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Oranjestad

The island of Aruba is situated in the heart of the Caribbean and is one of the region’s most popular holiday destinations.

The Dutch colonial legacy merge seamlessly with the native island culture

The island of Aruba is situated in the heart of the Caribbean and is one of the region’s most popular holiday destinations.

The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad which offers a wonderful opportunity for a relaxing day away from your luxury MSC cruise liner! For centuries, the island was under Dutch rule, and Oranjestad is named after the Dutch King Willem van Oranje-Nassau (William of Orange-Nassau).

Today, the Dutch colonial legacy can be seen in the architecture of traditional, tall, colourful houses decorated with quintessential Dutch tiles, and which merge seamlessly with the native island culture.

Plan your day away from ship carefully and choose from one of our great excursion packages or opt for our great deals on exciting days out, designed to stimulate the senses or relax the spirit. There is plenty for nature-lovers, most notably the amazing Butterfly Farm, Aruba's number one ecological attraction.

Natural beauty is a hallmark of Aruba: the coasts are renowned for their sandy white beaches, enhanced by picture-postcard palm trees. The crystal-clear waters around Aruba offer exceptional visibility, making it a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, to whom we recommend our unique submarine and ‘Sea and See’ tours. Families and those who prefer to stay on land should not miss the Baby Beach, wonderful for children, due to its shallow waters.

Passengers who enjoy learning about local history during their cruise vacation will enjoy the ‘Best of Aruba’ sightseeing tour and the ultimate personalized off-road Land Rover excursion!The island of Aruba is situated in the heart of the Caribbean and is one of the region’s most popular holiday destinations.

The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad which offers a wonderful opportunity for a relaxing day away from your luxury MSC cruise liner! For centuries, the island was under Dutch rule, and Oranjestad is named after the Dutch King Willem van Oranje-Nassau (William of Orange-Nassau).

Today, the Dutch colonial legacy can be seen in the architecture of traditional, tall, colourful houses decorated with quintessential Dutch tiles, and which merge seamlessly with the native island culture.

Plan your day away from ship carefully and choose from one of our great excursion packages or opt for our great deals on exciting days out, designed to stimulate the senses or relax the spirit. There is plenty for nature-lovers, most notably the amazing Butterfly Farm, Aruba's number one ecological attraction.

Natural beauty is a hallmark of Aruba: the coasts are renowned for their sandy white beaches, enhanced by picture-postcard palm trees. The crystal-clear waters around Aruba offer exceptional visibility, making it a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, to whom we recommend our unique submarine and ‘Sea and See’ tours. Families and those who prefer to stay on land should not miss the Baby Beach, wonderful for children, due to its shallow waters.

Passengers who enjoy learning about local history during their cruise vacation will enjoy the ‘Best of Aruba’ sightseeing tour and the ultimate personalized off-road Land Rover excursion!

Cruise to Oranjestad - Aruba - Caribbean - MSC Cruises

Pratical info


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Port average temperature

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ORANJESTADMonths
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Average high °C292930303131313131313029
Averagelow °C242425252626262626262625
 ARU02 - Butterfly Farm & Natural Wonders - 3 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: moderate  Drink  Experience the full beauty of Natural Aruba on a tour that takes you on a journey of discovery.  You will first make the scenic trip to Aruba's number one ecological attraction, The Butterfly Farm.  The farm is an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its diversity.  Step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies and prepare to meet some of the world’s most colourful and unusual creatures. From the Butterfly Farm you will journey to the Aruba Aloe Balm Facility, where you will take a guided tour and see the production process first hand, from leaf cutting in the fields to finished lotions and creams in the facility. Travelling on, you will pass countless divi divi trees and cacti before arriving at the Natural Bridge on Aruba. This natural wonder has been carved of solid coral by the relentless pounding of the surf.  You will then pass the Gold Mill Ruins at Boca Mahos.  The excursion ends with the scenic drive to Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.

Notes: Please wear comfortable shoes – sandy surfaces.

