Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
How does the duty free work when coming back to Canada? If you come via US are those items still considered Duty Free while entering Canada? Please help me understand.
I've followed several cruise vloggers over the past 2-3 years and in my humble opinion, you and Gary Bembridge (Tips for Travellers) are the cream of the crop. I'm so glad to see you've reached 50K subs...so deserved. You're very likeable, watchable, knowledgeable and you do a great job on the vids. Being terminally cute doesn't hurt either. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into posting such terrific videos. Don't change a thing.
Just got back from a 7 day Norwegian cruise. Purchased a watch on the last full evening of the cruise. I had been eyeing the watch throughout the Cruise. First night it was 60% off. Not bad. Wanted better. I waited until the last full night, sales were 75% Off, PLUS a Shipboard credit, it averaged out to be almost 95% Off the price listed. Best Deal EVER. Love those CC Points.
Fell in love with a diamond ring on our cruise back in December. I’m not a jewelry girl, but, God, this ring…tried it on, it fit. Asked the price…. $23K!!!! Found the same ring at the jeweler in Nassau… 2500. Was told that the cruise line mark up is insane… yeah, it is. Perfumes are great.. my daughter always buys her dad’s fragrances on the ships. So do I. The prices are better, and there’s no tax.
On a recent Celebrity cruise I literally forgot to pack foundation. The salesgirl was incredibly helpful and found me a Dior foundation that was light and silky and I loved it. The price was twice what I pay for my usual Clinique makeup but I bought it because I loved it. When I got back to my cabin I realized that I got a compact and TWO inserts! So I actually paid the same price for a far better product!
On an Alaskan cruise last month (Eurodam) I got a reversible jacket listed at $75.00 and on sale for $17.50. I love it and it will be perfect for fall.
I'm not a big shopper on cruise ships, however, most trips I "treat" myself to something such as perfume, lipstick or definitely a cap with the ship logo on it. Each time I use them I remember which cruise it came from and that puts a big smile 😀 on my face!!
we do that wherever we go, cruising or otherwise, with Christmas tree decorations. Once a year you get to pull them all out and enjoy looking at them and the memories.
I bought a Radley bag, I kept going back and looking at them and was asked what I was looking for. Across body is what I wanted. She told me to come back the next afternoon. It was under the counter for me a choice of 3 that were the previous seasons for £40. It was a bargain and quite frankly my friends don't follow trends that closely. Black leather and gorgeous. Costume rings were 2 for 1 also.
I still use the beach cover ups and evening bags I bought approx. 6 years ago from a $10 sale on Norwegian. Last year on the Crystal Symphony the clothing store had a great sale one day and I bought clothing from the designer Chico’s and bought shirts, dresses, and a khaki denim jacket and paid between $16 to $25!!!!
I bought an expensive diamond ring on a cruise. Biggest mistake ever as the cruise ship reported us to Customs - even though the ring was made in the USA and not subject to duty. They pulled us out of line on disembarkation and held us for questioning like we were criminals. We had a flight to catch so this was extremely stressful. Never buy anything over $1000 on a cruise ship or they will report you to Customs.
I had the same experience with a wedding ring I bought on a RC cruise. Glad you mentioned that the purchased is reportable at value above $1k, I didn’t know that!
Most of the stuff on cruise ships is rubbish. But for the first time , I got a bargain. Second last day. Table of odds and sods. Got a navy blue pair of beautiful tailored pants for $25.00. Brand ? RALPH LAUREN. And they fit. One pair only. Just amazing
11 years ago we were on our first carnival cruise for our 20th anniversary and my husband bought me a citizen watch for 300.00 I still have that watch AND wear it every day it was money well spent and I LOVE my watch
Several years ago my husband brought some t shirts from a carnival cruise pop up sale. They turned out to be the best quality. After hundreds of washes they still look good.
Ilana, I consider myself a very well-seasoned cruiser and I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much I still appreciate your videos! I have agreed with every one of your videos I’ve watched and I continue to look forward to your new videos. Your content is perfect, your videos are very easy to watch and understand, and they are the perfect length for my insanely short attention span. Keep up the great work and thank you for all of your contributions!
I was on a Holland America cruise Nov 2022. I was interested in a couple of pieces of jewelry. I asked the sales person, almost jokingly, about a BOGO. After a bit more haggling, I did end up getting two rings for almost BOGO! It doesn't hurt to ask
We’ve bought loose gemstones for $10/ carat. Keep in mind too, many watches are inexpensive because they are made for the “ grey “ market. That is some parts that should be metal, are plastic. Movado is famous for this. Jewelers know this as soon as they open it to change a battery. They’re Movado’s, just not the highest quality watches.
The best deal I've ever gotten on a cruise was a beautiful satin evening bag for a mere $5......*woohoo* Another good deal was a lovely diamond and pink sapphire necklace. I'd been wanting pink sapphires and had been pricing them for several months before the cruise....and also in several port shops. I ended up saving about $200 by purchasing them in the ship's jewelry shop.
I bought a swimsuit coverup that is absolutely gorgeous on a $10 table on a Princess cruise. It’s so pretty I have worn it over slacks for a night out and I got tons of compliments.
Great topic! I’m not a big shopper, but I did buy a small cross body pouch type item on a $10 sale over 10 years ago and I am still using it today to take to the gym. Have also purchased a fabric wallet (never used it) and two satin evening purses. Guess I have stopped going to fancy events, I’ve never used them either! Because of your video, I’ll consider negotiating some jewelry if I see something I like, thanks for the tips. Love your channel, so upfront and informative like a best friend.
I have bought a watch or TWO on cruises and had mixed results. One thing I'll share for any fellow Canadian cruisers, often the warranty is NOT valid outside of the US! Be careful to find the warranty card in the box and review it! It may or may not be covered if it breaks after you get home. Thank you again for your videos!
What I usually like to buy on a cruise is a zip-up jacket or hoodie with the cruise logo on it. On my two previous Disney cruises I’ve also bought spirit jerseys. In fact right now, I’m wearing my Viking Helly Henson zip up jacket that I got in October of 2023. 😃
A bargain is what you get, not what you pay. I have a teddy bear from the MV Celebration (scrapped now) where I took my honeymoon cruise almost 30 years ago, and every time I look at it it brings back memories. How much did it cost? Dunno, and do not care. Whatever it was, it was money well spent.
I did actually buy an underwater camera on a cruise ship. I had researched them before we left but we had decided against it until we got onboard and regretted not having one. The price was actually the same as Amazon for the same make and model. That was 4 years ago, though.
