Here are my 2 cents: The only money that I spent on my cruise was 1) when I booked the cruise itself 2) when I booked the excursions. But, when I got on the actual cruise, I didn't spend ANY money the whole time! Everything I needed including food, entertainment was already provided for. If I was hungry?? I'd just go to the buffet. If I wanted to see a show or entertainment? I'd just walked right into whatever room where they had it, found a chair and sat down. Heck, I saw theater and I sat in an auditorium where people were literally playing Wheel of Fortune the way they do on TV with a host and people on stage winning money, etc!!! If I wanted exercise? I'd just go outside and walk. Plus, I made friends. It all felt like home! So, once you're on the cruise, you truly don't have to spend any money after that.
I usually book interior cabins too in order to save money. I paid $199 each (for my wife and I) for an interior cabin for an 8 day cruise aboard an MSC ship. I could have paid $269 each for an ocean view, but I wanted to be frugal. When MSC got around to offering bidding for an upgrade, the starting price of the bidding was much more than had I purchased the cabin from the unset! Nothing wrong with inside cabins. I only use them to shower, dress, and sleep. Otherwise I'm exploring the ship!
As crew member, I think the best advice for anyone going on a cruise is to not pack anything that could cause a delay in getting your bags. Sometimes things like hair straighteners, irons, or even small knives can get your suitcase held up by security.
Free laundry is my favorite loyalty perk!! 🤣🤣🤣 And with us with 25+ cruises underneath our belts, we are booking more interiors than balconies anymore..the more you save $$ the more you can cruise ;) Great tips!
For me, personally, there is a HUGE difference between interior cabin and veranda. I won’t ever book interior again. But that’s my preference. Just pointing out that to you it might not be different, but to others it’s a massive difference
Actually, the drink package on Carnival, while so expensive, is worth it if you drink only an average of 4 alcohol drinks per day, 2-3 good coffees or energy drinks, a soda or two, and bottled water. Also milkshakes are included, and all juices. They charge $4 for a soda. $3 for a small water. $4-5 for coffee or cappuccino, espresso, etc. It adds up. While the drink package sucks to pay for, at least it is in advance, so no bill when you leave.
If you are on a port intensive cruise -absolutely get inside or ocean view especially Caribbean (rather boring views) but sea intensive balcony is worth it to sit and chill that is our plan and often our 2 week sea intensive is frequently cheaper than 1 week port intensive in Caribbean
If you struggle to sleep and are sailing Alaska or other very northern itineraries in the summer you may do better with an interior cabin because it can easily be 19 hours of sunlight and make it difficult to sleep.
Ship's should totally enforce boarding time. Its one of the best thing left from covid. I despite chaos created by those arriving early and trying to jump the line.
We've never had to request a refund after final payment, but we have gotten a non-refundable deposit back with Royal. It was early, and the cruise was almost sold out, so I'm guessing that's way. Always worth a call.
Disagree with some of what you said, think this is your opinions for what's good for you. There is no better cabin than a balcony, the options it gives you, obviously if you can afford it. Loyalty is the ultimate, you'll regret it down the road if you haven't made higher levels in loyalty programs, We're the highest levels in RCL and Carnival and the extras make it impossible for us to want to try another cruise company and start over! By the way MSC benes are time limited in their match, you have to keep sailing with them or you lose them, not the same with other cruise lines. We had a match' black' which is their highest on a cruise but then covid hit and the time passed where we'd lose that status and they lost our business!
For the drink package it all depends on what it includes, honestly for us it's not worth it. Not that we don't drink alcohol BUT we are fine drinking ice water or we'll go with the free lido beverage machine. and make our own mixed drinks. We get a bottle delivered and bring a bottle of wine each. We don't drink pop, we don't drink energy drinks, or anything like that. IF specialty coffee we get it. The one time we got it, didn't even come close to the cost. Not even Half the cost. SO if you are like us . . . . It isn't worth it. We went from gold to Platinum in 9 or 10 cruises. The bonus when your husband is a fire fighter/medic and has lots of time or when he retired we started doing Journey cruises. LOVE them, even did a 7 day back to back into a 16 day reposition. We were platinum at that time because we managed a 7 day 2 months earlier with all of kids and partners and a few extras celebrating our 34 anniversary .
