| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name
 | Date | Lines | 
|---|
| 302.1 | SHOPPING | BOOVX2::B_ALLEN |  | Tue Jul 30 1991 06:59 | 5 | 
|  |     THE CRUISE LINES WILL GIVE YOU INFORMATION ON THE SHOPS THEY RECOMMEND
    I HAVE FOUND THAT THEY GET A KICKBACK FROM THE STORES THEY RECOMMEND.
    IT IS BETTER TO SHOP FROM STORE TO STORE AND COMPARE THE PRICES
    AND MAKE YOUR BEST DEAL YOURSELF.
    
 | 
| 302.2 | Shop around and compare first | SWSEIS::WHALEN |  | Tue Jul 30 1991 15:56 | 11 | 
|  |     I agree with reply #1.  I just came back from a cruise and found
    that the shops they recommended were MORE expensive (most of the
    time) than others.  
    
    So, check out the stores they recommend (because you KNOW they'll
    be reputable), but before you buy, just compare a few more stores
    to make sure you're getting the best value for your money.
    
    Good luck.
    
    Linda
 | 
| 302.3 | Cruise lines stand behind purchases | JOKUR::BURKHARDT |  | Thu Aug 01 1991 14:13 | 8 | 
|  |     	 
    
    I agree that you should shop around,but before you go ashore, listen to
    the information the cruise director gives you at the on board meetings
    before you make any decision. The cruise lines will stand behind all
    purchases you make and will deal with returns and warrantys for you
    if you buy from the shops they recommend.Above all have a happy voyage.
                                                                    Fritz
 | 
| 302.4 | Choose your ports-o'-call, too! | PARVAX::SCHUSTAK |  | Thu Aug 08 1991 13:47 | 12 | 
|  |     I would concur with the theme of the last few replies...and I suppose
    SOME lines/individuals do receive kickbacks.  Another perspective is
    that IF a major goal is to take advantage of duty-free shopping, you
    should factor that into the cruise itinerary.  Duty free shopping
    selection and prices vary widely among islands in the Caribbean.  
    
    Of the ports I've visited, St. Thomas is probably the best port for
    jewelry; great selection, and a willingness to negotiate.  Some of the
    islands have very poor shopping (but then we all need to spend a little
    time on the beach or golf course :-).
    
    Steve
 |