shopping on the eastern cruise

[disney queen]

we have done this cruise, but would like everyone's thoughts as to which is better as for as price and selection--St. Maarten or St. Thomas. thanks for the input.

 

[clarabelle]

I am sure it depends on what you are shopping for. We enjoyed buying cheap stuff to take back home for teachers gifts etc in St. Maarten. Swim wrap sarong type things for 3/10 dollars and 3/15 dollars and we also got some guava berry liquor there also.

My husband got some expensive type sunglasses and there was a cute Sanrio store where we shopped for our girls within walking distance of the ship in St. Thomas. We are not big jewelry people so I can't advise you there.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

We bought some of the best quality (even better than USA, IMHO) souvenier t-shirts at a little shop right in front at the dock in St. Maarten. We've had them for two years and the colors haven't faded, and they're a very good knit, 100% cotton.

Also, even though we no longer smoke (fewer and fewer do,) cigarettes are extremely cheap if you have any friends who do smoke.

My favorite purchase in St. Thomas was a beautiful knock-off Chanel purse which I still carry. It might be many years before I can afford a real 1500.00 one, and this was less than 100.00!

Both islands are great for shopping. I like eastern cruise better than the western for that very reason.

(Oh, I also heard St. Thomas is a great place to buy Wedgewood china, but a risk to ship it home if you're flying.)

 

[WDWLVR]

I got a beautiful diamond and opal ring in St. Martin. The selection was great and so was the pricing. Since I got that we really weren't looking at the jewelry closely in St. Thomas but having been there in the past they had good prices as well.

One thing to keep in mind is that you have more customs allowance on what you purchase in St. Thomas vs. St. Martin so depending on the $$$ of your purchase you may want to take that into consideration as well.

 

[AnnMorin]

St. Maarten wins out each time (stick to the dutch side for the best deals) if you are looking for knock offs (wallets etc) wait for St. Thomas.

 

[disney queen]