I'd highly recommend the Black Pearl cruise which departs from the Marriott pier. Uncrowded and very relaxing with a terrific crew, it really is club class cruising for very reasonable money, particularly if you pre-book on their website.

Riu looks great, just try to avoid being put in Block C, as covered in another Aruba thread.

hi, thanks for your reply,why whats wrong with c block (iv read a post that its part of the old building) can anyone tell me more please .we have booked a double standed room

hi, we have booked to go to this hotel in june and just been told to avoid block c can anyone tell me why thanks julie and tony

just phoned thomson and have been informed that all double rooms with garden views (which is what we have booked are in c block) which is the old block and they want another £532 to up grade to the newer blocks.i am now thinking of changing to a different destination as we have paid £3,100 we dont want to been in a old shabby room thank you to holiday truths for bringing this to my attention

Didn't mean to scare you there and I should have pointed you to the "Aruba September 2011" thread (further down the list) where the Block C issue is discussed further.

Basically when we were staying at the Tam we chatted to several guests who'd stayed at the Riu and they all said it was a lovely hotel, but all mentioned the Block C issue with UK (Thomson) guests. When we got home I noticed it came up a lot with UK guests on Tripadvisor reviews and is discussed extensively on their forums.

I've done a bit more detective work and it appears that whilst most rooms in Block C were left un-renovated, Riu did add 4 new rooms at the end, (2 first floor, 2 second floor). I think I'd be inclined to email the hotel direct and either request one of those rooms or enquire the cost of upgrading to block A or B with them. Email address for the hotel is palace.aruba.@riu.com