Cheapest Duty-Free Cigarettes - Caribbean vs Cruise Ship?

Question

We're going on a cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico (Cozumel) in September and wondered if anyone knows the relative prices of cigarettes at the duty free stores in those ports versus the duty free store on the ship (Princess cruise line). We live about a mile from Delaware where cigarettes still cost less than $30 in stores, so I want to know whether to stock up before the cruise or wait until we're at sea (or in port). Thanks for any help.

And one other thing... Don't bother telling me to quit. It's not your body, so what's it to you?

Answer 1

They don't carry Canadian smokes so who cares?

Answer 2

Just got off a Carnval ship in April and cigarettes were 4 cartons for about $70.00. You are only allowed 4 per person and you must smoke all but 2 cartons prior to leaving the ship for home or they claim you could loose them.

Answer 3

It's too bad you aren't going through St. Thomas because your limit is automatically doubled for customs!  

My personal experience is that the duty free stops in ports give better pricing on liquor and cigs.  I haven't been to Jamaica or Cozumel on a ship, but most of the ports in the Caribbean have big duty-free stores that sell to Americans.  Check out the maps that the ship will provide you of the immediate port area (but don't be afraid to break out on your own!).  You can always buy cigs from the boat on your last day if they aren't cheaper at the ports.  

Last time I was on a cruise that went through Grand Cayman the water was too rough for us to  dock so we had to skip the port.  Make sure you send postcards from "h**l" (a town on GC).  Have a kick-*** time, I'm going on the Caribbean Princess in November.

Answer 4

they are cheaper in the ports than in the stores on the ship.  there are limits to what you can bring back, but i think you can bring back some per person.

Answer 5

Selections on the ship are limited, especially if you like menthol. On ship they're about $25 or 2/$40... or something like that. I think it was Cozumel where I found cartons of Camel for $12 and Virginia Slims for 13 or 14. That was a year or two ago. I'm in Chicago where a carton runs about $60+ (over the border: 'in the suburbs') so this is a GREAT deal for me.

Customs imposes a limit of 2 cartons (but never heard of problems - I never had any - bringing more back. I packed them in my checked luggage)