--- title: "Oranjestad Cruise Port" url: https://cruisello.com/destinations/caribbean/oranjestad description: "Aruba's cheerful Dutch-Caribbean capital" --- # Oranjestad 🇳🇱 · Aruba · Caribbean > "Aruba's cheerful Dutch-Caribbean capital" ## At a Glance - **Avg. Ships/Day:** 1.5 - **Avg. Time in Port:** 11.8h - **Visiting Sailings:** 731 - **Cruise Lines:** 12 ## Photos - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-unsplash-euxtozx3chs.webp) Photo by [Jamie Tudor](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-row-of-brightly-colored-houses-on-a-street-EUxtOZX3chs?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-unsplash-pclabewo7ee.webp) Photo by [Katalin Hoczane Melich](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-red-trolley-car-traveling-down-a-street-next-to-palm-trees-PCLabewO7eE?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-pixabay-4900880.webp) © [falco / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/aruba-caribbean-antilles-cruise-4900880/) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-pixabay-4881217.webp) © [falco / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/aruba-oranjestad-caribbean-antilles-4881217/) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-pixabay-4881218.webp) © [falco / Pixabay Content License](https://pixabay.com/photos/aruba-oranjestad-caribbean-antilles-4881218/) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-unsplash-d9hmbdhxaze.webp) Photo by [Vancho Grizhov](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-white-boat-traveling-down-a-body-of-water-d9hMBDHxaZE?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-unsplash-0vutzl6njme.webp) Photo by [Kiril Georgiev](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-cruise-ship-is-in-the-water-near-palm-trees-0Vutzl6NjME?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) - ![Oranjestad, Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/ports/caribbean/oranjestad/oranjestad-unsplash-5lmdbue1lx0.webp) Photo by [Martin Kucharik](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-sandy-beach-with-clear-blue-water-and-palm-trees-5LmdBue1Lx0?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=cruisello&utm_medium=referral) ## Peak season Nov – Apr 737 sailings over the next 12 months Busiest months: Mar (129 sailings), Jan (124 sailings), Dec (116 sailings) ## About Oranjestad Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, a small island in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. Ships dock close to the centre, and the Renaissance Mall and Marina are right there. The main street has Dutch colonial buildings painted in bright colours. The island gets very little rain, so the beaches are reliably sunny. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are the main stretches of white sand on the western coast, reachable by bus or taxi in about 10 minutes. Arikok National Park covers the eastern side of the island and has cacti, rock formations, and a natural pool. The California Lighthouse at the island's northern tip has views in all directions. Aruba's food scene mixes Caribbean and Dutch influences: try pastechi (fried pastry with meat or cheese) from a snack bar. The Aruban Florin is the currency, though US dollars are accepted everywhere. ## Your day in Oranjestad Ships dock on downtown's edge; main shopping streets are a five to ten minute walk from the gangway. ### Map - **Cruise terminal**: Aruba Cruise Pier, main berth (Oranjestad) (12.51888, -70.04205) Walking times from the cruise terminal: - Within 15 min: Fort Zoutman, National Archaeological Museum Aruba Map data with the walking areas: [GeoJSON](https://cruisello.com/api/day-in-port/9d38706f-77ef-4b1b-86f3-ec2550f9309a.geojson) ### What to see #### Fort Zoutman 1798 fort, the island's oldest building, with the Historical Museum and Willem III Tower. 11 min walk. (12.51766, -70.03561) ![Fort Zoutman](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q610796/292d586611fa601a-1341.webp) Photo: JohnathanBaena, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_Zoutman_Willem_III_Toren.jpg) #### National Archaeological Museum Aruba Pre-Columbian collections from 2500 BCE in the historic Ecury family house. 