Firslty, St. Maarten tops the list when it comes to convenience and selection. Cruise passengers have it easy here, with a massive selection of shops within easy walking distance from the cruise ship piers. But what sets St. Maarten apart is its stunning downtown area, complete with a beautiful boardwalk along a white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise blue water. You’ll find numerous restaurants and bars along the boardwalk, making it the perfect place to take a break from shopping. Stroll along Front Street, and you’ll discover a multitude of jewellery boutiques, electronics stores, perfume shops, liquor outlets, swimwear boutiques, souvenir shops, and even casinos. Don’t forget to visit the Guavaberry Emporium, home to locally made liqueurs and hot sauces and the most photographed building on the island. St. Maarten has truly become the Caribbean’s shopping hub, surpassing St. Thomas in popularity.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Scenic Shopping Paradise

Old San Juan is the Caribbean’s most picturesque shopping destination, boasting stunning colonial-style architecture and cobblestone streets. If your cruise arrives in Puerto Rico, make sure to be out on deck upon arrival or departure to admire the spectacular forts surrounding Old Town. The shopping scene here includes upscale shops and a variety of handcrafted items made in Puerto Rico. You have to visit Barrachina’s, the birthplace of the Pina Colada, for a refreshing Pina Colada.

When you step into the world of blue diamond shopping in San Juan, you’ll find yourself amidst a selection of mesmerizing gems that rival some of the most renowned jewellery hubs in the world. Blue Diamond is a family-owned business serving locals and tourists since 1991 check out the San Juan map for location.  Blue Diamond is an authorized dealer of the all brands it sells at their stores and online. We strive to provide duty-free savings on everything along with an excellent shopping experience.  Shop stress-free with us at our stores or online. Every purchase comes with a limited lifetime warranty.  San Juan’s blend of luxury and savings creates an irresistible opportunity for those seeking the perfect blue diamond to grace their collection or celebrate a special occasion.

Barbados: The Gem of the Caribbean with amazing Shopping

Barbados is a firm favourite and gem of the Caribbean known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Bridgetown, the capital, is a shopper’s paradise with a mix of duty-free shops, chic boutiques, and local markets. Broad Street, the main shopping hub, is lined with stores offering fine jewellery, designer fashion, and exquisite watches.  ly take the trip to Limegrove for a touch of luxury.

For a taste of local flavour, explore the historic Pelican Craft Centre, where artisans showcase their talents through pottery, woodwork, and other handcrafted goods. Don’t forget to indulge in Barbadian rum, a beloved local speciality. You can visit Mount Gay Rum Distillery for a tour and a chance to purchase a bottle of this Caribbean treasure.

Antigua: Compact and Charming

Antigua offers a great shopping experience in a compact area. Here, you’ll find jewellery, watches, perfumes, leather goods, and the Caribbean’s most amazing swimwear shop, Sunseakers. Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the selection of South African wines available at C&C Wine Bar. 

Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald City where everyone shops for Emeralds

If your cruise takes you to Cartagena, Colombia, prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of emeralds available.  Cartagena is known as “The Emerald City,” and it lives up to its name with a mind-boggling selection of these precious gems. For more details on shopping for emeralds in Cartagena, be sure to check out our dedicated blog post, “The Emerald City – Cartagena.”

To read more about why Cartagena is called the Emerald City click here.

Cozumel, Mexico: The Ultimate Shopping Experience

Cozumel is a must-visit destination in the Western Caribbean. It offers everything from diamonds to silver to Talavera pottery to tequila. Venture into the town to get the authentic Mexican experience, and don’t just limit your shopping to the cruise piers. If you’re there in the evening, make sure to catch a spectacular sunset along the sea wall.

St. Thomas: The Shopping Capital of the Caribbean

St. Thomas is renowned for its duty-free shopping, and you’ll find a wide range of products, from jewellery and watches to electronics and perfumes. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a shopping haven with numerous stores and boutiques. The bustling Main Street is where you’ll discover an array of jewellery shops, making it a paradise for those seeking exquisite gems. St. Thomas offers a fantastic shopping experience that’s hard to resist.

Grand Cayman: Such amazing shopping it is nick-named Brand Cayman

Grand Cayman, known as Brand Cayman, cruisers shop for famous brands every authorized dealer is here.  All Tax and Duty free. This Caribbean paradise offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques to local craft markets. George Town, the capital, is the shopping hub, with various shops selling jewellery, watches, fashion, and more. You will find renowned brands and unique souvenirs to take home.  Find the famous Tortuga Rum cake you don’t have to wait to cruise click this link and order your favourite flavour to enjoy. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local craft markets for authentic Caymanian treasures. Grand Cayman offers a delightful mix of shopping options, ensuring that you’ll find something special to remember your visit.  Grand Caymanely an island to invest in a new watch, you will save tax & duty plus perhaps a little more check this article if you are interested in knowing more. Are Watches Cheaper In The Cayman Islands? | Cruise, Shop, Save (cruiseshopsave.com)

Shopping Paradise Unveiled: ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao

Introduction: The ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.  These islands, nestled in the southern Caribbean, have carved a unique niche as shopping paradises, enticing travellers with a treasure trove of shopping opportunities. In this blog, we’ll take you on a shopping journey through the ABC Islands and reveal why they are an absolute must-visit for shopaholics and souvenir hunters.

Aruba: Retail Bliss in Paradise

Aruba is often referred to as the “One Happy Island.”   The capital city of Oranjestad is a shopper’s delight, offering a vibrant blend of luxury boutiques, international brands, and local markets. Stroll along the bustling Main Street and Renaissance Mall for high-end fashion, jewellery, and electronics. Don’t forget to explore the Royal Plaza Mall, home to renowned brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

For a more authentic experience, head to the Palm Beach area, where you’ll find Aruba’s famous street markets. These markets are a haven for unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewellery, and local artwork. Aloe vera products, a speciality of Aruba, make for great gifts or personal pampering. Aruba offers a shopping experience that seamlessly blends luxury and authenticity.

Bonaire: Diver’s Paradise with Shopping Surprises

Bonaire is famous for its exceptional diving sites and pristine nature.  Kralendijk, the island’s main town, boasts charming streets with boutique shops, art galleries, and craft stores. You’ll discover beautifully crafted items like hand-painted ceramics, jewellery featuring vibrant gemstones, and unique Caribbean artwork.

Bonaire has intricate lacework, and the Bonaire Arts and Crafts Foundation is the place to explore this local art form. For those looking for a piece of the island’s natural beauty, Bonaire’s speciality shops offer exquisite sea salt products and scuba diving memorabilia. The laid-back atmosphere of Bonaire makes shopping here a truly enjoyable experience.

Curacao: A Colorful Shopping Extravaganza

Curacao has colourful architecture and a vibrant culture.  Willemstad, the capital, offers a blend of Dutch colonial charm and Caribbean flair. Curacao is famous for its liqueur, and you can’t leave without sampling the world-renowned Blue Curacao liqueur. The distillery tour and the opportunity to purchase a bottle as a memento are must-do activities. The Floating Market, where vendors from Venezuela sell fresh produce and handicrafts from their colourful boats, adds a unique twist to the shopping scene.

Conclusion: The Caribbean offers a diverse and exciting shopping experience for cruisers. From the convenience of St. Maarten to the picturesque streets of Old San Juan, the treasure trove of emeralds in Cartagena, the shopping paradise in St. Thomas, and the shopping extravaganza in Grand Cayman, The colour and beauty in the ABC islands.  There’s something for every shopper in this tropical paradise. Make the most of your island-hopping adventure and bring home memories and treasures from the Caribbean that you’ll cherish forever. Happy shopping!