Careful Approach, video

The cruise ship Statendam is seen approaching Oranjestaad, Aruba. You’ll see a tugboat standing by, then disappear behind the leaward side of the ship. Take a look.

The wind almost always comes from the east in Aruba. Thus the tugboat has moved to the opposite side of the ship. Plus, it will need to be on that side to help the ship to the dock. Most modern cruise ships have an array of bow thrusters, steerable pods, and other devices that enable them to dock with very little help from the tugs. Still, it makes sense to have one handy in case of a failure of man or machine.

Bon dia from Aruba.

The World, (ResidenSea Vessel), Aruba

The World is a unique way to own a vacation home. Imagine a cruise ship where you own your suite. They have studio apartments as well as one and two bedroom units that you can purchase. The best part about this concept is that the ship moves from port to port, traversing the world to a new destination on a regular basis. Here is a short video of The World as spotted in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Readers of this blog know that I love to travel and owning my own apartment on a ship sounds like a great idea. Don’t have the money just yet and I prefer to stay put for a little longer than a few days. Still, the concept is very appealing. And if I hit the lottery, I might just grab one of these places for the fun of it.

Here is the website for the ship. Maybe you already have the cash for a nice cabin. http://www.aboardtheworld.com/

Published in: on December 6, 2008 at 8:55 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Luxe Shopping, Aruba

Relatives of mine love cruising and go on at least one cruise a year. One of the things they like to do is shop for jewelry and local items, as well as high end goods that may be better priced than they would find in the United States. Well, in Aruba, you have plenty of options just beyond the port where your ship docks. You’ll pass through the gate and walk down this street, headed roughly south, southeast.

Seems rather nondescript, but as you move along you’ll pass a number of jewelry stores, the Mont Blanc store, and a well-stocked cigar shop (yes, with Cubans). Then you’ll come to this area.

Here are several high-end watch sellers, including Gandelman and Little Switzerland. There’s also a few options for food and drinks upstairs including the Mambo Jambo Club. Here’s another view from the opposite side.

Tommy Hilfiger has a place on the corner there. Just down another half block you’ll come to the Seaport Casino and Mall. This is all luxury goods. Here are just a few photos for those who want proof.

It goes on to include Cartier, Bulgari, Ferragamo and so on.

There’s also the BCBG store for the ladies and a few decent shops for men’s clothes.

So, if you like to spend your money on this type of shopping, you came to the right place. Just in case you have some room on the credit card limit, you’ll pass this store on the way back to the ship or your car.

Just don’t let the tax man know what you’ve been up to.

Published in: on July 17, 2008 at 7:29 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

One Happy Port, Aruba

A few days ago, the cruise ship, Adventure of the Seas, called at Oranjestaad, Aruba. I took a few photos for the blog here, which may help answer some questions about cruise ship calls at the island. First, take a look at that magnificent ship which was just tied to the dock a few minutes before this pictures was taken.

Upon leaving the ship, you’ll pass through a reception building and then through a gate. Some tours may supply buses inside the port area; other tour leaders and sellers are waiting beyond the gate as you see here.

Veteran cruisers will know about booking your on-island excursions in advance. If not, however, there are people around who offer everything from a jeep safari, to kayaking, to a day at the beach. Here’s a look at a few of the colorful buses that will take you to your day of fun.

Not sure about this bus, but it has the right name.

And then there is this luxury coach operated by De Palm Tours. They transfer people from the terminal to their own island where all kinds of water activities are available.

Whatever your choice, you’re bound to have a great time here. It may be a visit to the ostrich farm, an island-wide tour, or a horseback trek. If shopping it what you enjoy, stay tuned. My next post will take a look at the shops available right in the downtown area, only a short walk from the ship.