Two of my favorite places to shop when I cruise are the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. In addition to the warm sun and sandy beaches, I love the great shopping opportunities that are in each destination. So, what is there to buy in the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera? It all depends on where your cruise takes you.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
These two Eastern Caribbean destinations are a Mecca for jewelry shopping. Whether you are looking for diamonds, precious gem stones, or watches – there is a wide variety of stores in each of these ports-of-call that will vie for your business.  Also, check out the following jewelry stores for unique items, found only in the Caribbean: St. Thomas – Bernard K. Passman, home to hand carved black coral jewelry; and in St. Maarten – Majesty Jewelers, home to the Kabana Collection, gorgeously inset mother of pearl.

St. Thomas is known as the “Diamond Capital” of the Caribbean.  The island has an amazing selection of loose and set diamonds straight from the mines in Africa.  It’s no surprise that more engagements take place on the night that ships are docked in St. Thomas than any other island in the Caribbean!

Barbados and Jamaica
Jamaica and Barbados are home to many rum distilleries. In Jamaica, you’ll find the Appleton Estate distillery, which has been blending rums since 1749.  And what really makes the deal is the friendly pricing. When you buy imported alcohol in the U.S., there are fees and taxes that get tacked onto the purchase price, but when you’re buying directly from the source there are no additional fees and taxes!

Any port in Mexico (Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, or Mazatlan)
Mexico is known for its tequila and its silver jewelry.  The best part of shopping in Mexico – the haggling!  Never pay the original price for jewelry in Mexico.  In most cases if you start to walk away, the price will drop!  If you are a fan of the silver with opal and tanzanite jewelry, head to the Golden Zone when you first arrive.  The streets are full of jewelry stores that sell a variety of this very popular Mexican favorite.

Are you looking for something particular?  Don’t worry about trying to research before you go.  All the major cruise lines have Port and Shopping Guides who are helpful in finding the best store to purchase specific items.  Many will even give you a VIP card and a specific sales associate to ask for, in order to maximize your shopping time in port.  For serious shoppers, the Port and Shopping Guides host a seminar on board highlighting the shopping in each port of call.  If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your stateroom – don’t worry!  The seminar will play on your stateroom TV on the Port and Shopping Channel.

Can’t find what you like ashore? Try the shops onboard!  From jewelry to perfume to liquor to cigars – the onboard shops sell it all.  Keep an eye out in the daily onboard newsletter for seminars, raffles, and sales.  The Shops On Board open approximately 30 minutes after the ship departs, once the ship reaches international waters.  Everything purchased on board is also Duty-Free.

With all these options available, why go to the mall anymore?  I would much rather shop in a warm tropical climate than fight the crowds to find a parking space at the local mall!  Are you ready to leave yet?

Jennifer Crivelli
Cruise Consultant
The Cruise Web, Inc.
1-800-377-9383 EXT 234
jenniferc@cruiseweb.com

There is something exciting about shopping while traveling. It is the physical act of being able to take a piece of the places you have visited with you.  This, of course, is a popular activity while cruising because your purchases turn into a physical map of the many ports and countries that you have visited along the way. 

Below is a great variety of ports, shops, cities, countries and vendors our cruise consultants have discovered to help you the next time you “make” your map.

Linda I., Senior Cruise Consultant
Silver Exposure, Cabo San Lucas.  There is a very unique silver jewelry here and it is designed by locals.  VERY reasonable prices and if you pay cash it’s an additional 10% off.  I definitely helped her out.

John T., Senior Cruise Consultant
Whenever we go to the Caribbean, in any port you can find bottles of Vanilla.  Eastern, Western, Southern… they all have it and it is very good.  The bottles are usually decorated with a Caribbean theme specific to the country in which it was bought.  My wife has them displayed on our counter top.  She uses them for various recipes and they come out GREAT!!!

 Carol T., Cruise Consultant
My shopping treasures are rarely found in a store or shop.  I like picking up small paintings, sketches, and various other forms of artwork directly from artisans I encounter in nearly every port on every cruise itinerary.

