7 things you should NEVER buy on a cruise ship!

[@Surfcityham]

We had a very large cruise credit on one cruise. I used most of it to buy a Citizen multi-time zone solar-powered watch, which cost me $0.00 out of pocket.

[@karlamiller1453]

I bought a chain and earrings on a cruise back in 2010. I still have both and wear them!

[@chrismoss2818]

I was able to get a gopro on a ship that was the same price at Best Buy, so I bought it. Without having to pay taxes was my savings.

[@shayj5124]

When you spend your travel dollars you should spend what you want whenever you want.

[@CPD_Det]

I bought my Longines GMT watch on a cruise, the price was the same as I could get it on-line, minus the taxes so it was a great deal, plus I now have the memory of the cruise attached to the watch. Like anything you should do your homework before you buy. Good video.

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

I bought mine on a ship as well and I had $900 in casino comps to put towards it so it made it foolish not to buy it on the ship at basically less than half price

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

Mine was a Longines Hydroconquest

[@CPD_Det]

@@PaulBishop-v1o Nice! I love mine, Longines is such an underrated Swiss company, their history is great and their watches are top notch.

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

@ Oldest patent on record.

[@shayj5124]

@@CPD_Det I too have purchased some great finds on cruises

[@josieann5031]

So many KZbin channels have already covered "what not to buy on a cruise". Like this one they all give the same advice.

[@pincushionllama]

On the OTC meds, leave them in your suitcase until you need them. No need to pull them out and clog valuable room space if you may ultimately NOT need them. I bring claritin, tylenol, Ibprofen, dayquil, Vicks, and sore muscle ointments in the event of a bad fall or sickness.

[@laurabejay7675]

I disagree about purchasing jewelry. I purchased a pair of Effy earrings on a cruise. I got a great deal (checking their website) and earrings I love that remind me of our trip.

[@robinbrook5624]

I've bought art, and extremely happy with the price I paid for it. I've also bought the Gold by the Inch, and have been extremely happy with my purchases. They are up front that it is gold filled. Being a small framed person, bracelets are often too big. To have one the exact size I need is great. Also like being able to have such a wide variety of chain to choose from. As for quality, I had them do a necklace chain to replace the broken one my pendant had come with, wearing it almost daily, it took almost 8 years for it to start showing wear. Souvenir glasses are great for some people. I have several sets from years gone by, when they were actually made of glass. Those rare times when the whole family gets together now, we use them, while talking about all the times we cruised as a family.

[@shayj5124]

@@robinbrook5624 I’ve purchased several pieces of art and love them all.

[@davidmarsden305]

My experience of on ship purchases are buyers beware, absolutely love cruises, however, they are a profit making machine. In saying that, I have used the spa occasionally, bought aftershave etc. However I've done this to use up OBC, along with theme restaurants. I genuinely book early, I'm disabled, so require a suitable cabin, you have to pay a higher rate in general, however you do get a decent amount of OBC🤷

[@harriethopper8540]

I have purchased a few paintings on the ship and they are still my favorites

[@gregorymckenna6609]

You speak the truth! People need to understand “Duty Free” is not profit free. Watches, jewelry, bags, Art etc are usually super overpriced. As you said spend a few minutes online to see if you are getting good value…not to self YOU ARE NOT GETTING A GOOD DEAL! Also, wifi can be very expensive. Every port we have ever been to usually has free wifi. If not walk in to town and look where the ships crew congregates. They know all the places with free wifi.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Sailed out of Galveston, Tx. several years back. On board they talked about the Duty Free. We purchased a couple of bottles. When disembarking, some nice, sweet Texas Ladies asked if we had purchased any liquor, we said yes, they told us we had to pay a State of Texas Tax, even if we didn't live there.

[@VYLV-b3j]

We bought $0 on our recent 10-day Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Ascent 😅

[@motor2of7]

I bought a very expensive watch onboard once. No regrets and saved taxes.

[@quincyturner548]

Same

[@KN-op3et]

For the art on a cruise ship, don't buy because of the "value" but rather because you like the art. Many of the artists are alive and in their prime and therefore their work may never reach high values (which typically occurs only after the artist dies and their work becomes more rare). Also consider if it's a print or a part of a series or an actual original piece -- that will also affect the price and any future value.

[@geoffreystone4849]

I have bought art on board as take offs. The value has been in the frames as framing in Australia is expensive. Never pay the price asked. Always haggle with the staff. As for jewelry always look to get 65-70% of the ticketed price. Check the brochures and websites of the companies and you will have comparison data. Make an offer and see what they are prepared to accept. The quality and pricing can be good, including on shore ring resizing, warranty and take back policies.

[@brianm2129]

Some very good advice , I did break the buy a watch rule once. By an incredible fluke I got a very specific watch I liked for less than the wholesale ( CDN) price . Family has a jewelery biz and I knew their cost and surprisingly the ship was less (WTF) . It was the very very rare exception. !!!!

