The 12 Most Overrated Cruise Experiences. Says You!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- What are the 12 Most OVER-RATED CRUISE EXPERIENCES, based on what cruisers told me? I asked cruise passengers what they saw as being over rated cruise and cruising experiences. These are the 12 things that regular and experienced cruisers see as not being as good as the hype, or are simply just over rated cruise experiences, including things to do with cabins, upgrades, facilities, entertainment and more
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Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 77 cruises at time of making this video.
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00:00 Start
00:29 Going Up
01:45 Looking Out
02:30 Eating It Up
03:40 Attractive Or Not?
05:10 In Hot Water!
06:01My Own Private Place
07:28 Transfer Me
08:16 Over Treated
09:07 Who Will Buy?
10:15 Drink Anyone?
11:10 In The Eye of The Beholder
11:50 Have A Flutter
Once I sailed in a balcony cabin I didn’t want to go back. I love being able to step out in the fresh air and seeing the view, whatever it may be
Absolutely!
In my mind a balcony cabin is mandatory with the cruise ships getting so big that there is no quiet space on board anywhere.
NBC.
Vista suite if available. Balcony is a must for me. I need that serenity.
Always a balcony
My favorite part of the cruise is having breakfast on the balcony with my daughter in the mornings in our robes. It’s so peaceful, and quite a view. We wouldn’t cruise without a balcony, so for us it’s well-worth it!
Fantastic!
We just discovered ( prior to covid) that princess do included breakfast room service. We never went yo the MDR or buffet again. What a luxury
What is one person’s “overrated” is another person’s “wow I loved that” on the cruise ship. That is why I think that it is nice that there is a variety in the different things that are offered on ships, different types of ships in their appeal, and different destinations to choose from.
Definitely !!!
I agree with you
Always something for everyone in the family, from wild and crazy, to sitting in the shade napping. Each family member/generation can enjoy a cruise together unlike many other holiday trends. We have one rule, meet to dine each evening and share tales of your day.
@@SandyToes75 You all have it DOWN!
I agree. Sometimes you need the security when traveling with kids. Or if u are travelling for the first time.
I'm really surprised onboard photographers didn't make the list
Probably just got forgotten, since barely anybody cares about them :P
I care about them... They're the ones blocking the stairs when I'm trying to get to my dinner reservation.
@@snerdterguson And don't forget them blocking the exit from the ship when everyone's trying to get ashore.
We like the photographers. Since we only cruise about every 18 months our formal nights are special to us and we always hope for professional photos but we don't always get them. When we can't get one we do complain at the end of our trip to the pursers desk.
@@dons123111 I like them - we didn'T see them at MSC - it was a curise in winter - but with NCL we got some amazing pictures.
I'm a balcony and suite cruiser. Everyone has their preferences and we should do what makes our cruise the best experience for you.
Interesting point regarding the suites. We had the pleasure of booking suites on two cruises with our favorite line Azamara. Then their prices launched into the stratosphere, and I could not possibly justify the jump from their "standard" balcony cabin. Perhaps it's different with other lines, but for us, it was purely wasted money that could have been a deposit on a second cruise.
@@davidh9844 Oh I agree with you David. When I am booking any cruise, I check all options for cabins and then decide if I want one so much that I have to give up another cruise later in the season. Only one time did I book something so special that I “lost” a later cruise due to the cost. I can’t say I will never do that again but I surely don’t plan on it.
We’ve been balcony people since our second cruise. On our last cruise, we splurged for a “grand suite” on Royal, and that may have been a mistake, because we really enjoyed the extra space, nicer patio loungers, and specialty breakfast venue. Uh oh!
@@lisawilson7889 You are in trouble now! Hard to go back when you were treated to Royal accommodations.
How much more are suites? I’ve never been on cruise. But I’m planning one now…
I've never really cared for hot tubs.
I guess if I had a private one at my house that would be OK.
But when I see 20 people sitting around in that tepid bubbling water all I can think of:
PEOPLE SOUP!!
So, we always take water test strips to make sure it's safe. So far they have been 100% safe to use. Cruising to us is first and foremost a floating spa to revive the body and soul.
You're basically simmering in very diluted bleach water. Pretty unlikely to catch anything.
Bath with Friends
"People Soup"! I guess there should be cannibals with pins stuck through their noses and cheeks, while their skin is covered with tattoos. They're all standing around the big cauldron, stirring the pot and waiting for the dinner bell to ring for their main course of the day. :-)
I am an eye doctor, my wife is a public health microbiologist. There is a positive correlation between being in a cruise ship hot tub and contracting Nora- Virus.
I always thought I was a balcony forevermore kind of girl...But then a killer deal for a mediterranean cruise came my way in an oceanview, and now I'm a "Whatever way I can cruise" kind of girl! lol
simple rule, if it is being pushed and heavily promoted by the cruise line and the crew, it is over-rated. and if not over-rated then it is definitely over-priced.
Drink packages are already overpriced, like the drinks themselves. I'm trying to recall how much I used to pay for a freshly made strawberry daiquiri back in the '80s that didn't include the souvenir hurricane glass it was served in--less than 5 bucks? That drink is no longer freshly made: it's a pre-mix beverage poured from a gallon jug into those same souvenir glasses or a mason jar mug and it costs 3x as much. I'd rather buy a $5 bottle of Bud Light instead of that daiquiri!
Wines are way overpriced, and you can be tricked into buying a bottle you thought was priced at 48 bucks but when the bill comes, the price turns out to be 3x higher. That situation happened to me aboard the Celebrity Solstice 11 years ago. I was so mad I stormed out of the MDR. I was later mollified by the wine steward who reduced the price over 90 bucks. The lesson I took from that situation was to pre-purchase 3- bottle wine packages that will last during a 2 week sailing: I've already paid for the vino and won't get billed an arm-and-a-leg for it except for the tip for serving it.
So true. Great observation.
