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Cruising Kat
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2023
CRUSING: Save Money, Choose Better, Avoid Mistakes!
I have a passion for cruising and helping others discover this amazing type of a vacation. My mission is simple: to help you make informed, smart decisions at every step of your journey, ensuring that you enjoy the incredible experiences you’ve always dreamed of. From selecting the right cruise line to choosing the perfect cabin, I'm here to share insider tips, up-to-date cruise news, comprehensive ship reviews, and captivating destination guides.
Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to cruise life, this is your go-to source for making every cruise vacation memorable and hassle-free.
I have a passion for cruising and helping others discover this amazing type of a vacation. My mission is simple: to help you make informed, smart decisions at every step of your journey, ensuring that you enjoy the incredible experiences you’ve always dreamed of. From selecting the right cruise line to choosing the perfect cabin, I'm here to share insider tips, up-to-date cruise news, comprehensive ship reviews, and captivating destination guides.
Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to cruise life, this is your go-to source for making every cruise vacation memorable and hassle-free.
15 Cruise DINING ROOM MISTAKES To Avoid (We've Made Them ALL!)
The main dining room on a cruise is one of the highlights of many people's vacations. The elegant atmosphere, the exquisite food, and amazing service that are all included in your cruise fare rival dining out on land. However, if you treat it like a restaurant back home, you may inadvertently make some serious mistakes. So I'll go over 15 big cruise dining mistakes and what to do to avoid them.
These cruise dining room mistakes are great to know for first time cruisers and seasoned cruisers alike. We've made all these mistakes over our 15 years of cruising so we're here to help out rookie cruisers to know mistakes to avoid on a cruise ship.
👉 A lot more content coming. Subscribe for more cruising tips and helpful info!
🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️
See our current list of available reduced group rates for Icon Class and other ships - cruiseandtravelnetwork.com/
🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️
These cruise dining room mistakes are great to know for first time cruisers and seasoned cruisers alike. We've made all these mistakes over our 15 years of cruising so we're here to help out rookie cruisers to know mistakes to avoid on a cruise ship.
👉 A lot more content coming. Subscribe for more cruising tips and helpful info!
🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️
See our current list of available reduced group rates for Icon Class and other ships - cruiseandtravelnetwork.com/
🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️
มุมมอง: 2 347
วีดีโอ
17 Cruise BUFFET Dining MISTAKES To Avoid in 2024!
มุมมอง 31K21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา
Here are 17 cruise buffet mistakes that people still keep making. Some of these can make you sick, and others will drive other passengers crazy. Whether it's cruise buffet etiquette, things not to eat in the cruise buffet, or just things not to do in the cruise ship buffet... Let's dive into these cruise buffet blunders and the simple fixes that will keep you safe, satisfied and sane. 👉 A lot m...
Cruise ship BUFFET vs. MAIN DINING ROOM. See the Surprising Winner!
มุมมอง 2.6K14 วันที่ผ่านมา
Cruise Ship Buffet vs. Dining Room: Which Is Better? It's a controversial topic with many heated opinions. In this video, I go over results of analysis of dozens of video reviews, hundreds of forum posts and thousands of comments trying to decide if it's better to eat in the cruise main dining room or the cruise buffet. 👉 A lot more content coming. Subscribe for more cruising tips and helpful i...
Surviving Your CRUISE: 9 Things I HATE About Cruising & How To Beat Them
มุมมอง 26K21 วันที่ผ่านมา
If you're like me, cruising is your absolute favorite way to vacation. But let's be real, it’s not all sunshine and tropical drinks. After 20 years of cruising, I’ve encountered some common issues that can put a damper on the experience. But don’t worry! Today, I’m here to share the top 9 things I hate about cruising and, more importantly, how you can overcome them so they don't ruin your vacat...
