Cruise Tips: Shopping While in Port & On the Ship

Shopping may be a small part or a large part of your cruising experience… either way, I am sure you will be buying something during your cruise!  Here are a few tips to navigate shopping while in port and while aboard a cruise ship.

Attend the on board shopping show

If you are new to cruising, attend the shopping show! It’s a lot of fun and very informative.  Each cruise ship has a professional shopper on board who can give you the ins and outs and the best places to shop in port.  Especially if you are in the market for large purchases like jewelry!  Yes, she may lead you into a shop that is working with the cruise line and yes she make make a commission of of the sale.  But you can be sure this way you are getting a good product.

Pro tip: Be sure to sit up front as they throw free stuff into the audience!!

Photo from Cruise Critic

Let the bank know…

Make bank and credit card companies aware you are traveling out of the country.  Nothing will be more frustrating than finding the perfect purchase only to have your credit card declined!  They do this for your protection of suspicious purchases so let them know that sale in Mexico is coming from you!

Don’t use a debit card!

This can create holds on your checking account and there is less protection against fraud.  Instead use a credit card with a free international exchange rate.

Cash is best in port

Have smaller bills for ‘negotiating’ with vendors.  Many of the vendors will tell you a price when you first ask and then throw a lower price at you when you begin to walk away.  Know this going in and be prepared to negotiate for what you want.  It still kills me that my brother-in-law and I bought the same item in Cozumel and he paid less than I did because I caved on the price too soon!!!

Leave the cruise port

The shops outside of the cruise port will have better deals than those when you first get off the ship. You will also have a better chance of negotiating prices with these vendors.  Many of the shops within the port have their prices regulated so if you are looking for a good deal, look outside of these shops that are laid at your feet for convenience.

Did you forget a t-shirt?

Forgot to buy something in port? They will more than likely have the souvenir you are looking for in the shops.

I collect magnets from each port we visit and was upset when we ran out of time and I was unable to get one in Jamaica.  No worries, they had one on the onboard gift shop!

FLASH SALE

Check out the on board shops for their shopping deals – some are not great, but sometimes there is a good deal like t-shirts 2 for $20.  You will also find good deals on watches, etc on certain nights of the cruise.

Free liquor???

Shops will normally have free samples of alcohol on certain nights… check your schedule.  This is always fun!  There is usually a long line, but strike up a conversation.  They will hand you a small cup and allow you try a few of the options they are selling.  And there is usually a sale to go along with the tasting…

Of course, all purchases are duty free on a cruise ship!

I hope you find these tips helpful!  Be sure to check out our other posts for: what to do before your cruise; extras to pack; what to do after boarding; food & drinks; ports & excursions; tips & gratuities and activities not to miss on a Carnival cruise.

If you want all 101 Cruise Tips, click here:

Want to see these tips live:  Here is the video:

Want more cruising posts?  Here is our full list.

If you have enjoyed this post, please share!  Also, sign up for our emails so you have every new post delivered right to your inbox!

Thanks,

Alisa

EECC Travels