Cruise Tip #4 - Wonderful Shopping

What to buy...and where?

Remember - They expect you to haggle...do not pay the sticker price !!

St. Maarten/St Martin - Designer Clothing & More

Front Street in Philipsburg, St. Maarten - This web site tells it all about the Dutch side http://www.st-maarten.com/tb/shopping.htm

Marigot, St. Martin - I am told that one can acquire Designer clothes at reasonable prices. Many Paris designer use this oasis as their place to get away and do some work...so you might even bump into one of them. http://www.geographia.com/st-martin/smact01.htm#shopping

St. Thomas - Jewelry and Liquor
Jewelry & Watches - This is the place to get jewelry and watches at very good prices. Certain items can be discounted 50%. If you are thinking about acquiring a piece, I would suggest that you spend 20 minutes in a Canadian store to have a reference price. As the ship will tell you, only shop at their sanctioned stores as if it is a fake, the ship will give you back your money. Also the ship sanctioned stores typically give you a free gift or an option to by a heavily discounted item.

Liquor - A wonderful experience, however, you can quickly catch a buzz based on their free samples. I had some Tequila that was so smooth you could drink it straight....and I am not a bug fan of it, but I bought a bottle :)

http://www.vinow.com/stthomas/shopping/

On the Ship - Cruise Memorabilia
Obviously this is the place to get your cruise shirt or hat. A lot of cruises has "gold by the inch", keep in mind that it is costume jewelry.



I'm betting you are looking for a Mickey something....myself... I'm after Goofy !!