Cruises offer not only incredible destinations and exciting onboard activities but also a unique shopping experience right on the high seas. From duty-free shops to specialty boutiques, cruises provide an array of shopping opportunities. They even have shopping experts to tempt you to indulge in retail therapy. In this cruise shopping guide, we will explore the things you should consider buying and those you should definitely avoid. So, get ready to set sail and shop till you drop – or not!
Note: We may earn a small commission from the affiliate links below.
Duty-Free Cruise Shopping
One of the highlights of cruise shopping is the chance to purchase duty-free items.
Enjoy discounted rates on high-end perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products. Pamper yourself or find exquisite gifts for loved ones back home. The prices on these items are almost always less than you will find at home. But they can sometimes be deceptive with different sized packaging. So, it never hurts to hit the internet to double check before making a purchase.
If you smoke or drink, you will enjoy lower prices on alcohol and tobacco products. Stock up on your favorite spirits or pick unique local beverages as gifts or souvenirs.
High End Jewelry, Watches, and Handbags
Cruise ships often feature fine jewelry stores, offering a wide range of shopping options to suit various tastes and budgets. It is fun to browse through an impressive collection of watches, including luxury brands and limited-edition timepieces. A new watch can serve as a timeless reminder of your cruise adventure. Jewelry adorned with gemstones is often available at discounted prices. You can choose from an array of designs, incorporating local gemstones and unique styles.
While cruise ships offer luxury goods, buying high-end items may not be the wisest financial decision. Do your research and don’t let the thrill of vacation shopping lead you to make an unwise purchase. Consider making such purchases on land, where you may find even better deals and a more extensive selection.
It is hard not to get excited to find your favorite designer handbag with a sale tag on it. But watch out, designer handbags and accessories are often priced higher on the ship so the sale isn’t always a bargain. Take your time to research prices and explore alternatives onshore.
Apparel and Accessories
Enhance your cruise wardrobe with apparel and accessories that capture the essence of the destinations you’ll visit. Cruise ships often feature boutiques offering resort wear, including swimwear, cover-ups, and beach attire. Update your vacation wardrobe with stylish, comfortable outfits but make sure the item is something you will enjoy beyond your trip and the price tag isn’t one you will regret later.
Protect yourself from the sun with a fashionable hat and a pair of stylish sunglasses. Cruise shops offer a variety of options to suit your preferences. These can vary from moderate priced values to over-priced designer sunglasses. I recommend bringing these items from home and only buying them onboard in an emergency.
Art and Paintings
Explore onboard art auctions or visit art galleries to discover beautiful paintings and artwork. You can bring home a piece of art that captures the essence of your cruise destination. Art auctions on cruise ships may not always provide the best value for your money. They often have inflated prices due to commission fees. If you’re genuinely interested in art, consider exploring galleries on land for more competitive pricing and variety. Also, if you don’t know where on earth you will put it once you arrive home, you may not really need it.
Specialty Items and Collectibles
Cruise ships often have specialty shops offering unique and collectible items that you won’t easily find elsewhere. Check out limited-edition or collector’s items available onboard. These can range from commemorative coins to exclusive memorabilia, adding value to your collection.
You can even purchase a miniature replica of the cruise ship you’re sailing on or collect ship models representing different vessels in the cruise line’s fleet.
Do your research before you purchase specialty items onboard so you know their true monetary value. Also consider their value to you and if that value will remain high once you are home.
Cruise Line Merchandise
You can commemorate your voyage by purchasing merchandise branded with the cruise line’s logo. These can serve as great mementos of your cruise experience but they can also be a bit pricey for something you may or may not care about once the cruise has ended. Make sure your purchase will have lasting value to you!
Local Crafts and Souvenirs
Immerse yourself in the local culture by shopping for unique crafts and souvenirs from the destinations you’ll visit on your cruise. At the same time beware, as souvenirs at heavily touristic ports may have inflated prices. If possible, purchase souvenirs at less commercialized locations or local markets for better deals. I like to leave the port area and do my cruise shopping where the locals shop!