I just came off of a Royal Caribbean cruise (August 2023) and they had a whole section of GoPro cameras and accessories, all for the exact same price as I’ve seen in Walmart and Best Buy.
I think your review was spot on. The $10 tables are awesome. We bought so much stuff didn't think we'd get it back in our suitcase. Can't believe how many people buy watches and jewelry on a cruise. It was always packed in there at 9 o'clock PM. Thanks for a great review. The charm bracelet was a fun way to remember our 1st cruise.
I loved $10 deals on several of my Carnival cruises. A very colorful wrist watch. Now battery is long gone, but I still can't part with the watch, I love it so much. Another was rolled up sun visor. Bright colors, wide brim, almost like a hat, easy to pack or to put in my purse, in case the outing is very sunny. I used it for years, not only on cruises. Another good deal was fancy clutches. I couldn't choose the prettiest, so I bought all that I liked and gave them as gifts to ladies friends. They loved it. Another item that can be used for years ahead!
Another suggestion, although situational is end of season sales. If you are traveling on the last cruise in a locale or the repositioning cruise, they often will mark down the goods related to that location they are leaving.
Purchased a Tag Hauer on my last cruise. The list price was a little above what you would pay at a high-end jeweler. I offered half of the list price and the rep countered two hundred above my offer - $800 savings from list. On top of that, the rep gave me two complete bracelet & charm sets (all charms in the set) for making the purchase. Customs is customs - paperwork submitted and was on my way. I am now trying to determine what I don't need so I can buy it on the next cruise in March.
Cruise ships make lots of money off their customers, but the islands and ports you are visiting providing the nice entertainment, beautiful scenery, and services, make very little. Try looking for hand made, individual, crafts, paintings, sculptures, bags, jewelry, clothes, and delicious specialty foods in shore ports or places you visit off ship. These will mean much more to you later (reminding you of the person who made it and sold it to you, the place where you bought it, and good memories of the times you spent there) than getting a cheap deal on a standard name brand product produced in a factory by the thousands.
Hey just catching this video, but the best sale I have ever run into was on a September Alaska cruise in 2022. The Majestic Princess was leaving Alaska after our cruise and heading to Australia for the winter. Oh boy, the prices on all merchandise was amazing. It was 75 to 90% off. I actually picked up all of my souvenirs and even some jackets, and I mean jacketS, for under $50. So the absolutely best prices you will ever find are end of season. If you find yourself on one of these, get an extra suitcase.
Agreed on the colognes. The brand I wear I can get for about $70-$80 for a bigger bottle. On my last cruise they had the same bottle for $130 “duty free” 😮
On RC (Oasis of the Seas) the watches were overpriced so when the "70%" off sale happened, they were actually selling the watches at regular price. So, I am a little bit skeptical to buy things at cruises.
Thanks for another informative video. You always get my attention and pique my interest. Just got back from our first Alaska cruise. Absolutely amazed , shaking my head, and baffled by the number of jewelry stores at each port. Often 4 or 5 next door to each other. How is this even possible for all these stores to survive? Maybe you could do an investigative video on this!
Thank you for sharing these onboard shopping tips! I never miss the $10 sales for sure. Perfumes are another story...Just wanted to mention that people need to be considerate with the perfumes they wear...This is serious for a lot of people. I am one of the highly scent-sensitive people who sneeze, can't breathe and get headaches, when I come near someone with strong perfume on. I do not appreciate having to leave the dining room, theatre or choke on an elevator because someone has doused themselves in strong sent. Please remember to be kind and considerate to those around you when it comes to perfume. Thanks!
Agreed, I was taught the proper way to put on perfume is to just spritz once in the air and walk through it before you don your jewellery and even some clothes. That way you generally end up with a whisper and not a scream.
Perfumes cause severe allergic reactions for some. Many of the perfumes actually cause permanent nerve damage. Kinder not to wear them at all on a ship where many people are sharing a small space.
Sometimes I've purchased items at the $10 sale. Also like the T shirts with the ports on them, although if we have time to shop after an excursion In a port, the Ts on the islands are often less expensive. My husband bought me a waterproof invictus watch onboard, but after researching prices back in our cabin, we returned it, since we could get it cheaper online.
Invicta watches definitely can be found on several websites. We have had stems break. And not covered by warranty. More expensive to send to fix. Than watches are worth. But they do have nice styles .I had a Mickey collectible automatic that broke. Did last about 4 +years
On My Carnival Cruise I Brought A INVITCUS Watch & Bracelet On The Next To The Last Day & It Was A Great Deal. Also, The Carnival Store Had Great Deals On T-Shirts & Other Souvenirs. The Liquor Was Cheaper Than On Land .
I buy duty free liquor in the airport on the way home or in the ports if its specialty stuff. Great prices. Make sure to leave room in your checked bags.
Found a bronzey sweater with little sequins at the $10sale. Next cruise, a customer service agent complimented me on the top. When I said it was from a previous cruise, he said "I didn't know we had anything that nice!" Also bought a beach/tote bag one cruise when the Princess bags were not available. Just know what the value is, no matter the price. P.S. love the items from your recent video... collapsible bottle especially.
I got a really good deal on a very nice watch on a Carnival cruise years ago! I was looking at the watch all week and then on the last day of the cruise they had a huge sale! What normally would have been around a $900 watch I got for about $300
Buyer beware. I’m a jeweler with almost 40 years in the industry. Twice I’ve seen problems with watches bought on cruises. Some watch manufacturers make watches for different markets. Example, Seiko used to make a US model and a foreign model that looked the same but weren’t. They wouldn’t honor the foreign model warranty in the US and wouldn’t sell the parts to the distributors. Our customer was told to take the watch back to where they bought it. No bueno! I’ve seen a couple of other examples of this. Buy your jewelry from someone you trust. Good deals are often “good deals” for a reason. No one is giving deals on their best, most profitable product. They don’t have to.
I have purchased many items on the ship- love the 10$ sales or even 5 items for $40. -cover ups, ponchos, cosmetic bags etc. my son has purchased a watch, I also have bought various types of liquor that were definitely good deals! 🛍
Liquidation days are fun to hunt. Especially in Princess. I was able to find a very nice designer dress before. It used to be $409 and I had it for $79.
