If you enjoy purchasing mementos when you travel, most cruises present plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs and gifts in shops and boutiques both onboard and onshore. If you would like ideas for souvenirs that will provide memories of your voyage, here are some popular choices.
Local artwork
and crafts are wonderful keepsakes that can tell a story about the ports you
visit. Paintings, drawings, carvings, and jewelry made by local artisans are
all lovely options. It can help to do a little pre-cruise research into the
places you’ll visit – for example, are they known for things like weaving or pottery,
or for certain fabrics or decorations? Note that any crafts made with straw
must be declared and presented for inspection when you return home; this guards
against the possibility of unintentionally importing a pest.
Locally
made food and beverages can make great souvenirs. Pop into a grocery store or
market to look for local specialties like jams, sauces, candy, wine, spirits or
a different taste of the local culture to take home. However, note that U.S.
and state law might limit the amount of alcohol or tobacco products you can
bring back with you, and fruits, vegetables, and meats are usually not allowed.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as a general rule, condiments,
vinegars and oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, and many prepared foods
are admissible.
T-shirts
are always a fun souvenir. Whether they bear the name of the cruise line or the
place where you buy them, they will remind you of your cruise every time you
wear them. Look for t-shirts made of good-quality material that will last
through lots of washes.
Holiday
ornaments can help you remember past cruises, too. Some cruise fans have
collections, decking their halls with all the ornaments they’ve collected on
their voyages. You might choose a different small item to collect, too, like
fridge magnets, bottle openers, coffee cups, or playing cards.
For more
ideas, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor. Once on board, ask the
crew at the passenger services desk for tips on popular souvenirs and places to
shop. Passenger services may also be able to help if you need some local
currency for shopping. And, one more tip: before purchasing a souvenir that
could be used as a weapon, such as a knife or other sharp object, find out if
it will be allowed on board.
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