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Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship: 18 Things You Need to Know 

One of the things that many people look forward to doing while on a cruise is shopping. Buying a watch on a cruise ship is an exciting opportunity. But there are things to beware of so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.

The things to know about buying a watch on a cruise that we discuss below are based on the assumption that you’re looking to purchase a high-end luxury watch that costs over $800. Read on for our tips…

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Don’t Buy a Watch the First Day of Your Cruise

Our number one piece of advice is to wait to buy the watch. Do not buy it on the first day of the cruise. 

Mikkel and I head to the onboard watch shop as soon as possible when we are on a cruise ship. Though shops usually cannot be open while in a port, as soon as the ship sails….bam! Doors open for business. 

While we always try on watches the first day, we never actually consider buying the first day. We look at what they have, see how it fits, and assess if we are interested in purchasing. 

Why don’t we buy it right away? Because we spend the next few days researching to see if what we want is available elsewhere and educate ourselves about the watch’s market value.

Additionally, because it’s a big purchase that we don’t take lightly, we want to walk away from it and see how much we think about it when it’s not nearby. 

If you can’t get something like that out of your head, that usually means you really want it. If you don’t think about it as much as you thought you would, that may be a good indicator that you don’t love it as much as you thought you did. 

Even if the adrenaline rush that comes with the thought of buying a new watch gets the best of you while you’re in the shop, trust us: don’t let it coerce you into a first-day purchase. 

That said, there will not be flash sales on luxury watches towards the end of the cruise like there might be on merchandise that is less than $100. These high-ticket items do not get discounted in that way.

2. Do Your Research

Give yourself some cruise homework to know what you are buying. We find that a lot of the time, the watches we see on cruise ships are not the newest released styles.

This could be great because some of the styles could be hard to find on land if you’re looking for something in particular. But it could be bad if you want the latest and greatest. There’s no harm in asking the salesperson when the watch style originally debuted for the brand (not for the ship) if it affects your purchase decision.  

What’s more, is that the watch’s price on a cruise ship may seem lower because it’s being offered duty-free. But you have to research to see what the usual market price is; the cruise ship may increase the original price since saying it’s “duty-free” is appealing enough for many people. 

Simply do your research to know what you are buying. 

How to Do Research Online When You Travel for Less Than Cruise Internet Costs 

How do you research watch prices while cruising if you are in a foreign country and didn’t buy an internet package and don’t have a data package with your phone carrier? We use a hotspot. 

If you are reading this before you travel on a cruise ship, plan ahead: bring a wifi hotspot. We connect while we’re in ports abroad for free instead of paying for wifi on mega-ships. It saves a lot of money!

Solis Pocket Wifi is the hotspot we always travel with.

• WiFi on up to 10 devices
• Lightweight and pocket-sized
• Works in popular port cities worldwide

Where to Research Discount Watch Prices at an Authorized Online Dealer Before Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship

The first place we check is Jomashop . It is our favorite online watch retailer.

When Mikkel and I sailed with Princess Cruises a few years ago, we found the Omega DeVille watch onboard, which she had been eyeing for months before the cruise. We were seriously considering buying it. The price wasn’t too dissimilar from what we had been quoted in Omega boutiques on land. 

However, we checked the price on Jomashop, and the company was coincidentally having a sale at the time. We ended up buying it from Jomashop instead of the ship. 

We’ve purchased from Jomashop twice now for luxury watches, and they’re great. The shop is a gray market dealer with great customer service, and they offer a 30-day return policy for new watches and a 14-day return policy for pre-owned items.

➤ Why We Always Check Watch Prices on Jomashop :

• 30 Day return policy for a new watch.  

3. Onboard Cruise Watch Shops Are 100% Legitimate

One of the benefits of buying a watch on a cruise ship is that you can be sure the shop is legitimate and an authentic, authorized retailer. 

This is as opposed to buying a watch on one of the Caribbean Islands, for example, where you might be skeptical about the legitimacy of the shop. You don’t have to guess about the legality of a watch shop on a cruise ship with a reputable major cruise line.

4. You May Find Watches On a Cruise Ship That You Cannot Find at Home

If you live in New York City, you’ll unlikely find anything on a cruise ship you cannot find near your home. However, if you live in a small town, the opposite may be true: you won’t be able to find anything in your town that is available on the cruise ship.

Because I seek out luxury watch shops wherever I travel, I recently looked up watch boutiques in a region of western New York while visiting family. I couldn’t find any shops to visit. This is a case where buying a watch on a cruise ship presents a nice option. 

5. You Can (and Should) Negotiate the Price

There has never been a time when we have considered a watch from an authorized dealer that we haven’t negotiated the price. It’s part of buying (most) luxury watches. 

As the saying goes, if you don’t ask, the answer is no. So, ask. You don’t have anything to lose. 

Make sure that you ask for the best they can do. You’d be surprised how much money they’ll knock off the price tag just because you asked. 

We always push the salesperson a little more and request he or she ask a manager about the “best offer” if they clearly didn’t ask a manager in front of us. If they have to get back to us hours or a day later, they do. Trust us – they want to make the sale. They always ask for our stateroom number and call if they have to follow up and leave a message if needed. 

On average, we have found that they can knock up to 20% off the price tag. 

If you’ve negotiated more of a discount on a luxury watch than that on a cruise ship, please comment and let us know; we’re genuinely curious to know if anyone can negotiate more than 20% off. 

6. Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship is Duty-Free 

Another benefit of buying a watch on a cruise ship is that it’s likely to be duty-free or tax-free. Depending on the watch price, this can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. 

Beware, you may have to declare the watch and pay taxes upon re-entry into the United States . 

7. You May Have to Declare the Watch Upon Re-Entry Into Your Home Country

Depending on the price, you’ll likely have to declare the watch when you re-enter your home country. Do you know how customs asks if you have anything to declare when you return from an international trip? A new watch would be one of those items. 

This may equate to you having to pay taxes on the watch when you re-enter the United States, for example.

For the latest information on what you must declare when returning to the United States, see the government’s info on “ What to Expect When You Return .” It varies based on the product’s purchase price. 