Our earliest cruises in 1990s, I believe the on board liquor was well priced and one could drink it in the stateroom. But, mostly buying alcohol, I would buy premium brands on islands where it is produced and not something one could buy at home. For example, Pussers rum in BVI, others in Barbados. And brands not even known in the US, such as French inspired premium rum in Guadeloupe or Martinique. For OTC health aids, buy them on the island. There was a CVS very close to the cruise port in San Juan PR and other islands. Or local pharmacies in urban ports like Curaçao. Obviously, buying clothing or souvenirs from islands that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. I keep looking for my Pirates Bight hat that I purchased on Norman Island BVI, supposedly Stevenson’s inspiration for Treasure Island. Mostly, now, we don’t buy anything.
Sorry to add this comment so late but YES there are taxes now. Our traveling couple's husband was pulled aside on departure home by customs. They were notified that he bought a Hublot watch on board and he was required to pay the taxes on the spot. He mentioned there was another couple in there that were being required to pay taxes on jewelry they purchased on board.
I love watches and am always so tempted by the sales. I bought a beautiful Citizen radio-controlled watch on a cruise and it stopped working completely near the end of the warranty period. Because of the radio control function, no local Citizen repair shops would touch it. It would have had to be shipped back to Citizen to have it looked at and get a quote and repaired. Had I purchased it locally, I would have been able to return to the seller, but you obviously can't do that when you buy on a ship. I've kept that in mind ever since.
My strategy was to pre-buy celebrity and Celebrity Solstice items from Etsy. My favorite was a stretch of the ship personally from the artist for $15, glasses with an orchid and cocktail recipes, and a really nice magnet. So I’ve got my souvenirs at a great price. Sure hope they don’t cancel my cruise next week!
As a watch collector I have made purchases on cruises. I have found that generally they won't discount from the msrp but if you are buying more of a luxury watch you will save quite a bit by not having to pay sales tax which does add up. It sounds like your son got a rare and exceptional deal. Well done.
This is great to know. When on Celebrity we saw an interesting “pre-loved” Rolex watch store set up. We didn’t know enough about this but thought we may check into this in future. Any thoughts on this?
@@LifeWellCruised The "pre-loved" Rolex watch store is interesting idea for a cruise ship. If it wasn't an authorized Rolex dealer, I would want to be able to take it to my local Rolex dealer and have it checked out. If it didn't check out, I would want to be able to return it. There are a lot of extremely good fakes out there these days. I would want to know if it has been serviced. Automatic watches need to be serviced every 8-10 years. Has it been polished? If it has been polished more than once or twice, it really hurts the value. Also, the used Rolex market is very hot right now with used Rolexes selling far above retail. The reason for this is there is such a high demand for new Rolexes, there are wait lists. I'm on the wait list for an Oyster Perpetual and don't expect to see it for at least 6 months or more. I hope this helps.
I can usually find some nice buys on the $10 sales, like cheaper brand watches, some nice chiffon bathing suit coverups, and bejeweled lanyards. I don’t buy their cheap t-shirts any more because they are cheap quality with holes or other flaws in them. What I always buy on the ship is a very small piece of Swarovski crystal on each cruise. They are not cheap but they are a gift to myself to commemorate each sailing.
Hi Ilana! I am packing for my cruise which is next week and I totally pulled out your cruise planner. Today the page I’m using is the Cruise outfit planner! LOVE IT! So helpful. Thank you!
That’s awesome!! I think we’re cruising at the same time, and I’m going to be doing final outfit planning this weekend 🙌. Have an amazing cruise and thanks for your purchase:)
Alcohol is definitely worth a buy, especially when you look good for sales. There was a sale on Limoncello 12 Euros per bottle, and a bottle design that is not available in Canada. My friend and I each only bought one bottle due to the customs restrictions when we came back to Canada. I assume that the limit on alcohol when re-entering Canada still applies regardless of whether it is duty free.
I bought a necklace and earrings for $10.00. They looked like they were chocolate LeVian outlined with regular diamonds. I’m still wearing them 8 years later and always get compliments. 4:46
Alcohol could be an issue on fly cruises as it is just not worth buying a large amount. The 100ml carry on rule means that whatever has been bought may be confiscated by security and it is no good packing a large amount in you luggage as it may take you over your airline luggage allowance. Used to like buying local wines etc in Europe but not any more since the clamp down. That at the airport is expensive and often the choice is poor. May consider a bottle for Curicao if I like it and can get it aboard to go in my luggage but that will be the limit to go in my luggage.
The only thing I bought on the cruise ship is a lanyard for my room card so I don’t loose it. The watches are nice and can see a possibility. I was on the apex and I found the watches a little high even if it was duty free. So if your going buy a watch know your prices,I find it to be just about the same price with the duty free, and there were some good deals as well.
Princess used to have loose stones. They were in the little boxes just like the jewelry stores. I scored some beautiful stones from $10-$30 range. I took my jeweler and he was shocked. He showed me comparable in the store that were $500 plus. I was concerned that they wouldn’t be real. I’ve had rings and earrings made from them with scrap gold.
We've started to buy watches on our cruises, our son has a beautiful collection! I do find some hand bags at a good cost. Chat up the sales people for sure!!! 👍
I love the upper brand makeup palettes that are not sold in our department store makeup counters...Also, I have bought the 2 pack of Clinique moisturizer because I don't see 2 packs in our department store makeup counters
You nailed the advice on liquor. When we started cruising, we got great prices on spirits, but then competing low-price stores opened near us and the price difference evaporated. Then, unfortunately, Texas got a little greedy and started collecting a very high $3.25 tax PER BOTTLE in the terminal when leaving. No thanks.
Be aware of customs when you buy "duty free" liquor as there will be a certain number of bottles allowance, depending on your time abroad. Canada is especially strict on this as well as the amount spent on other "duty free" goods. Keep your receipts.
I bought a watch at the end of both of my NCL cruises. Got great deals for really nice watches. The best time is that last sea day before the end of your cruise.
I always buy myself a Pandora charm as a souvenir of my cruise. On my last cruise I thought I was going to be disappointed as they had no Pandora concession on board however on a port day in Lisbon, walking around the town centre I stumbled across a Pandora shop. The best deal I had recently was buy 4 items and the lowest priced was free. They also had a deal with 25% off all Cunard logo merchandise so I had 4 Cunard items at 25% off and the 4th free. It was a good saving on gifts I would have bought anyway.
The bad thing with liquor if you disembark from Texas is on return TABC is in the cruise port when you get out of customs for you to pay taxes on it and tobacco you purchased duty free.
I always check out the $10 sales as yes there are some great thing on he table. I also did my Christmas shopping for my grandchildren on my last cruise.
