Jewelry Shops on board HAL?

[sp2]

I think that if you want to buy jewellery onboard, you can be confident that you are getting the real thing and at a reasonably fair price (with no tax) so if you see something you love, go for it. It serves as a lovely memento of your cruise.

 

As far as shopping on the islands, I respectfully disagree with the poster who said avoid the ship recommended shops. The cruise lines generally offer a guarantee that if you have a problem with something you purchased at a cruise iine recommended shop that arises after you get home (and within a certain time frame; I think it is 60 days for most) you can contact Customer Relations and they will help you solve the issue. I have not sailed HAL recently but I know the other lines I have sailed recently (primarily Princess and Celebrity) have this.

 

A cruising friend of mine purchased an Alexandrite ring in St. Thomas last spring for $1000, only to find out when they got home it was not real alexandrite. They contacted the cruise line (it was Princess not HAL) and nothing could be done because it was not a ship recommended shop.

 

Personally I have bought several beautiful jewellery pieces in St. Thomas at ship recommended Cardow. I think I paid a fair price with no tax like I would pay at home. I have brought the pieces to a jeweller in Canada and all are real stones/gold, worth more than what I paid. So I don't think all the stores are out to fleece passengers. I have also purchased from Diamonds International and Colombian Emeralds which seemed quite reputable to me.

 

We also purchased Movado watches in Grand Cayman and got incredible deals (they were over twice the price at home). So deals can be had!:)

[sail7seas]

I think that if you want to buy jewellery onboard, you can be confident that you are getting the real thing and at a reasonably fair price (with no tax) so if you see something you love, go for it. It serves as a lovely memento of your cruise.

 

As far as shopping on the islands, I respectfully disagree with the poster who said avoid the ship recommended shops. The cruise lines generally offer a guarantee that if you have a problem with something you purchased at a cruise iine recommended shop that arises after you get home (and within a certain time frame; I think it is 60 days for most) you can contact Customer Relations and they will help you solve the issue. I have not sailed HAL recently but I know the other lines I have sailed recently (primarily Princess and Celebrity) have this.

 

A cruising friend of mine purchased an Alexandrite ring in St. Thomas last spring for $1000, only to find out when they got home it was not real alexandrite. They contacted the cruise line (it was Princess not HAL) and nothing could be done because it was not a ship recommended shop.

 

Personally I have bought several beautiful jewellery pieces in St. Thomas at ship recommended Cardow. I think I paid a fair price with no tax like I would pay at home. I have brought the pieces to a jeweller in Canada and all are real stones/gold, worth more than what I paid. So I don't think all the stores are out to fleece passengers. I have also purchased from Diamonds International and Colombian Emeralds which seemed quite reputable to me.

 

We also purchased Movado watches in Grand Cayman and got incredible deals (they were over twice the price at home). So deals can be had!:)

 

 

 

I think it relevant to add a complaint by a buyer from a cruise ship approved store may require an 'independent appraisal'...... ie from someone who does not work for a jewelry store. Try and find one. Most GIA certified appraisers work for jewelry stores and the price of an appraisal can be steep. No, this is not always the case but cruise ship recommended stores do not necessarily easily, swiftly and smoothly accept return and issue refund. Yes, it happens some times but will it happen for the piece you may find is not worth what you paid for it...... or you have a problem with the piece? Life is a risk; buying jewelry from someone you don't know can be a risk. Use commom sense. Trust your instincts. IMO

 

It is not quite as simple as one would like to have your issue handled to your satisfaction SOME OF THE TIME. Sure, there are times it works out to the satisfaction of the disgruntled purchaser but that is not always the case.

 

If you like the item, buy it. Do not buy it as you hope it will increase in price enough through the years that you will be able to retire on the profit you will make selling it some time later.

 

If you can afford it, if you like it, if you want a momento from your trip...... great. Don't take a loan to buy it. IMO

 

 

 

[vicocala]

You actually get one $800 exemption every 30 days (see page 12 of the brochure below).

 

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/kbyg_regulations.ctt/kbyg_regulations.pdf

 

I recently had two trips within 30 days, went over both times (OK, I'm a shopper), declared my actual totals, and wasn't charged any additional duty, although I was prepared to pay. The key is being honest; if you try to sneak stuff in, they can charge you the duty AND take the stuff. :eek:

 

Sorry if I was incorrect, I was just passing on the word that the border patrol gave me at the pier last month. I was asked if I had any souvenirs and I said no, I am going on another trip soon. How often can you renew the exemption. [shrugs shoulders] :o

[hal lover]

Remember, too, that loose gemstones enter the US duty-free. It's only when it's set that the duty allowance comes into consideration.

So, if you find that fabulous stone, at a great price, and you must have it---go ahead without worry about the duty on it. There isn't any! :D

 

I never knew that! Thanks for sharing!

[SeaBands]

ever 30 days but they don't really check. Some items on board are competitive with island or land pricess. Mirabella has some lovely items but i think they are overpriced. I have never seen anyone buy something there. Maybe if they win in the casino they might.

[sail7seas]

ever 30 days but they don't really check. Some items on board are competitive with island or land pricess. Mirabella has some lovely items but i think they are overpriced. I have never seen anyone buy something there. Maybe if they win in the casino they might.

 

 

I agree I've never seen anyone actually walk out of Mirabella carrying a bag or box but they must be making sales or HAL would not devote that space. If it doesn't produce revene, it would disappear, I would think.

 

[Typhoon1]

Generally, a good selection. Slightly higher in price, but no tax.

 

Remember to declare purchases on your customs form.

[jaguarstyper]

Since I travel out of the country frequently, on business, I'm very aware of the duty free and import laws and limits. Not really asking about that. Just for opinions on the shipboard jewelry shops. I appreciate all the opinions provided so far. Thank you.

[DarDee]

In May 2008, we went on the Noordam in Europe. I purchased a pair of diamond earrings for $2,500. US. They had been reduced 40%. When I got home, I got them appraised for insurance and they came in at $1,700. Canadian. Obviously I did not get what I paid for. I packed them up and returned them. They sent me back the $2,500. no questions asked. Was I ticked? absolutely. I was out the cost of the appraisal but I did wear the earrings for trip and learned that I really didn't need diamond earrings. :) but I could use the $$$ for another trip. Turned out to be a win/win.

[Tampa Girl]

Another thought - since the OP's girlfriend is thinking in terms of gift-giving, the jewelery aboard ship frequently contains a selection of stones or styles specific to a certain area. For instance, the WildJewels from New Zealand, the Roman Glass, certain types of amber, etc. This jewelry may not be as commonly available in U.S. shops, and they make nice gifts and are not too expensive.

[iancal]

Never seen a particularly good deal on jewelry aboard any cruise line, including HAL.

 

And that includes those phoney 30, 40 ,etc so called percent discounts on Citizen watches.

 

We have compared a few high end watches-model for model. we have always found the shipboard prices to be high.

[jaguarstyper]

Never seen a particularly good deal on jewelry aboard any cruise line, including HAL.

 

And that includes those phoney 30, 40 ,etc so called percent discounts on Citizen watches.

 

We have compared a few high end watches-model for model. we have always found the shipboard prices to be high.

A friend of mine recently showed me his shiny new Citizen watch he bought on a Royal Caribbean cruise for 60% off. I showed him he could buy the exact same watch at Sam's club for $80 less than he paid and it comes with a US warranty.