We arrived in port around noon today and were off the ship about 1:30 to catch our shore excursion, “Caves, City, and Beach.” WELL … It said to arrive 15 minutes early and departure at 2:00 pm. The meet up location was only about five minutes from the ship so we were definitely early. There were shops to look around in for a few minutes, then we found some shade because it was HOT! The guide arrived and informed us the departure was 2:30 … needless to say, I was not happy but it wasn’t his fault. Poor communication from the tour company. ANYWAY, the four of us hopped on the bus (along with 20 others) and were off to visit a cave. There were a bunch of trees outside the entrance where we waited for our guide. Needless to say, it was weird sitting under these trees!
It was the hottest cave I have ever visited! The guide told us the year-round temperature ranges from 30-39C! Fruit bats occupy the cave and we were only allowed to take pictures in a couple of the rooms. The formations were interesting – much different than many caves we have seen before.
After the cave, we went by an estuary where we spotted some flamingos. It’s a protected natural area and our guide said if you were caught in the water there, it could cost you up to five years in prison! Yikes!
After the cave, we went by an estuary where we spotted some flamingos. It’s a protected natural area and our guide said if you were caught in the water there, it could cost you up to five years in prison! Yikes!
The next stop was the Kocomo Beach. Tobey and I snorkeled while Phil and Marcia lounged on the beach. We saw a spotted eel, a huge pencil fish that was hanging out by the dock, and several other reef fish. It was refreshing after the heat of the day. Around 6pm we headed back into town. Tobey and I got off the bus and walked a little around the town area before the 10-minute walk back to the boat.
We saw the floating bridge and the colorful buildings.
It was an interesting stop, but too short to really explore the island. Maybe another trip … For today, everyone was to be back on board by 8:30pm and we were sailing away by 9:00pm.
Tonight’s dinner was great. Tobey and I both got some mini tostadas for appetizers then the cod for dinner. He also had a chocolate cake for dessert.
Tomorrow we arrive in Aruba at 7:00am and our tour is supposed to begin at 8:30, so it’s off to bed and an early morning.
January 10, 2026 - Aruba
I LOVE when things go on time! We arrived at 8:10 and were actually the LAST people to check in for our tour! As soon as we got checked in, we boarded our bus and departed early. WOOHOO! Our driver/guide, Ricardo, gave us some information about Aruba and we drove through many of the tourist areas. The population of Aruba is 120,000 and he said they have over 1 million tourists per year PLUS over 800,000 cruise ship visitors each year. We are in the peak of high season, so it was busy.
The first stop was at Aruba Aloe. This is the oldest continuous business operating in Aruba. It was interesting to learn about the benefits of aloe and the products available.
Next stop was the Casibari Rock formation. Tobey and I did a quick scramble up to get some nice views over Aruba. It is not tropical as you would expect – it is actually more desert with only 16-18” of rainfall per year. Early settlers used cactus as fences and some folks still do!
We continued on to the Bushiribana Gold Mine. In the 1800s, gold was discovered on Aruba and this fortress was built and gold was extracted with the use of cyanide. They built the building to look like a fort to discourage the pirates in the area!
Next stop was Alto Vista Chapel. This building was built in the 1900s on the site of the original chapel which had been abandoned and fell into ruins.
Catholicism is the largest religion in Aruba – over 90% of the people are Catholics, however, the people are very tolerant of ALL religions.
We saw the floating bridge and the colorful buildings.
It was an interesting stop, but too short to really explore the island. Maybe another trip … For today, everyone was to be back on board by 8:30pm and we were sailing away by 9:00pm.
Tonight’s dinner was great. Tobey and I both got some mini tostadas for appetizers then the cod for dinner. He also had a chocolate cake for dessert.
Tomorrow we arrive in Aruba at 7:00am and our tour is supposed to begin at 8:30, so it’s off to bed and an early morning.
January 10, 2026 - Aruba
I LOVE when things go on time! We arrived at 8:10 and were actually the LAST people to check in for our tour! As soon as we got checked in, we boarded our bus and departed early. WOOHOO! Our driver/guide, Ricardo, gave us some information about Aruba and we drove through many of the tourist areas. The population of Aruba is 120,000 and he said they have over 1 million tourists per year PLUS over 800,000 cruise ship visitors each year. We are in the peak of high season, so it was busy.
