Marcus Wigging welcomed guests on board Tattoo, on Friday. Tattoo looked amazing, all lit up and festive, pumping music and pouring drinks, just what you expect. The giant party boat received a total facelift just recently in honor of its debut this week as a Sunset Celebration boat.

Sunset Celebration, a 5 pm ritual-on-the-water will be orchestrated each evening. Tattoo will be charging very reasonably for the trip, and offering a great happy-hour bar.

Non-stop entertainment is the key, says Marcus, Carnival music, salsa dancers, a countdown salute to sunset, cool and hip staff members, juicy burgers and chicken wings, in short, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” and Tattoo is back, you may laugh, dance, talk, listen, cheer, joke, drink, have fun, and be entertained by the new energized and exciting program, says Will, a sincere Key West import helming the festivities.

Marcus, Ronnie, Cindy, Will, Susan and Crew require an extreme festive mood as you come on board. Susan was recruited from AHATA, the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, and Maki the second mate, Marcus’ son, comes after school to drive one of the tender boats.

Marcus reports Tattoo can sail with over 250 party-goers on board, check the schedule at your hotel, right now they offer just two or three trips a week at a great introductory price.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

When the new Aruba 2000, Reina Beatrix Airport finally opened - it got delayed when under construction, budgets for beautification and interior design ran dry.

Critics of the project complained it was spacious and modern but cold and industrial.  That was then, circa the year 2000. Fast forward to April 2004, when the Aruba Airport Authority entered into a Strategic Co-operation Agreement with Schiphol International, which is the division responsible for the international activities of the Schiphol Group, owners and managers of amongst others Amsterdam’s mega famed facility.

After a period of planning and construction, at the end of 2007, the updated and improved Reina Beatrix airport inaugurated its heart, a stylish and contemporary customer and retail project with improved restaurants and redesigned retail areas, a nicely decorated arrival hall with free use of baggage carts, and many other terrific features, under the management of the dynamic Peter Steinmetz.

Steinmetz was at the helm of the renovations as well, engaging local designer Claudia Ruiz Vasquez to come up with fine detail and custom furnishings and naturally, a tropical, relaxing color scheme.

Their creative collaboration resulted in commercial retail upgrading with 11 food & beverage outlets and 2245m2 of space inside; landscaping, improved parking facility, signage, and automated parking attendants, outside.

The swanky new terminal for General Aviation also opened a few months earlier, but you only get to see it, if you are privileged to fly a private plane.

The airport now offers passengers a wide variety of shops and food & beverage locations. Among shops Dufry’s duty free liquor, tobacco, perfume and cosmetic emporiums, Delicatessen, bookstores, souvenir shops and an inviting store for sunglasses and luggage. The main concession area delivers first class meeting places, a full service bar with apron-landing-strip-scape, a sushi restaurant, a gourmet coffee stand, Cinnabon, an ice-cream parlor, Sbarro Pizza as well as a huge chocolate boutique.

There are also shops available within the US bound gate area and some shopping within the non-US bound departure gate area.

As the first plane landed here in July 24, 1925, a Hydro-aircraft IDOR, touching ground in the Paardenbaai harbor of Oranjestad, the former Lt. Governor Mr. H.E.G. Wagemaker of Aruba presented the initial plans for the construction of an airport for the island by 1933. In December 1934, the first tri-engine Fokker aircraft SNIP, landed in the vicinity of today’s airport and regular flights between Aruba and Curaçao started in 1935, with a record of 2659 passengers transported that year.

Passengers nowadays go to the airport early to finish their shopping, they used to complain there was nothing to do, nothing to eat, now you can shop, nosh, eat, browse your computer, watch TV, and soon, automated check in kiosks would come on-line making the whole process faster. And the US & Aruban security checks will be integrated, and a VIP lounge made available at a small charge, stand by, for an even more efficient experience at Reina Beatrix Airport.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa was selected as one of Radisson Hotels & Resorts top-performing hotels and resorts for its prestigious annual President’s Award, based on performance in 2007. The hotel was one of the best properties from among more than 204 Radisson hotels in The Americas, Asia Pacific and a portion of the United Kingdom.

