Oranjestad Aruba Resort for a Day — 3 Cruise Day Pass Options (2026)
By Jeremy CamosseNov 2025
Oranjestad Aruba
Resort Day Pass
Aruba Cruise Excursions
Compare 3 Oranjestad resort day passes from $50. Includes pricing, reviews, photos & distance from cruise port. Book your all-inclusive beach day in Aruba.
The Oranjestad cruise port is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and a resort day pass is one of the best ways to spend your time at port. Instead of piecing together individual activities, you get all-inclusive access to a resort's beach, pools, food, and drinks for one fixed price.
We've cruised to Aruba many times and have done the "standard" tours. They're great. Oranjestad has stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, perfect weather, and friendly locals. But we've found that the most convenient way to enjoy everything Oranjestad has to offer is with a resort day pass.
Below, we compare every Oranjestad resort day pass option available to cruise passengers. We include pricing, ratings, amenities, and distance from the cruise port. You'll find everything that you need to make the best decision possible for your Oranjestad shore excursion!
Why choose a Resort for a Day Pass in Oranjestad?
There are a bunch of reasons for choosing an Oranjestad All Inclusive Day Pass. Here are our top few.
SAFETY
8.0 / 10 safety score
8.0 / 10 safety score
Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. It consistently ranks among the top destinations for cruise passengers when it comes to security. That said, a resort day pass still gives you an extra layer of comfort and peace of mind. You'll be in a well-maintained, private setting with staff looking after everything.
A resort is your best option for a worry-free day. You'll have no concerns within the resort grounds. Security and privacy are valuable amenities at these properties. Even in a safe destination like Aruba, there's something nice about knowing everything is taken care of so you can fully relax and enjoy your day.
Safety Rating
8.0
Oranjestad
vs
7.5
Aruba Avg
#31of 131 Aruba ports
CONVENIENCE
All within ~14 min
All within ~14 min
From our map below, you can see that all resorts are near your Oranjestad Cruise Port. Each option below includes transportation to and from the Terminal. Once on site, you'll be in complete relaxation for hours.
You'll have every amenity at your fingertips. No need to worry about haggling over price, finding food, renting beach chairs, etc. And you won't need to check your watch constantly to make sure your excursion provider will get you back on time. Your only inconvenience will be deciding which drink to order next. This is an easy "problem" to solve since drinks are all-inclusive.
EXPERIENCE
★ 4.3 avg rating
★ 4.3 avg rating
Most organized shore excursions are run by "mom and pop" shops. Many do a great job. But, they're not held to the same standards as the resort properties. When you're done with your snorkeling gear at the resort, they'll clean and sanitize the equipment. After a tour with "Lou's Snorkeling Fun Time," the gear might get a quick splash of Balashi before the next cruise passenger straps it on. This is a bit of an exaggeration, but hopefully you get where we're going. The resorts will likely have newer beach chairs, fresher towels, and cleaner restrooms.
COST
From $50 / adult
From $50 / adult
You'll see the cost of an all-inclusive day pass averages roughly $100 per person. You'll find two much cheaper options here.
And you'll get much more for the cost when compared to the average shore tour! A beach excursion includes many "hidden" costs. You might pay for beach access. Chair rentals will cost $20 per. Drink costs will likely be double that. Then you'll likely want to tack on events like kayaking or snorkeling.
You can easily spend $100 per person going "a la carte." And you'll likely leave a bit hungrier and "thirstier" than if the situation were all-inclusive. There's also an intangible value to the buffet style. The freedom to order whatever you want all day long is a huge bonus.
Cost Comparison: All Inclusive vs Other
An Oranjestad resort day pass can be purchased for as little as $50 per person. If that seems expensive, consider all of the incidentals with a normal excursion. You'll often purchase rental chairs, food, drink, and equipment rental. These can quickly add up to exceed a resort pass!
If you've gotten this far, we'll assume you're "all-in" for a resort day pass in Oranjestad, Aruba. Good decision. You'll be happy with your decision!
Now we'll need to find the perfect day pass option. It will depend on your crew. Are you traveling with kids or are you on a romantic getaway? Are you hoping to get active or more interested in relaxing? Is price an important factor?
Below are amazing all inclusive options at Aruba's best resorts. We've broken down each to show what's included so you know exactly what to expect.
Resort Day Pass Locations
All 3 resort options near Oranjestad cruise port. Click any pin for details, pricing, and taxi distance.
Cruise Port1Resort Day Pass
We've analyzed every resort day pass option in Oranjestad, Aruba. Below are the Best Options with all of the detail you'll need to make your choice.
