Tips for Saving Money on Pre-cruise Purchases

It's your first cruise and you're dutifully reading the cruise line's pamphlet. Your heart skips a beat when you reach the section on clothing: Two formal nights! You haven't gotten that dressed up since the prom (more years ago than you'll even admit).

While your husband, always the bargain hunter, spent $1,200 on the one-week cruise you have visions of running up much more than that in clothing and accessories.

If you're taking a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, there's no need to concern yourself with formal clothes since the cruise line has a casual dress policy. But most people do get a big dressed up at night and I recommend that men take a sports jacket.

Personally, I think it's foolish to spend much money on items you'll only use on a cruise ship. At the same time, I have so many cruise clothes I could open a boutique. But hey, I'm a New Yorker. I swear bargain hunting is practically a full-time obsession with fellow Gotham-ites and I can't remember the last time I spent retail on anything. But even though I live in a city full of discount shopping, I know I'll score a bargain more quickly and with less hassle on Ebay.

Ebay is the world's largest bazaar and I have yet to find any item that isn't for sale at this auction for a fraction of the price. I've been an avid Ebay shopper since 1998 here are some of the deals I've gleaned: A TravelPro suitcase for $49 (a savings of $100 off retail); $2,000 Issey Miayke evening dress NWT (new with tags) for $135; Eileen Fisher silk pants NWT for $30; a stunning evening bag for $7; brand new Stuart Weisman evening shoes for $40, which sell in the stores for $220. I'm a big fan of Chico's travel clothing and save up to 70% off store and catalogue prices. Tommy Bahamas clothing is perfect for cruisers and I've collected a few of his items with a hefty discount.

I'm not taking much of a risk in buying any of these items since I've already tried on these designers clothes in the store, know I like the fit and what size I take. I'm sure you've discovered that sizes vary by designer. I consider it a pre-requisite to making an Ebay clothing and shoe purchase that I'm certain it will fit and look good.

I don't have all the time in the world to constantly check Ebay's massive inventory. The search tool is invaluable. For example, if I'm searching for my favorite evening shoes, I input "Stuart Weisman 6.5", for casual footwear, "Clarks 37" (European size). For clothing, I enter the designer and size, i.e., Tommy Bahamas ladies 10, Eileen Fisher M.

When I buy clothing and shoes, I only purchase items that are "NWT" or new with tags. I will make exceptions for "like new" purses or evening bags that will get limited use. If there is a flaw, the Ebay sellers I've encountered go out of their way to describe it.

In some cases, however, you may not know a specific designer for all the items you need. For example "evening bag, clutch" will bring up hundreds of bags and here you must make a selection based on the photo and description provided by the seller. The same is true for a "long black skirt 8" and most jewelry.

For jewelry that will only be used for one or two evenings I suggest buying inexpensive costume jewelry. If you want a crystal necklace, you can use "Austrian" or "Swarovski" in your search. Since the Austrian company Swarovski makes most crystal you will pull up more choices by just using crystal necklace or earrings as search words. The price of gold is sky high so I suggest waiting until it falls before purchasing gold jewelry.

Men, of course, have it much easier. Your husband probably owns a sports jacket and suit for semi-formal evenings. But what about a tuxedo for formal nights? It's true that roughly half the men aboard ships opt instead for a dark suit and this is appropriate. I think the best deal is to rent a tuxedo for the week, a service available on many ships. For a fee of around $65 he gets a full tuxedo that is fitted. Men can even rent the shoes aboard the ship. Be sure to ask your travel agent if your ship has this service.

For children, follow the same guidelines: buy name-brand items in the sizes you know will fit your children.