15 Local Crafts, Fashion, Foods and Artistic Things To Bring Home from an NCL Eastern Caribbean Cruise

On a recent holiday cruise aboard NCL’s Getaway, Port of Call Shopper was on the search for unique and distinctive arts, foods, fashion, home decor and more Things discovered in galleries, studios, shops and markets visited by the ship. While I was amazed by the amount of beautiful, creative Things I discovered, the following 15 provide a sampling for those seeking something truly unique to bring home from Getaway’s four colorful Caribbean ports of call.

PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Puerto Plata was named by Christopher Colombus and actually was the first place that he arrived at in 1493. The destination is an amazing region with cacao and coffee plantations nestled amongst vibrant jungles, rivers and waterfalls. Puerto Plata’s coastline offers travelers some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, home to surfers, windsurfers and kiteboarders from around the world.

When the Getaway docked, it was in the harbor of Taino Bay.  This amazing development was created by the government specifically for cruise ship passengers. The property offers a complimentary pool with swim up bar, lazy river, aviary and monkey island, in addition to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.

TAINO BAY, PUERTO PLATA

As you know, I’m always on the lookout for really unique, creative, indigenous Things, so while I did find two cute, experiential shops at the Taino shops, I honestly didn’t spend my port day here. (I went waterfall jumping at Damajagua!) If you do visit, check out Cacaito for tastings of authentic Dominican chocolate made from Colombian cacao. I also enjoyed Caribbean Bliss, featuring Caribbean food sauces, spices and essences to bring home to your kitchen.

If you feel adventurous, are looking for authentic art, and have the time, I would suggest visiting Sosua Beach, located about an hour and a half from Taino Bay. It is known for crystal clear waters, snorkeling and water sports. It is home to a curated collection of Dominican artists’ shops and studios located at the main beach entrance. Here you will find an array of local artisans, showcasing their original paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and photography. There are also international cuisines at waterside restaurants and cold beverages at beach bars. I plan to visit the next time I’m in Puerto Plata for sure!

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, an island steeped in history and festive traditions.  Its beaches and resort areas are renowned for trendy bars, nightclubs and casinos.  But to experience the true culture and arts of Puerto Rico, I spent my day in El Viejo San Juan, aka Old San Juan.  This cobblestoned neighborhood features two historic landmarks, El Morrow and La Fortaleza, and is filled with colorful Spanish colonial buildings that house galleries, craft studios, restaurants and bars.

A colorful giclee painting by local artist Jose Garcia Jimenez from Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts

Located in a restored Spanish colonial building in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts offers a myriad of original paintings, ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, and gourmet foods reflecting the island’s culture.

Jorge’s adventurous use of color is truly captivating and reflective of his life in Puerto Rico.

A mixed-media ceramic sculpure by local artist Roxanna Jordan at Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts

Roxanna’s art follows the Raku technique, in which pieces are burned directly into a flame, buried in the ground. The pedestals are driftwood she picks up from the beach. 

Authentic Puerto Rican coffee from Puerto Rico Arts & Crafts

Take time to browse through the shop’s gourmet foods area, where you’ll find a delicious array of Puerto Rican coffees, hot sauces, sweets, seasonings and rums.

A striking oil painting by local artist Juan Carlos Torres from 7 Seas Gift Shop & Gallery

7 Seas offers a curated collection of original Puerto Rican art. This painting is one of many that showcases colorful Caribbean women. @7ven Seas Gift Shop

A colorful, bioluminescent sea creature sculpture from The Handcraft Store

The Handcraft Store was indeed one of my favorite stops. I was fortunate to meet the owner, Paul Kelly, who walked me through the store, sharing each artist’s story.

I was amazed by the fish and sea creature pieces created from natural materials such as palm bark and coconuts that actually glow in the dark, just like the bioluminescent sea life around St. Thomas. Check out their religious plaques and crosses too!

A festive Vejigante mask from The Handcraft Store

Traditionally seen during Carnival time, these masks are customarily created by blowing up and painting cow bladders!

ST. THOMAS, USVI

St. Thomas is the gateway isle to the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s known for it’s beaches, resorts and snorkeling.  The capital, Charlotte Amalie, was founded by the Danish in the 1600’s and possesses a colorful history filled with tales of pirates and gold. Many call St. Thomas the “Shopping Capital of the World”, due to its array of fine jewelry stores and duty-free goods for sale.