Is ULTIMATE DINING CHILL Worth It? Margaritaville At Sea ISLANDER Dining Package Review
มุมมอง 899หลายเดือนก่อน
We just returned for the inaugural sailing of Margaritaville of The Seas Islander where we bought the Ultimate Dining Chill, which is the biggest specialty dining package offered on this ship. We got to try all the specialty restaurants on board so if you're wondering whether the Ultimate Dining Chill is worth it on Islander, I will go over what the package includes, some problems we ran into, ...
We Tried ALL Margaritaville At Sea ISLANDER Restaurants: Review
มุมมอง 1.7Kหลายเดือนก่อน
This video will go every Margaritaville At Sea Islander restaurant - both the included food options and specialty dining on Islander. Find out how Islander food ranks in comparison with other cruise lines of similar price level. This video has a detailed Margaritaville At Sea food review and recommendation of what to eat on Margaritaville At Sea Islander. Margaritaville At Sea Islander Included...
Margaritaville At Sea ISLANDER Review - NOT AS ADVERTISED!
มุมมอง 11Kหลายเดือนก่อน
Watch this Margaritaville At Sea Islander review before deciding if you want to sail on Margaritaville at Sea's new cruise ship. I will go over the first impressions, the problems we encountered on our Margaritaville at sea Islander cruise, and explain who this new cruise ship will fit best. 👉 A lot more content coming. Subscribe for more cruising tips and helpful info! 🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️ See our current...
Royal Caribbean UNLIMITED DINING Package: 6 Reasons NOT TO BUY in 2024
มุมมอง 9Kหลายเดือนก่อน
Is Royal Caribbean unlimited dining package worth it? Watch this video to see 6 reasons why we usually don't buy the ultimate dining package any longer. And it's not all about the cost because we usually do pay for a few Royal Caribbean specialty dining restaurants. I'll share some cruise dining package tips if you do want to get it that will help you maximize the value of the unlimited dining ...
Using CELL PHONE On A CRUISE SHIP + Ultimate Guide To Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi and Internet Packages
มุมมอง 2.3K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
If you are wondering how to make phone calls and use internet on your next cruise, I'll go over everything you need to know, answer frequently asked questions about using your cell phone on a cruise ship, cover 7 ways to save money on a ship wifi package, and give you 9 practical tips to get the best internet connection on a ship. The information I cover in this video applies no matter what cru...
FREEDOM Of The Seas 2024 - Still GOOD? Review & Tips
มุมมอง 11K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
Is Freedom of the Seas still good in 2024? When it came out, it was the largest cruise ship in the world. Now, 20 years later, many people are wondering if it's too old, too small, or too outdated. Join me on this review of Freedom Of The Seas in 2024 and find out if it's still a good cruise option or if you should skip it. I will compare what Freedom Class vs. Oasis Class ships have to offer a...
5 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Our Chacchoben MAYAN RUINS Excursion
มุมมอง 5K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
We visited Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Cost Maya, Mexico on our recent Harmony Of The Seas cruise. We booked it last minute, while we were already on the ship so I haven’t done any research. Thankfully, we really lucked out on a few things that made the experience a lot better and regretted two things that I really wish I researched beforehand. We chose the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, which is the mo...
Icon Of The Seas INFINITE BALCONY - 7 Things To Know Before Booking
มุมมอง 1.7K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
Infinite balcony on Icon Of The Seas quickly become the most controversial type of cabin on Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships. Some people love them and others hate them. Watch this video to find out if you should book it! 🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️ See our current list of available reduced group rates for Icon Class and other ships - cruiseandtravelnetwork.com/ 🛳️ 🛳️ 🛳️ Check out these videos next to help you de...
ICON of the Seas: 5 Reasons To STAY AWAY
มุมมอง 60K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
While our inaugural cruise on board of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas was absolutely amazing, there we found 5 big Icon Of The Seas cons that may make some people rethink booking this ship. To save money on this cruise, we originally booked a neighborhood balcony guarantee. As I was looking at cabin availability before getting our room assigned, I kept seeing two types of cabins that have the...