@@shepwillner7507 i got a drink package on my last cruise and i really liked it - there’s no way i got enough drinks each day to justify it monetarily but it was awesome not having to think about it (and getting patron, grey goose, jameson, etc) in every one of my drinks
I have to be honest I don’t think I could ever book anything outside a balcony again. I love to wake up grab coffee or room service and just sit out on my balcony watching the water. It a peaceful start and a finish to the day. But to each it’s own 😉
Depends on the size of the balcony! Not every cruise line has adequate Balconies! Two chairs in a closet with sunlight and fresh air is not a balcony!
I always try to get a Balcony AFT for it is great to see the Sunset and enjoy that Bloody Mary in the morning. We have had a Suite but it was in the center of the ship and we felt not as good as the AFT.
@@rgruenhaus Been on almost 100 cruises-mostly inside but balconies too! When I relax,I want a sun bed for reading,dozing,fab! Also to chat to like-minded folk next to me! Balconies small except Suites,etc. No way!
@@rgruenhausit is still fresh air. However small it’s somewhere to sit and watch and listen to the sea and relax. I live to be able to pop out first thing to see where I am and last thing at night. The thought of being inside a room with no fresh air or view is awful
Agree with all but balcony. I’d never go without one. Decks are crowded, no chairs, noisy. Love to sun on my private balcony, eat breakfast in morning and wine at night.
Sorry have to disagree. I can smell a smoker from 50 metres.
@@argonaut816 hmmm. There are designated smoking areas. No smoking allowed on balconies. Never came upon it, and I can smell smoke like you. Sorry you experienced that.
As I mostly cruise with Princess , I know where the smoking areas are. We always book far away and never have a problem. I have upper airway issues so I have to be careful. I also get what I call “hotel throat”, from AC all the time. My own private fresh air access is important.
@@argonaut816 Yup. A big reason why we think balconies are overrated. We couldn't use it because of neighbors that would smoke even though it was against the rules. We just find quiet deck spots other places.
Best part of the day - wake up and step out to the balcony to see sunrise and smell fresh ocean air :)
This is actually why I love cruising so much. There is something for everyone, which is why we can never say anything is over-rated. I am busy and constantly in demand so when I go on vacation, I don't want to schedule things, I want to relax and not be around too many people unless I feel up to it. I'm claustrophobic so an inside cabin is out of the question. I've had ocean view cabins, but once I got a balcony, I spend a good 60% of my time in the cabin. I sat on the balcony reading for several hours.
*Hot Spa Tip:* I love the Spa treatments but HATE the upselling so here's a suggestion. Last time, at the beginning of the session, I mentioned how stressed I was and that I was *"giving this one last chance because the last time the woman kept trying to sell me things, which stressed me out!"* After I said that, the technician didn't try to sell me a single thing for the entire 90 minutes. It. Was. Heaven!!
I don’t think any of it is overrated. All of it depends on someone’s perspective and what they want to experience. You can control your experience by choosing the right ship, right itinerary. You can choose to do or not do anything you want on a cruise.
You're absolutely right. So...i've decided to avoid ALL of those annoyances one can encounter on a cruise...and i've been on several (cruises). My next 'experience' will be a flight to New Orleans to enjoy five nights at a luxury hotel with pool and fine dining. Then...a flight to the Caribbean....San Juan, Puerto Rico, for another ten nights. Again, at a luxury hotel with pool and ocean front beach. Going in August 2021...low season....stock up the fridge with my favourite foods and booze and enjoy the sea view scene from my ocean front room. YOU enjoy the cruise.....
@@brucemarsico6 LOL…..enjoy your trip.
The main reason is cruise line competition.
Exactly! What’s important to one person may not be to another. We’re all different.
Fair point except for the cabin upgrades ?
I'd rather cruise less often than choose an inside or sea view cabin. We spend a lot of time on our balcony/patio at home so it'd feel weird not having a balcony... 😂
Yeah, I used to always get inside rooms, with the idea that we won’t spend much time in the cabin anyways, but once we finally broke down and got a balcony cabin it REALLY changed our cruise, as we spent very little time up on deck, as we preferred o kick back on our balcony as it was almost like having a private cruise.
Me too, as a private person I neeeeed that balcony private time to take in the sea
I like it to just "count the waves" and look for that whale!
@@kjwinston77 or flying 🐟
I love having a balcony, but I wouldn't pass up a cruise if it meant having an inside. 8 out of the 10 I've done have been balconies. Insides do have their advantages though. So cool and dark for that afternoon nap after you've been drinking margaritas in the sun all day. The other cabin a lot of people seem to not want is a lower deck one. Those two cruises we did an interior cabin were also on deck 1. It was amazing on port days. The mad dash headed UP to cabins was skipped for a single flight of stairs down, and conveniently in the reverse for getting off on port days. Really, just about every room on the ship has some advantage to it.
I understand some of the points, but like you completely disagree with balcony being overrated. Its so enjoyable to go out and relax enjoying your own private space. My wife would disown me if I booked otherwise. I like the drink packages because I worry much less about spending on board. I'd rather just pay ahead and relax, not think about every purchase. We also really enjoy the specialty dinning, the food is typically tremendous for the most part. Worth it to us if you have the money.
Same!
The drink package is NOT over-rated. If you drink anything, Specialty Coffee, OJ, Champagne, Bloody Mary's, Wine for dinner, that night cap, Soft drinks, Juices, (Some cruises bottle water, write down what you think you will drink, X2 for each, why? It is going to be hot or you will still drink more when you have it available to you. Drinks are usually $9 or $12. Even Soft drinks are $6 or $8 specialty Coffee's. When figuring it remember the tip will be added on. For each there own but if you get it, no surprises at the end.
@@kjwinston77 I agree. My huz and I aren't drinkers but we got lots of iced drinks and that made it worth while.
@@kjwinston77 I totally agree, you don't even have to be a big drinker to make the drink package worth it, people just do it wrong. You can make up the drink package by just trying things. I feel so reserved whenever I'm on a cruise without the drink package, but when I buy it, I just get whatever I want. If I want to try a cocktail or something I've never heard of, if I don't like it, it doesn't matter. Instead of getting whatever juice they're offering on the Lido deck, I get the specialty juices which are generally better and more varied. I'm a big coffee drinker, so getting specialty coffee drinks is always fun. It's such a stress-free way to enjoy a cruise.