How Does Customs Know You Bought a Watch on a Cruise Ship? 

It’s likely the cruise line has to report any onboard purchases above a certain dollar amount, so don’t try to skirt the system. Customs often knows about your purchase before you tell them. 

8. Educate Yourself About Watch Movements

A watch movement is the mechanics of the timepiece, comparable to an engine in a car. It’s what makes the watch tick. 

There are three types of watch movements listed in terms of what you can expect from most to least expensive: automatic, manual, and quartz. 

Here are some examples of brands + watch movements + price points: A Hublot automatic watch can easily be over $10K. A Panerai manual watch may be around $4-$5K. And an Omega quartz watch could be $3K or less. Of course, the brands offer multiple movements and price points, but that’s an example. 

There is another aspect to beware of if you buy an automatic or manual watch. If you are new to the luxury watch world, you may be surprised to learn that more expensive watches are manual, which means you need to wind them to keep time. 

Automatic watches wind themselves as your arm, hand, and wrist move. However, if you take the watch off and don’t wear it for a few days, you’ll likely find the time is wrong a week later when you go to wear it. It’s not broken – it simply needs to be moved around a little bit and wound to the current time. 

Quartz is the third kind of movement, which is battery-operated. It’s more likely that a watch around the thousand dollar mark and less are this price point and operation. You’re probably used to battery-operated watches if you’ve worn a watch for years that you’ve bought from a department store, for example. 

9. Ask the Salesperson if He/She Can Include Another Watch Strap

Some watches come with an additional watch strap, and some don’t. If the watch you’re looking at doesn’t come with a second strap and it’s something you would like, ask if they can include one as an incentive to buy the watch. Since on-brand watch straps cost hundreds of dollars, this is a great incentive. 

While it’s unlikely the onboard watch shop will have the multitude of options an on-land authorized dealer or boutique may have, they usually have some options. 

If you are buying a watch with a fabric or textile strap of some kind – like leather, nato, or canvas – you should ask about an additional strap. 

If you want to get more watch straps when you’re home, our favorite watch strap shop – which is incredibly well-known amongst the watch-enthusiast community – is Barton Watch Bands . 

Our favorite place to shop for watch bands:

➜ check out barton’s watch band options.

Use code SOMETIMESHOME for a discount on your purchase.

10. Watch Boxes are Big to Huge

Depending on the watch, the box may be big…to bigger…to huge. 

Luxury watch brands nicely present their products in a box that seems to match the price tag. You’ll want to make sure you have a way to carry this box home. DO NOT put an expensive brand-new watch inside a checked piece of luggage. If anything, wear the watch and check the box that does not have the watch in it.  

What is Inside a Luxury Watch Box? 

So what’s inside the huge box? The watch, of course. 

There should be an authenticity and/or manufacturer’s warranty card inside the box. Some brands will include a tool, like a small screwdriver, to change the strap. 

Check the watch box’s contents before you leave the ship, especially to ensure it’s the right watch and everything that should be included is inside. 

Do You Need the Watch Box?

First and foremost, you need what is inside the box. It’s factored into the price, like any product’s packaging. It’s up to you if you keep the physical box in the long term. 

We usually do in case we ever want to resell the watch. It usually helps with the resale price.

11. Understand the Warranty

Be an educated buyer and ask about the watch’s warranty. This is specifically the manufacturer’s warranty, not the cruise ship’s store warranty. 

Suppose there is a mechanical problem with the watch, and it stops keeping time correctly eight months after you purchased it. That is something likely covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturer defects can happen – that’s why products have warranties. 

It’s something to be aware of and know when you’re buying a watch on a cruise ship. It may also help give you peace of mind about buying a watch onboard.

12. Don’t Allow the Salesperson to Pressure You Into a Purchase

Make sure you are running the show, not the salesperson. It’s very easy to become gullible or naive when a salesperson, who is supposed to be the expert in the brand or product, is trying to get you to make a purchase. Their purpose is to make a sale, after all. 

I’ve been told more than once by a cruise line watch salesperson, “You won’t find a deal like this anywhere else.” But that’s not usually true. 

As a passionate watch collector, I know watch prices fairly well. I won’t let statements like that pressure me into making a purchase I’m not fully prepared for or educated about. And no matter your level of watch knowledge, you shouldn’t let that kind of pressure get to you either.

13. Use a Credit Card

We can’t think of a good reason to pay for anything in cash on a cruise ship. In fact, we’re not even sure all cruise ships take cash anymore in a post-COVID world. Regardless, plan to use a credit card for anything you buy on board for multiple reasons, the most important being credit card points are rewarding and a credit card, like American Express, protects your purchase. 

If you buy a watch on a reputable cruise line, the onboard watch stores are authorized dealers. But the more peace of mind reassurance, the better. This is why we put big purchases on American Express credit cards wherever we go, where shops accept Amex. 

American Express protects its customers better than any other credit card – Visa and Mastercard included.

14. Know What Brands the Ship Carries

Usually, big cruise ships carry one major company’s brands of watches and the brands under the mega-conglomerate. There are actually fewer independent watch brands than you may think; most of them are owned by one of the major players. 

The two main players are Swatch Group and LVMH. 

If it’s a Swatch Group ship, the watches they carry will include brands like:

Conversely, if it is an LVMH brand, the watches include:

While it’s not impossible, it’s unlikely that a cruise line with a contract to sell Swatch Group brands also sells some LVMH brands and vice versa. For example, you won’t find a Hamilton watch sharing space with a Tag Heuer watch because they are from two different companies. 

We have, however, seen Panerai watches sold where Swatch Group watches are sold – like on Celebrity Cruises ships – and have seen them sold where LVMH brands are sold – like on Disney Cruise Line ships. 

Explora Journeys, which is owned by MSC , is the first cruise line to feature an onboard Rolex boutique. EXPLORA I, the first ship in the fleet, has an onboard Rolex at sea mono brand store.

15. Ask if the Shop Has a Full-Length Mirror

You have to see the watch on you before you buy it. And viewing a watch on your wrist in a full-length mirror is so different than seeing it in a small mirror or viewing it on your wrist as you look down at your arm. 

