ORANJESTAD, ARUBA

Tuesday, April 4, 2000

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10 Hours - The Ship Will Dock

DINING OPTIONS

Dress suggestion for this evening:  CASUAL - Sundresses or slacks & blouses for women; Sports shirts, & trousers for men.

(Guests are kindly requested not to wear Tank Tops and Shorts in the dining Room at Dinner)

ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

Average Temperature in April:  87

Language:  Dutch, Creole

An island lying southwest of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Curaçao and 18 miles north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná. It is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point and has an area of 75 square miles (193 square kilometers). The capital is Oranjestad, which also is the main port.

Aruba was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 it became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. 

The Land

Aruba is generally low in altitude and consists of igneous rocks, fringed with coral reefs. The 620-foot (189-metre) Mount Jamanota is the highest point and the 560-foot monadnock Mount Hooiberg ("Haystack") the most characteristic hill. In some places immense monolithic boulders of diorite are peculiarly piled on top of one another. Aruba has barren soil with little or no natural irrigation. Most drinking water is obtained by desalinating seawater. The temperature varies little from an annual average of 81º F (27º C), and the heat is tempered by northeasterly trade winds. Rainfall is low and variable, usually amounting to about 17 inches (430 millimeters) a year. The island lies outside the usual path of hurricanes. The natural vegetation consists of a variety of drought-resistant cacti, shrubs, and trees.

The People 

Most of Aruba's population is racially mixed, including a considerable percentage of American Indian stock, often in combination with Dutch, Spanish, and African strains. The black influence is minimal, however, few slaves having been imported to Aruba. The official language is Dutch, but the common language is Papiamento (also spoken in Curacao and Bonaire), a Creole that evolved mainly from Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely used. The major religion is Roman Catholicism. The birth and death rates are both relatively low, and the rate of natural increase is less than average for the West Indies.

The Economy

Until the end of the 18th century, Aruba was used by the colonial authorities for horse breeding, the local and mainland Indians serving as herdsmen. Only from the early 19th century on was land sold to individual settlers. Agriculture remained of little importance despite efforts to grow aloe for pharmaceutical products. Gold mining began in 1824 but was discontinued by the early 20th century. Aruba's economy improved when oil refining started in the 1920s at the port of Sint Nicolaas; crude oil was imported mainly from Venezuela. The closing of the refinery in 1985 provoked a serious economic crisis, which has been overcome by aggressive promotion and expansion of tourism, including the building of luxury hotels and casinos to exploit the idyllic island setting. Attempts to diversify the economy include the development of a free-trade zone and plans to develop Aruba into an international offshore financial center. Aruba's foreign trade is mainly with the United States, Venezuela, and The Netherlands. The island has an international airport and is further linked to the outside world by steamship and cruise ship services.

Administration and Social Conditions

A governor, appointed by the Dutch crown, is the formal head of government and representative of the reigning monarch of The Netherlands. Executive authority is vested in a Council of Ministers, headed by a prime minister. The council is responsible to a unicameral legislature, the Staten (States), elected by universal adult suffrage. Most of the population is literate. All levels of education, including postsecondary, are available. Health standards on the island are high.

Cultural Life

The Cultural Center at Oranjestad offers concerts, ballet, folkloric presentations, and art exhibits throughout the year. The city also includes historical, archaeological, and numismatic museums. Carnival time in February and the New Year's Day festivities are especially colorful celebrations.

History

Originally inhabited by Arawak Indians, Aruba was discovered and claimed by Spain in 1499. In 1636 it was taken by the Dutch and occupied by the Dutch West India Company. As part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba came briefly under British rule during the Napoleonic Wars but was returned to The Netherlands in 1816.

The economy remained weak until an oil refinery was constructed at Sint Nicolaas in the 1920s, which raised the standard of living dramatically. Immigration from the rest of the Caribbean, the United States, Venezuela, and Europe contributed to a substantial increase in population. Despite its new economic strength, Aruba remained politically subordinated to the main island of Curaçao.

In 1986 Aruba obtained autonomous status, the result of a popular movement led by the Movimento Electoral di Pueblo (People's Electoral Movement) to break away from Curacaoan--rather than from Dutch--domination. In 1994 the Aruban government, in conjunction with the governments of The Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles, decided to postpone indefinitely the transition to full independence.

Aruba Town and Country Tour

3 hours, $28.00 Adult / $22.00 Child 

Times:  8:00 AM & 12:00 PM

Get an overview of this interesting island and still have plenty of time to shop or relax on the beach.  Drive through Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, passing the outdoor markets, the statue of Queen Wilhelmina and colorful Dutch colonial buildings.  You’ll also pass by the largest sea-water-conversion plant in the world.  Next, travel through Santa Cruz to Frenchman’s Pass, where Indians once defended their island against attacking French, and see the remains of the 19th-century gold mill that operated here until 1913.  You’ll stop at the rock formations of Casibari, where you may climb to the top of the boulders for an outstanding view.  Afterward, continue to Aruba’s rugged north coast and the Natural Bridge, carved by the surf from solid rock.  Then return inland to the village of Noord for a visit to Santa Anna’s Church.  The solid oak altar here, completed in 1850, was designed by the famous Dutch artist Van Geld.  Continuing through the countryside, you’ll pass windswept divi-divi trees on your way past the beachfront area back to the ship.

Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine

2 hours, $39.00 Adult / $32.00 Child

Time:  8:30 AM

Explore Aruba’s amazing underwater world in this state-of-the-art- semi-submarine.  You’ll descend into the boat’s air-conditioned hull, five feet below the water’s surface, to see the Arashi Reef’s spectacular sea life and coral formations through clear glass windows.  Your knowledgeable guide will provide information on the underwater world around you.  You will also see the wreck of the Antilla, a German freighter destroyed during World War II.  One of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean, this 400-foot-long vessel lies partially submerged in 60 feet of water, providing a comfortable way station for many pelicans and other sea birds that frequent it.  After your tour, you’ll have the option of being dropped off in town; you would then be responsible for your own return to the ship. 

Aruba See and Sea Tour

4 Hours, $49.00 Adult / $40.00 Child

Time:  8:15 AM & 12:45 PM

Get a glimpse of Aruba’s beauty from above and below.  You’ll travel five feet below the water’s surface on the semi-submarine Seaworld Explorer.  Cruise along in your underwater observatory as you explore the magnificent sea life around you, then head to the wreck of the Antilla, a German freighter destroyed during World War II.  Your captain will maneuver you through the heart of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks as you take in the beautiful coral, colorful sponges and tropical fish that have made it their home.  Returning to shore, you’ll reboard your motorcoach and drive to Santa Anna’s Church, built in 1776, with a spectacular oak altar from Holland that took 10 years to carve.  Then it’s on to the Casibari rock formations, where you can climb the boulders for a breathtaking panoramic view.  Afterward, enjoy a visit to the Natural Bridge, formed by the wind and motion of the sea on Aruba’s rugged north coast.  Your return trip takes you past the Gold Mill ruins at Boca Machos and back to Oranjestad, where you may choose to be dropped off to further explore the town.  You would then be responsible for your own transportation back to the ship.

Note:  Sequence of stops may vary.

Atlantis Submarine

2 hours, $72.00 Adult / $36.00 Child

Time:  9:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Discover the undersea splendor of Aruba onboard the Atlantis submarine.  The world’s first submarine designed for underwater passenger excursions, the air-conditioned Atlantis will descend for approximately one hour to depths of up to 90 feet.  From your viewing window, watch the colorful exotic fish, fascinating coral formations and unusual marine creatures that inhabit the waters around you.  This undersea spectacle will be made all the more enjoyable by the captain’s narration.  You will be transferred to and from the sub site by ferry.

Golf at Tierra del Sol Aruba

5 hours, $155.00

Time:  7:45 AM

Located on the western point of Aruba, Tierra del Sol Aruba combines spectacular vistas with a 6,8111-yard championship course for a memorable day of golf.  Designed by Robert Trent Joes Jr., this 18-hole, par-71 desert links course has large and subtly contoured greens, along with plenty of room on the sweeping aprons from which to chip or putt.  Carefully manicured bunkers and Aruba’s constant trade winds offer unique challenges.  Your tour includes greens fees, golf cart and transportation.  Rental clubs and lunch are available at the course and your own responsibility.

Note:  Tour subject to availability of tee times.  Prices subject to change.

Aruba Sail and Snorkel

3 ½ hours, $39.00 / $32.00

Time:  8:30 AM & 12:45 PM

A sleek sailing catamaran will whisk you to one of Aruba’s shallow coral gardens and, conditions permitting, a second stop will be made at the Antilla, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean.  During the trip, enjoy a tropical fruit punch or relax on this spacious craft.  Once at the reef site, there will be plenty of time to explore the many nooks and crannies of this marine environment.  This diverse area features several species of corals, including star, brain and willowy sea rods.  A variety of colorful tropical fish such as parrotfish, blue tangs, and schools of chromis are routinely seen.  The Antilla is a fascinating snorkeling site that attracts schools of fish to its coral and sponge-encrusted decks.  After snorkeling, the sails will be hoisted for a relaxing coastal cruise as you enjoy complimentary rum or fruit punch.  Your snorkeling equipment including safety vest, professional instruction, supervision and transportation are all provided.

Aruba Discover Scuba Diving

4 hours, $69.00

Time:  12:35 PM

Have you always wanted to experience scuba diving?  Why not take the plunge in the fish-filled waters surround a shipwreck?  The adventure begins with a short lesson on sore and in a pool, where you will acquire the necessary knowledge and scuba skills required to accompany your instructor on a magical journey under the sea.  You will then be taken by boat to the remains of the shipwreck Pedernalis, which rests in 20 to 25 feet of water.  The wreck attracts multitudes of relfish and French grunts.  The wreck is also encrusted with several varieties of corals and other marine animals, including orange cup coral.  Your scuba equipment, professional instruction, supervision and transportation are all provided.

Aruba Certified Scuba

4 hours, $79.00

Time:  8:30 AM

With its clear water and magnificent shipwrecks, Aruba is a paradise for divers.  Your two-tank boat dive takes you first to the famous wreck of the Antilla, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean.  Loaded with uniforms and beer, the Anitlla exploded and sank in 1940 and now rests in 60 feet of water.  Above water her bow and stern masts are still visible; below water, she is encrusted with a variety of hard corals and colorful tube sponges.  The Antilla hosts a multitude of fish life, including schools of silversides, snapper and Creole wrasse.  Depending on conditions, the second dive will be on another of Aruba’s many wrecks or a shallow reef.  Your scuba equipment, professional supervision and transportation are provided.

Note:  Certified divers must have their certification card with them to participate on this tour.