Also if choosing a balcony cabin research where the smoking areas of the ship are. If you hate smelling smoke when sitting on your balcony, like I do, you don’t want a cabin one or two decks above the smoking area.
These are great tips and I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding travel insurance. My Dad suffered a massive heart attack at the port of Phu My in Vietnam a few years ago. If it had not been for our travel insurance I don’t mind telling you we would have certainly lost our house. The one tip I would add to this: take the insurance policy PDS with you. My Dad was old school and printed out a hard copy, at the time I thought it was a waste of space in the luggage etc but I quickly learned how important it would be. After he was taken to hospital I was able to study it, from that I knew exactly what he was entitled to claim, what to ask for etc, etc. The port guides were invaluable in this situation also and your tip about always having their details with you is so important.
another reason to forgo a drink package is that you may have excursions/beach all inclusive that supply drinks, or you may want to try the local specialties ashore
I have spoken with Port Agents and they are the best source of how to travel on my own in port! They told me where to eat and it was a lovely conversation!
As a former travel agent I use to know a lot of insightful tips for cruising but haven’t been on a ship for a very long time. As I like to be an informed traveler before I go in May 2020, I’m watching a few of your Cruise Tips and they are extremely informative. In this day of mega-technology where everyone wants to be their own travel agent, there’s a lot to know before you embark on one of the most beautiful and exciting vacations of ones life!! Not for everyone but a truly awesome experience it can be. Bon Voyage
Very, very important tips. Things happen and having cruise ship's contact info on hand while out sightseeing locally in port is very important, time and cost saving And reduce anxiety.
About the travel insurance, I'm fairly certain that if you live in Europe and you cruise in the Mediterranean, your home insurance can include travel insurance, so check that before you pay for an insurance you don't really need. My sister got sick in Cyprus one year, we're from Sweden, and the hospital visit didn't cost her anything. But again, I'm not swearing by it, so check first!
Good tip about drinks package. I also suggest waiting to buy one until you get on board. We did the maths many different ways and could not justify the cost. When we got on the ship the maitre d’ offered a buy-one-get-one package and it tipped the numbers in our favor. Thanks again, Gary.
As the daughter of a former travel agent, I have to agree on just about all of these. I always choose my own cabin, no matter which price point. I also say no to upgrades. I have found that my version of an upgrade and the cruise lines are not always the same. I have a yearly travel insurance policy that covers all trips throughout the year. It includes my pre-existing conditions and I paid extra to cover COVID related illness. The piece of mind that came with it was free, and allows me to enjoy my trip where ever it may be. I usually don't purchase the drink package on a port intensive cruise. Spending more time off the ship provides less available hours that it is needed. Also, being a solo traveler, I can bring my own collapsible water bottle and fill it at the buffet, fitness center, and other locations on the ship. It folds up, to save space in my suitcase. Lastly, if I am going on a excursion, I want be certain that the ship will wait if we are late, so I only book through them. I have no desire to become a pier runner!
Those were fantastic tips, and personally I hadn't considered the exchange rates! I'm going to purchase one of those prepaid cards, and hopefully that will save me some money.
These are good tips for first time cruisers. The best thing to do is talk to the crew to see where they get free wi-fi in ports. The drink packages are great if you like to drink because they include ALL drinks, including water, soda, milkshakes, etc. And you don't have to worry about how much you're spending. Of course, if you are a person who does not drink at least 4 alcoholic beverages a day, don't buy a drink package.
I can second your recommendation to choose the exact cabin you like. We received an upgrade from a 4 berth outside cabin to a suite on Holland America (it was a really good upgrade :) ) on an Alaska cruise and found ourselves directly below the pool. Being awoken every morning at 5 am by ship's staff dragging lounge chairs pretty much turned me off ocean cruising for quite some time.
I've been on several cruises but never thought of some of these tips. I was able to walk away with some good tips from this video. I'll be sure to take a photo of the itinerary and get travel insurance, thanks for the tips Gary.
Very useful and helpful information. I had no idea that one of my credit cards charges a 3 % surcharge on purchases made in the Caribbean, while another one of my credit cards has no surcharge at all. Your video saved me money on my upcoming; January 2020 Caribbean and Panama Canal Cruise. Great video! Thanks for sharing this information...Ed
Great point on exchange rate. Always do a quick math check before hitting that green OK button at an ATM. 2 weeks ago at FRA airport, took 200 Euros out at $1 USD = 0.90 Euro. A few days later in Sorrento, Italy, that ATM's exchange rate was $1 USD = 0.80 Euro. Tourist trap indeed!
Robert Lu --- When ever I go abroad - usually Europe on the m/bike, I get the best rate of exchange in England (where I live) and take enough cash with me to last the duration of my "break". I have NEVER lost money or been robbed/mugged. Most people think m/cyclists don't have a lot of money or are poor and not worth robbing!.
Gary when you say "Solo cabins" it sounds a LOT like "Solar cabins". I actually googled it thinking it was something about solar-powered and would cost less in electricity or so :)
Thank you Gary . I just completed a lengthy cruise and all your points were spot on. I sailed with Princess and arranged for them to show my final account balance in Australian dollars. They charged a small fee but I knew exactly how much would be charged to my debit card before I disembarked. I think you would be great at giving port lectures while on the cruise ships.
Re paying for a cruise, I booked a cruise, payment was in US$. I have a NZ$ a/c, also. UK Pound account. I Compared the currency conversion charges before I paid up. UK Pound charged 2.9%, NZ$ charged 1.8 %, it made a very big saving by paying from my NZ$ a/c. It pays to do a bit of research!
You point out that it's important to choose the correct cruise line. So I'd be grateful if you were brave enough to make a video explaining which line is best for which demographic. You don't need to be quite so blunt as to say this line caters to the old and rich while that line is for the young and drunk, but a more subtle breakdown of which line is best for particular people would be great. Thanks.
@Dave Sisson...just jumping in to say we sail with Cunard they're known for attracting the old & rich. We're early retired now but have sailed on them for years. Not rich either. No good if you're a party animal though...unfortunately :((
Another important tip on exchanging money is to avoid getting money at currency exchange booths in airports, go to a local bank in that country where you will get the going rate of exchange for your money, which will save you a lot of money.
take buses, switch off wifi, does your ship include wifi? don't buy a drinks package. manually set your time on phone...be on ship time and make sure you know the all aboard time. take a photograph on your phone of the port info details and numbers to contact. wash your hands alot to avoid neurovirus. choosing the wrong cruise line...choosing the right cabin.
I love the drink packages. On Royal Caribbean you can also get bottled water, fancy coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, as well as alcoholic drinks. Watch for specials as the cruise line will often do a random discount. Do the math.
