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Awaiting Your Return FROM Shore |
Aruba, the smallest of the so-called ABC Islands, lies a mere 15 miles north
of Venezuela. Like its sister islands, Bonaire and Curacao, Aruba has scant
vegetation. Its landscape consists mainly of scruffy bits of foliage,
including cacti and the curious wind-bent divi divi trees, huge boulders and
interesting caves. The chief attractions, however, are the magnificent
beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular marine life, which lure scores of
visitors each year to the island. Along Palm Beach, which is said to be one
of the ten best in the world, is a string of hotels with glitzy casinos,
restaurants and exotic boutiques that line this stretch of white sand for
several miles. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and all kinds
of water sports. If you prefer to stay dry, you may enjoy Aruba's exotic
underwater world FROM glass bottom boats or on a submarine excursion.
Gold was discovered on the island in 1825, but by 1916 mining was no
longer economical. In 1929 it was oil that brought prosperity to Aruba. A
large refinery was built at the island's eastern end, employing at that time
over 8,000 people. When the refinery was closed in 1985, Arubans were forced
to look for other sources of income, concentrating their efforts on the
development of tourism. Today, education, housing and health care are
largely financed by an economy based on tourism.
Recognizing this fact, the island's residents truly mean it when they
extend to visitors the greeting 'Bonbini,' the native Papiamento world for
'Welcome.' |
Awaiting Your Return
FROM Shore |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