Thanks for video. so to summarize- the constant “upsell” is the issue. Cruising used to be seen as a relaxing experience and one could pay one price. It appears stress now comes from trying to NOT spent too much. I understand once one ship has something new ( art gallery, slides, fancy casinos, etc.) others need to get them. Smaller ships prob have less opportunities to spend more than larger which may be good.
All those upsell things are highly profitable, the cruise lines make a *LOT* of money from them. So the profit they make from upselling things to the typical passenger is built into the fare, which is cheaper than it would be if they didn't expect to make extra money from art auctions, gambling, stuff bought at the spa, etc.
Therefore, while I don't ever use any of them (unless I score a free basic drinks package), I like that those things are on board, as my cruise fare is cheaper because they expect to upsell things to more impulsive passengers.
@@Dave_Sisson that's a really good point!
This is why we went from RCL to Celebrity. More relaxing and it felt like a cruise not an Activity driven machine.
I agree with you. The upselling starts as soon as you board the ship with questions about whether you want to upgrade your drink package to the Premium level, photo packages, internet packages, casino chips and slots packages, wine packages; specialty restaurant visits; spa visits; and other upgrades. The trick you need to be able to perform is resisting these efforts to get you to spend more money on whatever you're already spent to enhance your cruise. Not easy, especially if I'm a single guy who has an eye for pretty ladies making a persuasive case for an upsell on photo packages, drink packages, or specialty restaurant deals.
I have a theme that I would like you to do a video of. I know that most of your video's focus on the good things, but since you have been on so many cruises: what was the: worst buffet, the worst speciality dining, the most over rated excursion, the most over-priced experience, the worst bed/sleeping experience, the worst show/entertainment (commediens who was not funny, WestEnd Musical with dancers who could not dance...), the most UNDER-wealming experience on any cruise you have done?
I wish they would put the libraries back and have more covered seating on the decks. I love being outside but can't take the sun beating on me.
If you go on a nice ship with a walk around promenade deck, they are covered by the deck above coming out over and life boats.
@@chriswilliams6568 but there are no chairs there usually.
@@kimpulsipher647 oh, we have often sat out on decks on a Princess ship, I can’t remember about Celebrity.
Cunard Queen Mary 2 ; loungers on deck 7 under the lifeboats and a library 😊
And not only the libraries, the book shelves should be filled with books purchased from book stores where the ships make their home ports. Those book shelves should also be filled with DVDs; game cartridges; and other things, e.g., writing materials such as post cards, tablets, journals, and pens for writing on these items. I also agree about having more covered areas on the pool and higher open decks to avoid overexposure to the sun's rays. As people get older, their skin becomes less able to absorb UVA and UVB rays, and if you're not protected with sun screen lotion, you can get a painful sunburn. I've had many sunburns in my life, and most of them have happened on Caribbean cruises to teach me something important: get the heck out of the sun and into the shade to avoid getting burned.
It seems like the cruise line's private island would be a great place to house the big resort stuff that they use to get people excited to book with them without having to sacrifice that space on board the ship.
My wife and I upgraded to a Princess mini-suite on our first cruise because the price difference was only a couple hundred dollars. The difference between that cabin and the inner, ocean view, and balcony cabins is well worth the cost when you consider the extra space you get particularly with regard to the bathroom and closet.
My first cruise was in a balcony cabin as it was our honeymoon, and we loved it, so we’ve never booked anything else.
Being a dedicated Cunarder I am used to a different experience so some of these things never even come into play. I agree that I like my balcony stateroom and also being a teetotaler the drinks package has limited appeal - give me one specializing in coffees, teas and cocoas and I would be more receptive.
A specialty tea package…..please!
We love the balcony cabins and won't cruise if we can't get one. We love being able to just sit quietly together and get fresh air and look out over the water on sea days. When we went to Alaska, our balcony was actually on the very back of the ship. Yes, there was noise, but it wasn't horrible and we got to see the glaciers on both sides, just a few minutes later than everyone else.
Agreed. I have spent dozens of hours looking for flying fish or, more accurately, meditating about flying fish. Having breakfast on our balcony is one of the best parts of cruising.
I get so seasick that I’ve asked to be changed from a suite to an ocean view. I tried the looking at the horizon as it’s recommended and that made me feel worst cause the water movement made me more dizzy.
I got upgraded to a balcony on my Alaska cruise, and I literally never used it. I went up to the top deck instead to see the scenery.
@@user73958 I get what you are saying, but why not do both? You can hang out in your jammies on your own balcony and have breakfast. (Ok maybe not in alaska) but that is what we do on tropical destinations. then you can go up on deck later.
I've been on only one cruise, to Alaska. We had a balcony, and we felt it was well worth it. We were out there all the time, we loved it.
I love on-board casinos and drinks packages. I never actually use them, I just appreciate that they are massive profit centers that effectively subsidize the rest of the ship.
I also love both of these packages because I know I'll use them, especially onboard casinos--my escape from dark, overcrowded disco dance floors.
Only a couple of my adult children will get a drinks package. It is nice because they will buy the wine at dinner because of the discount. You need to really drink a lot to make it worth it. My husband and I have never visited the casino or purchased the drinks packages. We’ve only cruised Princess (20 cruises) and we really like the mix of clientele (families, young people, old folks (of which we are)). We would cruise even if there were no island stops. We love sea days. But we do love Princess’s private island. It is undeveloped, minimal shopping, great place for nature walks.
Balcony all the way. I use it all the time. I also used the thermal spa part of the spa daily ( the hydro pools etc) but didn’t get any extra treatments. The thermal spa pass was worth it for me.
My wife and I were planning on buying a drinks package on one of our 12 day cruises and it was going to cost $1800 Australian. We ended up adding up our total drinks over the time on board and it came to only $750 for the both of us, and we didn't hold back on the amount or the quality of the beverages.
I like balconies, but if I had to travel inside cabins to afford cruising I would. You can always find a quiet corner on a ship to watch the water go by.