Wife and going on our first cruise. Picked R. Carribean enchantment/seas. 5 night Western Caribbean. Offered on the phone with RC rep was drink package of $335 p/p I declined thinking maybe something better offered later. Is it best just for me only? Or where do they offer potentially lower drink package prices? One friend told me to sign up once onboard.... Suggestions,?
If you sign up on board the price will be significantly higher. All adults over 21 in the same cabin need to sign up so your wife would also need to sign up. There are some exclusions, you would need to contact your TA or RC. The average cost of a drink is $13, a bottle of water is about $3. I don't know the cost of a latte or other covered drinks but do the math to see if it's cost effective for you. Sometimes RC will offer a punch card about halfway through the cruise. Not always. We got one for $75 for 10 drinks. I hear the cost is now $85. You can drink somewhat cheaper if you stick to drink of the day (not usually something I like, usually some sweet frozen concoction) and the free champagne at the Captains reception. You can ask your wait staff if there are any deals on wine. Sometimes you can buy a bottle at a somewhat reasonable price. I myself like to just get the drink package and not worry about any of that. I buy it when the price isn't too terrible and keep an eye on it for a possible drop. You can cancel an repurchase then. RCs discounts all seem to be pretty random. Good luck! You're gonna have a great time!
I just want you to know that I really love the insightful information you share in your videos. The more I listen the more I save when cruising around the world via Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line. You are awesome!!!👑
Good tips Gary, but I always use my debit card when abroad, both to pay for food etc and for withdrawing cash. There is a foreign transaction charge, but overall the exchange rate is always much better than you can get by using a foreign currency service. With my bank the exchange rate is a commercial one rather than a tourist one and that can make quite a difference.
I've always been told not to use a debit card for travel, or online purchases for that matter. If a credit card is lost or stolen, the bank will usually only hold you responsible for $50 or less, but if it is a debit card, the thief can take what ever is in your account and you are screwed. Don't know if that is true, but I thought I'd send you a heads up because I would sure hate for that to happen to you.
We always take excursions from cruise line. Yes it costs more. But I feel myself much safer and alway sure that we will be back on time. Especially when excursion takes place on 1 hour driving from the ship like, for example, Rome from Chivitaveccia.
Totally agree. Rome is a long way from the port of Chivitaveccia and cruise company excursions often include fast track admission to the coliseum and Vatican as queues can be extremely long. We allow at least 2 hours back on board before the ship leaves harbour...just to make sure we are OK! 🤭
One exception I would suggest is St Petersburg Russia. You can save hundreds of dollars using a third party like SPB. The ship is there for 2 or 3 days so this is only an issue the last day. They claim they have never been late for a departure and guarantee they will get you to your next port. Also, you are not allowed to leave the ship unless you are with an escorted tour. I doubt the Russian authorities would let the ship leave and leave a whole bus of passengers behind
lots of great tips... Thank you. I'm not so sure about the don't use your credit card in a foreign country because of the exchange rate? My understanding is that Visa/MC give you the exact current rate to the penny instead of the local merchant rounding it to 18 or 20 to 1 or whatever.
For some of us, NOT buying the drink package can be a costly mistake. It's easy to lose track of how much you're spending especially on sea days when you're bored and hanging out at the bar all day. I got a very unpleasant surprise bill. I ended up spending about double the cost of the drink package!
Margy McKenzie A good tip would be to travel on a cruise line that has solo cabins to reduce the amount of money you'll spend on your cabin which will free up more money for you to spend onboard and in destination.
That comment is not always true. Norwegian offers single occupancy rooms for solo travelers but are _more_ expensive than Carnival, who sells double occupancy rooms at the minimum. You have to do your research. If you need help, contact a travel agent. You can find offices near your area online. Also, I have found that sometimes buying cruises through a travel agent can be cheaper than buying the cruises directly from the cruise line. Again, do your research. You also need to determine how you plan to pay for local activities during port days. Will you exchange your currency for the local currency and pay for the currency exchange fee OR will you use your credit card? Does your credit card charge you for international fees? Some credit cards do so you need to call and ask. Personally, I feel that any amount of time you spend on doing research is time well spent! The more you travel, the better you will learn to navigate. As a personal example: On my 1st cruise, I went to Jamaica. I bought souvenirs from locals. I asked, "How much is this?" and they would tell me and I would pay their asking price. I DIDN'T KNOW that they are open to negotiate the purchase price until _after_ we left Jamaica. I paid $20 for a t-shirt that I probably could have gotten for $10 or less. Be very, very careful with interacting with locals. On my last cruise, the ship stopped in Columbia. Some beggars and locals will ask you for money and act extremely needy. If the ship contains 2,100 passengers and 3% of the passengers offer to give $1 into the beggars hands, that's a $63.00 per day - and that goes straight into their pockets without having to pay for taxes! They make a KILLING off unsuspecting and soft-hearted people who are easily taken advantage of by pulling on their heartstrings. Have the confidence to say *"No"* and walk away. I say this to guard you, not to be mean. As soon as people see you take money out of your wallet, you will become a magnet for everyone else to come after your money. You are a target and being watched in these places- do not become an easy target. On my last cruise, two elderly ladies were walking around and shopping and some punk purse snatched one of the ladies. Guard yourself ❤ Protect yourself ❤ You are surrounded by sharks in these places, don't be an easy meal.
@@syguzman5739 What was Jamaica like? I hear the people are friendly and amicable. Unlike Columbia and Brazil. It's my next destination but in a Sandals resort.
@@hezekiahspade2247 ❤ You'll have a great time in Jamaica but with any place on the planet, be safe- particularly with your money, passport, iPhone, and children. If you consume alcohol, do it in moderation. It's also a good idea to have a sober buddy in the group just to make sure everyone is safe and doesn't do anything crazy 🤣 If you plan to spend money on anything (souvenirs, taxi, shore excursions) ask for the price _first_ and _then_ try to bring the price down or ask to be given a family/group rate. The only place you probably should not bargain (out of respect) is at a restaurant because many locals have restaurants or food stalls (where they cook the food right in front of you) to provide for their families. Keep small bills like $1 and $5 bills. Don't carry a $20 and expect locals to take it because they may falsely claim they, "Can't break large bills," to entice you to buy more / spend more so that the cost comes to $20. Protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and stay hydrated. Most of all, take lots of photos and have a great time! ❤💛💚
first costly mistake is not budgeting for excursions. cant stress enough, ocean cruises will not take you to berlin, london, paris, granada, figueres, cordoba, seville, rome, florence, milano, brussels.....
Yes, insurance is important, but it is also important to know what insurance you are buying. Say you fall and break your leg on board, you go to the clinic and have it treated by the ship doctor. The medical office will charge it to your shipboard account, and you pay it with the credit card on file. what happen to the insurance you bought? They will tell you to call the insurance company to file the claim for reimbursement. Then, the insurance company will ask who is your primary insurance company. File the claim with the primary insurance first, then they will cover the remainder. In other words, travel insurance is a secondary insurance. It only covers what the primary insurance does not cover. So, what do you do? Check your primary insurance first. Not all insurance policies are created equal. If you have a very good health insurance, chances are you may not need a travel insurance at all. Travel insurance does cover expenses strictly related to travel and not health related. So, you should understand what you are buying.
