Aruba Trip Report: August 10th – 14th
Aruba has been one of our favorite destinations in the Caribbean.
The powdery, soft white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, and friendly people make it an ideal Caribbean destination. With destinations and resorts reopening, we wanted to get a firsthand look at what is happening in our most popular and requested destinations. We had a great time in Cancun and Riviera Maya in July. Our next stop was Aruba! You can view our pictures on Instagram with the #TBBAruba2020 and on our Facebook Page.
Aruba has made some adjustments to its entry requirements. They may seem complicated at first but are actually really easy. You will need a negative Covid19 test result within 72 hours of arrival. We recommend contacting your primary care physician to direct you to the nearest testing facility where a result can be produced in this amount of time. We are in Pittsburgh, and the UPMC-South Side testing site was able to produce a result in under 24 hours. If you are unable to get a test, you can pay $75.00 and get a test upon arrival in Aruba. If you are from a high-risk state, you will need to get a test prior to arrival. More details can be found on the Visit Aruba website.
Customs and immigration at Aruba – Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) was a breeze. Social-distancing markers and hand sanitizer dispensers were provided throughout the arrival hall and baggage claim areas. Aruba reopened for visitors from the United States on July 10th. We were very pleased and impressed with how well organized the airport was with the new procedures.
Masks
Masks are encouraged in enclosed areas of the resort. At the restaurants and buffets, guests are asked to wear masks when not seated at their table. If you do not have a mask, masks are provided at the hostess stand. The vast majority of our days were spent at the pool or on the beach where masks were not required.
Restaurants
The buffet was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Buffets featured the same food stations, but with food workers who plated the food for guests. With the resort operating at a limited occupancy, a la carte specialty restaurants were rotated with a different one available each night. On Monday night, the Steakhouse was available. The Italian Restaurant was available on Tuesday night. On Wednesday night, the Japanese Restaurant was available, and the Krystal Fusion Restaurant was available on Thursday night. Two seatings were available at the a la carte restaurants- 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Reservations were required.
Pools
The pool areas operated as normal. Drink service was available around the pool during the day. With the reduced occupancy, the drink service was excellent. You will not wait long, if at all, for your favorite beverage. Towels were available in the same towel station next to the pool. Towel cards are no longer used for towels.
Beach
It is the same beautiful beach as always. Just be sure to pack your towel clips as it can get breezy on the beach. With the reduced occupancy, getting a palapa on the beach, close to the water was never an issue. The water in Aruba is amazing- crystal clear and always at the perfect temperature.
Bars
Bar service is available, but to comply with international social distancing guidelines, barstools have been removed.
We visited some of Aruba’s popular spots while on the island- Island Yoga, Fireson Brewing, California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Zeerovers, and Eagle Beach. All were excellent and following guidelines while providing an enjoyable atmosphere. Aruba is open and ready to welcome you.
If you are considering a vacation and have questions, feel free to contact us toll-free at 1-866-504-6180 or via email at info@travelbybob.com.