Aruba Trip Reports

Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Honeymoon Trip Report (12/2-12/9/01) by Joshua

Here is a brief listing of highlights and lowlights of my week long honeymoon.

Marriott Resort

a great hotel, but the whole North wing of the building emits an awful odor. We had heard that the North wing had a great view, but the smell is horrible. The bellboy told us that they think it is from the restaurant below (Tuscany's) but that they have not been able to get rid of the odor.

Amigo Car Rental

rented a Jimmy (4WD/AC/Hardtop). No suspension whatsoever. We drove up the Island's North/East coast. The same model cars from other rental companies were zipping by us at 3 times the speed, but we felt like we were in the middle of an earthquake.

Chalet Swiss

overpriced, mediocre service, not bad food, but the lobster was very dry (not fresh?).

Papiamento

excellent, local dishes, great service, excellent atmosphere )we ate outside around the pool).

Madame Janette

excellent everything, beautiful at night, and good live entertainment when we went. The BEST!

Cuba Cookin'

pretty good, authentic Cuban cooking, moderately priced.

Atlantic Submarines

nice to do once, but snorkeling was much more fun. Nice to say that I've been in a submarine 150 feet below the surface and sat on the ocean floor, but otherwise a little boring.

Bon Bini Festival

(every Tuesday night in Oranjestad). Smaller than I expected, and not much to choose from by way of eats, etc, but the courtyard was kind of neat and the entertainment was fun -- felt like a real Arubian cultural experience. Now a big fan of local performers "Originales" but can't find any way to buy their CD's here in the states.

Snorkeling (Baby Beach)

Great! My first time snorkeling, but was surrounding by more exotic fish than I have ever seen. Highly recommended. Went back again.

De Palm Tours (4 1/2 bus sightseeing tour w/ snorkeling)

Not bad, but need more bathroom breaks. Someone next to us on the bus actually went in a cup. Someone else had to sneak behind a cactus tree.

De Palm Sunset Cruise

Awesome! Highly recommended for a romantic evening.

Red Sail Sports (Parasailing)

Never done it before -- lots of fun for almost anyone -- never even got wet (but they dunk upon request).

Shopping

Shop on Mainstreet in Oranjestad (instead of the tourist strips and malls). Prices are cheaper, and you feel like you've actually been to a foreign country. This is where the locals shop.

Video and cameras

We found that it was impossible to film outdoors before 10:30 a.m. and after about 6:00 p.m. on most days because the lenses would instantly fog up. Also, our digital video camera kept reading "Dew Warning" and shutting down. Anyone have ideas on how to get around this???

Just Latin!

(Las Vegas style show at the Crystal Casino) - Not bad. Supposedly the best show on the Island. Next time will go to see the Jewel Box Review (female impersonators) in "Don't Tell Mama."

Other

Eating outdoors anywhere near the beach is a bad idea. The flies are tenacious.

Insect repellant anywhere in the mornings or evenings is a good idea. There is standing water in various places which breeds mosquitoes.

Mandara Spa (massages) for wife and I - Pretty good. No complaints really. Nice to do upon arrival to help get in the relaxation mode quickly.

Setar Card - necessary for economically calling the states. You must visit one of it's shops downtown to get one.

Visit Aruba Plus Card

purchased two cards. Waste of money for us. Bought two cards, and used it once saving only $10.00.

That's all I can think of.