There are travel insurance plans that will cover the costs upfront for any healthcare visits. Like you said, it depends on the insurance and plan that you get though. Make sure you read through your travel insurance documentation to see what is covered and how you can use it, especially if you have known health issues/problems.
Great Tips ~ in particular your # 1 tip ~ Travel Insurence ! I notice lots of travelers/cruisers do not heed this advice. Please evaluate your thought process to this idea. Look at Travel Insurance the same exact way that you view your HOME FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. I hope that I never need either of these items however if I need these safeguards ~ They immediataly become my Most Prized Possession.
A lot of travellers rely on their credit card insurance, which will often specifically EXCLUDE cruises. In Australia, since mid-2018, you also need to select the cruise option for your insurance or you will not be covered.
@@staceygilbert8651 ~ Great Point of Information that you provide. Whoever would wish to deal with a Credit Card Company during a crisis or a problem is beyond comprehension.
As always, Gary, this was valuable information presented concisely! Travel insurance saved me thousands of dollars when I fell ill just prior to an Alaska cruise.
I swear my family is the poster child for trip insurance. We’ve had multiple incidents where someone has ended up in hospital during a vacation. The cruise situation was pretty terrible. My dad went into diabetic shock. He had a blood sugar over 600 which for those of you in Europe (or who don’t know) is extremely high. Our goal is to be around 120 2 hours after a meal. Basically what amounted to about 24 to 36 hours worth of care was over $4000 and they do not take your health insurance on board the ship. At this point our cruise ship docked in Saint Thomas. We were disembarked and my father was taken by ambulance to the local hospital. Being disembarked in Saint Thomas was good for us because it was American soil and they took his health insurance at the hospital. We still had a serious co-pay. We also had the cost of my hotel room at $159 a night. Air flight home once dad was released. Food for me and for dad once he was released, etc. by the point that we disembarked our accounts had been tapped out by the cruise line. So one of my brothers wired me $1000 and my other brother bought the plane tickets home. That was another $800. Thankfully he got some kind of discount either military or emergent travel. Now all this said it wasn’t our choice to go without trip insurance because of an incident where my mother broke her leg in China when she was alive. The trip was it self my dad’s bosses’ idea of a Christmas party. They found a really great deal for a seven day cruise and said then let’s do this. Why they thought my father should cruise without trip insurance I don’t know. The worst part in all of this is that we found out I was diabetic on the cruise but I refused to go to the medical unit. Just to go see the medical unit to get a bottle of insulin and some syringe is to hold me over until we got somewhere where I could be treated like Saint Thomas or home was over $500. I did get treatment for my diabetes once I was back at home. By the way ladies and gentlemen a cruise ship is not where you want to find out you are diabetic
Some really great tips in this, and some I have abided by for some time now... I am a big QM2 fan and am doing a B2B to NY next year for my 40th. Sadly, as a solo, that is the one thing Cunard never seem to offer at a lesser rate... But, I have learned to go with specific cabin numbers, chose carefully and I also go along with the "NO UPGRADE" option. If the upgrade was simply to a suite, then that would be fine. But, there are so many sub categories within, say, the balcony cabins, that you might end up with something that you personally don't think it a better cabin, but the cruise line have put in a higher category etc. Also with Drinks packages. I don't do them any more. I don't drink enough to make them worthwhile. Some days I just don't fancy anything, and don't want to feel like I am having to force myself to drink, jut because I have already paid for it. I have never come to the end of a sailing and been shocked by the bill... I am petty good at keeping a rough idea in my head as to how much I am spending, and as I don't drink a lot, then its nothing to worry about! Great video, as always! :)
@@Tolpuddle581 It is my favourite thing in the world.. This will be my 4th and 5th crossing. I find it most relaxing and peaceful! If you happen to be on the 13th May crossing departing NY, then we will be onboard at the same time! We leave Southampton on the 6th and turnaround day is the 13th for is. :)
@@Tolpuddle581 Ah wonderful! I don't know if you use Cruise Critic, but there is a Roll Call thread for both legs of the back to back crossing with some lovely people on it, so if you are on the site, then come and join us. We will probably have a get together to meet onboard somewhere!
If WiFi is a concern ask the employees where they at the next stop get WiFi or for that matter store goods. They all know. 😀😎 hope that helps. Also on a side note the ship excursions as far as I know wait for you if something happens along the way.
I had the exact opposite experience with carnival, ive been on two carnival cruises and they were both great, better structure and more things to do compared to the norwegian cruise i went on. I had great stewards/stewardesses, they made the experience truly magical with the towel animals and even on the last day took a pair of shoes my mom left out, rolled beach towels up, and placed them sticking out from under the bed to make it look like someone was there, it was amazing along with all our towel animal friends he made and left for us, moving them every day and posing them differently. The second cruise with carnival i went on was less magical as far as the cabin went as it was on the Dream right before it was set to be renovated, but it was still so much fun as far as onboard events and the dining experiences. Everyone has different experiences, but ive never really had a horrible experience with carnival, surely nothing that would keep me from cruising with them again! 😊
I personally always get a water package. I don't drink alcohol and having water bottles on and off the ship is very convenient. If you get a drinking package bottled water is already included
Luckily I have Tmobile which lets me roam in Mexico for no extra cost! When I arrive in Port my phone comes on other than that its off or in airplane mode!
About data charges on your phone, even with unlimited data plans, it may be best to contact your carrier and inquire about using data internationally. Only 5.5 years ago, I worked on the Verizon project through a company that handled customer service, and I was asked and I offered to initiate this feature so that data was less expensive when a customer was about to travel internationally. Just inquire.
On my last cruise to New Caledonia I took some French Pacific Francs. Used a ball park exchange of 500xpf=$A5 and 1000xpf=$10A, Not exact, but if someone wanted to charge me 1000xpf for a cup of coffee I knew they were too dear
What about the price of buying ticket how can it be lower? What month is best to book ? Were is the best in prices? Also there is a lots of cruise that dont have rooms for 5 people 🙁🤔
Wife and going on our first cruise. Picked R. Carribean enchantment/seas. 5 night Western Caribbean. Offered on the phone with RC rep was drink package of $335 p/p I declined thinking maybe something better offered later. Is it best just for me only? Or where do they offer potentially lower drink package prices? One friend told me to sign up once onboard.... Suggestions,?
I would rather go with a regular cabin at a solo occupancy rate, as you then have the choice of whatever you want in terms of inside, ocean-view balcony, suite etc. I don't think its to every solo traveler's taste to only be able to select an ocean-view cabin.
