Hilton Embassy  Suites Opening Soon

Hilton is opening a second resort on the island as of 2023.

It’s named the Embassy Suites,  located near Eagle Beach, close to Divi Phoenix and the Butterfly farm.

The Embassy Suites will be  the second Hilton Resort in Aruba, as the first one is Hilton Caribbean Resort, in Palm Beach.

The new resort is set to open and accept reservations in the quarter of 2023.

Here’s two pictures showing the construction stage of the resort at the moment (October 2022).

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New Luxury Yacht Collection By Ritz Carlton

Ritz-Carlton launches a luxury yacht cruise collection and one of the yachts has Aruba in its itinerary. 

This is the first luxury yacht cruise ship of the Ritz Carlton, named The Evrima. 

The ship embarked on its maiden voyage on October 15, 2022 for a seven night cruise from Barcelona to Nice. In 2023 the ship has plans to cruise towards the Mediterranean, Central America, South America and tropical destinations, including Aruba. 

According to Ritz Carlton, plans are to operate the ship for a 7 to 10 night cruise starting at $6000 a week.

Ritz Carlton’s concept for its new yacht collection was to introduce a luxury service and style in the cruise industry with a 624 foot yacht that can accommodate 298 passengers. Including 246 crew members.

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Evrima has one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea, at the moment in the cruise industry. 

The yacht features amenities like no other, including a main lounge area at the living room and lookout lounge, connected to a marina for access to water sports.

Also included are specialty restaurants, wine tasting room, sauna, spa, fitness room and infinity pool. 

There’s a total of 149 suites available, each having a private balcony ranging between 300 and 1091 square feet. The luxury yacht Evrima also has 12 two story loft suites. 

Are you ready to sail to Aruba in luxury? It will be an awesome sight to see Evrima!

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Art & Fashion Week in Aruba

Local and international artists are painting murals in San Nicolas to prepare for the amazing artweek event in Aruba in November. 

The event starts with a fashion show on November 2, 2022. This year’s art fashion is focused on climate change, and features 11 local and international designers. 

Followed by the maint artweek event, Artweek, on November 4 – 6, 2022. There are over 80 local and international artists this year participating in Aruba’s artweek.

This will be the 5th year of Artweek in Aruba.

Aruba is becoming the Art Capital of the Caribbean, and also one of the rising stars in the fashion world. 

You are invited to visit the Artweek and enjoy art in all its different forms, including but not limited to murals, paintings, dance, music, photography, cultural expositions and pop-up restaurants.

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Lobby Bar in Palm Beach Closes Soon

One of the best bars in Palm Beach, known as Lobby Bar,  is going to close soon.

Lobby bar posted the news on Facebook  that it will close its doors soon permanently, until further notice.

The bar is closing because of unfortunate circumstances that make it impossible to cater to their clients on the level they want to achieve.

Known for fine dining and lounge experience, the lobby bar will be missed by many patrons.

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TGI Friday Reopens at Paseo Herencia Mall

TGI Friday reopened its newly renovated  restaurant this week.

Now they are located in the second floor entrance of Paseo Herencia.

The restaurant is ready to serve the best food and drinks, with a brand new decor design.

Renovations started in August 2022.

TGI Fridays remain with normal operation time.

Open for breakfast, as of 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Lunch is available as of 12:00 pm, and dinner is served until 11:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday). 

Friday and Saturday, TGI Friday is open until 12:00am.

When you visit, try TGI’s iconic blue drink, the Electric Lemonade!

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Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship Visits Aruba

Aruba received a first time visit by Norwegian  Prima.

It’s the first of six cruise ships by Norwegian Cruise Line.

The ship is 229 meters long and has a capacity of 3215 passengers, with 1646 rooms.

This is not the first cruise ship to arrive for the first time this year, and it will not be the first one. Because, the Tourism Minister and Director of  Aruba Ports Authority are looking for opportunities to attract more ships to dock on the island. 

The ship is scheduled to return to Aruba once again in November. 

There’s various other ships that are scheduled to arrive in Aruba for the first time.

The cruise industry was hit harder than the aviation industry, but Aruba’s cruise tourism recuperated very fast. It is expected that cruise tourism will recuperate 80% of the cruise passengers compared to 2019, at the start of the pandemic.