Icon Of The Seas: OVERPRICED or WORTH IT? Top 9 UPGRADES That Matter
มุมมอง 7K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
If you are trying to decide if Royal Caribbean Icon Of The Seas is overpriced or worth it, check out these top 9 new features and improvements on this class ship to see if they are important to you. We have recently returned from the inaugural sailing of icon of the seas. While the cruise fare is a lot more expensive than most of the cruises we have been on, we found nine significant upgrades o...
7 WORST Cruise Mistakes I Made (As A SEASONED Cruiser!)
มุมมอง 1.6K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
I made seven huge cruising mistakes that cost me money, health and sanity and it wasn't my first cruise. Learn the cruise mistakes to avoid on your next cruise! By the way, there are many common mistakes that first-time cruisers make. Even though they're very important to cover, I'm not going to talk about them here. I'll link to another video where I will discuss them separately. The mistakes ...
ICON Of The Seas = THE END Of Affordable Cruising?
มุมมอง 26K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
ICON Of The Seas = THE END Of Affordable Cruising?
CROWN'S EDGE Icon Of The Seas: WORTH IT?
มุมมอง 2K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
CROWN'S EDGE Icon Of The Seas: WORTH IT?
Some cruise lines allow you to bring on a bottle of wine or two and also a case of beer I think and soda so that you don’t have to purchase a drink package I just got off symphony of the seas and it was my girlfriends birthday so we brought a bottle of wine with usand we asked a Wheater if they would open it and serve it to us and they did
We do the same thing and love the fact that Royal Caribbean allows a bottle of wine per person plus soda. Many other cruise lines aren't nearly as "nice", lol.
I think for us it'll just be easier to hit the buffet for food, but we'll have to try yhe dining room at least once! Great video as always Kat!
@@AndrewB.. Yes, definitely try it! Since we like eating at nice restaurants, we eat all our dinners in the dining room. It’s like back at home. If you already paid for it, I’d pick a steak house vs a Showney’s buffet to eat at. So make sure to try both early on and then decide which one you like better. Plus, there is no commitment so you can always reserve a dining room time and then change your mind last minute and get dinner at the buffet.
Your videos are the best in explaining cruising. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be checking your videos from now on.
@@maddybee4523 Thank you so much! I’m so glad they are helpful 😊
I’m going on this cruise in 2 weeks and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t wait to do all the activities
@@acesinger6092 You’ll love it! This ship is amazing! 😁
Going to the buffet on embarkation day instead i choose to just go to either the main dining room for lunch as i feel much more relaxed or the local/osheeans depending on the ship
Maybe they should have more hand sanitizer stations around or perhaps put them right next to plates also maybe using hand sanitizer after using a serving utensil
@@tomdeluca5946 I love the idea of having more hand sanitizers next to the buffet. Usually, they are just at the entrance.
I like wearing my fake tuxedo shirt to formal dining
Love it! 😂
I always miss the shows because I fail to schedule my dining accordingly. Luckily, I’m not a “have to see the show” kind of person. But still, I need to do better.
@@pw-sz6ds We’ve missed plenty of shows too 😂.
Love your videos. I will often order two starters with my dinner (especially if I am skipping dessert).
@@melodymills5432 Thank you so much! 😊
Do you have any other dining room tips to add to this list? Add them below! 😊
I like cruising, but just once, as with everything else I will try once. So I can watch YT & know how it feels like. Traveling is too much hassle !!
@@holycow3355 I don’t like having to get to the port… the planes, cabs, hotels… but once I’m on a cruise, I feel at home! No other place I’d rather be 😁
Not only does a passport make it easier to go through customs, but if there is a problem (health, etc) that requires that you leave the ship early in a foreign country it will be a PITA to fly home. In the US, if you don't have a passport you will have to get an emergency passport from the State Dept. In addition: insurance is an absolute must have. Don't leave home without it. You may never need it, but if you do need it once, it will pay for all the other times that you didn't need it.
