Fraudulent Shop-steering” visits.

Shop-steering” visits are undisclosed or dubious time-wasting, impromptu Cruise stops usually at retail shops or factory sites that make & sell goods tourists goods: souvenirs, diamonds; leather/silk clothing, diamonds, & even occasionally illegal or immoral options. 

NOTE: The following YouTube clip from my Thailand, Cambodia & S Vietnam trip is NOT the usual FRAUDULENT shop steering because it balances a useful, authentic & informative tourist experience with the justifiable income needs of this small hill tribe.

Dishonest companies or guides get kickbacks on your purchases, but often visits just waste your time or worse.

Anecdote: Pristina, Kosovo: One gracious young man whose invite to his restaurant I accepted. Another guy, so literally in my face, I finally yelled at him & physically shoved him aside. Foolish tout & owner. 

Ancedote: Tallinn, Estonia cruise ship stop:  Tallinn ships take tourists directly to the main Old Town Hall Square packed with tourist stalls & restaurants and then maybe later a small tour to other specific shops.      

Anecdote:  Bangkok tuk tuk driver suggested silk shop visit: I knew he was ‘shop steering’ me, but I wanted the experience. I was curious. It was not high-pressure, but respectful. I bought nothing. In a silk suit I would be the proverbial ‘overdressed pig.’

NOTE: If you REALLY want to buy a silk suit, blouse etc, Google search where they are commonly sold & visit several shops bargaining for your best price. Safe 5: Soft Crime[pplk: Safe: Soft - Bargaining] 

Cruise Company’s careful examination of Shore Excursions will have undoubtedly eliminated this possibility. If not complain & report.

Beware of Shop Steering [jlk: shop steering] [plpk: sub-pil” xyz Kinds of (B) Guides)