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 ARU04 - See & Sea Island Tour - 4 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Experience the full beauty of Aruba on a tour that takes you around the island and under the sea! After your air-conditioned bus ride to the pier, you will board the transfer boat for a scenic cruise to the Seaworld Explorer.  The Seaworld Explorer is a state-of-the-art semi-submarine that was developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef.  The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of the vessel and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water.  View amazing sea life in this cruising underwater observatory through large, clear glass windows.  The Seaworld Explorer takes you to the wreck of the Antilla, a 440-foot German freighter destroyed by an explosion that tore the freighter in two halves during World War II.  Delight in your incredible surroundings as your skilful captain manoeuvres the semi-submarine through the heart of the Caribbean’s largest shipwreck. Returning to shore, your guide drives you to the California Lighthouse where you can admire the magnificent view of the crashing waves of the windward coast and the tranquil waters of the Leeward shore. From here your bus takes you to the awesome Casibari Rock Formations where you may climb the rock gardens to the top of the highest boulder. You will then visit the Natural Bridge, a bridge of rock formed naturally by the wind and the motion of the sea. Finally, you drive past the Gold Mill Ruins at Boca Mahos and back to Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.

Notes: Guest have to be able to descend with 11 steps into the hull of the Seaworld Explorer. Please were comfortable shoes.



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 ARU07 - Ticket to Paradise (De Palm Island Snorkeling) - 4.5 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Limited Availability  Lunch or dinner included  The journey to paradise begins with transfers by bus with historical information about Aruba, followed by a Ferry ride across the Spanish Lagoon on the unexplored south part of the island en route to the private reef island, De Palm Island. De Palm Island offers it all, spectacular coral formation, large variety of Tropical Fauna including our friendly Blue Parrot Fish that can be seen while snorkeling in the crystal clear waters dressed by our white sand pocket beaches. Snorkeling, water slide attraction, Banana boat ride, sunbathing, relaxing, Lunch and open bar. Enjoy our spectacular new state of the art “Blue Parrot” water park with six breathtaking water slides to get your adrenaline going. Changing rooms and exterior showers are available. A sumptuous Caribbean Lunch buffet and all beverages are included.

Notes: Towel ,sun protection and extra cash for souvenirs are recommended.


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 ARU11 - Sailing and Snorkeling - 3.5 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Drink  This snorkelling tour gives you the chance to marvel at the beauty of Aruba’s coastline and marine life. The perfect combination of wind, sun and sailing makes this a fun and relaxing trip at the same time. After some smooth sailing, the first stop will be Boca Cathalina for some great reef snorkeling. As the depth will be around 15 feet, it is the perfect place to refresh or learn snorkeling skills. The second stop will be at the famous ‘’Antilla’’ shipwreck. A remnant of World War II, the ‘’Antilla’’ was scuttled by its own captain, to prevent it from being captured by the Dutch Marines. It’s lying on its side in 60 feet of water. Voted as one of the worlds top 10 dive and snorkel sites and being the largest ship in the Caribbean, it’s an experience you won’t forget. After the second stop follows a relaxing sail back to the cruise ship with unlimited rum punch, juices, soda,s combined with recorder music.

Notes: Guests need to fill out liability waiver prior to activity. Snorkel sites may vary due to surface and weather conditions.


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 ARU12 - Aruba’ Beach Tour - 4 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Drink    Board your open bus amidst Caribbean music and colors and prepare to see the sights that has made Aruba so popular..its spectacular white sandy beaches adorned with all shades of blue !It’s turquoise and crystal clear ocean. Your first beach stop will be at the Arashi Beach for swimming and snorkeling time, followed by leisure time at your second beach stop at the Moomba Beach located at the very popular Palm beach. Relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ocean breeze. There are facilities available at the Moomba beach such as restaurants, shops and colorful bars which can be visited at the guests own discretion. Beach chairs are included at the second beach stop. The tour will conclude at the cruise terminal.

Notes:  Wear a swimsuit if you plan to swim and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. Water & Fruit Punch are provided while on the bus and at the first beach stop. Suggest for guests to bring extra cash in case guests wants to  at the restaurant and bar.


