That's easy for a man to say. Men don't seem to care as much about what they look like. I tend to overpack but that's part of bringing those awesome clothes I don't have the opportunity to wear sitting at home.
My sister was just telling that she fell at one of the port stops, on the cruise she just got back from! She was so glad that she took your advice about travel insurance, travel insurance, travel insurance! She said, “it happened so fast!” Thanks Don
I'm just the opposite. Currently on Carnival Spirit and its been great. Always avoid the slow elevators. I take stairs even for deck 2 to deck 9. Its great exercise.
Understand the difference between travel insurance for medical and for things like cruise and airfare. Read the policy. You'll quickly learn that it's almost impossible to collect. I use one of those cube-like power adapters with US, UK, EU, and AUS settings. It's been great, both for pre-cruise hotel rooms and plugging into the power socket on the ship. With four USB outlets, it handles my decides nicely.
My wife and I have been traveling for 4 decades with just carry-on size backpacks. Especially in Europe, it's just much easier than suitcases. Now that we're in our 70s I did buy 2 TravelPro roller bags (still carryon size) for cruises. Especially on cruises, with either laundromats on the ship or paying for the ship to do laundry (or even better, free laundry once you hit that magical level of the rewards program) there's little to no reason to have more. Except... we have a 94 day cruise coming up shortly, and so I did buy a checked size roller bag for that trip. But it's doubtful we'll use it very often.
Also I prefer sleeping in inside cabins, super dark and usually quiet. I'm also willing to bet most people don't go on a cruise to spend all their time in a cabin
We go on a (usually) yearly rock 'n' roll charter, sailing out of Miami. We live in California. As we're aware that flights can be delayed or canceled any time of year for any number of reasons, we always fly in 2 days ahead of sailing, just for peace of mind....
The benefits of living in Florida within driving distance to the port. Cruises are a time to relax for me. I rarely do excursions. Port days are heaven for me. I never double tip. Period.
@11:19 We buy the prepaid gratuities when we book, but I also tip my cabin steward in cash on the cruise. 1: I don't particularly trust the cruise line to actually distribute the gratuities; and 2: I want to make sure our cabin steward is very happy. We do not typically tip again in the pub, as I usually get our drinks from the bar rather than the through a waitress.
All your tips and advice, I do all the time, when I'm planning my holidays. And I tell my friends and family to do the same, when they are planning for their holidays. It just makes sense to do your homework, well before you go, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
On one of my cruises out of Port Canaveral, we booked a motel not far from the port. They shuttled us from Orlando to an overnight, then shuttled us to the port, back to the motel, then back to Orlando. Easy peesy no rental car needed.
If you are troubled by seasickness…..avoid fore and aft cabins….midship is where you need to be. This is pure physics. The ride and fall distance is greater as you move from the pivot point.
I once wanted to plug in something at my bed where there wasn't an obvious outlet. I pulled the bed away from the wall to see where a lamp was plugged in, and it was a European outlet. I was glad I had my international adapter with me.
Howdy Don, love to hear your views. Sometimes I overpack. Not as much as I used to though. These days I tend to under pack. Don't like to go to beaches. We used to be close to an elevator after my wife had mobility issues and used a walker. Sometimes even a wheelchair. I like to be sandwiched between passenger decks. Some places I go to if I had been there before I sometimes don't even get off the ship. Some places I go to purchase the things that I want from there. Gratuities are often included in the cost. That 18-21% sure adds up.
Good advice. Regarding the adapters for the Euro outlets--be careful what you plug into those. Make sure your adapter also converts the voltage, unless you have a piece of electronics that can handle dual voltage. I fried my fan because I didn't realize this and thought the adapter made it safe for my 110 v gadgets.
It’s not noisy near elevators. I did enjoy midship over other options. We make sure to go back to the cabin for a nap or just to relax and enjoy t.v. or the balcony. Travel insurance is a must.
In 2019, we did a back to back Alaska cruise and we excursed at every port. It was awesome. We're doing it again this May, and so far have only booked 1 excursion (in Seward.) Otherwise, we'll be doing a lot of hiking this time.
Sorry Don,...not doing laundry on my vacation!!! I like bringing more clothes for options. Had a hurricane come my way on the cruise ship,and had to stay 2 extra days.😄
We are just back from a cruise and believe that there was a sudden death and a helicopter evaluation on day one of our cruise. Travel insurance IS THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to have.
Tip, if you buy insurance from the cruise line, they may be the beneficiary of the policy, meaning they get the money from a claim and you need to apply to the cruise line to get your money back.
We always give extra to the room steward and mdr stuff but considering the huge increase in tipping charges on the cruise overall we feel that tipping is getting out of hand.