Seeing a watch on you in a full-length mirror may help you decide if you love the watch or hate it. Mikkel and I have had both instances happen! 

16. It’s Okay to Take Photos of the Watches in the Shop 

Don’t be shy to take photos of the watches you’re considering in the shop’s case or – even better – on your wrist. 

We’re used to doing it because it’s part of our buying process. We want to be able to look at the photos after we walk away from the store while we’re considering the purchase in the hours and days to come. And what better way than to look at a photo of it on you? You’ll be the one wearing it, after all.

17. Ask if They Can Deliver the Watch to You Before You Leave the Ship

If you are uneasy about having a new watch that costs thousands of dollars in your stateroom, ask the shop if they can deliver it to you just before you disembark if you purchase the watch.

Just don’t forget the watch before you leave the ship!

18. A Watch is a Special Memento from Your Cruise Vacation

You may be sailing on a cruise for a much-needed getaway or a special reason like an anniversary, a wedding, or a proposal. Maybe it’s a family reunion. 

No matter the reason, buying a watch on a cruise is an exceptional vacation souvenir.

Even if you find that the watch may be a little more expensive than a deal on land or online , you still may go for it. We support that. And sometimes the cruise ship price is better than what you can find elsewhere. 

Regardless, buying a watch on a cruise ship will be memorable and incredibly special.

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Hello, thank you for the article. I have one correction to suggest – Jomashop is not considered an Authorized Dealer for some of the luxury watch brands. They are a grey market dealer. They carry authentic watches, but they don’t offer the manufacturer warranty. So if one buys an Omega, for example, they will get Jomashop’s warranty and not Omegas’s warranty.

Great point, Tito. Thank you for the update and recommendation. We have updated the language to reflect this!

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Sun Princess Brings ‘First at Sea’ Shops

Get shopping!

Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Sun Princess, is set to offer an elevated shopping experience for guests while at sea. Guests can browse a variety of premium brands, including jewelry, watches, fashion, leisure wear, beauty products, wellness items, and accessories. 

The ship will also offer over 25 first-at-sea brands, including Chanel No. 1, Beyond Yoga, Varley, Neu Nomad,  and Pinko handbags. The first Princess-branded merchandise boutique, Waves, will offer a limited Princess Inaugural collection. 

“This expansive retail environment, created in partnership with Harding+, marks a new level of excellence for Princess retail,” said  Sabine Muhlberger , vice president of onboard revenue experience at Princess Cruises. “Our guests are going to love this new and unique shopping experience that will enhance the already spectacular cruise experience aboard Sun Princess.”

SUN PRINCESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE 

The Premium Watch Lounge features the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge and the latest TAG Heuer boutique design.

The Fine Timepieces Boutique features signature timepieces from Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, and pre-owned Rolex watches.

The Beauty & Wellness Boutique brings top cosmetic and skincare brands, such as Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Estee Lauder , and Clinique, to sea.

• Guests can also explore professional-grade skincare education, products, and services from Chanel, Dermalogica, and Prai Beauty.
• Interact with designer eyewear activations from Tom Ford , Prada, Oakley, and Maui Jim.
• Explore accessories from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Pandora Jewelry.

Will you shop till you drop aboard Sun Princess ? Let us know in the comments!

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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Within the more than 5,800 square feet of retail space spanning two decks, the cruise line’s first Sphere Class ship will feature a selection of over 200 brands, ranging from jewelry and fashion to beauty and wellness. 

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Deck 8 features The Premium Watch Lounge, where guests can find the first-at-sea Breitling Lounge concept, as well as The Fine Timepieces Boutique, which features a selection of signature timepieces from Longines, Rado, Tissot, Hamilton, in addition to pre-owned Rolex watches.

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P&O Cruises to retire its brand in Australia, fold operations into Carnival Cruise Line

P&O Cruises Australia has announced its fleet will soon be sailing to its final berth, ceasing its operations in 2025 after more than 90 years on the water.

The Australian travel brand will fold its operations into parent company Carnival Cruise Line from March 2025.

P&O's Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships and workforce will be rebranded and transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, while the Pacific Explorer, previously known as the Dawn Princess, will be retired.

Passengers set to cruise in 2024 will not be affected, while customers who had cruises booked on the Pacific Explorer after March 2, 2025 will have the option of a refund or credit for Carnival with extra onboard spending money.

It is the end of an era for the popular brand, which first sailed from Sydney on December 23, 1932, on a seven-day itinerary calling at Brisbane and Norfolk Island.

The company's first permanent ship in Australia, the Fairstar — heavily promoted as "the fun ship" — was part of the fleet for nine years until 1997.

P&O Cruises Australia issued its surprise notice to customers on Tuesday.

"As a result, all itineraries on Pacific Explorer scheduled to sail after 2nd March 2025 are being cancelled," it said.

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"We are all immensely proud of P&O Cruises Australia's 90-year heritage of dedicated operations in the region, and Carnival Cruise Line are honoured to carry forward its storied legacy and continue to deliver the same onboard experiences and itineraries."

Crews on the Pacific Explorer were expected to be redeployed to other ships, but a small number of workers in the P&O Australia head office would lose their jobs, a spokeswoman said.

Acting P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia lead Peter Little will be retained under the new title of country manager.

Carnival Cruise chief executive Josh Weinstein hailed P&O Cruises as a storied brand with an amazing team and lauded its accomplishments in Australia and the broader region.

"However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach," he said.

The Carnival brand will see its fleet boosted by eight ships after also acquiring vessels from sister line Costa Cruises and ordering new ships to come into operation in 2027 and 2028.

Under the changes, Carnival will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships, representing almost 60 per cent of the market.

The P&O ships will have technology upgrades, including an ordering app and loyalty program, but will retain the "familiar feel and much of the same experiences" for Australian guests, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.

Who owns P&O Cruises?

P&O Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. 

Carnival Corporation & plc owns a number of different brands including Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

What does P&O stand for?

The initials P and O stand for "Peninsular and Oriental", an abbreviation of The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.

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With hearty congratulations we are delighted to bring you the 12th Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners! Our annual survey honors the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, awarding goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out who dominates in the leisure travel industry, and see if your favorites made the cut. We also offer a hearty thank you to our readers, the most seasoned travelers we know, for voting in this year’s survey.

