November 1, 2005 - The MS Zuiderdam of 84,000 gross ton, a Vista Class ship chartered from Holland America Line by a Jazz group, called Aruba for the first time on special request.

On this special occasion Capitan Keijer in the company of the Hotel Director Mr. Deering, received the Aruban officials for a plaque exchange ceremony.

Mrs. Kathleen Rojer of the Aruba Cruise Tourism, on behalf of the Aruban Government and the Aruban community handed Capitan Keijer an “Aruba” plaque commemorating the first call to Aruba. Mrs. Tujeehut of ACT presented the Hotel Director a DVD and an “Aruba Days” book as a token of information to be shared with the passengers.

Mr. Ranis of the Aruba Ports Authority NV handed Capitan Keijer a plaque carved of the local tree Kwihi, and Mr. Beaujon of S.E.L. Maduro & Sons handed a plaque with a unique picture of Zuiderdam taken when entering the Oranjestad port.

Capitan Keijer on his turn presented an original Delft Blue plaque to Mrs. Rojer, Mr. Ranis, and Mr. Beaujon.

Present for this special plaque ceremony were Mrs. Keyter of De Palm Tours, Mr. Kingsale of APA NV, Mr. Wernet of Customs, Mr. Fingal and Mr. Kock, both representing the local Immigration, and Mr. Raghunath of S.E.L. Maduro & Sons.

Zuiderdam is a Vista class ship, the sister of Oosterdam, Westerdam and the to be delivered in 2006, Noordam.

Zuiderdam carried 1716 music-lovers to experience the island of Aruba.

The invitees had a tour of the ship and had the opportunity to sample Zuiderdam’s exquisite cuisine.