A few questions.

[savannahgirl1]

We will be stopping in Aruba and Curacao on our next cruise. How is the shopping on these islands. Not so much big names like Rolex, just ordinary island wares. Do they have pricing in American dollars or do we need an exchange? Also, is the food and water safe to eat and drink on the islands or should we bring our own water? If its safe, any opinions on a good place to eat or get a drink? This is such a great board to be a part of. :D

[6rugrats]

I have only been to Aruba, so my comments are about that island, but I believe they are much the same. Water and food are safe to drink. They gladly accept American $$ everywhere and credit cards are widely used. Lots of great places to eat and drink. Try Rhumba downtown for lunch, never had a bad meal there.

 

I am not a big shopper, but there is a mall downtown and you can get a lot of Dutch products if you are interested in that. There really are not that many, IMO, interesting "island" crafts.

[Betsy's Mom]

Have been to both Islands within the year and live in the Caribbean. Water is fine on these Islands and so is the food. Most of the "Craft" items are made in China all through the Caribbean, with the exception of Domenica when the Carib Indians weave marvelous baskets. The US $ is used by vendors etc. all ovser the Caribbean although sometimes you will receive change in local currency, carry small bills in $ and give the local change to church or children, or use as tips in bars etc. You can not change it into $.

B.

[savannahgirl1]

Thank you so much for the info. Its very helpful to know all this before you go. :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have to been to both islands many, many times.

 

Lots of great places to eat on both islands. Seems like we never eat in the same place twice. Water is safe to drink. So you won't have to even worry about those ice cubes in drinks.

 

Also - not a big shopper -- but they do take American dollars and will gladly accept your credit cards.

 

Aruba is Expensive!!!

[JimVrhovac]

Best place in the Caribbean to swim with the dolphins. You can actually swim with them in the open ocean.

 

Check ou this websight:

 

http://www.dolphin-academy.com/index.htm

 

Ruth & Jim

[knitter]

We spend a week in Aruba every year. Petite Cafe- 2nd floor in one of the malls along main street- does neat dishes you cook on stones. Other good choices in town include Que Passa (on a back street), Dutch Pancake house (over by the marina) for great Dutch pancakes with choco sauce. Chex Matild is an upscale restaurant in town. Lots of new things were opening up in town- getting more upscale. There are a couple of areas by the pier that sell carribean themed stuff. Pearl Gems is a reliable jewelry store- they carry a wide of range of things. Sandy

[sail7seas]

There is a brand new shopping area in Aruba that opened very recently. Very upscale, beautiful shops and located directly across from where the ship docks. Part of Rennaissance. Lots of shopping within walking distance of the ship. There is local bazaar and there is Louis Vuitton and everything in between.

 

Curacao and Aruba are about our favorite islands in all the Caribbean and we have been all over all the islands many, many times.

 

Both are safe, friendly, beautiful and welcoming to cruisers/tourists.

Good, safe food; wonderful shopping; lots available.

 

[brockmom]

In Aruba we found many deals in the shops and enjoyed the vendors set up by the pier. Kicked myself on not buying more after we got back on the ship. Curacao we had so much fun...chatting with the vendors.. really met some nice island folks......visiting the fruit market right near the pier as well. We took the ferry across from the boat as the swinging bridge was not working at the time. Head down the main street (shopping street)and about halfway turn left which takes you into the middle of the shopping square.

They have the cutest spot to sit and have a bite to eat and a cool drink. We drank their local Corona (realy good) and had a snack and people watched. We really enjoyed ourselves. Lots of the ship's crew were also there as the internet rate was so cheap for them (and us, our teens did)to use. The crew will probably know about it if you see any in the area.

Enjoy!!!!

brockmom

[savannahgirl1]

Again thanks to everyone for replying. We are just counting the days.