Nancy Johnson, executive vice president of franchise operations for Radisson Hotels & Resorts, advised Gary Jutz, general manager Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa of the achievement.

The President’s Award represents the best of the best for Radisson and recognizes the hotels that have demonstrated their exceptional commitment to guest service and product quality that distinguishes Radisson in the global marketplace,” explained Johnson. “These hotels utilized their industry expertise and fully leveraged the company’s revenue generating tools and information to excel in a competitive business environment with changing customer expectations,” she added. “They also provide a great place for employees to do great work. The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is a brand champion for Radisson and will help us achieve our goal to become the brand of choice for frequent travelers seeking an upscale hotel experience,” Johnson explained.

“The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa achieved top scores in guest satisfaction as measured by guest feedback for cleanliness and consistency in meeting and often exceeding the brand’s product quality standards,” added Johnson.

“Being the flagship property for Radisson Resorts brings high expectations and I am proud our team continues to rise to the challenge setting a fine example for the entire brand,” stated General Manager Gary Jutz. “This achievement was earned by each and every one of our staff through dedication and a commitment to excellence.”

Johnson also noted that winning hotels have created a positive and effective work environment with an engaged team of employees who consistently deliver total guest satisfaction through core programs such as “Yes I Can!” service training and other key brand initiatives as well as unique contributions to the success of the hotel in the marketplace. The President’s award has become the symbol of outstanding quality for Radisson Hotels & Resorts.

The winner’s were also chosen based on their alignment and contribution toward the brand’s guest-focused mission. The new vision states that Radisson is to be a global hotel company distinguished by great people in great places, a recognized and trusted brand, building valuable relationships with the guests it serves and achieving superior returns for owners and investors. Over the past year, Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa received multiple awards including the AAA Four-Diamond award once again, the new oceanfront Larimar Spa was named to the Conde Nast Traveler “Hot List” and signature restaurant Sunset Grille received the prestigious Wine Spectator Award.

During the holiday shopping season T.H. Palm & Company a gorgeous island gift store on Palm Beach, unveiled its Tikkun Olam menu which translates as a Repair of the World menu.

By means of the menu the store, affiliated to Salamander Holdings NV, announced that it was going to make quarterly donations to some of the island’s tireless not-for-profit foundations and that shoppers would help select the charities by designating the percentage of the sale to their most-favorite community cause.

The response was very positive as all of T.H. Palm & Company shoppers were asked by the cashiers to decide where the T.H. Palm & Company donation should go.

As a result of that combined effort, sizeable checks were handed this week to representatives of charities, right on the steps of the store, facing the boulevard.

“Thank you,” said owner, Managing Director Jodi Tobman, as the checks were handed out, “for making Aruba a better place through your selfless community work.”

Tobman came up with the Tikkun Olam menu borrowing from the kabbalah. In Hebrew, Tikkun Olam means “repairing the world” or “perfecting the world.”

The concept of Tikkun Olam originated more than a Millennium ago. The concept was given new meaning in the kabbalah of the medieval period and further charitable connotations in modern times.

The money raised by means of the Tikkun Olam menu will help maintain the youth telephone help line. It will assist refurbishing the children’s home at Imeldahof, and pay for nursing and hospice services at home for people battling cancer in its last stages; it will also pay print information leaflets on domestic violence and support cancer patients in general on the island.

Pictured below, a champagne toast is offered with some of T.H. Palm & Company hard-working staff members, the Salamander Holdings Executive Team, and representatives of the not-for-profit foundations, celebrating a successful fund-raising season with Telefon pa Hubentud, the youth telephone help line, Imeldahof Children’s Home, Edmund E. Harms hospice Foundation, Foundation Pa Hende Muhe den Dificultad which is dedicated to helping women in difficulty, and Koningin Wihelmina Fonds, Queen Wilhelmina Cancer Fund.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

Colorful polo shirts embroidered with the Network Latin America 2008 logo, proudly hosted by Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA), Aruba definitely made a good impression in San Diego last week during Network USA. Special mention was made during the conference by Mark Pilling, editor Airline Business, encouraging airline planners and airport representatives to attend the conference in Aruba December 7 – 9, 2008.