8 min walk. (12.52107, -70.03816) ![National Archaeological Museum Aruba](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q4785386/12abfdea2accb07d-1440.webp) Photo: Natalie Liao Jen, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Archaeological_Museum_Panorama_(1)%2C_Oranjestad%2C_ARUBA.JPG) #### Royal Aruba Aloe Factory Working aloe factory with free 15-minute tours, in operation since 1890. Taxi, about 8 min. (12.54110, -70.03750) ![Royal Aruba Aloe Factory](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q4734119/d5c0c342b01c975b-1440.webp) Photo: Caribiana, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aruba_Aloe_Factory_00_17_56_166000.jpeg) #### California Lighthouse 30 m lighthouse from 1916, Aruba's tallest structure, at the island's northwest tip. Taxi, about 25 min. (12.61376, -70.05142) ![California Lighthouse](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q2279321/c14a904b04ba1a0b-1440.webp) Photo: Aruba Paradise Photos, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:California_Lighthouse_by_Day.jpg) #### Arikok National Park Park covering about 20% of Aruba, with caves, desert hills and the Conchi natural pool. Taxi, about 35 min. (12.49880, -69.92654) Tours: [Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/viator/14261P1?via=markdown) from €141 ![Arikok National Park](https://cruisello.com/img/places/Q2028082/b0f62f7aab9fd60d-1440.webp) Photo: $Mathe94$, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arikok_NP.jpg) #### Druif Beach White-sand beach linked to Eagle Beach, calm water for swimming. Taxi, about 10 min. (12.53200, -70.05700) ### Day trips Based on 11 h 30 in port, with 1 h spare before all aboard. - **Arikok National Park**: Car or tour, about 35 min each way. About 4 h round trip, 2 h 30 at Arikok National Park. Tour: [Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/viator/14261P1?via=markdown) from €141 - **California Lighthouse**: Car or tour, about 25 min each way. About 2 h round trip, 1 h at California Lighthouse. - **Alto Vista Chapel**: Car or tour, about 20 min each way. About 2 h round trip, 45 min at Alto Vista Chapel. Starting prices per person. We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. ## Quick facts - **Currency:** Aruban Florin (AWG) · €10 ≈ AWG 20 - **Language:** Dutch - **Timezone:** America/Aruba (UTC-4) - **Tipping:** 10-15% at restaurants ## Location Coordinates: 12.5185, -70.0419 - [Open in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/cruise+terminal+Oranjestad/@12.51846,-70.04187,13z) - [Open in Apple Maps](https://maps.apple.com/?q=cruise%20terminal%20Oranjestad&ll=12.51846,-70.04187&z=13) ## Things to do in Oranjestad Top-rated shore excursions that fit a typical ~12h port call | Tour | Rating | Duration | Times | Fits Port Day | From | Provider | |------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | [Aruba UTV Adventure: Animal Garden, North Coast & Andicuri Beach](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/2271023d-ff55-4ef6-a99d-ee57beeabfb7?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (5,506) | 4h | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–6:30 PM | Fits your port day | €111 | Viator | | [Aruba UTV & ATV Adventure](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/c8d5b543-2657-4626-9688-9f085461d898?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (9,152) | 4h | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–6:30 PM | Fits your port day | €148 | Viator | | [Aruba Arikok National Park Jeep Safari: Natural Pool & Baby Beach](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/51c6bafe-bc29-4bac-a9a1-42e0a36baf6d?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (511) | 5h | 8:15 AM–1:15 PM | Fits your port day | €86 | Viator | | [Aruba Off Road Safari Tour to Natural Pool](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/d97b3b12-94aa-4489-a4aa-b79edb2b38f8?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (3,776) | 4h 30m | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM | Fits your port day | €98 | Viator | | [Aruba Nightlife Party Bus with Unlimited Drinks & DJ on Road Jam](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/aabc8988-eec3-4169-b90a-bdbf7255cdaa?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (839) | 4h | 8:30 PM–12:30 AM+1 | Fits your port day | €68 | Viator | | [Half-Day Aruba Island Tour from Oranjestad](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/4818418b-6575-45b3-bc38-a5cd721e68c8?via=markdown) | 4.7★ (1,520) | 4h | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Fits your port day | €50 | Viator | | [Aruba Nightlife Party Bus Tour with Live DJ and Cocktails](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/b20ef5c7-eda4-4a07-b920-87d7b82521ac?via=markdown) | 4.7★ (1,602) | 4h | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM+1 | Fits your port day | €72 | Viator | | [Aruba Half-Day Full Island Safari Adventure with Baby Beach Swim](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/f12e3ed1-15ef-4919-9e7a-5d6341c46baf?