I get the absolute best sleep in an inside cabin!! Completely pitch black and the gentle waves rock you right to sleep
We had an inside cabin on the newly-launched Solstice and we loved it. Bigger because of it's odd shape. SO restful, quiet and pitch dark. Our favorite 'new' ship still, with plenty of deck space to enjoy the outdoors.
Like either an inside or an balcony cabin. 1st cruise I took we had a balcony cabin and we were spoiled from that day on. But we did try an inside cabin once. We were with a group of friends, they booked the cabins, and it was a pleasant experience. I had the best sleep of my life, being rocked by the waves, and in total darkness. Also, made new friends. Either cabin is good for me. I think it's a matter of what you want to spend your money on. Keep up the great work Gary!
@@Kittie28 Although I prefer a balcony cabin, I can see how people with sleep issues would benefit from an inside cabin.
I love your channel, you are so thorough and thoughtful! I would not do any upgrade...I like to pick everything about my cabin and do not want to change it. I LOVE having the balcony, it's actually my favorite place on the ship. Enjoying the ocean from the decks is usualy too crowded and noisy and loaded with reserved chairs...very bad. I am not interested in specialty dining--the main dining room is great for me! On my last cruise I cruised alone and was assigned to a table with lots of other singles. We like our combradery and the specialty dining would interrupt that...plus why pay more, the dining room food is delicious! I wouldn't want to have all the water slides and stuff taken away, so many young people like them, but I have no use for them myself. I am clastaphobic inside those closed water-filled tubes! Regarding private islands, I would rather stop at a real country's port. However, if I lived in southern Florida (which I don't), I would like those weekend cruises from Miami that JUST go the private islands. That could be something I would do as another fun thing, not be part of a bigger cruise. I am bored by shopping and especially dislike the art auctions. The spas are a waste of time and money. I can do that at home, why waste doing that when on a ship! The drinks packages, I can't fathom them! I will drink two liquor drinks a day and wine at dinner. What do people use with those huge packages--get a liquor drink once an hour? I want to experience my cruise, not be drunk all day! Regarding the casinos, I am not really a gambler, but when I visit my brother and his wife wife live in Las Vegas, when I visit them, we will go play then. Better ods in Vegas than on a ship. Something I miss that I thought every ship SHOULD have is an expert talking about some of the designations. Maybe the last few cruises I was on that did not have this was an anomaly, but that would NOT be someting overrated for me! What I enjoy on the cruises is being on the ships themselves, leaving and arriving in port, meeting new people, the great food, trying out various bars, relaxing on the balcony, swimming in every pool, exploring ports, the shows, dirty comedies, some of the music groups, and dancing the night away! Oh, and simply walking and walking and walking all around all the decks, exploring every inch of the ship. Looking out to sea and seeing other ships in the distance, or at a neighboring slip at a port. I'm crazy for cruise ships just for themselves!
I like Balconies, cruise ships are busy and its important to me to have a private outdoor space to relax when I want to be away from the action.
Totally agree with spas and casinos, these are things I can do at home for a fraction of the cost/much more favorable rules.
Same about the balcony! I got my husband hooked on balconies on his first cruise! I don't think he'd be happy with an inside stateroom!
I'm the same as you both, only ever did a balcony, everyone says save money and get inside and cruise more, but I have a greater ability to cover the cost of a balcony then I have time to cruise more often. My next cruise is all port days, so I am trying out an Oceanview, but my cruise after that is back to a balcony.
Balcony is NOT overrated! Why would someone think an inside cabin is just as good? Only for travelers that are NEVER in their room.
You answered your own question. I’m never in the room other than sleeping and bathing, so I’d rather get the cheaper inside cabin.
I literally am never in my room except for a quick change so I don't get balcony rooms myself. If I wanted to stay in my bedroom on a vacation, I would stay home.
People with inside cabins are never in their room. Ehy? Because there is nothing to do in an inside cabin. A balcony? That's heaven!
I stayed in an oceanview cabin on my most recent cruise and loved it. Words can't fully express how much joy I got from seeing the turquoise water of the Caribbean through that window. Now, I don't think I can ever go back to an inside cabin.
I go with a balcony. Love that cup of coffee at sunrise and sometimes a nightcap.
Before I ever took my first cruise ever I saw those commercials with adults sliding down those chutes to the pool. Well. let me tell you, I was in superb shape and got into one of those enclosed slides to the pool and, guess what? I was stuck. Just a trickle of water going through. Tried moving every way possible. Forced myself to finally reach the end and everyone let out a big cheer with applause. Never again!
I would be claustrophobic in those tunnels, especially if like you, one did not slide along.
The drink package isn't bad but if one person drinks a lot and the other does not drink hardly at all, it's very wasteful because ships like Carnival make EVERYONE in the same room buy it.
Being honest, I have booked a balcony for the first time intentionally for a upcoming 2 week cruise this Nov solely because of Covid. My thought is if we get stuck out at sea or contained to my room I wanted more room/view & more natural light so I wouldn't feel trapped or enclosed. I've cruised 5 other times; 2 inside, 2 windows, and 1 balcony (that my roommate upgraded us to), and I had no problems with any but my favorite had to be the handicapped with port window, BIGGEST BATHROOM EVER!! But I was with someone that needed it. The balcony we had it was fun to watch the last minutes peir runners and as we woke up early on our return day we saw that, but if it wasn't for covid I'd still be happy with the other more economical options.
The only problem with your Covid plan is that most ships don’t confine you to your own cabin. They have a designated quarantine area and move you to a cabin there.
@@gaymoravec382, oh I'm aware. I was thinking more along the lines of stuck at sea, not able to go into port, etc. Like the Princess (?) ship that couldn't dock back when Covid started. Worse case scenario I know, but JIC
If I got Covid, which I already had before & I was stuck in bed for 4-5 days straight and don't remember mich about it really , I figured they'd quarantine me like you said or get me odd the ship so that wasn't actually a factor.
I love balconies. Sitting there to read, relax, talk when looking for some solitude. At night to watch the sky. We will always get a balcony.
If we didn't have the drink package my wife would drag me to the art auction and jewelry showcase for the "free" drink and that route would cost thousands more than a drink package.
