Princess "Preferred" Shopping

[calliecat]

Just back from the Golden and after five cruises, I finally realized that I was right all along about the shopping expert on board and the stores that Princess promotes...............if you don't pay up then you don't get your name on the shopping guide list and the shopping expert is paid to push these stores!

We were in Cozumel this past week and I noticed that the carpet store we bought a rug from two years ago (Carpets International) wasn't on the list. I asked the Expert about it and all she would recommend was the one listed in the Cozumel shopping guide(Carpets Emporium). Well, after going to CEmp I realized these guys didn't know a carpet from a beach towel, so we headed back to CInt which had been an approved shopping store two years ago.

We ended up buying another rug from CInt and found out that it's all political who gets put in Princess' shopping guide and who doesn't.

We got a great deal because they weren't having to pay Princess to advertise so it worked in our favor. I also made a point to tell the shopping expert that CEmp was inferior compared to CInt (for what that's worth!).

So Caveat Emptor...........and don't waste your time going to the shopping seminars on board.

[Cruisin' Chick]

You mean it took five cruises to realize this?!?

[iancal]

It is more than political. Princess 'Recommended' stores become recommended by paying Princess as much as $500. per month and agreeing to a wishy washy return/resolution policy that VERY SELDOM gets enforced. Product knowledge and value have nothing whatsoever to do with it. Just multiply that by the number of stores and the number of ports!

 

I have also been told that the 'recommended' stores also pay commission back to Princess or the 'shopping expert' based on store sales on shopping 'tours' that the shopping experts organize. I have no confirmation on this. Perhaps another poster with in depth knowledge on this could provide some details. These tours are a joke, as is the list of 'recommended' stores. I believe that Princess has a duty to let passengers know that the recommended stores are ones that 'pay' Princess for this endorsement. Then passengers could make their own conclusion about the 'recommendation'. Guess who really pays these kickbacks..you got it baby.

[vmom]

Those on board shopping talks by the so called expert are nothing more than PAID commercials. The recommended stores have paid to have their names recommended. I couldn't believe on my last cruise on the CP how many people took the recommendations so seriously. I guess they didn't realize that it was just a paid commercial for the stores.

 

I had read also that the shopping expert is also not really a direct employee of the cruiseline, but works for a company that places all the so called experts on the different ships. Don't know the accuracy of this, but I had read it on the CC boards about a year ago.

[Princess Chatterer]

You didn't realize that some Princess excursions always seem to find a way to stop at a Princess recommended store? Now why is that? :confused:

[TinaLee]

I had read also that the shopping expert is also not really a direct employee of the cruiseline, but works for a company that places all the so called experts on the different ships. Don't know the accuracy of this, but I had read it on the CC boards about a year ago.

 

Nope, shopping host/hostess is definitely an employee of Princess. They are trying to recruit our 20 y/o daughter. She graduates college next year and they've been trying to talk her into this for about a year now.

 

I think it's a case of the buyer beware, as in all things. It's a crap shoot if you shop at a store that isn't recommended and have problems. You're on your own at that point. So the question is whether it's worth your peace of mind IMHO.

 

BTW - as one who has had to deal with a recommended store - I can say that everything was handled very efficiently by the store itself and Princess never had to step in on my behalf. I think that's probably the case with any good store in the Caribbean. Some of the smaller ones... maybe not so much.

 

I think for new cruisers, the port shopping talk can be very informative and helpful. I think once you've "been there, seen that" you can pretty much make your own judgement calls... but then again, there I go "assuming" people have common sense - and we know from this board that isn't always the case! :)

[calliecat]

You mean it took five cruises to realize this?!?

 

No, it only took sitting in one of the seminars to realize something was fishy, but it took five cruises to finally hear someone own up to the fact that Princess was getting getting paid from the businesses and if you didn't pony up you were considered a bad risk.

 

I would hope that those newbies that have found this forum learn something from this. There sure seemed to be a bunch of guppies sitting in these shopping seminars. I can't tell you how many bought that book that had "free items" in it for $25.00. I bought one my first cruise and it took just a trip or two to some of the preferred stores to realized everything in it was junk (except for the Del Sol beach bag).

