Summer Cruise 2015: What I'm Looking For in Port

If there's anything that I love about cruising besides experiencing all of the activities the ship has to offer, it's getting to go to new places and exploring different areas. Of course, there are many things to do while you're in port, but one of my family's favorite things to do is shop duty-free (or tax free) and get discounts on regular priced items in the U.S. 

Now, most of the shopping in Caribbean ports consists of things like fine jewelry, high end makeup, perfume, tobacco products (like cigars), and liquor. There are no run-of-the-mill shopping malls like where you might go to buy clothes and shoes. Sure, your options are pretty limited, but it's still fun to check out all of the places there because you can't get some of the things they sell in the U.S.

With that being said, today I'm going to share a few of the items one might find while shopping in one of the many Caribbean ports, and what I'm particularly interested in purchasing if I can snag a good deal.

 1. Fruitz Watch by Phillip Stein
 My most sought for item on this trip is probably to find a Fruitz watch. It is a branch of Phillip Stein watches that is not sold in regular U.S. department stores, and are marketed as a sportier, casual watch for everyday wear. With eye-catching colors and comfortable rubber bands, this watch is finally one I could see myself wearing. Here is the particular one I'm in search of:

2. Ray-Ban 'Icon' Sunglasses
I know what you're thinking - you just spent weeks hunting for the perfect pair of sunglasses and finally found them. Now you want another pair? Yes, that part is true. I did find my ideal pair of sunglasses and I abolutely adore and appreciate them (if you're confused, read my Sunglass Hunting Story).

So, why would I be looking for more so soon? Well, I know they have a Sunglass Hut in St. Thomas. I have been to that port before and know for a fact that the store is huge. I've never bought any from there, but if I see a good deal on the Ray-Ban Icon Sunglasses, I might just pick those up. I wouldn't mind having an additional pair, especially because the ones I'm thinking of getting are really out of my comfort zone with the circular lens shape. The ones I'm looking for are in the lavender or purple mirrored lens, and would undoubtedly be a staple fall and winter piece for me. As for the silver mirrored ones I was considering earlier while hunting for my original pair, I wouldn't be opposed to getting should I find them for a deal. They're a great versatile piece that would do wonders for me.

3. Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones in Purple/Mint
 Should I stumble upon these babies in St. Thomas (they have a Bose retailer there), I would not be able to pass them up - especially if I could get them for a steal. I have been longing for a pair of old school on-ear headphones for a few years now, but could never justify the hefty price tag for a good quality pair. These, however, I have been eyeing for a few months now, and I feel it would definitely be the time for me to finally get them. 

4. Marc Jacobs Mod Noir or Kate Spade Walk On Air Perfume
Like I stated above, perfume is one of the major things sold in port. I'm not an avid perfume collector, nor am I a frequent fragrance wearer (I use lotion mostly to give myself a nice scent) but I am a Marc Jacobs perfume lover, and I smelled Mod Noir and LOVED it. It's very different from what he's done in the past, and I currently own four different perfumes of his - Daisy, Daisy Eau So Fresh (pink bottle), Dot, and Honey. Dot and Honey are my personal favorites, so it wasn't a real shock that I fell for Mod Noir. Rollerballs are also the only way I will usually buy perfume, because a whole bottle is just too much of the same scent. I don't think I'd ever finish it, so it really would be a waste for me personally. Kate Spade's new Walk On Air perfume was also fairly appealing to me, so if I found it instead of the Marc Jacob's one and was feeling it, I might just go for it.

5. Alex and Ani Bangles 
I recently acquired my first Alex and Ani bangle with my school's mascot as the charm this past May as a graduation gift. I love gold jewelry and upholding my school's pride so I've been wearing this a ton ever since I got it. My older cousin recently got into collecting them, so we actually were talking about getting a matching one we could wear together to remember the trip. We should probably get my other cousin involved so we can all have one to remember it together. 

So there you have it! Five things that I'll be on the hunt for while in port. Please be advised that in no way, shape, or form do I expect to purchase all but if any of these items. They're just what I'd like to find and see if I can get a deal on. My goal for this post was to inform you of some of the treasures you might be able to find while duty-free shopping in port.

Until next time,  
~Alexa~