This was our first Princess cruise and like good little cruisers, we purchased the cruise air and transfers.  We purchased the cruise air, although probably more expensive, because the cruise line will guarantee that you make it on the ship (if it's not your fault for getting off course).

For dining, we did choose the second seating (815PM), which we thought would be good timing, so we didn't have to rush after excursions.  I think that would be true in most cases, although we have a 4 month old at home and we typically go to bed at 830!

We pulled into Oranjestad, Aruba around 8a and got off the boat.  It was about 82 degrees with a nice breeze – Aruba has a constant tradewind that blows across the island – towards the hotel zone if you ever get lost.  Right outside the port, there is a nice shopping area, bars and restaurants.

None of the bars/restaurants really have a great view (unless you want to look at a cruise ship).  Typical cruise shopping; jewelry, souvenirs, alcohol.

As you walked off the ship, there was a lineup of car rental companies – Hertz, American Car Rental and another Jeep provider.  We had thought we would rent from Hertz, but there were several passengers there that were waiting for the Hertz representative to show up.  They had already reserved cars, but we had not.

We pulled up to Bonaire at 7a and would depart from the island at 1p, which my husband and I were fairly upset about because we like to spend a little more time on islands and who in the world can get up early enough to be off the ship at 7a!