Aruba Tourism Authority joined AAA and together they manned a booth and held several one-on-one meetings. Events like these are an important element in airport marketing as opportunities for additional flights and new routes can be discussed during the short meetings and follow up given via mail, telephone or a corporate visit to the respective airline’s head quarters.

It is through Network USA in 2006 and 2007 that Jetblue service to Aruba from New York and Boston respectively was solidified. “There are two (2) industry shows that are attended yearly by AAA, Network and Routes” said Peter Steinmetz, Managing Director AAA, “the importance of these shows reflects in the strong business relationships we have with our airline partners making it easier to react to opportunities and changes as they occur’.

The attached pictures give an indication of the meeting conference room and the banner indicating Network Latin America in Aruba this coming December. In the picture Mark Pilling, Editor Airline Business, proudly downing his polo short together with Peggy Croes, Head Airline Marketing AAA and Geraldine Coutinho-Meyers, Director ATA North America and Zena Neme, Regional Sales Representative ATA

Aruba is thriving in the New Year, as the tropical paradise is enjoying an amazing 2008 with a calendar of events sure to knock the socks off travelers from around the world!  The island offers a bevy of to-dos boasting the perfect mix of culture, sports, education, volunteer programs and a whole lot of fun.  2008 in Aruba promises to deliver an unforgettable vacation for the island’s new guests and its loyal visitors alike with a lineup of activities and attractions for everyone.

The Government of Aruba has proclaimed that 2008 is the National Year of Culture and with that, the island is further underscoring the importance of traditional culture as a part of the past, present and future and the development of its people.  Unique activities will be offered throughout 2008, to highlight the Year of Culture including exceptional art exhibits, special culturally-inspired walking tours, new museum openings and more.

“2007 proved an exciting and successful year for Aruba with major improvements and expansions across our tourism sector,” said Edison Briesen, Minister of Tourism and Transportation.  “As a result of these significant developments in our travel product, and because of the remarkably comprehensive calendar of events offered to visitors, we’ve entered 2008, our Year of Culture, with great optimism and look forward to an exceptional rest of the year.”

Following is a highlight of Aruba’s noteworthy events in 2008:

March 1 – July 1:  Launch of the “Herencia di Sclavitud” or Slave Heritage Exhibition
The National Archive in cooperation with the National Library of Aruba is hosting this culturally rich exhibition aimed at bringing further awareness to the community about the history of slavery in the Dutch colonies.

March 6 – 7 & 9 – 13:  National Anthem and Flag Day Song Festival
Taking place at the Aruba Entertainment Center in Oranjestad, the pre-finals happen March 6 and 7 with the final on March 9.  The song festival takes places simultaneously with the traditional multicultural fair.

March 18:  National Anthem and Flag Day
Aruba celebrates its “Status Aparte” from the Netherlands on this day full of nationalistic shows, folkloric presentations and sporting events across the island.

April 26 – May 3:  25th Anniversary Royal Nationals Celebration Drag Race
This international event brings together competitors in a race to win.  Organized by the Boss Racing Foundation of Aruba, it is held at the island’s very own speedway, the Aruba International Raceway Park in San Nicolas.

May 13 – 17:  Fourth Annual Aruba Wine & Food Festival 2008
An epicurean’s delight, this wine and food tasting event, held at the Westin Aruba Resort, has grown each year in popularity.  It showcases the prolific culinary talents of Aruba’s chefs.

May 22 – 26: Soul Beach Music Festival
This groove-filled Memorial Day weekend musical celebration includes a star-studded line up of the world’s top R&B talents including, in year’s past, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill and more.  The two-day concert series features comedy nights as well as the performances by renowned musicians.

June 6 – 8:  Aruba Beach Tennis National Championships
The only ingredients needed to play this new game that originated on the beaches of Aruba are fun, sun and a little tennis know-how.

July 2 – 4:  22nd Annual Aruba Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge
Aruba is the ideal location for one of the most celebrated amateur windsurfing competitions in the world because of its continuous trade winds.  Participation from a number of countries brings windsurfers, depending on skill level and age, together to compete in six different categories: men, women, juniors, masters, super masters and freestyle.