I think it depends on the age range of the cruise population
I don't care about roller coasters etc.
Since so many things can interrupt any of these “optional” activities (even excursions) I really appreciate things like the water slides, go-carts, virtual reality, and any other fun things on the ship or at excursions. I’m 55 (forced to retire) and am glad for anything they do!
Avoiding large ships = avoiding the problems in this video.
Amen. I want to cruise not go to Disneyland.
For us the drink package worked out well for us. At $13 a drink it was easy to hit the $52 per person mark each day. We are wine and cocktail drinkers. If you just drink beer, I could see it not being worth it.
I've never been able to figure out why cruise ships are into art auctions. I never EVER look at the art that's available on the ship and wish the space was utilized for other ventures. Also, I will not cruise on a ship with race car tracks and wild ride simulators. They are for the very young, and, for me, cruising is about relaxing and getting away from all the stress and noise. Also, nothing is nicer than having a cabin with a balcony to enjoy breakfast in the morning, or a cocktail late in the evening!
I’ve never seen much interest full stop in any art auction. And certainly Europeans, Australians and Asia’s laugh at them.
Why? The ships make a fortune on the art auctions. The art auction manager is one of the highest earners on the ship. You can make 6 figures. The art department is actually run by Park West on the ships. They aren't even our employees. I have seen people buy $30,000 in art.
@@burningblue1254 To add to that the artist is appealing to a specific audience. If you go to Sandals hotels you can purchase artwork from them too.
@@PristineMindset I don't make judgements on what people spend their money on. I have seen people buy $30,000 worth of art and drop $25,000 on jewelry.
Why do you think lines have art auctions?
I love the private islands. We've been on a few Caribbean cruises, so now we often just like to relax on one of their beautiful white sandy beaches. I like the fact that we can walk right off the ship to a beautiful white sandy beach without having to make any transportation arrangements. Your meals are all included too! It's always one of our favorite days!
I couldn't agree more! Half Moon Cay for Holland America is the vacation destination of my dreams!
I realize that your comments are based for the broad range of cruise passengers who travel on very large ships with a myriad of attractions. Having traveled on the larger ships, my wife and I prefer the smaller ships like Regent, Seaborne and Oceania that are more all inclusive and generally are not designed for families with children. Of course these cruise lines are much more expensive and don’t have the large amusement attractions that larger ships feature. Personally, we’d always want a room with a balcony in the quiet areas of the ship that you’ve highlighted.
My wife and I will be going on our first cruises with Celebrity Equinox in mid October to the ABC Islands and Oceania Vista on December 30th to the Caribbean as well.
We did a A1 Aqua Class balcony cabin on deck 11 mid ship with Celebrity and a PH1 Penthouse Suite on Oceania also on deck 11 mid ship as well to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
I take it you have been on these two lines before? Your comments relflect why my wife and I at 56 chose these two cruise lines to sail with here in 2023.
I never understand why people shop on vacation. It's my most hated chore. It's like having a toilet scrubbing excursion.
Always a balcony! Just so nice to get up in the morning and sit out there or before you go to bed, spending some time with just you and the ocean!
Having discovered balcony cabins on our last cruise, we will never again book anything less. Also on our last cruise, we visited a private island for the first time, and found it pleasant, but hardly something to write home about. Totally agree that the spa and drinks package are overrated - and a ripoff to boot. Most of the other items on your list are a matter of personal preference - what cruise line one chooses, and what activities one does once on board. Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware.
I agree that Spa treatments are outrageously priced, but my hubby always pays for a pass to the steam rooms, he loves them. Usually around $199 for a 2 week cruise. Then he can go anytime, need to get the pass as soon as you board, as they limit the number.
Spa treatments are over priced (except on port days) but idk how anyone cruises without the drink package. My wife and I prob save at least $500 getting the package than if we just paid for each drink individually
For many cruises I refused to get a balcony for these reasons, but then I got a special fare on a San Diego to Vancouver repositioning and now I'm not likely to go back to an outside or inside. Like others have said, sitting on the balcony in robes drinking a glass of wine, listening to the ocean... breakfast..... really can't be beat.
I'd like to go on an astronomy cruise. Big telescope in the middle of the ocean with no light pollution. As long as we dont hit an iceberg during a scintillating night.
The speciality dining offers a smaller, more intimate dining experience which can be nice, but typically the main dining room food is quite good, so the up charge seems a bit of a waste.
I enjoy the days the ship visits their private island, because I never go ashore there. People who stay onboard have the run of the ship, nothing is crowded, and you can do anything you please without a line or a wait.
The go carts and water slides seem to be on ships that cater to families and young adults. I try to avoid those ships altogether.
A balcony is essential. Starting the day on the balcony with coffee, or just occasionally escaping the crowds on your own balcony is wonderful.
I would find it impossible to drink enough every day to come close to having the drinks package make financial sense.
As for the spa, as you indicated they push other products and services, and if you get a massage or other treatment early in the cruise, you will be berated with daily marketing attempts to draw you back for the rest of the cruise.
Shopping, art auctions and the casino offer no attraction to me whatsoever.
I never buy at the art auctions but i do attend a couple of times as I like to learn about art and the artists, lots to learn from these folk.
I don't bother with massages for precisely the reason you mention: the constant pitches for overpriced creams and lotions you won't use when you get home. I don't bother attending art auctions because one has to be able to discern whether a work of art is worth its weight in your suitcase, and I don't like Champagne. I stopped playing bingo because the people who play this game are usually the ones who do this at their retirement homes: they're the ones who have huge numbers of cards at their places, at the ready to win the games. I stopped going ashore at private island visits because they're PITAs with queues for food I prefer not to eat in the open air, e.g., BBQ chicken, ribs, mac 'n cheese, etc. So, like you, I stay aboard and relax in a nice lounger or at a table in the shade where I can sit and do my adult coloring book or write my memoirs or the cruise ship review for Cruise Critic. When the time comes for lunch, I'll gather up my belongings and head in to the uncrowded buffet line. After eating, I can return to another table near the pool to continue what I was doing before I got the hunger pangs.
