Shopping

Whether you are shopping onboard or on shore, it is always nice to find a great deal. Of course, it depends on what you are looking for. And while some people look at the ever-expanding onboard boutiques for deals, others go bargain hunting during shore excursions.

Some offshore areas are well known for their selection and duty-free bargains. The Caribbean islands offer jewelry (including watches and emeralds), cameras, designer perfume or rum. The big ports, such as Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas; and both Philipsburg and Marigot, in St. Martin, are filled with such opportunities. Alaska now has some of the same shops you will find in the Caribbean, but you can also find hand-carved native art. True shoppers will be delighted by Newport, Rhode Island and Kalakaua Avenue in Oahu, Hawaii. Each destination holds something special.

Most ships have a shopping area onboard, with Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, boasting one of the most elite at sea, called the Mayfair Shops. Looking for an Hermès scarf? Perhaps a Chopard watch. If so, you can find it here. This galley of upscale boutiques offers a wide arrange of products, including sundries and jewelry. Other famous names are H. Stern and the venerable Harrods. The Queen Victoria, to debut in December 2007, will also feature a shop where you can purchase Cunard Line memorabilia in the form of postcards, posters and even jewelry.

Art auctions, loved or hated by cruisers, offer the chance to purchase various works by artists, some well known. They too are duty-free. If you are a golf enthusiast, find upscale Crystal Cruises golfer’s equipment by TaylorMade. Keep in mind, if you purchase liquor most cruise lines do not permit you to bring it onboard. If you buy it in one of their duty-free shops, they will hold on to it to you until the last day of your cruise when they deliver it to your stateroom. There are often “sale” days onboard, especially in the ship’s company boutique.

When cruising the Caribbean merchants accept U.S. dollars and credit cards. If you are converting dollars into Euros or any other currency, the ship will be able to handle this for you. Of course, it is recommended using a credit card to protect you if there is something wrong with the purchased item. But some of the best items are made by local craftsman, and whichever port you are in, you can find something unique to the area, such as Russia’s traditional nesting dolls on a St. Petersburg port call. For many, half the fun of shopping on a cruise is just getting there.