I was able to pick up a Royal Caribbean beach towel for my husband on Mercari, and it has really made a nice visual reminder of our upcoming cruise every time he uses it. 😁
Just got off Wonder of the Seas. On this ship, all week long the clothing deals stayed the same. Buy two shirts for $30. The name brand clothing was the same price on the ship and the ports as they are in Florida or at least Tommy Bahama, Vineyard vines, etc… I don’t wear watches but our son does and he said the watch deals were good to really good all week long. Bulova, citizen, Rolex all had sales all week. They had 50-75% off. He almost bought a $1900 watch for $500 but chose to wait. I looked up some watches and they were listed around the same price on the internet.
The best shopping on the ship occurred on the Disney Wonder while we were on the last sailing for the season to Alaska. Half was Disney branded with the date on the shirts/jackets, but just as much Alaska merchandise (boxed smoked salmon, candies, socks with moose/bears, hats, gloves, etc.) was also reduced by 50%-75%. Interesting about the high liquor prices in Canada; when we would go to Detroit, my dad always took a quick trip across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor to buy booze because Canadian prices were much lower than Michigan. How times have changed.
Whoa that’s bonkers. I’m Canadian and I live on the boarder of New York state. I’ve never heard of anyone coming to Canadian to save money on alcohol 😂. When was this? I love learning random facts like this!
I love the $10 sales!! I have gotten some beautiful cover ups and evening bag. I have purchased perfume as well. Not a huge difference in price than buying at the store, but it was a bit cheaper.
I was in an R C cruise recently and a lady was looking at the $10 cover ups which were super pretty. I talked her into buying it and she thought I worked there.😂
I got bunch of things for friends and family with the 10 dollar sale. The quality of the products were also good. I got cute tote bags, an evening bag, a light flowy swimsuit cover up, And hat. When the sale happens it does get crowded and people start lining up early.
On a cruise I had a wound on my arm that had an elastoplast (adheisive sticker) I needed it replaced, the shop selling medical goods do not sell them but you are refered to the ships Doctor $30 per visit and $20 per item,, I stayed out of the pool and used cotton bandage until next port of call and bought twenty plasters for $2 at the local chemist
I got my toenail caught on a shoe and ripped it badly. It was bleeding heavily and wouldn't stop, so I had to go to the medical centre. Cost me $400. Thank goodness for travel insurance!
I usually buy the clearance and discounted colognes when I’m on a cruise. I always ask on the first day which ones will go on sale and Carnival tells me. They give me the discounted price right away.
I still use my pre-covid $10 evening bag... excited to go on my first post-c *vid cruise, Spring Break 23!!!! I have been binge watching these great videos, thanks Iiana!!
Convenience items can be purchased at any port's drug stores while you're walking around. Make-up, perfume, hair products etc. are far cheaper than on the ship.
Got sunburned on my very first cruise in 2008. In the makeup/perfume shop the salesgirl suggested a light Estee Lauder cucumber based face cream. I am still using this product. It is a lot cheaper on the ships. I stock up on face products, makeup and perfume when I cruise.
I was able to buy “souvenir items “ from several countries on sale onboard a transitioning cruise. The ship was returning to the US and the shop was getting rid of Souvenirs of ports that they had visited . Got there before the time advertised and when started ,grabbed items I even thought I wanted as the items were very limited. I was able to purchase many beautiful and collectable items. My husband forgot to pack a comb. The shop onboard did not have and we searched the Caribbean ports they only had expensive souvenir type.
I bought a beautiful tanzanite ring on our second cruise, it was several hundred dollars under the value we later had it appraised for and they gave me a free pendant to go with it.
On a Carnival Mexico Rivera cruise from LA in 2011, I bought. Citizen Eco Drive watch. Bought this because I really liked it. It is still the best watch I have ever bought and I haven’t seen the same watch at a lower price, not even taking into the no tax of the cost on the ship. I wouldn’t buy a lot of things, but this was great.
![Gucci Mane & Sexyy Red - You Don't Love Me [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/j7IBqyFKT4c/mqdefault.jpg)
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
How does the duty free work when coming back to Canada? If you come via US are those items still considered Duty Free while entering Canada? Please help me understand.
😊
I don’t have PayPal
For the life well cruised I don’t have PayPal
i love the cruise planner however i wish it was the size of a small purse calendar so i can carry with me for reverse packing
I've followed several cruise vloggers over the past 2-3 years and in my humble opinion, you and Gary Bembridge (Tips for Travellers) are the cream of the crop.
I'm so glad to see you've reached 50K subs...so deserved. You're very likeable, watchable, knowledgeable and you do a great job on the vids. Being terminally cute doesn't hurt either. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into posting such terrific videos. Don't change a thing.
I also only watch Ilana and Gary! Lots of great information in an easily digestible format. They both have the best screen presence and personality.
@@peggywoods4327 We obviously have great taste
@@kris7905 indubitably 😉
@@mea3665 We obviously have great taste
Awe thanks so much Kris! I need you to write my bio 😂!! I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave such a kind and generous comment
Just got back from a 7 day Norwegian cruise.
Purchased a watch on the last full evening of the cruise. I had been eyeing the watch throughout the Cruise. First night it was 60% off. Not bad. Wanted better. I waited until the last full night, sales were 75% Off, PLUS a Shipboard credit, it averaged out to be almost 95% Off the price listed. Best Deal EVER. Love those CC Points.
Fell in love with a diamond ring on our cruise back in December. I’m not a jewelry girl, but, God, this ring…tried it on, it fit. Asked the price…. $23K!!!! Found the same ring at the jeweler in Nassau… 2500. Was told that the cruise line mark up is insane… yeah, it is.
Perfumes are great.. my daughter always buys her dad’s fragrances on the ships. So do I. The prices are better, and there’s no tax.
On a recent Celebrity cruise I literally forgot to pack foundation. The salesgirl was incredibly helpful and found me a Dior foundation that was light and silky and I loved it. The price was twice what I pay for my usual Clinique makeup but I bought it because I loved it. When I got back to my cabin I realized that I got a compact and TWO inserts! So I actually paid the same price for a far better product!
Dior is a very nice foundation. 👌🏼
On an Alaskan cruise last month (Eurodam) I got a reversible jacket listed at $75.00 and on sale for $17.50. I love it and it will be perfect for fall.
Yes, I bought a cute $10 cover up on carnival. It’s still nice!
