Shopping - Find bargins in port and on the ship!

FIND CHEAP Shopping

I must say that shopping isn't really something I do a lot of when I'm on a cruise. My family and I try and make the most of our time in ports we enjoy the beaches and different excursions instead of shopping. Shopping only comes into play if we have time and mostly we rush through the local shops. I will share a couple of things that have learned.

Shopping Onboard - There are different gimmicks onboard to sell their goods. Free alcohol tasting, raffles for watches or jewelry, or camera presentations. You'll find different specials listed in the daily paper or outside the ship store almost like a sidewalk sale. Items are duty free and you can save lots on alcohol or cigarettes.

*They will charge you tax if you are not in international waters. So if you plan on purchasing and can wait I urge you to do so. On our last cruise we purchased a photo while still in Key West waters and we were charged tax. This could add up if you had a large purchase.

Shopping Maps - Most cruise lines will do a shopping talk onboard before you go ashore and/or sometimes its aired on the ship TVs. They usually handout maps of the shopping areas in port with the "ship approved shopping". Most of these shops are part of the shopping pitch and can sometimes offer a free gift just for visiting. So if shopping is your thing you may have to pick up a map or two to plan your route.

Don't be afraid to Haggle - This seems to work best in small open air type shops. Mexico is one of my favorite places to get bargains. Once we were in Costa Maya and I wanted to buy a hammock. I got one for $15.00 they were asking 40.00. Sometimes when my daughter gets her hair braided they will do it for less. I am always respectful when offering a lower price many times vendors will come back at me with another offer and I can decide wither or not I'd like to purchase. If its more than I want to spend I simply just say no thank you and move on. They won't sell you anything without making a profit.

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