If you are in the market for souvenirs, look for locally-made handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, or wooden carvings. These authentic souvenirs reflect the culture and craftsmanship of the places you’ve visited. At the same time, postcards and magnets featuring images of the ports you visit are affordable, easy to pack, and make great keepsakes or gifts.
Cruise Exclusive Shopping Events
Keep an eye out for special shopping events during your cruise. Cruise lines often host exclusive shopping events with discounts, giveaways, and entertainment. No matter what you hope to purchase, there will likely be a designated shopping event during your cruise that will provide an added discount. They also bring out tons of inventory that is not available at other times so the selection grows significantly. Watch for these special events to get your best deals.
Port Shopping Talks
If you plan to make big purchases while in port, attend port shopping talks to get insights into the best shopping opportunities at the upcoming destinations. Learn about recommended stores and exclusive discounts available to cruise passengers. Keep in mind, these talks do not focus on where to get the best deal on destination t-shirts and cheap souvenirs. These focus on where to buy diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and such! Not in the market for high-end merchandise? These can still be fun and informative if you love to shop.
Items You Should Never Buy on a Cruise Ship
There are just some things you should never buy on a cruise ship.
Common Toiletries and Personal Care Items
Cruise shops often stock basic toiletries, personal care items, and health products, but these come at a premium. Common toiletries are readily available in your cabin or can be provided by guest services. Purchasing these from the ship’s stores can be expensive. For a complete list of toiletries and medications you might need on a cruise check out How to Pack the Best Toiletry Kit and How to Pack a Great Medical Kit.
While essential medications are crucial to carry, common over-the-counter medicines are often overpriced in cruise ship stores. Pack these in advance to save on costs.
Bottled Water and Beverages
Don’t waste money buying bottled water when you can easily refill a reusable water bottle at various stations around the ship. Basic non-alcoholic drinks like juices, iced tea, and lemonade are usually included in your cruise fare. Buying them separately is an unnecessary expense.
Most cruise lines do not include soft drinks in your basic fare but you can purchase a drink package or buy them a la carte if you are desperate for your cold caffeine. Cruise lines will often allow you to bring a small number of soft-drinks on-board when you check in. Use these on days at sea and limit your soft-drink consumption to while you are on land during port days.
Books and Reading Materials
Books and reading materials are best purchased at home. Travel guides and maps of cruise destinations are typically less expensive at your local bookstore or Amazon. Better yet, use GPSMyCity or other apps to research your ports of call and plan great walking tours of the city.
Forgot to bring a book? This would never happen to me as I do not go anywhere without my Kindle. But if a book didn’t make it into your bag, then do your shopping in the onboard library. Most major cruise line ships have a lending library that doesn’t cost you a penny to use! Did you finish a book from home and don’t have room to take it back? Consider donating it to the onboard library so someone else can enjoy it while at sea.
Photo Prints
Prints from the ship’s photography service can be expensive but the pictures are often oh so tempting! Consider purchasing a digital photo package and then printing your photos later at a lower cost. If you do purchase the package, then make the most of it. Strike a pose every single time you see a camera!
Onboard Spa Treatments and Services
Spa treatments, massages, and beauty services on the ship tend to have elevated prices compared to land-based options. Yes, they run specials, but they are still quite pricey. Go get a great massage right before you set sail and then you can enjoy your full trip without the added expense of spa treatments. If you must have a mid-cruise facial, watch for port day specials. You can sometimes get a better rate on these days.
Dining Experiences
While specialty restaurants offer a unique dining experience, the additional cost may not always be justified. Specialty dining packages may seem appealing, but evaluate if they fit your dining preferences and budget. The main dining options often provide excellent meals at no extra cost. And seriously, you can eat out at home!
What Do You Like to Buy and What Do You Avoid Buying on a Cruise?
Cruise shopping can be a fun, but it’s essential to spend wisely and make informed choices. After all, any money you don’t spend in the shops can go toward your next cruise! Happy cruising and happy shopping!
Ready to book your next cruise? Shoot me an email and we can plan your trip!
Tell us what you think below in the comments. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