My wife and I are cruising with P&O next year on the IONA and like this year back in May on the Britannia we had to provide proof of travel insurance before we could board and all UK Travel companies and Airlines insist you have insurance either theirs or comparable cover from elsewhere and you have proof of that . Is that not the same in the US?
I watched this video with bemused interest. No way am I interested in a cruise of any shape or form - too organised for me and much too slow.! I just want to get on my motorbike and hit the roads...(Suzuki GIXR 1000K3) How ever, the thought and work that went into your video was massive for those who are not too sure about cruises and how they work. That's about it, broom broom, I'm off..................................
Hi Gary. I'm UK based. I would love to take my 8 year old son on a cruise. This would most likely be a one off as we aren't wealthy. Which cruise line, destination and type of room would you recommend? I'm in my mid 50s and we are pretty sociable.
OK, let's cover each point: 1) NOT HAVING TRAVEL INSURANCE. Pretty much spot on, although in most cases you won't make use of it. On my last cruise, the only reason I needed travel insurance for was because the gorillas at the departure dock in NYC threw mt luggage around with so much carelessness that they smashed my camera inside. It was well protected yet still the way they handled it smashed the screen on the back. I was able to pick up a replacement camera in St. Marten, a professional model AND a lens at half the price I could have gotten state side. BUT JUST REMEMBER THE CRUISE LINE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYTHING! They wanted nothing to do with my claim about the smashed camera. 2) EXCURSIONS. In most cases just as costly (relatively speaking) as the cruise itself. 3) WI-FI AND ROAMING. Really, if you are THAT addicted to your cellphone that you can't go on a cruise without using it constantly, you deserve any costs incurred. Put the damn thing away for the duration, unless of course it's your only medium to use for taking snapshots. But come on, do you REALLY have to be texting? The only reason I am even bringing a phone is for a possible emergency driving to the dock and back home. Once I'm out of the car, it gets turned off and put away. 4) DRINKS PACKAGES. It seems like the cost between buying drinks and a drinks package is close to being the same. With drinks costing $10 - $20 per drink, it doesn't take all that long for the cost to reach the package level. Even soda (pop) costing between $5 - $10 for a single 12 oz can, you're going to spend a lot of money on drinks either way. 5) ALL-ABOARD TIME. Buy a cheap watch, set it to the proper time and forget about it. Again, it's the need of people to rely on their cell phones to make their lives work that can easily be by-passed. And it's much quicker and easier than dealing with a phone, accessing the settings, changing the time, etc. 6) PORT AGENT DETAILS. Again, just take it with you. Why go through all the nonsense of taking a photo of it and bringing your cellphone along? You KNOW you're not going to be able to read it without lots of finger swipes to enlarge the screen and then pushing the image around to find the portion of the photo you want to observe. If you're with a spouse, BOTH of you bring one. 7) SOLO SURCHARGES. Most likely correct on all points here. 8) HAND WASHING. Good points. 9) RIGHT CRUISE LINE. Unless you're 100% completely made of disposable money, you're usually going to book with the line that offers the biggest bang for the buck and departs from an accessible location. Spending an extra $1000+ on airline flights to destination cities is not an option to all. So in most cases your cruise line choices are limited. Getting familiar with specific cruise lines and how they operate and what kinds of customers they attract involves tens of thousands of dollars spent over the years. Not many people can afford that, either. And unless you know people who have cruised before, and can give you their personal accounts of their trip, you're on your own to find the info you're looking for. No cruise line is going to advertise that they host several parties a day with drunken and disrespectful louts at all hours of the day and night. 10) THE RIGHT CABIN. Pretty much spot on. 11) CURRENCY. If your whole idea behind a cruise was to go shopping, why worry about the currency and exchange rate? You've already plopped down thousands of dollars for a boat ride to the store or shop, and now you're concerned about not spending more than you should? Really now.
If you cant afford it, dont do it!❤ weigh your options, if you choose your cabin you may not have as much money to shop with or spend on excursions. Its all about whats more important to you😊
"Costly Cruise Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them!)" ==> Smart travelers enjoy LOCAL SEWAGE spills. No need to seek SLOSHING SEWAGE whilst STRANDED AT SEA. (ie. "Patronize Your LOCAL Sewage, uncontrolled fires, and incompetent "medical" care! It's the wise choice!)
Also if choosing a balcony cabin research where the smoking areas of the ship are. If you hate smelling smoke when sitting on your balcony, like I do, you don’t want a cabin one or two decks above the smoking area.
@Jonah Wilson thank you!!
These are great tips and I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding travel insurance. My Dad suffered a massive heart attack at the port of Phu My in Vietnam a few years ago. If it had not been for our travel insurance I don’t mind telling you we would have certainly lost our house. The one tip I would add to this: take the insurance policy PDS with you. My Dad was old school and printed out a hard copy, at the time I thought it was a waste of space in the luggage etc but I quickly learned how important it would be. After he was taken to hospital I was able to study it, from that I knew exactly what he was entitled to claim, what to ask for etc, etc. The port guides were invaluable in this situation also and your tip about always having their details with you is so important.
another reason to forgo a drink package is that you may have excursions/beach all inclusive that supply drinks, or you may want to try the local specialties ashore
I'm an avid cruiser, but never considered taking a photo of the port agent details. Thank you very much, Gary!
I have spoken with Port Agents and they are the best source of how to travel on my own in port! They told me where to eat and it was a lovely conversation!
Always remember to buy into the " Burial At Sea " option.
As a former travel agent I use to know a lot of insightful tips for cruising but haven’t been on a ship for a very long time. As I like to be an informed traveler before I go in May 2020, I’m watching a few of your Cruise Tips and they are extremely informative. In this day of mega-technology where everyone wants to be their own travel agent, there’s a lot to know before you embark on one of the most beautiful and exciting vacations of ones life!! Not for everyone but a truly awesome experience it can be. Bon Voyage
Very, very important tips. Things happen and having cruise ship's contact info on hand while out sightseeing locally in port is very important, time and cost saving And reduce anxiety.
About the travel insurance, I'm fairly certain that if you live in Europe and you cruise in the Mediterranean, your home insurance can include travel insurance, so check that before you pay for an insurance you don't really need. My sister got sick in Cyprus one year, we're from Sweden, and the hospital visit didn't cost her anything. But again, I'm not swearing by it, so check first!
Good tip about drinks package. I also suggest waiting to buy one until you get on board. We did the maths many different ways and could not justify the cost. When we got on the ship the maitre d’ offered a buy-one-get-one package and it tipped the numbers in our favor. Thanks again, Gary.
As the daughter of a former travel agent, I have to agree on just about all of these. I always choose my own cabin, no matter which price point. I also say no to upgrades. I have found that my version of an upgrade and the cruise lines are not always the same.
