Goodbye Carnival

Carnival cruises will leave the island of Aruba for good after April 2007. They have been every single friday on the island for the last couple of years.

They were bringing over 2000 tourists to the island (mainly from Puerto Rico) from early morning till 11:00 p.m. Thanks to them, many came back as regular visitors and we are very appreciative of that.

But, since the oil price starting going up, costs to make that sail all the way to the southern tip of the Caribbean region to Aruba, has become a problem for the Carnival Cruises. Yes, it takes over $50.000 extra to include Aruba in its schedule.

They want to come back, though, but like bribing for Aruba to cover the costs. Like the government will do so, many other companies would also ask for this gift. So, Carnival left on a sour note.

But since their departure, Aruba has become the homeport for 3 New Cruise ships, with more potential and buying power compared to the buying power of the Carnival Destiny's passengers.

And the season just started. Last season there was a 25% increase in Cruise tourism, another record, maybe even higher for this season.