I'm not a big shopper on cruise ships, however, most trips I "treat" myself to something such as perfume, lipstick or definitely a cap with the ship logo on it. Each time I use them I remember which cruise it came from and that puts a big smile 😀 on my face!!
Love that 👏❤️
Good Memories.
we do that wherever we go, cruising or otherwise, with Christmas tree decorations. Once a year you get to pull them all out and enjoy looking at them and the memories.
I bought a Radley bag, I kept going back and looking at them and was asked what I was looking for. Across body is what I wanted. She told me to come back the next afternoon. It was under the counter for me a choice of 3 that were the previous seasons for £40. It was a bargain and quite frankly my friends don't follow trends that closely. Black leather and gorgeous. Costume rings were 2 for 1 also.
You want perfume, not need
I still use the beach cover ups and evening bags I bought approx. 6 years ago from a $10 sale on Norwegian. Last year on the Crystal Symphony the clothing store had a great sale one day and I bought clothing from the designer Chico’s and bought shirts, dresses, and a khaki denim jacket and paid between $16 to $25!!!!
No way?! Great deals 👏
I bought an expensive diamond ring on a cruise. Biggest mistake ever as the cruise ship reported us to Customs - even though the ring was made in the USA and not subject to duty. They pulled us out of line on disembarkation and held us for questioning like we were criminals. We had a flight to catch so this was extremely stressful. Never buy anything over $1000 on a cruise ship or they will report you to Customs.
I had the same experience with a wedding ring I bought on a RC cruise. Glad you mentioned that the purchased is reportable at value above $1k, I didn’t know that!
Jeez thats terrible
She should make a video about that sort of thing!
@@beverlycadien6038 US Customs limit is actually $800. Anything above that is taxable so stay below it and always have your receipts ready.
That's disgusting not to tell you that you will be reported to customs when buying over $1000 beforehand
Most of the stuff on cruise ships is rubbish. But for the first time , I got a bargain. Second last day. Table of odds and sods. Got a navy blue pair of beautiful tailored pants for $25.00. Brand ? RALPH LAUREN. And they fit. One pair only. Just amazing
11 years ago we were on our first carnival cruise for our 20th anniversary and my husband bought me a citizen watch for 300.00 I still have that watch AND wear it every day it was money well spent and I LOVE my watch
Several years ago my husband brought some t shirts from a carnival cruise pop up sale. They turned out to be the best quality. After hundreds of washes they still look good.
Ilana, I consider myself a very well-seasoned cruiser and I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much I still appreciate your videos! I have agreed with every one of your videos I’ve watched and I continue to look forward to your new videos. Your content is perfect, your videos are very easy to watch and understand, and they are the perfect length for my insanely short attention span. Keep up the great work and thank you for all of your contributions!
Thanks Joshua! I truly appreciate your comments - the fact that a seasoned cruiser watches and enjoys my videos is quite a compliment!! :)
I was on a Holland America cruise Nov 2022. I was interested in a couple of pieces of jewelry. I asked the sales person, almost jokingly, about a BOGO. After a bit more haggling, I did end up getting two rings for almost BOGO! It doesn't hurt to ask
We’ve bought loose gemstones for $10/ carat. Keep in mind too, many watches are inexpensive because they are made for the “ grey “ market. That is some parts that should be metal, are plastic. Movado is famous for this. Jewelers know this as soon as they open it to change a battery. They’re Movado’s, just not the highest quality watches.
Love the $10 sales for cover ups, evening bags and the pop up sales for the cruise port t shirts.
The best deal I've ever gotten on a cruise was a beautiful satin evening bag for a mere $5......*woohoo* Another good deal was a lovely diamond and pink sapphire necklace. I'd been wanting pink sapphires and had been pricing them for several months before the cruise....and also in several port shops. I ended up saving about $200 by purchasing them in the ship's jewelry shop.
I bought a swimsuit coverup that is absolutely gorgeous on a $10 table on a Princess cruise. It’s so pretty I have worn it over slacks for a night out and I got tons of compliments.
Great topic! I’m not a big shopper, but I did buy a small cross body pouch type item on a $10 sale over 10 years ago and I am still using it today to take to the gym. Have also purchased a fabric wallet (never used it) and two satin evening purses. Guess I have stopped going to fancy events, I’ve never used them either! Because of your video, I’ll consider negotiating some jewelry if I see something I like, thanks for the tips. Love your channel, so upfront and informative like a best friend.
I have bought a watch or TWO on cruises and had mixed results. One thing I'll share for any fellow Canadian cruisers, often the warranty is NOT valid outside of the US! Be careful to find the warranty card in the box and review it! It may or may not be covered if it breaks after you get home. Thank you again for your videos!
My husband bought a great watch 25.0.00 loves it looks wonderful still working well worth the money
What I usually like to buy on a cruise is a zip-up jacket or hoodie with the cruise logo on it. On my two previous Disney cruises I’ve also bought spirit jerseys. In fact right now, I’m wearing my Viking Helly Henson zip up jacket that I got in October of 2023. 😃
A bargain is what you get, not what you pay. I have a teddy bear from the MV Celebration (scrapped now) where I took my honeymoon cruise almost 30 years ago, and every time I look at it it brings back memories. How much did it cost? Dunno, and do not care. Whatever it was, it was money well spent.
It's also only really a bargain if you were going to buy it anyway, and it just happens to be cheaper on the cruise. Otherwise it's an added expense.
I did actually buy an underwater camera on a cruise ship. I had researched them before we left but we had decided against it until we got onboard and regretted not having one. The price was actually the same as Amazon for the same make and model. That was 4 years ago, though.
I just came off of a Royal Caribbean cruise (August 2023) and they had a whole section of GoPro cameras and accessories, all for the exact same price as I’ve seen in Walmart and Best Buy.
I bought a ring for $2000 on sale from Effy and when I got home I had it valued and it was worth $7000, I was very pleased with my purchase😁
I think your review was spot on. The $10 tables are awesome. We bought so much stuff didn't think we'd get it back in our suitcase. Can't believe how many people buy watches and jewelry on a cruise. It was always packed in there at 9 o'clock PM. Thanks for a great review. The charm bracelet was a fun way to remember our 1st cruise.
I loved $10 deals on several of my Carnival cruises. A very colorful wrist watch. Now battery is long gone, but I still can't part with the watch, I love it so much. Another was rolled up sun visor. Bright colors, wide brim, almost like a hat, easy to pack or to put in my purse, in case the outing is very sunny. I used it for years, not only on cruises.