I agree with all of these except, like you Gary, I really enjoy a balcony. I really appreciate the more classic, simple type of cruising, being at sea, good food, good service, good entertainment.
Agree, as you know - balcony it has to be :-)
Must have: balcony, concierge class, room service. Don’t need: water slides/roller coasters, midnight buffet, or art auctions.
Love a balcony room! Sometimes you just want a quite relaxing space to soak up the cruise experience & listen to the sea. Feel cruise resorts are pushed way too much, personally I don’t want a Caribbean Blackpool. I’m sure lots will disagree.😂🛳
Well I for one fully agree with you.
I agree with you!
I love balcony cabins. Really enjoy having my coffee and light breakfast out there. Find myself out on the balcony almost anytime we are in the cabin.
I love balcony cabins! Whether or not I stay in one depends on how much they cost compared to an inside cabin, but I absolutely love them and use them every day! Nothing like having your morning coffee delivered to your cabin and then sitting on the balcony for an hour or so before starting your day.
Have only cruised once with a balcony. That was such a delight. I loved sitting out, watching the sea and the horizon without crowds. Very peaceful. But I’d agree with the rest.
As a person with severe claustrophobia I was very ill when I booked my first cruise in an inside cabin. No sleep and the noise was horrible. Bathroom was a nightmare. Never again. Hope to save up and get a balcony that will be worth it.
I too am claustrophobic and our first cruise (our honeymoon) we had an inside cabin. Only happened the once even though it didn’t affect my claustrophobia, I just wasn’t born to be a vole or mole. I didn’t like always having to have the light on. I will tell you, you will love a balcony cabin, we use ours a lot when we cruise.
Ever since I saw that scene in "The Life of Brian" where he wakes up, goes to the balcony, and enjoys the Sun and fresh air, I am hooked on a room with a balcony.
You do enjoy a little exposure!
I don't honestly see the point of cruising if you're not going to have a balcony. You may as well just stay at a hotel on land and fly to your ports of call. As for dining, I do think some lines push the specialty dining a bit too much but my wife and I do eat at specialty restaurants once or twice per cruise. It's a lot less hectic, usually a lot more intimate and romantic and *can* be a lot higher quality food. I've never complained about the food in any main dining room but the food in the specialty restaurants is often as good and as creative as you'll find in the best restaurants in a big city, and you'll often get a view and usually a lot more personal service in the bargain. Not worth doing every night but for a special treat, sure.
We were offered an upgrade to a suite on a long Asian cruise....there were 3 of us traveling so the cost was spread over 15 days and 3 people....sooo worth it. Came with lots of bells and whistles...best $$ we spent on a cruise.
It seems a lot of things that are considered "over-rated" are based on cost and budget. Balconys, suites are a good example. To me, most things that are available to me on land (food, shops, spas, gambling, bars/booze etc) are all over rated and are extraneous to a cruise ship. WHAT appeals to me, is the entertainment! It's difficult to find piano bar, dance club, Karaoke, production/Broadway shows, comedians, ALL in one place at no charge! I like being able to avail myself of of a few drinks and not worry about DUIs. A bed is a bed, food is food, watching the Sun come up or set from a cruise ship is priceless.
The greatest feeling is having the balcony door open a bit while laying back in bed and hearing the waves and feeling the sea breeze come in, also the smell
I sat through 2 hrs of a champagne art auction one time and never again! I even won the final raffle for "a valuable, fine piece of art". I had to make an appointment to go to the sales office and the wonderful piece of art was my choice of three small framed prints. The three prints were very unremarkable and would not even fit in the decor of my home. I finally chose one only to find out that I could not take that item. I had to have a rolled-up copy emailed to me from the Dallas warehouse for $35. I was Furious! So I told them they could keep their lousy piece of artwork. I will never go to one of those again. And, the champagne was really terrible. What an awful experience.
Sorry, I meant "mailed" to me. This was on Princess.
Agree… Art auction onboard is a complete ripoff. My unopposed $90 bid for a print turned into $400 with all the auctioneer fees, frame, shipping and certificate! Then after a few years, the print has turned a blue tint from slight sun exposure in our family room. A complete scam!!! I am still angry that I fell for it.
Private islands are my favorite! They provide food and drink, they only include the people on your ship so no crowds from 3 or 4 other cruise ships getting to port at the same time along with locals, and most include an adults only area, so even more of a bonus. And as for specialty dining....Palo Brunch on DCL is 100% worth it every time. The rest I can take or leave.
And I don't like them because I feel they are a money making machine for the cruise line Lol!
I like the private islands! It's no different than going to those "manufactured" ports (Costa Maya, Belize City, Falmouth, etc.). It's a good way to get off the ship and have a relaxing beach day without having to really go anywhere. What I don't like is not having the drink package apply on the island (Half Moon Cay). That is a rip-off!
I love the private islands that I have been to - they're beautiful, clean, safe, easily accessible from the ship, full of amenities for guests, and overall tons of fun!
I only went on one cruise (March 2020 before lockdown, phew!) and that balcony was SO WONDERFUL for me/us, and I will ALWAYS get one in the future. To open it in the morning, fresh air, is so nice, and I loved stepping out to see us to see any views. Highly recommend!
Thank you for this Gary. We booked our Princess Cruise through Priceline and choose our room, Emerald deck, midship. It’s now about two weeks before we sail and we were “upgraded” to Aloha deck in the very front of the ship. OH NO. That room is awful. We have friends that had that room and we know we don’t want it. We had to call our Priceline Travel Agent agent
and have them call Princess to change us back to Emerald deck, midship. We called Princess first but they couldn’t help us. They told us we had to go through our Travel Agent. Princess made the room change but they couldn’t change it back? Does that make sense?
Gary, We love your videos.
Hi. Yes, this happens. But to ensure it doesn’t when booking ask / make sure whoever you booking through ticks the box saying you refuse auto-upgrade. If not then lines can upgrade you without asking / offering it. Good point I need to stress more in my videos. Hope you got changed back all ok
We’ll, to each their own, personally I would never not have a balcony but could care less to even get off the ship at the private islands!
I think you mean "couldn't care less" meaning you do not care the most.