[TinaLee]

I can't tell you how many bought that book that had "free items" in it for $25.00. I bought one my first cruise and it took just a trip or two to some of the preferred stores to realized everything in it was junk (except for the Del Sol beach bag).

 

I don't think so - we liked the Caribbean music CDs, the water wallets from DI, the beach bag, the midnight blue sapphires (which I had set in earrings), the coins from the different counties, the single pearl necklace on a cord which my daughter still wears. If you're just looking to kill time, I think the books are a good way to do it without spending a small fortune. That said, we bought the book once and probably won't ever again - but I didn't think it was all junk.

[JDMOR]

What everyone is saying is correct. Be forwarned it takes great perseverance to pursue a claim. We made a purchase at Diamonds International in Puerto Vallarta. The appraisal at home was fairly close and accurate, but still significantly lower than the so-called appraisal D-I gave us as the "lower than stateside" price promised by the on-board shopping "expert". Had to complain to the media company in Florida and then to D-I in New York. Ran me through a lot of hoops, such as they insisted on the original credit card number, a replacement card would not do! I complied and shortly later some fradulent charges were made against the card in Mexico (card cancelled with no loss). Then they wanted to give me "store credit". No way! It took some mild threats of media attention to finally get a cash settlement. Took about four months all togather. Forget shopping for anything other than trinkets !!!

[Cruisin' Chick]

On my first pre-cruise (an one-day gamblers' special between San Diego and Ensenada), there was a talk about what to look for (the silver symbol). We listened until specific stores were mentioned (warning us about how one should avoid stores not on the list). I found the info on the first real cruise (Carnival) to be some good info (again the silver symbol to look for) but mostly a sales pitch for specific stores. We noticed that many of the same goods were lower in price if you were willing to walk a bit farther. Never paid attention to the sales talks again. Not really bit on shopping in their ports (I basically just wear earrings and my wedding ring...and that's it for jewelery) so it's not a big deal anyway.

[Jacqueline]

Shop on the internet not on a cruise. Unless is it handmade or specific to the island, or why buy it ? I would make a case for doing a lot of shopping at that little island port in Venezuela -Isla Margarita for example. And don't forget those spices in Grenada (I have been there 4 times and have enough nutmeg to last a lifetime).

I have never understood the craze for shopping on the islands. Is there something that special or unique ?A tee shirt ? A shot glass ?

Last cruise the best thing I got was an extension cord for the cabin at Radio Shack in St Thomas. My teens were delighted ! Ipod, cameras, phones, hairdryers. hairstraightens all fired up...

[TinaLee]

Shop on the internet not on a cruise. Unless is it handmade or specific to the island, or why buy it ? I would make a case for doing a lot of shopping at that little island port in Venezuela -Isla Margarita for example. And don't forget those spices in Grenada (I have been there 4 times and have enough nutmeg to last a lifetime).

I have never understood the craze for shopping on the islands. Is there something that special or unique ?A tee shirt ? A shot glass ?

Last cruise the best thing I got was an extension cord for the cabin at Radio Shack in St Thomas. My teens were delighted ! Ipod, cameras, phones, hairdryers. hairstraightens all fired up...

 

I think it depends on what you're shopping for. Ten years ago Tanzanite was a great buy in the Caribbean. Some of the new topaz colors are only available down there. Blue diamonds, especially Sophia Fiori blue mist diamonds, are almost impossible to find in the states. If you like the look of the Tiffany bubble jewelry, you can find good copies of it down there. David Yurman silver is more affordable and the selection is often quite a bit larger there. Watches are often cheaper in the Caribbean - if you know what you want and how much you would spend at home. No one should go shopping anywhere, be it ashore in St. Thomas or at the outlet mall in Moose Hollow without being forearmed and forewarned about what they would pay either online or in their local stores. My husband got a great Ammolite ring last time around - and I've got my eye on a gold bracelet. But you have to know what you're shopping for and do your research. And yes, because we got 'the VIP card' from the shopping hostess we did get a slightly better deal on his ring. We had priced them before we left home. Problem is, with some jewelry you really need to hold it in your hand, in the light, before you know if it's worth the cost - Ammolite is a perfect example. I'd never attempt to buy it on line.

