"Must buys" in ports.

Rat · June 4, 2006

We usually buy rum in the Caribbean, tequila in Mexico and canned salmon in Alaska. These items are not for us, but gifts for family and friends. For us, the "must buys" are the fridge magnets.

matchstickxx · June 4, 2006

T-shirts, shot glasses and magnets. We also try to find some local art, glass, etc...to bring back. We don't typically bring back any alcohol although next time we are in St Marten we will bring back some guavaberry liquor. One of my co-workers was raving about it after her last cruise.

zebra · June 4, 2006

Yes the Guavaberry store on St. Maarten is awesome - we love their hot sauce.

Alaska - canned "smoked" salmon - I always bring many can home - love making smoked salmon dip.

matchstickxx · June 5, 2006

Would you share the recipe for the smoked salmon dip?

zebra · June 5, 2006

Sure dead simple:

1 can "Smoked" Alaskan Salmon (must be smoked)

1 Cream Cheese

Beat cream cheese until soft in blender add can of salmon.

This is basically it, but you can spice it up with a few drops of Tabasco or you can add a teaspoon of finely chopped chives.

Serve on crackers or dip for chips.

It's wonderful.

matchstickxx · June 6, 2006

Sounds very simple. Thanks.

teacp · June 6, 2006

Ball caps, magnets and usually golf balls with the name imprinted on them for Kens massive collection..........also if I see something for the grandkids that is unique and not made in China I will get that..........

Joanandjoe · June 7, 2006

We'll add to our previous post that some of our best "buys" were free. When we were in Iceland, we picked up balls of volcanic rock (pumice) on a beach, and they were the most appreciated gifts we've ever given. 10 years after that trip, people still have them on display. On our recent Bermuda trip, we brought back pink sand, which we packaged in large and small bottles*. Had our ship's repositioning in St. George not been cancelled due to bad weather, we also would have brought back beach glass. We did buy genuine Bermuda shorts.

The point for us is to bring back something unique, not just tee shirts. We usually try to bring back some local foods and/or beverages, but only in small amounts because the stuff is usually heavy! As Belafonte sang is "Jamaica farewell", the rum is fine any time of year.

* "Poor" Joan had to drink the rum from the small bottles, so we could fill them with sand. Tough job, but someone had to do it.