Aruba has two reasons to celebrate, not only does its cruise sector continue to blossom (567,320 arrivals in ‘04 - representing a 5 percent increase over ‘03), there are also negotiations that could see Colombian-based West Caribbean Airlines utilising Aruba as its main hub in the next few months.December was the Caribbean islands busiest month for cruise arrivals witnessing 51 cruise ships equaling 77,597 passengers. In comparison, December 2003 claimed 39 cruise arrivals and 72,278 cruise passengers, this is the equivalent of an increase of 31 percent.

Aruba«s largest cruise supplier eventuated to be Carnival Destiny with 52 cruise arrivals, amassing to over 150,000 cruise guests.

West Caribbean Airlines is already hiring local pilots and cabin crew to staff its MD 80 aircraft.
——-