Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
Thanks for all your tips! We are VERY much older and it's our first cruise & this one to Alaska is to celebrate our 60th anniversary! You are making me aware of so many great ideas I'd never have thought of until I reached a point on the cruise and needed things like those magnetic clips and hooks, where to stow away tablets and the like, meds and so much more! You are a jewel in the crown of cruises!
My husband and I were on a Mediterranean cruise a few years back and we left our balcony door open during the night. When we woke up in the morning we had about twenty birds in the cabin!
It seems like an absolute no brainer but NEVER leave the bathroom door open when you are doing number 2's. I get that the bathrooms are small and ventilation is not fantastic but it is way worse having your entire room smelling.
For valuables too large for the safe: I always pack a small TSA lock. Just keep those things in your locked suitcase when you're not using them in your cabin. Laptop cable locks are also great.
@realist8052 well yes. But why don't you offer a real solution here then? If you stay at home with all the bars on your windows, people could still steal your valuables.
My dad was in the merchant navy and then for the last few years he worked on a small cruise line (and met this lady who was on a cruise with her friend and married her and they were married for 53 years but I digress). He said that they don't want people leaving clothing/towels or blankets out there is because it can create a false 'man overboard' and that's very expensive. They'll see something in the water, for all they know it's clothing so they have to investigate, meanwhile, the passenger is having a massage or cocktail unaware of what his/her blown away item caused.
Once upon a time I lived on an isolated sheep property in Australia, with a very dubious septic tank system. When visitors asked what could go down the toilet, my answer was: “Apart from TP, you can flush anything you like, as long as you have actually eaten it first.” Same with cruise ship toilets.
Also for sea-sickness, not only go up to a mid-ship area on a top deck but take time to stare out at the horizon for a while. 15-30 minutes. I was on a small charter one time and the Captain said to stare out at the horizon and it works. Somehow it gives your brain and body some sort of confirmation and your body gets in sync with the rhythm of the ocean.
Yea I did not know about this tidbit. Luckily there wasn’t too much rocking on our RC ship but there was one night man when we were in the theater and it was swaying big time! Oh and the land sickness after my cruise? Holy cow man for three days I felt like I was still swaying! It was bad! I came home from that cruise, put on titanic and went right to sleep! Haha. I sure did not sleep well on my cruise but I think it was just from the excitement who knows! Haha
Raw ginger works great. $1 worth of it from the grocery store lasts over 2 weeks. Just bring a single edged razor blade and slice it off thinly and suck it for a while then chew it up and swallow. I start a day or two before and haven’t had a problem since.
Here is one that happened to us: someone decided to do a sea burial of their relative's ashes. Our extra-large cabin's large balcony (more of a terrace really) was on the stern of the ship just below a public area where there was music and dancing at night and there was a stiff wind blowing. Most of those ashes, bits of bone and the labeled plastic bag from the mortuary ended up on our carpeted balcony right as we were leaving for dinner. We reported this to the ship's security and when we came back, we saw a crew member using a large vacuum clean to hoover up the mess from our balcony. We had a sense of humor about the absurdity of this, but I imagine some people would have been creeped out.
When we are leaving to enjoy the port, we do leave our valuables in the safe and what does not fit there, we leave them in our luggage that we will lock. The cabin steward is not there to take any of your belongings, but someone else might be walking on the corridor and enter the cabin when the cabin steward is not looking. Better safe than sorry.
Thank you for the tip on putting medications in the safe! I'm in pain management at the moment and locking the pain meds in the safe is a great idea for several reasons. If they go missing: 1. My body is physically dependent on these meds, so if they're stolen, going without can put me into withdrawals at a certain point. 2. Someone could sell them. 3. One of them has the potential to kill someone whose body is not tolerant of opioid pain meds. 4. I'd be in pain the rest of the trip and probably have to cancel my excursions.
Unfortunately I have a great deal of seasickness experience. A couple tips I have is; Get it out, you will probably feel much better after you've cleared your stomach. Avoid softdrinks, the bubbly will make you feel much worse. And finally; go cold, what I mean by that is remove as much clothing as you can till you feel chilled, not sure why but the seasickness seems to lessen when you are shiverring a little bit.
OMG you are absolutely Correct on the joined rooms. Our neighbors were absolutely awful. Once they quieted down I found out they were seasick. I was like serves you right. I did however enjoyed myself. Waiting to go back on a cruise. I may go on a solo trip.😊
She’s not kidding about having patio open then opening main door. Was on Alaska cruise and we had our balcony open. My mom went to go get a drink and when she opened the door it literally ripped all the pillows off the bed and almost made it all way into the hallway. Papers went flying. Was quite funny but lesson learned
While in Alaska as well, I made the mistake of opening the cabin door with the balcony door open. An entire cup of hot cocoa flew about 4 ft spilling hot cocoa everywhere. 😳
Thank you so much for these videos you have no idea how much they have helped me. As a first time cruiser and new parent being able to watch these made me feel so much better about taking my family on our first cruise. I was so worried I would fail my family by not having what we needed or knowing what to do/not do especially because I’m the one everyone counts on. I spent weeks watching your videos while making notes, reminders and Amazon lists. Everything I have purchased was right on the mark. The time and effort you put into these videos I am certain helped to make our vacation a happier, safer one. So again, thank you.