I don't drink but my husband does. I call the cruise line, and they let me get the non-alcohol package. It takes time to get ahold of somebody, but it's worth a call.
Really good video, but you should know that as little as twenty nights in a Junior Suite on Royal can get you Diamond Level which entitles you to four free drinks per person per day, for life. For a married couple that can be worth nearly $700 on a one-week cruise.
Was at port Canaveral in October, took a Carnival cruise they checked times then. Also on Carnival some ships have a 4J cabin, price at interior cabin BUT you have a picture window AND your at the "secret" decks that people don't use so its like having a balcony.
I’ll be on the Symphony of the Seas in 3 weeks for a New Years cruise. I am more than excited!! Unfortunately I didn’t do the online check in right away so the earliest time I could choose was 12. I was hoping for an earlier time, assuming there was an earlier time available. We’re only two and we’re planning to get there as early as possible and hope we can board right away. Thanks for the tip. I was wondering about that. Wish me luck. Thanks for the video.
I went on a weekend cruise but once we got to the private islands Captain couldn't dock due to weather so we had to go back home. So disappointing no discount for future cruise date. Nothing!!. Very disappointing
HELP !!!!! 45th Anniversary comming soon. 14 night interior, regular guy cruise, or 5 day MSC yatch CLub ???? Been on several cruises so not a big deal anyway, Thank you
Same place ? Or 14day some where crazy nice must see . 😮. As me i take 14day . As first time cruise person. But more likely 10yr anniversary will be 5 or 7 day. 14 makes out vacation on us.
@@DEPUTYGETSOME yes as I said in my comment. However if most money is earned with all the extras onboard then why not give the best prices. More people will be inclined to spend more money onboard because the cruise itself was so affordable.
@ prices aren’t stopping people from spending on board. Q3 showed 4.9 billion in profits for Royal. It is a business and the only goal is to make money. Every ship is 100%+ capacity. They would gain no money by cutting prices. If people want prices to drop the ships have to stop sailing full. But as long as that continue to happen the business will continue to make record profits.
Anyone can become a travel agent... and do the work that it takes for almost $0... all it takes is time and a computer! There are perks, like the ability to book into a group at a discounted price... But guess what, they can book you into a group as well.... That's why I always suggest using a TA...
Nothing new and not any real good perks. The only people that get anything good are the gamblers who get free cruises in exchange for them spending $500 to $1000 per day. They also get balconies, suites and anywhere from $200 to $5000 from the cruise lines to gamble with as well as parties and gifts as an extra perk. That crap 💩 bothers me. I am a loyal cruiser but can’t afford to gamble. I am not rich. These folks constantly brag about what the cruise lines gives them to gamble. I am a Diamond with Carnival and RCCL, platinum with Princess, and working my way up on Norwegian. It takes forever to get decent perks on Carnival and then you wonder if it was worth it. I have been on 70 cruises and have truly had a wonderful time because I know with any cruise it is what you make it. Right now I am favoring RCCL but I have also been venturing out on other lines to see what they have to offer. MSC is next on my list 🥰
Here are my 2 cents: The only money that I spent on my cruise was 1) when I booked the cruise itself 2) when I booked the excursions.
But, when I got on the actual cruise, I didn't spend ANY money the whole time! Everything I needed including food, entertainment was already provided for. If I was hungry?? I'd just go to the buffet. If I wanted to see a show or entertainment? I'd just walked right into whatever room where they had it, found a chair and sat down. Heck, I saw theater and I sat in an auditorium where people were literally playing Wheel of Fortune the way they do on TV with a host and people on stage winning money, etc!!! If I wanted exercise? I'd just go outside and walk. Plus, I made friends. It all felt like home! So, once you're on the cruise, you truly don't have to spend any money after that.
On NCL, we choose an interior cabin because they usually offer bidding on an upgraded cabin, saving hundreds of dollars over booking a balcony.
