Forgetting an essential item at home isn't uncommon for many travelers on an ocean cruise. Replacing that essential item can be difficult, especially if the cruise ship has very few planned dock stops.
(prHWY.com) March 12, 2013 - Seattle, WA -- Forgetting an essential item at home isn't uncommon for many travelers on an ocean cruise. Replacing that essential item can be difficult, especially if the cruise ship has very few planned dock stops. A new cruise ship company is considering opening up thrift stores on board their ships to help travelers replace commonly forgotten items.
"We have multiple travelers who forget certain items at home", said Richard Hill, CEO of A Great Time at Sea. "These people often have very few choices when it comes to shopping. They can shop at the on board stores or they can go into the city when we dock. There isn't another option."
Richard Hill is thinking of opening up several small thrift stores on the ship. These thrift stores will offer travelers the chance to purchase essential
items at a deeply discounted price.
"These stores will operate just like regular thrift stores", explained Richard Hill. "They will take donations from people on the ship and even when the cruise is over we will take donations."
Many cruise ship passengers purchase items that are used exclusively for that trip. After the trip is over, they no longer want or need the item they purchased. The thrift store will provide them with a chance to donate the items for re-sale.
"Our cleaning crews often ran into people leaving clothing behind because they would never use it", explained Hill. "There were also cases of people just tossing the items in the trash. Now, these items can be used by people who will really need or want the items."
Richard Hill has opened up his first thrift stores on a handful of ships. The idea is to see how the thrift stores go over with passengers.
"A few of our passengers laughed at the idea", said Hill. "I mean who thinks of seeing a thrift store on board a cruise ship? But the reaction was overwhelming. We had several hundred passengers come into the shop the first day."
If the reaction to the thrift stores remains positive Richard Hill plans on incorporating it into the other 300 cruise ships in his fleet. So far the reaction to these stores has been extremely positive.
"I forgot a lightweight coat at home", explained Sarah June, a passenger on the cruise ship. "I was able to purchase one at the thrift store at a fraction of the cost. It really worked out great!"
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