What kinds of merchandise is available onboard?  What about electronics?  My mp3 player just died.  Or would I probably get a better deal in port(Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo)?

We've been on the Freedom twice and the Glory once and I didn't see MP3 players on either ship. They had a very small selection of cameras through the photo shop but no deals.  (Best Buy at home was cheaper.)

The duty free shop has liquor, cigarettes, perfumes, jewelry, T-shirts and novelties.  If you are wanting electronics I would just buy in USA.  I have heard several stories of cruisers buying electronic items in port and having problems when they got home.

I think it would be cheaper or easier to purchase in the U.S. I didn't see anything on the ship.

We went to the Hard Rock in Alcapulco for our trinkets and shirts came home, washed them and one of the XL shrunk to a med-large. I scanned the receipt and the ppg form and then emailed them to the representative. They are forwarding to the store the complaint and should have an answer next week. She said that the store could refund, replace with same, or offer some type of comp. Then there was the fact I may have to pay to ship it back to alcapulco with no refund of shipping. That could cost almost as much as I paid for the shirt. This may be something that everyone needs to consider when shopping.

bike5150:

 What kinds of merchandise is available onboard?  What about electronics?  My mp3 player just died.  Or would I probably get a better deal in port(Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo)?

When buying on the ship or in the port, they have you almost captive. You are excited about being on vacation and you are looking for deals on items to bring home to everyone. Think about the person at home trying to sell out of their cars at home. Do you trust them. Do you have the advantage if something goes wrong? Same holds true while away from home. Remember the old saying, if it sounds to good to be true it probably is not. Stay safe and enjoy your vacation. Take the time to think about what you are looking to buy and really make sure it is a good deal. Happy sailing

bike5150:

What about electronics?  My mp3 player just died.  Or would I probably get a better deal in port(Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo)?

You will get your best deal shopping online from a store in the US. We enjoy some of the lowest prices for electronics in the world. The only way you can get a better deal is if you purchase it directly from China.

That said, if you want a warranty that you can actually use if needed and/or want any kind of support for your product, buy from a retail storefront in your neighborhood. MP3 players are generally pretty cheap if they don't have a picture of a half-eaten fruit on them.

~ MattInSoCal

4bolts:

Then there was the fact I may have to pay to ship it back to alcapulco with no refund of shipping. That could cost almost as much as I paid for the shirt.

For that reason, many retailers won't bother having you ship the defective item back. Besides, what would they do with it?

If need be, I can return it for you in person in about 66 days...

~ MattInSoCal

MattInSoCal:

If need be, I can return it for you in person in about 66 days...

~ MattInSoCal

So Matt, what are your plans for Alcapulco? I loved the VW cab, reminded me of when I was a teenager.

We didn't do much shopping in town except for magnets and vanilla. The gallery we probably spent too much money but still got a great deal.

4bolts:

So Matt, what are your plans for Alcapulco? I loved the VW cab, reminded me of when I was a teenager.

We haven't decided yet. Probably going to find a nice beach for the daytime, watch a cliff diver show during dinner, and head back to the ship well before departure time. We're not big on shopping in the ports as there isn't much there that we can't get elsewhere. I'd rather make big ticket purchases at home where I have recourse if there is a problem, unless I really know and/or trust the seller and know as well I am getting a good deal. For the cheap crap, we've noticed that almost anywhere you go, they seem to have the same basic stuff. I don't need any more carved rocks or dead trees.

~ MattInSoCal

MattInSoCal:

4bolts:

So Matt, what are your plans for Alcapulco? I loved the VW cab, reminded me of when I was a teenager.

 

We haven't decided yet. Probably going to find a nice beach for the daytime, watch a cliff diver show during dinner, and head back to the ship well before departure time. We're not big on shopping in the ports as there isn't much there that we can't get elsewhere. I'd rather make big ticket purchases at home where I have recourse if there is a problem, unless I really know and/or trust the seller and know as well I am getting a good deal. For the cheap crap, we've noticed that almost anywhere you go, they seem to have the same basic stuff. I don't need any more carved rocks or dead trees.

~ MattInSoCal

There isn't much we need for Mexican souveniers unless it is from the hardrock cafe. Don't need lead based candy or lead painted toys.

Well this time they were on the recommended port shops with a coupon. Bought our normal stuff, came home, washed it, shrank, and decided to try the guarantee.

So, I just received my answer back on the shirt that shrank from the Hard Rock a few minutes ago. I have to send back the shirt to the store, not sure how much that is going to cost so it may not be worth it. Maybe a present for someone at Christmas. Anyway, they sent me a bunch of pictures of xxl shirts that will probably shrink to the size of xl. The store will pay for the postage to send me the new merchandise.  

This is something to keep in mind when shopping in those recommended stores. You will be responsible for shipping that stuff back and if you have to insure it, well...figure out the price of insurance. The thing we bought in the galleria was gone over with a magnifying glass and is hanging over our fire place. That would have been expensive to send back for a replacement and any identified flaws were noted and the price was dropped.

Just noticed yesterday the Hard Rock shirt I bought in the Caymans has a hole near the hem on the front.  I've worn it twice I think and washed it once.  So much for their $25 t-shirts!!  Oh well, live and learn.

My wife, who buys souvenirs for everyone else but not much for herself, bought herself a zippered sweatshirt onboard the ship.  It was one of those $10 sales that they have and everyone comes out of the woodwork on the last full at sea day almost as if they will ABSOLUTELY NEVER see merchandise, or a sale THIS good again.  When she got the sweatshirt home she noticed a stain on it.  I told her to just grin and bear it since it's just a sweatshirt but she was upset.  She asked if Carnival had a website with merchandise and I said that it probably wasn't worth the effort.  Any thoughts?

jeff,

  Maybe put a lightening bolt over the stain?  It is really not worth the effort of sending anything back that is inexpensive.

Concerning the hardrock shirts: We have noticed that out of the U.S. the shirts are poor quality and do tend to get holey around the armpit area.

For me, we will probably just give it to a son-in-law like we do with other problem merchandise. I just wanted to see how long the response time would be; and it was quite fast.

4BOLTS,

Not a bad idea except the stain is right on top of the zipper area.  It really isn't THAT noticeable except that the wife notices....If it was a men's sweatshirt, I would probably wear it.