July 5 – 6:  15th Annual Aruba Reef Care Project
Aruba, known for its annual marine environment awareness efforts, allows volunteers to focus on the preservation of clean underwater sites and the island’s beaches. Tourists and locals alike are welcome to participate!

August 21 – 25:  14th Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Professional and amateur golfers team up in a two-day, 36-hole tournament featuring gifts, prizes and special events.

September 6 – 7:  Second Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2008
The smooth sounds of Caribbean jazz float through the warm Aruban air as this outdoor festival brings an impressive line-up of international musicians to the island’s Cas di Cultura.

September 10:  55th Anniversary Celebration of the Rufo Wever Music School Aruba
The locally renowned music school will hold a number of unique activities to celebrate this historic Golden (plus five) anniversary.

September 14:  Monumental Foundation’s “Monument Walking Tour”
Launched in 2006, the Monument Walking Tour takes place once a year and is a trip back in time to the Aruba of the past including visits at some of the island’s most historic sites.

October 10 – 11:  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.  Past performers include Lionel Richie, STYX, Peter Frampton, John Mayer and more.

November: Aruba’s Archaeological Museum Re-Opens in Brand New Facility
The museum will move into a recently restored mansion and a number of news buildings featuring state-of-the-art equipment in downtown Oranjestad.  The 12-million-dollar project, featuring ancient artifacts, pottery tools and art, financed by the European Development Fund, the Government of Aruba and the cultural fund UNOCA, aims at safeguarding the archaeological and the architectural heritage of Aruba.  The new permanent exhibit of the museum will present the rich heritage of Aruba and it’s relevance to our modern society and the museum will offer public programs including lectures, education projects, temporary exhibits and workshops.

November 13 – 21:  18th Annual International Catamaran Regatta
This annual regatta decorates Aruba’s turquoise waters with vivid catamaran sails from Europe and North and South America.

December 5:  Saint Nicolas Day
Children receive gifts on the birthday of “Sinterklaas” or as many know him, Saint Nick.  Sinterklaas arrives in Aruba by boat a few weeks before his official birthday and is greeted with a brass band parade.  This is the kick off to the Christmas season on island.

“The island is again offering travelers an extremely diverse calendar of events carefully designed to appeal to the expectations of our wide-ranging visitor base,” said Myrna Jansen, Managing Director for the Aruba Tourism Authority.  “With this roster of events that will help to enhance the guest experience and support the numerous developments in the travel industry here in Aruba, we are forecasting an extremely successful 2008 travel season.”

Island Paradise Celebrates Spring with Bevy of Special Offers to Lure Travelers Out of Winter Hibernation

Spring is in the air and the scent is sweetest on Aruba! Seeing the light at the end of that cold, dark tunnel that is winter, hotels and resorts across the tropical island are offering a number of getaways designed to let travelers seize the new season and start off just as fresh as spring itself. With free nights, dinners on the beach, spa treatments and more, it’s clear that spring has definitely sprung on Aruba.

Rates for the vacations highlighted below are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted:

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – Sand Dollars Escape
Visitors to the Renaissance Aruba will enjoy a fifth night free and $100 food and beverage credit at the resort when booking this getaway. Rates start at $223. Valid year-round. 1.800.421.8188 or www.renaissancearuba.com

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – Sand Dollars Package
Guests at the recently renovated beachfront oasis will enjoy all the resort has to offer plus a fifth night free and $100 resort credit. Rates start at $249. Valid now - October 31, 2008. 1.800.223.6388 or www.arubamarriott.com. Booking code S29.

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba – Romance at the Manor
Those looking for a little romance will enjoy this getaway with four or seven-night options. In addition to accommodations, a bottle of champagne upon arrival and champagne breakfast-in-bed will leave travelers feeling pampered in paradise. With a romantic cruise and dinner on the beach, spring fever will seriously set in. Rates start at $995, inclusive of all taxes and service charge. Valid March 25 - December 16, 2008. 1-800-969 2310 or www.amsterdammanor.com.

