Free Shuttle from Aruba Cruise PortAfter waking up to this gorgeous water view from our Oceanview cabin (room tour with photos and review here), we were eager to start our day on Aruba. Conveniently, after exiting the ship's gangway there were shuttle buses waiting to take cruise ship passengers to the main gate. The shuttle buses were free (hooray!) and had comical names like "Honey Boy" and "Lady Blue". They were clearly marked with the name of our ship, Symphony of the Seas. Aruba Cruise PortFor those with limited mobility, there is plenty of shopping to do in the main port area. If you're able to walk a bit more you can check out the "local market". At the main intersection walk left, and you'll see the sign for the local market right across from the I ❤︎ Aruba sign. Souvenirs in Aruba Cruise PortThere are plenty of classic t shirts, ball caps, and magnets available to purchase in port (pics to come), but there are also some more unique items from local artisans to consider! The colorful boho sandals were calling my name, but I restrained because I was afraid they were too flat for my feet. :( Knock Off Ray Ban Sunglasses in Aruba Cruise PortI got a kick out of this sunglasses display which announces that all of the $25 sunglasses are fake items. lol. But hey if you want some D&G, Chanel, or Ray Bans .... Cute paintings and decorative signs for your home. Cost of Souvenir Hats in ArubaLoads of souvenir hats and visors were available. As seen below the prices at this shop ranged from $5-8. The PaddockThe Paddock is located in walking distance from the port in Oranjestad, Aruba. A popular spot due to it's convenient location and vibe, a bucket of 5 local beers would set you back just $20 and a meal consisting of French bread, chicken salad, and fries ran $10. If you want to leave your mark you can leave a $1 bill on the wall and sign your name and where you're from. I do believe this was also a spot where you could catch wifi in Aruba cruise port. Walking Around OranjestadBeyond the ornate, colorful buildings when you first enter the town, we strolled beyond the main strip of stores and toward the far end of the marina. A pair of giant flamingos nuzzling stood between the yachts and the cruise ships in the distance. It looks like Carnival was also in port with us on this day. This was just at the edge of the Renaissance Marketplace in the Aruba cruise port where we found a really cool store. Mopa Mopa ArubaThis store was filled with unique and intricately decorated home decor. Have you heard of the Mopa Mopa Tree? Much to my surprise, these items are not painted. Rather they are decorated using a centuries old technique of extracting resin from the Mopa Mopa Tree. Inside the store you could ask an associate and read other information to learn about this unique art form. They do accept all major credit cards, so if you don't have enough cash on you for one of these treasures, don't worry. I think this is a very cool store to walk around and learn about this unique craft even if you're not in the market for a piece. Murals by Armando GoedgedragAbsolutely incredible art murals can be seen on the sides of buildings in the Renaissance Marketplace which have been painted by the very talented Armando Goedgedrag. It's very cool to see support for local artists like this and it really adds to the vibrance of Oranjestad, don't you agree?! Wilhelmina Park, OranjestadWilhelmina Park in Oranjestad is a well-manicured park with a nice walkway stroll through. Here in this park you will see a statue of Anne Frank. As well as Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands whom the park is named after. She reigned from 1890 until her abdication in 1948. Queen Wilhelmina was the longest raining monarch in Dutch history. Apparently she was also the world's first female billionaire. Her park is also full of iguanas!! It's hard to tell from the photo, but they are quite large! Mangroves and BeachesThere is a wooden boardwalk from Governors Bay Beach in Oranjestad which allows you to enjoy views of Banyan Trees. These cool trees have aerial roots that grow into accessory trunks. Over time a Banyan tree can cover several acres - isn't that insane?! It was hard to pass up an opportunity to walk down through this banyan tree and onto a beach via this sort of secret path. The beach area here was quite narrow, but felt private. There was no one in sight although it was not that far from the main Governor's Beach area. When traveling, very often you are rewarded when you're willing to take just a few extra steps. Continuing on toward Surfside Beach, we passed some more incredible trees like this Acacia tree. And I found it fascinating how this tree looked like it was currently caught in a violent windstorm although the weather was calm. :) We finally made it to Surfside Beach! There were just a few families there. With plenty of trees to catch some shade from or sit on, I really enjoyed this beach! By the way, all beaches in Aruba are free. :) The Pastechi HouseThere was one last stop we wanted to make before heading back to our cruise ship after this day in Oranjestad. That stop was The Pastechi House. We visited The Pastechi House on an ABC islands cruise back in 2017 or around there and were thrilled to see it survived through the pandemic, though it was a struggle the owner shared. Pastechi House Menu with PricesPastechi is an ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) version of an empanada and they are tasty!! We also nabbed ourselves a fresh orange juice which was a tad bit more expensive than in Portugal. Just outside The Pastechi House was this spectacular rooster ... Even more exciting was the exotic black, white, and orange bird in this palm tree! It appears to be a Venezuelan Troupial! Downtown OranjestadIt was time to make our way back through downtown Oranjestad and to the cruise ship terminal, past the blue horse ... Beyond all the cute buildings ... Took one last look at the cutest souvenirs for anyone who loves a cultural touch! Probably should have gotten a Where's my Pastechi at!? mug. It was a cool honor system sort of set up where when the artist wasn't there in person (like the day we were there), you could snap a picture of what you wanted to by, message her on whatsapp and then send the payment to her! I Heart Aruba SignDon't forget, you can't leave the island without snapping a pic of the I ❤︎ Aruba sign, can you? We got back on board Symphony of the Seas and headed to our room to get ready for dinner - Caribbean Night! We returned to a cute little towel animal welcoming us back and I put on the closest thing to a "Caribbean" themed outfit as I had for dinner in the main dining room. Outfit: Quince European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt, Etsy Skirt, Nisolo Bag, Melrie Jewelry A Taste of the Caribbean MenuAfter a lovely day exploring Aruba, we were ready for dinner in the main dining room onboard Symphony of the Seas. Tap the menu to see what we ordered!
