Aruba Eyes To Extend CommonPass Travel Benefits To New York Visitors & Major Airlines
According to the Ministry of Tourism, travelers visiting Aruba from New York may be the next ones to be added to the list of passengers to use the new CommonPass program. Major US airlines may also be included into the new travel program.
CommonPass is a new partnership between Aruba and JetBlue to allow travelers to visit Aruba with the least effort possible when it comes to COVID-19 entry requirements with fast and easy entry into the island.
The new app lets visitors upload their COVID-19 test results and entry requirements to gain entry to the island directly into the app, and enjoying a dedicated pass through immigration upon arrival to get the vacation started as soon as possible.
CommonPass app is not only beneficial towards visitors, but also restores the trust into travelers that Aruba truly is a safe place to visit during this Coronavirus pandemic.
Only visitors traveling from Boston (Logan International Airport) with JetBlue apply for the CommanPass travel program at the moment.
Read more – Aruba’s New CommonPass Program For JetBlue Travelers.
Cruise Tourism Resumes in June 2021
Tourism Minister announced that cruise ship tourism will resume in the first week of June, one year after the Coronavirus pandemic started.
The first ship to dock at Aruba in June is really one of the most luxurious ships on the seas, Celebrity Millenium. This multi million dollar renovated ship is part of the Royal Caribbean Group that plans to set sail on a journey that includes Barbados, Sint Maarten, Curacao, and Aruba in June.
Aruba Ports Authority and Cruise Ships have strong regulations, including everyone who visits Aruba by ship needs to have a proof of vaccination, including crew members. Besides a proof of vaccination, everyone needs to show a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding the cruise ship.
According to the Minister of Tourism, additional strict protocols are being put in place in order to manage the new normal in cruise travel.
Over 1 million cruise visitors were expected to visit Aruba before the pandemic started on the island in 2020.
According to the Tourism Minister, almost 54.000 cruise visitors are expected as of June until the end of 2021.
He also mentioned that between June and September, 3 cruise ships are expected to dock on the island weekly, including ships from Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Aruba Receives 3rd Batch of Vaccines
Aruba received its 3rd batch of 17.550 vaccines from Pfizer on March 23, 2021. The vaccines were sent from The Netherlands on a Dutch airplane, KLM.
This new batch of vaccines are destined to be used as the initial dose shot for first responders, locals 60 years or older, care givers, and locals between the age of 18 – 60 years old with health issues.
As of today over 35.000 locals have registered to vaccinate.
Aruba a Step Ahead in Sustainable Tourism
Three destinations were nominated by Travel+Leisure’s Global Vision Awards 2021 for taking measures to protect their land and communities for generations of visitors (and residents) to come.
Honored in this years list is Aruba, New Zealand and Pharaoh Islands.
In my eyes, Aruba is the winner.
Picture it…
A tiny island, mentioned amongst larger lands…
This little rock has the potential to be the leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, if you really look into it.
Aruba has one of the premier eco friendly resorts on the island, and around the world known as Bucuti & Tara. And more resorts are continuing the green trend on the island.
The island is also leading the charge for sustainable tourism, because the Government denied the continued use or importation of plastic products. Including the ban on all sunscreens containing octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Aruba is also focused on being the first island in the Caribbean to provide 100% clean energy to the community, with clean energy projects such the largest solar panel installation on the island at the Airports parking lot, and several wind turbines on the Southeast end of Aruba.
Soul Beach Music Festival 2021 Cancelled
Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba is officially cancelled.
The Aruban Government has confirmed that large gatherings will not be allowed during the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, so unfortunately, the festival cannot safely go ahead as planned.
Due to the Governments advice and the current situation, the team at Soul Beach Music Festival found the need to adjust the scheduling for this year’s music festival.
Anyone still holding a ticket from the 2020 festival will receive an email by April 7, 2021, allowing them to hold onto their tickets for exchange in 2022 or get a refund.
Soul Beach Festival is looking forward to returning in May 2022.
Roadblocks & Traffic Detours Ahead
The road between the roundabout in Pos Chiquito (after the bridge) and La Granja Restaurant, will be closed for 8 weeks (between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm).
If you want to visit different sites and beaches on the Southeast end of the island, you have to take a detour on your way from Oranjestad to San Nicolas.
You have to take the first exit on the roundabout, after passing the new bridge on Green Corridor, as a detour that will take you towards Spaans Lagoon, Santo Largo and Savaneta back on the main road towards the Southeast end of the island.
Bartending Competition in Aruba
There’s a bartending competition in Aruba that you must attend if you’re on the island during the month of March.
The event is simple, 12 bartenders created a one of a kind cocktail that they are offering at their restaurant or bar – and you get to vote who has the best cocktail!
For more information about the event, drinks and bartenders, read more here – Aruba’s King or Queen of Cocktails 2021.
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