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Editor\u2019s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.<\/em><\/p>\n Onboard cruise ship shops can be useful, although they’re generally over-priced.<\/p>\n They carry items you may have left at home and find you need. Even the best packer has their suitcase lost by an airline occasionally.<\/p>\n They sell dresses and fancy shirts for the people who show up and then realize that formal nights really do require, you know, formal attire. Also, they’re the only place to purchase cruise line logo items if you wish to proclaim your love of your favorite line to the world.<\/p>\n If you need something, go ahead and buy it. However, cruise ship shops can be dangerous to your wallet \u2014 especially after a couple of gloomy rainy days at sea when some shopaholics will buy just about anything to get a hit of that \u201conly on vacation\u201d feeling.<\/p>\n Ships also tempt travelers with other ways to part with their cash, whether pricy spa treatments or fine art sales.<\/p>\n In ports, there are other pitfalls to avoid \u2014 products that won\u2019t make it past your local customs officer, those that are hard to transport home and inexpensive (read: poorly made) tchotchkes that are likely to break before you even put the key in your front door.<\/p>\n For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG\u2019s cruise newsletter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Here\u2019s our advice on what to avoid when the shopping bug bites on your next cruise vacation. Pay attention if you have a hard time keeping your wallet in your pocket when you\u2019re traveling. You know who you are.<\/p>\n