Norwegian Sky - February 16, 2026 (7 Nights)

The very word Aruba conjures up visions of paradise in people's minds. And it's no wonder, since this fascinating island in the southernmost part of the Caribbean has long attracted visitors to its sparkling white sand beaches. One of the most popular cruise stops in the region, Aruba dazzles with its historical architecture, secluded seaside resort villages and the friendliness of the native inhabitants. Renowned nightlife, spectacular shopping and, most of all, the feeling that you are truly in a timeless world of unlimited pleasure opportunities makes Aruba an amazing place for those who want the very best in tropical entertainment.

Cruise vessels arrive in the capital city of Oranjestad and anchor at a modern port facility directly in front of the central business district. The terminal is complete with information centers, souvenir shops and interactive kiosks, and there is a well-defined taxi area outside the facility. Many of the historical downtown buildings, restaurants and bars are located on the main avenues running from the waterfront to the center of the town.

Most people come here for the beaches and the fine weather, and there is no denying that Aruba exceeds expectations on both fronts. The climate is very mild, with ever so slight temperature variations throughout the year. The island receives less than 20 inches of annual rainfall, far less than many of the other well-known islands in the Caribbean, therefore enjoying the sun and surf is virtually guaranteed. The famous Eagle Beach is the longest stretch of white sand on the entire island and is a favorite of both locals and visitors. Only a 10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal, it can be crowded, but the gentle surf and multitude of nearby shops makes it a must stop while visiting the island. Families with kids will love the Butterfly Farm located nearby. Palm Beach is another popular getaway for an afternoon, featuring snorkeling and scuba lessons, a wide variety of snack shops and also a number of resort casinos. The Royal Plaza and Seaport Village Mall, directly adjacent to the cruise docks, offer the best mix of souvenir and jewelry shopping in the city of Oranjestad. Along the downtown waterfront, visitors will marvel at the Dutch Colonial architecture, and for those wanting a bit of the out-of-town adventure, check out the famous California lighthouse, located on the extreme northwest cape and offering some of the best dune surfing on the island.

On L.G. Smith Boulevard visitors flock to the Pinchos Grill and Bar, one of the most popular late night eateries in Oranjestad. While at Palm Beach, many visitors will enjoy lunch at the Pelican Grill, located on an extended pier and serving up delicious seafood platters. At the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort (at 252 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.) is the highly recommended Passions on the Beach restaurant, which is noted for its beautifully decorated seating, grilled fish and never-ending samplers.

If coming ashore from the cruise ship, walking is the preferred method for exploring the downtown. Taxis are affordable and can take visitors to all the popular beaches and casinos. Public bus service connects Oranjestad to all the other communities on the island and is a great way to see the outlying terrain. Rental cars can be reserved before the cruise and there are pickup services right at the cruise terminal.

Dutch is considered the native language of Aruba, but most of the locals speak English fluently. The currency unit is the Aruban florin, and there are plenty of banks and ATMs for exchanging and withdrawing. Most of the larger hotels have Internet cafes and easy long distance calling operations. The Royal Plaza Mall has the largest Internet cafe on the island, just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.

Located in the southeastern part of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is a small island country that is part of the Lesser Antilles. A favorite stop for cruise ships, the island offers visitors innumerable opportunities for adventure and exploration, from tropical rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls to ancient ruins and extraordinary botanical gardens. For those wanting to make a stop at a smaller, less populated region during a Caribbean cruise, Saint Lucia is the perfect choice.

Cruise ships arrive in the main harbor of Castries, the largest community and capital city of Saint Lucia. The vessels dock at Place Carenage or nearby Pointe Seraphine, both of which are part of the main waterfront area of the city. The docks are within easy walking distance to the central business district and there are both taxis and public transportation available at either location. Duty-free shops for souvenirs can be found near both of the anchorage points and there are a number of visitor-friendly trinket stores in and around the waterfront area and on the main streets of town.

Castries itself is certainly worth a detailed walking tour, but the main attraction in Saint Lucia is the natural beauty of the island itself. Getting out of town and seeing the magnificent rain forests is a popular excursion for most cruise tourists. Much of the island is protected as a natural preserve, with the Saint Lucia National Rain Forest covering a good deal of the total land area. Hiking trails are abundant and visitors will find no shortage of vantage points for taking memorable photos. Somewhat more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia's most famous natural landmark is the Twin Pitons, a double peak located in the southern part of the island, while the nearby Soufriere Drive-In Volcano attracts thousands annually to its active sulfur pools. The Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall is one of the loveliest collections of floral species in the West Indies and also contains mineral baths near the waterfall. Pigeon Island, located at the northwest end of Saint Lucia, is a great place for families to spend an afternoon. Here visitors find a complete interpretive center that details the island's history, excellent walking trails that offer views of the sea and mainland, and plenty of ruins to explore, most of them part of the forts originally erected as separate factions fought for control of the island in its colonial days. Horseback riding, snorkeling and even helicopter tours are also popular activities for those arriving on cruise ships to Saint Lucia.

