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Sail into charming Oranjestad, the capital and primary cruise port for stunning Aruba, and find a cosmopolitan paradise -- one that’s undeniably Caribbean, despite its proximity to South America. Pristine beaches, enviable surf and a laidback tropical lifestyles are just three of the local lures; upscale casino resorts and tony shopping catering to tourists are found on the island, too. This is a family-friendly destination, with plenty to entertain the kids beyond the beach. The Butterfly Farm, an interactive insect encounter, and the Donkey Sanctuary, a retirement facility for the island’s favorite animal (once 1,400 strong in Aruba, before the car was introduced), are favorite attractions. Meanwhile, parents are free to explore the island’s fascinating colonial history, with contributions from Spanish, Portuguese, Pakistani and, of course, Dutch settlers -- Schooner Harbour, chock full of Technicolor boats and artisan shops, and Willemstad, often visited for its 16th-century Dutch architecture, are two popular stops.
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