Types of Shops on Luxury Cruise Ships.
1. Duty-Free Boutiques
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of shopping on a cruise ship is the duty-free boutiques. These shops offer a treasure trove of high-end products, from exquisite jewelry and watches to designer fashion and cosmetics. The allure of duty-free shopping lies in the potential savings, as passengers can purchase items at significantly reduced prices compared to land-based stores.
Luxury cruise lines often partner with renowned brands to provide passengers with an exclusive shopping experience. You’ll find duty-free shops offering everything from sparkling diamonds and Swiss timepieces to upscale fragrances and cosmetics. Brands like Rolex, Cartier, Chanel, and Dior often have a presence in these boutiques, ensuring that discerning shoppers can find the perfect piece to commemorate their voyage.
2. Art Galleries
For art enthusiasts, luxury cruise ships often feature onboard art galleries that add an extra layer of sophistication to the shopping experience. These galleries showcase an array of fine art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints. Whether you’re an art collector or simply appreciate beautiful artwork, you’ll have the opportunity to view and purchase exceptional pieces during your cruise.
Art auctions are a common occurrence on luxury cruise liners, and art experts are on hand to guide passengers through the process. It’s a chance to not only acquire a stunning work of art but also to learn more about the artists and their creations. Cruise ship art galleries often feature both established and emerging artists, making it an exciting place to discover new talent.
The Art Auctions also have Art events and seminars where you can get up close with the artist if they are cruising or the Art Auctioneer can provide history and context to the art at one of the many events they offer. It is a great way to learn about culture and art onboard during your cruise.
3. Premium Swiss Watch Boutiques
Some of the world’s most renowned watch brands have a presence in cruise ship boutiques. Think of iconic names like Rolex, Omega, Longines, Tag Heuer, and Breitling. These boutiques not only offer a shopping experience but also provide an opportunity for passengers to explore and try on exquisite pieces before making their selection. The expert staff are knowledgeable about the products and can assist in finding the perfect piece for you.
There will be Watch seminars and workshops onboard. If you are investing in a beautiful watch it’s great to get educated on the history of the watch brand, learn about the movements and also learn what to look for when investing in a timepiece. Some watches are collector’s items and they often have rare one-of-a-kind models onboard.
If you see a watch you love buy it because someone else might buy it before you. The watches do sell fast onboard I think it is because they are tax-duty free and you sometimes get a little extra savings too. Here is a case study on a watch I looked at onboard the P&O Iona and ashore in Hamburg it’s a great example of watch prices and savings onboard during a cruise. Hamburg Cruise Port To City Centre. | Cruise, Shop, Save (cruiseshopsave.com)
4. Fine Jewelry Boutiques
Luxury cruise ships spare no expense when it comes to providing passengers with access to top-tier jewellery brands. These shops showcase an impressive selection of items that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a dazzling diamond necklace or a sophisticated design, you’re likely to find it onboard.
The Fine jewellery gemstone talks and grand unveilings on board the ship are a lot of fun. Buying a gemstone can be a minefield of complications. If you don’t know what you should look for when buying a gemstone or piece of jewellery it’s great to get educated on the gemstone or jewellery brand. Learning about the 4 C’s of a diamond.
Most importantly you can learn what to look for when investing in a gemstone. What to invest your money in. You can also find out what is popular and on-trend during the many seminars they run in the boutiques. The grand unveiling is also a treat it is an opportunity to see something very special and the boutiques offer deep discounts at the end of the cruise to keep some budget left to invest in your ultimate keepsake.
5. Fashion Boutiques
Fashionistas, rejoice! Luxury cruise ships often feature fashion boutiques that rival those in high-end shopping districts. Whether you’re in search of the latest runway trends or timeless classics, you’ll find a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and designer brands onboard.
There is a fabulously colourful array of fashion clothing and formal wear on luxury cruise liners. These boutiques offer an opportunity to update your wardrobe with the latest styles or invest in timeless pieces that exude sophistication and elegance. Whether you’re shopping for formal attire for a special evening on the ship or casual wear for excursions, the onboard boutiques have you covered.
Watch out for the Fashion show if you fancy yourself as a model you can volunteer to get dressed up and strut your stuff down the catwalk for your fellow guests. It is tremendous fun and you sometimes get a bit of extra discount on the items you have worn for the fashion show.
6. High-end perfume and Cosmetics Shops
From Chanel’s iconic No. 5 perfume to MAC exclusive makeup collections on Virgin Scarlett Lady. These onboard shops offer an opportunity to pamper yourself with luxurious beauty products. Knowledgeable beauty consultants are available to provide personalized recommendations, ensuring you find products that suit your preferences and skin type.
