Magnets. We use them to hold our schedule to the wall, to hang shoe holders and hats, to hold hangers to the ceiling for any person items we wash so they are able to dry, etc. Many uses for a $10 box of magnets.
Very much like the advice to get to know people by name and thank them! People are quick to complain when things don’t go well, but not nearly as quick to offer thanks when they do. And I heart Trip Advisor!
One thing you didn't mention is rebooking excursions and packages. Many times, especially around Black Friday, prices go down, and all you need to do is cancel your original booking and repurchase at the lower cost.
I like the tip about the excursion. I know when I sailed with my sister back in 2022, she booked us on a catamaran tour, and we had more perks booking with them directly than with the ship
You guys are the best. I am new to cruising. Going on my 2nd and 3rd cruises next month. The information you provide is invaluable. I've learned so much. I did check pricing for a cruise I booked for next year. I managed to save $525.00. 3 of us traveling. My tip would be book your next cruise while on a cruise. Keep an eye on the price before your final payment, and use a travel agent.
I love to book specialty dining for lunch if it’s available on embarkation day. That way I dont have to fight the long lines in buffet or other free options. It’s a much more relaxing way to start your cruise
My last cruise was out of NY in March. Even with the patch I was miserable for 2 days going and 2 sea days coming back. The Caribbean was great but the sea days were killer.
We will be embarking our next cruise out of San Juan Puerto Rico.. we plan on arriving 2 days early to explore as much before the Eastern Caribbean itinerary 🤙
Get an RCL Credit Card...the cash back savings can be transferred to your on board account....think of it as a year long piggy bank that let's you splurge on the cruise!
My wife & I cruise with our three children. They are between the ages of 9 to 12. As far as the main dining room, sometimes one of the kids just wants something simple that’s not on today’s entree list. We found that most cruise lines always have these ‘off menu’ items available… spaghetti bolognese / a simple baked chicken dish / a NY cut steak / and a hamburger. Plus they have soups maybe from yesterday’s menu or even the day before still hanging around in the cooler. Heck, I’ve even have seen the head chef go out of his way to prepare a special dish just for my kid like a grilled cheese sandwich if all else fails. Truth be told… I think they love doing stuff like that.
I love the tip about getting the different menus. I often find I don’t like a lot of the appetizers that have meat so being able to have more of a selection of the appetizers will be great! Thank you for the tip!
Great Tips! I booked the Swim With The Stingrays in Grand Cayman separately and paid about 1/3 of what I would have paid if purchased through the Cruise Line.
First we book cruises the 1st week they are posted....and then Fare track right up until Final payment. Also don't forget to keep repricing your excursions....by the way this month of November you should be fare tracking for black Friday Specials.... we already saved 1,500 in total on 3 RCL cruises we had booked.
Excellent video, Fantastic tips! I've never been to Texas, would Love to sail out of Galveston. I'd want to spend a day or two exploring, before the cruise. ❤
I always book a cruise when they are first released. Our next cruise is Sydney to Singapore and it's now over double what I paid we paid $6100 it's now $13800
Nice video. 2:45 Why would cashing out OBC would be a problem for gamblers and not for non-gamblers? Aren't the rules the same for everyone? What kind of problem people could get into for doing that?
The casino locks your account so you cannot pull additional funds out in the casino if you are not playing what you’re charging to your account. So once you do this, you wouldn’t be able to pull money out to play with past that point.
Great video. Have your been on a cruise around the Adriatic seas starting from Venice, Italy? Are the seas stormy in November? Planning Norwegian Viva on 7 November 2025 but prone to motion sickness. Thanks.