@@jerryferren9018 Excellent points! I completely agree on both.
Do any cruise lines include drinks etc? Without paying extra?
@@tala1246 Yes, but mostly they are the smaller luxury lines. Some are Azamara, Seabourne, Viking, Silversea. Their fares are going to be around double of what the mainstream cruise lines are so you’re basically paying for the drinks as part of the fare. Most times, it will will be cheaper to cruise on the regular cruise lines and just buy the unlimited drink package. Norwegian has their “Free at sea” promotion where you can add the drink package just by paying a small service fee (around $20 per day).
I want to cruise, not go on a water park or amusement park. Not at all interested in Disneyland at sea.
@@tala1246 Yeah, that’s exactly who they are competing against with Icon class ships. Evidently, they have 4th one already planned too.
Did you purchase this
@@jenecebrown2697 We purchased the ultimate dining chill package on this cruise. So some of the restaurants mentioned in this video were included in the cruise fare, and others were part of the specialty package. I included a list of which ones are which at the beginning of each section.
I'm sorry you all, but you get what you pay for. I think it's fabulous that a cruise line makes cruising affordable for everyone.
@@wraithrateunknown But that’s the last point of the video… we paid more than we would have for a 4 day cruise on Allure of the Seas - and that’s the second largest ship class in the world (after Icon just came out), along with amazing entertainment and food options from Royal Caribbean.
I was called the “B” word because a man picked up a roll, squeezed it and put it back, he did this with multiple pieces of bread. I took each one off told the attendant these are not good, the man turned around and said “Mind your business B”
@@Jacqui-gf7gn Oh, that’s so horrible! One thing is to be inconsiderate to others and another thing is to defend it with rudeness! Thank you for sharing though.
7:25 When gratuities become mandatory, you are no longer giving a tip for good service; you are supplementing the cruise line's payment of employee wages.
Exactly.
Great points made! But I'm afraid common sense went out with rotary phones. I only cruise on the older, smaller ships now, which for the most part is an older crowd, and is a lot more considerate.
@@simon5005 I agree! One of my husband’s favorite sayings is, “Why do they call it “common sense” when it’s not so common anymore?” 😂
@CruisingKat the first thing you should’ve done was explain to the viewer what the unlimited dining package is
@@youngillest Thank you for the feedback! I just assumed that anybody watching this video would know, but you’re right. I’ll keep it in mind for future videos.
Team main dining room. But I do love my specialty dining restaurants. And from time to time buffet courts can be fun when I’m hanging out by the pool… Please cover appropriately thank you 🙏🏼 Or if I just don’t feel like dressing up buffet or even room service. So there you go I just graze the entire ship. After all for the most part I paid for it 😊😊
Exactly how I feel! 😁
Virgin is the top
@@papotuto74gr59 It’s on my list to try soon! 😁
I grabbed a roll once with my *BARE FINGERS* and there happened to be a crew officer next to me at the time, who gave me a quick lecture. "DON'T DO THAT!" he told me. So I said, "well, you're right of course, but I've already touched it *SO IT'S MINE NOW! MWAHAHAHAAAH!* " I mean, come on, I know how to grab a roll without touching anything else! It's not like I fondled the rest of the food!
Yes, there are a number of foods like rolls or fruit that can be grabbed pretty easy (and in hygienic way) from the buffet. It sounds like you are considerate to others and do it the right way. On the opposite side are the people that will pick up a roll, then decide that they like a different one better, so they put it down to pick up the next one… oops , that one is too hard, oh well, put it back and pick up another one 😂. Those people need to change their habits… 😁
I do think things have reached a rather silly level now. I just spent a year travelling through Central and South America on land. Many buffets along the way, at every single one you reused your plate and drinking vessel. No rules of any sort enforced, often no hand washing facilities other than public toilets (eg at bus stations). Neither I nor my wife were sick at all.