1999 was the last time that I was on a cruise ship. I do not remember having to pay extra for any show tickets. If you dined at the early seating, then you went to the late show. If you dined at the later seating, then you went to the early show. Simple! Granted, they weren't Broadway shows, but they were well done and entertaining. Also, I watch other cruise channels and one of the tips regarding what NOT to bring on your cruise is power strips (I will have to watch again to confirm, but the type definitely NOT ok are those that have the circuit breaker). Why is this? And I have to re-watch to see what is said about extension cords.
Agree with winter day pre-cruise arrival but in regards to over packing, the way I look at it if I have to pay for 50lbs of luggage I'm bringing as much as fits! Its paid foe so better safe than sorry.
The percentage of tips now “required” when you eat out, whether you are in your home city or traveling on land or on a cruise, is so high now that I can’t afford to eat out. I used to go out maybe once or twice a month. Now it had better be a really important occasion.
I pack a lot but always use everything I bring! Haven't ever paid over weight charge. Guys don't have as much stuff as girls though! I gotta have all my hair stuff!
Looking for advice: Christmas gift idea for family taking a Caribbean trip soon. Either a group gift, or individual gifts. Mom, dad and two adult sons (early 20's). Don't want to spend too terribly much...thank you so much!!
To me, paying prepaid gratuities frees me from paying extra gratuities. So I never tip again. If I buy an alcoholic beverage they add the gratuity so I don't need to add anything. No reason to tip twice.
My husband liked to overpack last cruise he brought 2 economy packs of both AA and AAA batteries along with three flashlights in case the power went out. Got us stuck at the airport trying to decrease weight of luggage
Hi don not ever ship has a laundry room if the ship does then the best time to do it is when entertainment is on the way the shows are you won’t miss anything there not worth it
Hi Don, I was wondering if you could do a video on solo cruising. There have been plenty of times I've just wanted to go by myself because I can't get friends or other family members to commit to a cruise, even though they always respond with "Oh, that sounds great, let's go!". My kids are out on their own, and I'm a single guy. Not looking for a "single's cruise" tips, but more along the lines of how to save money as a single cruiser. When I looked into it, I basically discovered you pay double for a single occupancy cabin.
I have to comment on my sil. We went on a 10 day cruise and she had 11 pairs of shoes. I get part of it as she has some foot issues. However, 11 pairs of which she wore maybe 5. I had an evening pair, tennis shoes and flip flops. I got by just fine.
We went on symphony and we tried to do everything and got home and we needed another vacation because we were so exhausted from trying to do everything.
I think most women overpack because we don’t know what we want to wear on each day, after watching this I guess the only thing I need to overpack is money 😮
Are extension cords allowed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships? Guests cannot bring electrical extension cords, including power boards or surge protected power boards. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions here.
I have a cruise booked for march. I was looking at shore excursion. I booked few and payed for, How do I know if have any out standing balance? ( because I know they can deny you boarding if you have a out standing balance)
Haha, we are on our 55th cruise right now. I already packed much less (1 big suitcase and 1 carry-on) and it is still too much! The weather on Europe at the moment is so unpredictable and I thought I better want to be on the safe side.
We will be taking a pre cruise flight but will be arriving in Florida airport, we rent a room in Florida so the next day we have to go to Miami Port, could you please suggest us should me go by taxi, or Uber! We are paying ourselves it is not covered by NCL, thank you for your help.
The hotel we found in Fort Lauderdale they have a free shuttle picking us at airport! So the next day we will take Uber or if there are some people going to the port we might get together to go the port sharing the cost. Thank you for your help, we are flying from Ottawa Ontario on the 4th of February!
Really I have taken one on every cruise I have been on 18 and my 19th in 3 weeks, never been told that or have anyone tell me other wise. even room stewards never said anything to me.
It's easier not to over pack for males. But my wife need a luggage for makeups, another one for shoes, another one for swimsuits and daily clothes, and last one for night clothes.
That's easy for a man to say. Men don't seem to care as much about what they look like. I tend to overpack but that's part of bringing those awesome clothes I don't have the opportunity to wear sitting at home.
You are so very right. TH-cam is bulging with useful videos that will help you have a better experience. Nice tip!
My sister was just telling that she fell at one of the port stops, on the cruise she just got back from! She was so glad that she took your advice about travel insurance, travel insurance, travel insurance!
She said, “it happened so fast!”
Thanks Don
I was glad to hear about the tipping I do routinely tip extra but with the increase tipping I am re thinking adding
Over packing helps with my stress. I also pack 2 weeks in advance. One big and one small suitcase.
I'm just the opposite. Currently on Carnival Spirit and its been great. Always avoid the slow elevators. I take stairs even for deck 2 to deck 9. Its great exercise.
Understand the difference between travel insurance for medical and for things like cruise and airfare. Read the policy. You'll quickly learn that it's almost impossible to collect.
