Eclipse is the same as First Choice.

I checked Aruba for dates between June and August 07 and there is nothing left.

Oh well!

Hi all.

Myself and my girlfriend were in Aruba last December as part of a Caribbean cruise and without a shadow of a doubt was the favourite island we visited.

We liked it so much that we have decided we want to go there for a full two weeks holiday this year.

Due to work comittments we can only get time off at the end of September.

I know this is Hurricane season,but have read that Aruba is pretty much unaffected as it is too far south and that the weather is pretty much the same all year round.Is this correct??

Jason.

Jason, I have read that as well and it is one of the reasons why I chose Aruba, as it lies out of the hurricane belt.

Glad to hear that it was your favourite island - we go in August

Hi starry.

I am sure you will love Aruba,even although we only spent a day there!!

My girlfriend and i are now all booked up.

We are booked in at the Tamarajn,which has some very good reviews on this forum and other forums.

We leave on the 26th September and return on the 10th October

The coundown is now on!!!

Would be interested to know how you get on,Starry.

Jason.

It looks like it is going to be our turn to visit Aruba next year. We're looking into going towards the latter part, either October or November.

The Tamarijn resort at the moments looks like our choice.

Could anybody who has been recently to Aruba advise on what kind of activities can be done outside the hotel. Are there any catamaran sailings? What other activities are a must do and worthwhile doing.

Looking forward to some input.

Mark

Oooooh very jealous Mark

Definitely saw catamarans sailing past whilst sitting on the beach at the Tam (sipping my frozen cocktail ) Am sure there are catamaran trips to the underwater wreck etc. Unfortunately, not very good on boats so I didn't look into it.

We went to de Palm island. Think you can either do the trip by coach (+ferry), Catamaran or jeep. I did the Sea Trek there and next time I would try the Snuba. There is a reef and lots of Parrot Fish.

Hubby and son went on the island tour by helicopter which they both enjoyed.

Thanks Starry for that information. Sounds just what we want.

Mark

I've been looking to book Aruba for July 08,but was wondering what was the best area to be in?Durif Beach or Palm Beach?We will be taking our 11 year old daughter,any info would be great?

Hi Poley, We went to the Tamarjin this summer on Druif beach and loved it We did cycle up to the high rise area (Palm beach) and the beach is a lot busier and built up. The beach between the Tam and Divi is gorgeous and when we go back, we will definitely stay here again.

I wouldn't say there is loads to do for children but the Tam does have lots of families staying as children stay free up to 17, so you get lots of Americans.

Hi Starry
we were looking at the Tarmajin,is the beach rocky in front of the hotel?Also is there a certain block which is the best to stay in,and can than this be requested via email?

Hi Poley,

I think the rock situation changes all the time because of the weather. We stayed in Block 1300. There were rocks right in front, but we just wandered a bit further on and it didn't bother us in the slightest. I did email and request an upper floor room, which we got. I think I requested block 1700 which I was glad I didn't have in the end.

I think if staying again, I would personally request 1100 to 1300 but everyone is different. I'm not sure how much the beach has changed since hurricane Dean.

It was lovely walking along the beach up to the Divi for a change of scenery. Also, the pools are nothing special at the Tam or Divi so we would wander across to the Divi Golf. There is a new infinity pool there and slide that overlooks the golf course. It is not part of the all inclusive but you can use the pools and charge any drinks to your room.

Hurricane Dean?I thought it was outside the hurricane belt!

It is I think it was out at sea but the beaches were affected.

Did you find that you were always eating at the Divi or are there nice resturants at the Tam. By the way thanks for all the info!

I think we booked up each restaurant twice. 3 at the Tam - Gingers, Paparazzi and Palm Grill and the Red Parrot at the Divi (Red Parrot my favourite ) The rest of the time the buffet restaurant at either Tam or Divi. I had read before I went that the Divi buffet was so much better (proper glasses etc) but I really didn't notice that much difference.

There was no limit to how many times you could book each restaurant. The pizza grill does really nice snack food all day and evening, so if my son didn't fancy anything at the buffet, he would wander over and get chicken nuggets etc.

I am interested in Aruba but we usually have to holiday in January I cannot remeber which tour company i was looking at but January didnt seem available is that right?

That's right, unfortunately Eclipse/FC don't go there in the winter - wish they did.

we first visied Arub on a cruise 2 yeas agoand thought the place was wonderful and have always wanted to return in the winter period but as everyone says FC only travel there duruing the summer period.
we have now found out that Thomsons do tripsin their tailor made caribean brochure flying via amsterdam with KLM so are now looking seriously at it for next xmas.
luckily we are calling there this xmas for a day on our panama cruise ship
so we can catch the sun on palm beach!

Thanks for that, I will have to check Thomsons out!

Enjoy your cruise