I’m so glad my videos were helpful to you as you planned your cruise! As a mom & main planner myself, I totally understand your feelings. really appreciate you talking time to let me know :)
Your videos are very informative. My daughter has taken me on a cruise for the last 3 years and I started watching you on TH-cam. I have learned a lot from your videos.
it was on one of my last two cruises before covid so it was either on NCL or on Royal Caribbean, and there was a statement either on our daily planner or on the order form for our breakfast that stated; to leave our dishes in our cabin, but to call a specific telephone number when we wanted the dishes picked up.
One thing that has worked well for me is to speak with my cabin attendent sometime on the 2nd day (embarkation day is just too busy generally), and ask him/her where they would prefer me to put used or soiled towels or linens if I want them replaced. One gentleman asked me to put the dry ones on a chair or couch and to put wet ones in a plastic bag with the dry ones. It allows me to tell them any special requests (I don't usually need or want them to come by in the evening, once in the morning is plenty), which really helps to give me a more personalized feel.
Excellent advice. Funny story, I was on an NCL cruise and had just gotten out of the shower and thought I was okay since we were docked and there was only water on my side of the ship. I left the blinds open and lo and behold I heard a noise and when I looked up the window washers were right there. So embarrassing but lesson learned.😎
When you spoke about the toilets backing up keep in mind to never leave things on the floor near the toilet happened to us and thankfully we kept the shoes and things well off of the floor.
Embarrassing: my husband got sick on the first day, bathroom was his office. He didn’t leave the DND sign out on the door, poor room attendant walked right in on him. We left him $100 at the end of the cruise 😂
I use a walker. The hallways are pretty narrow so I would find food trays in the hall an obstruction. I stack any plates, etc very neatly on the tray for the steward.
Wow this was great! I have already been on my first cruise this past March and everything you said I didn’t do with the exception of the loud music ooops! I did play it a little bit loud but not for long and it was only once but everything else, it was like common courtesy for me. And this is the first time I’m seeing this video! Woo hoo! :). I’ll be going on my first cruise with my husband next March. Can’t wait! Don’t plan on doing anything risqué on that cruise either 😂
I have cruised a lot, for decades , went around the world for six months via ship and have never been on a ship or line that asked guests to leave room service trays on floor in hallway. I have read numerous times onboard instructions to NOT leave trays in hall.
PLEASE pay attention to #1!!!! I was on the ship with the fire in 2006. It was not a fun experience. The crew and the cruise line were OUTSTANDING but it’s not something anyone wants to go through.
Omg poor you!! Thanks for sharing. I remember hearing about it at the time, but for you to have gone through it.. thank goodness things worked out safely
ex merchant seaman here we seldom worry about ship sinking a FIRE gets us so much worked up, we had a weekly fire/boat drill 25 mins fire then 2 mins to go to lifeboat, and why do you have 2 guys on a hose? simples one guy alone cant not hold on against the back pressure when that hose is going full blast
Thank you for the good advice! I would add, never take work on your vacation! I once was so much in a hurry to pack for a vacation that I had to take my documents to do my tax return with me, so not to miss the deadline. That was horrible! lol.
I’m glad there’s a laundry on some ships that you can go to on your own. I’ve been on ships where as soon as you mention you’re going to a laundry a crowd gather and follow you.
Hi Ilana, we laughed about the lifeboat incident off your verandah. But the positive side was that you and Frank would have quick access to the lifeboat in an emergency. And know it's driver. Hi from Bob and Jill in very rainy Connecticut
When you’re in your cabin to shower, nap, or enjoy a little “alone time” put out the Do Not Disturb sign and physically lock your door from the inside. The stateroom attendants always knock first and announce themselves before coming in but (true story) there’s nothing worse than walking out of the shower in the buff to find the cabin attendant in your cabin! Also, always close your drapes when dressing. You never know when a crew member doing general maintenance might suddenly appear on your balcony or at your window.
My husband wears depends for urine only. We have little bags that are designed for diapers that I get at the dollar store to put them in. That way anyone cleaning the room does not have to touch them.
Some great tips. One cruise we had a inconsiderate neighbours they would leave open their balcony doors and curtains every night. As well as every light on at night and the TV on loud and i think they were nudist or forgot to pack clothes.
I think you covered most but I'll add not to break things, stand on furniture, fight. But regarding music, let's extend that to playing it on deck or close to people on the beach. Use your earbuds!