RIU Palace Antillas is an all-inclusive adults-only property on the shores of Palm Beach, restricted to guests 18 years and older. The resort features large freshwater pools with a swim-up bar, a jacuzzi, sauna, a premium fitness center, and a casino.
Ideal for couples and groups, the RIU Palace Antillas day pass includes unlimited lunch, snacks, and beverages. Guests can take in the scenic pool areas, order drinks from the swim-up bar, relax with a book on the beach, or try their luck at the casino. For those seeking more active pursuits, paddle surfing (SUP), snorkeling, and kayaking are all available.
Enjoy your resort pass anytime between 9AM - 6PM local time
Unlimited dining, excluding a la carte restaurants
Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
Beaches, pools, jacuzzi and casino
Use of sauna, gym
Lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels (no need to bring the ship’s towels)
Beach palapas (based on availability)
See More
Non-motorized Watersports: paddle surfing (SUP), snorkeling equipment and kayaking
Poolside bars with swim-up bar
Daytime entertainment programs for adults (daily)
Bathrooms are available for changing
Wi-Fi (available for additional $10 purchase at check-in)
Guest rooms/accommodations
Transfers to/from your cruise ship.
Motorized water sports
Lockers are not available so pack light
Items of a personal nature including spa and gift shop
Taxis are easy to find at the cruise terminal, and RIU Palace Antillas is about a 15-minute ride from the pier at a cost of roughly $15 each way. Though the cruise port is not far, guests should leave the resort at least 2 hours ahead of the ship's scheduled departure time.
After completing the online purchase, day passes are emailed the same day. Passes can be bought up to the day before arrival in port, but RIU Palace Antillas Aruba has very limited availability, so booking early is strongly recommended. Key tips: The balance at check-in must be paid by credit card; cash and American Express are not accepted. A valid photo ID and a printed day pass are required and will be held at the front desk until departure. Dress code applies for dinner: in the main restaurant, gentlemen may not wear sleeveless T-shirts and women may not wear tank tops or flip flops; a la carte restaurants require gentlemen to wear long trousers and no sleeveless T-shirts. Electronic day passes are not accepted and will delay check-in. Additional details and instructions will be printed on the pass.
Hotel Riu Palace sits along Aruba's well-known Palm Beach and caters well to families with a range of daytime entertainment options. The property includes 5 dining venues, a white sand beach, 2 freshwater swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, sauna, and an on-site casino.
Important notice: This resort is closed from April 4 through August 6.
Enjoy your resort pass anytime between 9 AM - 6 PM local time
Unlimited dining, excluding a la carte restaurants
Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
Beaches, pools, jacuzzi and casino
Use of sauna, gym
Lounge chairs, umbrellas & towels (no need to bring the ship’s towels)
Beach palapas (based on availability)
See More
Poolside bars with swim-up bar
Daytime entertainment programs for adults (daily) and children
Non-motorized Watersports: paddle surfing (SUP), snorkeling equipment and kayaking
Bathrooms are available for changing
Wi-Fi (available for additional $10 purchase at check-in)
Guest rooms/accommodations
Transfers to/from your cruise ship.
Motorized water sports
Lockers are not available so pack light
Items of a personal nature including spa and gift shop
Taxis are readily available at the cruise ship terminal, and Hotel Riu Palace Aruba is roughly a 15-minute drive from the pier, with fares running approximately $15 per direction. Even though the port is relatively close, guests should plan to leave the resort no later than 2 hours before the ship's scheduled departure.
This day pass is available exclusively to cruise ship passengers, and a cruise line-issued ID must be shown at check-in. Guests who cannot present this ID upon arrival will be turned away. After completing the online purchase, passes are emailed the same day. Availability at RIU Palace Aruba is highly limited, so early booking is advised. Key tips: The remaining balance at check-in must be paid by credit card; cash and American Express are not accepted. A valid photo ID and a printed day pass are required and will be held at the front desk until departure. Dry clothing is mandatory in the indoor buffet restaurant; bathing suits and wet attire are not allowed. Electronic day passes are not accepted and will slow down the check-in process. Further instructions and details will be printed on the pass itself.
$25 Food & Beverage Credit with Every Adult Day Pass – $10 for Kids!
5.0
$50/ adult
$20/ child (3–8)
FREE/ infant (up to 2)
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Family Friendly
🏊Pool
Tierra del Sol Resort provides some of the most expansive views in Aruba, overlooking the Caribbean Sea from an elevated inland setting. Situated just a short distance from Palm Beach's shops, restaurants, and nightlife, the property blends seclusion with easy access to local attractions. It is not a beachfront property, and there is no beach access.
