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What is there to buy on a cruise?

On a typical ship, you'll find a boutique that sells handbags and cruise-y clothing (with and without the cruise line's logo), T-shirts, books, items for kids and souvenirs; a high-end jewelry store that also sells watches; and another store that sells duty-free items, such as perfume, cigarettes, chocolate, alcohol ...



Shopping on a cruise ship in 2026 is a blend of high-end luxury, practical necessities, and exclusive souvenirs. Most large vessels feature a "Promenade" or "Centrum" lined with duty-free boutiques where you can purchase designer watches (like Omega or Tag Heuer), fine jewelry, and high-end cosmetics at tax-free prices. You will also find "Logowear" shops selling ship-specific merchandise like t-shirts, models of the ship, and ornaments. For those who forgot essentials, the "General Store" stocks over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, and toiletries, though usually at a significant markup. A unique aspect of cruise shopping is the Art Gallery, where you can attend auctions and buy original paintings or limited prints. Additionally, the Photo Gallery allows you to purchase professional portraits taken by ship photographers during formal nights or at gangways. Finally, you can buy "Future Cruise Certificates," which are essentially deposits for your next vacation that often come with onboard credit bonuses, making them a popular purchase for loyal cruisers looking to save on their next voyage.

People Also Ask

Duty-Free Items: Jewelry, Perfume, Electronics and Beyond You'll often find duty-free shopping options onboard and in port, featuring items like jewelry, cigarettes, alcohol, perfume and electronics. Shopping onboard and in ports offer different experiences during your cruise.

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When you step inside a cruise boutique, you may find luxury items — like pre-owned Rolex watches, gemstones, and vintage Louis Vuitton bags — among other enticing jewelry and accessories.

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There is no need for cash. The same goes for most gratuities. Cruise lines now offer prepaid options for gratuities to your room steward and dining room waiters. So you can pay them before you even get on the ship.

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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.

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Here are some of the major things you don't need to pack for a cruise.
  1. Soap and Other Toiletries. Most ships are equipped with soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and shower caps. ...
  2. Hair Dryer. Ships all come equipped with hair dryers. ...
  3. Clothesline. ...
  4. Beach Towels. ...
  5. Dirty Laundry Bag. ...
  6. Books. ...
  7. Snacks. ...
  8. Booze.


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As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Make sure to include smaller bills for tips. Fifty to a hundred dollars a day should be enough to cover small purchases, tips and snacks at each port.

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Fine print: If one adult in a cabin purchases a package, all adults in the same cabin also must purchase it. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or ordered through room service.

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According to the FAA, it's all about the alcohol content! Alcohol less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 48 proof, like most beers and wine: For carry-on you are limited to containers of 3.4oz or less that can fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag.

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In many cases, no. Several of the biggest cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drinks package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This is to prevent two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single drinks package.

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How much are drinks on a cruise? On most cruise lines' ships, alcoholic drinks cost extra and incur an automatic 15 to 20 percent service fee. Pricing will vary by line, but it's akin to restaurant and nicer bar prices -- about $12 per cocktail, $8 to $10 per glass of house wine, $14 to $25 for nicer wines.

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Sodas and other applicable non-alcoholic beverages remain unlimited and will not be counted toward the 15 alcoholic beverages limit, and all other policies and procedures remain the same. Guests are expected to enjoy alcohol responsibly and staff members are trained not to serve guests who appear to be intoxicated.

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Most modern cruise lines are simply ill-equipped to facilitate these needs, with 70 per cent failing to sell condoms on board and 80 per cent of ships not offering the morning after pill. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and MSC , do allow guests access to condoms, pregnancy kits and lubrication.

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