We will not Shop!

[Martha]

Protest over shop-till-you-drop tour - Yahoo! News

Macau riot police were called in to calm down 120 angry Chinese tourists on a wind-swept beach who had protested angrily to tour guides over an itinerary too packed with shopping.

 

[bssc]

I saw this. I know some cruise lines have this reputation of steering you towards certain stores, especially for jewelry. When we were in Kauai, our bus stopped at a non-descript store instead of Hilo Hatties. We didn't buy anything but a few postcards but I was surprised since it was not on our itinerary. Yes, I am suspicious by nature.

 

[dex]

Tour guide in certain countries get paid to bring their group to a shop and a kick back on what is purchased there (this is usually in carpet shops).
I know because once I was walking around in an Indian city and was mistaken for a tour guide.

 

[Nords]

When we were in Kauai, our bus stopped at a non-descript store instead of Hilo Hatties.

There's a lot of competition for "partnerships" with the cruise lines. Oddly enough NCL is still losing money at it.

As for a non-descript store instead of Hilo Hatties, they might have done you a favor!