Hubby and I did a river cruise last summer (Ottawa to Kingston on St. Lawrence Cruise Lines), and I remember the feeling of rocking on land. It was a few days in and during an excursion to a watercraft museum that included a boathouse with all sorts of bygone boats. It didn't last long, but I had to stay closer to the walls for fear of falling in. This summer, we are planning on doing Boston to Montreal on board the MS Volendam. I can, without reservation, say the cabin we booked is an upgrade from the adorable quarters aboard the Canadian Empress (ocean view, mid ship). I'm so happy I came across your videos, but between coming from a military family, having been a housekeeper at a ski resort, and growing up along the St. Lawrence River (loosing flip flops or beach toys left on the dock overnight), this video is affirmation that obviously, there are those who need to hear it. My tip from last summer is to bring compression socks. Our last day last summer, day 6, my feet and some of the other middle-aged to senior ladies had that problem. It was quite disconcerting.
A while ago I was staying in a very new, very nice hotel and I noticed a nasty damaged mark on the desk surface. I commented to the room maid that it hadn’t taken long for that damage to happen. She told me that someone had accidentally spilled a bottle of nail polish remover, and the acetone had done the damage. So, note to self: if I’m ever moved to give myself a manicure away from home to put down a folded towel on the work surface that will absorb liquid spills, and to top the towel with one of the plastic bags I always carry.
We are going on our first cruise in February. These videos are awesome. Thank you Are there convenient stores on the ships? Perhaps we forgot something or just want some snacks?
My husband were on the NCL Southern Caribbean cruise this past March. Our cruise started out of San Juan, not leaving port until dusk. We were docked next to a Royal Caribbean ship, OH MY in the past 35 cruise I’ve never seen a couple with open drapes just doing it, so the starboard side of the ship got quite the show. Everyone seem to think they did it on purpose for their own “thrill.” SMH
Putting your tray in the hallway is a nightmare for those of us using scooters. Our scooters JUST fit through the corridors. If trays are sitting out, there is no way we can pass by.
HEY BRIGHT...I knew this was going to be a good video when I saw embarrassing in the title...lol...kept waiting lol...Anyway Great Video Thanx...MARK IN ARIZONA...
This idea is a way to combat the do not do list:) Yes leaving clothes on the balcony to dry when the ship is sailing is a bad idea. But.....clothes often don't dry well in the cabin. So if you must dry something then use closepins or towel clips or bands to secure it to a chair. Check on it often but it can help solve the problem.
I always bring my binoculars with me. On sea days, I'll take them out on the balcony in the morning and they will fog up for a few minutes. So I'll just leave them on the table on the balcony all day.
Celebrity doesn’t allow trays in the hallway. When you finish you just call and they pick it up right away. Celebrity believes leaving trays in the hallway is both a health and safety issue.
I want to thank you for providing all these useful n practical tips. I've enjoyed n learned a lot from watching your videos and have subscribed your channel of course.
I was cruise staff one summer back when I was in college. I served as the director of the children’s program. I’ll never forget my terror when I received a young boy into my care who immediately tried to climb over every possible railing! It was harrowing experience just trying to keep him safe and alive. (Parents, please teach your children not to do this!)
About the toilets, if yours goes out the whole stack can be affected. That means no flushing for you and every one above and below you. It can be a number of hours for the repair. We were affected in our cabin once because someone flushed something they shouldn’t have. It’s a vacuumed type of system, if the vacuum gets stopped up, nothing moves. Finding the public toilet in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning, or even in preparation for formal night isn’t fun. Happy cruising.
Take some candied ginger with you in your arsenal for sea sickness or any nausea. Ginger really does help and a piece of candied ginger is an easy and pleasant way to treat your nausea naturally. Edit: It also tastes pretty good as well.
Just subscribed, finding your channel really helpful for our first cruise at Xmas in the Caribbean, wondering if anyone has any tips with regards to WiFi was thinking about maybe buying an extra SIM Look forward to watching more vids
Great information Ilana. On some cruise lines the room service trays are NOT to be left outside your door in the hallway. This is considered a hazard if there is a ship emergency. We were told to leave them in our rooms on the dresser or coffee table.
We’ve been told not to put our trays in the hallway either. It’s best to ask the person delivering the tray what you should do after finishing. There are many people on cruises that either walk with an assistive device or use a scooter. It is very difficult for them to navigate around dirty trays or other obstacles in the hallways.
I noticed that the cabin attendant won't take away the trays if they are on the dresser or table when there's some food on them, so I put the tray on the floor next to the dresser, and it worked! He was taking away any tray that was on the floor, but not the ones on the table/dresser.
my friend was on her dream cruise when someone left a tray in the corridor somewhere around a corner. She didn’t see it, stepped on it and went flying like a skateboard. Dislocated her shoulder. Not a great experience to be in a brace on just second day. For safety please don’t leave trays outside.
We had a "neighbor cabin" that had no idea that their all night cabin light was really annoying! I was ticked, but after settling down, nicely mentioned it to them. No problem - kept it off after then...
