Any good shopping on St. Thomas or St. Maarten?

[Tulip2796]

We'll be doing an eastern caribbean cruise soon. I'm wondering if there is any good shopping at either of those ports. I'm not looking for souvenirs, just for well-made items that I wouldn't be able to find on the US mainland. Also, are there any must-have items/treats etc that we should buy while in the ports? Thanks.

 

[Travel60]

Both those ports are very touristy. Shops seem to be similar collections of jewelry, t-shirts, hand-made trinkets, etc. Much like every other Caribbean port town. I'm not a big shopper (maybe a couple of Ts for grandchildren) so perhaps I missed any unique must-haves.

 

[JME]

In St Maarten we enjoyed our visit to the Guavaberry Emporium on Front Street. They sell a delicious guavaberry slushy type drink that you can sip while browsing through the various local guavaberry and rum offerings in the shop. There are all kinds of items available. They can package up any liquor purchase so you can carry it back to the ship and hand it over to be stored until pick up on disembarkation day. There is also a kiosk of their products in the shopping area at the port dock, but the shop was quaint and the ladies behind the counter delightful and very helpful.

 

[hanscarlet]

We drove through the shopping district in Phillipsburg and it seemed like there was a lot of stuff there, lots of jewelry shops and such. St. Thomas has a mall right across from the ship and it's like PP said, very touristy with jewelry, liquor, booze and souvenir shops

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

We spent a full day up and down Phillipsburg (BTW the shops open around 10). Fantastic deals on jewelry, cosmetics/perfumes, clothing, chocolates and the rum is unique and incredible. The restaurants are great for lunch. There's the usual Del Sol, Diamonds International and whatnot, but it was a lot of fun. Of note, we went before the big hurricane season

 

[OKW Lover]

You can get hand embroidered linens (table cloths, napkins, etc) in either island. Good workmanship and very cheap.

 

[Tulip2796]

Thanks everyone!