Shipping Souvenirs Home

[tillyboy]

Our first cruise to Europe and Egypt will be in Oct. 2010. I can just imagine all the souvenirs I'll be buying! Is it better

to arrange for shipping than trying to bring the items through customs? I'm concerned that I won't have enough room in our luggage either. How have you experienced cruisers handled this problem? Thanks for any information!

Oh, how expensive is shipping and do the cruise lines offer

this service for their passengers?

[paul929207]

We have shipped home some of the larger items we bught in China. Like chests, coramandel screen, etc. all made it without damage.

[WeBeGone]

I take an empty suitcase (nestled inside a big suitcase) and pack my treasures inside that. I've never shipped anything.

[kitty9]

For big, bulky or breakable items, I've shipped, but that won't get you out of paying US Custom's duty. All those shipments go through US Customs at the first port of entry and they determine if you need to pay duty. I've had to for quite a few things I've purchased, like crystal from Ireland or LLadros from Spain.