Curacao Shopping

[Krazy Kruizers]

It has been years since we were fortunate to dock at the inside pier.


But I thought I should tell you about the names of some of the shops at the Renaissance Mall -- right at their hotel -- at the Mega Pier.

Penha
Columbian Jewelers
Freeport Jewelers
Swatch
Del Sol
Swarovski Boutique
Tiffany & Co
Mont Blanc
Tommy Hillingers
XOXO Clothing
Little Switzerland
Diesel
Panache
Guess
Maxmana
Sun & Specks (they even repairs regular glasses)

So -- if some of you are worried about docking at the Mega Pier and can't handle the long walk through Rif Fort (which still has a lot of small shops) and pass the vendors, and over the pontoon bridge to get to town, you can walk right over to these shops by the hotel.

We found great shopping there.

[IRL_Joanie]

My hubby is going to hate you for telling us all this!!!

OH Baby!! Charge IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joanie

[Krazy Kruizers]

Why??

[IRL_Joanie]

Why??

Because I had NOT planned on doing any shopping there. NOW I can start Planning what I AM GOING TO BUY!!!

As I said "CHARGE IT!!!!!

I did have a BIG Grin beside my post I swear!!!! Just like I do now.

I Like planning where to spend, and hubby thought he was gonna get off light this cruise because I did not have a list of places to shop... Muhahahahaha

Joanie

[Huddler]

How do the prices compare to what you can get in the states? I want to buy a watch and was wondering if I should buy it down there when I am on my Eurodam cruise at the end of this month. Are the prices really alot cheaper?

[Huddler]

How about customer service if you have an issue with jewelry or a watch that you buy down there?

[sail7seas]

Be certain the manufacturer's warranty is honored in the states. Sometimes they are and sometimes not.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Joanie

Okay -- now I understand!! :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

Some of the prices were lower than here in the states and some were about the same.

If you have something in mind -- price it where you live and then check it at the stores in the islands.

[Krazy Kruizers]

How about customer service if you have an issue with jewelry or a watch that you buy down there?

Jewelry and watches are items that I never buy in any port.

[Randyk47]

We've done very good buying watches in the Caribbean though over the years the price difference between the shops down there and here in the US has tended to get very close. I kind of collect watches and probably have way more than I need but my wife figures I don't wear other jewelery so go for it. In fact, I've been very interested in a particular Ebel model and found it locally for exactly the same as I found it in a couple of ports. Typically I pre-shop watches here before we cruise so I have some kind of idea of current models and prices. I've only had one watch, and we've bought several, have any warranty repair required and had no problem sending the watch in for repair. Actually the watch company sent me a brand new watch rather than trying to fix my watch.

[Randyk47]

Should add that between my wife and I we've bought a dozen watches, from Omegas to Citizen, in the Caribbean and I've been able to register every one of them with the watch company. We do stick to mainly the larger "chains" on the islands as they really can't afford to push gray market items.

[GmaPajama]

My favorite shop in Curacao IS across the bridge. The Tablecloth Store, which I found through the Port Shopping Guide in our stateroom. Absolutely amazing dining room linens. All hand stitched and affordable. I can't wait to get more!

[sail7seas]

KK..... The vendors you mention that usually set up their stands near floating bridge were not there last week. They were setting up a parking area with bleachers for some sort of event so maybe they moved them temporarily. When we were back on the ship, we could see there may have been some of those stands after the bridge.....we've never walked down that way before.

[jt58203]

I'll be on the Zuiderdam in February. Our itinerary has changed and will be in Curacao 2:00 pm - midnight. Are there any stores that will be open in the evening?

[sail7seas]

Hard to say for sure but my guess is probably not too many stores will stay open past maybe around 6:00 at the latest.

There are some excellent restaurants in Curacao. Find a nice place and go enjoy a lovely dinner ashore.

Enjoy. It's a nice island.

[m steve]

the only things we saw there that were different were some metal lizard magnets. DF liquor is very expensive. The Curacao de Curacao liquor was as much as in retail stores.