How does the "free gift" at the shopping talks work?

[goingbacksoon]

On the most recent navigators, it is advertised that those who attend the shopping talks receive a free... something. Such as diamond stud earrings, diamond charm bracelets, etc. They all involve precious stones, or other quality gifts.

So how does it work? Do they hand them out, or is it a gift certificate to redeem with a purchase, or what? Do you have to find a particular jeweler in the port that redeems it?

You know what they say... if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

goingbacksoon

 

[MarkRG]

The free gift is always free, but I can say sometimes it is underwhelming. We redeemed the diamond stud one one time and I think the head of a pin was bigger than the stone. :lol:

Now that said, the shopping talk is definitely worth attending, lot of good info on the port there.

 

[tecdavidt]

On our Galaxy cruise the free gift were diamond earings at Diamond International. I went in and presented the coupon I had from the talk. The diamonds were so small that you could hardly see them. So I avoid the freebies now. In fact, I tossed out those "diamond studs". Maybe somebody else actually got something decent for free. Kathy

 

[Annie12345]

We attended the shopping presentation and received a coupon for an 18 karat gold charm bracelet with a diamond charm from Diamonds International. Then at each port of call, you take in the bracelet and they give you a charm. Each port of call has a unique charm. The charms are supposed to be 18 karat gold - who knows?? My daughter loved this. Since there are at least two locations of Diamonds International at each port, you can sometimes get more than one charm (and sometimes they are different). We also got the free diamond studs at almost every jewellry store that we passed (without coupons). They are very tiny, but my 10 year old daughter loves them - she gave some to her friends as souvenirs as well. At the shopping presentation, there are chances to win some cool stuff and you do get some great information... if you miss the talk, you can stop by the shore excursion desk at certain times to get the same information and coupons...

 

[inkkognito]

My freebie didn't involve precious (or not so precious!) stones. I got a free keychain from Del Sol that changes color in the sunlight. Since I never get off the ship in Nassau to actually go shopping there, it was nice to get it.
Our friends that we sailed with got free pearl earrings...not worth much, tho'.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I just wanted to add that they play the shopping presentation on TV in your stateroom - It was great to watch while you were getting ready or late at night before you turn in -

 

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Annie12345
We attended the shopping presentation and received a coupon for an 18 karat gold charm bracelet with a diamond charm from Diamonds International. Then at each port of call, you take in the bracelet and they give you a charm. Each port of call has a unique charm. The charms are supposed to be 18 karat gold - who knows?? My daughter loved this. Since there are at least two locations of Diamonds International at each port, you can sometimes get more than one charm (and sometimes they are different). We also got the free diamond studs at almost every jewellry store that we passed (without coupons). They are very tiny, but my 10 year old daughter loves them - she gave some to her friends as souvenirs as well. At the shopping presentation, there are chances to win some cool stuff and you do get some great information... if you miss the talk, you can stop by the shore excursion desk at certain times to get the same information and coupons...

LOL! Annie, Kelsey wanted that too, but I've stolen it from her (I'm "protecting" it...she has 3 charm bracelets and has lost charms from them all!)...and I haven't taken it off yet! I love this bracelet. Not exactly the best gold, as you can see where it's "wearing thin" in some places, but it's fun and the little sombrero charm from Cozumel is my favorite.

We also got free tanzanite studs when I bought a ring at Tanzanite Intl - and they threw in some extras for DD. Again, tiny, but the gold is real and my daughter;s ears infect easy, so these are good for her ears.

 

[jlp651]

First, I caught a pearl set..earrings, bracelette and necklace...at the talk-so I think that going to the talk is worth it...but thats me

Then, I got 2 gem stones...one I brought to a jewler here and am having a ring made out of it...I will post it when I get it...the other one I am holding on to...as we travel and get more free stones I would like to put them into a bracelette...

I did get the free charm bracelette with the starfish with a "canhardly" diamond in in (canhardly=you can hardly see it) but then they told me to go to the DI outlet and get another charm...so I did that too...

We also played the Punch N' Play-but we didnt get it back to Tower Jewlers in time-see my trip report for that story!...and that is how we saw Nassau...I think it was worth it and cant wait to go again...I love free stuff...especially stuff I can be creative with! I cant wait to see my ring that I am having made!

Thats my 2 cents...