Day 42 - 12/31 - Oranjestad, Aruba

We were the third ship to arrive at this repeat port for us which caused us to be about 20 minutes behind schedule. Ahead of us at the primo docking location was the Caribbean Princess and Explorer of the Seas. Later in the day a fourth ship, the Seabourn Odessy arrived and berthed ahead of us. Our berth location was at the former container port, designated as "I" on the port website. It's about a two ship length walk to the terminal and the port provided limited shuttle service. We elected to walk to the port exit and then across the street to the bus station where we met our hosts for the day, Catherine and Ronnie who live on Aruba and who we met on a cruise earlier this year.

They drove us south past the airport and the refinery to Baby Beach at the south end of the island. It was a bit windy so we decided to head back north and ended up at Catalina Beach where we enjoyed some nice snorkeling in clear water and lots of fish. From there we retuned to their home for a brief chance for Catherine to take a shower. We then drove to the Old Conucu House Restaurant where we purchased a local lunch for them as a gesture of their friendship towards us. 3 of us enjoyed stewed goat and it was delicious. Afterwards we returned to their home where Catherine gave Angela a voice lesson.

They then drove us back to the port area around 5pm. It was surprising to see most all of the tourist shops closed. There was lots of firecracker residue from the earlier noon set off of the fireworks. This is apparently a tradition in Aruba by the local merchants. We walked back to the ship, showered, and enjoyed a LIDO dinner. Since the evening show was set later at 8:30pm, we were able to watch our pre-8pm departure.  The evening entertainment was a musical impressionist, Robbie Howard, who did a marvelous show impersonating various artists. I especially liked his Roger Whittaker and Julio Iglesias impersonations. He was so good that after watching a set in the Ocean Bar by the Ocean trio, we went back to his 10:30pm show which had some different jokes. I thought to myself that he would make a good entertainer for the New Year'a Eve party.  

Starting at 11:30pm, Thomas, the show host, hosted a jukebox dancing event in the World Stage along with a few songs by Robbie Howard and just before midnight, Ian introduced the Captain and his wife who during the final ten seconds of the old year, rang the ship's bell as a countdown. After the New Year, Thomas once again hosted a dance party. We wandered down to the Billboard Online area and listened to the final songs by Wesley and Lisa before retiring for the evening. Fortunately it's a sea day tomorrow, so we can rest up for the final push on our way to Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday. Fortunately there are two stops before reaching the end of our 46 day cruise there. Stay tuned.

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