Shopping on the Eastern Cruise

[Trekker]

I know there was a thread on this - but I cannot find it.

Can those who have been on the Eastern Cruise please share thier shopping adventures? Which stop has the best shopping? If you were going to do excursions at one stop and shop at the other which stop for which activity?

Thanks,

 

[AnnMorin]

My experience has been that St. Maarten has the best prices (the DUTCH side,, french is much pricier) but I purchase jewelry and booze.. I have heard that electronics and watches are a better bargin in St. Thomas. I did get a "prada" wallet in St. Thomas for only 20.00- yes I know it MUST be a knockoff... MIL had never heard of Prada anyhow thought it was some kinda cow WE have been able to do excursions and shop in St. Maarten since the ship stays there later now, we do end up missing our rotation dining though but topsiders has a pretty good alternative now.

 

[awatt]

Shopping is a better deal in St Maarten and the items are essentially the same as in St Thomas. Would not make the mistake of shopping both places next time. I would go to a beach/excursion in St Thomas instead.

 

[Berkshires96]

Shopping, my FAVORITE subject. We just returned from the 12/13 Eastern. The jewelery prices on Saint Martin were the BEST, but shop around. We stuck to the place that the Navigator suggested and I purchased a beautiful Tanzinite/Diamond ring and gold chain/pearl pendent combo.

As far as liquor, we found that the best deal for Rum (Cruzan) was at A. H. Rise on St. Thomas. (5.95). This was the best that we saw, too bad it soooooo heavy to carry back with you, although between hubby and I we brought our limit.

Happy shopping!!!

 

[Trekker]

Thanks for the info. I think we are going to plan on our major shopping on St Maarten - I know my DW & DD will be looking for jewelry!

 

[AnnMorin]

And know the value of what you are looking at.
We have made major purchases at Joe's Jewelry on two seperate trips and each time they have appraised back home at the highest quality and over twice what we paid. We don't even bother to look anywhere else anymore.
their website is www.joesjewelry.com
they have the same type of upgrade policy as diamonds international.

 

[alexandrew]

A couple of years ago on the Eastern swing I bought a Concord watch at Boulchands(sp?) that was $200.00 below any price I could find on the Internet or brick and mortar shop....I don't know if it was sold to me that low due to lack of tourism b/c of 9/11 , but it was a great deal.....

I'd recommend this shop for watches....find a watch you want in advance, research prices before cruise, and see if they will beat the price....I would imagine gold and diamonds are more difficult to know if you get a good value....