many questions, hoping for many answers.

[jason kapoor]

Hi! i will be in Aruba from Aug 6-12, with my family. unfortunately, its my responsibility to plan this vacation out; and the more and more i read about Aruba and what to do and where things are, the more confused i get. i have many questions that i would really appreciate the answers too.

1. what is the legal drinking age and gambling age in aruba?
2. do i have to call in ahead of time or sign up ahead of time to snorkel or to snuba? if so how do i do that.
3. is the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino close to the shpping areas or is a taxi/cab neccessary?
4. they apparently have some private island, is it any good?
5. what are some nice shpping area's for clothing and are they relatively close to where im staying?
6. i read the california lighthouse is a cool place to go, is that accessible by cab?
7. anything else ou could tell me would be extremely helpful and i would really appreciate it.
8. which beaches are the best?

[Andrea J.]

1. welcome to the forum the legal gambling and drinking age is 18
2. snorkel check out the conscierge at your resort and look thru the coupons in the little switzerland bag you will get on arrival
3. the renaissance is within the shopping district (downtown) harbor area.
4. the private island is out of this world sometimes mosquitos bring bug repellent
5. i am not much of a shopper but there are big name places right there. some very high end shops
6. Californai Lighthouse is a nice sight.....from the renaissance probably about a $40+ taxi ride r/t for the price, i would stay on the beach.
7. READ this site under GENERAL & WATERSPORTS
8. Renaissance Private Island beach! Eagle Beach.

   Hi! i will be in Aruba from Aug 6-12, with my family. unfortunately, its my responsibility to plan this vacation out; and the more and more i read about Aruba and what to do and where things are, the more confused i get. i have many questions that i would really appreciate the answers too.

1. what is the legal drinking age and gambling age in aruba?
2. do i have to call in ahead of time or sign up ahead of time to snorkel or to snuba? if so how do i do that.
3. is the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino close to the shpping areas or is a taxi/cab neccessary?
4. they apparently have some private island, is it any good?
5. what are some nice shpping area's for clothing and are they relatively close to where im staying?
6. i read the california lighthouse is a cool place to go, is that accessible by cab?
7. anything else ou could tell me would be extremely helpful and i would really appreciate it.
8. which beaches are the best?

[danadog56]

Jason, welcome to the forum...if you take a little time and scan thru the different threads you will find all of your answers and then some....Andrea hit on all of your questions, but feel free to keep asking....everyone will give you their opinions so you will have your answers by the time you are ready to go...
btw..take lots of pictures and then post them here so we can enjoy your vacation too!!!

[DaveNJodie]

We have stayed at many resorts in Aruba and Renaissance is our favorite resort. The private island is fantastic - a short boat ride over (about 10 minutes) which is part of the fun. The private island is never crowded, the water is very calm, and you can rent snorkel gear, floats, etc. right on the island. The boats back and forth run often during the day.

You can walk to all downtown shops and restaurants and there is a great selection. Bring bug spray and lots of suntan lotion. Read the different threads on this website and post any other questions and you will receive many answers from knowledgable Aruba fans.

Dave and Jodie

[CINDYA]

Hi my favorite beach is eagle beach. We own at lacabana. Eagle beach is by far the best beach on the island. Try it trust me you will love the beach

[jason kapoor]

thank you all so much for the warm welcome and helping me better plan my vacation. i have a few more questions, lol. you're help will be much appreciated.

1. what are the hours of the private beach?
2. are their any beach bars local to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino?
3. the forums make it sound like the casinos in aruba never lose, how valid is that statement?
4. for middle aged couples who don't drink, what could they at night other then water activities?

[Andrea J.]

1. what are the hours of the private beach? 8 am - 7pm in fact i think the last shuttle boat leaves ren island at 6:40pm
2. are their any beach bars local to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino? there is a pool/lobby bar at the marina tower, a pool bar at the ocean suites and a outdoor restaurant/bar at the private isalnd.
3. the forums make it sound like the casinos in aruba never lose, how valid is that statement? the casinos usually WIN the players usually LOSE that being said, sometimes some of us win....a little.
4. for middle aged couples who don't drink, what could they at night other then water activities? no real water activities at night other than the sunset and party sails. the resort pools close at dark. there are soome shows on the island at different resorts. most nights my husband and i go to a casino for an hr after dinner and then back to our timeshare unit and vegetate and usually are in bed b4 11 pm.

andrea

[Shnyda]

3. the forums make it sound like the casinos in aruba never lose, how valid is that statement?

If a casino was losing - it would be out of business. All casino's win in the long run!

That being said - in my experience, the casino's in Aruba seem to be a bit tighter than Vegas casinos. I think the odd's on the slots are a little less. But you definitely can still win!

[jason kapoor]

how do the outlets work there? are the compatible to the U.S. or are they european like?

also, what is the time difference between the eastern time zone and aruba's time zone?

[Andrea J.]

same time zone exept when we turn our clocks back in the fall, aruba stays put.

outlets same as USA.

andrea

work there? are the compatible to the U.S. or are they european like?

also, what is the time difference between the eastern time zone and aruba's time zone?[/quote]