[dott]

TinaLee - I totally agree with your jewelry perspective. I bought a 18ktMirabelle purse pendant in St. Maartin,style was not available anywhere else but still wondering if I got a good deal. Saw the hostess onshore she was disappointed I didn't purchase at her recommends. Some stores will not give a discount once you are interested in a piece, they only pay for the promo to get you in. Do you have store suggestion for white gold bracelet during upcoming South Carib cruise? Looking forward to Crown.

[Katie333]

I like to buy jewelry in the Caribbean myself, because it's the best souvenir of any trip! :)

 

I have shopped at recommended and non recommended stores. I will say that the 'push' to shop at the recommended stores has always felt like a come-on even before I wised up after the first couple cruises. So buyer beware!

 

I totally agree with Tina, know your stuff and know what to look for and you can end up with a good deal on something you will enjoy wearing. It doesn't always break the bank either, last trip I got some beautiful black and pink coral earrings for $20 in Grand Cayman.

[ldoc31]

I would certainly never purchase the shopping book again. I finally went to a shopping seminar on my last cruise and just got "sucked in". I will say that the book made shopping a little like a scavenger hunt for the free stuff.

[nreeder]

I'll add another flavor to this thread. We were on back to back cruises on Sun Princess but most of the ports were different on each cruise--except for St. Thomas. The "shopping expert" changed from one cruise to the second one. And guess what--the "recommended stores" changed with the second shopping expert!

 

We've always known that Princess gets something back from the recommended stores (and lately they do disclose this in the talks), but the supposed trade-off was the Princess Guarantee of quality/price etc. We've been on other cruise lines and the list of recommended stores was different than on Princess, so there's certainly no agreement on "recommended"!

 

Thanks

Norm

[tkubi7]

I read and saved an interesting article from the LA Times about this. I'll post it in it's entirety but, the link is no longer working.

 

THE specialist on the Caribbean cruise could have won the cheerleader of the year award for merchants at our destinations. This perky shopping diva told us about diamonds, watches and white T-shirts with designs that change into brilliant colors when exposed to sun. She hyped the recommended stores and a $20 coupon booklet, promising it would yield $200 in free merchandise and discounts.

 

She coached the audience on her shopping motto: "If you see it and like it…." she said.

 

"Buy it," the audience shouted back.

 

Most of us listening got the impression that she was part of the cruise staff and that the shops had been selected as the best bets in the port.

 

In reality, she was hired by an outside company to do the shopping promotions.

 

As for her shopping advice, she pitched only the merchants who paid fees to get their products on the program.

 

A four-page map and brochure packed with promotions for recommended merchants was part of the program.

 

If you had read the fine print, you would have noticed that the stores had "paid a promotional fee" to be listed — information not commonly pointed out in the talks, which repeatedly are shown in cabins on an onboard shopping channel.

 

Most cruise lines follow similar practices, using one of two Florida companies: PPI Group in Fort Lauderdale and Onboard Media in Miami Beach.

 

Even though passengers aren't getting independent advice and tips, the shopping programs can be helpful. The recommended stores have been checked to assure they're reputable, and the merchants give a 30-day guarantee to repair or replace any item found faulty in that time.

 

And, the shopping promotion companies say, they will assist passengers who have problems with a merchant within the period of the 30-day guarantee.

 

But the shipboard programs won't lead you to great local handicraft boutiques, art galleries or silver merchants who haven't paid to be promoted. Many of these local merchants offer unusual, good quality items from the region and have been in business for years.

 

Such local merchants are getting harder to find in many ports. Whether you cruise in the Caribbean or Alaska, more often you'll see the same gem retailers in prime waterfront properties.

 

In the main town area of Cozumel, Mexico's premier Caribbean port, Diamonds International, its sister companies and other international gem retailers dominate the waterfront boulevard.

 

Local merchants once reigned along the waterfront, many displaying the silver jewelry for which Mexico is renowned. Cozumel's main boulevard still has a few local silver shops, but many merchants now are off the water a few blocks.

