We will be taking a cruise this weekend (my first!) - our stops are Labadee, Haiti, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Can anyone advise where, if at all, can I get a good deal on say, Gucci or Fendi bags? Thank you very much

I'm not into shopping but I'd warn you to be very careful about the knockoffs. There are some fairly sleazy merchants in the ports you're going to visit & they know you won't be back anytime soon.

Thank you RichC, you make a very good point - I guess they don't worry about repeat business.

Out of all the ports you mentioned Grand Cayman would have the best quality stores.

Hi Cruise Fanatic,

thank you. That's kind of what I suspected. It's also the one port where I have already been and didn't really get to do any shopping so that will work out just fine. "Been to Hell and Back!"

I know there is a FENDI store in the main shopping area of Grand Cayman. It is really close to where you get off the tender. Their prices are no great bargain though. Just a very small savings over US prices. I checked on some FENDI frames for glasses while there and the price was only $20 cheaper than US ...

As with anything you might buy in the Caribbean; you should have an idea of what prices are back home to make a comparison. Also remember there is no tax.

I'm not at all familiar with bags but anytime I've shopped for anything electronic the model I had priced at home is never what they have in their stock. Of course theirs is always better & more expensive & might not come with a warranty that would be honored in the US.

Thanks BJC123, Fendi was one of the bags I was interested in but that doesn't sound like much of a deal.

Also thanks to RichC and Cruise Fanatic again...I'm starting to think I'll put less emphasis on the purse shopping and more time enjoying the activities and sight seeing! If I happen across a good deal, then it was meant to be, but I won't waste too much time.

Thanks again everyone for all your input.

quote:

I'm starting to think I'll put less emphasis on the purse shopping and more time enjoying the activities and sight seeing

That sounds like a better plan. You'll be glad you did it.

Exactly Dave, for example I was looking forward to trying the zipline in Labadee, and definitely snorkeling (if not diving) in Xcaret or Xel-ha while at Cozumel (a life-long must-do)...but what's up with Gustav? It's not looking too great - just my kind of luck

quote:

but what's up with Gustav?

Which cruise are you taking?

We leave this Sunday on the Royal Carribean's Freedom of the Seas - it's a 7 night Western Carribean cruise. Do you think there's a chance they'll change the itinerary due to the hurricane activity?

quote:

Do you think there's a chance they'll change the itinerary due to the hurricane activity?

It depends on the hurricane track and any damage it does along the way. I've had cruises that were changed from western to eastern itineraries because of hurricanes. Believe me, I didn't mind. It is not the cruise line's fault and they will never risk the passengers or the ships if at all possible. RCI posts storm updates on their website. All I can say is to check the RCI website frequently between now and then. Given the storm track, Gustav will be out of the way for your cruise and it will be up to whatever damage it did to your ports. I do know that RCI cancelled all visits to Labadee for the next couple of days.

O.k., thanks a lot Dave!