Sept trip 2020

[hnp1889]

Hello all!
Thought we would share a quick bit about our recent trip to Aruba.
In terms of COVID testing - luckily both mine and my husband's tests came back in time to travel. My husband had just uploaded a page that said "negative COVID" from his "my chart" his testing center created, I knew this would not be accepted so he got a print out copy with the test, where it was preformed, the type, the results, everything listed on the website.
After getting off the plane we were backed up getting our passports stamped as there was too many people downstairs, soon we saw why. The entire baggage claim area was wrapped around like a snake to get out and get your "medical clearance". I asked if there was a separate line for people who were waiting to test there versus those of us who had tested and had results, they said no, it was all one line. It took over 2 hours to get through this line - but luckily both were accepted and we were free to leave!

We stayed at La Cabana. We had a very nice stay! Had Eagle beach basically to ourselves most of the trip. We did take the bus to the high rise for dinner most nights. There were a lot of store and restaurants still shut down due to COVID. Many restaurants had us sign or names and put our email or hotel- they said this was to contact you in case a positive case was reported and they needed to notify us.

We also used ABC tours to do a jeep tour of the island one day, this was a lot of fun and good way for my husband, who has not been to Aruba to see the national park area and get to go in the natural pool etc.

We were able to rent a jetski which was fun- neither of us had driven it before.

We had a couples massage at La Cabana, however they said due to covid "couples massages" are in separate rooms, so we had a massage at the same time just different rooms lol.

We had some great food throughout the trip at Casa Tua, Las Ramblas, Smokey Joe's, Igunana Cantina, Passion's, and Salt and Pepper. We were hoping to go to Joe and Guisseppe or Fishes and More but both were closed. We tried going to the Fireson Brewery but they told us they were out of their own beer so we left.

Leaving Aruba we were fully through all of security check points and at the gate in under 30 minutes! Definitely did not have to be there the 3 hours early that day.

Overall, had a nice relaxing week. Very empty for the most part, no one really around us at the pool or beach, easy to spread out and be socially distant. We were able to enjoy the great weather and beautiful sunsets and a lot of happy hours. So glad we decided to travel and not cancel our honeymoon trip!

[Andrea J.]

oh thank you so much!!
it is always pretty awesome to have an "aruba story"

with god's help we will be there in late Nov also staying at LaCabana.
were there enough people poolside in the afternoon for poolside BINGO?

go glad that you got to enjoy your honeymoon!!!!
thank you for sharing.

Hello all!
Thought we would share a quick bit about our recent trip to Aruba.
In terms of COVID testing - luckily both mine and my husband's tests came back in time to travel. My husband had just uploaded a page that said "negative COVID" from his "my chart" his testing center created, I knew this would not be accepted so he got a print out copy with the test, where it was preformed, the type, the results, everything listed on the website.
After getting off the plane we were backed up getting our passports stamped as there was too many people downstairs, soon we saw why. The entire baggage claim area was wrapped around like a snake to get out and get your "medical clearance". I asked if there was a separate line for people who were waiting to test there versus those of us who had tested and had results, they said no, it was all one line. It took over 2 hours to get through this line - but luckily both were accepted and we were free to leave!

We stayed at La Cabana. We had a very nice stay! Had Eagle beach basically to ourselves most of the trip. We did take the bus to the high rise for dinner most nights. There were a lot of store and restaurants still shut down due to COVID. Many restaurants had us sign or names and put our email or hotel- they said this was to contact you in case a positive case was reported and they needed to notify us.

We also used ABC tours to do a jeep tour of the island one day, this was a lot of fun and good way for my husband, who has not been to Aruba to see the national park area and get to go in the natural pool etc.

We were able to rent a jetski which was fun- neither of us had driven it before.

We had a couples massage at La Cabana, however they said due to covid "couples massages" are in separate rooms, so we had a massage at the same time just different rooms lol.

We had some great food throughout the trip at Casa Tua, Las Ramblas, Smokey Joe's, Igunana Cantina, Passion's, and Salt and Pepper. We were hoping to go to Joe and Guisseppe or Fishes and More but both were closed. We tried going to the Fireson Brewery but they told us they were out of their own beer so we left.

Leaving Aruba we were fully through all of security check points and at the gate in under 30 minutes! Definitely did not have to be there the 3 hours early that day.

Overall, had a nice relaxing week. Very empty for the most part, no one really around us at the pool or beach, easy to spread out and be socially distant. We were able to enjoy the great weather and beautiful sunsets and a lot of happy hours. So glad we decided to travel and not cancel our honeymoon trip!

[hnp1889]

Yes, quite a few came around for BINGO in the afternoons. Again, still very easy to be socially distant and still be able to play. Appeared as though most activities were still set up, we went to the honeymoon/anniversary party - only one other couple there. Saw a few for coffee tasting. Otherwise, didn't pay attention much to other activities as we were usually by the beach.

[schexc]

Thank you for the report. What day of the week did you arrive?

[WaltVB]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[ArubaAce]

Thanks for sharing. Wow 2 hours to clear from luggage. What day of the week did you arrive and what day of the week did you leave?

[FBS199]

Thank You for Sharing !

[Pegmeister]

Really appreciate your trip report! Glad you had a good time.

[cpjones]

Thanks for posting your report.... glad you had a good stay. I guess a couples massage in separate rooms gives a whole new dimension to a couples massage!!!

[bhoffdhoff]

Thank you for sharing! I just love reading about people's trips and adventures!