I decided to get off the beaten path with a taxi ride to Tillett Gardens. This very special, eclectic place is a funky artists’ community located just minutes by taxi from downtown St. Thomas. The property features several small guest houses surrounded by tropical gardens adorned with local art, murals and sculptures created by its artisans. Roots Garden Lounge Bar & Cafe serves home cooked food and delicious cocktails, and features live music most nights. In addition, there is a small artisan gift shop called Mystic Valley.

A piece of local folk art from Mystic Valley at Tillett Gardens

Check out the handmade home decor, jewelry, crystals, candles and even locally made mosquito repellent.

After enjoying Tillett Gardens, it was time to return to downtown St. Thomas to discover some amazing arts and crafts in little shops tucked away from the beaten path at Palm Passage. Here, shops are owned and operated the artists themselves and line a shaded tropical courtyard with an open-air bar crafting delicious Caribbean cocktails!

A stunning underwater photographic print from Fish Face

Fish Face is fabulous and friendly store located in Palm Passage. I especially loved the expressive underwater photographic prints by owner Kristen Wall, who also curates the artisans’ collections. View Kristen’s unique creations at Under the Sea Photos.

A natural, sustainable wall hanging or sculpture made from hurricane debris at Fish Face

While in Fish Face, take a look at the unique sculptures and wall decor created by artisan Sylvie Reis. Sylvie gathers fiber glass, plexiglass, aluminum, wood and other debris found on shorelines and floating in the ocean. Keeping all pieces in its original shape, she crafts abstract sailboat wall decor.

A handpainted shirt, dress or accessorie from Just Imagine

Just across the courtyard from Fish Face you’ll find Just Imagine, a shop filled with more local arts and crafts. I love visiting working artists’ studios, and this time I was fortunate enough to watch an artist hand-painting fashion and accessories. A beautiful bag with Port of Call Shopper painted on it, is now part of my tote collection! @Just Imagine USVI

Sterling silver and conch shell jewelry from SOS Antiques

SOS Antiques is an amazing shop/nautical museum located downtown that showcases an array of vintage and antique nautical decor, jewelry, maps, coins and more.

A collectible “treasure” salvaged from sunken ships at SOS Antiques

For the maritime history buff, collect a piece of shipwreck salvaged art, jewelry, coins and equipment that includes a detailed overview of where it was discovered, its history and a certificate of authenticity.

St. Maarten, USVI

This lush 37 square-mile island is divided into two parts. The northern territory of the Island is French, with Marigot as its main city. The southern part of the island is Dutch, with Philipsburg as its main city. This is where the cruise ships dock. Together, the two territories are known as Saint-Martin or St. Maarten.

On this journey, I took a scenic 30-minute taxi ride to the French side of the island, where I had an appointment with a true French perfumery, followed by a delightful 10 minute walk into the quaint little town of Grand Case. Grand Case is located on the west coast of the island with turquoise waters and a beautiful long sandy beach dotted with restaurants and fresh grilled seafood. This is truly a hidden gem for those seeking to get away from the crowds.

A personalized fragrance from Tijon Parfumerie & Boutique that you create yourself

This is a MUST DO while in St. Martin on the French side of the island! At Tijon, visitors choose from dozens of oils and essences to create their own custom fragrance. Register for a 1 hour or 2-3 hour class or select aromas and let Tijon staff bottle it for you. 

I had a fabulous time wearing a lab coat and mixing fragrances in their professional fragrance lab, with the assistance of Mimi, the store manager and parfume expert. Can’t make it to St. Martin? They also have locations in Charlston and New Orleans.

Delicious French Chocolates from Maison Chocolat

After a brief walk from Tijon into the small town of Grand Chase, I discovered a luscious assortment of artisanal French chocolates and pastries at Maison Chocolat. The owners, Gerard and Rossy, are so friendly and outgoing, offering samples to help me make up my sweet tooth’s mind.  Delicious!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention visiting the home of the “World’s Best Tasting Rhum”, Topper’s Rhum, located back in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of St. Martin. Tours of the 6,000 sq. ft. distillery are offered where guests learn a little history of rum making in the Caribbean, followed by handcrafted mixing and bottling demonstrations. They have many different flavor rums with tastings of all of their artisanal spirits.

The next port I’ll visit in my quest for unique and distinctive Things will be the warm, tropical, Mexican port of Puerto Vallarta. I’m not visiting via cruise ship this time, although I have many times before. I’m visiting this colorful city on a day trip during our vacation in the small beachside town of Sayulita, located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon.

Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!

CHEERS!