I have a yearly travel insurance policy that covers all trips throughout the year. It includes my pre-existing conditions and I paid extra to cover COVID related illness. The piece of mind that came with it was free, and allows me to enjoy my trip where ever it may be.
I usually don't purchase the drink package on a port intensive cruise. Spending more time off the ship provides less available hours that it is needed. Also, being a solo traveler, I can bring my own collapsible water bottle and fill it at the buffet, fitness center, and other locations on the ship. It folds up, to save space in my suitcase.
Lastly, if I am going on a excursion, I want be certain that the ship will wait if we are late, so I only book through them. I have no desire to become a pier runner!
If the Captain says to be back on the ship by 3pm, be on board by 2:30pm. We spent about $8k for our trip and had trip insurance for every dime of it.
Wow! So much! Was that for two people? How many days cruise? Was it all inclusive and lastly, what cabin was that?
Those were fantastic tips, and personally I hadn't considered the exchange rates! I'm going to purchase one of those prepaid cards, and hopefully that will save me some money.
The tip about choosing the right cabin is NOT something I've thought about before. Thank You!
These are good tips for first time cruisers. The best thing to do is talk to the crew to see where they get free wi-fi in ports. The drink packages are great if you like to drink because they include ALL drinks, including water, soda, milkshakes, etc. And you don't have to worry about how much you're spending. Of course, if you are a person who does not drink at least 4 alcoholic beverages a day, don't buy a drink package.
Great tip on taking the daily schedule with you to have those important phone numbers! My 2nd cruise is in 40 days!
Hi Gary!! I'm going on my first ever cruise very shortly!! These tips are really useful in knowing what to expect.
I can second your recommendation to choose the exact cabin you like. We received an upgrade from a 4 berth outside cabin to a suite on Holland America (it was a really good upgrade :) ) on an Alaska cruise and found ourselves directly below the pool. Being awoken every morning at 5 am by ship's staff dragging lounge chairs pretty much turned me off ocean cruising for quite some time.
I've been on several cruises but never thought of some of these tips. I was able to walk away with some good tips from this video. I'll be sure to take a photo of the itinerary and get travel insurance, thanks for the tips Gary.
Very useful and helpful information. I had no idea that one of my credit cards charges a 3 % surcharge on purchases made in the Caribbean, while another one of my credit cards has no surcharge at all. Your video saved me money on my upcoming; January 2020 Caribbean and Panama Canal Cruise. Great video! Thanks for sharing this information...Ed
Great point on exchange rate. Always do a quick math check before hitting that green OK button at an ATM. 2 weeks ago at FRA airport, took 200 Euros out at $1 USD = 0.90 Euro. A few days later in Sorrento, Italy, that ATM's exchange rate was $1 USD = 0.80 Euro. Tourist trap indeed!
Robert Lu --- When ever I go abroad - usually Europe on the m/bike, I get the best rate of exchange in England (where I live) and take enough cash with me to last the duration of my "break". I have NEVER lost money or been robbed/mugged.
Most people think m/cyclists don't have a lot of money or are poor and not worth robbing!.
You are a seasoned traveller. So helpful tips. Wow...keep up the good work of enlightening travellers 🙏🙏
Perfect to know about solo cabin alerts. Thank you, GB.
Love your series, you have great insight from all of your travels. Thank you!
Gary when you say "Solo cabins" it sounds a LOT like "Solar cabins". I actually googled it thinking it was something about solar-powered and would cost less in electricity or so :)
Thank you Gary . I just completed a lengthy cruise and all your points were spot on. I sailed with Princess and arranged for them to show my final account balance in Australian dollars. They charged a small fee but I knew exactly how much would be charged to my debit card before I disembarked. I think you would be great at giving port lectures while on the cruise ships.
Thanks for watching. Good to hear your feedback and experience. I did think that would be a great thing to do.......
I'm very glad I watched this. I'm leaving to go on a cruise tomorrow and am glad I watched the port agent tip now, so it's fresh.
Re paying for a cruise, I booked a cruise, payment was in US$. I have a NZ$ a/c, also. UK Pound account.
I Compared the currency conversion charges before I paid up. UK Pound charged 2.9%, NZ$ charged 1.8 %, it made a very big saving by paying from my NZ$ a/c. It pays to do a bit of research!
Personally, I would love seeing Gary Bembridge officiate a belly flop competition on a fun cruise.
Terrifying thought :-)
Actually Gary should participate in this contest !
Paul Haley Yes! And they should change the name of the belly flop contest to the “Gary Bembridge” contest. On the Cunard ships.
You point out that it's important to choose the correct cruise line. So I'd be grateful if you were brave enough to make a video explaining which line is best for which demographic. You don't need to be quite so blunt as to say this line caters to the old and rich while that line is for the young and drunk, but a more subtle breakdown of which line is best for particular people would be great. Thanks.
@Dave Sisson...just jumping in to say we sail with Cunard they're known for attracting the old & rich. We're early retired now but have sailed on them for years. Not rich either. No good if you're a party animal though...unfortunately :((
Will do! I have done one sort of along that approach but will do one more direct ! Great suggestion thanks !!!
Ultimately it is up to you to decide, as we differ in our characters and what we like. Check out some of Gary’s other vids.
Norwegian is good for casual and also solo travellers
Another important tip on exchanging money is to avoid getting money at currency exchange booths in airports, go to a local bank in that country where you will get the going rate of exchange for your money, which will save you a lot of money.
Mike Ramsey not true at manila airport. we sometimes get better rate there than outside the airport.
Good tip about taking a photo of the phone numbers for the ship
take buses, switch off wifi, does your ship include wifi? don't buy a drinks package. manually set your time on phone...be on ship time and make sure you know the all aboard time. take a photograph on your phone of the port info details and numbers to contact. wash your hands alot to avoid neurovirus. choosing the wrong cruise line...choosing the right cabin.
I love the drink packages. On Royal Caribbean you can also get bottled water, fancy coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, as well as alcoholic drinks. Watch for specials as the cruise line will often do a random discount. Do the math.
Wife and going on our first cruise. Picked R. Carribean enchantment/seas. 5 night Western Caribbean. Offered on the phone with RC rep was drink package of $335 p/p I declined thinking maybe something better offered later. Is it best just for me only? Or where do they offer potentially lower drink package prices? One friend told me to sign up once onboard.... Suggestions,?
If you sign up on board the price will be significantly higher. All adults over 21 in the same cabin need to sign up so your wife would also need to sign up. There are some exclusions, you would need to contact your TA or RC. The average cost of a drink is $13, a bottle of water is about $3. I don't know the cost of a latte or other covered drinks but do the math to see if it's cost effective for you. Sometimes RC will offer a punch card about halfway through the cruise. Not always. We got one for $75 for 10 drinks. I hear the cost is now $85. You can drink somewhat cheaper if you stick to drink of the day (not usually something I like, usually some sweet frozen concoction) and the free champagne at the Captains reception. You can ask your wait staff if there are any deals on wine. Sometimes you can buy a bottle at a somewhat reasonable price. I myself like to just get the drink package and not worry about any of that. I buy it when the price isn't too terrible and keep an eye on it for a possible drop. You can cancel an repurchase then. RCs discounts all seem to be pretty random. Good luck! You're gonna have a great time!
