Good morning! Today we’re in Aruba. This is my first time here so I want to see as much as possible. A popular thing to do in Aruba is rent golf carts. I waited until a month before the cruise to try to book one and they were all sold out. I ended up renting a car with Hertz. I got a compact car for about the same price or a little cheaper than the golf carts.

I got a laundry bag ready and I didn’t rip it.

Here are today’s Fun Times.

We’re in port. It’s time for them to take that sign down. I’m going out anyway.

It looks like we’re in port with Celebrity Beyond.

Once again the Java Blue line is long and the Plaza Bar line is non-existent.

I got avocado toast with a side of hash browns and crispy bacon.

We are also in port with Adventure of the Seas.

Google maps took me to the wrong place. I came across a lady in a Renaissance hat so I asked if I could follow her. She took me to a security guy at her hotel who pointed me in the direction of the Renaissance that has the Hertz.

I gave the lady five bucks for helping out. I don’t know if I ever would’ve found the place without her.

The car rental guy gave me this which didn’t really work. What did work was my maps.me offline app. I’ve been using it for years but this is the first time I’ve used it’s turn by turn directions. 

This is my compact car.

For full coverage of my drive around the island and my beach time at Eagle Beach, check out Aruba by Car. I’m going to skip ahead to when I got back.

I’m on foot now. Up ahead is Fort Zoutman. Built in 1796 to defend against pirates, it is the oldest building in Aruba. It also served as Aruba’s first public clock and lighthouse.

I heard Dutch pancakes is a thing to try in Aruba. The Dutch Pancake House is the place that’s most convenient to the port. I wanted to eat breakfast here but since I only had the car until 5pm, I decided it would be a better stop after I returned the car.

I got the pancake with cheese and bacon and put syrup on it. It was good. I also got a side of eggs and potatoes with bacon and onions. 

I’ve been waiting all day to try a local beer. That’s one of the downsides to renting a car. I felt like the upside of getting to see the entire island on my schedule outweighed that downside.

They have one of these in New Orleans. Close to the port actually. Do they have the Cabo Shrimp n Grits here?

No Cabo Shrimp N Grits.

Across the street is the Royal Plaza Mall.

I am heading back to the ship at about 6pm.

My room was cleaned and my laundry was picked up.

I requested additional laundry bags.

Here are the 6:30pm views from the “secret deck.”

Whew! That’s not my excursion.

I’m going to hang out back here for the sunset.

Deal or No Deal is happening in the theater.

The Mets are on in the Skybox Sports Bar.

They’re going to have the NHL playoffs as well.

I missed dinner in the MDR but I was able to get in at JiJ’s.

Compliments of the chef.

Chicken spring rolls

I asked for all chili sauce. A different server brought the usual selection.

My server returned, noticed the mistake, and brought me all chili. 

Pork belly

Hakka noodles

Singapore chili shrimp

Oh no. I bet they knew they were going to do this. That’s why’s they gave me the wrong ticket time and warned me that it could be switched back.

This doesn’t work for me because I have a walking tour booked in the morning. I’m going to have to cancel this one and look for another afternoon tour.

We are sailing away.

After sail away I headed down to the Skybox to watch some of the NHL Playoffs.

I headed to the theater in time for Quest. I don’t know why they did this but they have curtained off the upper level and most of the lower level seats. There aren’t enough seats for everyone in here.

After Quest I went to bed. Tomorrow we’re in Bonaire. Good night!