Another good deal was fancy clutches. I couldn't choose the prettiest, so I bought all that I liked and gave them as gifts to ladies friends. They loved it. Another item that can be used for years ahead!
You can sometimes get the battery replaced at a local jewelry shop.
I am going on my first cruise in 8 days happy i came across your videos
Another suggestion, although situational is end of season sales. If you are traveling on the last cruise in a locale or the repositioning cruise, they often will mark down the goods related to that location they are leaving.
Purchased a Tag Hauer on my last cruise. The list price was a little above what you would pay at a high-end jeweler. I offered half of the list price and the rep countered two hundred above my offer - $800 savings from list. On top of that, the rep gave me two complete bracelet & charm sets (all charms in the set) for making the purchase. Customs is customs - paperwork submitted and was on my way. I am now trying to determine what I don't need so I can buy it on the next cruise in March.
Cruise ships make lots of money off their customers, but the islands and ports you are visiting providing the nice entertainment, beautiful scenery, and services, make very little. Try looking for hand made, individual, crafts, paintings, sculptures, bags, jewelry, clothes, and delicious specialty foods in shore ports or places you visit off ship. These will mean much more to you later (reminding you of the person who made it and sold it to you, the place where you bought it, and good memories of the times you spent there) than getting a cheap deal on a standard name brand product produced in a factory by the thousands.
Hey just catching this video, but the best sale I have ever run into was on a September Alaska cruise in 2022. The Majestic Princess was leaving Alaska after our cruise and heading to Australia for the winter. Oh boy, the prices on all merchandise was amazing. It was 75 to 90% off. I actually picked up all of my souvenirs and even some jackets, and I mean jacketS, for under $50. So the absolutely best prices you will ever find are end of season. If you find yourself on one of these, get an extra suitcase.
When I was on one of the islands, I did get a decent discount on a ring just by asking. Never hurts to ask. Happy Cruising.
Agreed on the colognes. The brand I wear I can get for about $70-$80 for a bigger bottle. On my last cruise they had the same bottle for $130 “duty free” 😮
I always buy my perfume at department stores during Mother's Day valentines day or Christmas. So many great promotions & gift sets.
On RC (Oasis of the Seas) the watches were overpriced so when the "70%" off sale happened, they were actually selling the watches at regular price. So, I am a little bit skeptical to buy things at cruises.
Thanks for another informative video. You always get my attention and pique my interest. Just got back from our first Alaska cruise. Absolutely amazed , shaking my head, and baffled by the number of jewelry stores at each port. Often 4 or 5 next door to each other. How is this even possible for all these stores to survive? Maybe you could do an investigative video on this!
Thank you for sharing these onboard shopping tips! I never miss the $10 sales for sure. Perfumes are another story...Just wanted to mention that people need to be considerate with the perfumes they wear...This is serious for a lot of people. I am one of the highly scent-sensitive people who sneeze, can't breathe and get headaches, when I come near someone with strong perfume on. I do not appreciate having to leave the dining room, theatre or choke on an elevator because someone has doused themselves in strong sent. Please remember to be kind and considerate to those around you when it comes to perfume. Thanks!
Agreed. Fragrances should be a whisper, not an announcement.
Agreed, I was taught the proper way to put on perfume is to just spritz once in the air and walk through it before you don your jewellery and even some clothes. That way you generally end up with a whisper and not a scream.
Oi! Oi! Strong perfume is really obnoxious, and unpleasant.
Perfumes cause severe allergic reactions for some. Many of the perfumes actually cause permanent nerve damage. Kinder not to wear them at all on a ship where many people are sharing a small space.
On Princess in the past, on days the ship is in port, spa treatments can be dramatically reduced in price.
I don’t find good deals on clothes being a bigger person. They seldom have larger sizes.
The best T shirt deals are the leftovers from the previous itinerary. Like Bermuda shirts on a Canadian fall trip.
You ‘needed’ the perfume. 😆 I think that’s how we justify our buying most of the time.
Sometimes I've purchased items at the $10 sale. Also like the T shirts with the ports on them, although if we have time to shop after an excursion In a port, the Ts on the islands are often less expensive.
My husband bought me a waterproof invictus watch onboard, but after researching prices back in our cabin, we returned it, since we could get it cheaper online.
True some ports really have some great prices on souvenir items. Interesting about the invictus watch - internet is amazing 😂
Invicta watches definitely can be found on several websites. We have had stems break. And not covered by warranty. More expensive to send to fix. Than watches are worth. But they do have nice styles .I had a Mickey collectible automatic that broke. Did last about 4 +years
I always enjoy the $10 deals. I've gotten scarfs , handbags, and tote bags, that were great deals.
Even tote bags! Wow
On My Carnival Cruise I Brought A INVITCUS Watch & Bracelet On The Next To The Last Day & It Was A Great Deal. Also, The Carnival Store Had Great Deals On T-Shirts & Other Souvenirs. The Liquor Was Cheaper Than On Land .
I buy duty free liquor in the airport on the way home or in the ports if its specialty stuff. Great prices. Make sure to leave room in your checked bags.
Found a bronzey sweater with little sequins at the $10sale. Next cruise, a customer service agent complimented me on the top. When I said it was from a previous cruise, he said "I didn't know we had anything that nice!"
Also bought a beach/tote bag one cruise when the Princess bags were not available. Just know what the value is, no matter the price.
P.S. love the items from your recent video... collapsible bottle especially.
I got a really good deal on a very nice watch on a Carnival cruise years ago! I was looking at the watch all week and then on the last day of the cruise they had a huge sale! What normally would have been around a $900 watch I got for about $300
Buyer beware. I’m a jeweler with almost 40 years in the industry. Twice I’ve seen problems with watches bought on cruises. Some watch manufacturers make watches for different markets. Example, Seiko used to make a US model and a foreign model that looked the same but weren’t. They wouldn’t honor the foreign model warranty in the US and wouldn’t sell the parts to the distributors. Our customer was told to take the watch back to where they bought it. No bueno! I’ve seen a couple of other examples of this. Buy your jewelry from someone you trust. Good deals are often “good deals” for a reason. No one is giving deals on their best, most profitable product. They don’t have to.
Last year when I went on a Viking cruise with my dad, he needed Advil. They had a whole bottle of something similar for under a dollar.
I have purchased many items on the ship- love the 10$ sales or even 5 items for $40. -cover ups, ponchos, cosmetic bags etc. my son has purchased a watch, I also have bought various types of liquor that were definitely good deals! 🛍
Really good finds!! 👏
Liquidation days are fun to hunt. Especially in Princess. I was able to find a very nice designer dress before. It used to be $409 and I had it for $79.