One cruise line here in Australia (about to be absorbed by Carnival), P&O Cruises Australia specifically disallows you using OBC in the casino! 😜 Typical lol. Nevermind because we always managed to make good use of any OBC we had in the way of shore tours or specialty dining or whatever. But I guess they were wise to the idea of people using the trick of cashing it out in casinos on other cruise lines. 😂 Absolutely GREAT tips btw! ☺️ About to go on my 15th cruise but still learning more cool things from you lovely boys each video! 😎
Free Play is this way, but Onboard Credit is same as cash in most machines meaning you can take it out of your account, place it on a machine, and cash out. That said, some casinos won’t allow you to then pullout again on any machine as most casinos want you to play through at least 50%. This is a moot point if you are not going to use your onboard credit and play in the casino anyways. ☺️
Shhhhhhhhh you’re giving away all our secrets lolololol For a Disney cruise to Alaska, we were late to the game. We got a guaranteed room which means a lower price. All the on board excursions were booked that we wanted. For Alaska specifically you have to go look for the actual companies that run the excursions. It’s not that hard. So we booked at every port the excursion we want and it was approximately 60% less than the cruise line. For two of the excursions. 50% was from our Disney cruise. The rest were people from other cruise lines so we knew we were getting back in time. The last excursion was like 98% from the Disney ship and there was just us of a couple of two and another couple of two both from Disney that made the entire excursion . Now the Disney people on excursion got like a crab lunch and stuff like that but because we were on the Disney ship as well they gave us all those benefits too. lol they said they always have a lot left over so heck why not
Cash is King, but if you want to make it extra special you can add a special note, card, or wrap it in a small gift box to make it feel like the holidays. ☺️ Cabins are small, preferences differ by person, so cash is a true gift for every crew member and often times for their families at home as well. 🎁
I like to look at cruise critic! We live in Australia and cruise on 5star ships for us to travel now our Airfares have gone through the roof have two booked within 5months . Late 50 so less children is our motivation for which cruise line we book . Just keep saving ❤
The fact that you had to tell people to treat others as fellow human beings is a commentary on how messed up of a society we live in. Thanks for the great tips!!👍
So agree about not booking a cruise solely for one port . We were on a Med cruise in February one year , it was sunny but chilly we were due to dock in Civitavecchia for excursions to Rome . As it was quite rough and that port is difficult to get into , we couldn’t dock there and spent that day sailing round Stromboli watching the smoke lava . A lot of Americans were very sad as they had precooked especially for Rome .
One of the things i do now is finding a place for lunch on embarkation day that is not the buffet
Absolutely! 💯
@@JJCruise Absolutely!!
We just booked Mason Jar for lunch on embarkation next week... so excited!
Magnets. We use them to hold our schedule to the wall, to hang shoe holders and hats, to hold hangers to the ceiling for any person items we wash so they are able to dry, etc. Many uses for a $10 box of magnets.
Very much like the advice to get to know people by name and thank them! People are quick to complain when things don’t go well, but not nearly as quick to offer thanks when they do. And I heart Trip Advisor!
So true!
One thing you didn't mention is rebooking excursions and packages. Many times, especially around Black Friday, prices go down, and all you need to do is cancel your original booking and repurchase at the lower cost.
I like the tip about the excursion. I know when I sailed with my sister back in 2022, she booked us on a catamaran tour, and we had more perks booking with them directly than with the ship
Absolutely! We love booking directly when we can! 🥳
I just want to thank you for your videos. Your smiles are contagious!!
You are so welcome! 😁
You guys are the best. I am new to cruising. Going on my 2nd and 3rd cruises next month. The information you provide is invaluable. I've learned so much. I did check pricing for a cruise I booked for next year. I managed to save $525.00. 3 of us traveling. My tip would be book your next cruise while on a cruise. Keep an eye on the price before your final payment, and use a travel agent.
So happy to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting your kind words!
I didn't know about cashing out onboard credit in the casino! I don't gamble, so for me the casino is just a place to walk through 🙂. Thanks.
Never thought about the casino money laundering trick. Excellent idea.
We did this on our last cruise. It worked really well!
Take advantage of shareholders benefits. It will get you shipboard credit
Great advice!
How do you actually prove it. Does Carnival work for Princess
You guys are so lucky to have each other and to share expenses. I need a lady like that who will cruise dutch
Hmmm never knew I could do that with on board credit. I will try that on my next Royal cruise next month lol thanks
I love to book specialty dining for lunch if it’s available on embarkation day. That way I dont have to fight the long lines in buffet or other free options. It’s a much more relaxing way to start your cruise
Great advice!
