What do you buy in Western Caribbean ports?

Bunch · #1 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2006, 07:49 PM

I am a power shopper - but our house is full and I really only want to bring home treasures from our cruise.

Does anyone have recommendations for "must buy" items? For example, anything that would be fun to buy and show as a souvenir of our trip? We're taking RCCI Mariner to Western Caribbean in a week (Haiti, Jamaica, Cayman, Cozumel).

TIA!

jacobs1617 · #2 (**permalink**) March 5th, 2006, 09:11 AM

pictures be would be your best bet to show off, most of the items you buy like clothes jewelry will be very cheap unless you want vannilla or something the region specializes in , enjoy the culture and the people and have a blast

swannyb · #3 (**permalink**) March 5th, 2006, 09:31 AM

If you look around while in Jamaica, you can find some nice authentic wood carvings and I've found some to be very good.

LisaK · #4 (**permalink**) March 6th, 2006, 11:12 AM

Jamaica - Blue Mountain Coffee. Local liquers.
Cozumel - Mexican vanilla. Silver, loose gemstones.

Bunch · #5 (**permalink**) March 6th, 2006, 12:22 PM

Thanks - those are great tips! We love to cook, so it might be nice to get some vanilla, and coffee too. I will keep an eye open for wood carvings as well. That would be a great souvenir. I'm just getting into beading, so loose stones may be a real treasure.

Thanks again!

LisaK · #6 (**permalink**) March 6th, 2006, 02:54 PM

Mexican vanilla is delicious - its unlike the stuff you buy in the grocery store, its stronger and sweeter you use about 1/2 what you would normally use.
Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is the about the best coffee i have found.

silver_cloud · #7 (**permalink**) March 20th, 2006, 03:08 PM

Grand Cayman - Tortega Rum Cakes - yum! Although they'll be on your cruise ship most likely.

Jamaica - great local reggae and Bob Marley gear. Island Village is the cool place to shop - it's somewhat new and you'll love it! Plus there's a Margaritaville restaurant there!

Cozumel - woven items, vanilla (awesome quality) and novelties.

san007 · #8 (**permalink**) August 31st, 2006, 05:35 PM

[/i][/b]Cozumel-Sombrero, woven poncho, wooden puppets and of course shot glasses.
Ocho Rios- Big Beach towels, there very popular where I'm from. Reggae and calypo music. That reminds me get the steel drum. They're a great buy and great wayto bring your vacation home with you. If u find this helpfu let me know. Have a great time.

san

silver_cloud · #9 (**permalink**) September 1st, 2006, 08:30 AM

AND ... Jamaican Jerk seasoning - how could I forget??