As humorist Dave Barry might say, I'm not making this up.

A Nassau merchant bemoans the fact that Oasis of the Seas and other cruise ships have shopping on board, which might cut into sales in port cities. Indeed, it's clear to anybody who has been on the Oasis that the promenade deck resembles a tony shopping center.

So what solution does perfume operator Tim Lightbourne offer in The Tribune of Nassau? "Until the Caribbean works together and bans shops onboard boats, there will be a limited amount (of revenue for onshore stores) coming out of boats."

OK. We'll stand by for that one. Any island nation want to go first?

Still, the article did show overall positive reaction to the level of shopping produced during the inaugural visit of the world's largest ship to Nassau. (Apparently recent reports of crimes against cruise passengers in Nassau didn't keep all the wallets on the ship.)

If you haven't been on the , just know that it "offers a shopper's paradise," according to a Royal Caribbean press release. There are 13 retail venues covering more than 10,000 square feet.

Source: South Florida Business Journal (blog)