Aruba - Netherland Antilles (FEB 28)

The approach to Aruba has got to be one of the dullest in the Caribbean.  The ship approaches the island at a right angle to it,  turns to slip in behind the breakwall and ties up. And downtown Oranjestad isn't exactly picturesque. Yawn. 
By 0800 the ship was cleared for passengers to go ashore. Knowing that there was a 1000 shuttle to Eagle Beach (which we almost booked), we were in a taxi and on our way there about 0915. This enabled us to get two chassis and a beach umbrella (for $40) in the front row facing the water. 
I actually beat Pam in going in the water the first time. It was a bit cool at first, then refreshing and easy to stay in indefinitely. 
(Insert here old joke about passing tropical shower and getting out of the water to avoid getting wet.)
(Actually the joke is if you thought that was really a real editing note to myself.)
About 1300, we packed up and caught a cab back to the ship so that we could drop or gear,  grab a bite to eat and take a trolley ride. 
Returning to the marine terminal, we found Oceania's SIRENA docked astern of us.  We took that ship through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal,  then down the west coast of South America,  around the Horn and up to Buenos Aires in 2018.  (link to that trip's blog) 

We had a long wait for the trolley apparently having just missed it.  When we were last here two were running; this time only one. We sat on the upper deck for the 30-minute ride.  It's route was a block or two back from the waterfront. As I recall, it was an attempt by merchants there to draw tourists off LG Smith Blvd - the main shopping street which runs along the waterfront.  The novelty it had the first time was diminished, but it was still a viable alternative to walking by endless shops on the boulevard.

About 1600 we returned to the ship.  All-aboard was 1730 and we sailed at 1800.  Departing Aruba's cruise port was marginally more interesting than arriving at it.  This would be particularly true if a passenger jet had flown low and directly overhead on its approach to the airport, but that was not to be this cruise.


ROTTERDAM turned generally westward on a heading for Panama where we have been told we will pass through the breakwater at Colon at somewhere around 0500 the day after tomorrow.

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