Flipping the Script on the Holidays
Have you ever thought about spending Christmas somewhere tropical? Mom and I did it last year with Windstar, and we loved it so much that we’re doing it again this year. Only this time, we’re adding a little more land time before the cruise — in Aruba. We’ll have three full days to explore before boarding Wind Spirit for an 8-night cruise ending in Barbados. Our ports include Curaçao, Bonaire, Grenada, Mayreau, and Bequia. We’ve already started the fun (but tough!) task of narrowing down excursions and activities.
Since I’m not just a traveler but also a travel advisor, I like to dive deeper when planning a trip. Earlier this year I completed Aruba’s Destination Specialist training, so I’ve gotten to know the island on more than just a surface level. This trip is the perfect chance to bring that knowledge to life.
Aruba: Desert Meets Paradise
Aruba isn’t your typical “palm trees and beaches” island. It has a desert heart, dotted with cactus and dramatic rocky coastline.
- The western and southern coasts are where you’ll find resorts, shops, and the cruise port.
- The eastern and northern coasts are rugged, undeveloped, and best explored by jeep or ATV.
This is also where you’ll find Arikok National Park, covering nearly 20% of the island. It’s a landscape of hidden coves, natural bridges, and windswept cliffs. The tradewinds make the beaches here unsafe for swimming, but they also create Aruba’s signature — the iconic, bent divi-divi trees, forever leaning southwest.
Finding Our “Vibe”
At first, we booked an all-inclusive high-rise resort (RIU Palace Aruba). On paper, it was perfect: everything included, beachfront, and easy. But after a few weeks, it didn’t feel like “us.” We’re not nightlife people; we’d rather escape the bustle and find a quiet corner of sand.
So I went back to searching and found a little beach bungalow in Savaneta. It’s right on the water, with a hammock on the porch and just far enough south of the action to feel like a true getaway. Once we land, we’ll pick up our rental Jeep and stock up at a grocery store to make our bungalow feel like home.
Jeep Day: Exploring the Wild Side
The next morning, we’ll be up before sunrise for our jeep adventure. Our plan is to start at Aruba’s southern tip and trace the rugged eastern and northern coastline, ending at the far northern point. Along the way we’ll find dramatic waves, desert views, and plenty of hidden spots to photograph — the side of Aruba that most cruise visitors never get to see.
Would you ever trade snow for sand at Christmas? Let me know in the comments! And if Aruba or a tropical Christmas cruise has you dreaming, I’d love to help you plan your own adventure as an Aruba Destination Specialist as well as a Windstar Specialist.