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 ARU13 - Taste of Aruba - 4 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy    Meet  your guide for the day, board your very comfortable air-conditioning bus and prepare yourself to experience Aruba at its finest. Get a taste of what the island is all about on the background tunes of Aruban Music while driving through charming Oranjestad and watch the Dutch Colonial architecture with its antique buildings and houses, merging with it’s very modern architecture. Your first stop will be the Aloe Factory for a brief description of the Aloe plantation and a tour through the Aloe museum. Then drive through the country side and discover Aruba’s flora and fauna en route to the Casibari Rock formation, huge diorite boulders found in the center of the island. Then board your bus and drive to the Natural Bridge Ruins and see a different side of the island. Continue your tour through the country side en route to the California light house, for a short stop to enjoy the breath taking panoramic top view of the island. Drive in front of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches en route to the cruise terminal. Be welcome to experience Aruba’s greatest assets through our very warm and welcoming people, always ready to share our island  and it’s unique culture and history.

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 ARU14 - Kukoo Kunuku Beach & Island Tour - 5.5 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Limited Availability    Hop aboard the famous Kukoo Kunuku Bus and shake your maracas to the beat of Caribbean music on our way to visit the Alto Vista Chapel and the California lighthouse, two of our favorite famous landmarks.  You will also stop at Casibari Rock Formation, enjoy views of our unique countryside, colorful cunucu houses and wildlife.  After a short one hour sightseeing tour we are off to The White Sand Beach.  Here you will have time to laze in the sun, swim in our azure waters, explore our beautiful beaches, have lunch under a palm tree or just sip a pina colada and daydream. 

Notes: Wear or bring a swimsuit, beach towel and adequate sun protection. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are included. Rest rooms facilities and fresh water showers are available at the beach.  Complimentary ice water is available on the island tour and at the beach .Other beverages and food are available for purchase at the beach and a souvenir shop is on premise if you have forgotten anything. Shopping Mall within 5 minute walk of the Beach Area.


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 ARU15 - Best of Aruba - 4.5 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Begin your tour driving trough the colorful capital “Oranjestad”, and up to the California Lighthouse, where your driver guide will explain everything about the first habitants on Aruba. Head to the north coast and see the collapsed Natural and the Baby Natural Bridge and the Casibari Rock formations, where the landscape is shaped by huge boulders the size of small houses. Then travel past divi-divi trees on the way to Fantastic Gardens, for a small tour and explanation on the flora of Aruba. On your return to the ship you will have the option to be dropped of in town (5 min walking distance to the cruise ship terminal) for shopping or just return to the ship.

Notes: Sun protection and extra cash are suggested for souvenirs.


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 ARU16 - Atlantis Submarine Tour - 1.50 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Your  adventure begins with a short transfer to the submarine onboard our shuttle vessel SubSeeker. Board the submarine just off the South East coast of Aruba for a thrilling dive to either the mysteriously sunken airplane, or the  newly sunken coaster, “The Morgenster.”  You will also have the opportunity to get an up close view of exotic marine life while diving to depths up to 130 feet.  Be amazed by colourful schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens, and the mystical beauties of the coral fields.  The educational and entertaining narration of the experienced, professional, and licensed crew will highlight this unique experience.  All of this is in air-conditioned comfort without getting wet!

Notes: Children less than 36 inches in height are not permitted to take part in this tour. This tour is not suitable for passengers with wheelchairs. A 12-step ladder must be negotiated when descending into the Submarine.


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 ARU18 - Sea World Explorer Submarine - 2 hrs - 2011-2012
Level of difficulty: easy  The Seaworld Explorer is a state-of-the-art semi-submarine developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef.  The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of this cruising underwater observatory and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water, exploring amazing sea life through large, clear glass windows.
After your air-conditioned bus ride to the pier, you board a transfer boat that takes you to the Seaworld Explorer.  Our skilled captain and knowledgeable narrator guide the semi-submarine to the wreck of the Antilla, a 440-foot German freighter destroyed during World War II. The huge ship lies on her side just under the surface of the ocean, providing a home to thousands of colourful fish and corals. Measuring 440 feet in length, this is the largest wreck in the Caribbean. From the wreck, you enjoy a relaxing cruise to shore.

Notes: Guest have to be able to descend with 11 steps into the hull of the Seaworld Explorer.

 
 

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The excursions in the programme above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call ; this programme is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.


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