My last cruise was out of NY in March. Even with the patch I was miserable for 2 days going and 2 sea days coming back. The Caribbean was great but the sea days were killer.
Dickie and Mila here. Great tips even for seasoned cruisers! Are going to take an Explora cruise? We’ve heard great things about this new cruise line.
We would love to do so! Hopefully in the future ☺️
So I will get to the chase. Does booking it thru you save me money? On the same experience. I am a fan obviously.
We will be embarking our next cruise out of San Juan Puerto Rico.. we plan on arriving 2 days early to explore as much before the Eastern Caribbean itinerary 🤙
Have a wonderful pre-cruise trip!
@ Thanks! Never been, so the Fam & I have been scouring TH-cam for all the best content & tips.. March cruising! Here we come 😎
Thanks for all the great info!! Love your videos.
Thanks for watching! 🥳
Get an RCL Credit Card...the cash back savings can be transferred to your on board account....think of it as a year long piggy bank that let's you splurge on the cruise!
My wife & I cruise with our three children. They are between the ages of 9 to 12. As far as the main dining room, sometimes one of the kids just wants something simple that’s not on today’s entree list. We found that most cruise lines always have these ‘off menu’ items available… spaghetti bolognese / a simple baked chicken dish / a NY cut steak / and a hamburger. Plus they have soups maybe from yesterday’s menu or even the day before still hanging around in the cooler. Heck, I’ve even have seen the head chef go out of his way to prepare a special dish just for my kid like a grilled cheese sandwich if all else fails. Truth be told… I think they love doing stuff like that.
Thanks for sharing this tip!
I love the tip about getting the different menus. I often find I don’t like a lot of the appetizers that have meat so being able to have more of a selection of the appetizers will be great! Thank you for the tip!
You are so welcome!
Great Tips! I booked the Swim With The Stingrays in Grand Cayman separately and paid about 1/3 of what I would have paid if purchased through the Cruise Line.
More money available for more fun!
Love having a great brunch on land before heading to the ship. Board at noon or later, no fight for food in the buffet and no lines in the port.
We love a nice brunch! Great idea!
When are you guys going to cruise out of Baltimore? 🤔
Not sure yet, but want to in the future ☺️
First we book cruises the 1st week they are posted....and then Fare track right up until Final payment. Also don't forget to keep repricing your excursions....by the way this month of November you should be fare tracking for black Friday Specials.... we already saved 1,500 in total on 3 RCL cruises we had booked.
I love cruising from florida!! Galveston is okay but definitely cheaper as I can stay with family so no hotel costs so definitely a pro there!!
When did you first start cruising? Thanks for the tips!
2014! Though most of our cruises have been since 2019 ☺️
Thanks for the info 👍
Excellent video, Fantastic tips! I've never been to Texas, would Love to sail out of Galveston. I'd want to spend a day or two exploring, before the cruise. ❤
Thanks for watching and commenting! Houston has a wonderful community to explore prior to heading to Galveston for your cruise 🥳
Just be aware that Texas taxes any cigarettes or alcohol brought through during disembarkation. That said, Galveston is still my favorite port.
I always book a cruise when they are first released. Our next cruise is Sydney to Singapore and it's now over double what I paid we paid $6100 it's now $13800
Yes! Great advice!
Nice video. 2:45 Why would cashing out OBC would be a problem for gamblers and not for non-gamblers? Aren't the rules the same for everyone? What kind of problem people could get into for doing that?
The casino locks your account so you cannot pull additional funds out in the casino if you are not playing what you’re charging to your account. So once you do this, you wouldn’t be able to pull money out to play with past that point.
Also love content keep it coming!!
Thanks for watching and commenting! 🥳
Love you guys!!!
Thanks for the love! 🥰
@@JJCruise watching you guys ALWAYS elevates my mood! Thank you!!!
Great video. Have your been on a cruise around the Adriatic seas starting from Venice, Italy? Are the seas stormy in November? Planning Norwegian Viva on 7 November 2025 but prone to motion sickness. Thanks.
