Hi Wally,

Thanks for all the info ....... you've been very helpful.

I understand there are floats available FOC at the Tam. Do they have any inflatable rubber rings for use ...... hust debating wether to buy one and put it in my luggage?

Best wishes,
Pat

There are floats available, big blue foam ones. They are very good! They don't have amy rubber rings or anything other than the floats. There are some shops in the hotel, the main one of which does sell them, and I saw a couple of places in Oranjestad selling them. Pack them if you want, but you'll be able to get them there if you decide not to. Not sure how much they cost.

By the way, I've decided we're going back there next year! If only it was next week...

Thanks for you reply Wally.

Don't think I bother taking a rubber ring over with me. Will play it be ear when we get there.

You must have enjoyed the Tam if you are turning next year. Next year may seem far away, but it's surpirsing how quick it come's around. Can't believe how quick our holiday has come round, and I haven't even started any packing yet! Got as far as getting the cases out and toiletries and meds sorted ......... hate packing LOL!

Best wishes,
Pat

Hi Wally

Another question - I believe First Choice guests check in on the bus, which sounds pretty clever.

But how do you arrange things like the safe, do they take any deposits or payments there and then ?

The safe costs $2 per day, which I didn't see as unreasonable. When you check in on the bus, they already know what room you're in and everything. They give you some forms to fill in (you need to leave details of a credit/debit card). On the forms you can opt for, or against a safe. They give you the key, and lock then. The locks fit in all safes, but only have one key. You don't pay anything until the end of the holiday. When you check out they will ask you if you want to pay the safe fee or just have it taken off the card you registered. You might notice (as we did), on the forms it will ask you if you want to donate $1 dollar per room per day to charity. It goes to the YMCA. You can opt out! Most of the American people we met didn't have the option and were very annoyed to get a $14 charge for nothing at the end.

When you check in on the bus, someone will put your wrist band on you, give you your keys and towel cards, and a little infrmation pack with loads of information in, and an invite to the welcome meeting the next day (go to it, jackie is very helpful, and I will only take 10 minutes). Once you arrive at the tam (only about 10 minutes fom the airport), you can just leave you cases at reception and find your way to your room. Bags will arrive just after you.

Many thanks for that, sounds like a terrific arrangement.

Just trying to find details of the departure tax.
I thought I read in a First Choice brochure that we have to pay it, but there's nothing on any documentation.
Can you advise what the arrangement was ?

Thanks again.

They take it from you at the check in desk at Aruba airport. When you weigh your bags, they charge you. It's $34.30 I think. Around that. Nothing to do with the hotelnor first choice, it's the airport. If you don't pay it they won't let you leave!!!