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Utopia of the Seas "The World's Biggest Weekend" Review in PhotosUtopia of the Seas began sailing in July 2024 as the sixth Oasis Class Ship in the Royal Caribbean Fleet and my lovely friend Evelyn enjoyed sailing during Utopia's inaugural season along with her husband and daughter in a 1D Ocean View Balcony 11658. Please enjoy the photos she has graciously shared! From elaborate displays as seen above and monkey scavenger hunts to unique art displays throughout the ship, Utopia of the Seas is a fun-filled short cruise vacation for anyone who wants to get away but doesn't have loads of time off. Boardwalk Neighborhood on Utopia of the SeasAn iconic feature of all Oasis Class ships is the carousel on the boardwalk. The carousel is free to ride as many times as you'd like and makes for a great photo with the ship name in the background and the mirrored purple Ultimate Abyss slides. If you spend some time in the Boardwalk neighborhood, you may find one of the jewel eyed monkeys! |
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Symphony of the Seas reviews:
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM Tampa
- 5 night Western Caribbean cruise on Enchantment of the Seas departing February 15, 2025
Ports of call: Costa Maya, Cozumel Mexico
Inside from $562
Oceanview from $662
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Utopia of the Seas Cruise Deal
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Sailing Royal Caribbean's newest ships can come with a heft price tag these days thanks to such high demand. But don't worry :)
This 4 night Utopia of the Seas Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great deal! Ports of Call:
December 1-5, 2025 |
If you're looking for a short cruise on an exciting new ship that allows you to get away to some beautiful beaches for a few days - this is the sailing for you!
Prices valid through November 7, 2024. Missed the deal but love the itinerary?
Message your Royal Caribbean Travel Agent for prices on current inventory! :)
4 NIGHT Utopia of the Seas Bahamas CRUISE ITINERARY INTERACTIVE MAP:
SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS FOR THIS CRUISE:
More cruise deals ;)
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2025 ROYAL CARIBBEAN Alaska CRUISE DEALS From Seattle
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This 7 night Alaska cruise from Seattle on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is sure to be unforgettable with stops in:
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Prices valid through November 7, 2024. Missed the deal but love the itinerary?
Message your Royal Caribbean Travel Agent for prices on current inventory! :)
7 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE From Seattle ITINERARY INTERACTIVE MAP:
Suggested Excursions For This Cruise:
If glaciers, whales and huskies sound like an incredible combination to you - this Alaska cruise may be the perfect itinerary for your next cruise vacation!
More Cruise Deals ;)
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2025 Greek Isles Cruise Deals
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This 7 night Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey Cruise from Athens, Greece on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas is heading to some bucket list ports:
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This cruise affords the opportunity to participate in unique and faith strengthening tours for those who love Bible history!
Message your Royal Caribbean Travel Agent for prices on current inventory! :)
7 night greece, cyprus, turkey cruise itinerary interactive map:
SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS FOR THIS CRUISE:
More Cruise Deals ;)
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2025 Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals | 12 night southern caribbean cruise from $83 per night!
10/10/2024
2025 Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals
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Looking for a Spring 2025 Cruise Deal? This 12 night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Baltimore, Maryland on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas is heading to some stunning ports:
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Message your Royal Caribbean Travel Agent for prices on current inventory! :)
Suggested Excursions for this cruise:
12 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary Interactive Map:
More Cruise Deals ;)
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Breakfast in the main dining room
These photos of breakfast in the main dining room on Symphony of the Seas show just a sample of what you can order off the menu for breakfast on your cruise.
PArk Cafe
Park Cafe is a free dining option in the Central Park neighborhood aboard Symphony of the Seas. It's meant to be a casual deli where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or grab an afternoon snack.
There is a case where you can just grab a ready-made sandwich and a piece of fruit which is very convenient.
You'll also find sweet treats like this Matcha Cream Puff, Raspberry Pound Cake, and Mudslide Cookies.
You can dine in or do what we did - take your treats and Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich outside to enjoy in Central Park.
Chops Grille Menu
Check out the menu as seen in Central Park:
The Bionic Bar
Here you can have your cocktails made by robots. Drinks are not free at the bionic bar. You pay, as you would in any bar, using your Sea Pass Card. If you have a beverage package, drinks are included up to the specified value.
The rising tide Bar
The departure times are listed at the entrances on Deck 8 and Deck 5. Like the Bionic Bar, this is a novel bar concept that you should try at least once just for the fun of it.
REgalia Watches
Watch & Scotch Event
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve.
Johnnie Walker Island Green
Free Mini Golf on Symphony of the seas Cruise Ship
A taste of italy menu - Main dining room
Crispy Parmesan Arancini.
Golden Polenta Fries.
Lasagne al forno.
Tiramisu.
Italy Travel Blog.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets Menu on Symphony of the seas.
Tap a Johnny Rockets cruise ship menu below to enlarge it!
Just let the waiter know when you order one that you want to use your 50% off milkshake coupon.
Hiro aquatheater show
Hiro was the AquaTheater show on Symphony of the Seas and this fuzzy night time pic is all I got to prove I was there. :p
It's amazing to see the use of the dive pool and acrobatics in a choreographed show like this. Royal likes to brag on their entertainment, but I can see why after our most recent cruise. |
Oh, Hey!
We're Justin and Marissa
We love to travel and eat!
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Traveling Through Food is a place to share adventures in travel + food so you can find inspiration for your next big trip whether it's across the globe or down the freezer aisle ;)
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Thanks for visiting!
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