Port Shopper
Smart shopping in cruise ports — what to buy, what to skip and how to get it home.
Find a Cruise With Great Shopping PortsShop Like You Have Done It Before
Shopping is one of the oldest pleasures of a cruise — and one of the easiest places to spend more than you meant to. Port Shopper is an independent guide to buying well in cruise ports: what “duty-free” really means, how much you can bring home under U.S. customs rules, how ship shopping talks work, how to buy jewelry with confidence, where to find genuine local crafts, how to haggle politely, and how to get it all home in one piece.
We do not sell anything in port, and we do not rank stores. Our aim is simply that you come home with things you love, at prices you are happy with, and with no surprises at the customs desk.
Duty-Free & U.S. Customs
Personal exemptions, alcohol limits and the Virgin Islands bonus, from CBP’s own pages.
Port Shopping Talks
What the onboard shopping talk is, how recommended-store programs work and what the guarantee covers.
Jewelry & Gemstones
Tanzanite, emeralds, diamonds and local stones — and how not to overpay.
Local Crafts & Markets
Things made where you are, and the souvenirs you should never buy.
Bargaining Etiquette
Where haggling is expected, where it is rude, and how to do it kindly.
Getting Purchases Home
Packing, shipping, declaring and keeping the paperwork.
The Port Shopper’s Golden Rules
- Know your allowance before you buy anything expensive.
- Compare prices at home first for watches, electronics, perfume and jewelry.
- Pay by credit card for big purchases; it gives you a route to dispute problems.
- Get everything in writing — description, metal, stone, weight and price.
- Buy local when you can; crafts made on the island tell its story.
- Never buy wildlife products such as turtle shell or coral.
Famous Shopping Ports at a Glance
| Port | Known for | Port guide |
|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | Jewelry, watches, liquor; the higher U.S. allowance | St. Thomas |
| St. Maarten | Duty-free stores along Front Street in Philipsburg | St. Maarten |
| Curaçao | Waterfront shopping in Willemstad, local crafts | Curaçao |
| Nassau, Bahamas | Straw market crafts, rum and local art | Nassau |
| Cozumel, Mexico | Silver, pottery, textiles and tequila | Cozumel |
| Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic | Larimar and amber jewelry | Puerto Plata |
Each guide on our sister site Caribbean Cruise Ports covers what else to do in port, so you can fit shopping around a beach or a tour.
Who Is Behind Port Shopper
When you book through us, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can help you choose itineraries with the ports you most want to explore — including the shopping stops — and answer questions before you go.
Port Shopper is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Port Shopping Questions
Is cruise port shopping really duty-free?
“Duty-free” means the shop does not charge local taxes. It does not mean the item is free of U.S. duty when you come home. Purchases still count toward your personal exemption, and anything over it may be dutiable.
How much can I bring back without paying duty?
For most U.S. residents returning from a cruise, the personal exemption is $800 per person. It is $1,600 if you return from the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam. Rules for alcohol and tobacco are separate. Check U.S. Customs and Border Protection before you shop.
Are the stores recommended on board guaranteed?
Stores in a ship’s shopping program usually come with a limited purchase guarantee for problems such as a stone that is not what it was sold as. It typically does not cover simply changing your mind. Read the terms, and keep every receipt and certificate.
What are the best cruise ports for shopping?
Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Philipsburg on St. Maarten are known for jewelry and duty-free stores. Willemstad, Nassau’s straw market and Mexican ports are good for crafts. European and Asian ports offer markets, design shops and local specialties.
Plan a Cruise With Great Shopping Ports
Tell us the ports you want to shop and the kind of things you love to buy. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will line up itineraries that call at your favorite shopping ports, with free quotes.
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