Holland has a great reputation for its quality and diversity of shops. But in all honesty, IJmuiden is a small town with a rather small center and a limited amount of shops. If you really want to go on a shopping spree, you should consider going to Amsterdam or Haarlem. Both cities offer an enormous array of shops, from small handcraft shops and cosy boutiques to large flagship stores of international brands.
In case you are just looking for some nice souvenirs or gifts (for the ones at home, not lucky enough to join you on your cruise), you don’t need to go far. During most cruise calls, a small but well assorted souvenir stand will be open in the main hall of the Felison Cruise Terminal. This stand is a branch of IJmuiden’s one and only real souvenir store Groeten uit IJmuiden, located on the nearby Kennemerboulevard.
In the center of IJmuiden you will find various stores and several supermarkets, which will certainly cater for all your daily needs. Please note that all shops and stores in IJmuiden are closed on Sundays and on public holidays, with the exception of some supermarkets.
If you are visiting Cruise Port IJmuiden during the weekend, you can also go to the famous Bazaar (also known as “Black Market”) in the nearby village of Beverwijk. This is the largest in- and outdoor market in Europe, with more than 1000 (!!!) stands and a large flea market. Overhere you find goods from the east, west, north and south and tradesmen coming from all corners of the world. It’s also a great place if you want to enjoy a (spicy) oriental meal!
Please keep in mind that the majority of cruise lines will not allow you to bring any alcoholic beverages on board, as well as perishable goods like cheese, meat and fish. Needless to say that the same applies to all things that can be considered as narcotics. In The Netherlands such substances are easily and widely available (for example, in lots of the infamous “coffeeshops”) but you take the severe risk on being refused on board!