If you have trouble sleeping or you want to be able to maintain your sleeping habits you might not want to book a room overlooking the promenade deck. That's the deck with the shops. There's usually a bar located near the shops and on some cruises they have music playing and activities in this are that can be noisy. That's outside the normal noise of shoppers, restaurants, and bars located here. We had a window cabin above this deck and the noise level didn't subside till well after midnight.
Holland America specifically says DON"T LEAVE TRAYS IN THE HALLWAYS. Check with your cruise line. They all may have different rules. Ask the room service waiter what the policy is on YOUR ship.
LOL. As you thin cabin walls...I was on the Carnival ship,about. 5 years ago,that unfortunately had a woman go overboard. My story is about the temporary lock down of the ship. Our neighbors decided to partake of some afternoon "delight ". Noise travels!! Thanks for great suggestions as always
Must suitcase have a lock or you can add one. After you empty it now slide under bed NOW you have a safe place to store your laptop or tablet when not using it.
I wish that helped me. Even OTC remedies like dramamine don't work for me. I have to get my doc to prescribe an Rx patch I wear behind my ear. It lasts 3 days and works wonderfully.
If you want to make your cabin smell awesome, stop in Jamaica and buy some of the coffee or some of the jerk seasoning... But you might stay hungry for the rest of the trip.
Put baby oil on a Kleenex to remove even the most stubborn face paint or makeup and also pour a bit of baby oil on a que tip 1 light squeeze excess oil out and use it above the eyelashes and under the bottom eyelash then take a Kleenex and dabb excess oil off lid great trick to get rid of those unsightly globs of makeup
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
This looks AMAZING!!! Great work Illana.
@@EmmaCruises thanks Emma!! :)
Thanks for all your tips! We are VERY much older and it's our first cruise & this one to Alaska is to celebrate our 60th anniversary! You are making me aware of so many great ideas I'd never have thought of until I reached a point on the cruise and needed things like those magnetic clips and hooks, where to stow away tablets and the like, meds and so much more! You are a jewel in the crown of cruises!
I bought your Ultimate Cruise Planner and was surprised at how many blank pages their are...
QQqq@@varahitchcock9136
My husband and I were on a Mediterranean cruise a few years back and we left our balcony door open during the night. When we woke up in the morning we had about twenty birds in the cabin!
Omg!!!!!! 😬😂😂
I wouldn’t know whether to be terrified or laugh hysterically!
That actually sounds awesome
@@CrankyGrandmaoooh not if they were seagulls 😮😂
I would have freaked out! 😂
I loved walking out on my aft balcony naked at night, I ain't gonna lie it was super relaxing.
It seems like an absolute no brainer but NEVER leave the bathroom door open when you are doing number 2's. I get that the bathrooms are small and ventilation is not fantastic but it is way worse having your entire room smelling.
One word… poopouri
For valuables too large for the safe: I always pack a small TSA lock. Just keep those things in your locked suitcase when you're not using them in your cabin. Laptop cable locks are also great.
@realist8052 well yes. But why don't you offer a real solution here then?
If you stay at home with all the bars on your windows, people could still steal your valuables.
Great idea! I always have a horror of forgetting to empty the safe when it’s time to leave.
My dad was in the merchant navy and then for the last few years he worked on a small cruise line (and met this lady who was on a cruise with her friend and married her and they were married for 53 years but I digress). He said that they don't want people leaving clothing/towels or blankets out there is because it can create a false 'man overboard' and that's very expensive. They'll see something in the water, for all they know it's clothing so they have to investigate, meanwhile, the passenger is having a massage or cocktail unaware of what his/her blown away item caused.
Oh how interesting - I definitely never thought of this
I have enjoyed your comments in your lessons very much thank you
I had no idea. Thank you.
Makes sense
Once upon a time I lived on an isolated sheep property in Australia, with a very dubious septic tank system. When visitors asked what could go down the toilet, my answer was: “Apart from TP, you can flush anything you like, as long as you have actually eaten it first.” Same with cruise ship toilets.
Also for sea-sickness, not only go up to a mid-ship area on a top deck but take time to stare out at the horizon for a while. 15-30 minutes. I was on a small charter one time and the Captain said to stare out at the horizon and it works. Somehow it gives your brain and body some sort of confirmation and your body gets in sync with the rhythm of the ocean.
I was going to say the same thing. Only you don't have to stare at the horizon that long. I works pretty quick.
Yea I did not know about this tidbit. Luckily there wasn’t too much rocking on our RC ship but there was one night man when we were in the theater and it was swaying big time! Oh and the land sickness after my cruise? Holy cow man for three days I felt like I was still swaying! It was bad! I came home from that cruise, put on titanic and went right to sleep! Haha. I sure did not sleep well on my cruise but I think it was just from the excitement who knows! Haha
Raw ginger works great. $1 worth of it from the grocery store lasts over 2 weeks. Just bring a single edged razor blade and slice it off thinly and suck it for a while then chew it up and swallow. I start a day or two before and haven’t had a problem since.
