Sapphire Princess makes first-ever visit to Aruba

ORANJESTAD — Aruba welcomed the Sapphire Princess cruise ship for the first time on Monday morning, marking another arrival during the island's recently started peak cruise season.

Representatives of Aruba Ports Authority (APA) boarded the Princess Cruises vessel to officially welcome its crew and exchange commemorative gifts celebrating the inaugural visit.

Built in Japan and delivered to Princess Cruises in May 2004, Sapphire Princess measures approximately 290 meters in length and accommodates 2,680 passengers and around 1,100 crew members.

The vessel has an unusual history. Originally intended to be named Diamond Princess, it received its current name after a major fire during construction in 2002 prompted Princess Cruises to exchange the names of the two sister ships to maintain their delivery schedule.

Aruba Ports Authority emphasized its ongoing commercial relationship with Princess Cruises and its efforts to explore additional opportunities for cruise visits.

Several vessels from the same company are visiting Aruba in November, including Sapphire Princess, Caribbean Princess, Majestic Princess and Regal Princess, reinforcing Aruba's position as a Caribbean cruise destination.