@@hugheskevi Very good point. I’ve done my share of international travel and can attest to the same thing. I think the other comment you added about the general state of population’s health in the US is a big reason why we, unfortunately, need to have more rules… to protect those with poorer health. Those same people would not even dare traveling to Central America, let alone eat in buffets there. 😂
This has all been done to death many times and you are doing it once again.
Well, I haven't watched every video on the internet and different videos reach different audiences. The problem is that so many people are STILL doing these things in the buffet on a cruise. If my video reaches just a few to remind them about proper behavior, my goal is accomplished.
Saw a young girl lick the spoon from ice cream barrel and put it there and do it again, no parents with her… 🤨
@@100citron Oh no! That’s so gross!
Don’t get deterred by the naysayers. Your video was courteous and on point 👍😊 I just wish the crew would serve you in the buffet, with gloves on, and you told them what you would like, as they did directly post Covid. Safer, cleaner and far more hygienic. Going on one in Nov from 🇦🇺🤞🏻🙏 or it will be MDR only.
@@blacksorrento4719 Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we also went on a cruise as soon as they resumed sailing and loved when the crew served in the buffet. I was hoping it would stick as the new practice! It didn’t. 😂
Who died and made you the KAREN of cruise buffets?
Are there specific points that I mentioned in this video that you don't agree with?
EXCELENT video, great advice! Very clear and well thought
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Obviously, this is very subjective. As an older adult with no children, this is a ni trainer to me. I certainly can see the advantages of the buffet for those with picky eating children. They can simply load up on burgers and fries. But for me, I love to be pampered in the MDR. Wonderful service, tasty dishes in a beautiful relaxing atmosphere.
I agree.
I hate making these mistakes even when I'm on holidays, I'm hopeless.
😆
I have only been on five cruises on my life. One if the very best things about them first and foremodt no kids and no buffets.
@@galegrazutis964 Are you sailing on adult-only cruise lines? Or just avoiding kids and buffets on regular ships? 😁
@CruisingKat ABSOLUTELY 💯 kid Absouly no kids criuses. And l might do a buffet forbreakfast. But l go on cruises where all restaurants and alcahol are included. Which is a bit of a waste as l don't drink 😊
@@galegrazutis964 Nice! It’s on my list to try out adult-only cruises 😁
The majority of cruise passengers that I have observed, are overweight to obese and beyond. When I have cruised and attended the fitness center, it is virtually empty. Everyone rides in the elevators. I never take an elevator and walk the stairs. We have a health and obesity epidemic in this country and one can easily observe this fact on any cruise that one takes.
@@sharonsalzberg2654 I couldn’t agree with you more. While we enjoy good food on cruises, we understand that we end up eating more than we normally would at home. Therefore, we take measures to walk more, skip elevators, and take stairs, and do anything else we can do to offset the food we eat.
I agree. I find it amusing how much some cruise passengers seem to obsess about food hygiene while ignoring far more serious health issues caused by their shocking level of general health.
Hi Kat self serve buffets should be illegal its way too dangerous for the health it should be required to have an employee server at each station to maintain not only more premium experience for so much safer for people eating and it moves the line faster as its consistent
@@fitfighter24 I agree. We were on a cruise as soon as they reopened after the pandemic. It was a half empty ship and everything was served by staff. We were hoping that there were some things that would stick to makecCruising more healthy. Unfortunately, it did not…
I love the buffet at Holland America because they have employees serving the food. Thousands of people handling utensils is the main problem of most cruise buffets. So I focus on the items that are prepared to order in the buffets like the omelettes. And room service is a good option that combines the convenience of the buffet with the more sanitary MDR, particularly for breakfast that tends to be included in most cruiselines
@@nataliajimenez1870 That’s a great solution! On our first post-Covid cruise, employees served food in the buffet on Royal Caribbean, and I was hoping this would be the new way. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long…
Dont let the riff raff board the ship.