I use one of those cube-like power adapters with US, UK, EU, and AUS settings. It's been great, both for pre-cruise hotel rooms and plugging into the power socket on the ship. With four USB outlets, it handles my decides nicely.
My wife and I have been traveling for 4 decades with just carry-on size backpacks. Especially in Europe, it's just much easier than suitcases. Now that we're in our 70s I did buy 2 TravelPro roller bags (still carryon size) for cruises. Especially on cruises, with either laundromats on the ship or paying for the ship to do laundry (or even better, free laundry once you hit that magical level of the rewards program) there's little to no reason to have more. Except... we have a 94 day cruise coming up shortly, and so I did buy a checked size roller bag for that trip. But it's doubtful we'll use it very often.
It’s not noisy by the elevator I always book a cabin close to it and i book mid ship and i have cabins above me and below me
I think older ships but not the newer ships
Also I prefer sleeping in inside cabins, super dark and usually quiet. I'm also willing to bet most people don't go on a cruise to spend all their time in a cabin
We go on a (usually) yearly rock 'n' roll charter, sailing out of Miami. We live in California. As we're aware that flights can be delayed or canceled any time of year for any number of reasons, we always fly in 2 days ahead of sailing, just for peace of mind....
The benefits of living in Florida within driving distance to the port.
Cruises are a time to relax for me. I rarely do excursions. Port days are heaven for me.
I never double tip. Period.
@11:19 We buy the prepaid gratuities when we book, but I also tip my cabin steward in cash on the cruise. 1: I don't particularly trust the cruise line to actually distribute the gratuities; and 2: I want to make sure our cabin steward is very happy. We do not typically tip again in the pub, as I usually get our drinks from the bar rather than the through a waitress.
All your tips and advice, I do all the time, when I'm planning my holidays. And I tell my friends and family to do the same, when they are planning for their holidays. It just makes sense to do your homework, well before you go, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Great tips Don. Thank you.
Have Traval Insurance but Read The Fine Print!! Lots of exclusions. Know what they are.
On one of my cruises out of Port Canaveral, we booked a motel not far from the port. They shuttled us from Orlando to an overnight, then shuttled us to the port, back to the motel, then back to Orlando. Easy peesy no rental car needed.
I’m sooo guilty of overpacking 😂
If you are troubled by seasickness…..avoid fore and aft cabins….midship is where you need to be. This is pure physics. The ride and fall distance is greater as you move from the pivot point.
Thank you Don.. Excellent information!!! Hope you are well
I once wanted to plug in something at my bed where there wasn't an obvious outlet. I pulled the bed away from the wall to see where a lamp was plugged in, and it was a European outlet. I was glad I had my international adapter with me.
Hi Don! I’ve subscribed since your channel had approximately 2200 subs!!!!! On your way to 200,000!!!!!!
Howdy Don, love to hear your views. Sometimes I overpack. Not as much as I used to though. These days I tend to under pack. Don't like to go to beaches. We used to be close to an elevator after my wife had mobility issues and used a walker. Sometimes even a wheelchair. I like to be sandwiched between passenger decks. Some places I go to if I had been there before I sometimes don't even get off the ship. Some places I go to purchase the things that I want from there. Gratuities are often included in the cost. That 18-21% sure adds up.
Good advice. Regarding the adapters for the Euro outlets--be careful what you plug into those. Make sure your adapter also converts the voltage, unless you have a piece of electronics that can handle dual voltage. I fried my fan because I didn't realize this and thought the adapter made it safe for my 110 v gadgets.
We take a picture of the port's contact information with our cell phone.
It’s not noisy near elevators. I did enjoy midship over other options. We make sure to go back to the cabin for a nap or just to relax and enjoy t.v. or the balcony. Travel insurance is a must.
I agree one suitcase is all you need and your carryon. If it don’t fit, it don’t go.
Good advice
In 2019, we did a back to back Alaska cruise and we excursed at every port. It was awesome. We're doing it again this May, and so far have only booked 1 excursion (in Seward.) Otherwise, we'll be doing a lot of hiking this time.
Same, we're doing 1 planned excursion in Alaska next year. Nature is free😂
Sorry Don,...not doing laundry on my vacation!!! I like bringing more clothes for options. Had a hurricane come my way on the cruise ship,and had to stay 2 extra days.😄
Europe was a port every day! By day 9 l was absolutely exhausted and canceled my excursion to Florence! Too pooped to participate!
We are just back from a cruise and believe that there was a sudden death and a helicopter evaluation on day one of our cruise. Travel insurance IS THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to have.
Tip, if you buy insurance from the cruise line, they may be the beneficiary of the policy, meaning they get the money from a claim and you need to apply to the cruise line to get your money back.