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We get started with our destination winners, some of the best cities, islands and towns around the world for leisure travel, the ones that beckon us with photographs and stay with us forever. These exceptional, award-winning spots are the places to kick back, starting with Greece , Best Historical Attractions, International, for the third consecutive year, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , Best Historical Attractions, Domestic. If it’s adventure you seek, Thailand , Best Adventure Destination, International, two years in a row, and Alaska , Best Adventure Destination, Domestic, prove the spots to visit.

Aruba appears in the top spot for Best Beaches. The Dominican Republic wins Best Caribbean Island/ Destination for the fourth consecutive year (one more year until Quint Status!), while Santoríni holds on to its Best Island in Europe title for the 11th consecutive year. The Islands of Tahiti again earn Best Island Pacific Rim, second consecutive year. Amelia Island, Florida , becomes Best Island in the United States.

Skiers and snowboarders applaud the best locations here and abroad: Telluride, Colorado , earned Best North American Ski Destination for the sixth year in a row. Whistler, British Columbia , takes the title as Best International Ski Destination for the third year in a row. For golfers, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is the top spot to hit the links.

PHOTO: © PHOTOPERSPECTIVE | DREAMSTIME.COM

What other destinations can now be called award-winning? Nashville, Tennessee , is Best Leisure Destination in the United States, two years in a row, alongside Zambia , Best Leisure Destination in Africa; İstanbul, Türkiye , Best Leisure Destination in Europe for the third consecutive year; Panamá City, Panamá , three years running as Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America; Tulum , Best Leisure Destination in Mexico; Taipei, Taiwan, Best Leisure Destination in Asia; and Dubrovnik, Croatia , Best Leisure Destination for Groups, two straight years.

Savannah, Georgia , and Dublin, Ireland , round out our destination winners as Best Weekend Destination in North America, five years running, and Best Weekend Destination in the World, third consecutive year, respectively. With its fifth straight win in the category, Savannah earns Quint Status.

It’s smooth sailing with our winning cruise lines, start- ing with Royal Caribbean , Best Family Cruise Line, two years running, and Seabourn Cruise Line , Best Luxury Cruise Line, also for the second year. Regent Seven Seas Cruises makes its mark on this survey as Best Cruise Line Suites for its Regent Suite.

PHOTO: © WINDSTAR CRUISES

PONANT wins Best Adventure Cruise Line and Best Expedition Cruises. Cunard Line returns as Best Large-Ship Cruise Line winner while also winning Best Cruise Line to Alaska and Best World Cruise, both for the second consecutive year. Windstar Cruises upsets a long-time winner to sail away with Best Small-Ship Cruise Line. Princess Cruises appears for its sixth Best Cruise Line Entertainment nod. Joining Princess is Virgin Voyages , winning Best Cruise Line Spas. Crystal Cruises takes the title of Best Cruise Ship Excursions.

Rounding out our cruise line winners, we have AmaWaterways , Best River Cruise Line for the second consecutive year; Azamara , Best Cruise Line Dining, two years running; Oceania Cruises , Best Cruise Line Rewards Program for its Oceania Club, another two-time honoree; and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings. PortMiami earns its second Best Cruise Port award, while American Cruise Lines becomes the inaugural Best American River Cruise winner.

On land, these award-winning resorts and hotels are calling your name … with a beach lounger and a frozen cocktail. Meliá Hotels International returns as Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World for the second year in a row. For Best Hotel Chain Resorts, the winner is InterContinental Hotels & Resorts . Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean goes to JW Marriott . Check out these other top-tier options: Marriott Hotels , Best Family Resort Chain in the World, three years running; Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas , Best Hotel Chain in Thailand; Hilton Hotels & Resorts , Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain; Sonesta , Best Pet-Friendly Hotel; and Hyatt Ziva , Best All-Inclusive Resort.

Here’s a look at the rest of this year’s honorees, starting with airports and airlines. We applaud the following winners: iGA Istanbul Airport as Best Airport for Layovers, third consecutive year, and Orlando International Airport , Best Airport for Recreation, also two years running.

PHOTO: © AIR CANADA

TAP Air Portugal secures its sixth win for Best Stopover Program, while Air Canada joins it with six consecutive wins for Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment and Best Premium Economy Class. Korean Air wins Best Airline Onboard Menu for its first-class cabin. United Airlines earns its third title as Best Eco-Friendly Airline. Last, but certainly not least, Air Tahiti Nui is Best Leisure Airline for the second year in a row.

The best credit cards for leisure travelers help them rack up the points for their dream vacay. Winners are Chase Aeroplan Card , Best Leisure Credit Card, two years running; United Quest Card from Chase , Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure, second consecutive year; IHG One Rewards Premier Card , Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card; and Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America , Best Cruise Line Credit Card.

The dazzling list of winners continues with Abercrombie & Kent , Best Tour Operator, three years running; Mercedes-Benz , Best Luxury Vehicle; TAG Heuer , Favorite Luxury Watch Brand; Hertz , seven-time Best Leisure Car Rental; Dune Jewelry , Best Destination Jewelry Brand; and Bacardi , Favorite Liquor Brand.

Congratulations to the 2024 Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners!

THE PROCESS Global Traveler conducted a survey of its readers July 15, 2023–March 8, 2024, with open-ended questions for the best in many categories of leisure, luxury and lifestyle travel. This survey ran in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, as a direct mail questionnaire, online at global travelerusa.com/leisureballot and emailed during the survey period. Only those questionnaires with more than 50 percent of the questions answered were counted. Those with fewer than 50 percent of the questions answered were discarded. Employees of the magazine or individuals associated with the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Beaches 1. Aruba 2. Cayman Islands 3. Mykonos, Greece 4. Turks & Caicos 5. The Big Island, Hawai‘i

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic 1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2. New Orleans, Louisiana 3. Williamsburg, Virginia 4. Savannah, Georgia 5. Washington, D.C.

