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AngelaAngel
Guest
Does anyone know how the shopping is in Martinique? Is it better in some places than in others? Is there any good places near port?
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Cruise cutie
Guest
Have not been since 1996..be warned the little boutiques and gift shops will be very pricey..and I had a few really snippy saleswomen too as I purchased just a few cards and hair scruncies .. They were French, and spoke only French around me..they were extremely short with me and made snide side comments about the bourgoise people from the US..however I am Italian and French and understand enough of both to get by..I gave it back to both of them and let them know that if they acted like that to all the tourists they would not have a business and sailed right outta there...the fresh fish and meat markets had no refrigeration or windows..be warned it's plenty stinky and lot's of flies in that section!!..Personally I might do a land tour IF I got off on the island again, the island itself is gorgeous.. but I don't like Guff from people that look down on me because I'm not spending UP to their standards!!!...Have a great visit!!..
..Joanne
..Joanne
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Bob7
Guest
Angela, Martinique has the biggest mall in the Caribbean, the Galleria, a 10 minute cab ride from the port, here's their site: www.galleria.mq But hey, yer not gonna make yer guy do all that shopping too are ya?
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tg_lindo
Guest
I was in Martinique last October. Several other passengers, without me asking, said how much the island exceeded their expectations and that they had heard bad things.
The Galleria....I am unaware of that but had made seeing St Pierre's volcano ruins the focus of my time there.
On the pier where we docked was a liquor/souvenir shop with interesting rums from the French Caribbean that I have not been able to locate anywhere in the USA.
Near the main square in Fort de France, facing the sea, was a row of decent t-shirt and souvenir shops. "Fine" shopping was right off my radar!
Buying things with euros was always more smooth. This IS a department of France after all.
I do not know if this is true, but another passenger explained to me that France's trade policies are choking local businesses. As such, they have realized it is in their best interests to be welcoming to American cruise passengers. A smile and a "bon jour" served me very well (despite knowing virtually no French).
The Galleria....I am unaware of that but had made seeing St Pierre's volcano ruins the focus of my time there.
On the pier where we docked was a liquor/souvenir shop with interesting rums from the French Caribbean that I have not been able to locate anywhere in the USA.
Near the main square in Fort de France, facing the sea, was a row of decent t-shirt and souvenir shops. "Fine" shopping was right off my radar!
Buying things with euros was always more smooth. This IS a department of France after all.
I do not know if this is true, but another passenger explained to me that France's trade policies are choking local businesses. As such, they have realized it is in their best interests to be welcoming to American cruise passengers. A smile and a "bon jour" served me very well (despite knowing virtually no French).
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AngelaAngel
Guest
All this info is just great, thank you all. Any others-keep 'em comin'! And as far as bringing my guy shopping: I'm bringing the "leash" for him to wear that day.
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Sidetracker
Guest
Martinique is not my most favorite shopping island. It is a beautiful island. If you take a cab into town, around $4 ea., there will be "craft, jewelry, etc." tents set up in the park. There are other jewelry, "junk" shops right there too. However.....
there is a ferry boat located right there that you can take ($7.? each) that goes to a beautiful part of the island. It's like the south of France. There are shops, places to eat and great beaches to walk on and areas to swim/snorkel. Enjoy Martinique - I would go back there in a heartbeat! (But not for shopping) :smile
there is a ferry boat located right there that you can take ($7.? each) that goes to a beautiful part of the island. It's like the south of France. There are shops, places to eat and great beaches to walk on and areas to swim/snorkel. Enjoy Martinique - I would go back there in a heartbeat! (But not for shopping) :smile
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AngelaAngel
Guest
Now that sounds like a plan!
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tg_lindo
Guest
I too desire to return, but the airfares from the west coast of USA are prohibitive. After flying to Miami, one transfers to Air France, which island hops to Haiti, then Guadeloupe, then finally Martinique. Sigh.
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JohnG
Guest
We love the spice markets, the fresh flower markets, and the dress boutiques. I bought my wife two red dresses there, one she wears on formal nights. She thinks of Martinique as a great women's shopping place. On a most recent trip we did the ferry to Pointe de Bout and loved it over there, as someone above indicated. We have not, despite the experience of others, ever found the people rude in several visits there. One woman walked blocks out of her way to show us where a nice wine bar was located. One of our favorite ports, but they don't let cruise ships stay late enought.