The first stop was at Aruba Aloe. This is the oldest continuous business operating in Aruba. It was interesting to learn about the benefits of aloe and the products available.
Next stop was the Casibari Rock formation. Tobey and I did a quick scramble up to get some nice views over Aruba. It is not tropical as you would expect – it is actually more desert with only 16-18” of rainfall per year. Early settlers used cactus as fences and some folks still do!
We continued on to the Bushiribana Gold Mine. In the 1800s, gold was discovered on Aruba and this fortress was built and gold was extracted with the use of cyanide. They built the building to look like a fort to discourage the pirates in the area!
Next stop was Alto Vista Chapel. This building was built in the 1900s on the site of the original chapel which had been abandoned and fell into ruins.
Catholicism is the largest religion in Aruba – over 90% of the people are Catholics, however, the people are very tolerant of ALL religions.
We stopped to see the California Lighthouse at the very northwest tip of Aruba. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the East and the Caribbean to the west. Next stop was an hour at the beach. Tobey and I walked the beach and enjoyed watching the kite surfers on the hoverboards.
We didn’t have our camera or phones with us as we walked, but there was the most unusual sight – a car in the water. It was actually a speed boat that looked like a convertible zipping along. What a hoot!!
We arrived back at the ship for a late lunch, then we all walked back into the old part of the city that caters to tourists. We could have dropped several thousand dollars at Tiffany’s or the Rolex store, but opted to just save our money.
We didn’t have our camera or phones with us as we walked, but there was the most unusual sight – a car in the water. It was actually a speed boat that looked like a convertible zipping along. What a hoot!!
We arrived back at the ship for a late lunch, then we all walked back into the old part of the city that caters to tourists. We could have dropped several thousand dollars at Tiffany’s or the Rolex store, but opted to just save our money.
We set sail around 6:45 – 15 minutes ahead of schedule. We had planned to see the show, but the singer was not able to perform and we decided we didn’t need to see the juggler again. We had dinner at the Aqua Restaurant then Marcia, Tobey and I had a soak in the hot tub before calling it a night.
January 11, 2026 – At Sea
We slept in this morning since we didn’t have anything scheduled. Tobey and I went to the Versailles Restaurant and when asked if we minded sharing a table, we said okay. It was okay, at best. We’re not real big talkers in the morning, but felt like we had to carry the conversation. The three others never asked a question, very seldom answered with more than a brief response. Next time, my answer will be no! We met up later with Phil and Marcia and went to the magician’s “how-to” mini seminar. It was fun and we enjoyed seeing how he does some of his tricks. Who knows, Tobey may be doing magic tricks in the near future!! 😊
After lunch, Tobey, Phil and I did four laps around the ship – 1.4 miles, while Marcia went back to read. Phil went back to their cabin while Tobey and I sat in the sun, then the shade before heading back to the cabin. We watched a little football before showers and meeting Phil and Marcia. We played cards then went to the 7pm show to see the comedian. None of us really cared for his show and were happy when it ended. We were off to dinner at Aqua and it was great. We’re calling it an early night because we arrive in Jamaica tomorrow and have an early excursion.
January 11, 2026 – At Sea
We slept in this morning since we didn’t have anything scheduled. Tobey and I went to the Versailles Restaurant and when asked if we minded sharing a table, we said okay. It was okay, at best. We’re not real big talkers in the morning, but felt like we had to carry the conversation. The three others never asked a question, very seldom answered with more than a brief response. Next time, my answer will be no! We met up later with Phil and Marcia and went to the magician’s “how-to” mini seminar. It was fun and we enjoyed seeing how he does some of his tricks. Who knows, Tobey may be doing magic tricks in the near future!! 😊
After lunch, Tobey, Phil and I did four laps around the ship – 1.4 miles, while Marcia went back to read. Phil went back to their cabin while Tobey and I sat in the sun, then the shade before heading back to the cabin. We watched a little football before showers and meeting Phil and Marcia. We played cards then went to the 7pm show to see the comedian. None of us really cared for his show and were happy when it ended. We were off to dinner at Aqua and it was great. We’re calling it an early night because we arrive in Jamaica tomorrow and have an early excursion.
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