Best Historical Attractions, International 1. Greece 2. Türkiye 3. Spain 4. Egypt 5. Italy

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic 1. Alaska 2. Asheville, North Carolina 3. Albuquerque, New Mexico 4. Nashville, Tennessee 5. Hilton Head, South Carolina

Best Adventure Destination, International 1. Thailand 2. Australia 3. India 4. The Galápagos Islands 5. New Zealand

Best Leisure Destination in the United States 1. Nashville, Tennessee 2. Savannah, Georgia 3. Charleston, South Carolina 4. Asheville, North Carolina 5. Napa Valley, California

Best Leisure Destination in Africa 1. Zambia 2. South Africa 2. Seychelles 4. Morocco 5. Kenya

Best Leisure Destination in Asia 1. Taipei, Taiwan 2. Seoul, South Korea 3. Phuket, Thailand 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Singapore, Republic of Singapore

Best Leisure Destination in Europe 1. İstanbul, Türkiye 2. Lisbon, Portugal 3. Porto, Portugal 4. Prague, Czech Republic 5. Seville, Spain

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America 1. Panamá City, Panamá 2. Bogotá, Colombia 3. Buenos Aires, Argentina 4. Montevideo, Uruguay 5. Mendoza, Argentina

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico 1. Tulum, Mexico 2. Cancún, Mexico 3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 5. Cozumel, Mexico

Best Leisure Destination for Groups 1. Dubrovnik, Croatia 2. Italy 3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 4. Costa Rica 5. Napa Valley, California

Best Weekend Destination in North America 1. Savannah, Georgia 2. Nashville, Tennessee 3. Asheville, North Carolina 4. Las Vegas, Nevada 5. New Orleans, Louisiana

Best Weekend Destination in the World 1. Dublin, Ireland 2. Rome, Italy 3. Paris, France 4. Bermuda 5. Lisbon, Portugal

Best North American Ski Destination 1. Telluride, Colorado 2. Whistler, British Columbia 3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado 4. Vail, Colorado 5. Alta, Utah

Best International Ski Destination 1. Whistler, British Columbia 2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy 3. St. Moritz, Switzerland 4. Niseko, Japan 5. Gstaad, Switzerland

Best Golf Destination 1. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort 2. Streamsong Resort 3. Kiawah Island Golf Resort 4. Pebble Beach 5. Pinehurst Resort

Best Caribbean Island/ Destination 1. Dominican Republic 2. Bahamas 3. Grand Cayman 4. U.S. Virgin Islands 5. Curaçao

Best Island in Europe 1. Santoríni 2. Sicily, Italy 3. Mykonos, Greece 4. Ireland 5. Capri, Italy

Best Island in the Pacific Rim 1. The Islands of Tahiti 2. Fiji 3. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i 4. Cook Islands 5. Okinawa, Japan

Best Island in the United States 1. Amelia Island, Florida 2. St. Simons & Little St. Simons, Georgia 3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 4. Marco Island, Florida 5. Maui, Hawai‘i

Best Family Cruise Line 1. Royal Caribbean 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Disney Cruise Line 4. Princess Cruises 5. Holland America Line

Best Luxury Cruise Line 1. Seabourn Cruise Line 2. Silversea Cruises 3. Cunard Line 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 5. Crystal Cruises

Best Cruise Line Suites 1. Regent Suite, Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2. Queens Grill Suites, Cunard Line 3. Mega Rockstar Quarters, Virgin Voyages 4. Princess Grill Suites, Cunard Line 5. Owner’s Suite, Oceania Cruises

Best Adventure Cruise Line 1. PONANT 2. HX 3. National Geographic Expeditions 4. Viking Expeditions 5. American Safari

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line 1. Windstar Cruises 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Paul Gauguin Cruises 4. Silversea Cruises 5. Scenic

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line 1. Cunard Line 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Viking Ocean Cruises 4. Crystal Cruises 5. Princess Cruises

Best River Cruise Line 1. AmaWaterways 2. Emerald Cruise Line 3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 4. Riverview Cruises 5. American Cruise Lines

Best American River Cruise Line 1. American Cruise Lines 2. Viking River Cruises 3. UnCruise Adventures

Best Cruise Line Entertainment 1. Princess Cruises 2. Crystal Cruises 3. Holland America Line 4. Cunard Line 5. Disney Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line Dining 1. Azamara 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Cunard Line 4. Seabourn Cruise Line 5. Silversea Cruises

Best Cruise Line Spas 1. Virgin Voyages 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Seabourn Cruise Line 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Viking Ocean Cruises

Best Cruise Ship Excursions 1. Crystal Cruises 2. Princess Cruises 3. Celebrity Cruises 4. Cunard Line 5. Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program 1. Oceania Club, Oceania Cruises 2. Seven Seas Society, Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Club World, Cunard Line 4. Captain’s Club, Celebrity Cruises 5. Latitudes Rewards, Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line to Alaska 1. Cunard Line 2. Princess Cruises 3. Holland America Line 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Royal Caribbean

Best Expedition Cruises 1. PONANT 2. Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic 3. Viking Expeditions 4. Quark Expeditions 5. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings 1. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 2. Windstar Cruises 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 4. Princess Cruises 5. Carnival Cruise Line

Best World Cruise 1. Cunard Line 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Holland America Line 4. Princess Cruises 5. Oceania Cruises

Best Cruise Port 1. PortMiami 2. Port Everglades, Florida 3. Port Canaveral, Florida 4. Port of San Diego 5. Cozumel, Mexico

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World 1. Meliá Hotels International 2. Westin Hotels & Resorts 3. The Ritz-Carlton 4. The Peninsula Hotels 5. Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces

Best Hotel Chain Resorts 1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 2. Marriott Hotels 3. Meliá Hotels International 4. St. Regis 5. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel 1. Sonesta 2. Loews 3. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 4. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 5. Westin Hotels & Resorts

Best Family Resort Chain in the World 1. Marriott Hotels 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Westin Hotels & Resorts 4. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 5. Disney Hotels

Best Hotel Chain Caribbean 1. JW Marriott 2. Club Med 3. Meliá Hotels International 4. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 5. SuperClubs

Best Hotel Chain Thailand 1. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas 2. Six Senses 3. JW Marriott 4. St. Regis 5. Four Seasons

Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain 1. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 2. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 3. Six Senses 4. Ace Hotel 5. Banyan Tree

Best All-Inclusive Resort 1. Hyatt Ziva 2. Paradisus Resorts 3. Hyatt Zilara 4. Sandals Resorts 5. Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Best Tour Operator 1. Abercrombie & Kent 2. The Inspiring Travel Company 3. The Turquoise Holiday Company 4. Red Savannah 5. Kuoni

Best Airport for Layovers 1. iGA Istanbul Airport 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Hamad International Airport 4. Singapore Changi Airport 5. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Best Airport for Recreation 1. Orlando International Airport 2. iGA Istanbul Airport 3. Miami International Airport 4. Denver International Airport 5. Incheon International Airport

Best Stopover Program 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. Turkish Airlines 3. Brussels Airlines 4. Air Canada 5. Finnair

Best Leisure Airline 1. Air Tahiti Nui 2. Aeromexico 3. United Airlines 4. Alaska Airlines 5. American Airlines

Best Eco-Friendly Airline 1. United Airlines 2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 3. Alaska Airlines 4. Cathay Pacific Airways 5. Air France

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment 1. Air Canada 2. Emirates 3. United Airlines 4. American Airlines 5. Korean Air

Best Airline Onboard Menu 1. Korean Air First Class 2. Air France La Première 3. Air Canada Business Class 4. United Polaris 5. Air France Business Class

Best Premium Economy Class 1. Air Canada 2. Delta Air Lines 3. United Airlines 4. Air Premia 5. American Airlines

Best Luxury Vehicle 1. Mercedes-Benz 2. BMW 3. Audi 4. Volvo 5. Maserati

Best Leisure Car Rental 1. Hertz 2. Sixt 3. National Car Rental 4. Avis 5. Enterprise

Best Leisure Credit Card 1. Chase Aeroplan Card 2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase 3. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card 4. United Quest Card from Chase 5. United Explorer Card from Chase

Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure 1. United Quest Card from Chase 2. United Explorer Card from Chase 3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 4. Chase Aeroplan Card 5. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card

Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card for Leisure 1. IHG One Rewards Premier Card 2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase 3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card 4. World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase 5. Hotels.com Visa Card from Wells Fargo

Best Cruise Line Credit Card 1. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card from Bank of America 2. Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard from Bank of America 3. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 4. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays 5. Carnival World Mastercard from Barclays

Favorite Luxury Watch Brand 1. TAG Heuer 2. Ulysse Nardin 3. Cartier 4. Panerai 5. Patek Philippe

Best Destination Jewelry Brand 1. Dune Jewelry 2. Na Hoku 3. Maui Divers Jewelry Hawai‘i 4. Destination Jewelry Brands 5. Caribbean Gems

Favorite Liquor Brand 1. Bacardi 2. Maker’s Mark 3. Woodford Reserve 4. Patrón 5. Johnnie Walker Blue

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Each year, in addition to our Leisure Lifestyle Awards, Global Traveler acknowledges those travel companies going above and beyond. Our Special Achievement Awards recognize leaders in innovation, environmental initiatives and community outreach. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

PONANT is a cruise line doing all it can to preserve the destinations it visits. While cruise ships can unload tourists into a destination with no rhyme or reason, PONANT makes thoughtful choices, planning all its itineraries in collaboration with local communities to avoid overwhelming indigenous communities. For this and many other reasons, PONANT earns this year’s Outstanding Social Responsibility honor.

Another cruise line comes out on top, this time for Outstanding Customized Services. That cruise line is Regent Seven Seas Cruises . Its Executive Collection means cruise-goers can visit ports of call with the aid of a driver and/or an English-speaking guide in destinations like Japan, Denmark, Spain and more. Travelers may also tailor their excursions to fit their needs and interests. In fact, the whole experience is customizable — making Regent Seven Seas Cruises an obvious choice for this accolade.

Air Canada takes a two-fold approach to environmental responsibility. Leave Less equals less carbon in the atmosphere, less waste on land and in the water, and less noise. Do More is the motto for addressing environmental issues, achieved through collaboration, participation and involvement. It’s no wonder the airline received this year’s Outstanding Environmental Initiatives award.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts takes the Outstanding Innovations Special Achievement Award. There are many reasons Hilton is tops for innovation, among them its new Hilton for Business program, launching this year; its various digital programs that enhance the travel experience; and its AI technologies, including Connie, its AI-powered robot that can respond to guest questions.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS Outstanding Social Responsibility PONANT

Outstanding Customized Services Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives Air Canada

Outstanding Innovations Hilton Hotels & Resorts

CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR Global Traveler is pleased to name its Cruise Line of the Year. Congratulations to Windstar Cruises !

Nominees for this honor were compiled by Global Traveler , with the final winner selected by our Globility Board, a vetted group of well-traveled magazine subscribers.

This year’s Cruise Line of the Year earns the superlative for a number of reasons. Windstar Cruises offers exceptional value without sacrificing on a high-end, luxury cruise experience on its award-winning small-ship cruises. Its yachts accommodate 148–342 guests, affording intimacy, time, space and freedom for cruisers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the destinations visited. Windstar takes you close enough to truly experience the world.

Windstar has sailed Tahiti for more than 35 years, longer than any other operator in the region, and its new Star Breeze , an all-suite yacht, hosts just 312 guests to deliver a Tahitian experience like no other. Windstar visits other worldwide destinations, including Canada and New England, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latin America, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Northern Europe, South America, the South Pacific, and more.

Cruise Line of the Year 2024 Windstar Cruises

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Princess Cruises ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

What is the newest Princess Cruises ship? If you're in the market for a Princess cruise, it's something worth knowing.

The newest Princess cruise ship is typically also the Princess ship with the most up-to-date restaurants, bars, attractions and cabins. It's the one to choose if you want the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your Princess cruise vacation.

As of this year, the newest Princess cruise ship is Sun Princess — the first of a new class of vessels for the line. It just sailed on its maiden voyage in February.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other relatively new Princess ships include Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess and Majestic Princess. All began sailing in the last seven years.