@@user-qo1gk2kj3e Good idea!
shit thumbnail not watching
Ok
Great video! I got icked by point 5 - I've never seen someone put food back onto the buffet counter - I'd be horrified if I did, haha!
@@FraserAtSea Thank you! I personally saw that several times, which pretty much drove us to eat in the dining room as much as we can. 😂
I'm older and kids run around and I fear being knocked over.
That's a very good point! I've been almost knocked over before too.
I hate it when kids run and the parents just let them and I love kids!
It might just be down, but the website Project Expedition is no longer working.
@@kg4geq Thank you so much for letting me know. It must have been down temporarily. I just checked the link in a description and it loaded up for me.
The best way to keep kids from contaminating the buffet line and foods…DO NOT PERMIT KIDS ON THE CRUISE! Kiddies cruises like disney are for kids…NOT CRUISES FOR ADULTS!
Yep, that's one way to do it!
Excellent video!
Thank you so much! 😊
This cruise is awful
That was definitely our experience 🙁
Nothing new. All common sense.
Thank you for watching 😊
dining room
❤️
I love the main dinning room for even for lunch
@@stephenmekker538 I wish they had lunch in the dining room on port days too. We often stay on the ship since we’ve been to many ports multiple times.
Hi there, I went cruising with my disabled mum who is elderly and can walk a little with 2 sticks (one on each hand) thus can not carry her own plate. I also must take my 2 year old daughter so to enable us to eat easier we have to do breakfast at the buffet by leaving my disabled mum watching baby girl who will still be asleep in bed while I go up and get 2 plates of food for us all to share. The extra awsome top tip here is that the night before we choose what breakfast jucies and smoothies we want to be delivered to our room (for free depending on cruise ship and level of booking). Which gives me free hands to carry plates, having silver service training I usually 2 plates in my left hand and can carry mums porridge and prunes in my right. As for meals in the afternoon and evening I usually have baby girl in a carrier on my back while I am pushing mum in the wheel chair, this way we can go to either buffet or dinner, usually child mood dependent as not to disturb other passengers. Naturally if baby girl and my mum are tierd it's a trip to the buffet and back to the room which is not so easy if we are in a restaurant. Thanks x
@@hammi1982 Thank you for adding the extra tip! It’s wonderful that you found helpful things to to accommodate your family so everybody can enjoy cruising. 😊
I see more people picking items, food’s, and other things up and putting it back and if you say something they become highly offended, please people that’s nasty n
☝️☝️☝️
The worse thing I hate about cruising is the last day of cruising. I dont let anything/anyone ruin my vaca while on vaca.
Me too! In fact, one of the best feelings is the last day on a first leg of a back to back cruise. This is where you keep thinking... "I'd be getting off the ship with the rest of these people... But I'm about to get back on!" 😂
Some cruise lines discourage washing your hands in the soup tureen.
@@markl4593 That’s a good one! 🤣🤣
Great video, well done & informative!!! Do they use the full size motor coach or was that just the tour company you used? Restrooms on the bus?
@@john.margiecheck2471 Thank you! While there are several tour operators for this excursion, when we were there, there were a lot of full size motor coaches parked. However, we did see some full size vans so I can’t guarantee that other vendors don’t use them. We did have a bathroom on board in the back. Let me know if you have any other questions! 😁
@@CruisingKat Thanks for the quick reply!! So it would seem its dependent on the tour operator. My plan is to book thru the cruise line. Don't want to be a pier runner🤣 I'll do more research with RCL to see what transportation they use.
@@john.margiecheck2471 From what I’ve seen, they usually use the motor coaches and should have the restroom. Royal Caribbean does not do the excursion themselves. They contract with local providers, and on our sailing, they were using the same provider as our tour. We just booked it with the third-party to save some money. But if you call Royal, they should be able to tell you for sure.