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New Passenger Flow Control at Aruba’s Airport

Aruba’s airport introduced a new passenger flow control system for all US bound travelers as of December 1, 2021.

The passenger flow control system was introduced to better manage the flow of travelers inside of the airport’s facilities due to the ongoing expansion construction works of the airport (project Gateway 2030).

Read More – Aruba’s Airport Project Gateway 2030

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The new passenger flow control system is a staged approach to regulating the amount travelers that enter the departure halls and other airport facilities.

After introducing the new passenger flow system, waiting lines to check-in will be shorter, and the check-in process will be faster, which makes departing the island a piece of cake.

Passenger flow control also prevents travelers from arriving too early at the Airport.

How does it work?

It all starts with the online ED-Card you fill in before traveling to Aruba.

Your departure flight information is used to determine the dedicated time slot that you have to be at the airport in order to enjoy a safe, easy and fast check-in process.

All travelers will be assigned to a color group (Yellow, Blue, Orange) which indicates the estimated time that travelers should arrive at the airport. This is based on the traveler’s airline scheduled departure time.

Here’s a view of the check-in time schedule based on color groups (Yellow, Blue, Orange):

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If you’re departing from Aruba to the US you should take your scheduled departure time into account to determine when you should arrive at the airport at the latest to check in.

What To Expect When Arriving At The Airport

A passenger flow ambassador will welcome you at the airport and help you control your check-in time slot and assist you with any other questions.

You will be guided by different airport ambassadors at the several check points at the airport, before boarding the airplane.

The passenger airflow control system will end on March 12, 2022.

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Aruba’s Tourism Recovery in Numbers

The island is set to recuperate 95% of its tourism in 2022, according to the CEO of Aruba’s tourism board (Aruba Tourism Authority).

Aruba’s tourism took a major hit after the pandemic in 2019.

Local and international tourism experts projected for tourism to recuperate at a slow rate, but tourism is recuperating faster than expected.

It’s been a long road to recovery, but well worth it, as the island looks to recuperate approximately 75% of tourism at the end of 2021 (compared to 2019).

The amount of bookings to Aruba that the tourism board has received gives a positive indication that tourism is heading in the right direction.

Over 70.000 travelers visited Aruba in October 2021, and the amount of tourist in November and December is projected to be over 100% more compared to the same periods in 2019, before the pandemic.

Aruba is expecting a big growth in tourism in 2022, as the island’s Tourism Minister announced 1.8 million+ available air seats.

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Secret’s Hotel Will Be The Highlight of San Nicolas

The developers of one of the newest hotels in Aruba – Grupo Martinon – gave a detailed presentation to the Government of Aruba this week during a private meeting between the two parties.

It’s a new hotel – Secrets Resorts – located in San Nicolas (Seroe Colorado).

A luxury resort, all inclusive and only for adults.

The meeting between Grupo Martinon & the Government was focused on the plans, future and construction progress of the resort.

Aruba’s Government is making sure the developers are complying with Aruba’s laws and regulations set for the construction of the resort including respecting the environment and nature, and also offering employment opportunities to locals residents first.

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Secrets Resort is currently in its first phase of construction, which includes erecting steel structural frames of the resort and digging the foundation of the property.

The construction of secret resort is one of the largest construction projects happening in Aruba at the moment, and one of the most unique, as it is one of the first large and exclusive hotels in San Nicolas.

After the meeting with Grupo Martinon, the Prime Minister said during an interview – “I believe that Secrets Resort will be a main attraction for the area of San Nicolas and an important economic pillar for the island”.

According to the Director of Grupo Martinon, the hotel is set to open in 2023 and will employ about 600 local employees at first to run the resort.

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New Direct Flights From Sweden To Aruba

Ving AB, a Swedish tour operator, will fly to Aruba from Stockholm for the winter season 2022/2023.

The Swedish tour operator recently announced that is has signed a contract with Air Lease Corporation for an aircraft A330-900, which will be operated by its subsidiary Sunclass Airlines.

The newly acquired aircraft was intended for France Airways (bankrupt in 2019).

But Ving AB (Sunclass) will now become the first Scandinavian airline to acquire the aircraft and use it to re-activate flights to the Caribbean in the winter season of 2022/2023, including Aruba.

The inaugural flight out of Sweden to Aruba is set to take place on November 24, 2022.