Our earliest cruises in 1990s, I believe the on board liquor was well priced and one could drink it in the stateroom. But, mostly buying alcohol, I would buy premium brands on islands where it is produced and not something one could buy at home. For example, Pussers rum in BVI, others in Barbados. And brands not even known in the US, such as French inspired premium rum in Guadeloupe or Martinique. For OTC health aids, buy them on the island. There was a CVS very close to the cruise port in San Juan PR and other islands. Or local pharmacies in urban ports like Curaçao. Obviously, buying clothing or souvenirs from islands that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. I keep looking for my Pirates Bight hat that I purchased on Norman Island BVI, supposedly Stevenson’s inspiration for Treasure Island. Mostly, now, we don’t buy anything.
I bought 2 silk ties at the $10 sale. They were good quality and I wore them for several years.
Sorry to add this comment so late but YES there are taxes now. Our traveling couple's husband was pulled aside on departure home by customs. They were notified that he bought a Hublot watch on board and he was required to pay the taxes on the spot. He mentioned there was another couple in there that were being required to pay taxes on jewelry they purchased on board.
I love watches and am always so tempted by the sales. I bought a beautiful Citizen radio-controlled watch on a cruise and it stopped working completely near the end of the warranty period. Because of the radio control function, no local Citizen repair shops would touch it. It would have had to be shipped back to Citizen to have it looked at and get a quote and repaired. Had I purchased it locally, I would have been able to return to the seller, but you obviously can't do that when you buy on a ship. I've kept that in mind ever since.
My strategy was to pre-buy celebrity and Celebrity Solstice items from Etsy. My favorite was a stretch of the ship personally from the artist for $15, glasses with an orchid and cocktail recipes, and a really nice magnet. So I’ve got my souvenirs at a great price. Sure hope they don’t cancel my cruise next week!
But I don't think you can consume the liquor you buy while onboard. Don't the hold it for you until you are off the ship.
As a watch collector I have made purchases on cruises. I have found that generally they won't discount from the msrp but if you are buying more of a luxury watch you will save quite a bit by not having to pay sales tax which does add up. It sounds like your son got a rare and exceptional deal. Well done.
This is great to know. When on Celebrity we saw an interesting “pre-loved” Rolex watch store set up. We didn’t know enough about this but thought we may check into this in future. Any thoughts on this?
@@LifeWellCruised The "pre-loved" Rolex watch store is interesting idea for a cruise ship. If it wasn't an authorized Rolex dealer, I would want to be able to take it to my local Rolex dealer and have it checked out. If it didn't check out, I would want to be able to return it. There are a lot of extremely good fakes out there these days. I would want to know if it has been serviced. Automatic watches need to be serviced every 8-10 years. Has it been polished? If it has been polished more than once or twice, it really hurts the value. Also, the used Rolex market is very hot right now with used Rolexes selling far above retail. The reason for this is there is such a high demand for new Rolexes, there are wait lists. I'm on the wait list for an Oyster Perpetual and don't expect to see it for at least 6 months or more. I hope this helps.
I can usually find some nice buys on the $10 sales, like cheaper brand watches, some nice chiffon bathing suit coverups, and bejeweled lanyards. I don’t buy their cheap t-shirts any more because they are cheap quality with holes or other flaws in them.
What I always buy on the ship is a very small piece of Swarovski crystal on each cruise. They are not cheap but they are a gift to myself to commemorate each sailing.
It’s great to hear that jewelry deals can be had!
Hi Ilana! I am packing for my cruise which is next week and I totally pulled out your cruise planner. Today the page I’m using is the Cruise outfit planner! LOVE IT! So helpful. Thank you!
That’s awesome!! I think we’re cruising at the same time, and I’m going to be doing final outfit planning this weekend 🙌. Have an amazing cruise and thanks for your purchase:)
I actually work in a thrift store and find a ton of cruise shirts! Can't beat 5 bucks no matter what!
Alcohol is definitely worth a buy, especially when you look good for sales. There was a sale on Limoncello 12 Euros per bottle, and a bottle design that is not available in Canada. My friend and I each only bought one bottle due to the customs restrictions when we came back to Canada. I assume that the limit on alcohol when re-entering Canada still applies regardless of whether it is duty free.
I’m going on a cruise in two weeks too!! Our first cruise since covid. We are excited 😊 Safe travels.
Yay!! Have an amazing cruise! You’ll see it’s so nice to be back 🛳👏
I bought a necklace and earrings for $10.00. They looked like they were chocolate LeVian outlined with regular diamonds. I’m still wearing them 8 years later and always get compliments.
4:46
Alcohol could be an issue on fly cruises as it is just not worth buying a large amount. The 100ml carry on rule means that whatever has been bought may be confiscated by security and it is no good packing a large amount in you luggage as it may take you over your airline luggage allowance. Used to like buying local wines etc in Europe but not any more since the clamp down. That at the airport is expensive and often the choice is poor. May consider a bottle for Curicao if I like it and can get it aboard to go in my luggage but that will be the limit to go in my luggage.
I bought a t-shirt knit hoodie with a map of Central America at the end of a Panama Cruise for $25. I love it because it's light weight.
The only thing I bought on the cruise ship is a lanyard for my room card so I don’t loose it. The watches are nice and can see a possibility. I was on the apex and I found the watches a little high even if it was duty free. So if your going buy a watch know your prices,I find it to be just about the same price with the duty free, and there were some good deals as well.
Princess used to have loose stones. They were in the little boxes just like the jewelry stores. I scored some beautiful stones from $10-$30 range. I took my jeweler and he was shocked. He showed me comparable in the store that were $500 plus. I was concerned that they wouldn’t be real. I’ve had rings and earrings made from them with scrap gold.
One kicker is if you buy a TAG Heuer or similar you will have to pay the duty tax on those when you get to your home port.
You gave some wonderful advice here, as always. Thank you.
We've started to buy watches on our cruises, our son has a beautiful collection! I do find some hand bags at a good cost. Chat up the sales people for sure!!! 👍
We've bought tees, sweatshirts, and caps at the 10 dollar sale. Great deals, and still using them 7 years later.