Look for these folks in easily accessible public spaces or on sidewalks near prominent attractions.  Outside of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg I purchased two beautiful, small oils of the Church of the Ascension during different seasons.  While relaxing at the entrance to Catherine’s Palace I bought handmade lace doilies from an ancient woman who spoke only enough English to proudly tell me she made them herself.  Inside the walled city of Tallinn, Estonia, on the cobbled streets, I found a man selling tiny framed oil paintings.  As I looked through them he stopped me and began pointing his finger to the surrounding view.  He was trying to show me he had painted it from the exact spot in which we were standing.  Yes, of course, I bought it.

I enjoy finding and supporting artists who have a passion for their work and want to share their talents with the rest of the world.  I don’t expect to find an up-and-coming Picasso or an object that will appreciate over time, but what I will find is a great memento of my trip.  After all, a girl can only have so many refrigerator magnets…. 

Adam W., Cruise Consultant
Hilo Hattie is the largest shopping attraction in Hawaii and you can’t miss it if you are cruising anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands.  The store chain is now located everywhere in the Aloha State and has grown into Hawaii’s largest retailer, manufacturer and wholesaler of Hawaiian fashions and gifts.  At Hilo Hattie, you’ll discover a large selection of Hawaiian fashions, gifts, souvenirs, t-shirts, home & beach accessories, beauty products, gourmet foods, and jewelry made in the Hawaiian Islands… a potpourri of Hawaiian fun!

Ellicia A., Accounting Coordinator
I had a great time shopping in Cozumel, Mexico.  When you are walking around window shopping they entice you to come in the stores by offering you Coronas and tequila shots.  I did not find this to be the case on the main drag near the pier, so just wander away from the main drag.  Just remember, don’t have too many of those shots or you will find yourself carrying a few extra things that you did not plan to buy.  Also, they are used to hagglers so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price.

Another great shopping place is on the ships themselves.  They are all duty free and they have some great deals on perfumes, alcohol, cigarettes and jewelry etc.  On at-sea days they bring out tables and fill them with all kinds of jewelry and accessories.  They put out items that are not displayed in the onboard stores.  I found some really great deals on sterling silver rings onboard.

  Said D., Cruise Consultant
Egypt – Hand made furniture – Chairs, Coffee Tables, etc.  Also, rare musical instruments such as the Tabla Drum, Mandolin, and various string instruments.  Historical items resembling the sphinx, pyramids, etc.  Egypt is also known for their water pipes, papyrus paintings and paper.  Various mother of pearl items.  Tons of awesome things and most companies will ship to places all over the world.

Dubai – Cutting edge technology, gold market, and exotic cars.

Jordan – Dead Sea items – many additional Arabic knick-knacks…

Heather W., Sales Manager
Murano, Venice.  Murano hand-blown glass. 

Jen C., Senior Cruise Consultant
Rotorua, New Zealand – Rainbow Springs Sheep Farm
Port of Call: Tauranga, New Zealand
Best store in the country for wool products: hand spun wool sweaters, wool clothing / jackets / boots, lanolin lotions / soaps, etc.

Hilo, Hawaii – Volcano National Winery
Port-of-Call: Hilo, Hawaii
On the way to or from Volcano National Park.  Local winery that produces non-exported Pineapple Wine.  They have daily tastings and wine for purchase.  A great local product to take home and share with family and friends. 

Gloria H., Cruise Consultant
Honolulu, Hawaii – Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium
Just 20 minutes away from Waikiki, discover unique treasures at Hawaii’s largest open-air flea market where the locals shop for the best deals in town.  It is Hawaii’s premiere discount warehouse outlet.  Open three days a week, they offer endless rows of over 700 local merchants offering the best value on imported merchandise, handmade items, eclectic art pieces, popular local snacks, and other made-in-Hawaii products.  This is sure to be your one stop destination to find that special gift or souvenir for everyone on your list.

Athens, Greece – The Plaka
The Plaka is the oldest section of Athens.  Most of the streets have been closed to automobile traffic, though you should still keep a watchful eye for a speeding motorcycle or delivery truck.  Handcrafted Gold is inexpensive.  It’s not that gold is cheaper in Greece, which is what some people are led to believe.  Gold is the same price everywhere, but labor in Greece is cheaper and there are terrific bargains to be found if you know where to look because Greek goldsmiths are among the best in the world.