The shops on board, at least on NCL, were actually pretty nice. There were certainly overpriced items, but there were also some really nice sales where I got a few t shirts for $5 each. Definitely comes in handy if you're planning on bringing back gets to your workplace or friends and don't have tons to spend.
Great video and information! Thank you! Your videos are a ‘must see’ for any person that is going on a cruise. Your present jobs are clear and concise to the point!
Agree with balcony. I wind up paying $600+ extra and all I do is hang wet towels/swimsuits on the chairs. Disagree w private islands. Not interested in culture or history. I’m there for the pools, beaches, and bars. 😎
I can't believe it but I agree 100% with ALL of your items. A lot of people think differently about balconies, but only 1 trip (Mediterranean) was even close to being worth it. Any other time, especially in the Caribbean, I've found it a waste of money. The only reason then that I booked one was to avoid the dreaded bed under the window layout.
I love this channel and the format and information, it's so fun to watch! Thank you for making these videos.
I have heard a couple of times now that drinks packages are overrated, and honestly the thing I regretted the most about a cruise a few years ago was NOT buying the drinks package.
I did the math before going and figured it would be cheaper to just buy as I went considering there were a number of port days and that we were neither heavy drinkers nor top shelf drinkers. 6 drinks per day seemed like way too many. But wooee, they added up so quickly! I may not have taken into account that the vacation mindset is a little different than here on land and it's nice to have things like a mimosa with breakfast and a cocktail while meandering on the deck. We cruised with another couple who bought the drinks package, and at the end of the cruise we owed double the amount they paid for their drinks package PLUS we had to tip while they did not! I was shocked. We had right around 5-6 drinks per day and were never more than a just a little buzzed during the whole cruise. So while I understand it certainly wouldn't seem worth it for non-drinkers, the drink package looked like a darn good deal after our trip!
Yes, you do have many videos and I really appreciate and enjoy them. Thank you.
We, (my husband, daughter and 3-year-old grandson), just returned from a 4-night, (itinerary was changed due to Covid restrictions but we managed), cruise on the Disney “Wonder”. We embarked and returned to San Diego. My daughter and I have cruised a couple of times before this one. This one was the first for my husband and, of course, my grandson. As a pretty novice cruiser I realize I don’t have a lot of experience; however, since my first cruise a balcony is a must. Like you sitting out there with morning coffee or afternoon tea or cocktail is one of the best experiences.
I look forward to you videos. Again. Thank you
Agree! Great to hear you enjoyed Disney. I’m looking forward to my trip on them next year
I've always heard that once you stay in a Balcony cabin you will never go back to an interior cabin. That is true for me. I love watch the ocean from my room.
Me too
Agreed!
To me, a balcony experience depends a lot on who is occupying the cabins on either side of you. I've had balcony cabins where I can't really enjoy being on them because my neighbors are on the balcony all the time, yakking and yakking. I was on a two-week cruise once where the people next to us were ALWAYS on their balcony when we went on ours--and the guy tended to WHISTLE. Seriously. Try to enjoy a sunset (or sunrise) while listening to bad whistling.
If I had a whistler next to me he’d have gone overboard 🤣🤣
LOL anyone saying balcony cabins are over rated hasn't been in one...it's that simple. There's nothing better on the cruise-ship than a private area right on the water for night time cocktails, dinner, or even a daytime retreat from the crowds during at sea days. The balcony cabins are an absolute must have in my opinion after several cruises...I won't even consider a cruise without one.
It all comes down to choices.
I love the spa for massages and facials but I prevent the hard sell (which totally ruins it), by tipping cash as soon as I enter the room and tell them not to do it. They are obligated to give me a card, but they just give it to me when I sign the bill and they never say a word!
For us, always a balcony.
We don’t partake on certain activities, but enjoy watching people doing it all.
The MDR can offer a lot, but certain areas are crowded, rushing staff, and very noisy….and they upcharge if you want to order a steak, certain seafood and other items. So the specialty dining is a good option.
Again you mentioned the Drink Package negatively. It’s more than liqueur, as we enjoy fresh squeezed Orange juice, specialty coffee, and we get lots of bottled water. Plus, we order alcoholic drinks we never tried, and no issues if we don’t care for it and get another type…same for wine with dinner. As for us, it’s worth it. It’s much more than liquor!!!!
Hot tubs aren’t my thing, but many enjoy it.
Private islands can be wonderful. They ships stop in other places too. Just to get a chair, sit on the beach, swim in the ocean or the pool, get a lunch, take a walk down a quiet path.
For others,they enjoy all the offered activities.
And as a final note, when people are asked what they don’t like, they will be honest, but you also need to have the comparison of what they do like.
For many, it’s what is affordable, and that’s fine.
A balcony issssss A MUST!!!❤❤
I’m an inside cabin . I prefer the total darkness and quiet to sleep. I appreciate the cruise lines that the overhead is silenced .
If food is already paid for, eating at a restaurant would end up causing you to pay double for your meals. I thought the cruise lines pride themselves on there good food. Now I'm confused. I just want a ticket across the ocean in a nice comfy boat with no screaming and decent people to talk to.
Have fun
I like doing the excursions with the transfer so that I can spend some time in the place where we depart as opposed to just getting on the plane and leaving. I usually prebook my Shore excursions and often start with first pre booking the excursion for after the trip. I have a trip coming up this spring where I'm planning to take the transfer excursion to the airport and since I'm on a back to back trip I'm then going to take the airport shuttle back to the ship. I agree with you on the other items that you listed but some of those items helps make the cruise cheaper for those of us who don't get into that sort of thing like the drinks and the gambling and such. I prefer to go on ships the don't have all that amusement ride stuff all over the deck because I feel like we are having to pay for that stuff even when we don't use it besides the fact that it takes up space. I prefer cruise ships that look like ships and not like a box on a barge with tubes sticking out all over it.
That's all good planning ahead for things and experiences you want to do.
After 5 cruises with balconies, tried inside one on a 14-day New England/ Canada cruise in 2015. My sister and I had a great time and saved ton of money. We would never have gone at all if we had to pay for a balcony. Loved the longer cruise, you really get to relax. 7 days is too short because days 1 and 7 are travel days, so you only have 5 days not thinking about all those pesky details.