[@wslan6080]

I always buy Swarovski jewelry on ships, the price is good and I have found that I cannot find certain pieces online or at stores

[@raisafrancisco7323]

I fell in love once with a watch on a cruise. I almost bought for more than $100, but I didn’t. Next thing I know I went to ROSS!! and I found the watch, same brand there for less than $30. Other stuff were the same price in Amazon. I always check right there Amazon and other stores before making my decision. Also, wait till the last night for specials like BOGO free or at a huge discount.

[@katcalico9142]

Never is a strong word for spa treatments I think. I agree and disagree agree with you on the spa. Obviously not the best value, but for some of us, fully aware we could get a better value, a spa treatment on a sea day is an event. Mom’s that want to escape or folks not interested in waterslides or the like. Kind of like specialty dining, things like chef’s table, bingo, loosing money in the casino, extra charge classes and tours, a spa treatment can be the highlight of a sea day. The upselling is horrendous and annoying, but just be prepared to tip and politely say no thank you. IDK - an afternoon massage on a sea day is a fun treat yourself activity. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@danycruise97]

Nice video !

[@tduck828]

Its,definitely important to know your prices as they do tend to inflate prices. On shore stores do this as well. The one tried to sell me a blue topped necklace for $1000 that I could have easily got any where else for about $100. No dude. You are out of your mind...

[@allenellzey5735]

I was going to buy my wife earrings on a cruise. They wanted $2000 and said no thanks. Got home and priced around for same size and as close as I could find for all the C's. Lowest price on land was over $3000. Oh well can't always get a good deal.

[@cruzinandcashin]

This lady doesn’t know what she is talking about

[@iati6294]

2k or 3 k on earrings are a waste of money. Don’t let the system suck you in

[@cruzinandcashin]

@ who are you? He can spend his money how he wishes .

[@mickyday2008]

UK customs check the purchases that you’ve made on the ship and charge the owed duty as you leave the ship. Beware

[@kentfrederick8929]

My wife has bought jewelry. She knows jewelry, including price and quality. If she thinks the quality is overstated, or the piece is overpriced, she'll walk.

[@cruisingwitheric]

Watches: The watches you see on a cruise ship are "old new stock." That is to say it's a brand-new watch that was manufactured years ago. When they say "75% off" they are actually saying "75% off the original manufacturer's suggested retail price from years and years ago." You can almost ALWAYS find the same watch on Amazon, etc. for less.

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

If you’re buying a crappy watch, sure. If you are buying a quality Swiss watch, you are not getting old product.

[@cruisingwitheric]

@@PaulBishop-v1o yea, and they are not "75% off" either

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

@@cruisingwitheric I never said they were. But for you to claim all they sell are “new old stock” is grossly inaccurate.

[@j.r.1210]

There's nothing wrong with buying art on a cruise ship IF you understand what you are doing. That means having knowledge of the different mediums in which artist work (e.g., knowing how a lithograph differs from an oil painting), having some familiarity with the artists themselves, and possessing a developed taste (understanding what you like, so you don't splurge on the first piece that looks "cool"). And there are two rules of thumb that everyone should follow for a good buying experience: (1) Do NOT treat a shipboard art purchase as an investment. You are not acquiring a capital asset. You're buying something that you will enjoy for years, and the enjoyment, not an expectation of financial gain, should justify the purchase. (2) Don't buy through competitive bidding. That could result in overpaying. Buy pieces offered as "one price for all" specials. These prices may not be dirt cheap, but they're usually acceptable.

[@cruisingwitheric]

art: If you really want Park West Art that is sold on a cruise ship go to estate sales in Florida. You'll find it for pennies on the dollar. Huge rip-off.

[@SandyWohl-d5x]

You are certainly right about being careful buying art on cruise ships. I have bought several pieces on board. However, do your research. Check the Internet and you will find that there have been lawsuits against companies that sell art on cruise ships. Also check the comments of other cruise ship specialists. People complain about Several aspects of the art that they had purchased on board. Don’t be fooled by the free alcohol or the little contests and free giveaways. Be very careful. That’s my advice.

[@christinap3825]

I bought a Tiffany pendant on a DCL cruise. After a couple of months the blue edges wore off - Tiffany were no help, and said it would have to be returned to the point of purchase (even though I made it clear it was bought onboard a ship). NEVER AGAIN!

[@lynettevanzyl6964]

You should vacation at home

[@jcshaves]

My wife got a rash and purchased aloe on the ship and probably paid three times what she would have on shore.

[@AnthonyScottGames]

I worked on royal for 5 years. I bought a Baume Mercier for half price.

[@bridgetdavis9752]

I'm planning my first cruise, and your channel is so helpful, thank you! When taking medicine, are we required to use the bottle it came in, or can it be in a pill box?

[@leeannkleine6120]

If it's a pill or tablet, a pill box usually is just fine. Liquids need to remain in the prescribed bottle for inspection at the airport. If you are not flying into the cruise port, that makes it easier.

