On Monday, December 8, the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and Aruba Ports Authority NV (APA NV) welcomed the MS Renaissance during its inaugural visit to Aruba under its new name. While this marks its first official visit as the MS Renaissance, the ship itself is no stranger to the island. It previously sailed under the name MS Maasdam for Holland America Line, first visiting Aruba in 1993 and returning regularly over the decades.
The MS Renaissance arrived fully decorated with a Christmas theme, creating a festive atmosphere for passengers, crew, and local representatives. Operating under Ambassador Cruise Line, the MS Renaissance carried 1,017 passengers and 502 crew members, offering a classic and more intimate cruise experience. This voyage primarily targets guests aged 50 and above, with many passengers coming from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom through a collaboration with Corendon.
A key feature of its regional deployment is its flexible itinerary model, which allows guests to start their cruise from three Caribbean islands: first Bridgetown, Barbados, then Willemstad, Curaçao, and the third island, Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe.
To honor the inaugural visit, a plaque exchange ceremony took place aboard the ship. This maritime tradition symbolizes cooperation and the strengthening of ties between the cruise company and the destination. Representing APA NV at the ceremony were Mario Arends, Chief Commercial Officer, together with Monica Bos, Cruise Manager of the A.T.A., and Maureen Palm representing the travel agency Maduro & Sons. Captain Simon, an experienced maritime leader who has visited Aruba for decades, was also present.
Aruba hopes to continue welcoming the MS Renaissance for future visits, continuing a maritime relationship that began over 30 years ago, now under a new name.