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (719) | 4h | 8:15 AM–12:15 PM, 2:15 PM–6:15 PM | Fits your port day | €72 | Viator | | [Tropical Sailing Experience with BBQ Lunch or BBQ Dinner in Aruba](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/6cb336fc-3805-4da9-a847-7851b1096d65?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (253) | 4h | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 3:00 PM–7:00 PM | Fits your port day | €123 | Viator | | [Aruba Ecological & Coastline Horseback Ride with Beach Photo Stop](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/6b6e4bfc-e294-4dcd-888d-91d543ea7159?via=markdown) | 4.6★ (1,338) | 1h 15m | 6:00 AM–7:15 AM, 7:30 AM–8:45 AM, 8:00 AM–9:15 AM, 9:30 AM–10:45 AM, 10:30 AM–11:45 AM, 3:30 PM–4:45 PM, 5:00 PM–6:15 PM, 5:30 PM–6:45 PM | Fits your port day | €105 | Viator | | [Made in Aruba Sightseeing Tour](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/087ef5d6-a393-4d89-b19d-ef4d429ee123?via=markdown) | 4.8★ (269) | 5h | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM | Fits your port day | €65 | Viator | | [Aruba, Private Discover Scuba Diving, No Certification Needed!](https://cruisello.com/gogogo/excursion/fd10f8b1-4037-40d4-bd01-04b85168bb38?via=markdown) | 4.9★ (284) | 2h 30m | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM, 1:30 PM–4:00 PM | Fits your port day | €109 | Viator | Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Starting prices per person. We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. ## Nearby ports - [Willemstad](https://cruisello.com/destinations/caribbean/willemstad.md): 128 km (69 nm) · Netherlands - [Kralendijk](https://cruisello.com/destinations/caribbean/kralendijk.md): 196 km (106 nm) · Netherlands - [Santa Marta](https://cruisello.com/destinations/caribbean/santa-marta.md): 476 km (257 nm) · Colombia ## Cruise lines stopping here - [AIDA Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/aida-cruises.md) - [Carnival Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/carnival-cruise-line.md) - [Celebrity Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/celebrity-cruises.md) - [Disney Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/disney-cruise-line.md) - [Holland America Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/holland-america-line.md) - [MSC Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/msc-cruises.md) - [Norwegian Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/norwegian-cruise-line.md) - [P&O Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/p-o-cruises.md) - [Princess Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/princess-cruises.md) - [Royal Caribbean](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/royal-caribbean.md) - [TUI Cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/tui-cruises.md) - [Virgin Voyages](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/virgin-voyages.md) ## Cheapest Available Sailing **[View this cruise →](https://cruisello.com/cruises/vibrant-voyager-aruba-bahamas~CCL-MAGIC-20270109-8.md)** - **Price:** €395 per person (€791 total for 2 guests) - **Cruise Line:** [Carnival Cruise Line](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/carnival-cruise-line.md) - **Ship:** [Carnival Magic](https://cruisello.com/cruise-lines/carnival-cruise-line/carnival-magic.md) - **Duration:** 8 nights - **Departure:** 2027-01-09 - **Itinerary:** Vibrant Voyager – Aruba & Bahamas ## Cruises visiting Oranjestad Prices are per person, two sharing. | Cruise | Ship | Line | From | Departure | Nights | Price | |------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | [Treasure-Hunting Passage – Cartagena & Panama Canal](https://cruisello.com/cruises/treasure-hunting-passage-cartagena-panama-canal~PCL-CB-20261123-12.md) | Caribbean Princess | Princess Cruises | 🇺🇸 Fort Lauderdale | 2026-11-23 | 12 | €592 | | [Caribbean Escape – Curacao & Aruba](https://cruisello.com/cruises/caribbean-escape-curacao-aruba~RCL-FREEDOM-20261119-9.md) | Freedom Of The Seas | Royal Caribbean | 🇺🇸 Miami | 2026-11-19 | 9 | €434 | | [Indigo Abyss – Grand Cayman & Aruba](https://cruisello.com/cruises/indigo-abyss-grand-cayman-aruba~PCL-GP-20261114-8.md) | Regal Princess | Princess Cruises | 🇺🇸 Fort Lauderdale | 2026-11-14 | 8 | €458 | [See all Oranjestad cruises](https://cruisello.com/cruises.md?stopoverPorts=oranjestad) ## Ready to sail to Oranjestad? 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