The airline will fly to Aruba 9 times during 4 months, and will transport around 3.400 visitors from Sweden to the One Happy Island.

The last flight to Aruba from Sweden will be on March 16, 2023.

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German Cruise Ship “Mein Schiff” First Time Aruba Visit

Aruba welcomed the German cruise ship – Mein Schiff – for the first time! 

The ship was revealed in 2018 and cruises with the Malta Flag and is owned by TUI Cruises.

At 315 meters, Mein Schiff,  is a fairly large ship that can hold up to 1100 crew members and 3000 passengers. The ship has 12 restaurants, entertainment, gym, and 17 bars. 

Mein Schiff is one of the many cruise ships that will dock in Aruba during the next year (2022).

Aruba is enjoying the resumption of cruise tourism since June 2021, after cruise tourism stood still for over a year since the pandemic. 

There’s over 31 calls for cruise ships to dock on the island’s ports in November, and there’s over 38 cruise ship calls to dock in December. 

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New Post Stamps in Aruba

Aruba’s post office revealed a new post stamp series featuring agriculture on the island. 

The post stamps were released on November 16, 2021.

They were designed by Elvis Tromp, who is a local painter and graphic designer. 

He is known for painting Aruban landscapes and family portraits. 

The agriculture post stamps show how local farmers go through the process of cultivating plants on the island. From planting the seeds, watering the plants daily, until the plant bears fruit.

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Agriculture in Aruba is a tradition by local farmers, and local families that want to build their own sustainable gardens are also following the old tradition. 

The land in Aruba is very dry, but local farmers use small areas for growing, or vertical farming to cultivate different plants such as cucumbers, corn, lettuce, papaya, peanuts, tomatoes, lime, and other native plants. 

These post stamps are the perfect item to add to your portfolio if you are a collector.

The values of the agriculture post stamps are 90 cents, 220 cents, 320 cents and 420 cents. They can be purchased for 10.50 Aruban florins (or $6) at the local post office in Oranjestad or San Nicolas.

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Aruba Starts With Booster Shots

Aruba started administering booster shots after The Netherlands approved the islands request to provide extra dose of vaccine against the virus for locals in high risk groups.

The booster shots are intended for residents 60+ years old and all health care workers that are in close contacts with patients.

Booster shots are similar to the first two vaccines shots, but the booster increases the effectiveness of the first and second vaccines.

At the moment 62% of Aruba received both shots of the vaccine (Pfizer). 

66% of Aruba’s population received only the first dose of the vaccine.

The group of 60+ year olds are 84% vaccinated on the first dose and 81% received both vaccines.

According to the Health Minister, the rate of vaccination at the moment is approximately at 270 shots every week.

The government will continue to organize vaccination events and encourage locals to get vaccinated in order to combat the pandemic.

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9 Cruise Ships Scheduled in October

The sun kissed shores of Aruba is expected to receive 9 cruise ships for October 2021. 

Yes – 9 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Oranjestad.

This is a boost for the islands economy after the pandemic.

The number of ships that visit Aruba is steadily growing each month since cruise tourism reopened in June 2021.

Three additional ships have requested to dock on the island compared to last month (6 ships in September 2021).

Here’s a list popular cruise lines to visit Aruba:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Lines

Below you will find the list of cruise ships in October 2021, including arrival dates, estimated arrival hour and departure time:

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Note that the cruise schedule is subject to change without prior notice. According to the Tourism Minister – It’s been a good year for cruise tourism in Aruba, and the future seems bright – as there are 18 more cruise calls scheduled for the remainder of 2021.

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KLM Increases Operation With 15 Flights

The Royal Dutch airline KLM is adjusting its flights schedules to Aruba with 15 additional flights.

This new flights are scheduled between December 15, 2021 – January 14, 2022.

It’s great news for European travelers who are looking to escape the winter season.

KLM will operate the additional flights with their Airbus A330.

The airbus has a capacity of 268 seats – this means an additional 4020 visitors – out of Europe during the islands high tourism season.

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For years, KLM has had close ties with Aruba.

As the island continues to attract new visitors, KLM is certainly onboard by serving the demand of travelers from Europe.

The increase of flight reflects KLM’s firm belief that Aruba is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean.

According to the Tourism Minister, this year’s high season is set to surpass the successful tourism year in 2019.