 

A few cruise lines recognize the value and attraction of local shops. Princess Cruises, for example, is working to make its shopping program more accessible to smaller shop owners who sell locally made items, says Julie Benson, Princess' vice president of public relations.

 

Upscale lines, like Crystal and Seabourn, rarely use outside companies to provide shopping guides. Crystal Cruises has a shopping lecturer only on its Caribbean sailings. On its worldwide itineraries, the concierge answers shopping questions.

 

Seabourn Cruise Line works with a shopping person aboard only in the Caribbean. It also works with a carpet retailer in Turkey. It has a personal shopper program, allowing guests to book a local specialist to find specific items.

 

You don't have to leave the ship to shop, though. Today, ships carry a broader, more appealing array of merchandise. Cruise lines, recognizing that shopping is a popular activity, have capitalized on a captive audience with time to browse and buy.

 

"Shops are a form of entertainment on the ship," says Mimi Weisband, vice president of public relations for Crystal Cruises.

 

Lines have enhanced their onboard boutiques, often creating elegant mini-mall promenades that offer a wide variety of products, including jewelry, clothing and fragrances and cosmetics at duty-free prices.

 

On most cruise lines, the onboard shops are a concession run by an outside company. (Princess Cruises manages its own shops.)

 

Here, some advice to help you score better buys on your cruise:

 

Do your own research about the ports and shops. The quality of shopping information given aboard the ship varies. Occasionally, there are informative, consumer-oriented talks, but in most cases the programs are simply pitches for local merchants who have paid promotional fees.

 

But on an Alaskan cruise I took, a talk on buying diamonds was consumer-oriented, explaining terms and even giving insider tips on negotiating the best prices.

 

To find smaller, unique local vendors, you're usually on your own.

 

Know prices before you go. Research before you go. Know what you're interested in buying and the prices of those products in your hometown, because the term "duty free" doesn't always translate to the best bargain.

 

Both onboard and ashore, shops promote duty-free goods, which means the retailer hasn't paid duty, or tax, on the goods because they're being sold to someone outside the country. The retailer gets to decide how much of that savings to pass on to you. In reality, stores in your hometown may sell similar goods with the same discount, if not more.

 

Brand perfumes and cosmetics — popular ones such as Lancôme and Estée Lauder — onboard are tempting, though selections may be limited. Compare their prices onboard in your home market and shops in port before buying. In the western Caribbean, Grand Cayman Island, in particular, has a large selection of fragrances and cosmetics.

 

 

 

Watch for onboard sales. Almost daily, shops aboard the ship have something on sale. To get the best price, it's wise to scope out the merchandise early in the cruise, but hold off buying to see whether items you like go on sale.

 

 

 

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-cruise...ack=1&cset=true

[Jacqueline]

TInaLee- you are a good example of a consumer who knows exactly what she wants and its stateside availablity and cost. An onboard talk is not going to sway you or lead you to have unrealistic expectations. You are not going to have buyes remorse. So shop away for sure. I will admit to buying one very good piece of jewelry on my European trips. They were unique pieces.

I do agree also with Tb regarding the fact that local shopping versus the big chains are the most interesting way to go. These are items that you can't find at home.

[cheflauraleh]

This is such a great post and I thought it would definitely be useful in bringing it back up again.

 

I have bought jewelry from the RCCL recommended stores and I got a great deal on it, but I am with the majority of the people here. Don't dismiss the other stores as scams just because they aren't recommended by the cruise lines! You can still find some great deals and quality jewelry!

 

My husband and I are going on a cruise in March and I have been checking out the boards daily so my advice is do some research, know your jewelry, and don't be afraid to ask some questions! Have fun shopping!

