How do on-board shopping prices compare?

[jocelysue]

Have cruised quite a bit, but have never shopped on board. However, I've seen certain specials advertised such as "amber" days, "watch" days, etc. and always been curious about them.

 

Are the supposedly duty-free shops on board HAL ships a good bargain? In other words, are their prices both competitive and honest? Would one be stupid &/ silly (i.e. naive) to purchase jewelry such as diamonds, etc. on board?

 

How do makeup prices compare with those on shore ?

 

I must admit that I have never taken the time to do any comparison shopping and have not really found much on this board addressing this particular topic.

 

So would like to know: on-board shopping, good deal, bad deal, no deal,?

 

 

This is a mixed thread: fun & serious. So opinions needed

[MaduroJim]

I've found the prices to vary widely as to whether or not they are a good deal. On the higher-end fragrances, my wife tells me the prices are pretty good, and we've gotten some good deals on Citizen and Concord watches.

 

My best advice would be to consider something you might want to purchase (such as a watch) and get an idea of what the price is before you leave the states.

 

As far as gems, I tend to be a bit wary. Having said that, sometimes because it's vacation, you have to say "what the heck" and buy something that catches your eye. I bought my wife an amber necklace on a cruise last year and I don't care if it was a good deal or not...anything that gets a big smile like that from her is worth it.

 

PS - my WTH purchases are not the several hundred dollar things...my limit tends to be around $200.;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Watch sale -- I always look at them -- you would do much better shopping at home!! What I have seen on various ships -- top brand names are over-priced and the others $39 - $69 sale -- real rip offs. They will have these sales at least once or twice a cruise and I have always noticed -- the watches are not selling.

 

Gems -- well HAL really tries to push the loose gems -- then you go home and have to buy your own settings.

 

Jewelry with this gems -- better buy at home.

[iancal]

Here is my recent experience from the Westerdam a week ago. Looked at two watches-a Citizen and a higher end Baume Mercier which was in the jewelry section. The Citizen sold for 223. On line is about $240 (list $400 but list is meaningless these days). Trick is that Citizen on line dealers will NOT ship to Canada. Other bonus is no tax....PST/GST. Same watch was $300. at one Fort Lauderdale store.

 

The high end Baume Mercier was very different. The ship's price was $1495. On line, it could be had for $1315 and I am certain that you could probably do a little better on St. Thomas. Neither of us are jewelry experts. The fine jewelry seemed a little over priced but we were not serious either and could not judge quality. Again, no PST/GST.

 

You need to be very careful with watches. Some have 18K gold, other identical styles may not. In the Citizen line, some may look similar but the differences could be saphire crystal vs mineral crystal or battery vs. eco drive. You really have to know exactly what you want right down to the model number. I did buy the Citizen watch....not because it was a great deal but becuase I liked it and it was a fair price. The retail staff gave me the big story re off list etc. They are in business to make a profit.

I would not buy gemstones on the ship, nor would I buy them from someone I did not know. The 'appraisal' certificates that accompany them are nothing but meaningless pieces of paper.

[hawgwildterry]

On-board Duty Free Shop purchases must be declared on your ICE (Customs Form) prior to debarkation. In our case, I bought a set of diamond stud earrings for my wife that were on sale. As the shop is 'Duty Free' I did not declare them on our Customs Form. The morning of debarkation we were summoned to the Oosterdam's library. Two ICE (Customs) agents were seated at a table. We were asked for our declaration form and they noted that we had not declared the diamond earrings. The agents referred to a print out of sales provided to them by the Oosterdam. We explained to the agents that as we bought the earrings in the Duty Free Store, we did not know that we had to declare them.

 

The agent in charge recalculated our declaration form and informed us that we were over the allowable exemption. The agent then wrote on the form a big zero in the tax owed space and told us to have a nice day.

 

Lesson learned......do not make a major purchase on-board and forget to declare it on the customs form.

[knitter]

Anything bought duty free has to be declared on your return- I think you even have to declare what you buy in the duty free shop at the airport on your way out when you come home.

[ANSalberg]

Another thought; we had over $1000 SBC due to a cruise being canceled BY HAL. We have 2 daughters; I bought 2 jewel/Opal slides [ for necklaces] for them with HAL's money to bring home for Christmas -I was THRILLED the money was not wasted and believe me- THEY were THRILLED also!!!!!

Anne

[Sailorgirlseattle]

I've bought a few higher-end cosmetics on board, and to me the value there is having them available as-needed when I forgot to pack something. I didn't find the prices noticeably cheaper than the dept stores on land.

[iancal]

Our experience in travelling, cruise ships included, is that you need to be very careful when buying duty free. The implication is that prices will be much cheaper. This is NOT necessarily the case-in fact we have noticed that in some cases duty free prices are more expensive than at home. And, like some of the so called factory outlet stores, product is often brought in specifically for these types of retail outlets and the quality/product can sometimes not be what you expected.

[jocelysue]

Thanks for your answers.:) That is the kind of information I was hoping for in starting this thread. Was hoping for many responses and caveats.

 

Many people buy at duty-free shops in ports but do not question prices on board ships. I have found this to be so especially with cameras. I have a very strong suspicion that prices are almost always better back home. Also there might be problems with the guarantee (warranty).

 

Perhaps I'm wrong. That is what this thread is all about: prices in shops on board.:confused:

[hawgwildterry]

In addition to my original post to you about being aware of declaring on-board Duty Free purchases, I will add this.

 

During our Panama Canal cruise on Princess, I was interested in purchasing a Casio watch in the ships Duty Free store. Over the 15 day cruise, I looked at the same watch several times but held off buying it. The price was something like $500. After the cruise, I went to my local Costco and saw the EXACT same watch for $300.

 

Prior to a Southern Caribbean cruise, I checked on the price of a certain style Breitling watch locally. I found the same watch in St. Thomas for almost $2000 cheaper and it included the full US warranty and documentation. I bought the Breitling on the spot and also picked up a Raymond Weil watch for my wife.

 

My best advice would be to have a good idea of costs at home before falling for the 'Duty Free' enticement.

[Jsipes]

All items of jewerly can be purchased at less cost ashore....the Liquor is usually a good buy....the ART printsi are marked up approx 2000% and it is also true the art manager is the highest paid employee on any HAL Ship, including the Capt. at least that is what I've been told by a Dept Head who I shall not divulge....

[m steve]

Liquor is a great buy outside the Caribbean but ususally cheaper in St. Thomas or St.Martin and there's more to choose from. I find Next Day watches on line the best buy, better than ship or the island ports. Usually no shipping charges or sales tax. If I plan to make a purchase during a cruise I always shop online first to check prices. And if shopping remember that your St. Thomas allowance is greater than other islands or on board purchases. The ships report large purchases of jewelry, liquor, etc. to US Customs so you can't hide your casino winnings.