Last time we were aboard the Boutique had almost nothing to buy. There were promises that it would be improved. There has been a great dry dock update. Tales of recent experiences would be appreciated. We are sailing again in Nov. and would like to know how carefully we have to pack. Buying forgotten nail polish remover in the spa for $25. was not my favorite cruise experience.
Thanks, Babs

Babs, we were on the Mariner last month, but I can't give you much insight. My husband bought a tie in the boutique (limited selection but we found one that worked well), and there were clothing items and jewelry, etc. But I have no idea what was stocked as far as toiletries.

Priscilla,
I am curious what your impression was overall in their selection vs 2007, when the clothing was overpriced since it was inferior quality and everything looked chincy. Any insights? I am going on the Voyager to the Baltic, and I know the last time, their selection of Russian artifacts was abysmal!
thanks
Lynn

I just wish they had lots of nice branded clothing. David's got a really nice windbreaker from Diamond, and I've been looking for something like it ever since, with no luck. The jewellery I've seen has never interested me (PG excepted.)

I agree, stuff has been rather chintzy the past few years, or maybe just not my taste. I guess they stock what sells. If the good stuff they used to have was moving, then why would they stop selling it? I loved when they had Tommy Bahama!

I checked the Mariner for sundries on my February trip this year, they had an okay selection at what I thought were acceptable prices.

The shops are now stocking high quality items with matching high prices. Some really beautiful stuff but you have to be Karen or Olivias size to wear it.

On this trip on the Voyager I bought some real bargains of just "fun things"

Pendant Eggs (like those you get in St. Petersburg) for only $25, best price I have even seen on these.

Multiple thread neck chains I really like for $15

Chokers, velvet and leather (imitation I am sure) at only $3.00

Regent tee shirts for $12.50

They had a sale desk each day outside the shop and it was always pretty busy.

So much better than it was but still not a place we will be rushing to find great bargains on quality goods.

How about the Pearls??

Ngaire,
Thanks for the update on the shops. If I find something I really love, I don't mind paying the price, but in the past few years, I felt the price was high, but not the quality.
Were you talking about the Faberge egg pendants for $25? That is unbelievable. Thanks again.
Lynn

Yes the Faberge eggs. I compared one that looked the same as one I already had. You could tell the workmanship was not quite as good but only if you looked really closely. Great value.

There are some really beautiful things in the store.

How about carrying some larger sizes for men and women? Like jackets, shirts, slacks & tops? Judy

Ngaire, I am really in trouble now....going on a Baltic cruise at the end of the month. If they have decent lacquer boxes, I am going to need a windfall of money!!!!!
Lynn

I hope the Navigator has a decent shop. I am hoping for bottles of Scotch and Cognac like they have had in the past. Better yet, maybe they will let me transfer the credit to the Voyager. :)

Marc: You're a "man on a mission" BUT Arlene is spending those credits - facials, reflexology, head massage with oil and shampoo - GO Arlene!!

Yes, yes, Joanna! Marc can get what gets transferred from one ship to another, how's that? ;) Arlene, get that head massage, that treatment goes all the way down your arms to your fingertips. After that, you will never wonder where to spend OB credits again!

Hey Marc. think it's time to give it up! (the OB credit!) Haven't experienced what Joanna and Olivia are referring to, but I'm sure Arlene will go for their recommendations! :D :D

Kathy: I only experience those treats with OB credit freebies much as Arlene will do - Tony and Marc can play bingo those cards are $$$$$ reasonable :woh:

She'd better, Kathy, otherwise Marc's OB's may be left behind!

I HOPE Arlene is reading this thread! C'mon Marc, show it to her!

More power to the ladies!!!

Editing to add, after Olivia's post, does Arlene need a PM?

Oh no, Marc loves a little controversy and debate, he incites it from time to time in good spirit! I KNOW him after many cruises! Arlene will chime in on her own good time!

Common' Ladies... Was there ever any doubt? I will have no problem spending every last penny. :angel2:

Usually I don't spend $ on the spa, but what the heck...this time I just may! Or the boutique....or both!

Arlene, think sparkly jewelry from the boutique. A great way to spend your cruise credit. Once I finish with the spa, that's where my money is going. OK, maybe Alan can buy a watch.

I have an idea with respect to shipboard credits. As Regent runs bingo as a fair game; i.e., they return all the money, why don't LCTers get to bingo early and buy all the cards with our shipboard credit. Then, we pool the winnings. That means that we convert all of the shipboard credit to real money. :D

Marc,
I like your style.
Lynn

What a great idea Marc! As Lyn so eloquently said "I like your style". Lee

Donna & Lee, We could do the Bingo pool on MOOSE!!! Thanks, Marc, for the suggestion.

Sounds good to me - just don't include Pooch as I am LCT's first failure! I just have a complete mental block when it comes to that game! Lee

what happens when a non-LCT wins ?

There will be no $ to share. Let's be positive, Neville!!!

This is the qualifier, Neville. Buy all the cards. Then only lct can win.

Lee, I'm with you. Not good at cards, never played bridge. Pooch doesn't do it for me either! But it is fun to walk by them and say hello and ask who is winning!

POOCH!!!???? I am lousy bridge player but lead with trump poochers!!! :ch: :ch:

I never did learn what "trump" meant in cards. Just like some never get what "pre-existing" means in insurance. So I am truly challenged, if you know what I mean!

Pre-exiting still baffles me - TRUMP? You're fired!!!!

You should just watch a game and I bet you get it, SO SO easy. If not we like you to come by and smile at us and give us encouragement!!

You all so kindly let me watch several games but alas, I still didn't 'get it'! I shall be chief cheerleader with a huge smile and lots of encouragement whenever I pass Pooch players!

When I first heard the rules of POOCH last fall on GAME, I was kind of frightened about the bidding, as I am a bridge-dummy. After playing a few games, I actually won a few hands. Ngaire and all the fun folks on GAME and SAMBA made it really enjoyable. Can't wait to play on MOOSE. I've got the score cards handy.

:ch: :ch: :ch: Thanks, Lee, we expect splits and tumbles <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />