Hi, <BR>I was wondering if anyone could tell me how the duty free shopping is on the Grand Princess. Are the shops any good, is there a nice selection of china, cosmetics, perfume, etc. or are prices better at the duty free shops in the airports? What is Barcelona's duty free shopping like? Thanks! <BR>Elsa

<BR>Hi Elsa, <BR>Why do you want to shop on a cruise ship if you are visiting ports? Ships have limited selections. Logo items are fine, but for other items, the supply is limited. You should find better prices in ports. Never shop in airports. The prices are expensive. Duty free means you do not pay taxes, that's all. <BR> <BR>Remember the shops on ships are not large. Even on the Grand Princess. If you wish a large selection, shop in the ports. <BR> <BR>Paul Therault <BR>Affordable Cruises

Thanks Paul for your info re shopping on the Grand Princess and also at the airport shops. Although I'm not a big shopper(too many other places, etc. to see and things to do), I was curious about cruise shops re cosmetics, perfumes ,etc. This would be the kind of shopping one would do when the ship is at sea. At the rate things are going in that part of the world, we could be at sea for the first 3-4 days. <BR>Thanks again for your response. <BR>Elsa

Couldn't be duty free if you are returning to the US and you are a resident of US. Recently I had the experence of Princess employees reporting my purchases on board to Immigration and Customs officials and escorting me to them. Fortunately I'm a foreigner and I was going to the airport to take a plane to my country, but it was an unpleasant experience. By the way, the officers were very kind and understanding.

Duty Free is a very misleading term. It is mostly a marketing term. The item may have avoid some local taxes but it is not dury free when returning to the US if it is outside of the exemption allowance.

I was on the Grand Princess on it's maiden cruise several years ago. The shops have really good stuff, usually priced higher that you could find at home; but somehow when in a holiday mood, you don't worry about that. Often, on a large cruise boat, they will have a 'special' of the day, and I have endulged. Also, as I remember they had really nice jewelry. moderately priced, if that is what you like. I remember on the Ryndam going to Anartica, they put their warm jackets on sale on a very cold day, and they were selling like hotcakes. I also like their perfumes...usually lots of choices and some European and French options that we don't always find at home without searching. The shops are always fun and any jewelry you buy there is 'guaranteed', so no need to worry. It's a grand ship...we have also been on the Star, which is a sister ship. Have done the Star, Grand, Ryndam, Sun, Sky, Amsterdam, Noordam, and the Widstar line of ships many times. They each have their good points.

Clara

Elsa may have been on that maiden cruise too. This post is from 1999!!

Princess employees reported your purchases? Why would they do that? You should have filled out a form showing what you purchased.

I always buy something on the ship, this time, a string of pearls that I couldn't resist, and at a great price.