I try to watch all of your videos you give the best information thank you in the city
I just want you to know that I really love the insightful information you share in your videos. The more I listen the more I save when cruising around the world via Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line. You are awesome!!!👑
6:07 is why I always take the cruise line excursions!!
Good tips Gary, but I always use my debit card when abroad, both to pay for food etc and for withdrawing cash. There is a foreign transaction charge, but overall the exchange rate is always much better than you can get by using a foreign currency service. With my bank the exchange rate is a commercial one rather than a tourist one and that can make quite a difference.
I've always been told not to use a debit card for travel, or online purchases for that matter. If a credit card is lost or stolen, the bank will usually only hold you responsible for $50 or less, but if it is a debit card, the thief can take what ever is in your account and you are screwed. Don't know if that is true, but I thought I'd send you a heads up because I would sure hate for that to happen to you.
Love that first tip because many of our clients don't think they need travel insurance but it's so important!
We always take excursions from cruise line. Yes it costs more. But I feel myself much safer and alway sure that we will be back on time. Especially when excursion takes place on 1 hour driving from the ship like, for example, Rome from Chivitaveccia.
Agree. When far away and risky getting back it is so much less stressful....
Totally agree. Rome is a long way from the port of Chivitaveccia and cruise company excursions often include fast track admission to the coliseum and Vatican as queues can be extremely long. We allow at least 2 hours back on board before the ship leaves harbour...just to make sure we are OK! 🤭
One exception I would suggest is St Petersburg Russia. You can save hundreds of dollars using a third party like SPB. The ship is there for 2 or 3 days so this is only an issue the last day. They claim they have never been late for a departure and guarantee they will get you to your next port. Also, you are not allowed to leave the ship unless you are with an escorted tour. I doubt the Russian authorities would let the ship leave and leave a whole bus of passengers behind
Is it extra money to work with an agent? Or is there commission included in what you pay for your cruise trip?
lots of great tips... Thank you. I'm not so sure about the don't use your credit card in a foreign country because of the exchange rate? My understanding is that Visa/MC give you the exact current rate to the penny instead of the local merchant rounding it to 18 or 20 to 1 or whatever.
Always contact your credit card vendor before travel. They may have changed policies from year to year. They are all different.
The cruise insurance contracts are full of pitfalls. You think you are covered, but you are not. Read the fine print. They have many disclaimers.
Expound? Or give an example?
For some of us, NOT buying the drink package can be a costly mistake. It's easy to lose track of how much you're spending especially on sea days when you're bored and hanging out at the bar all day. I got a very unpleasant surprise bill. I ended up spending about double the cost of the drink package!
Stay away from the bar. Surely there are other things to do besides drink at the bar all day.
Never book a cabin below the waterline. If you do, don't open the port hole. If you agree to help row the ship, don't forget to tip the Whipper.
You must have spent time in the Navy😎
hello friends I see that you agree that silence is golden. I also want a quiet cabin not next to the fitness center or disco or swimming pool.
Useful and concise information, again. Thanks!
hi...im interested in more info about travelling solo...any tips you have would be great
Margy McKenzie A good tip would be to travel on a cruise line that has solo cabins to reduce the amount of money you'll spend on your cabin which will free up more money for you to spend onboard and in destination.
That comment is not always true.
Norwegian offers single occupancy rooms for solo travelers but are _more_ expensive than Carnival, who sells double occupancy rooms at the minimum. You have to do your research. If you need help, contact a travel agent. You can find offices near your area online. Also, I have found that sometimes buying cruises through a travel agent can be cheaper than buying the cruises directly from the cruise line. Again, do your research. You also need to determine how you plan to pay for local activities during port days. Will you exchange your currency for the local currency and pay for the currency exchange fee OR will you use your credit card? Does your credit card charge you for international fees? Some credit cards do so you need to call and ask. Personally, I feel that any amount of time you spend on doing research is time well spent! The more you travel, the better you will learn to navigate.
As a personal example:
On my 1st cruise, I went to Jamaica. I bought souvenirs from locals. I asked, "How much is this?" and they would tell me and I would pay their asking price. I DIDN'T KNOW that they are open to negotiate the purchase price until _after_ we left Jamaica. I paid $20 for a t-shirt that I probably could have gotten for $10 or less. Be very, very careful with interacting with locals.
On my last cruise, the ship stopped in Columbia. Some beggars and locals will ask you for money and act extremely needy. If the ship contains 2,100 passengers and 3% of the passengers offer to give $1 into the beggars hands, that's a $63.00 per day - and that goes straight into their pockets without having to pay for taxes! They make a KILLING off unsuspecting and soft-hearted people who are easily taken advantage of by pulling on their heartstrings. Have the confidence to say *"No"* and walk away. I say this to guard you, not to be mean. As soon as people see you take money out of your wallet, you will become a magnet for everyone else to come after your money. You are a target and being watched in these places- do not become an easy target. On my last cruise, two elderly ladies were walking around and shopping and some punk purse snatched one of the ladies.
Guard yourself ❤ Protect yourself ❤ You are surrounded by sharks in these places, don't be an easy meal.
@@syguzman5739 What was Jamaica like? I hear the people are friendly and amicable. Unlike Columbia and Brazil.
It's my next destination but in a Sandals resort.
@@hezekiahspade2247 ❤ You'll have a great time in Jamaica but with any place on the planet, be safe- particularly with your money, passport, iPhone, and children. If you consume alcohol, do it in moderation. It's also a good idea to have a sober buddy in the group just to make sure everyone is safe and doesn't do anything crazy 🤣 If you plan to spend money on anything (souvenirs, taxi, shore excursions) ask for the price _first_ and _then_ try to bring the price down or ask to be given a family/group rate. The only place you probably should not bargain (out of respect) is at a restaurant because many locals have restaurants or food stalls (where they cook the food right in front of you) to provide for their families.
Keep small bills like $1 and $5 bills. Don't carry a $20 and expect locals to take it because they may falsely claim they, "Can't break large bills," to entice you to buy more / spend more so that the cost comes to $20. Protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and stay hydrated. Most of all, take lots of photos and have a great time! ❤💛💚
@@syguzman5739 Awesome my dear sister and friend. You've taught me a great lesson.. Couldn't thank you more. Appreciated 👍♥
Thank you for your video, I learned a lot
Thank you Gary, really useful tips!
first costly mistake is not budgeting for excursions. cant stress enough, ocean cruises will not take you to berlin, london, paris, granada, figueres, cordoba, seville, rome, florence, milano, brussels.....
