It is similar to what used to happen on some of the South America cruises - the ones which stop in Rio.

The jewelers book cabins for young attractive man who are charming to the older single ladies and then take them to the various stores as "friends". Of course they work for the stores and I assume get a commission on what the ladies buy.

To be fair, they also provide cars/guides/drivers who will take you on tours for free or to the restaurant of your choice etc - and to the stores they represent. And even though you may not buy anything, they are very accomodating

The HD is probably correct, the home office can't control who books but once on board there ought to be some control.

I realize this has a totally different aspect to the situation Janine talked about but I'd love to hear from Marcie if this (jewelry salesman) is still going on when she is on the Mariner.

Peggy