Sunday shopping in Aruba?

[KAKcruiser]

Are the stores open in Aruba on Sunday? I know in St. Thomas & St. Maarten they are open any time a ship is in port. But we have been in Curacao on Sunday and most of the stores are closed. Does anyone know about Aruba?

[Arubalisa]

The stores in downtown Oranjestad are closed on Sundays. You do not mention the date for which you will be in port, but the few Sundays before Christmas some of the stores will be open. OR, if there are more than one ship in town, the shop owners may open their doors. IMHO, dulty free "bargains" are less expensive on St. Martin and St. Thomas.

If you are looking for "souvenirs" try Aruba Aloe (http://www.arubaaloe.com/). Their products make wonderful gifts :)

If you have the absolute "urge" to shop while on the island, all of the resorts have at least one shop (usually jewelry) and a sundries store. The Holiday Inn SunSpree on Palm Beach offers probably the largest shopping arcade. Most if not all of their stores should be open at least limited hours (usually afternoon, after church)-

Strada Boutique- Bathing suits, souvenirs, hats, shoes, sandals for kids, bath towels, beach bags, caps, sweaters, postcards, and sunglasses.
Little Switzerland- Jewelry, watches, crystals, ornaments, etc.
Eva Boutique- Beach bags, cover-ups for ladies, swimsuits for men and ladies, suntan products, etc.
Bubbles Boutique- Specializing in clothes, sandals, cups, etc for kids. Souvenirs for kids and adults.
Artistic Boutique- Tablecloths, house ornaments, chains, watches, earrings, etc.
Penha- Colognes, perfumes, body lotion, face treatments, and others.
Chicucha- Bathing suits, men's cover-up shorts, ladies' slippers, bath towels, sunglasses, ladies' shorts.
Poco Loco- Ceramics, jerseys, hats, with Poco Loco logo on them.
Van Dorp- Books, film, stamps, magazines, souvenirs, cards, cosmetics, beach items, medicine, gift items, candies, hats, toys, bags, stationery, and more.

Our Aruba Photos (http://www.arubabound.com/photosmain.htm)==>> 13+ visits to Aruba

[KAKcruiser]

Thanks for the information. We are big shoppers. We are on the Rotterdam December 2 to the Panama Canal. We were supposed to be in Curacao on Sunday and Aruba on Monday but they just switched the itinerary. We are going to be really disappointed if the stores downtown are all closed. But you give me hope that maybe they will be open because of Christmas.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Since you are going to be there the first part of December - don't count on many stores being unless there is at least 1 other ship there. Diamonds International will be open. But other than that - probably only a couple of other small stores along the front street.

[sail7seas]

Curacao has quite alot of shopping. There are many shops there. Prices would be about the same.

[localady]

Thanks for the information. We are big shoppers. We are on the Rotterdam December 2 to the Panama Canal. We were supposed to be in Curacao on Sunday and Aruba on Monday but they just switched the itinerary. We are going to be really disappointed if the stores downtown are all closed. But you give me hope that maybe they will be open because of Christmas.
KAKcruiser- We will be joining you on the Rotterdam Dec. 2nd cruise. Have heard nothing about an itinerary change. Thanks for the info, we will check it out. Thanks for the information.

[Gonna cruise soon]

We loved Aruba and I agree that the stores may be closed, but our favorite place to spend down town is "Iguana Joe's" try the black beans and rice!

[catlib55]

Welcome aboard, KAK!! We are on the Dec. 2nd sailing of Rotterdam. I was also surprised by the itinerary change. We haven't heard a word about it, but I noticed on the shore excursion list that we are now scheduled in Aruba on Sunday and Curacao on Monday. The original itinerary was the opposite. Oh well, we are doing a snorkel and beach day in Aruba, so it won't bother us any that the shops won't be open.
'Til we sail on Rotterdam,
Mary Ellen

[KAKcruiser]

I found a web site www.aruba.com. After emailing them, they advised that the shopping mall is open downtown on Sunday. Do you think this is reliable information? How do the stores know when the cruise ships are scheduled to arrive?