Port Shopping guides

[jack87891]

while on the Dream we sat through the Port Shopping talk. It was just like the talks on the other Disney Caribbean cruises in terms of the info
- best place to buybgems is the Caribbean
- reputable stores
- trade in/upgrade policies
Etc

I had always assumed the guides were disney employees. It gave them a little more "credibility" even though it was their job to encourage cruisers to spend money. I found out the guides were employees of the concessionaire for the shopping services and not disney employees. This made me wonder just how much of what I heard was true vs a pitch

A couple questions

- is the info on jewelry pricing being way better in the carribbean correct?
- are the stores really "better" and more trustworthy as that is part of the "credibility" disney is lending to them

Again I was just surprised they weren't disney employees.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

while on the Dream we sat through the Port Shopping talk. It was just like the talks on the other Disney Caribbean cruises in terms of the info
- best place to buybgems is the Caribbean
- reputable stores
- trade in/upgrade policies
Etc

I had always assumed the guides were disney employees. It gave them a little more "credibility" even though it was their job to encourage cruisers to spend money. I found out the guides were employees of the concessionaire for the shopping services and not disney employees. This made me wonder just how much of what I heard was true vs a pitch

A couple questions

- is the info on jewelry pricing being way better in the carribbean correct?
- are the stores really "better" and more trustworthy as that is part of the "credibility" disney is lending to them

Again I was just surprised they weren't disney employees.

Well, they are "sort of" DCL employees. Much like the spa and Shutters CMs. But, hey still get the same commissions for recommending specific businesses, so I'd suggest you view them the same the ones on other cruise lines.

The issue with purchasing "cheaper" is you'll probably get what you pay for. And, if you have a problem (like finding out when you get home that something is broken, or isn't really worth what you paid for it, getting it fixed, or refunded often takes months to resolve (if ever).

 

[jack87891]

Thanks. It caught me by surprise. I wonder if all the cruise lines use the same concessionaire for the shopping guides? I just viewed the info as a little more credible if it came direct from a Disney employee

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks. It caught me by surprise. I wonder if all the cruise lines use the same concessionaire for the shopping guides? I just viewed the info as a little more credible if it came direct from a Disney employee

That's what they're hoping for.

 

[firepuppy]

I was told by the jewelry store we have use for years they will try to sell you anything knowing you can not return it. I have never tried and did not want to take a chance. I will gladly go look and get the free stuff.

 

[Bear3412]

We get the list of suggested stores so we know which ones to avoid.

Seriously

 

[Steelers0854]

We get the list of suggested stores so we know which ones to avoid.

Seriously

I think it depends on what you're looking to purchase. I have had some very good experiences at Diamonds International when purchasing watches. But watches, unlike gemstones and gold etc, are very controlled from the manufacturer with regards to price etc. As long as they are an authorized dealer I'm not overly concerned. It may be very different with other jewelry items.