calcalcoop

I try to get my passport stamped every chance I get. If there is no immigration or customs or travel office available in a port we visit, then I go to the nearest local post office and have them stamp my passport. Works well since it bears the city name and date and country. 95% of the time, they'll do it for free.

I also try to get something that's unique and original to the island or port I visit. In Mexico, I get their pure vanilla. Rum cakes from Caymans. Jerk spice in Jamaica. Larimar gems found only in Dominican Republic. You get the idea. I usually research for what I should be looking for before visiting a new place.

I love coffee so I've also brought back a 1 lb bag of local coffee from each place I've been to. I enjoy the new coffee destination every morning!

Last, I try to visit a local grocery store or variety store or food mart. I travel the aisles and pick up local spices or well-packaged baked goodies. A wonderful learning experience to see the cultural foods, what spices they cook with, local produce and even cleaning and beauty items. If you're lucky, some might carry local handicrafts for a song.

joining the free games, trivia challenges, some meet and mingles are good places to score 'free' ship memorabilia. Might be a frisbee, a pen, a pin, a tshirt, a shot glass, etc. For sure, contest winners get some kind of a ship-related prize. At least you can have fun while trying.