Cruise Talk: Better Shopping: St Maarten or St. Thomas

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»	Cruise Talk » Ports of Call and Destinations » Better Shopping: St Maarten or St. Thomas

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Topic: Better Shopping: St Maarten or St. Thomas

kappy
Just Boarded
Member # 1480

posted 08-02-2000 03:35 PM

Will be sailing to both islands in Dec. First time in St. Maarten. From past experience which island offers better bargains for jewlery?
Thanks

Posts: 8 | From: chicago, IL. USA | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

Seadaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 1456

posted 08-02-2000 06:07 PM

We have shopped both islands for jewelry and camera's. We seemed to get better bargains on St Martin, maybe because there were not as many people shopping on St Martin those days. I love the selection St Thomas has, and have also purchased there. Good Luck!!

Posts: 11 | From: Louisville, KY, USA | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

RICHARD CHUDY
First Class Passenger
Member # 1323

posted 08-03-2000 03:40 PM

I priced everything out on both islands. The better buy is at my local Wal-Mart!

Posts: 195 | From: Singal Hill, CA 90755 In sight of The Queen Mary | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

pgoss
Just Boarded
Member # 1487

posted 08-04-2000 02:15 PM

Have shopped both islands several times, and found Dutch St. Maarten to be the better buy for jewelry, French St. Martin for anything from france, like perfumes. Buy it and wear it home.

Buy all electronics at home. Watches are a good buy in either place.

Posts: 1 | From: Rockwall, Texas USA | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-04-2000 03:30 PM

As I said before in a previous post, check out the prices before you leave home. If you are looking for a camera, get the model #, price, etc. and if it is a lot cheaper on the islands, them buy it. Also, make sure if buying a camera that it has an International Warranty. We got caught once.
Jewellery is very hard to buy. You don't know what you are getting - in the case of a diamond it could have a flaw in it. Are you going to fly back to the island and complain. I know people who have had their jewellery appraised when they get home only to find that they paid far too much for it. No one is going t give you a bargain, even thought they say they are.
When I bought my Gucci watch, I knew the price before I left home. Checked the price in St. Maarten and then went back to the ship and bought it for less. When I told the Shop Manager what the St. M. price was she gave me another 15% off. Now, that was back in '88 and I don't know if the ship will do that now.
I am sure there is another very long posting re shopping in St. Thomas vs St. Maarten, on the forum. Will try and find it.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

sylvia
First Class Passenger
Member # 916

posted 08-05-2000 08:14 AM

We are also going to St.Martin and St.Thomas in December. I wondered if anyone knew what types of French good and brands you can find (handbags, clothes) so I can start looking at prices here. It never fails, I look for one brand at home, get to the islands and wishes I had checked out a different brand.

Posts: 36 | From: Atlanta, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-05-2000 08:28 AM

Don't know what French brands, they have in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten but your best bet would be to go over to Marigot, the French side - that's where you will find French labels.
St. Thomas really isn't known for clothes - most people go their to buy liquor, gold, jewellery, tablecloths, cameras, electronics.
Just make sure you know your prices before you go.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

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