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

@@leeannkleine6120Pill box is fine unless it is a controlled substance. If it is a controlled substance (e.g. a narcotic or sedative), bring that medication in the original bottle with the prescription label on it.

[@bridgetdavis9752]

@@leeannkleine6120 thank you!

[@bridgetdavis9752]

@@PaulBishop-v1o thank you!

[@jenniferlandreth7962]

I would suggest packing the meds in the original bottles, then just pack the pill box empty. It will save you both at the airport and boarding the ship security wise. Sort it out in your cabin, then back into their bottles they go for your return trip.

[@angierox6964]

I wonder if I could bring a large amount of extra

[@angierox6964]

Maybe I'll sneak a bunch of extra stuff on and sell it on the DL. I could make a little bit of money instead of them making quadruple the money. Then I could afford to buy myself a cocktail! L O L

[@juliebee731]

My watch was a good deal

[@cruzinandcashin]

These are not tue. I have been on 22 cruises. Jewelry can be very good.

[@rickjames302]

especially invicta watches.. they are not worth what you pay for it; these are not rolex. just a few notches up from walmart brand.

[@MJC1124]

I'm a skinflint and buy very little on cruises. I shun the drinks packages because I do not want to booze sufficient to make them worthwhile. I don't buy mementoes either.

[@alliepettola3808]

You seem like a fun vacationer 🙄

[@Harold-u8c]

My wife booked me a massage one time, I wanted out of there after 30 minutes,she bought the 60 minutes. The massage did not help my lower back pain at all.

[@jhacfubar]

And what is Tanzanite? I have never seen it on land back home. 😂

[@meowsthree]

It’s a gorgeous purple/blue gem.

[@jeffstanley6013]

My wife's parents own a jewelry store in southern California, and my wife is a certified gemologist. They've dealt in Tanzanite for many, many years; it is a completely legit gem, highly sought after. If you're not seeing them in stores, either A) they're sold out, or B) you're visiting the wrong stores. 🙂

[@schhnan]

i have spent $0 in cruise ship stores on 10 cruises

[@MamaBe1963]

I love all my tanzanite pieces!

[@mea3665]

What makes You an expert ?

[@teamdawson1]

It’s spelled Cay but pronounced “Key”

[@ralfs.6479]

World's shortest KZbin Video: 7 things you SHOULD buy on a cruise ship!

[@Star-Boarder]

Park West is trash art. Buy it if you like it but it will never appreciate as an asset.

[@PaulBishop-v1o]

Disagree. In general perhaps. But they do have mystery auctions, one of which I participated in. I ended up with 2 Thomas Kinkade lithographs for $500. Each one is worth $1600 by independent appraisal. So only spent $1100 total including framing for both, and got $3200 of value for it.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

Don't keep recommending Walmart. There are 1000s of people cruising who are not yanks

[@kathyweber3730]

I thought the picture was Target?

[@suerobinson844]

I have bought a watch and lots of jewellery. Avoid the spa. I bought an underwater camera. Don't buy art, they are prints. Take all daily toiletries and medicines. It you have on board credit, use it wisely.

[@ArleneKing1372]

How do you use the OBC “wisely”?

[@Curmudgeoned]

Regarding watches you’re right. The first price quoted is often more than on land, however Google is your friend and frequently they’ll offer to match the best land price. You can then reduce that further by getting them to deduct the tax from the land based price! If the answer is not then walk away.

[@trigun442]

Cruised with celebrity edge and thought 2 of the ones we purchased on board was a great deal. On top of duty free no tax, its an amazing deal. -Got 3 name brand cologne/perfume for $100 even: Dior, Versace and YSL ( it would have been between $150-200 tax included outside of the cruise. -My wife got an amazing deal for 2 pairs of diamond earrings and 2 colored stone necklaces. Originally, they were $16,000, but we were given a discounted cost at $10,000. After 3 days of haggling, going back and forth and taking time to think about it, they ultimately gave it to my wife for $5,000 flat. A higher up had to step in to confirm the price. I remember buying my wife a pair of diamond earrings at Jared jewelry already cost close to $2,000 by itself. As for the massage, my wife and I did get it for $150 each for 75 minutes. It actually went down to $125 after a few days. Either way, its much better than paying close to $200 per in San Francisco/Bay area where we live.

[@jimdale3188]

So many “don’t buy this” on a cruise blogs. Ever wonder how cruising is affordable (or was affordable) with all this don’t spend anything advice? It’s vacation and it should be experienced.

[@trdiopn5737]

Vacation shouldn’t mean over paying.

[@rodcoulter997]

Keep your $$$….don’t buy anything onboard.

[@johncarlson9921]

My money my choice

[@GrnXnham]

Well no $hit. Nobody is saying you can't blow all your money on hookers and blow if you want to. They are just saying that these are bad deals just in case you don't like wasting money.

[@angierox6964]

Yes yes yes… She's talking to us other people apparently not you.

[@kentnascar]

Don’t buy anything on a cruise! Stick to the casino!!