Shopping talk/port talk???

[shawnamarie0509]

I keep reading the tip that I should stand in front during a shopping talk because they give away free things. But what exactly is a shopping talk? Is it also refered to as a port talk? Or is that something completely different? Are they worth going to? What do they give away anyway?

[1025cruise]

Where are you cruising to? If its the Caribbean, the port/shopping talk is the "shopping consultant" shilling for whichever stores paid them to be shilled.

[CruiserBruce]

Generally, yes, it is someone pushing what the cruise line would like you to see- certain shops or tours.

 

On some lines, and particularly on more sight intensive cruises and ports, it can be an infomational presentation on the things to see and do.

[Cruisin' Chick]

i would agree that the port talks onboard are usually to steer you toward you of their "recommended" shops such as Diamonds International. I would truly be ticked off if I sat through one of the talks just to be given some 10 per cent coupon or whatever.

 

I would suggest posting on your cruiseline's board, put your ship's name and port talk freebies as the topic and see if anyone's gone recently.

[cb at sea]

This is a selling tactic....there's really no need to participate at all.....it's kind of like a timeshare sale....they promise you a "prize" if you'll sit and listen to them (and then they try a "hard sell" on you).....

 

Not worth what "freebie" they might hand out. Don't waste your time.

[shawnamarie0509]

We'll be going on Carnival Legend's Jan 8th 2012 trip. Its Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. Would this be more informational? Or just, a waste of time? By the way, how long are these things?

[98Charlie]

The port talks last anywhere from ½ hour to an hour.

 

Even though the person giving the talk has a name badge from the cruise line they are normally employed by the ad agency that promotes the "preferred" shops. They are preferred because they pay the agency on a per ship basis.

 

Little of value is given away during the talks. IMHO the time is better spent doing anything else:rolleyes:

 

Charlie

[Cruisin' Chick]

Why not just do your own research ahead of your cruise? What I like to do is go on the websites for my ports. Sometimes there's a brochure they can mail you, but usually there's tons of info right on the website. You can see what stores are there (maybe even go on the stores' websites, if they have one) and what items they sell. There's usually a map also on the site.

 

Also get a good guidebook (Frommers, Foders, etc.) for one or more of the ports (you can often check them out from your local library to read, but if you want to bring a book, better to buy it).

[Marie51]

We'll be going on Carnival Legend's Jan 8th 2012 trip. Its Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. Would this be more informational? Or just, a waste of time? By the way, how long are these things?

 

Waste of time. They just try to push you into shopping at certain stores. Prizes, if any, are worthless. And they usually show it on the TV in your cabin.

[SadieN]

............... And they usually show it on the TV in your cabin.

 

The talk will be repeated on TV many, many times.

[shawnamarie0509]

Thanks everyone! I've been researching my Jan 2012 cruise ports since last month, so I think I'll be good! DH and I usually buy stuff as it catches our eye, this may not be the best practice but I'll probably continue doing this instead waste my time at a shopping talk. Thanks for the advice!!

[RollTideRollRich]

This is a selling tactic....there's really no need to participate at all.....it's kind of like a timeshare sale....they promise you a "prize" if you'll sit and listen to them (and then they try a "hard sell" on you).....

 

Not worth what "freebie" they might hand out. Don't waste your time.

 

But prizes are cool? :cool:

[shawnamarie0509]

But prizes are cool? :cool:

 

 

I know! I'm a sucker for prizes. But I guess if they're not Carnival related and everyone says they aren't worth it I'll spend my time doing something else. Maybe I can convince DH to give that water slide a go with the threat of attending a shopping talk!!

[MCC retired]

For what it's worth , I've seen this event too often to not comment:

 

If you watch closely late in the day, at the recommended stores, in any port , you will see that same "Port Shopping Specialist" moving between

his recommended stores ,collecting envelopes from the previous sailing sale results . There is the reason the stores will ask which ship you are from.:rolleyes:

[Traveller20074]

I never go any more. It's more of a pitch for Diamonds International than anything ;) :D

 

 

I don't remember them giving anything away......

[GORDONCHICK]

Just say "NO" and keep on walking! Don't buy the little book they sell either. It equates to trick or treating for adults, and it's not worth it! And the slide is much more fun!

[Essiesmom]

The only thing of value is the packet of store brochures you can pick up at the door. Some stores give freebies, charms, cheap version of gemstones. For instance, EFFY jewelry stores give a little pendant on a silver chain, and for a minor amount you can buy earrings to match. Different stone in different ports. These can make nice, inexpensive gifts for grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, etc. EM

[Marie51]

I know! I'm a sucker for prizes. But I guess if they're not Carnival related and everyone says they aren't worth it I'll spend my time doing something else. Maybe I can convince DH to give that water slide a go with the threat of attending a shopping talk!!

 

Here's what happened to me before I knew better. I attended the shopping talk on the promise that everyone who attended would get a free pendant. Well, at the end of the talk coupons were passed out for a jewelry store to go to for the free pendant. I had to take a taxi for $12 to get downtown to the store, walk 3 blocks in the sweltering heat to get to the store only to be given a very tiny pendant that you can barely see with the naked eye.

Don't be fooled by these type of tricks.

[RollTideRollRich]

I know! I'm a sucker for prizes. But I guess if they're not Carnival related and everyone says they aren't worth it I'll spend my time doing something else. Maybe I can convince DH to give that water slide a go with the threat of attending a shopping talk!!

 

Just say yes to prizes!

[pms4104]

Just think of the port/shopping talk as an hour, plus or minus, out of your life that you'll never get back.

[shawnamarie0509]

Here's what happened to me before I knew better. I attended the shopping talk on the promise that everyone who attended would get a free pendant. Well, at the end of the talk coupons were passed out for a jewelry store to go to for the free pendant. I had to take a taxi for $12 to get downtown to the store, walk 3 blocks in the sweltering heat to get to the store only to be given a very tiny pendant that you can barely see with the naked eye.

Don't be fooled by these type of tricks.

 

Oh no Marie!! Sounds like a waste of 12 dollars! Thanks for the advice! I'm sorry you had that experience, but I'll definitely learn from the mistake!!

[SuiteLady]

First cruise I took was on Carnival and I got caught up into the shopping talks and "prizes/ free gifts". Found it all to be a BIG waste!! Lesson learned....the truth is, there is no such thing as a free lunch!! LOL:D

[Marie51]

Oh no Marie!! Sounds like a waste of 12 dollars! Thanks for the advice! I'm sorry you had that experience, but I'll definitely learn from the mistake!!

 

Like I said, that was before I knew better.

[Cru1s1ng2009]

The last cruise on Enchantment of the Seas offered a $30 card during this presentation. it gave you buy one, get one free DOD PLUS $30 off a spa treatment. So if you like going to the spa, not only is it free, u get some free drinks.

[ozzy77]

the DH and I attended one and when we realized it was just pushing expensive stuff that we werent interested in we left....I felt bad but I didnt see spending my valuable "cruise time" sitting there