Shops asking which ship your on?

[PattBenatar]

Standard question on most shops I have been at while buying items. I know they log it. Do they hand it over to customs or the ship to hand over to US customs? They never took my name or asked for my card however.

 

While in Amber Cove we were the only ship in port and they still asked.

 

I bought nothing more than 2 bottles of Vanilla in Mexico that would even be considered questionable. I declared it, it was fine.

 

Just curious does anyone know for sure?

[ShakyBeef]

From what I understand, this is so that the store can give the appropriate kickback to each ship's onboard "shopping consultant".

 

ETA: I didn't answer your question, I'm sorry. No, I don't know for sure.

Edited August 8, 2016 by ShakyBeef

[PattBenatar]

From what I understand, this is so that the store can give the appropriate kickback to each ship's onboard "shopping consultant".

 

 

Interesting answer, makes sense. Thank you.

[joepeka]

I am going to guess they collect that info for the cruise lines rather than for Customs purposes. If a shop is a cruise line "recommended" business, it may help them maintain that status; if a shop is not a recommended business, it may help the business demonstrate that the cruise line should add them to their preferred business list. Just a guess. :)

 

P.S. Shakybeef also provided a very good answer/guess.

Edited August 8, 2016 by joepeka

[sgttami]

I know in St. Thomas they used to ask but I just told them "I'm not on a cruise."

 

Most of the time I wasn't. I was staying in St. John.

[maldenmusic]

I don't think I've ever been asked that question

[riffatsea]

Sometimes folks just want to know what ship is in port that day. I would really be surprised if they all kept records of which ships sent their passengers to their shop.

[mcarney]

My understanding it is used for customs ... my BF was 'summoned' to the customs area when disembarking for cigarette purchase (2 cartons --- 1 for him and 1 for me, so he took my passport and declaration and was released) but while in line, the lady in front of him was 'caught' lying ... she had purchased a ring while in port for $2600 but did not put it on her declaration form - the custom's agent gave her several times to declare it but she didn't -- so, he was like what about the ring you purchased for $2600 in XXX port? She was floored that he knew about it --- her explanation was that she was wearing it and didn't think that counted ...SMH. Anyway, she got escorted to the naughty table where she had to fork out $$$.

[QTPieRye]

Up until recently we had never been asked that... however, this past January on the Carnival Liberty, we were asked this multiple times from various shops, including Harley Davidson. One shop required us to show your S&S card and another asked us to write down the ship name on a log they had at the counter. I asked why and they said it had something to do with taxes...

[QTPieRye]

Up until recently we had never been asked that... however, this past January on the Carnival Liberty, we were asked this multiple times from various shops, including Harley Davidson. One shop required us to show your S&S card and another asked us to write down the ship name on a log they had at the counter. I asked why and they said it had something to do with taxes...

[cruizinisthebest]

I don't think I've ever been asked that question

Me either. Ever. And we always shop in port. But I would say so if asked. No big deal.

 

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[almitra]

Been asked that MANY times over the years, especially in Coz. I suspect it's for purposes of kickbacks, but know for sure.

[cb at sea]

I would tell them that I LIVE there! None of their business.....I guess they need to know who to give a "kick-back" to!

[wecamp]

On our cruise in 1984 certain shops had signs and if you bought there you gave your ship and room number. They delivered what you bought to your room. Wish that still happened!

Edited August 9, 2016 by wecamp

[BenjiRodney]

The stores have to be able to prove to the local authorities why they did not collect taxes. In Belize and they have always had us to sign a second copy of the receipt that they keep for their tax purposes.

[Rod in Az]

Up until recently we had never been asked that... however, this past January on the Carnival Liberty, we were asked this multiple times from various shops, including Harley Davidson. One shop required us to show your S&S card and another asked us to write down the ship name on a log they had at the counter. I asked why and they said it had something to do with taxes...

 

The stores have to be able to prove to the local authorities why they did not collect taxes. In Belize and they have always had us to sign a second copy of the receipt that they keep for their tax purposes.

 

I asked the clerk on our last cruise and she told me because they are duty free shops (no tax) they have to ask. While not all of the shops had us initial a slip, some did.

 

She said if someone who actually lives there purchases something they are required to pay tax on the purchase.

 

Seemed reasonable to me.....

[cruzeluver]

Only happens at the shops "recommended" by the cruise line. Those stores apy big bucks to be on the "recommended" list. Has nothing to do with whether or not its a good store or not. It is most definitely not for tax purposes. We rarely got into the "recommended" stores but when we have, we tell them we did not arrive on a ship and have never been told we would then have to pay tax.

[SadieN]

Not necessarily asked only in shops on the recommended list.

 

They like to get an idea that if their traffic is heavier on ship days.

We've been asked in Victoria's Chinatown.

 

 

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