Yes, don’t look down at the water if you’re seasick but out at the horizon.
Nothing but Bonine works for me, its lasts 24hrs and doesn't make you drowsy
Here is one that happened to us: someone decided to do a sea burial of their relative's ashes. Our extra-large cabin's large balcony (more of a terrace really) was on the stern of the ship just below a public area where there was music and dancing at night and there was a stiff wind blowing. Most of those ashes, bits of bone and the labeled plastic bag from the mortuary ended up on our carpeted balcony right as we were leaving for dinner. We reported this to the ship's security and when we came back, we saw a crew member using a large vacuum clean to hoover up the mess from our balcony. We had a sense of humor about the absurdity of this, but I imagine some people would have been creeped out.
😂😂😂😂
OMG!! I would be so freaked out! I would definitely need to change cabins!
Don’t let your cabin door slam behind you. Especially late at night and early morning. The doors are heavy and can disturb others who are sleeping.
Yes!! If everyone would not slam the doors, that would be fantastic!!
❤yes
I really like the tip about where to go if you are feeling motion sick and why it’s best not to go lie down in your cabin.
When we are leaving to enjoy the port, we do leave our valuables in the safe and what does not fit there, we leave them in our luggage that we will lock. The cabin steward is not there to take any of your belongings, but someone else might be walking on the corridor and enter the cabin when the cabin steward is not looking. Better safe than sorry.
Thank you for the tip on putting medications in the safe! I'm in pain management at the moment and locking the pain meds in the safe is a great idea for several reasons. If they go missing: 1. My body is physically dependent on these meds, so if they're stolen, going without can put me into withdrawals at a certain point. 2. Someone could sell them. 3. One of them has the potential to kill someone whose body is not tolerant of opioid pain meds. 4. I'd be in pain the rest of the trip and probably have to cancel my excursions.
Unfortunately I have a great deal of seasickness experience. A couple tips I have is; Get it out, you will probably feel much better after you've cleared your stomach. Avoid softdrinks, the bubbly will make you feel much worse. And finally; go cold, what I mean by that is remove as much clothing as you can till you feel chilled, not sure why but the seasickness seems to lessen when you are shiverring a little bit.
I always just go ahead and get the seasick patches before my cruise and have no issues.
Get sea bands and Dramamine🥴
OMG you are absolutely Correct on the joined rooms. Our neighbors were absolutely awful. Once they quieted down I found out they were seasick. I was like serves you right. I did however enjoyed myself. Waiting to go back on a cruise. I may go on a solo trip.😊
You can bring one of those small tea lights that are battery operated from Dollar Tree and keep it on the bathroom so you do not trip on the dark.
Thank you for your videos. So much valuable information.
Great Do's and Don't 🛳
Thank you! I love your channel❤️⚘️
Another great video . Always so informative and well presented. Love and have used your tips and trips.
Awe thanks so much!
She’s not kidding about having patio open then opening main door.
Was on Alaska cruise and we had our balcony open. My mom went to go get a drink and when she opened the door it literally ripped all the pillows off the bed and almost made it all way into the hallway. Papers went flying. Was quite funny but lesson learned
Eeek!! Now that’s a strong wind
While in Alaska as well, I made the mistake of opening the cabin door with the balcony door open. An entire cup of hot cocoa flew about 4 ft spilling hot cocoa everywhere. 😳
😭😭
Thank you so much for these videos you have no idea how much they have helped me. As a first time cruiser and new parent being able to watch these made me feel so much better about taking my family on our first cruise. I was so worried I would fail my family by not having what we needed or knowing what to do/not do especially because I’m the one everyone counts on. I spent weeks watching your videos while making notes, reminders and Amazon lists. Everything I have purchased was right on the mark. The time and effort you put into these videos I am certain helped to make our vacation a happier, safer one. So again, thank you.
I’m so glad my videos were helpful to you as you planned your cruise! As a mom & main planner myself, I totally understand your feelings. really appreciate you talking time to let me know :)
Your videos are very informative. My daughter has taken me on a cruise for the last 3 years and I started watching you on TH-cam. I have learned a lot from your videos.
it was on one of my last two cruises before covid so it was either on NCL or on Royal Caribbean, and there was a statement either on our daily planner or on the order form for our breakfast that stated; to leave our dishes in our cabin, but to call a specific telephone number when we wanted the dishes picked up.
I’m going on my first cruise for my birthday on the 26th and can’t wait. Your videos are the best.
Have an amazing cruise and happy birthday!! 🥂
One thing that has worked well for me is to speak with my cabin attendent sometime on the 2nd day (embarkation day is just too busy generally), and ask him/her where they would prefer me to put used or soiled towels or linens if I want them replaced. One gentleman asked me to put the dry ones on a chair or couch and to put wet ones in a plastic bag with the dry ones. It allows me to tell them any special requests (I don't usually need or want them to come by in the evening, once in the morning is plenty), which really helps to give me a more personalized feel.
