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Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, is a cruise shopper’s paradise with a mile-long stretch of duty-free shops along the waterfront. The pedestrian-friendly Main Street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes) is lined with Dutch colonial buildings housing luxury watch shops, jewelry stores, and designer boutiques. Prices on Swiss watches, diamonds, and cameras are often 20-40% below U.S. retail, and the selection is exceptional — Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s premier jewelry destinations.
Beyond luxury goods, Aruba offers distinctive local products. Look for Aloe-based products — Aruba Aloe is the world’s oldest aloe company, founded in 1890 — selling lotions, soaps, and skincare made from locally grown aloe. Local rums like Balashi and cocktail mixes make great souvenirs, and the island’s Dutch heritage means excellent cheeses, chocolates, and Delft-style ceramics are widely available. Don’t miss the local market at the bus terminal for hand-painted Caribbean art.
Shopping hours in Aruba are generous, with most stores open until 6 PM and many staying open later when cruise ships are in port. U.S. dollars are widely accepted everywhere, and prices are typically quoted in dollars. The walk from the cruise pier to the main shopping district is just a few minutes through the modern Renaissance Mall, which connects directly to downtown.
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