Tierra del Sol Resort by Iberostar spans nearly 600 acres of natural landscape with sweeping panoramic views across Aruba. Note that this is not a beachfront property and no beach access is provided. Day pass holders gain access to the outdoor pool with poolside lounge chairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Each day pass includes a food and beverage credit of $25 per adult and $10 per child, outdoor showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Deluxe Spa Pass adds access to the sauna and steam room, a full gym, a bottle of wine poolside, and a choice of lunch or sunset dinner from a special menu, offering a higher tier of relaxation and pampering.
Enjoy your resort pass anytime between 9 AM - 9 PM local time
Outdoor pool and lounge chairs
Outdoor showers
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Day Pass: Food and beverage credit - $25 per adult & $10 per child pass
Deluxe Spa Pass: Lunch or sunset dinner, bottle of wine, use of gym, sauna, steam room, and lockers
Guest rooms/accommodations
Beach
Towels
Transfers to/from your cruise ship.
Motorized water sports
Lockers are not available for day pass guests but are available for Deluxe Pass guests
Items of a personal nature including gift shop
Taxis are available at the cruise ship terminal, and Tierra Del Sol Resort and Golf by Iberostar is approximately a 20-minute drive from the pier. Even though the port is relatively close, guests should allow at least 2 hours before the ship's departure to make the return trip.
Purchasing a day pass is simple: complete the transaction online, and passes are delivered by email the same day. Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf has limited capacity, so early booking is encouraged. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and the Deluxe Pass is restricted to guests 18 and older. This is not a beachfront property, and no beach access is available. Key tips: A valid photo ID and a printed copy of the day pass are required. Dry attire is mandatory in the indoor buffet restaurant; swimwear and wet clothing are not permitted. Only printed passes are accepted at check-in; electronic versions may cause delays. Additional instructions and visit details will appear on the printed pass.
Now that you've seen the detail on each resort, use the comparison chart below to see how they stack up side by side. We've included pricing for adults, children, and infants, distance from the cruise port, and key amenities like beach access, pools, and all-inclusive options. Click any resort name or photo to jump back to its full listing above.
Compare Resort Day Passes
Side-by-side comparison of all 3 options. Click any resort to scroll to full details above.
Click any resort name to scroll to full details above
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Oranjestad resort day passes for cruise passengers.
How much does an Oranjestad resort day pass cost?
You're looking at around $50 per adult for most options. That typically covers all-inclusive food and drinks, beach and pool access, towels, and lounge chairs. Kids usually get a discounted rate, and some places let little ones in free.
Are Oranjestad resort day passes family friendly?
Absolutely! 2 of the 3 day pass options welcome families, including RIU Palace, Aruba, Tierra Del Sol Resort. You'll find reduced pricing for children at these resorts. It's always a good idea to check each resort's age policy before you book.
How do I get from the Oranjestad cruise port to the resort?
Getting there is easy. You can grab a taxi right outside the cruise terminal, and most resorts are just a short ride away. Oranjestad is a compact city, so nothing is too far. Some resorts include round-trip transfers in the day pass price, which is a nice bonus. If you prefer, you can also walk to some nearby options or hop on a local bus.
Should I book my Oranjestad resort day pass in advance?
We'd definitely recommend booking ahead. Aruba is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, and day passes can sell out quickly during peak season. Reserving early locks in your spot and sometimes gets you a better price. You can book online through the links in each resort listing above.
What is included in an Oranjestad resort day pass?
2 of the 3 resorts here are all-inclusive, meaning unlimited food and drinks come with your pass. On top of that, expect beach access, pool time (3 resorts have pools), lounge chairs, towels, and clean restrooms. Some resorts also offer watersports, kids' activities, or entertainment. Spa treatments and cabana upgrades are usually extra.
Is an Oranjestad resort day pass worth it?
We think it's one of the best ways to spend your port day. Think about what you'd spend on a regular beach day: chair rental is $20+, then add food, drinks, maybe some snorkeling. That adds up to $100+ per person fast, and you're still dealing with logistics. A day pass bundles everything into one price, and you get resort-quality facilities, better service, and zero stress. Aruba's beautiful beaches make it even better when you can enjoy them from a resort setting.
We hope this post helps you to make the most of your time in Oranjestad.
It's tough to choose a cruise excursion. You can't go wrong with a resort for a day pass. These properties are optimized for your relaxation and enjoyment. Standard tours are great too. They're just "hit or miss." Remove all risk with one of the options above.
Check out additional options for the other ports on your cruise itinerary. Our complete guide to resort day pass excursions lists every day pass option across all major cruise ports!
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