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa – Rejuvenation Getaway
This refreshing four-night getaway includes accommodations with private balcony or patio, morning yoga on the beach and a Full Body Refinement Package for two at the Spa del Sol, including a relaxing couples massage, clay or volcano mud body wrap, manicure or pedicure, and all tax and service charges. Rates start at $1,255. Valid May 1 - December 20, 2008. 1.800.223.1108 or www.manchebo.com.

Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba – Swept Away Romance
This five-night romance retreat includes accommodations with balcony or terrace, bottle of champagne, breakfast buffet, candlelight dinner for two on the beach, daytime snorkel or sunset sailing cruise, a gift basket and all tax and service charges. Rates start at $1,459. Valid March 24 - December 22, 2008. 1.888.4.BUCUTI or www.bucuti.com.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino – Ultimate Experience
This private two-hour sail for two takes romance to new levels with a five-course gourmet dinner complimented with Dom Perignon and a pre-stocked bar with the guests’ favorite libations. A butler/captain and cook add luxury to the experience, while a limo pick-up from the hotel, red carpet walkway to the boat and private photographer bring guests up to A-list celebrity status. Rates start at $1600. Valid year-round. 1.800.55.HYATT or www.aruba.hyatt.com.

And now it is easier than ever to get to Aruba. With direct and connecting flights on all of the major air carriers from airports all over the U.S., Aruba is truly just a hop, skip and sunshine-filled jump away for travelers. In fact, additional flights for the summer 2008 season are being added including Delta Airlines additional service from Atlanta with an overnight flight on Fridays and Saturdays starting June 14 through August 17, 2008. More importantly, the overnight flight allows for improved connections to destinations beyond Atlanta. Spirit Airlines is also increasing service to twice weekly from May 1 through September 1, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba on Wednesdays.

Ruth’s Chris, located at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino officially opened its doors to the public and is open for dinner everyday from 18:00 hrs till 23:00 hrs. Reservations can be made online at www.ruthschris.com. For more information please call (297) 520-6225.

MR. JAZZ, located at Paseo Herencia and co-owned by Grammy winner Chucho
Valdez, is now open every Wednesday with happy hour from 10pm on with their Live band DOOR #5, playing a musical selection of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Pop, Dance & More. Fridays and Saturdays also feature live music from “The Bilongos” with Latin Jazz & salsa music. For more information please call: (297) 586-3800 or visit www.mrjazzaruba.com. Doors open at 21:00 hrs.

Bye Bye Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, welcome Señor Frog’s. Located on the second floor right next to the old Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, Senor Frogs is now open daily from 11:00 am serving food and beverages and becomes an adult only club from 11:00 pm until closing time. The restaurant even includes an indoor waterslide that will be part of a package offering “Kid’s Brunch” every Sunday from noon till 4:00 pm, becoming a place for the whole family. For more information please visit: www.senorfrogs.com.

More airlift, more seats to Aruba in summer 2008.Additional air service for summer 2008 has been announced. Delta Airlines is adding additional service from Atlanta with an overnight flight on Fridays and Saturdays June 14, 2008 through August 17, 2008. This brings Delta’s schedule up to 9 weekly flights from Atlanta and 2 weekly flights from New York’s JFK this summer. More importantly, the overnight flight provides for improved connections to destinations beyond Atlanta.

Spirit Airlines is furthermore increasing service to twice weekly during the period of May 1, 2008 through September 1, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba on Wednesdays.

The demand for Aruba is increasing from Europe as well and Arkefly will add service to Aruba from Amsterdam on Wednesdays as of June 25, 2008, thus three weekly flights.

The Aruba Airport Authority is anticipating several charter frequency requests during the period of July and August, the typical summer holiday travel in view of the strong growth from Latin America in 2007.

Pullmantur Cruises will be using a bigger ship for their turn around as of March 2008, due to an increase in demand. The ship is the former Empress of the Seas from the Royal Caribbean and it will be named ‘Empress’. The ship will arrive to Aruba on March 21st and will do its first sailing on March 22nd. The ship holds a maximum capacity of 1400 passengers. Turn Around will remain in Aruba and in Isla Margarita. Pullmantur will be doing their embarking and disembarking in Aruba until May and will return in November again for their weekly turn around. For more information please call (297) 583-3648 or visit www.arubabycruise.com.