Florence, Italy – The Central Market
One of the liveliest markets is the San Lorenzo market that stretches over a labyrinth of medieval streets that encircle San Lorenzo church.  The street market runs daily except Sundays, from 7:30AM – 7:00 PM.  You’ll find leather goods, clothes, and souvenirs.  As part of this market, you’ll find the fruit and vegetable market in the nearby piazza del mercato central.

You’ll also find a flea market near Piazza delle Pulci. Open from 9:00AM – 7:00 PM, you’ll find all kinds of interesting items for sale, and maybe a precious antique or two.

Marrakech, Morocco – The Souks
Marrakech and its inner city square Djemaa El Fna are immediately fascinating to any visitor.  The square around which the city is centered is easily the most alluring of any African market.   Bartering is a must, but if you make an offer, be prepared to buy.

Stalls of date and nut sellers and orange-juice squeezers line the perimeter like ordered tiles, with the mosaic in the middle made up of a mixture of traders, food stalls, entertainers, Moroccan revelry and tourists.  Snake charmers flute their tunes and whirl their heads, more to attract the crowds than to hypnotize the snakes.

Leading off from the square are the countless alleyways of the souks.  Everywhere in these souks people are bartering, buying and selling.  Wonderful arrays of herbal medicines that will cure anything from baldness to impotence will be sold alongside the latest clothing.  Blaring music stands trade next to century old carpet stalls.  Vegetable, leather slippers and curio stalls vie for shoppers’ attentions.  People stand over huge boiling cauldrons dyeing wool whilst their neighbors measure out spices on old lead scales.  Most bartering is done over a cup of sugary mint tea, with chat of family and country giving one an intimate look into the stall owner’s life.
At the end of the evening, the main attraction of the square becomes food.  Illuminated by the large lanterns, open-air stalls offer big bowls of couscous with lemon and almond chicken, or a crackling hot bowl of snail soup.  Musicians pluck away at their three stringed guitars while storytellers keep the locals entertained.

Cape Town, South Africa – Green Market Square
Cape Town Green Market square is a place full of a variety and strange things to buy.  It has a very friendly vibe and is packed with interesting African curios and hand crafted works of art.  It’s open every day so plan a visit when you are in Cape Town.

Beijing, China  – Chang An Avenue
There are many shops along this wide street.  The major department stores inside the Chang An Mall can be a great value for those who like the high-end items but not the USA prices.

Do you have any shopping treasures?

Anchored by Raquel’s now famous cheesecake squares and Jen’s pulled pork, there was a plethora of new dishes to sample. Ron brought in his crock pot filled with Italian sausage, peppers and onions in a red sauce. Gloria brought in her chili, and Tina brought in gigantic cupcakes.

But that’s not all. Rashell brought in wings, Adam quenched everyone’s thirst with soda, Susan brought in her 7-Layer Cookies and Heather brought in bags of chips to complement the main courses.

Of course, with the holiday season upon us, it’s only right that we share some of these delicious recipes with you. So here is Raquel’s now famous Cheesecake Squares and Susan’s “Magic Cookie Bars”:

Crescent Roll Cheesecake Squares
2 pkg. crescent rolls
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 egg yolk (separate egg and save white for later)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar
1 egg white
1/2 c. sugar plus 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Instructions
PAT one package crescent rolls on bottom of 9 x 13 inch pan. Pinch seams together.
COMBINE the cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla and 1 cup sugar and beat until smooth.
SPREAD over crescent roll layer.
SPREAD 1 package crescent rolls over cheese layer and pinch seams together.
BEAT egg white until foamy and brush on cake.
SPRINKLE 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon until the top is mostly covered.
BAKE at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until browned.

7-Layer Cookies
1 1/2 cupa graham cracker crumbs
1 stick of butter
1 cup of chopped walnuts
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup of butterscotch chips
1 cup of coconut
1 can sweetend condensed milk

Instructions
MELT butter in 13 x9 baking dish.
SPRINKLE graham cracker crumbs over butter. Press with spoon.
LAYER walnuts, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and coconut over crumbs in that order.
POUR condensed milk evenly over dish.  Hint: Will pour smoother if  can is heated in warm water.
BAKE at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
LET cool before cutting into squares or bars.