I didn't know the casino teick....nice
So when are you sailing on Villa Vie?
Trying to figure out schedules, will announce once we know
What about parking if you booked a late arrival time. I have done that before and had a hard time finding parking. I live in Florida.
True, if reserved parking is not available for your terminal, then earlier arrival is worth it.
I agree with all of this except, I always arrived as early as possible, it makes it feel as if I'm getting my money's worth. Lol
One cruise line here in Australia (about to be absorbed by Carnival), P&O Cruises Australia specifically disallows you using OBC in the casino! 😜 Typical lol. Nevermind because we always managed to make good use of any OBC we had in the way of shore tours or specialty dining or whatever. But I guess they were wise to the idea of people using the trick of cashing it out in casinos on other cruise lines. 😂
Absolutely GREAT tips btw! ☺️ About to go on my 15th cruise but still learning more cool things from you lovely boys each video! 😎
Thanks for sharing!
Is there a particular time to look to rebook at à less expensive price?
We usually recommend major holiday sales and right before Final Payment. ☺️
The few times I played in the casino with my on board vredit, I had to bet the full amount and whatever i won i could keep.
Free Play is this way, but Onboard Credit is same as cash in most machines meaning you can take it out of your account, place it on a machine, and cash out. That said, some casinos won’t allow you to then pullout again on any machine as most casinos want you to play through at least 50%. This is a moot point if you are not going to use your onboard credit and play in the casino anyways. ☺️
@@JJCruisethis was on Virgin Voyages btw. Other ships might do things differently 😊
You're home!!
Just for a little while 😉
Shhhhhhhhh you’re giving away all our secrets lolololol
For a Disney cruise to Alaska, we were late to the game. We got a guaranteed room which means a lower price. All the on board excursions were booked that we wanted. For Alaska specifically you have to go look for the actual companies that run the excursions. It’s not that hard. So we booked at every port the excursion we want and it was approximately 60% less than the cruise line. For two of the excursions. 50% was from our Disney cruise. The rest were people from other cruise lines so we knew we were getting back in time.
The last excursion was like 98% from the Disney ship and there was just us of a couple of two and another couple of two both from Disney that made the entire excursion . Now the Disney people on excursion got like a crab lunch and stuff like that but because we were on the Disney ship as well they gave us all those benefits too. lol they said they always have a lot left over so heck why not
Another big money and time saving trip. Use a travel agent. Let their experience help you, and let them stay on hold.
Absolutely! 💯
Take local bus transportation
Great tip!
Always book the MSC yacht club or NCL Haven you won’t be unsatisfied. There’s so many more things that you can obtain that they even show.
Awesome tip on cruise credit. Of course that means u have$ left😂
lol yes!
Maybe you can help with this. If you are cruising during Christmas, what is an appropriate gift for your cabin stewardess and waiter?
Money. That get so many small gifts but they do prefer cash.
Cash is King, but if you want to make it extra special you can add a special note, card, or wrap it in a small gift box to make it feel like the holidays. ☺️
Cabins are small, preferences differ by person, so cash is a true gift for every crew member and often times for their families at home as well. 🎁
I like to look at cruise critic!
We live in Australia and cruise on 5star ships for us to travel now our Airfares have gone through the roof have two booked within 5months .
Late 50 so less children is our motivation for which cruise line we book . Just keep saving ❤
The fact that you had to tell people to treat others as fellow human beings is a commentary on how messed up of a society we live in.
Thanks for the great tips!!👍
Agreed!
@@JJCruiseAnd I am so afraid it is going to get worse!
So agree about not booking a cruise solely for one port . We were on a Med cruise in February one year , it was sunny but chilly we were due to dock in Civitavecchia for excursions to Rome . As it was quite rough and that port is difficult to get into , we couldn’t dock there and spent that day sailing round Stromboli watching the smoke lava . A lot of Americans were very sad as they had precooked especially for Rome .
Perfect example! Thanks for sharing!
Great info! Thanks😊
Glad it was helpful! 🥳