Blog
Please join me, the Port of Call Shopper, as I journey around the world by seas, waterways and land, to discover a plethora of unique, artful and distinctive Things created by craftsmen, artisans, designers and retailers located in picturesque seaports, towns and villages.
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Global Shopping | Cruising
If you’d like to follow the Port of Call Shopper’s shopping voyages around the world AND get exclusive access to shopping guides and tips - plus special offers and discounts on handcrafted Things and travel, please JOIN our Crew.
The Ultimate Bermuda Handmade Shopping Guide: Local Artisans, Crafts & Island Finds
Discover the best of Bermuda handmade shopping, from local art and jewelry to island-crafted gifts and souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
Rome Handmade Shopping Guide: Artisans, Boutiques & Local Finds
Discover Rome’s best handmade shopping, from artisan workshops and local boutiques to one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Best Shops in Athens for Traditional, Handcrafted Artisan Things
My guide to the best handmade shops in Athens, featuring my picks for folk art gifts, jewelry, icons, and keepsakes made by local artists, with quick shop notes.
Artistic Traditions in Naples: Shopping for Handcrafted Art & More in Italy’s Most Spirited City
Discover the best Naples handmade shopping spots, from artisan ceramics and leather goods to local food specialties and traditional crafts made in Naples.
Boston SOWA Shopping Guide: Best Markets, Art & Local Finds
Discover Boston’s SOWA art district for shopping. I’ll take you from the SOWA Open Market to art galleries, boutiques, and local makers. A must-visit Boston shopping guide.
European Christmas Market Shopping Guide: Best Gifts, Food & Festive Finds
European Christmas Market Shopping Guide: Best Gifts, Food & Festive Finds
Best Scandinavian Handmade Shops for Unique Nordic Crafts & Gifts
Discover the best Scandinavian handmade shops featuring authentic Nordic crafts, minimalist home decor, and one-of-a-kind artisan gifts.
Handmade in Mykonos: Shopping for Artisan Crafts in the Heart of Chora
Colorful Handpainted Ceramics at Eva Studio and Shop in Mykonos
Spanish Village Art Center: Classes, Events & Guilds in 2026
Spanish Village Art Center: Classes, Events & Guilds in 2026
Liberty Station San Diego Shopping Guide: Best Stores, Art & Dining Near the Waterfront
Explore Liberty Station San Diego’s shopping, dining, and art galleries in this complete guide. Discover unique boutiques, local makers, restaurants, and waterfront experiences near downtown San Diego.
15 Top Mediterranean Cruise Gift Ideas (Handcrafted & Unique) in 2026
Discover my favorite handcrafted Mediterranean gift ideas of the year, from artisan ceramics and textiles to unique handmade souvenirs inspired by Mediterranean culture.
San Pedro CRAFTED Market: Best Artisans and Local Makers
Explore San Pedro’s best shopping at CRAFTED market with this complete guide. Discover top boutiques, local shops, and must-buy finds in this historic waterfront community.
Printemps New York Review: Extravagant Shopping, Beautiful Rooms & Elegant Dining
Your complete Printemps New York review. Discover what to buy, top departments to visit, and tips for shopping this iconic Parisian store
Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Review: Itinerary & Bermuda Tour
Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Review: Itinerary & Bermuda Tour
West Indies Shopping Guide: What to Buy & Where to Find It
Discover the best shopping in the West Indies, from local artisans to must-buy souvenirs. Learn what to buy and where to shop on each island.
4 Best Shopping Spots in Santa Barbara: My Artisan Guide (Galleries, Boutiques and Funk Zone)
One of Santa Barbara’s Colorful Street Murals
8 Best San Jose del Cabo Shopping Secrets & Flourishing Art Gallery District
Discover my picks for the best San Jose del Cabo shopping secrets from artisans, local craftsmen, and art gallery district walkthrough.
Crete’s Old Town Chania: Shopping for Handcrafted Treasures in a Harbor of History
Cretan Knives in Old Town Chania
Island Hopping in the British Virgin Islands: A Seven Day Sojourn by Catamaran
The Moorings 534 Power Cat, Seafit
Southern Caribbean Cruising on the Sapphire Princess
Sapphire Princess