Aruba Pre Covid vs Now

[robin]

As I am watching one of the cruise ships docked here coming back from an overnight trip out, it made me think of what I miss and don't miss about the effects of Covid on Aruba.

Miss:
our friends who normally are here
seeing the cruise ships come in and go out
being able to dine at several restaurants that are indoors only
going to my mosaic class(too close to others for my comfort)
meeting lots of new people
more extensive menus-lots of places have limited their choices
celebrations such as Carnival and Flag Day
going maskless

Don't miss
having to be up at the crack of dawn to get a palapa
traffic
days with three large cruise ships in port
the long lines of the UTVs loudly going by or worse in a roundabout

Surprisingly I actually miss the loud party buses going during the day. They were loud and it would sometimes annoy me, especially if I dozed off, but they were filled with happy people.

[Pegmeister]

I miss planning a trip but it may happen for us later this year. Missing the beach, the casinos and the restaurants. Missing the espresso martinis at the Ritz. It’s a treat when we’re in Aruba.

I think Now will mean added (necessary) expenses for COVID and more stressful travel days unfortunately.

[Andrea J.]

I miss the hustle and bustle of the island.
Although the quietness is good for a bit, it really is not good overall.
Aruba needs tourists.

I miss being maskless.

I don't miss having to go out early to get a good spot at the pool or beach.
I do miss being closer together on pool deck. (less physical distanced)

I miss the UNWORRY.

[Aruba4ever]

I miss my friends.
I miss the sand.
I miss the wind.
I miss the sunsets.
I miss the wonderful food.
I miss doing nothing daily and loving it.
I miss the happiness the island brought me.
I am sad my friends are struggling with next to no business now.

I honestly have no good things to list.

[B Likes To Travel]

I miss sitting at a bar for happy hour.

[Traceyd14]

I miss sitting at a bar for happy hour.

This was the biggest downside one for me: sitting at bars and talking to other people and live music and dancing. People watching on the beach wasn't as enjoyable as it usually is for us.. The freedom to book excursions without having to wonder what their protocols are and if the group on the trip will be upbeat and enough for the crew to feel like its worth the trip. We saw a large catamaran leave with only 8 people, and I'm sure its harder for the crew to get up and peppy for such a small group. Also missed entering casinos and grocery stores. without a mask. I also hated seeing servers being sent home early due to lack of business. We saw that a few times.

Things I liked were driving with ease and no traffic, and having the hot tub to ourselves quite often,, and getting shade on the beach at any time of day