To shop or not to shop???

[DebiLL]

I'm in need of some direction, we will be going on the Feb.7th Eastern cruise and I'm wondering if the shopping at any of the ports is worth giving up beach time. I've heard some say the shopping is great others not so great, so I thought where better to find out then from all of you wonderful "disers" who've "been there, done that". So any infor would be greatly appreciated. THanks so much and have a magical day!!

Debi

 

[xABearx]

We've been on the Eastern 3 times and have found that shopping is better at St. Thomas.....we've found better deals on jewelry and digital cameras there than at St. Maarten....I know this is not very detailed, but, I thought I would just hit the bullet points......Of course everyone is going to have their own opinions, this one is based on what we experienced......Andy

 

[SandraLee]

I think if you are looking for something specific, go shopping. Otherwise, go to the beach. Or, go out after the beach when you take the kids back to the ship.

The ONLY thing I have regretted not buying enough of is DCL merchandise. I wish I had a couple of nicer DCL logo shirts. And, that is a good reason for booking another cruise.

 

[JLSE50]

It mostly depends on what kind of shopping you want to do.

I prefer buying handmade things from local people. I figure my money is helping buy supplies and uniforms for their kids to go to school and food for their meals. I don't need or want any expensive jewelry or gagets.

What we like most is snorkeling. So we go on an excursion or our own outing with our snorkels and fins. If we pass some interesting shops or tables, we stop. DH is good like that.

Have a great time,
Jan

 

[Favorite Auntie]

I have to disagree, I have found the shopping on St Martin MUCH better than on St Thomas. The jewelery was a lot cheaper as was the liquor. I have not checked the price of electronics and I would not buy them that far from home. I shop on St Martin, still have time for the beach, and then go to the beach on St Thomas, or go to St John....

 

[takemeaway]

I haven't been on the Eastern but I would just like to vote for SHOP!!!!

 

[dancermom]

I have to agree with Favorite Auntie. I found the prices at least on jewelry to be better in St Martin. I found they were more willing to bargain. My favorite spot is Joe's Jewelry. I've been vary happy with all of my purchases from there. St Thomas however is the best place for linens at Mr. Tablecloth. If you love to shop both places are great, and everyone has a different experience. If there is something in particular that you want, I would price it at home to determine how good a deal you are getting. have a great cruise.

 

[gdulaney]

Here are some of my favorites from the Eastern...

St Maarten
- Guavaberry place (don't know the name, but it's on the shopping guide)
- Last Mango in Paradise (great for Parrotheads!!)
- tee-shirts are dirt cheap from street vendors...can't beat $4 or $5 tees for all those folks who want you to bring them home a goodie
- I also got a great deal on Appleton Rum

St Thomas
- LOVE Diamonds Intl (they also sell "designer" jewelry and I was able to get my very first John Hardy bracelet....thank you honey, I love it!! Got give a big 'thank you' to my hubby!!)
- Columbia Emeralds (I probably spelled Columbia wrong...) anyway, we got a beautiful watch for Andy... but watches are one of the items that they don't 'bargain' on...however, if you get a watch and something else, you may get a better deal than you normally would on the second item...for example, when we got Andy's watch, I got a pair of beautiful blue topaz earrings (great color, oval cut, approx 3 ct tw) and at a much lower price than marked. So while we got a good deal on the watch, we got a great deal on the earrings and overall a very good deal...does that make sense?
- Mr Tablecloth has some really great bargains

Hope you have a great time!!
Ginny

 

[jilljill]

Another vote for Columbian Emeralds. DH bought a watch there that was less than half the price it would have been at home.
At St. Thomas I really like Cardow Jewelers. I went in looking for a Tanzanite ring and ended up getting a diamond remounted in platinum with diamonds. It only took about 2 hours for the workd to be done and I didn't mind leaving my diamond since it is a heart shape and they didn't have any in the store so I knew I would be getting my diamond back. I would go there again in a heartbeat.
I'm like xABearx, I thouhgt the prices were better on St. Thomas, and I thought everyone was above board on their items. I didn't feel comfortable buying on St. Marteen.

 

[MrsPete]

Speaking only for myself, I'd rather spend the day on the beach. I don't travel to shop. The only souveniers I really care about are my pictures -- I've trained my kids to think this way too.

 

[DebiLL]

Thank you to all who responded. I think we will be shopping more than beaching it. I am also grateful for the wonderful tips on where exactly to shop. THe last time we cruised we didn't do any shopping and I feel like I missed out, however I wasn't sure if you really got any bargains or not, sounds like if you do your homework you can get pretty go deals if you know what to look for. I can't wait. You all have a very magical week.

Debi

 

[jrabbit]

Lets see, you live in Ohio which I assume is colder than all get out in February (and since November). You have stores/malls so you can shop any time you want. Oh yea and there isn't any ocean within 300 miles (the great lakes don't count).

The Caribbean in February - low to mid 80's, "low" humidity, beautiful beaches, warm water, gentle waves - heck I'm going shopping - NOT!! No I'm going to the beaches/water!! You don't have that in Ohio!! Especially in the winter.

"But you can get such good deals". Save the money you're spending on the cruise and stay home and spend the extra $4,000 shopping.

 

[Dreamer04]

IMHO, shop if there is somthing specific you are looking for. I don't collect jewelry, but DH bought me a replacement engagement ring 2 years ago on St. Thomas. Beautiful ring and he says he paid less than he did for the original.

St. Thomas is beautiful to just walk around and window shop in the morning. Then hit the beach! We had a great time! You will, too.

 

[gdulaney]

Bingo Dreamer... we were done in St Thomas before lunch...which left the afternoon free.

Whatever you choose to do...hope you have a blast!!
Ginny