arubabeaches.net

The year 2007 was an interesting inaugural year for arubabeaches.net. There were several posts that caught the attention, especially those regarding the weather, more specifically about the unusual threat of hurricanes Felix and Dean.

Content that caught the attention as well, where about condos. This relatively new form of tourism-real estate is up and coming and it is expected to further expand in 2008. I’ll be on top of it with a critical, analytical eye.

Another section of arubabeaches.net which was popular in 2007 was the fresh pictures I posted regularly. I’ve got a simple point-and-shoot Canon digital camera, which I intend to exchange for a better Nikon SLR. Additionally I’m planning on taking some sporadic classes to become a better photographer.

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From the Caribbean I would like to wish you a happy New Year 2008. The best wishes for you and your family; may all your dreams come true.

Happy New Year

As the year comes to an end I want to thank everyone that stopped by arubabeaches.net. It was an experience doing this site and giving information that perhaps isn’t available everywhere and this way help contribute to enhance to information-giving process to anyone interested in the island.

The topics that generated buzz this year, on this site that is, where “weather” and “condos“. Posts about the weather became especially popular during the hurricane season when hurricanes Felix and Dean started to threaten Aruba. Both hurricanes passed without doing any damage other than rain. I posted several pictures that received many hits as well.

The posts about condos were also well sought after. I guess that the reason for that is the lack of electronic information by many developers. It seems as if they spent money in everything except internet marketing. Not to worry, in 2008 I’m planning on enhancing the information on condos, perhaps even opening a separate site to address all inquiries.

One last thing, off-topic, my New Year’s Resolution is to go out and purchase another router as this one is dropping the connection and preventing me to write accordingly.

Happy New Year

Traditionally resorts are filled during New Year’s festivities. The hotel staff works hard to make sure to create a festive environment in order to entertain visitors that are away from family and friends.

What feels strange for first-timers to Aruba is the reception of the New Year wearing nothing but a thin shirt and shorts, rather than the usual indoor celebration and/or the thick jackets, for outside.

Some resorts put on a show of fireworks, while others have a smaller gathering. Some people visit the beach to enjoy the fireworks display while others drive up to the higher elevations to enjoy the show.

After the festivities locals go around visiting family members while many tourists decide to call it a night.

Whatever you may be, I wish you a happy New Year.

For the last few weeks I’ve been reporting that the weather has been relatively unstable, now I’m happy to report that the weather seems to have stabilize somewhat and there is less chance of rain. It is still expected to be unstable; however, sporadically you still can expect a passing shower.

For the day of the festivities it will be generally partly cloudy with locally a quick and light shower possible, according to the local weather service.

Regardless the weather and where ever you are, have a safe and prosper New Year.

Today is going to be the busiest day in the year in terms of cruise ship visitors. There are 4 cruise ships scheduled in town today.

1. Royal Caribbean’s Empress Of The Seas
   Details:
   • Time: 7.00 am – 11.00 pm [12 hours in town]
   • Capacity: 2020
   • In service since: 1990
2. Celebrity Cruises’ Galaxy
   Details:
   • Time: 7.00 am – 7.30 pm [12,5 hours in town]
   • Capacity: 1894
   • In service since: 1996
3. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Of The Seas
   Details:
   • 8.00 am – 8.30 pm [12,5 hours in town]
   • Capacity: 3114
   • In service since: 2001
4. Holland America Line’s Volendam
   Details:
   • 12.00 pm – 11.00 pm [11 hours in town]
   • Capacity: 1432
   • In service since: 1999

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