A lot of these are just old VS young cruisers preferences
Hold up… I vehemently disagree with the upper deck activities being unnecessary. The most fun I’ve EVER had at sea was skydiving on the Odyssey. There is a cruise line providing appropriate activities for everyone. One should choose their cruise line accordingly
How does that work? Do they have a helicopter at the top of the ship or is it an indoor skydiving type of thing?
We are getting a balcony. Room is still small but I don’t mind ,for having even a little balcony area!
P&O had a special on too..pay for a window room and get a balcony
one persons over rated experience is another persons must have.
Would never not have a balcony room. Sometimes you want to be outside, but not around people.
Had a balcony cabin once, spouse decided to head down to the sports bar to watch football. I stayed on the balcony reading. Sometime later needed to use the facilities but the balcony door had jammed and couldn’t access the cabin. Fortunately for me there wasn’t any football and the husband returned and we were able to avoid an accident.
I wasn’t planning on going cruising anytime soon but I found out about your channel during the pandemic and I still can’t stop watching. I am a mother of a hyperactive kid and we don’t even have the money yet to go on holiday but I love your channel and I now know everything there is to know about cruising thanks to you :) I’m totally hooked on the research and dreaming part of cruising now. Keep up the good work and thank you for making my lock down days so enjoyable.
PS: We are saving to go on a Mediterranean Cruise with my husband (in about 5 years!) and we will dedicate that trip to you :)
Good luck with saving for your first cruise. Our grandson in Seattle has really bad ADHD, so I know what you must go thru. Very difficult, mu heart goes out to you. Take care.
I love a balcony. Every time we think of trying an ocean view, we can’t do it. Always a balcony. We’re excited to try the aft balcony this time.
Hopefully the pandemic was (is) a once in a century thing, but I do wonder if it's changed people's views on balconies? We are balcony lovers; in fact on our last cruise (Nov 2018) we did nothing on board the ship but sit on the balcony reading, writing and (for my husband) studying. It was wonderful! But yes, the thought of being quarantined in your cabin with no access to fresh air would fill me with dread.
I don't like it when people say things are overrated. These are personal preferences. What I like and you like can be totally different but that doesn't mean you or I are wrong.
I got a balcony cabin on a Disney Cruise, and it was a really large one towards the back of the ship.
Total time balcony was used in a week , between my kids, Wife, and myself.....
About 10 minutes.
Never booked one again.
We like to be on the ooen deck when approaching a port, and when looking at our surroundings.
We didn't like the limitation a a balcony cabin.
We cruise on Disney exclusively, so far.
No casinos. I like it that way. You can lose a lot of money gambling.
They do have bingo, which I enjoy playing, but I can figure that into the cost of the cruise. I have a general idea of the cost. hen I do gamble, I set an amount and once I’ve lost that I’m done.
Bingo lasts longer and is a lot more fun.
We just love balconies and would not cruise without them, and would NEVER have an inside cabin even if they are much cheaper. We also much prefer specialty dining to the main dining area which we very rarely use. But mostly we use the buffet/lido in the evening with a great choice of food and it’s always quiet at that time.
Not everything is about money,! Being that I get seasick a balcony makes me feel worst. Trust me I’ve had to ask to be put in a lower category and I traded as it was a summer cruise and there were no ocean views or inside cabins on the middle toward the bottom of the ship but I found a nice stranger who was traveling with her sister who exchanged rooms. I was willing to get off on the next port if I couldn’t find a room that wouldn’t make me feel so sick.
YES!!!! CROSS SELLING in the Spa! I'm a HUGE Spa fan and I HATE when I'm on the cruise and they HOUND ME to buy products. It actually totally turns me off to going to the Spa, which is a shame. I would go to the Spa much more often if I didn't get seriously PRESSURED to buy products!
I've been cruising for several years now and love it! I always get a balcony room or I won't go...whatever the cost! That's really my theme when I cruise... if you like it... spend the money and do it! You're on vacation and if it feels good and makes you smile... go for it. I do not go on ships that attract families. I stick to adult style cruises like Celebrity and I spend my money on dinning, gambling, drinking, excursions...all of the things I enjoy...because that's what being on vacation is all about!
The thing you have to remember with an upgrade is that you'll be getting a cabin no one else wanted. If it's an upgrade to a balcony or suite, I will consider it.
I do like a balcony, as I like being able to get a little fresh air without going out on deck. I don't know that I use it enough to justify the price though.
I don't pay extra for specialty dining, because I don't want to pay extra for a meal I've already bought with the cruise fare.
I don't care about the resort attractions, but they do use space that could be used for something else.
I haven't used a hot tub on a cruise for a long time. They're always either closed down or too crowded.
The islands don't do much for me. I'm not into the watersports and I can drink at the bar on the ship.
I can take or leave the transfers.
I have used the spa exactly once in 23 cruises. Not worth it for me. I can get the same at home for less.
Shopping is just another excuse for them to take my money. I understand the vendors need the income, but leave me alone!
I don't drink that much, so it's not worth the money. Now, if it's a perk, no problem.
I have no interest in the art auctions.
I have done the casino from time to time, but don't really enjoy throwing money away in a smoky room.
Our cruise stopped in Cozumel in December, wouldn’t you know a cold front blew through and it got cold, rainy and windy there. Excursions were cancelled. We were glad to get back on the ship and get in the hot tub, and it was nice to be warm and bubbly while the weather was crummy on the other side of the hot tub windows.
I’ve never been in a balcony cabin but I would get one based on where the cruise is going to. I agree with choosing your own cabin too. I am a light sleeper and need a quiet cabin.
I've cruised twice, once in a balcony cabin and one without a balcony. For the most part, I didn't care about the difference because I basically was only there when I was asleep. But the balcony did allow for an open door which, on sea days especially, made for a refreshing nights sleep. I noticed on my second cruise (no balcony) that the AC would turn itself off before I was able to fall asleep, which would lead to me being up later due to the Caribbean heat.