I love the upper brand makeup palettes that are not sold in our department store makeup counters...Also, I have bought the 2 pack of Clinique moisturizer because I don't see 2 packs in our department store makeup counters
You nailed the advice on liquor. When we started cruising, we got great prices on spirits, but then competing low-price stores opened near us and the price difference evaporated. Then, unfortunately, Texas got a little greedy and started collecting a very high $3.25 tax PER BOTTLE in the terminal when leaving. No thanks.
One time I found a great makeup travel pallet that wasn't available in the department stores at home.
Nice!! That’s worth looking for 👌
Be aware of customs when you buy "duty free" liquor as there will be a certain number of bottles allowance, depending on your time abroad. Canada is especially strict on this as well as the amount spent on other "duty free" goods. Keep your receipts.
I bought a watch at the end of both of my NCL cruises. Got great deals for really nice watches. The best time is that last sea day before the end of your cruise.
I always buy myself a Pandora charm as a souvenir of my cruise. On my last cruise I thought I was going to be disappointed as they had no Pandora concession on board however on a port day in Lisbon, walking around the town centre I stumbled across a Pandora shop. The best deal I had recently was buy 4 items and the lowest priced was free. They also had a deal with 25% off all Cunard logo merchandise so I had 4 Cunard items at 25% off and the 4th free. It was a good saving on gifts I would have bought anyway.
Nice 👏👏
On the Carnival Mardi Gras in December 3rd sailing, they offered a different pandora charm @ an inexpensive price every day. Not my thing though.
The bad thing with liquor if you disembark from Texas is on return TABC is in the cruise port when you get out of customs for you to pay taxes on it and tobacco you purchased duty free.
I always check out the $10 sales as yes there are some great thing on he table. I also did my Christmas shopping for my grandchildren on my last cruise.
Great idea!
I was able to pick up a Royal Caribbean beach towel for my husband on Mercari, and it has really made a nice visual reminder of our upcoming cruise every time he uses it. 😁
Just got off Wonder of the Seas. On this ship, all week long the clothing deals stayed the same. Buy two shirts for $30. The name brand clothing was the same price on the ship and the ports as they are in Florida or at least Tommy Bahama, Vineyard vines, etc… I don’t wear watches but our son does and he said the watch deals were good to really good all week long. Bulova, citizen, Rolex all had sales all week. They had 50-75% off. He almost bought a $1900 watch for $500 but chose to wait. I looked up some watches and they were listed around the same price on the internet.
Buying on the ship or port is my souvenir of that trip. Buying at home less memorable.
The best shopping on the ship occurred on the Disney Wonder while we were on the last sailing for the season to Alaska. Half was Disney branded with the date on the shirts/jackets, but just as much Alaska merchandise (boxed smoked salmon, candies, socks with moose/bears, hats, gloves, etc.) was also reduced by 50%-75%. Interesting about the high liquor prices in Canada; when we would go to Detroit, my dad always took a quick trip across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor to buy booze because Canadian prices were much lower than Michigan. How times have changed.
Great! I’ve heard those last Alaska sailings have the best sales! Lol on times changing - for sure
Whoa that’s bonkers. I’m Canadian and I live on the boarder of New York state. I’ve never heard of anyone coming to Canadian to save money on alcohol 😂. When was this? I love learning random facts like this!
@@meganallday I was just a kid, so 60's-70's. We always took the bridge but never the tunnel.
Wow-lucky! I was on DCL in October, and nothing was on sale…
@@cherifurr3935 Cheri, That's not good; no sales? The Mouse is getting pretty tight nowadays. Going on Gary's cruise in April 2024 to try HAL.
I love the $10 sales!! I have gotten some beautiful cover ups and evening bag. I have purchased perfume as well. Not a huge difference in price than buying at the store, but it was a bit cheaper.
Great to hear! I think the 10$ sale has some great stuff!
I was in an R C cruise recently and a lady was looking at the $10 cover ups which were super pretty. I talked her into buying it and she thought I worked there.😂
My husband and I laugh every time you say welcome to life well cruised…what we hear….light bulb cruise ❤
I thought that's what she said! 😂
Yes,I love the $10 sale on cruises,do them all the time on a cruise.Going on a cruise soon can’t wait Thanks
I got bunch of things for friends and family with the 10 dollar sale. The quality of the products were also good. I got cute tote bags, an evening bag, a light flowy swimsuit cover up, And hat. When the sale happens it does get crowded and people start lining up early.
So true!
On a cruise I had a wound on my arm that had an elastoplast (adheisive sticker) I needed it replaced, the shop selling medical goods do not sell them but you are refered to the ships Doctor $30 per visit and $20 per item,, I stayed out of the pool and used cotton bandage until next port of call and bought twenty plasters for $2 at the local chemist
I got my toenail caught on a shoe and ripped it badly. It was bleeding heavily and wouldn't stop, so I had to go to the medical centre. Cost me $400. Thank goodness for travel insurance!
I am still using the shawls I got at the $10 sale on Oceania more than 10 years ago.
I usually buy the clearance and discounted colognes when I’m on a cruise. I always ask on the first day which ones will go on sale and Carnival tells me. They give me the discounted price right away.
I still use my pre-covid $10 evening bag... excited to go on my first post-c *vid cruise, Spring Break 23!!!! I have been binge watching these great videos, thanks Iiana!!
Last year on the Horizon, on Lady's night I bought a Dimond ring over a CT. and a ct. Dimond bracelet for about $700.00 for both
Convenience items can be purchased at any port's drug stores while you're walking around. Make-up, perfume, hair products etc. are far cheaper than on the ship.
Got sunburned on my very first cruise in 2008. In the makeup/perfume shop the salesgirl suggested a light Estee Lauder cucumber based face cream. I am still using this product. It is a lot cheaper on the ships. I stock up on face products, makeup and perfume when I cruise.
I was able to buy “souvenir items “ from several countries on sale onboard a transitioning cruise. The ship was returning to the US and the shop was getting rid of Souvenirs of ports that they had visited . Got there before the time advertised and when started ,grabbed items I even thought I wanted as the items were very limited. I was able to purchase many beautiful and collectable items.
My husband forgot to pack a comb. The shop onboard did not have and we searched the Caribbean ports they only had expensive souvenir type.
I bought a beautiful tanzanite ring on our second cruise, it was several hundred dollars under the value we later had it appraised for and they gave me a free pendant to go with it.
On a Carnival Mexico Rivera cruise from LA in 2011, I bought. Citizen Eco Drive watch. Bought this because I really liked it. It is still the best watch I have ever bought and I haven’t seen the same watch at a lower price, not even taking into the no tax of the cost on the ship. I wouldn’t buy a lot of things, but this was great.