Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
The cruise ship shops are set up with several ideas in mind.
First, there are things you can leave at home that you will eventually need — and sometimes even the best packers lose their suitcases by the airline.
Second, some people show up and then realize that formal nights really require, you know, formal attire.
Third, after a few consecutive days of overcast and gray rain at sea, some shopaholics will buy just about anything to achieve that “holiday only” feeling.
At ports, there are other pitfalls to avoid — products that won’t pass your local customs officer; things that are difficult to transport home; and cheap tchotchkes (understood: poorly made) are likely to break before you put the key in the front door.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, subscribe to TPG’s itinerary bulletin
Here’s our advice on what to avoid when a shopping bug hits you on your next cruise vacation (especially for those of you who have trouble keeping your wallet in your pocket while traveling – and you know who you are).
What not to buy on the plane
art
Are you a world famous art connoisseur from different periods with encyclopedic knowledge of minor artists and their lesser known works? We don’t think so.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
So unless you want to spend hours frantically searching for the value of artwork on the web, steer clear of on-board art auctions — no matter how bad the weather or the pool deck. how crowded it gets on rough sea days.
Related: 15 ways train novices waste money on trains
toiletries
Basic hygiene products are available in the ship’s gift shop for the desperate — and often priced accordingly. If you arrive at the port in the morning and you can wait and buy the product at a regular second hand pharmacy, you will get a much better deal.
Plus, our curated collection of toothpaste, shampoo, nail files and sunscreen from around the world will liven up your medicine cabinet when you get home and serve as a constant reminder. about your international adventures.
Another option: Consider buying travel sizes that can stay permanently in your suitcase cleaning bag to prevent future mishaps.
‘special’ spa treatment
Sure, an afternoon in the steam room and sauna can really relax you, and some of the pricier cruise lines have great massages and facials on board. .
However, no matter which ship you’re on, avoid spa treatments that claim to not be medically sanctioned back home, such as Ionithermie, which claims to help you lose weight.
Related: 6 best yacht spas
Spa treatment ‘Medi’
Some cruise lines offer average spa treatments but read the fine print to learn about the required training. You may be surprised to learn that the term “medi” is a bit misleading and that most ships don’t come with doctors who perform these treatments.
Any treatments in spas are notoriously hard to sell
We also recommend avoiding any massages or facials that come with steep discounts.
How do you know if you are about to face a harsh lecture about products that you absolutely cannot walk away without buying? If the spa doesn’t promise total silence during your treatment, you may end up feeling like a duck waiting for a sale.
Manicure and pedicure
The salon services are surprisingly marked. Also, just one hit from a wave can create an imperfect finish. Our view? Take the time to polish at home or look for a well-reviewed spot in the port, but skip the on-board nail salon.
Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make during their sailing days
Gemstone
If you’re not yet an expert at assessing gems, a cruise isn’t the best time to buy expensive jewelry.
When you spend thousands of dollars, you want to make sure you get the quality you expect. Your mind is just elsewhere on a journey – from the pool and hot tub to the cocktail lounge or tonight’s menu items.
After all, who wants to spend a sunny afternoon indoors studying gem cuts and carats?
Don’t buy anything at the port
Souvenirs from the port station
From cheap hammocks in Mexico to cheap fans in Spain, the souvenirs you’ll often find in boutiques full of bargains are designed for quick take-aways.
Did you go on a cruise on the coast and didn’t take the time to shop for your grandson? Pick up something at the station. The problem is that the quality there is generally low.
If possible, wander the town for a while to buy something that is sold to locals rather than tourists.
Alcohol
Multiple itineraries – including Festival cruise line, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises — will confiscate wine purchased at the port and return it to you upon disembarkation. Luxury routes, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and silver sea yachtWill let you bring alcohol on board if you like.
However, buying alcohol to take home comes with risks and annoyances unless you are heading straight into your home port. (You’re not going to fill your luggage with Tahitian vanilla rum, are you?)
That said, if you’re on a river cruise in France passing through your favorite wine region, we understand if you put in the effort to make sure your favorite bottles of wine take home to enjoy.
Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? Line-by-line instructions
Cold cuts and soft or raw cheese
Trying to sneak culinary specialties like Jamon Iberico from Barcelona and Comte fresh milk from France through US customs isn’t worth the stress.
Our advice? Eat to your heart’s content at restaurants while on vacation — or picnic on your cabin balcony — and pick up non-controversial edible souvenirs, such as chocolate.
Fresh fruit
Customs will also not allow you to bring fresh fruit into the country. At some unloading ports, you’ll find crates with signs threatening fines if you don’t dump any fresh fruit you may have hidden in your luggage.
Yes, Caribbean bananas, mangoes, pineapples and coconuts may be ripe and sweet, but the fat is also rich.
Look for frozen drinks made with fresh fruit, rather than powder or syrup, while you’re at port so you can feel full before you head home.
Planning an itinerary? Start with these stories:
Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.