In all, Princess Cruises operates 16 vessels. On average, the line comes out with one new ship every two years or so, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for around 20 to 30 years before retiring them. The oldest Princess Cruises ship, Grand Princess, is 26 years old.

In general, Princess Cruises' newest ships are bigger and more venue-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of options for restaurants, bars and pool areas for your Princess cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last 10 or so years.

Related: The 4 types of Princess Cruises ships, explained

The oldest Princess cruise ships — those built in the late 1990s and early 2000s — can be as much as 30% smaller than the line's newest vessels.

Here, every Princess ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Sun Princess

Maiden voyage: 2024

Size: 177,882 gross tons

Passenger capacity: 4,300

2. Discovery Princess

Maiden voyage: 2022

Size: 145,000 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,660

3. Enchanted Princess

Maiden voyage: 2020

Size: 144,650 gross tons

4. Sky Princess

Maiden voyage: 2019

5. Majestic Princess

Maiden voyage: 2017

Size: 143,700 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,560

6. Regal Princess

Maiden voyage: 2014

Size: 142,229 gross tons

7. Royal Princess

Maiden voyage: 2013

8. Ruby Princess

Maiden voyage: 2008

Size: 113,561 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,080

9. Emerald Princess

Maiden voyage: 2007

10. Crown Princess

Maiden voyage: 2006

11. Caribbean Princess

Maiden voyage: 2004

Size: 112,894 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,149

12. Sapphire Princess

Size: 115,875 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,670

13. Diamond Princess

14. island princess.

Maiden voyage: 2003

Size: 92,822 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,200

15. Coral Princess

Maiden voyage: 2002

Size: 91,627 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,000

16. Grand Princess

Maiden voyage: 1998

Size: 107,517 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,600

What is the newest Princess cruise ship?

The newest Princess cruise ship is Sun Princess. As noted above, it just debuted in February.

Measuring 177,882 gross tons, Sun Princess is the biggest Princess cruise ship ever built and has more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top pool space than any other Princess ship.

Sun Princess is the first vessel in Princess Cruises' new Sphere Class of ships and considerably bigger than the vessels in the line's last new series of ships, the Royal Class. A second ship in the Sphere Class series, Star Princess , is under construction and will debut in October 2025.

For more details on Sun Princess, including what venues are on board and what it's like to sail on the vessel, see TPG's comprehensive first look at Sun Princess after an early sailing.

What is the oldest Princess cruise ship?

The oldest Princess cruise ship is Grand Princess. Unveiled way back in 1998, it's the namesake vessel for the line's Grand Class of vessels, which remain at the core of the Princess fleet.

There are seven Grand Class vessels in the Princess fleet in all, making it the biggest grouping of ships at the line. Unveiled between 1998 and 2008, the Grand Class vessels are smaller than the Sphere Class and Royal Class vessels at around 107,000 to 116,000 tons in size. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Sphere Class and Royal Class ships, as the vessels can access some smaller ports that aren't as accessible to the bigger ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

Still, the Grand Class vessels are big enough to offer a lot of onboard venues. The Grand Class ships carry between 2,600 to 3,100 passengers at double occupancy.

What new Princess cruise ships are coming?

Princess currently has one new cruise ship on order: Star Princess. As noted above, it's the second vessel in Princess' new Sphere Class series of ships, which for now will be made up of just two ships (Princess could order more Sphere Class ships in coming years — we'll see).

As noted above, Star Princess is scheduled to debut in October 2025. The ship was scheduled to debut earlier in 2025 but recently was delayed by several months due to construction issues.

The Sphere Class vessels are being built at the Fincantieri shipyard near Monfalcone, Italy.

What is the newest Princess cruise ship available for booking?

Star Princess is the newest Princess cruise ship you can book right now. While the vessel isn't yet in operation, its initial sailings scheduled for October 2025 already are on sale, as are future voyages through March 2026.

What is the newest class of Princess cruise ships?

The Sphere Class is the newest class of Princess ships. It'll be made up of at least two vessels, the first of which (Sun Princess) is already sailing.

At 177,882 tons, Sun Princess is about 22% bigger than the previous biggest ships in the Princess fleet — a significant jump in size for the line. And yet, while it's 22% bigger, it's designed to hold just 17% more passengers.

In other words, its space-to-passenger ratio is greater, making the ship feel roomier — if only modestly.

Related: Everything to know about Princess cabins and suites

In addition to being significantly bigger than past Princess ships, Sun Princess is also the first Princess ship with suites that come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck — a sign Princess hopes to draw more upmarket travelers.

In all, the vessel is designed to hold 4,300 passengers at double occupancy.

What's the difference between newer and older Princess ships?

Newer Princess ships generally are bigger than older Princess ships and thus have more and bigger onboard venues than the line's older vessels.

On the newest Princess cruise ships, the Sphere Class and Royal Class vessels, for instance, you'll find the largest piazza-like central atriums in the Princess fleet surrounded by lots of bars and restaurants; multiple entertainment venues for live shows, comedy acts and more; and expansive pool decks with more space for sunning than you'll find on smaller Princess vessels.

You'll also find some only-on-the-Royal-class-ships extras, including, on some of the Royal Class ships, a glass-floored "SeaWalk" that extends over the side of the vessel.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess ship

Princess' oldest cruise ships are significantly smaller than its newest ships and lack some of the above features. They have a more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold fewer people. While Sphere Class and Royal Class ships can hold more than 4,500 passengers with every berth full, the line's oldest vessels (particularly the relatively small Island Princess and Coral Princess) often sail with just 2,000 or so passengers on board.

That makes them a good choice for someone who wants to try Princess Cruises but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Princess fleet thus appeal to a subset of Princess fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Princess loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Princess Cruises are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Sun Princess.

Note that all Princess Cruises ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Princess vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

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• Princess Cruises

Purchasing watches on Princess ships

By TwoCruisers , February 21, 2018 in Princess Cruises

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TwoCruisers

I have read horror stories about Effy jewelry purchased on Princess ships. Now I’m wondering about the quality of watches sold on the ships. Does anyone have experience with purchasing a watch while on a Princess ship? On my upcoming cruise I have a large amount of OBC and I thought that my wife may be interested in getting a new watch.

