ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Buki di Pret Carnival Horizon activity gave more than 60 children an opportunity to explore the cruise industry during a special educational visit aboard the Carnival Cruise Line vessel in Oranjestad.
The event took place Tuesday, August 18, and was organised by the Aruba Tourism Authority in cooperation with Aruba Ports Authority N.V.
Participants between eight and 14 years old spent the day learning about tourism and cruise operations while taking part in recreational and educational activities aboard the ship.
Children Meet Senior Carnival Executives
A highlight of the programme was an opportunity for the young participants and Aruba delegation to meet senior Carnival representatives.
The group was welcomed by Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation; Sarah Beth Reno, Chief Operations Officer of Carnival Cruise Line; and Carnival Horizon Captain Rocco Lubrano.
Aruba’s delegation included Tourism, Transport and Labour Minister Wendrick Cicilia, Chief of Staff Phillipe La Reine, ATA CEO Ronella Croes and APA CEO Marc Figaroa, along with other representatives from both organisations.
The meeting highlighted the continuing relationship between Aruba and Carnival and their shared interest in tourism development and future opportunities for the island.
Young Participants Discover Cruise Tourism
During their time aboard, the children received a closer look at how a large cruise ship operates and the role cruise tourism plays within Aruba’s visitor economy.
They participated in a tour of the vessel and several recreational and educational activities designed to make the experience both informative and enjoyable.
The programme is intended to introduce younger generations to tourism at an early age while showing that the sector includes careers and activities extending beyond hotels and traditional visitor services.
The official Buki di Pret programme describes itself as an annual initiative combining educational, cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities for children throughout Aruba’s summer vacation. Its 2026 programme marks the initiative’s sixth year.
APA Celebrates 45 Years
The visit also included recognition of Aruba Ports Authority’s 45th anniversary.
ATA presented APA with a commemorative plaque aboard Carnival Horizon in recognition of the port authority’s contribution to Aruba’s development as a cruise destination and the longstanding cooperation between the two organisations.
APA was established in 1981 and is responsible for managing and developing the ports of Oranjestad and Barcadera. Its responsibilities also include port security and the promotion and development of cruise tourism.
The organisation therefore reaches its 45-year milestone in 2026.
Carnival Horizon Makes August 18 Port Call
The educational activity coincided with Carnival Horizon’s scheduled call in Aruba.
APA’s official August schedule listed the vessel in Oranjestad from approximately 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on August 18.
The ship’s presence provided participants with a practical opportunity to experience the scale of the cruise industry rather than learning about it only through presentations or classroom material.
Partnership Continues Annual Initiative
ATA and APA have organised similar Buki di Pret cruise activities in previous years.
In 2025, 47 children between seven and 12 participated in an educational visit aboard Carnival Celebration. That programme also included a ship tour, activities and information about the cruise sector.
The 2026 edition expanded participation to more than 60 children and added direct interaction with senior Carnival executives.
ATA and APA thanked Fundacion Buki di Pret for its continued commitment to children’s development and Carnival Cruise Line for once again opening one of its vessels to the programme.
Pelican Adventures was also thanked for transporting the children, along with the other organisations and partners that contributed to the event.
The Buki di Pret Carnival Horizon activity combined summer recreation with practical tourism education while giving Aruba’s younger generation an opportunity to discover an industry that plays an important role in the island’s economy.
