Aruba on Good Friday

macruiser · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 09:09 AM

We will be in Aruba on 4/14/06, which is Good Friday and an official holiday. Does anyone one know if the shops, casinos, and independent shore excursions will be open for business? I understand Friday, as well as Easter Sunday and Monday are all official holidays - would love to hear from someone who may have been in this port previous years.

kclvt · #2 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 06:43 AM

Good question, it didn't even dawn on me. we will also be in Aruba on Good Friday. Hope someone has the answer!

macruiser · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 06:58 AM

I hope someone responds also - I was planning on booking a shore excursion when we arrived but am afraid the independent vendors won't be around. Also don't want to book one through the ship without knowing what times the shops will be open. I read somewhere that "some" shops will open on official holidays in the morning when a cruise ship is in port but otherwise they are closed. Curious to know if this is correct.

chasekenslee · #4 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:07 AM

In Aruba- I would stay on the ship!!!

Cruise Fanatic · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:13 AM

The website http://www.aruba-info.com/faq.htm
says that the normal operating hours of stores is 8:00am-12noon, and 2pm-6pm closed on Sundays and holidays. Except when cruise ships are in.

kclvt · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:22 AM

And that would be because why??????

macruiser · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:27 AM

Do you mean "stay on the ship" to book excursions or "stay on the ship" and don't get off in port?

Cruise Fanatic · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:28 AM

Obviously that person must be referring to the Natalie Holloway story. There is no reason you shouldn't get off the ship and feel safe. It is tragic what happened there, but we can not blame the whole nation, and all it's people for one event.

macruiser · #9 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:45 AM

I agree - I wasn't making that connection until you pointed it out and I won't make it keep me on the ship! That said, are there any reputable independent shore excursions that anyone would recommend? I am traveling w/my 10 yr. old daughter and parents (who will likely stick to the downtown shopping/casino area or beach). I am interested in horse back riding or snorkeling type excursion for my daughter and I.

Cruise Fanatic · #10 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 07:56 AM

Try www.shoretrips.com

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