A Cruise with a Personal Shopper
Seabourn Cruises sends out far too many press releases but I found this idea interesting. They now have a cruise service that will provides for shoreside personal shoppers. The shopper services can be booked in advance and the guides provide local guidance to sources of quality merchandise. Lest you think they will be dragging you to the local souvenir shop, Seabourn says that the service is for those "seeking the shops, boutiques and ateliers of the finest local designers, craftsmen and artists." Seabourn's Personal Shopper tours include transportation by luxury private car and the services of an English-speaking shopping specialist. Full days include reservations for lunch in a local restaurant and can cost up to $895 for the service. It saves you combing the guide books but it does sort of take the fun out of discovering the rare treasure. I'm curious if they'll help with the haggling and provide current exchange rate info too.