Thanks Gary😊 for the valuable information I’ll need it when I go on my Europe cruise
Yes, insurance is important, but it is also important to know what insurance you are buying.
Say you fall and break your leg on board, you go to the clinic and have it treated by the ship doctor. The medical office will charge it to your shipboard account, and you pay it with the credit card on file. what happen to the insurance you bought? They will tell you to call the insurance company to file the claim for reimbursement. Then, the insurance company will ask who is your primary insurance company. File the claim with the primary insurance first, then they will cover the remainder.
In other words, travel insurance is a secondary insurance. It only covers what the primary insurance does not cover. So, what do you do? Check your primary insurance first. Not all insurance policies are created equal. If you have a very good health insurance, chances are you may not need a travel insurance at all.
Travel insurance does cover expenses strictly related to travel and not health related. So, you should understand what you are buying.
There are travel insurance plans that will cover the costs upfront for any healthcare visits. Like you said, it depends on the insurance and plan that you get though. Make sure you read through your travel insurance documentation to see what is covered and how you can use it, especially if you have known health issues/problems.
Great Tips ~ in particular your # 1 tip ~ Travel Insurence ! I notice lots of travelers/cruisers do not heed this advice. Please evaluate your thought process to this idea. Look at Travel Insurance the same exact way that you view your HOME FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. I hope that I never need either of these items however if I need these safeguards ~ They immediataly become my Most Prized Possession.
A lot of travellers rely on their credit card insurance, which will often specifically EXCLUDE cruises. In Australia, since mid-2018, you also need to select the cruise option for your insurance or you will not be covered.
@@staceygilbert8651 ~ Great Point of Information that you provide. Whoever would wish to deal with a Credit Card Company during a crisis or a problem is beyond comprehension.
As always, Gary, this was valuable information presented concisely! Travel insurance saved me thousands of dollars when I fell ill just prior to an Alaska cruise.
Always so informative. Thank you!
I swear my family is the poster child for trip insurance. We’ve had multiple incidents where someone has ended up in hospital during a vacation. The cruise situation was pretty terrible. My dad went into diabetic shock. He had a blood sugar over 600 which for those of you in Europe (or who don’t know) is extremely high. Our goal is to be around 120 2 hours after a meal.
Basically what amounted to about 24 to 36 hours worth of care was over $4000 and they do not take your health insurance on board the ship. At this point our cruise ship docked in Saint Thomas. We were disembarked and my father was taken by ambulance to the local hospital. Being disembarked in Saint Thomas was good for us because it was American soil and they took his health insurance at the hospital. We still had a serious co-pay. We also had the cost of my hotel room at $159 a night. Air flight home once dad was released. Food for me and for dad once he was released, etc. by the point that we disembarked our accounts had been tapped out by the cruise line. So one of my brothers wired me $1000 and my other brother bought the plane tickets home. That was another $800. Thankfully he got some kind of discount either military or emergent travel.
Now all this said it wasn’t our choice to go without trip insurance because of an incident where my mother broke her leg in China when she was alive. The trip was it self my dad’s bosses’ idea of a Christmas party. They found a really great deal for a seven day cruise and said then let’s do this. Why they thought my father should cruise without trip insurance I don’t know. The worst part in all of this is that we found out I was diabetic on the cruise but I refused to go to the medical unit. Just to go see the medical unit to get a bottle of insulin and some syringe is to hold me over until we got somewhere where I could be treated like Saint Thomas or home was over $500. I did get treatment for my diabetes once I was back at home. By the way ladies and gentlemen a cruise ship is not where you want to find out you are diabetic
Some really great tips in this, and some I have abided by for some time now... I am a big QM2 fan and am doing a B2B to NY next year for my 40th. Sadly, as a solo, that is the one thing Cunard never seem to offer at a lesser rate... But, I have learned to go with specific cabin numbers, chose carefully and I also go along with the "NO UPGRADE" option. If the upgrade was simply to a suite, then that would be fine. But, there are so many sub categories within, say, the balcony cabins, that you might end up with something that you personally don't think it a better cabin, but the cruise line have put in a higher category etc.
Also with Drinks packages. I don't do them any more. I don't drink enough to make them worthwhile. Some days I just don't fancy anything, and don't want to feel like I am having to force myself to drink, jut because I have already paid for it. I have never come to the end of a sailing and been shocked by the bill... I am petty good at keeping a rough idea in my head as to how much I am spending, and as I don't drink a lot, then its nothing to worry about!
Great video, as always! :)
@@Tolpuddle581 It is my favourite thing in the world.. This will be my 4th and 5th crossing. I find it most relaxing and peaceful! If you happen to be on the 13th May crossing departing NY, then we will be onboard at the same time! We leave Southampton on the 6th and turnaround day is the 13th for is. :)
@@Tolpuddle581 Ah wonderful! I don't know if you use Cruise Critic, but there is a Roll Call thread for both legs of the back to back crossing with some lovely people on it, so if you are on the site, then come and join us. We will probably have a get together to meet onboard somewhere!
If WiFi is a concern ask the employees where they at the next stop get WiFi or for that matter store goods. They all know. 😀😎 hope that helps. Also on a side note the ship excursions as far as I know wait for you if something happens along the way.
Good tips, Gary, thank you! :-)
Plus sometimes the drink package have rules. So you might not be able to get drinks.
I’m glad you mentioned about choosing the right cruise line, because when I went to Carnival it was the most scummiest people on earth.
I had the exact opposite experience with carnival, ive been on two carnival cruises and they were both great, better structure and more things to do compared to the norwegian cruise i went on. I had great stewards/stewardesses, they made the experience truly magical with the towel animals and even on the last day took a pair of shoes my mom left out, rolled beach towels up, and placed them sticking out from under the bed to make it look like someone was there, it was amazing along with all our towel animal friends he made and left for us, moving them every day and posing them differently. The second cruise with carnival i went on was less magical as far as the cabin went as it was on the Dream right before it was set to be renovated, but it was still so much fun as far as onboard events and the dining experiences. Everyone has different experiences, but ive never really had a horrible experience with carnival, surely nothing that would keep me from cruising with them again! 😊
Thank you for the Tips👍
What so you think about restaurant packages or water packages? Would love to hear your opinion/experience on these.
I personally always get a water package. I don't drink alcohol and having water bottles on and off the ship is very convenient. If you get a drinking package bottled water is already included
Luckily I have Tmobile which lets me roam in Mexico for no extra cost! When I arrive in Port my phone comes on other than that its off or in airplane mode!
About data charges on your phone, even with unlimited data plans, it may be best to contact your carrier and inquire about using data internationally. Only 5.5 years ago, I worked on the Verizon project through a company that handled customer service, and I was asked and I offered to initiate this feature so that data was less expensive when a customer was about to travel internationally. Just inquire.