I usually book interior cabins too in order to save money. I paid $199 each (for my wife and I) for an interior cabin for an 8 day cruise aboard an MSC ship. I could have paid $269 each for an ocean view, but I wanted to be frugal. When MSC got around to offering bidding for an upgrade, the starting price of the bidding was much more than had I purchased the cabin from the unset! Nothing wrong with inside cabins. I only use them to shower, dress, and sleep. Otherwise I'm exploring the ship!
As crew member, I think the best advice for anyone going on a cruise is to not pack anything that could cause a delay in getting your bags. Sometimes things like hair straighteners, irons, or even small knives can get your suitcase held up by security.
😊Do they go through your suitcases
It happened to me before when I brought an iron… ugh!
Free laundry is my favorite loyalty perk!! 🤣🤣🤣 And with us with 25+ cruises underneath our belts, we are booking more interiors than balconies anymore..the more you save $$ the more you can cruise ;) Great tips!
Yes!!! I always use the laundry perk!
For me, personally, there is a HUGE difference between interior cabin and veranda. I won’t ever book interior again. But that’s my preference. Just pointing out that to you it might not be different, but to others it’s a massive difference
These are great reminders for those that haven't cruised very often. On point. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
If you’re gonna purchase a drink package, excursions, or photo packages it’s cheaper to purchase ahead of time before you get on the ship.
Always get travel insurance. As you pointed out in #10, you might need it. We did, and didn't end up losing too much.
cancelling is true! The day we were to board my husband became ill, subsequently passed away & NO REFUND!!
I am sorry that happened to you.😢 We always get insurance for that unexpected event. Fortunately, we haven’t needed it.
So sorry for your loss sweetheart.
Actually, the drink package on Carnival, while so expensive, is worth it if you drink only an average of 4 alcohol drinks per day, 2-3 good coffees or energy drinks, a soda or two, and bottled water. Also milkshakes are included, and all juices. They charge $4 for a soda. $3 for a small water. $4-5 for coffee or cappuccino, espresso, etc. It adds up. While the drink package sucks to pay for, at least it is in advance, so no bill when you leave.
Thanks for your video. You and Jason are looking great! We love your vibe and appreciate your content 💕
Great video thanks for Sharing ❤
If you are on a port intensive cruise -absolutely get inside or ocean view especially Caribbean (rather boring views) but sea intensive balcony is worth it to sit and chill that is our plan and often our 2 week sea intensive is frequently cheaper than 1 week port intensive in Caribbean
If you struggle to sleep and are sailing Alaska or other very northern itineraries in the summer you may do better with an interior cabin because it can easily be 19 hours of sunlight and make it difficult to sleep.
Oh that is so true! The Land of the Midnight Sun is a real thing!!
I'm not an avid cruiser, but we're doing one this weekend. I appreciate these tips! ❤
Ship's should totally enforce boarding time. Its one of the best thing left from covid.
I despite chaos created by those arriving early and trying to jump the line.
Thank you for the great tips! We always get good advice from you and Jason! ♥
All those slides speedways laser tags are not really something I use, I'd rather have nice theater shows and music
💕 If u solo cruise you move levels faster. I am at Platinum with RC and Silver on MSC.
We've never had to request a refund after final payment, but we have gotten a non-refundable deposit back with Royal. It was early, and the cruise was almost sold out, so I'm guessing that's way. Always worth a call.
Things I Knew but needed a reminder on. Thanks.
Great information Alicia! Insurance is a must for all cruisers....Viv
You’re absolutely right!
I am Diamond with Royal. By far, our favourite.
Disagree with some of what you said, think this is your opinions for what's good for you.
There is no better cabin than a balcony, the options it gives you, obviously if you can afford it.
Loyalty is the ultimate, you'll regret it down the road if you haven't made higher levels in loyalty programs, We're the highest levels in RCL and Carnival and the extras make it impossible for us to want to try another cruise company and start over!
By the way MSC benes are time limited in their match, you have to keep sailing with them or you lose them, not the same with other cruise lines. We had a match' black' which is their highest on a cruise but then covid hit and the time passed where we'd lose that status and they lost our business!