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only if you have non-refundable OBC, that you haven't previously used for grats / drinks / excursions / specialty dinners, etc...etc...etc

why do people buy things on a cruise ship otherwise ??

Exactly! Almost all of the OBC is non-refundable. I also have pre-paid gratuities from the sales promotion. We don’t drink so that won’t deplete the money. After a couple of excursions and a couple of specialty dinners I’ll still have loads of OBC remaining.

So, I still have the question, does anyone have experience purchasing a watch on a Princess ship?

Micahs Grandad

only if you have non-refundable OBC, that you haven't previously used for grats / drinks / excursions / specialty dinners, etc...etc...etc   why do people buy things on a cruise ship otherwise ??

to me better to buy watches and other things from local merchants you have a relationship with

CineGraphic

You’ll get much better pricing on name brand watches online.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I have not heard good things about Effy. But the cruise line sells other name brand watches. If you have the credit to burn why not a watch. One that comes to mind is Citizen. A very good brand. There are many other name brands on board.

I purchased a Philip Stein watch on Coral Princess. I had been eyeing it for several months and knew what it cost from the manufacturer and other online sources. It was considerably cheaper onboard so I bought it the first evening. And incidentally, I own a ton of EFFY jewelry, most bought in EFFY stores, a few pieces from dept. stores, and a couple of rings purchased last cruise on Carnival. I have never had any problems with anything. First purchase was in Grand Turk in 2010. EM

You’ll get much better pricing on name brand watches online.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

so , use it or lose it - what do you rec the OP to do , just leave it unused?

Exactly! Almost all of the OBC is non-refundable. I also have pre-paid gratuities from the sales promotion. We don’t drink so that won’t deplete the money. After a couple of excursions and a couple of specialty dinners I’ll still have loads of OBC remaining.   So, I still have the question, does anyone have experience purchasing a watch on a Princess ship?

Yes. I bought a Citizen Eco-Drive drive watch on board a Princess ship about three years ago. The price was slightly lower than the same watch from Amazon - I checked Amazon's prices before the cruise. So I saved a few bucks, and saved the state tax I would have had to pay also. The watch has performed as advertised - no issues.

And yes, I had a lot of non-refundable OBC to use up, so it worked out well for me.

Yes. I bought a Citizen Eco-Drive drive watch on board a Princess ship about three years ago. The price was slightly lower than the same watch from Amazon - I checked Amazon's prices before the cruise. So I saved a few bucks, and saved the state tax I would have had to pay also. The watch has performed as advertised - no issues.   And yes, I had a lot of non-refundable OBC to use up, so it worked out well for me.

Thank you for your input!

I bought the same watch on board....working like a charm.

Hi Gordon..going to be on the March cruise with you. My husband purchased a watch a few years ago on board the second day...it stopped telling time by day four...it was replaced immediately and we were told to keep the receipt and if any problems after we got home it would be addressed through the mail/email and directly with the company (think it was Citizens). Never had problems again with the watch. Also, if you purchase any of the "gold by the inch" chains..keep the receipt and if the chain looses it "shine", they will replace at next cruise. I also have quite a bit of OBC and plan to by some Christmas gift chains and bracelets. Of course..some gambling too!

I've bought about 4 or 5 Citizen watches on a Princess cruise and the price was always better than in port. Shopping in port is a high pressure situation, something I don't feel on the ship and the service has always been great. I actually won a Citizen watch in a drawing last month on the Crown after purchasing a watch! Go for it.

I’ve bought a couple at some great prices.

But battery nearly always needs replacing pretty soon after, I guess it shows how slow sales can be.

I own a couple of Invecta Reserve watches that I purchased online through their sales company.

On the Royal last year they were having a sale on Invecta watches and the prices were pretty good. My wife would never wear a watch but I had her look at some and she finally decided she liked one. I purchased it at a very reasonable price and now she won't stop wearing it.

sunsetbeachgal

I also bought a Philip Stein watch on the Regal. Prices better on board than in St Thomas and I’ve had it for three years and love it.

Yes, the wife bought a watch onboard the Grand. We don't always carry the phone. So the wife bought a watch at the sale they always have every cruise. I think she spent a whopping $10. It still works but she keeps it in a drawer.

You could buy maybe 20 of them. Should last her 10 years.:D

I bought a couple of Guess watches that were fine and one Michael Kors that was a piece of crap.

We have purchased several watches onboard Princess ships. DH and I both have Citizen Eco-Drive watches that we've had for several years, and they work fine. We love the Eco-Drive feature which never needs batteries. The prices were always lower than we've seen on shore or online.

DH also buys the $10-$15 watches that are offered a few nights. When he works outside or goes fishing his watches get spitted from sweating, and he doesn't mind messing up a cheap watch. He's had amazing luck with these watches. They often go well over a year before the battery needs to be replaced, and the battery is an easily found type.

I plan to buy another Citizen on our cruise next week.

About 10 years ago - I purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive watch. I did google it on the ship and with my Elite discount and discount the first day, I could not beat the price. 10 years later, this has turned out to be the best watch I have ever owned. And it never needs batteries. I later got a 2nd one on the ship during the 50th Anniversary with the Princess logo on it. I also love that.

I highly recommend the Citizen's Eco-Drive. Take a look before you go on the cruise. They actually had a good variety on the ship.

Alimariecruisin

Gosh, I buy a new watch on every cruise just for fun! Sometimes it's a $10 fun watch and other times it's $100's...always love them, never an issue...but i'd "watch" out for sales listed in the Princess patter!!!

Thank you all for such great information. It sounds like we should buy my wife a watch on the cruise. Also, there seemed to be indications of sale pricing on the first day. We will check out the Citizen Eco-Drive watches before the cruise to have something to compare to the on board watches.

They will have a few sales during the cruise so don’t jump in on the first day.Normally prices only go down.

I also own a Citizen Eco-Drive which we purchased onboard. I had priced them on Amazon and at Macy’s before we boarded and with their onboard promotion and my Elite discount (and not having to pay sales tax) we actually saved quite a bit. Still works like a charm too!

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