I normally only watch Emma Cruises videos but I have to say yours are very informative, I'm going to start watching yours also.
What a compliment! Emma does such an amazing job! Thanks so much David for watching and for your kind words :)
You made it so less complicated for me big thanks
Excellent advice. Funny story, I was on an NCL cruise and had just gotten out of the shower and thought I was okay since we were docked and there was only water on my side of the ship. I left the blinds open and lo and behold I heard a noise and when I looked up the window washers were right there. So embarrassing but lesson learned.😎
Haha this is too funny!! I forgot about the window washers 😂
😂😂😂
😂😂😂
😂oh no
Holland America also does not allow trays in the hallway. Call for a tray pickup from where you ordered the food, dining room, room service etc.
When you spoke about the toilets backing up keep in mind to never leave things on the floor near the toilet happened to us and thankfully we kept the shoes and things well off of the floor.
Oh you’re right!!
Very informative, thank you
Great hints indeed.. thank you for all your fantastic videos, they made our amazing Celebrity Beyond cruise more amazzzzing🌷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Embarrassing: my husband got sick on the first day, bathroom was his office. He didn’t leave the DND sign out on the door, poor room attendant walked right in on him. We left him $100 at the end of the cruise 😂
I use a walker. The hallways are pretty narrow so I would find food trays in the hall an obstruction. I stack any plates, etc very neatly on the tray for the steward.
Wow this was great! I have already been on my first cruise this past March and everything you said I didn’t do with the exception of the loud music ooops! I did play it a little bit loud but not for long and it was only once but everything else, it was like common courtesy for me. And this is the first time I’m seeing this video! Woo hoo! :). I’ll be going on my first cruise with my husband next March. Can’t wait! Don’t plan on doing anything risqué on that cruise either 😂
I have cruised a lot, for decades , went around the world for six months via ship and have never been on a ship or line that asked guests to leave room service trays on floor in hallway. I have read numerous times onboard instructions to
NOT leave trays in hall.
PLEASE pay attention to #1!!!! I was on the ship with the fire in 2006. It was not a fun experience. The crew and the cruise line were OUTSTANDING but it’s not something anyone wants to go through.
Omg poor you!! Thanks for sharing. I remember hearing about it at the time, but for you to have gone through it.. thank goodness things worked out safely
ex merchant seaman here
we seldom worry about ship sinking
a FIRE gets us so much worked up, we had a weekly fire/boat drill 25 mins fire then 2 mins to go to lifeboat, and why do you have 2 guys on a hose? simples one guy alone cant not hold on against the back pressure when that hose is going full blast
Was it caused by a candle? Just being nosey.
Thank you for the good advice! I would add, never take work on your vacation! I once was so much in a hurry to pack for a vacation that I had to take my documents to do my tax return with me, so not to miss the deadline. That was horrible! lol.
Awesome tips!!
I’m glad there’s a laundry on some ships that you can go to on your own. I’ve been on ships where as soon as you mention you’re going to a laundry a crowd gather and follow you.
Hi Ilana, we laughed about the lifeboat incident off your verandah. But the positive side was that you and Frank would have quick access to the lifeboat in an emergency. And know it's driver. Hi from Bob and Jill in very rainy Connecticut
Haha quick access 😂
When you’re in your cabin to shower, nap, or enjoy a little “alone time” put out the Do Not Disturb sign and physically lock your door from the inside. The stateroom attendants always knock first and announce themselves before coming in but (true story) there’s nothing worse than walking out of the shower in the buff to find the cabin attendant in your cabin! Also, always close your drapes when dressing. You never know when a crew member doing general maintenance might suddenly appear on your balcony or at your window.
😂😂 omg too funny, but great advice
If they hear the shower why would thwy still proceed?
@@mastodon98 I had already turned water off. Just didn’t hear them knock or announce themselves.
Did you at least get an extra towel animal that night? :)
My solution is to not care whether anyone sees me naked.
My husband wears depends for urine only. We have little bags that are designed for diapers that I get at the dollar store to put them in. That way anyone cleaning the room does not have to touch them.
Smart
Our Yeti has kept coffee all day hot and ice for a whole day. Love to travel with these.
it was a sign. "All I could say was Hello" the movie An Affair to Remember.
Another no no is trying to take handcuffs. My nephew and his wife thought that would be "FUN" but they were confiscated. Talk about embarrassing 😳
Great advice . Thanks for sharing
Thanks Sherri! So glad you liked the video
Looked amazing. I would love a Holland America cruise.
Some great tips. One cruise we had a inconsiderate neighbours they would leave open their balcony doors and curtains every night. As well as every light on at night and the TV on loud and i think they were nudist or forgot to pack clothes.
!?
Ive watched and enjoyed all your videos
I think you covered most but I'll add not to break things, stand on furniture, fight. But regarding music, let's extend that to playing it on deck or close to people on the beach. Use your earbuds!