For the drink package it all depends on what it includes, honestly for us it's not worth it. Not that we don't drink alcohol BUT we are fine drinking ice water or we'll go with the free lido beverage machine. and make our own mixed drinks. We get a bottle delivered and bring a bottle of wine each. We don't drink pop, we don't drink energy drinks, or anything like that. IF specialty coffee we get it. The one time we got it, didn't even come close to the cost. Not even Half the cost. SO if you are like us . . . . It isn't worth it.
We went from gold to Platinum in 9 or 10 cruises. The bonus when your husband is a fire fighter/medic and has lots of time or when he retired we started doing Journey cruises. LOVE them, even did a 7 day back to back into a 16 day reposition. We were platinum at that time because we managed a 7 day 2 months earlier with all of kids and partners and a few extras celebrating our 34 anniversary .
Loyalty program amen 45 cruises and not high level on any. I want best price with unique itineraries plus like you we like land travel too
I just love your personality and thanks for the tips. I'm a newbie and this is really helpful. Thanks!
Glad to hear it was helpful. Happy cruising!
All are great reminders, even if you know them already! Alisa, you're so enjoyable to watch! I never skip ANY of your EECC Travels videos!
Oh thank you! 😊
I don't drink but my husband does. I call the cruise line, and they let me get the non-alcohol package. It takes time to get ahold of somebody, but it's worth a call.
Are you just getting bubbles like the soda or do you get a different package where you get like virgin Pina coladas?
@@tinahays4464 Where you can get mocktails. So far this has only applied with us on Royal.
Question. When you eat dinner you can't get a drink with your meal. Or lunch.
@@crena64 Huh?
Really good video, but you should know that as little as twenty nights in a Junior Suite on Royal can get you Diamond Level which entitles you to four free drinks per person per day, for life. For a married couple that can be worth nearly $700 on a one-week cruise.
Good to know!
Was at port Canaveral in October, took a Carnival cruise they checked times then. Also on Carnival some ships have a 4J cabin, price at interior cabin BUT you have a picture window AND your at the "secret" decks that people don't use so its like having a balcony.
Great tips. Thank you 👏🏽🙌🏽
I’ll be on the Symphony of the Seas in 3 weeks for a New Years cruise. I am more than excited!! Unfortunately I didn’t do the online check in right away so the earliest time I could choose was 12. I was hoping for an earlier time, assuming there was an earlier time available. We’re only two and we’re planning to get there as early as possible and hope we can board right away. Thanks for the tip. I was wondering about that. Wish me luck. Thanks for the video.
Some cruise lines are limiting the lobster tails in the main dining room. Either they got rid of them or they charge you for additional ones.
Princess Cruises no longer have allocated boarding times.
Thanks Alissa! I really enjoy all your videos ❤
Looking great Alissa!
Alyssa great to see this type of content that made me discover you years ago. Keep it up ! ❤
Yay! Yes I thought it was time for more of these videos too.
Royal will allow several apps and entrées in the main diningroom (one at a time) for no additional cost. >>>>That's not true for other cruuse lines.
It’s always good to know what the options are for each line. You are right, they vary! 👍
Thank you Alisa for a very informative video.
You’re very welcome! 👋
Nice I love this
And I subscribed
Good reminder video
Great tips.
I went on a weekend cruise but once we got to the private islands Captain couldn't dock due to weather so we had to go back home. So disappointing no discount for future cruise date. Nothing!!. Very disappointing
Thanks very much for the info, it helped me a lot...
Great video ❤❤❤❤
HELP !!!!! 45th Anniversary comming soon. 14 night interior, regular guy cruise, or 5 day MSC yatch CLub ???? Been on several cruises so not a big deal anyway, Thank you
Same place ? Or 14day some where crazy nice must see . 😮. As me i take 14day . As first time cruise person. But more likely 10yr anniversary will be 5 or 7 day. 14 makes out vacation on us.
@@jamespugh 14 day to the cannal, that we have been to. 5 days to the Bahamas been there. Thank you
MSC Yacht Club definitely
Thanks Lisa looking great also. 👍.
Good info, thanks!😊
Awesome!
Thank you! Cheers!
I have been stuck in gold FOREVER! I sail when I can. Like the perks but they do not control me.