Check your cruise news because there are usually make-up and skincare workshops and demonstrations, you can learn so much about applying make-up and skincare from top experts working on the ship. You can also book a makeover and have personal attention from a trained professional.
It’s also tax & duty-free so you’re looking at saving so much more same as when you travel through the Airports. However, being onboard a ship affords you time to educate yourself on the products and get that expert advice.
7. Luxury Leather Goods
For those in search of exquisite leather goods, luxury cruise liners often feature boutiques offering high-quality handbags, wallets, and accessories. Brands like Hermès, known for their impeccable craftsmanship and timeless designs, are frequently found onboard.
These boutiques provide a haven for leather enthusiasts, where you can browse a selection of fine leather items, including iconic Birkin bags and Kelly handbags. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking to invest in a statement piece, these shops offer a touch of Parisian elegance at sea.
This is a picture of Kat Maconie leather I took whilst onboard Scarlett Lady, which is a first at Sea for this brand. More typical brands would be Marc Jacob, Mulberry, and Ted Baker. Some ships have got the likes of Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton, but it is rare these brands are usually exclusive to major city high streets.
8. Cruise Line Merchandise Stores
In addition to the globally recognized brands and high-end boutiques, luxury cruise lines often have their merchandise stores. These stores allow passengers to take home souvenirs and branded items that serve as lasting reminders of their voyage.
You’ll find a variety of cruise line-themed merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and collectables. Whether it’s a T-shirt featuring the cruise line’s logo, a beach towel with a tropical design, or a model ship to display at home, these stores offer a wide range of mementos to choose from.
This is the business shop on the ship, everyone has to buy their souvenir logo wear. Did you know that when a ship gets to the end of a season in let’s say Alaska they will sell off all the logo wear as much as they can in the sales but the rest will either be sold to the crew or thrown away? Yes, sadly it is cheaper to throw it away than send it back to the warehouses.
Luxury Cruise Lines and Their Shopping Offerings
Now that we’ve explored the different types of shops you can expect to find on luxury cruise liners, let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s leading luxury cruise lines and the shopping experiences they offer.
1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its commitment to luxury and offers a selection of upscale boutiques. Passengers can shop for high-end jewellery, watches, and designer fashion in an elegant and refined setting. Brands like Gucci and Versace are often featured, ensuring that passengers have access to the latest fashion trends and timeless classics. Watches they have Baume & Mercier, Carl F Bucherer, Citizen, Frederick Constant, Oris on Regent Voyager, Tissot.
A fine selection of precious gemstones from Diamonds, Tanzanites, Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires. Jewellery brands such as Swarovski, and Tara Pearls. Exclusive Le Vian on Regent Voyager. Le Monde Globes on Regent Mariner and Regent Navigator. Gorgeous selection of Kallati on Regent Mariner. Fine brands such as Dior, Chopard, and the fabulous Bellarri.
2. Seabourn
Seabourn takes luxury shopping to the next level by partnering with prestigious brands such as Swarovski. Passengers can indulge in a shopping experience that includes dazzling jewellery and elegant accessories. Seabourn’s onboard boutiques provide a space where passengers can explore and find that perfect piece to complement their style.
An extravagant collection of coloured precious gems in precious metals such as platinum and gold. High-end brands such as Marco Bicego, Mikimoto Pearls, Tara Pearls, Roberto Coin, Dior, John Hardy, and Kiran Diamonds. The fabulous Le Monde Globes. In watches, they have Hermes, Rolex, Oris and Citizen. You can also look forward to a fantastic selection of Molton Brown.
3. Crystal Cruises
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Crystal Cruises was known for offering a selection of high-end brands and luxury products in its onboard shops. However, the specific brands and products available may vary from cruise to cruise and can change over time. To get the most up-to-date information on the brands sold in Crystal Cruises’ onboard shops for your specific cruise and itinerary, I recommend visiting the official Crystal Cruises website or contacting their customer service.
Luxury cruise lines often collaborate with renowned brands and boutiques to provide passengers with a curated shopping experience that includes fine jewellery, watches, fashion, cosmetics, and more. Crystal Cruises’ shops may feature brands such as:
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Jewellery and Watches: Brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co. are commonly found on luxury cruise ships.
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Fashion: You may find high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and more.
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Cosmetics and Perfumes: Luxury fragrance and cosmetics brands like Chanel, Dior, and Estée Lauder are often available.
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Art and Collectibles: Crystal Cruises may feature art galleries with works from various artists.
4. Oceania Cruises