The Aruba cruise season 2007/2008 ended favorably with an increase of 10% over the previous cruise season 2006/2007. This all integrated with the cruise tourism GOLDEN anniversary, which was celebrated during the cruise season 2007/2008.

The 50 years of cruise tourism to Aruba brought prosperity and positive developments for Aruba and the cruise lines, alike.

Aruba invested in the overall infrastructure, in new and exciting shore excursions to keep the interests awake of all age groups, the latest technology in communication, the upgrading of the service personnel through workshops, and in the preservation of the heritage by maintaining the museums and the art culture vivid.

Yes, the Aruba Cruise Tourism developed a “Welcome Back” Program to welcome the cruise passengers to Aruba on a subsequent cruise vacation or as a land-based vacationer. On the web site www.ArubaByCruise.com special offers are highlighted and major events promoted, especially to our prestige cruise clientele.

Aruba is also attracting major investors to the island with world-renown hotel chains for all comfort, small intimate lodgings for the perfect escape, and upscale stores for a fabulous shopping spree.

From time to time Aruba is the host for celebrities who feel at home, safe and at ease with the Aruban atmosphere, only the best, where weddings, graduations, anniversaries and holidays are celebrated.

According Ms. Kathleen Rojer who heads the Directie Aruba Cruise Tourism, “fifty years of cruise tourism gave the island an economic boost and where all parties do profit by offering the best experience ever!”

“Cruise lines from all over the world choose Aruba as part of their holiday itinerary, because in 2006 Aruba was voted The Number ONE Cruise Destination by the cruise passengers who voluntarily took part to a survey conducted by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association in conjunction with Business Research Analyst.”

Aruba is expecting to welcome approximately a steady half a million cruise-passengers by the end of 2008. Aruba will be featuring this year on October 10 – 11, the Seventh Annual Aruba Music Festival. This two-day star-studded concert takes place Columbus Day weekend and brings world-renowned musicians to Aruba’s shores. This year it will feature Gloria Estefan and REO Speedwagon. Concert to take place at Aruba Entertainment Center.

Welcome to Aruba…., only the best!