ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Buki di Pret Aruba gave more than 60 children an opportunity to experience the cruise industry firsthand during a special educational visit aboard Carnival Horizon.
The Aruba Tourism Authority, known as ATA, and Aruba Ports Authority N.V., or APA, organised the activity for children between eight and 14 years old, combining education, inspiration and recreation aboard one of the cruise ships visiting Oranjestad.
The event introduced participants to how cruise tourism operates and the role the industry plays within Aruba’s economy.
Children Experience Cruise Tourism Up Close
Participants toured Carnival Horizon and learned more about the different operations required to welcome thousands of cruise passengers aboard a large vessel.
The programme also included educational and recreational activities intended to make the experience accessible and enjoyable for the young participants.
Rather than learning only through presentations, children were able to enter the ship and see the cruise environment for themselves.
ATA and APA have used Buki di Pret as a way to introduce younger generations to tourism careers and help them better understand one of Aruba’s major economic sectors.
A similar programme was organised in August 2025 aboard Carnival Celebration, when 47 children between seven and 12 years old participated.
Carnival Executives Meet Aruba Delegation
An important part of the latest activity was an encounter with representatives of Carnival Cruise Line.
The supplied announcement identifies Carnival executives Marie McKenzie and Sarah Beth Reno, along with Captain Rocco Lubrano, among those participating in the visit.
Reno currently serves as Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Operations Officer and oversees most guest-facing functions across the company’s fleet.
McKenzie has held senior roles involving Carnival Corporation’s relationships with destinations, ports and government partners throughout the Caribbean and other regions.
The Aruban delegation was led by Tourism, Transport and Labour Minister Wendrick Cicilia and included representatives from ATA and APA.
Relationship With Carnival Remains Important
The meeting also highlighted Aruba’s continuing relationship with Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Horizon operates Southern Caribbean itineraries from Miami that include Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Carnival’s published deployment information confirms Aruba as one of the destinations served by the ship during its eight-day Caribbean itineraries.
APA’s August schedule shows Carnival Horizon calling at Oranjestad on August 4 and again on August 18, 2026.
Cruise-line relationships are important because ships bring visitors directly into Oranjestad, where passengers may participate in excursions, visit attractions, shop, dine and use transportation services during their stay.
Children Learn About Aruba’s Tourism Economy
A central purpose of Buki di Pret Aruba is helping children understand that tourism involves significantly more than hotels and beaches.
Cruise tourism depends on cooperation among ports, government agencies, tour operators, transportation providers, retailers, restaurants, security services and many other businesses.
Exposure to the sector at a young age can also introduce children to possible future careers involving maritime operations, hospitality, logistics, tourism management and customer service.
APA recorded 551,168 cruise passengers during the first six months of 2026, demonstrating the scale of the industry within Aruba’s visitor economy.
APA Recognised for 45th Anniversary
During the event, ATA presented Aruba Ports Authority with a commemorative plaque marking APA’s 45th anniversary.
The recognition highlighted the port authority’s contribution to the development of Aruba as a cruise destination and its role in managing the infrastructure that allows cruise ships to call at Oranjestad.
APA continues to invest in port facilities. Current projects include structural rehabilitation of the Albert Pier and plans to expand retail opportunities within the Cruise Terminal and Welcome Plaza.
Annual Programme Connects Education With Tourism
The return of Buki di Pret demonstrates continued cooperation between ATA and APA in creating educational opportunities for children.
The 2025 event similarly combined a ship tour, educational information, games and other activities aboard Carnival Celebration.
This year’s programme expanded participation to more than 60 children and provided another opportunity for Aruba’s younger generation to see an international cruise operation firsthand.
Through Buki di Pret Aruba, ATA and APA aim to make tourism education practical and memorable while helping children understand how the cruise sector contributes to Aruba and the range of careers involved in keeping the industry operating.
