by Anne Campbell

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.

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