Is the shopping better in St. Maarten or St. Thomas?

[VA Girl]

I wanted to do some shopping while on our cruise. Can anyone tell me which island is better for buying gold jewelry and designer handbags? Are there any specific shops you could recommend? Thank you.

 

[logan1_2000]

I predict that more people may say St. Thomas is better shopping. I have shopped them both, and I preferred St. Martin. Can't help you on handbags, but I will vouch for Trident & Shivas jewelers, two stores owned by the same family, one on each side of the street. They advertise to cruise ships, their business is mostly repeat business from the island's many vacation home and time share owners, and then referrals from the states--yes, I have bought from them via phone and email and FedEx. Excellent quality and value, will appraise for much more than your purchase price, and honest folks.

 

[CTFamilyCruisers]

I have to agree. I am in the minority in that I was not in love with St Thomas. We went to St Maarten last year for a week - and we really loved it. Personally, for jewelry, I liked Splash. Family owned, trustowrthy, mostly word of mouth business - I don't think they advertise much. I think that helps them keep their costs down. They get so many repeat customers and referrals they don't seem to have to advertise!

 

[dzneprincess]

I have to agree. I am in the minority in that I was not in love with St Thomas. We went to St Maarten last year for a week - and we really loved it. Personally, for jewelry, I liked Splash. Family owned, trustowrthy, mostly word of mouth business - I don't think they advertise much. I think that helps them keep their costs down. They get so many repeat customers and referrals they don't seem to have to advertise!

I also agree. I felt that the shopping in St Martin was much better. ALso, in talking with a CM on the water taxi back to the ship, was told that St Martin was one of the few ports that some serious bargaining coluld be accomplished.