Royal Caribbean International’s newest cruise ship – the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas – made her global debut today, arriving into her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. following a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland. Hundreds of eager onlookers – ranging from Royal Caribbean top executives to local government officials, residents and media – came out to welcome Oasis of the Seas to the United States for the first time and to be among the first to catch a glimpse of the world’s most revolutionary cruise ship.

In the course of the next six days, the ship will undergo the final touches in preparation for pre-inaugural festivities kicking off with an exclusive private performance by pop music artist Rihanna, the first performer ever to take the stage on Oasis of the Seas’, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Oasis of the Seas will then make her national television premiere on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Friday, Nov. 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (EST). The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on Monday, Nov. 30 during a one night inaugural celebration fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean’s legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry “firsts” including a neighborhood concept – seven main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – are extraordinary elements such as the first living park at sea; a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium; an original handcrafted carousel; 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; an amphitheater-style theater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest’s cruise vacation.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam, currently under construction at Fincantieri shipyard, was floated out of its dry dock at Marghera, Italy, Friday, Oct. 30, 2009. The floating out – considered a significant milestone in the construction process – was prefaced by several traditional ceremonies.

Following the ancient practice of shipbuilders, two commemorative coins were sealed in a compartment in the traditional Coin-Under-the-Mast ceremony, believed to bring good fortune to a vessel.

“It is always a meaningful moment to bring a new ship along to this point in the building process,” said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. “With the rich legacy of the name Nieuw Amsterdam, and this being the fourth ship in our 136-year history to carry this name, it is all the more significant for our company.”

The special coins used in the ceremony were minted to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of the river in New York that bears his name. In 1609, Hudson, an English explorer employed by the Dutch East India Company, sailed his ship Half Moon up that river. Hudson’s explorations eventually led to the first permanent Dutch settlement in North America – a tiny village on the southern tip of Manhattan Island, which was named Nieuw Amsterdam.

In recognition of that longstanding connection, several rooms on Nieuw Amsterdam will have New York City themes. The main restaurant is the Manhattan Dining Room, the atrium art is inspired by the city’s skyscrapers and the youth area will feature an authentic 1981 New York Checker cab.

After the blessing of the ship and the ceremonies, floodgates on the dry dock opened. As the dock began to fill, a bucket was lowered into the water and some of the first water to touch the ship’s hull was captured and preserved in a crystal bottle that is presented to the captain during the ship’s official dedication.

Nieuw Amsterdam was towed to the fitting-out dock where she will be finished and delivered in early July 2010. Second in the Signature Class and sister ship to the ms Eurodam, she will carry 2,106 guests and 929 crew.

What does a $25 million makeover get you? Swarovski Crystal chandeliers, cashmere throws, sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtubs, chic new pool deck furniture, works by famed Venetian artists, service islands with top-of-the-line pizza ovens and woks, and dozens more upscale and behind-the-scenes embellishments. So encompasses the striking results of award-winning Crystal Symphony’s extensive drydock in October. Following the makeover, the vessel boasts completely transformed Crystal Penthouses, Lido Café and pool areas, elegantly redesigned Penthouses and Prego Italian restaurant, and dozens of behind-the-scenes improvements.

“We strive to offer a luxury vacation experience that continues to impress and delight our guests,” says Thomas Mazloum, Crystals Cruises’ senior vice president of hotel operations. “Crystal Symphony’s recent enhancements reinforce Crystal’s commitment to delivering a product that consistently earns the industry’s highest praises for its stylish spaces and activities, as well as our service.”

New touches on Crystal Symphony include:

Crystal Penthouses – The 982-square-foot suites were remodeled top to bottom, with expanded living space, state-of-the-art audio-visual system, and floor-to-ceiling dining room windows. Ocean view bathrooms offer large Philippe Stark bathtubs, glass mosaic tiles and recessed televisions.