[Hlitner]

I cannot even count the number of times there have been posts on this topic, and yet every few months the issue resurfaces. The entire "shopping lecture", "recommended stores" stuff is simply one more profit center for the cruise lines. It used to be that stores paid small promotional fees or slipped a few bribes to cruise directors so that they would get mentioned. However, its now a big organized business. Many cruise lines actually use a private company who provides the shopping lecturers on-board, and pays fees to the cruise line. These companies contract with certain stores and refuse to mention any merchant who does not pay the required bribe (we could be nice and call it a promotional fee). Haven't you ever noticed that almost every Diamonds International Store is strategically located at cruise ports? Do you wonder why a large jewelry chain would not be in your home town? If you take a Celebrity or RCI ship to Rio, they will only recommend Amsterdam Sauer and do everything in their power to dissuade you from going to H Stern (most would say Stern is much better). Why do they do this when they used to recommend H. Stern? Do you think perhaps Amsterdam Sauer offered a much bigger fee to be recommended? Wake up folks. Do your shopping and compare prices just like at home. And if you are buying jewelry you would be well-advised to educate yourself on the real worth of stones and how they are graded. And as to these wonderful appraisals, try selling a diamond back to a jeweler and you will find out the real price.

 

Hank

[rjg41]

Just back from the Golden and after five cruises, I finally realized that I was right all along about the shopping expert on board and the stores that Princess promotes...............if you don't pay up then you don't get your name on the shopping guide list and the shopping expert is paid to push these stores!

We were in Cozumel this past week and I noticed that the carpet store we bought a rug from two years ago (Carpets International) wasn't on the list. I asked the Expert about it and all she would recommend was the one listed in the Cozumel shopping guide(Carpets Emporium). Well, after going to CEmp I realized these guys didn't know a carpet from a beach towel, so we headed back to CInt which had been an approved shopping store two years ago.

We ended up buying another rug from CInt and found out that it's all political who gets put in Princess' shopping guide and who doesn't.

We got a great deal because they weren't having to pay Princess to advertise so it worked in our favor. I also made a point to tell the shopping expert that CEmp was inferior compared to CInt (for what that's worth!).

So Caveat Emptor...........and don't waste your time going to the shopping seminars on board.

 

 

LOL

.....but I a sure there are others who didin't know that either.

[cheezwhiz]

My personal opinion only.....is buying gems and gold used to be a very good deal on the islands. No so much any more. We use to buy a lot on the islands and I just don't think the deals are as strong.

 

Yes, you can save money if its the same model number and brand for a watch.

[pablo222]

Nope, shopping host/hostess is definitely an employee of Princess. They are trying to recruit our 20 y/o daughter. She graduates college next year and they've been trying to talk her into this for about a year now.

 

Definately in the caribbean, the shopping is a concessionaire.

Onboard Media, Port Promotions, etc.

[whale-watcher]

You didn't realize that some Princess excursions always seem to find a way to stop at a Princess recommended store? Now why is that? :confused:

This is ONE of the reasons we prefer private tours and excursions...where we can at least minimize the amount of port time we waste at stops like this.

[grape farmer]

We were on the Crown in January and bought the "new" $25 shopping book. They do an amazing job of hyping this thing-it's just out, brand new, don't have enough copies printed, not enough to go around, sign up quick..... etc. I knew before I bought it that I was probably going to get a few things out of it, and I did. Though it was interesting, at the first stop in Barbados at the Del Sol outlet, we'd been promised via the book (or the "treasure map" that goes with it) a free bag. Since I'd completely forgetten about bringing a beach/carry bag, I wanted this one. At the shopping terminal store the assistants there appeared to know nothing about the free bag, and were telling people that they could get a bag only if they purchased something else. Well I waited a little while, went back in there, and was polite and resolute enough to get the bag for free. I told the shopping hostess back on the ship about it, and she just shrugged it off as being such a "new" offer that the shop people probably weren't aware of it.

 

I did send my husband out on the treasure map list-he's better at not being hassled about buying other things. So he did get a lot of free stuff. And the hostess was helpful in telling me what store would be best to buy a camera in-I checked out several on St. Thomas (we broke our camera on the cruise:( ) and the one she recommended did have the best price, and they threw in a free mini tri pod too because I showed them my shopping card. The price there was better than the price online (I checked) when I got home. So we're satisfied overall. But I totally knew that Princess is being subsidized by the stores-it's only common sense.:)