Luxe Shopping, Aruba

Relatives of mine love cruising and go on at least one cruise a year. One of the things they like to do is shop for jewelry and local items, as well as high end goods that may be better priced than they would find in the United States. Well, in Aruba, you have plenty of options just beyond the port where your ship docks. You’ll pass through the gate and walk down this street, headed roughly south, southeast.

Seems rather nondescript, but as you move along you’ll pass a number of jewelry stores, the Mont Blanc store, and a well-stocked cigar shop (yes, with Cubans). Then you’ll come to this area.

Here are several high-end watch sellers, including Gandelman and Little Switzerland. There’s also a few options for food and drinks upstairs including the Mambo Jambo Club. Here’s another view from the opposite side.

Tommy Hilfiger has a place on the corner there. Just down another half block you’ll come to the Seaport Casino and Mall. This is all luxury goods. Here are just a few photos for those who want proof.

It goes on to include Cartier, Bulgari, Ferragamo and so on.

There’s also the BCBG store for the ladies and a few decent shops for men’s clothes.

So, if you like to spend your money on this type of shopping, you came to the right place. Just in case you have some room on the credit card limit, you’ll pass this store on the way back to the ship or your car.

Just don’t let the tax man know what you’ve been up to.

Published in: on July 17, 2008 at 7:29 pm  Comments (1)  
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One Happy Port, Aruba

A few days ago, the cruise ship, Adventure of the Seas, called at Oranjestaad, Aruba. I took a few photos for the blog here, which may help answer some questions about cruise ship calls at the island. First, take a look at that magnificent ship which was just tied to the dock a few minutes before this pictures was taken.

Upon leaving the ship, you’ll pass through a reception building and then through a gate. Some tours may supply buses inside the port area; other tour leaders and sellers are waiting beyond the gate as you see here.

Veteran cruisers will know about booking your on-island excursions in advance. If not, however, there are people around who offer everything from a jeep safari, to kayaking, to a day at the beach. Here’s a look at a few of the colorful buses that will take you to your day of fun.

Not sure about this bus, but it has the right name.

And then there is this luxury coach operated by De Palm Tours. They transfer people from the terminal to their own island where all kinds of water activities are available.

Whatever your choice, you’re bound to have a great time here. It may be a visit to the ostrich farm, an island-wide tour, or a horseback trek. If shopping it what you enjoy, stay tuned. My next post will take a look at the shops available right in the downtown area, only a short walk from the ship.

Published in: on July 17, 2008 at 3:06 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Wedding in Paradise

One of my good friends here in Aruba is the Reverend Robert Gibson. He’s lived in Aruba for a long time and has the pleasure of officiating at a number of weddings ever year. Here is a photo of him in action.

This lovely couple chose a barefoot wedding on the beach, just as the sun was setting. Aruba is a great place for a beach wedding. The weather is (relatively) predictable, and the beach is fantastic. There is also Reverend Gibson who performs a fabulous and romantic ceremony that couples the world over remember for the rest of their lives. Let’s take a closer look.

Note the details, the path lined with shells, the colors of the approaching sunset shining on the bride’s face, and the crystal clear water just a few yards away. One more look at the Reverend Gibson in action.

Some people renew their vows in this manner, too. Whether it is your first time or for all time, Aruba is a great place for your wedding and honeymoon, the perfect place to start your new life. Enjoy the journey, which is the destination that never ends.

Published in: on July 16, 2008 at 3:40 pm  Comments (1)  
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Amsterdam Manor Resort, Aruba

The Amsterdam Manor Resort in Aruba is a striking contrast to the high-rise hotels that can be found on the island. The resort fronts Eagle Beach, one of the nicest beaches in the world, which is also photographed in this post and other places on this blog. Here’s a first look at the entrance.

The resort is a cluster of one and two-level buildings that surround a courtyard. In the courtyard you’ll find a bar, restaurant, and the pool shown here.

That’s the bar up there on the second level. From it you have great views of the water and beyond. This place has a completely different feel than the high-rises. There are rooms just a few yards from the pool. As you can see in the next photo, you can walk not ten steps for your morning swim from these.

Depending on what you’re looking for, it may be an option to consider. There are rooms tucked in around another courtyard (where you have a bit more privacy and quiet) like this:

Naturally there is a bar on the beach. Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you’re out there in the sun.

And, of course, here is a look at that beach as the sun is getting ready to set.

Whatever type of accommodations you prefer, make the most of your stay by remembering why you came to paradise: To relax! (Bring a good book, too! May I suggest An Island Away?)

Published in: on July 16, 2008 at 12:24 pm  Leave a Comment  
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