Yes you’re right!!
Hubby and I did a river cruise last summer (Ottawa to Kingston on St. Lawrence Cruise Lines), and I remember the feeling of rocking on land. It was a few days in and during an excursion to a watercraft museum that included a boathouse with all sorts of bygone boats. It didn't last long, but I had to stay closer to the walls for fear of falling in. This summer, we are planning on doing Boston to Montreal on board the MS Volendam. I can, without reservation, say the cabin we booked is an upgrade from the adorable quarters aboard the Canadian Empress (ocean view, mid ship). I'm so happy I came across your videos, but between coming from a military family, having been a housekeeper at a ski resort, and growing up along the St. Lawrence River (loosing flip flops or beach toys left on the dock overnight), this video is affirmation that obviously, there are those who need to hear it. My tip from last summer is to bring compression socks. Our last day last summer, day 6, my feet and some of the other middle-aged to senior ladies had that problem. It was quite disconcerting.
Thank you so much I so love All ideas ❤ more like this 🙏💕😘💕💕
Great informative video
Awesome! Thanks for watching
A couple of those were news to me. Thanks Ilana
Oh great!! I try to see if I can surprise any experienced cruisers 😂
Ginger capsules and Sea Bands on wrists worked well for me!
A while ago I was staying in a very new, very nice hotel and I noticed a nasty damaged mark on the desk surface. I commented to the room maid that it hadn’t taken long for that damage to happen. She told me that someone had accidentally spilled a bottle of nail polish remover, and the acetone had done the damage. So, note to self: if I’m ever moved to give myself a manicure away from home to put down a folded towel on the work surface that will absorb liquid spills, and to top the towel with one of the plastic bags I always carry.
Another interesting video with lots of tips.
Thanks for watching!! :)
We are going on our first cruise in February. These videos are awesome. Thank you
Are there convenient stores on the ships? Perhaps we forgot something or just want some snacks?
Just ordered The Cruise Planner 😃 as always, thanks for the insightful videos.
Thanks for your purchase Lisa! So glad you enjoyed the video :)
I hand wash small clothing items and use towel clips to keep them from flying away. I have yet to be called out for doing so.
Thank you
Thank You for these videp.
We put our suits out on the balcony chairs and use clothespins or chip clips to clip them on
My husband were on the NCL Southern Caribbean cruise this past March. Our cruise started out of San Juan, not leaving port until dusk. We were docked next to a Royal Caribbean ship, OH MY in the past 35 cruise I’ve never seen a couple with open drapes just doing it, so the starboard side of the ship got quite the show. Everyone seem to think they did it on purpose for their own “thrill.” SMH
Putting your tray in the hallway is a nightmare for those of us using scooters. Our scooters JUST fit through the corridors. If trays are sitting out, there is no way we can pass by.
Love it just look it at that ice cream sundae makes me hungry
Thank you for your video xx shaz from uk x
HEY BRIGHT...I knew this was going to be a good video when I saw embarrassing in the title...lol...kept waiting lol...Anyway Great Video Thanx...MARK IN ARIZONA...
Glad you enjoyed the video!! Lol I was a bit embarrassed 😂
This idea is a way to combat the do not do list:) Yes leaving clothes on the balcony to dry when the ship is sailing is a bad idea. But.....clothes often don't dry well in the cabin. So if you must dry something then use closepins or towel clips or bands to secure it to a chair. Check on it often but it can help solve the problem.
We hung everything out there, but used formalwear hangers and clips.
A travel clothesline with clothes pins works in the bathroom.
That sounds like the Clampets on Beverly Hillbillies…
Buy some big clothing clips and secure the bathing suit or your wet cloth in the balcony if it’s totally necessary.
The best cruising tips on TH-cam period!❤
Can you use a Battery operated Candle? I haven't seen it stated either way. It would make a great night light
I always bring my binoculars with me. On sea days, I'll take them out on the balcony in the morning and they will fog up for a few minutes. So I'll just leave them on the table on the balcony all day.
I’m so grateful for the do not vandalise your room tip……who knew?
Murder grape nudity and assault must be much more acceptable in the hallways ??? At least the Nekkid folks aren’t misusing those robes
Do not eat chocolate mousse in bed in case the cabin steward thinks you are having a dirty protest.
Celebrity doesn’t allow trays in the hallway. When you finish you just call and they pick it up right away. Celebrity believes leaving trays in the hallway is both a health and safety issue.
In the 1st clip of the video what ship was that on? The french doors to the balcony looks amazing!
I want to thank you for providing all these useful n practical tips. I've enjoyed n learned a lot from watching your videos and have subscribed your channel of course.
Thanks so much! Happy to have you here :)
Royal Caribean Crews are awesome 👏 🛳
I was cruise staff one summer back when I was in college. I served as the director of the children’s program. I’ll never forget my terror when I received a young boy into my care who immediately tried to climb over every possible railing! It was harrowing experience just trying to keep him safe and alive.
