It depends. Since alcohol, cigarettes and luxury items usually carry high taxes, they are almost always cheaper when you buy them duty-free. That said, the base prices are sometimes higher as a result.

Shopping on a cruise ship is not necessarily "cheaper" for everyday items, but it offers significant savings on high-ticket luxury goods due to "Duty-Free" status. Because ships operate in international waters, the shops are not required to charge local sales tax or import duties. This makes items like high-end watches (Tag Heuer, Omega), designer jewelry, and premium spirits (liquor) significantly cheaper than at land-based retail stores—often 10% to 20% less. Additionally, cruise lines frequently run "Flash Sales" or "Liquidation Events" toward the end of a voyage to clear out inventory. However, for "necessities" like forgotten toiletries, sunscreen, or over-the-counter medicine, the ship’s shops are notoriously expensive, often charging double or triple the land-based price because they have a "captive audience." For souvenirs like t-shirts or magnets, the prices are generally comparable to what you would find in port, though buying locally in the destination often provides a more authentic and diverse selection than the ship's curated gift shop.