Shopping BY CARRIE JULIER
Vacation Shopping 101
Style
The Caribbean is the best place in the world to shop for diamonds, gemstones, designer jewelry and watches. There’s a reason savvy travelers, bargain hunters and style experts alike return to the Caribbean to shop year after year. Here’s why: Bargains: Retailers don’t pay tax or duty on goods imported into the Caribbean, which may result in substantial savings for the consumer. Volume Savings: Caribbean retailers buy and sell in large volume—to cater to cruise-ship traffic—passing the savings on to shoppers. Designer jewelry and watch brands that are never discounted in the United States can offer special pricing in the Caribbean based on the sheer number of products sold. Vacation Shopping: It’s fun to shop on vacation— and it’s the perfect opportunity to find something special to help you remember your time at sea. Make it a point to visit the onboard Port & Shopping Guide, who can provide coupons that can save you hundreds of dollars. You’ll also get maps with cruise-lineguaranteed stores, and expert advice on where to shop. For the hours when your guide is available at the Port
Photo BY FRAnCoIS DURAnD/KK
& Shopping Desk, check your daily activities program.
Shoppers in the know find the best deals in the Caribbean. At left, reality star Kim Kardashian on a shopping outing.
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