $1,000 to use as a liquor, dining, and spa credit, along with other purchases made on the ship! T&Cs apply.
Exclusive – up to $1,000 to spend on board, plus 10% off shore excursions! T&Cs apply. Ports of Call: Miami, Fl, Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Miami, Fl
Bahamas Paradise 2-night cruise deal for two: $69 per person
All meals onboard (alcoholic beverages and specialty restaurants not included). Theater shows, live music, pool-deck parties, day in The Bahamas. Spa & beauty salon and full casino available. 2 nights of accommodations.
Make the effort and once you’re there, you’ll see why a cruise to Aruba is worth the travel — it’s at the top of everyone’s bucket list for a reason. Save on your trip with our top cruise deals to make it that much easier.
Frequently asked questions
Casual summer wear will cover you for most of your trip and some light evening wear for nicer restaurants and any formal nights on board. A light sweater for cooler evenings as well as a cover-up to take you from the beach or pool to restaurants or shopping. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are all a must, as are flip-flops or sandals.
You can cruise for as little as $50 per night with lines like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Sailing with the cheaper companies can add up as gratuities, shore excursions and drinks onboard usually aren’t included. For something more upmarket and with more inclusions, Regent and Seabourn sailings start from $400 per night.
Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share.
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