ugagal07 Posted October 20, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 20, 2017 We are cruising in December and have been re-routed. Previously we were slated to visit St. Thomas and San Juan and I know St. Thomas has great prices and selection, better than the ship. Since they are still rebuilding, we are being sent to Nassau, Freeport, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk. I realize all ports and the ship will have liquor stores, but price and selection is what I'm looking for. I know I can price match on the ship and all of that. Which port will be my best bet to shop since we aren't going to St. Thomas? Nothing specific, just restock the bar. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixtytwo Posted October 21, 2017 #2 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Based on your ports, I expect your best deal will be the ship duty free shop. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMSACE6 Posted October 21, 2017 #3 Share Posted October 21, 2017 agree with above poster, probably best on board ship, but still check out the prices in your ports of call, you never know, might find a deal. You can hold off buying on board till last day at sea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coevan Posted October 21, 2017 #4 Share Posted October 21, 2017 everything in Amber Cove was expensive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ugagal07 Posted October 21, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Thanks all. I was afraid of that... We've been spoiled by hitting St. Thomas and/or St. Marteen the past several trips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlp20 Posted October 22, 2017 #6 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Be aware ship prices are duty free AND usually have a sale last night. While it may be more money than some store, it will be wrapped and boxed for easier portage. On Princess, last night sales are given to pax to return to room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 22, 2017 #7 Share Posted October 22, 2017 (edited) . Given that itinerary, I agree with those who said 'the ship'. Edited October 22, 2017 by sail7seas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted October 22, 2017 #8 Share Posted October 22, 2017 . Given that itinerary, I agree with those who said 'the ship'. Additionally, buying on board is so much more convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick93 Posted October 22, 2017 #9 Share Posted October 22, 2017 The Caribbean ports are better. But if there is something on the cruise that is less at the ports they will price adjust with proof. I did that on my last carnival cruise that went to Grand Turks and amber cove. A bottle of scotch was $25 cheaper and I made sure to get a picture of bottle with the size showing and the shelf tag. The duty free shops were competitive but nothing like St Thomas/St Maarten where you could get better prices and haggle a bit with buying multiple bottles. One more thing in Grand Turks they randomly give coupons for additional 20% of next purchase. So if you a buying more than one bottle split the order because the next one may be 20% less. They will not let you return or price adjust the one you just bought. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marco Posted October 23, 2017 #10 Share Posted October 23, 2017 I think with so many folks flying to/from a Caribbean cruise out of Fla, and with not being allowed to carry liquids onto the plane cabin, Liquor sales in St Thomas have declined significantly. I remember back when, when several pallets of liquor boxes would be delivered to a ship. Last cruise, maybe half a pallet, and they charged a delivery fee, as well. As sales volume decreased, I saw prices increase. Purchasing in St Thomas is not the "bargain" it once was. We saw on board prices comparable to St Thomas shop prices on our last visit. We also saw liquor prices a better buy in St Martin than St Thomas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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