We arrived to the island of Aruba around 8am, and we were cleared right away, unlike the last two ports. Today we were at pier 2, which added a few more steps to get to town. It appeared that it was going to be a warm, humid, and mostly cloudy day, but quite windy. This is common in this part of the world we understand. There is a good reason that the divi divi trees lean in one direction as they grow. Winds can be described as savage.
Beginning our day in Club Orange, we enjoyed the last of the mimosas and poinsettia drinks on a Sunday morning. Of course, we can do this every day, but have chosen to make Sunday special. We asked the manager if he knew how many people would be sailing on the next cruise, and he said he thought it was close to 1100. It will be a nine day cruise, which would be more affordable, and easier to fill.
With us in port were the Celebrity Constellation (2001), with 2170 passengers and a 44 year old woman captain, Kate Mc Cue, according to Celebrity's website. We have read that there are several women captains these days. Very interesting. Also docked was the Freedom, the Scientology vessel, that has not appeared to have moved since we first began stopping here.
The first tour vendor we passed when we got off of the ship after 10am, told us that we did not have to wear masks unless we go into a store. Sure, we know that, but we are taking no chances. Once we were far from any crowds, we did remove them, but briefly. Only half of the souvenir tents were set up outside the gate today, but then it is Sunday. We have not attempted to go to a supermarket here, but we found out that they were also closed today.
Diamonds International was opened, and it was the last chance for a charm….a pair of dolphins. Making our way up the main street, we passed by the famous Royal Plaza, noticing that the restaurants were not open yet. Only Lucy's had customers, which looks like a nice spot. More than once, we ducked in there to get out of the passing rain storm. Making our way to the Marina, we noticed that part of the boardwalk had been stripped, and was being replaced. The last few times we were here, it was obvious that the wood had begun to rot. Appears that each section was going to be replaced - one at a time.
We walked through the Renaissance Marketplace, noticing that few shops were open there. Continuing on to the grounds around the Renaissance Ocean Suites, we took many photos of doves, a diving tern, pigeons, iguanas, and the resident Muscovy duck. This time, we brought an almost empty bag of granola to feed to the fish at the lagoon. It figures, today there were not many there. Small ones….yes. But the parrot fish were not so many. They seemed to love the fine cereal, but it did sink quickly to the bottom. The wind was so strong, it blew the crumbs three feet away. Even attracted a little sparrow, who we also fed.
Sitting on a cement bench, we watched a man in a fishing boat. He had caught something big on his line. Then it appeared he lost it, as the boat driver took him to another spot. Several fishing boats were on their way back after a half day adventure. Catamarans and glass bottom boats passed by as well. Many iguanas of all sizes love to lay on the rocks to warm up on this shoreline. The hotter they get, the deeper color they take on. The smaller lizards were just too fast to get a photo.
Time to move on, we made our way back to the pier, bypassing the tents of souvenirs. Also avoided some aggressive jewelry store owners that try to entice the tourists to buy their treasures. We had completed our three hour walk once again.
A little early for lunch, we worked in the room for an hour, then headed to the Grand Dutch Café. It's been a while since we ate there, and now that the time is slipping away, we had to have the ham & cheese sandwiches with fries at least once more. The only barista we recognized was Michelle. The fellows and Julia were not there. Assuming they had shore leave, Michelle told us they were "on vacation", and we would know what that means. Oh no…..not Covid? Yep, the guys got it, but Julia was being tested as a close contact. Just as we were chatting, we could not help but hear three ladies sitting at a table…all coughing. One way more than the others. Every time she coughed, the ladies pulled their masks up. As a crew member, Michelle has the authority to report what she sees and hears, and said she would do that. In the meantime, she did tell her assistant to be most careful cleaning that table after they left. Now that there are only two sea days left, sick passengers would not report they were feeling ill. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, they could have come down with something else. Who knows?
But then, getting out of the elevator on our deck, we spotted a crew member dressed in the hazmat clothing. He was holding another elevator for an incoming patient we assume. I know the drill….been there, done that. Glad we had masks on, since we will need to pass one more test soon. Now we are wondering if the mask mandate will be dropped completely after we board the N. Amsterdam? Time will tell.
Our room stewards brought the two pieces of luggage we had put in storage. One of us had some time to begin undoing the hooks on the wall, and bagging up some small stuff. Two pieces of our luggage will be shipped home, while we will take two on the next voyage. Two sea days will give us plenty of time to sort it out.
Dinner in the dining room was unusually loud with six people sitting across from us. It was the same group that dressed oddly for the first gala evening. You know…the fellow in the turquoise tulip -decorated suit. We might consider going to the Pinnacle tomorrow. Anyway, we had starters of chicken and chorizo soup, tangerine shrimp, salad nicoise, beef Wellington, and Rudi's chicken. However, when our entrees arrived, one was the fish dish. Wrong. Our waiter took them back, and returned about 15 minutes later with the correct entrees. At least they were hot and tasted good. No dessert, but we did have our sweets during lunch with a large chocolate chip cookie and two of the almond ones.
Bill & Mary Ann
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Report #107 Oranjestad, Aruba 8am To 4:30pm Sunday April 3, 2022 Mostly Cloudy And Windy