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Related Article – The New Food & Beverage Spots in Aruba

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$100.000 Cash Giveaway at The Ritz Carlton Casino

The casino at Ritz Carlton is giving away $100.000 cash!

That’s more than enough money to keep coming to Aruba for a lifetime.

Everyone that visits and plays at the casino has a chance win $100.000

The cash giveaway started on October 1 and it ends December 30, 2021.

Maybe you’re going to be $100.000 richer in 2022, while vacationing in Aruba…

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How do you participate in the cash giveaway?

All you have to do is register as a new member of The Casino’s VIP club – it’s completely free –  a valid ID is required.

Only existing members, and newly registered members are eligible for the grand prize.

You’re missing out if you play at the casino without a VIP membership card.

How do you win?

You have to accumulate raffle tickets.

Slot players get 1 raffle ticket for every 80 points.

Table players earn 1 raffle ticket with very $40 theoretical wins.

Playing at the casino is not the only way to win the $100.000 cash prize – you can also eat your way to riches – at Casa Nonna or BLT Steak, two dining spots at the Ritz-Carlton.

A raffle ticket is awarded with every dinner purchase.

In order to redeem your raffle ticket, present the restaurant voucher together with the dinner receipt at the Casino VIP desk on the same night of the dinner.

The Casino will select 20 finalists to win a total of $100.000 in cash prizes on December 30, 2021.

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Related Article – The Brownstone “Ribs & Seafood” Restaurant Review

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Planting New Trees For Aruba’s Future Generations

Aruba’s National Park – Arikok – started a movement to plant new trees on the parks land. 

The goal is to restore the biodiversity of native plants.

As the newly small plants grow, they become a valuable resource for wildlife in the park.

Restoring the biodiversity of native plant species is one of the many ways to combat and protect the islands environment against the effects of climate change, according to the park rangers.

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A group of local volunteers and park rangers planted trees on September 25 – 26, 2021. 

Together they managed to plant 9 different native tree species, ranging from the most extinct trees and important ecological functions.

This includes but not limited to local trees species such as: Supi, Asufro and Pereskia Guamacho.

Over 100 mangrove trees (two different species – mangel preto and mangel blanco) were also planted on the beach strip near the military base in Savaneta.

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100 Days Inside Old Phosphate Mine in Seroe Colorado

Local Aruban better known as – Heintje Ras – will spend 100 days in a phosphate mine located in San Nicolas.

His goal is to raise $600.000 to expand his current museum – Museum of Antiqueness – in Aruba.

The antiqueness museum is currently located at his home, but he wants to build a mega museum.

A large museum where he can display over 7.000 antique Aruban items dating back to the 1600’s. 

These include tools, radio’s, instruments, paintings, sewing machines, furniture, pots and pans. 

Heintje’s 100 day challenge started on October 2, 2021 until January 9, 2022. 

He’s been preparing for this day for over a year.

The mines are located over 6 meters underground in Seroe Colorado.

Back in the 1880’s they used to mine phosphate here.

Aruban Phosphate Company was the local operator – it had around 300 workers – who mined and exported over 446.445 tons of phosphate during the company’s operation.

If Heintje completes 100 days in the mines, he will automatically be inducted into the Guinness Book of Records. 

A Judge of the Guinness Book of Records will be on the island to monitor his progress until the mission is completed. 

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Related Article – 6 News Developments in Aruba

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Self Test Kit Soon Available in Aruba

Self test kits are soon going to be available at the pharmacies on the island

The Department of Public Health approved self test kits after the demand for alternative test solutions by the private and commercial sector.

According to the Department of Public Health, the test will be available before the end of October 2021.

It’s not sure which brand of self help test kits will be available to the public as of yet.

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Self help test kits are not a substitute for the current policy of the Department of Public Health, but another method to help aid the primary strategy to test suspicious corona cases on the island. 

An important factor to consider when using self test kits – the result of the test kits are not the official diagnosis, unless verified at an accredited lab – if you are using it to test before flying.

Self-help test kits only benefit locals and visitors as far as screening, detecting infections with light or no symptoms and stopping the spread of coronavirus.

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Join Vacations By Aruba Private Facebook Group

Join our Facebook group “Vacations By Aruba” to get inside information & advice from travelers who also know Aruba.

Click here to gain access to our private Facebook Group.

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Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter

Join our email list if you want to stay up to date with everything that is happening in Aruba.

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