Fresh seafood dominates the menu at most of the fine restaurants on Saint Lucia, especially in the capital city of Castries. A good choice for lunch would be The Charthouse, which overlooks Rodney Bay not far from the docks and offering up an excellent combination of steaks, seafood and salads. The Green Parrot, located on Morne Fortune directly above Castries Harbor is a great place for both lunch and dinner and has a widely diverse menu that includes Creole favorites, West Indian originals and many international delights. At the Ladera Resort in Soufriere one can enjoy the very best in Caribbean cuisine at the Dasheene Restaurant, where a delightful mix of authentic recipes awaits. This is considered by many the best seafood restaurant on the island and also has the best views of the town and waterfront. Visitors will also find a good selection of snacks at the many open air cafes near the cruise ship docks, where soups, salads and fresh fruits are always available.

The cruise docks are adjacent to the center of Castries, but visitors will need to take a taxi, public bus or rental car to access the island's natural treasures. Taxi service is plentiful and there are a good number of public bus routes. Taxi prices can be negotiated with the vehicle operator. The bus lines do not run on a set schedule but wait at major stops until full. Also visitors cannot rent a car in Saint Lucia unless they either have an international permit or purchase a temporary one while on the island.

English is the official language of the island. The monetary unit is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although U.S. Dollars are often accepted. The island has a good number of ATMs for currency exchange. If an international telephone call needs to be placed, most visitors will use the Internet cafe at the Caribbean Travel Agency on Micoud Street in Castries.

St. Kitts, together with the neighboring Isle Nevis, is among the loveliest and unspoiled islands in the south Caribbean. It attracts many cruise visitors because of its scenic natural beauty as well as for its native culture and fine beaches. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the original name of the island was St. Christopher, shortened more recently to Saint Kitts. The eco-friendly preservation of the island's natural geography is one of the reasons so many come here to relax and explore. However, the tourist trade is alive and well, with a myriad of souvenir shops, gift stores and some extremely fine dining establishments. Above all, however, Saint Kitts is truly a getaway destination, perfect for couples, honeymooners and those who really enjoy nature.

Cruise lines make their port of call at Basseterre, the capital and largest community on the island. Just outside of the town a new, quite modern cruise dock has been constructed at Port Zante, and the terminal is complete with information desks, currency exchange booths and ATMs. Taxis can take visitors into the heart of the city in less than 15 minutes. However, some cruise travelers prefer to stroll along the waterfront to the central district of Basseterre. Port Zante itself has a number of newer shops and restaurants that have opened since the completion of this modern dock facility.

Some of the earliest Colonial style architecture remains around the island, and there are a number of fine old structures worth investigating in Basseterre. Romney Manor was once owned by the grandson of Thomas Jefferson and today visitors can delight in its magnificent grounds and visit the Caribelle Batik shop, one of many such establishments that offer genuine batik clothing. The Nature Reserve contains a stunning display of flora and fauna, including the brown pouchless pelican. One of the most intriguing destinations on the island is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Brimstone Hill Fortress. A 17th century British military barracks, this fortified complex was occupied by a huge number of troops during the period when fighting over control of Saint Kitts was at its height. Among the delightful beaches, the Great Salt Pond is one of the most enjoyable. Here visitors can stroll between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in just a few moments, as the beach is on a narrow peninsula. South Frigate Bay is a favorite for surfers and beachcombers, and waterskiing is popular along this entire stretch of coastline. For those wanting a bit of marine adventure, take a ferry ride to the neighboring Isle Nevis, which is more remote and ringed by coral reefs. The white sand beaches on this smaller island are exemplary.

Mr. X's Shiggedy Shack serves the famous rum cocktail made with cane juice. At the Glimbara Guest House on Cayon Street the locals can be found whetting their appetite at the Glimbara Diner, a well-known establishment specializing in Creole style cuisine. Outside of town and a short taxi ride from the center of Basseterre is the equally popular Rawlins Plantation. Here on the lower slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, diners experience the very finest in shrimp and lobster entrees. The excellent desserts are a mix of French and Caribbean cooking and the views are exceptional.

Taxis are the preferred method of transportation for cruise visitors. The fares are determined by agreement and there are no metered fares. Taxis are plentiful at hotels, restaurants and along the waterfront as well as at the cruise terminal. Rental cars are available. However, you would need to purchase a visitor's permit in order to drive. The rural streets are crowded with pedestrian traffic as well as livestock such as goats and sheep. Driving slowly around the island is highly recommended.

The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, although many of the gift shops and restaurants accept U.S. Dollar as well. The native language of the island is English, but the locals have created their own distinct accent, which can be a bit tricky to understand at first. Several of the cafes in downtown Basseterre have Internet access, especially those located in and around the central circus and at the TDL Mall on Fort Street.