On my last cruise to New Caledonia I took some French Pacific Francs. Used a ball park exchange of 500xpf=$A5 and 1000xpf=$10A, Not exact, but if someone wanted to charge me 1000xpf for a cup of coffee I knew they were too dear
What about the price of buying ticket how can it be lower? What month is best to book ? Were is the best in prices?
Also there is a lots of cruise that dont have rooms for 5 people 🙁🤔
Thank you good advice
very good advice...thank you
Good tips
Do you know anything about cruises that offer dialysis for passengers anD what is offered for handicapped passengers, ( those in wheelchairs). Thanks
How do you think Starlink will change access to the internet on future cruises?
Great video Gary.
Wife and going on our first cruise. Picked R. Carribean enchantment/seas. 5 night Western Caribbean. Offered on the phone with RC rep was drink package of $335 p/p I declined thinking maybe something better offered later. Is it best just for me only? Or where do they offer potentially lower drink package prices? One friend told me to sign up once onboard.... Suggestions,?
This is a very good well thought out list.
Thanks! Appreciate you watching. Glad you enjoyed
Gary you nailed it. And don't start a diet the day before you embark. And stay away from the casinos.
Help. I need your advise. How can we connect. Thank you.
Gary, which ship were you on? The solo cabin was very nice.
Have you heard anything about the the new Norwegian Encore. If do any tips etc?
I hear there is a lot of things that are extra!
I’ve done one video about Norwegian Encore and have another coming soon on that !
Tips For Travellers ill take a look.
Thanks mate 🙂
I have checked the solo cabins out. At the end of the day, I saved $1.
I would rather go with a regular cabin at a solo occupancy rate, as you then have the choice of whatever you want in terms of inside, ocean-view balcony, suite etc. I don't think its to every solo traveler's taste to only be able to select an ocean-view cabin.
@ 1:49 what's the ship that is making Symphony of the Seas look small?
I love rowdy parties!!!
My wife and I are cruising with P&O next year on the IONA and like this year back in May on the Britannia we had to provide proof of travel insurance before we could board and all UK Travel companies and Airlines insist you have insurance either theirs or comparable cover from elsewhere and you have proof of that . Is that not the same in the US?
What travel insurance agency do you suggest?
Thanks for the great tips
What's a good currency app that doesn't use data?
#8: we all know how to wash our hands properly now!
I watched this video with bemused interest. No way am I interested in a cruise of any shape or form - too organised for me and much too slow.! I just want to get on my motorbike and hit the roads...(Suzuki GIXR 1000K3)
How ever, the thought and work that went into your video was massive for those who are not too sure about cruises and how they work.
That's about it, broom broom, I'm off..................................
Hi Gary. I'm UK based. I would love to take my 8 year old son on a cruise. This would most likely be a one off as we aren't wealthy. Which cruise line, destination and type of room would you recommend? I'm in my mid 50s and we are pretty sociable.
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, carnival, msc
OK, let's cover each point:
1) NOT HAVING TRAVEL INSURANCE. Pretty much spot on, although in most cases you won't make use of it. On my last cruise, the only reason I needed travel insurance for was because the gorillas at the departure dock in NYC threw mt luggage around with so much carelessness that they smashed my camera inside. It was well protected yet still the way they handled it smashed the screen on the back. I was able to pick up a replacement camera in St. Marten, a professional model AND a lens at half the price I could have gotten state side. BUT JUST REMEMBER THE CRUISE LINE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYTHING! They wanted nothing to do with my claim about the smashed camera.
2) EXCURSIONS. In most cases just as costly (relatively speaking) as the cruise itself.
3) WI-FI AND ROAMING. Really, if you are THAT addicted to your cellphone that you can't go on a cruise without using it constantly, you deserve any costs incurred. Put the damn thing away for the duration, unless of course it's your only medium to use for taking snapshots. But come on, do you REALLY have to be texting? The only reason I am even bringing a phone is for a possible emergency driving to the dock and back home. Once I'm out of the car, it gets turned off and put away.
4) DRINKS PACKAGES. It seems like the cost between buying drinks and a drinks package is close to being the same. With drinks costing $10 - $20 per drink, it doesn't take all that long for the cost to reach the package level. Even soda (pop) costing between $5 - $10 for a single 12 oz can, you're going to spend a lot of money on drinks either way.
5) ALL-ABOARD TIME. Buy a cheap watch, set it to the proper time and forget about it. Again, it's the need of people to rely on their cell phones to make their lives work that can easily be by-passed. And it's much quicker and easier than dealing with a phone, accessing the settings, changing the time, etc.
6) PORT AGENT DETAILS. Again, just take it with you. Why go through all the nonsense of taking a photo of it and bringing your cellphone along? You KNOW you're not going to be able to read it without lots of finger swipes to enlarge the screen and then pushing the image around to find the portion of the photo you want to observe. If you're with a spouse, BOTH of you bring one.
7) SOLO SURCHARGES. Most likely correct on all points here.
8) HAND WASHING. Good points.
9) RIGHT CRUISE LINE. Unless you're 100% completely made of disposable money, you're usually going to book with the line that offers the biggest bang for the buck and departs from an accessible location. Spending an extra $1000+ on airline flights to destination cities is not an option to all. So in most cases your cruise line choices are limited. Getting familiar with specific cruise lines and how they operate and what kinds of customers they attract involves tens of thousands of dollars spent over the years. Not many people can afford that, either. And unless you know people who have cruised before, and can give you their personal accounts of their trip, you're on your own to find the info you're looking for. No cruise line is going to advertise that they host several parties a day with drunken and disrespectful louts at all hours of the day and night.
10) THE RIGHT CABIN. Pretty much spot on.
11) CURRENCY. If your whole idea behind a cruise was to go shopping, why worry about the currency and exchange rate? You've already plopped down thousands of dollars for a boat ride to the store or shop, and now you're concerned about not spending more than you should? Really now.
Tip five has a simple answer, just ask the crew when will the ship leave. 👍 ☺🙂😉😎🕰 🚢 🛳
*BOOZE* is very expensive...good thing I never drink it
$80 a day in drinks at cruise prices? That’s easy. The average drink runs 8-15.
"ad hoc" is "for this purpose only"....
It's an additional $300 for me to choosr my own cabin... 😢
If you cant afford it, dont do it!❤ weigh your options, if you choose your cabin you may not have as much money to shop with or spend on excursions. Its all about whats more important to you😊
I’m never going on a cruise. It looks a nightmare and a money trap
Does the insurance cover shit storms like the coronavirus cruise nightmare😡
"Costly Cruise Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them!)" ==> Smart travelers enjoy LOCAL SEWAGE spills. No need to seek SLOSHING SEWAGE whilst STRANDED AT SEA. (ie. "Patronize Your LOCAL Sewage, uncontrolled fires, and incompetent "medical" care! It's the wise choice!)