Penthouses – The butler-serviced suites were redesigned in two new color schemes, featuring new custom cabinetry, plush bedding, flat-screen televisions and lavish bathroom accoutrements.

Lido Café – The breakfast and lunch venue sports a refined yet modern motif, with abundant natural light, and colors and details inspired by the Hampton seashore. New food and drink service islands showcase fresh cuisine and add intimate seating and improve flow.

Seahorse and Neptune Pool Decks – The outdoor spots feature crisp white deck furniture accented with citrus-hued cushions and throw pillows for added al fresco dining and conversational seating. With its retractable roof and brand new teak decking, the mid-ship Neptune Pool was replaced with additional plush seating and extra-large Jacuzzi hot tub.

Prego – The Venetian-designed Italian restaurant, showcasing cuisine by Piero Selvaggio, has a vividly modern design, with rich color palettes (think chocolate suede walls and red wine-colored upholstery) and warm, dramatic lighting.

Staterooms – All staterooms were refreshed with smart leather sofas, replacing armchairs.

Broadcast Center – State-of-the-art overhaul improves programming quality and options.

“For my birthday last year my mom sent me bark.  Not really sure why.  She said it made her think of me.  I don’t remember if it was special bark in some way ( I know it wasn’t petrified), but I do remember that it was, in fact, bark.”
- Danielle T., Senior Operations Coordinator

“For my wedding last summer, someone gave me a Santa Claus christmas tree topper.  It’s huge, it has white fluff all over it, and is currently in a closet next to my water heater. ”
- Mike H., Sales Manager

Do you have something worse?

The Carnival Dream sailed to New York City for her inaugural celebrations. Six employees of The Cruise Web ventured to New York to be part of the celebrations and to get first-hand experience of the new ship. The inaugural sailing took place on November 11 ending back in New York City just a short night later on November 12. Upon their return each employee eagerly shared their pictures and experiences with the rest of the company.

The Oasis of the Seas arrived in her home port of Port Everglades, Florida on November 13 for her inaugural celebrations. Eleven cruise consultants from The Cruise Web will head to Port Everglades to experience the newest ship from Royal Caribbean on November 21. Seven employees of The Cruise Web will be experience the new Oasis for a short one-night inaugural sailing while the remaining four will stay on for an additional night.

The Seabourn Odyssey arrived in Port Everglades, Florida on the morning of November 10.  Two cruise consultants from The Cruise Web flew to Port Everglades on November 11 for a one-night inaugural sailing that ended back in Port Everglades on November 12.  The two employees returned with much praise and many pictures of their experience.

Senior Cruise Consultant Dana K. enjoyed a week-long cruise in the Mexican Riviera aboard the Sapphire Princess.

Senior Cruise Consultant Linda I. also enjoyed a week-long cruise in the Mexican Riviera aboard the Sapphire Princess, but on a different date than Dana.

Cruise Consultant Corinna C. spent a week with her family on a Southern Caribbean cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess.

Lastly, Customer Service Associate Amilacar L. flew home to Bolivia for a two-week stay with family and friends.

The Cruise Web was happy to hear that each employee enjoyed their vacation and returned home refreshed and ready to help out its customers.

The official naming ceremony of Carnival Cruise Lines’ new cruise ship Carnival Dream featuring Academy Award- and Tony Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden in the role of ship’s godmother was broadcasted live on the company’s web site on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Live streaming video of the invitation-only event included an exhilarating dance performance, a nearly six-foot-tall champagne bottle and some other unexpected surprises. The ceremony was hosted by Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald while the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream was docked in New York City.

A live chat offering viewers an opportunity to ask questions about the Carnival Dream and comment on the festivities took place during the webcast as, well.

The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream ushers in an exciting new era in “Fun Ship” cruising, offering a host of innovations. These include Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park featuring the longest water slide at sea; Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue; more than 19,000 square feet of space dedicated to children and families; and a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, the largest in the line’s fleet.

Carnival Dream debuted in Europe Sept. 21 and will operate a series of voyages from New York before repositioning to Port Canaveral, Fla., to begin year-round Caribbean service Dec. 3.