(Parents, please teach your children not to do this!)
About the toilets, if yours goes out the whole stack can be affected. That means no flushing for you and every one above and below you. It can be a number of hours for the repair. We were affected in our cabin once because someone flushed something they shouldn’t have. It’s a vacuumed type of system, if the vacuum gets stopped up, nothing moves. Finding the public toilet in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning, or even in preparation for formal night isn’t fun. Happy cruising.
Take some candied ginger with you in your arsenal for sea sickness or any nausea. Ginger really does help and a piece of candied ginger is an easy and pleasant way to treat your nausea naturally.
Edit: It also tastes pretty good as well.
Just subscribed, finding your channel really helpful for our first cruise at Xmas in the Caribbean, wondering if anyone has any tips with regards to WiFi was thinking about maybe buying an extra SIM
Look forward to watching more vids
The WiFi on ships is horrible. Not worth it to pay for it.
Great information Ilana. On some cruise lines the room service trays are NOT to be left outside your door in the hallway. This is considered a hazard if there is a ship emergency. We were told to leave them in our rooms on the dresser or coffee table.
How interesting. I really don’t like them along the hall, so I’m happy to hear this isn’t done across the board
We’ve been told not to put our trays in the hallway either. It’s best to ask the person delivering the tray what you should do after finishing. There are many people on cruises that either walk with an assistive device or use a scooter. It is very difficult for them to navigate around dirty trays or other obstacles in the hallways.
I noticed that the cabin attendant won't take away the trays if they are on the dresser or table when there's some food on them, so I put the tray on the floor next to the dresser, and it worked! He was taking away any tray that was on the floor, but not the ones on the table/dresser.
Celebrity does not allow trays in the hallway
my friend was on her dream cruise when someone left a tray in the corridor somewhere around a corner. She didn’t see it, stepped on it and went flying like a skateboard. Dislocated her shoulder. Not a great experience to be in a brace on just second day. For safety please don’t leave trays outside.
We had a "neighbor cabin" that had no idea that their all night cabin light was really annoying! I was ticked, but after settling down, nicely mentioned it to them. No problem - kept it off after then...
Was that the light on the balcony? Good that you mentioned it
@@LifeWellCruised It was!
@@LifeWellCruised I was wondering where the light was!
The Stars at night! I live in a suburb outside the city so the stars are mostly not visible
Ginger helps also. Get a Ginger Ale, and bring some Ginger candy helps with sea sickness
I never go outside if I'm getting sea sick but in my cabin. The reason is looking at the horizon.. The water is moving and that makes it worse.
I left my towel and bathing suit on the chairs on the balcony to dry. The humidity of the Caribbean air prevented them from fully drying anyways.
If you have trouble sleeping or you want to be able to maintain your sleeping habits you might not want to book a room overlooking the promenade deck. That's the deck with the shops. There's usually a bar located near the shops and on some cruises they have music playing and activities in this are that can be noisy. That's outside the normal noise of shoppers, restaurants, and bars located here.
We had a window cabin above this deck and the noise level didn't subside till well after midnight.
Holland America specifically says DON"T LEAVE TRAYS IN THE HALLWAYS. Check with your cruise line. They all may have different rules. Ask the room service waiter what the policy is on YOUR ship.
Thanks - good point
I think all cruise lines should do the same. It looks so messy to see trays with leftovers.
Ginger candies also help
I’ve heard people say never leave trays in hall! I just don’t know!
Take a picture of all your valuables when you get to room, smart phone, laptop, etc. Save to flash drive and store this in safe.
Why? If stolen they wont compensate and insurance may require these in a safe
LOL. As you thin cabin walls...I was on the Carnival ship,about. 5 years ago,that unfortunately had a woman go overboard. My story is about the temporary lock down of the ship. Our neighbors decided to partake of some afternoon "delight ". Noise travels!! Thanks for great suggestions as always
wait i’m so confused, so did they do that after the woman went overboard?😭
Must suitcase have a lock or you can add one. After you empty it now slide under bed NOW you have a safe place to store your laptop or tablet when not using it.
I always bring Ginger Chews to help with nausea
I wish that helped me. Even OTC remedies like dramamine don't work for me. I have to get my doc to prescribe an Rx patch I wear behind my ear. It lasts 3 days and works wonderfully.
If you want to make your cabin smell awesome, stop in Jamaica and buy some of the coffee or some of the jerk seasoning... But you might stay hungry for the rest of the trip.
I think since Covid bathrobes are the new formalwear
Haha I’m my house for sure!!
Another thing to avoid is flushing the toilet with the lid opened
Eek yes
Put baby oil on a Kleenex to remove even the most stubborn face paint or makeup and also pour a bit of baby oil on a que tip 1 light squeeze excess oil out and use it above the eyelashes and under the bottom eyelash then take a Kleenex and dabb excess oil off lid great trick to get rid of those unsightly globs of makeup