We are taking a 10 day cruise to the Panama Canal. Heard that there are some honest and some not so great shops for jewelery. Does ANYONE know of shops in Cartagena, Grand Cayman or Limon? Not planning to get off in Aruba. I know that the cruise ships are affiliated with lots of the jewelery stores ie Diamonds International and prices are high. Is that true and how do I know if I am getting ripped off?
Each cruise ship has a person who gives a “shopping talk”. That talk is paid advertising, they won’t voluntarily tell you that but it is. But if you go to those shops mentioned in the talk, you can negotiate a good deal.
The advantage is that you know where to go. The disadvantage is that you don’t know if the price you are paying is the best there is. When you get off the ship you will see agents for tours. These tours are not affiliated with the cruise line and their prices for tours are lower. They will automatically take you to shops (they get a commission).
Why spend your limited time shopping? You’re in a foreign port. There’s lots to see and other things to do.
And why are you boycotting Aruba. It is a nice place and better values in shopping there since it is larger and has more shops.