I was wondering if we would EVER make Platinum with Carnival???
Please because I’m cruising in December 🙌🏾
Did they get you in for your test or do I just wait till the end and get you
Alisa in all my cruises ‘5} I have never had a certain time we could check in and board the chat.
Hmmm… I have had to choose a boarding time every single time.
some casinos have teaser wins. it pays you a small amount hoping that you will waste that chasing a larger prize.
If I don’t see an appetizer that appeals to me I will ask about getting an appetizer portion of an entree instead.
Your looking great!
we did actually get a refund back from celebrity after final payment. it’s very difficult but not impossible.
That was very good
I paid $80 maybe more just in bottled water!!
It’s annoying how prices change so much. I get it’s a business but why not just give out the best price possible all the time.
Because it’s a business.
@@DEPUTYGETSOME yes as I said in my comment. However if most money is earned with all the extras onboard then why not give the best prices. More people will be inclined to spend more money onboard because the cruise itself was so affordable.
@ prices aren’t stopping people from spending on board. Q3 showed 4.9 billion in profits for Royal. It is a business and the only goal is to make money. Every ship is 100%+ capacity. They would gain no money by cutting prices. If people want prices to drop the ships have to stop sailing full. But as long as that continue to happen the business will continue to make record profits.
You are stxpid. I hope you don't think cruise ships or any other business exists for anything but to enrich the owners and stockholders.
just an idiotic statement showing a complete lack of understanding of business- i am thinking u were a kamala supporter
If you cruise 75 nights on Carnival, you deserve free stuff !😆
Haha right?? 😊
I disagree have you seen, msc's new voyagers club. Blue diamond.
Let your credit cars and bank now you Re traveling
They put me as elite with princess
❤
I've never booked a balcony and I never will
MSC often gives a free upgrade from interior to balcony.
What cruise lines will accept and match other cruise lines loyalty programs?
But but but you are a travel agent so you don’t mention the discounts you must get which the rest of us will never get.
Travel agents always have an agenda
Anyone can become a travel agent... and do the work that it takes for almost $0... all it takes is time and a computer! There are perks, like the ability to book into a group at a discounted price... But guess what, they can book you into a group as well.... That's why I always suggest using a TA...
As a travel agent, believe me, we do not get big discounts!
@@MsPhyllis2007I just became one and right you are! Just like anything else, the more you book, the better perks you get!
I can see a change in your looks, congrats
My next cruise go to Puerto Rosario
I was disappointed with the Princess Cay island.
I really wanted to rent a a jet ski while at Princess Cay island, and they dont offer that.
Loved your energy, your fun style and great tips. However, the vocal fry really got to me.
Vocal fry?
@@EECCTravels Wikipedia has a good explanation.
I emailed asking about disabled veterans information, but never heard back?
What is your email? I will go check.
shut up don't boss that's not nice downtown people want to do
stop telling people what to do you're not the boss you need to shut up I don't care you need to really shut up😡😡😡🤫
MSC is trash
@@SuperKenndog 😂
wish vloggers would quit talking about drink packages being worth it or. not… insults my intelligence to have someone tell me how to figure it out…
Nothing new and not any real good perks. The only people that get anything good are the gamblers who get free cruises in exchange for them spending $500 to $1000 per day. They also get balconies, suites and anywhere from $200 to $5000 from the cruise lines to gamble with as well as parties and gifts as an extra perk. That crap 💩 bothers me. I am a loyal cruiser but can’t afford to gamble. I am not rich. These folks constantly brag about what the cruise lines gives them to gamble. I am a Diamond with Carnival and RCCL, platinum with Princess, and working my way up on Norwegian. It takes forever to get decent perks on Carnival and then you wonder if it was worth it. I have been on 70 cruises and have truly had a wonderful time because I know with any cruise it is what you make it. Right now I am favoring RCCL but I have also been venturing out on other lines to see what they have to offer. MSC is next on my list 🥰
Wow 70 cruises.🎉🎉🩷🥂 This is my 4th (Dec 2024).
I am trying out MSC. I was blessed! 7 nights Seaside $422 interior. Solo cruise. I received a free upgrade to a deluxe balcony.🥂