We always give extra to the room steward and mdr stuff but considering the huge increase in tipping charges on the cruise overall we feel that tipping is getting out of hand.
We carry 1 suitcase and a backpack total for my husband and I. Works well for us!
I wear everything I pack when we cruise whether it is 7 days or 10 days. My husband is always impressed that I wear everything 😂😂😂
1999 was the last time that I was on a cruise ship. I do not remember having to pay extra for any show tickets. If you dined at the early seating, then you went to the late show. If you dined at the later seating, then you went to the early show. Simple! Granted, they weren't Broadway shows, but they were well done and entertaining. Also, I watch other cruise channels and one of the tips regarding what NOT to bring on your cruise is power strips (I will have to watch again to confirm, but the type definitely NOT ok are those that have the circuit breaker). Why is this? And I have to re-watch to see what is said about extension cords.
When I purchased my trip insurance. They asked what type, I told them if it could happen, I want to be covered for it. 😊
Agree with winter day pre-cruise arrival but in regards to over packing, the way I look at it if I have to pay for 50lbs of luggage I'm bringing as much as fits! Its paid foe so better safe than sorry.
The percentage of tips now “required” when you eat out, whether you are in your home city or traveling on land or on a cruise, is so high now that I can’t afford to eat out. I used to go out maybe once or twice a month. Now it had better be a really important occasion.
Great info
Oddly enough we actually under packed- I planned on wear a shirt more than one day until you spill or splash one.
Tips based on cost before taking es and part charges.
I pack a lot but always use everything I bring! Haven't ever paid over weight charge. Guys don't have as much stuff as girls though! I gotta have all my hair stuff!
Thank you for saying not overdue I always feel guilty if I do not do all the excursions and shows etc so thank you
Looking for advice: Christmas gift idea for family taking a Caribbean trip soon. Either a group gift, or individual gifts. Mom, dad and two adult sons (early 20's). Don't want to spend too terribly much...thank you so much!!
To me, paying prepaid gratuities frees me from paying extra gratuities. So I never tip again. If I buy an alcoholic beverage they add the gratuity so I don't need to add anything. No reason to tip twice.
My husband liked to overpack last cruise he brought 2 economy packs of both AA and AAA batteries along with three flashlights in case the power went out. Got us stuck at the airport trying to decrease weight of luggage
Hi don not ever ship has a laundry room if the ship does then the best time to do it is when entertainment is on the way the shows are you won’t miss anything there not worth it
Hi Don, I was wondering if you could do a video on solo cruising. There have been plenty of times I've just wanted to go by myself because I can't get friends or other family members to commit to a cruise, even though they always respond with "Oh, that sounds great, let's go!". My kids are out on their own, and I'm a single guy. Not looking for a "single's cruise" tips, but more along the lines of how to save money as a single cruiser. When I looked into it, I basically discovered you pay double for a single occupancy cabin.
I have to comment on my sil. We went on a 10 day cruise and she had 11 pairs of shoes. I get part of it as she has some foot issues. However, 11 pairs of which she wore maybe 5. I had an evening pair, tennis shoes and flip flops. I got by just fine.
I overpack all the time but I like it. I like to have to change at least 2 times a day. But for ladies i think that is normal!
I guess I'm not normal
Yesss! I wear a few outfits a day but I will rewear things!
When we cruise we try to get the “have it all” package including drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuity.
No such thing as over packing if it's underwear.
Cause ya never know 😉
We went on symphony and we tried to do everything and got home and we needed another vacation because we were so exhausted from trying to do everything.
Don really!! you can't over pack shoes 🤣
SkyMed for worldwide medical transport, in addition to trip cancel insurance.
So Don when was the last time you stayed in a Motel 6. LOL
I fly in 1-3 days before the cruise has embarked.
I think most women overpack because we don’t know what we want to wear on each day, after watching this I guess the only thing I need to overpack is money 😮
If u r near elevators and rowdy people come down the hall u will only hear them going not coming and going g if you r between elevator
Celebrity has the contact information, on the back of their seapass card.
TRAVEL INSURANCE!!! Take it from someone who was evacuated from a ship. get insurance and plenty of it!
Which insurance company did you go with? Did you have to “fight” for them to cover the costs? Thanks in advance.
Extension cords are not allowed. I need one for my cpap so the cruise line provides one
I understand more US UK and so on people is used to tip but considering cruise cost gratuity is ...a robbery for me.
Question for you. If you have annual tranvel insurance should have the cruise ship insurance as well?
Too bad you didn’t get a construction notice about universal resort. I sure hope you got a huge discount
I see you and Toni all the time harping about the insurance. I have the ship insurance, is there any difference between that and what you’re saying?
Are extension cords allowed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships?
Guests cannot bring electrical extension cords, including power boards or surge protected power boards. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions here.
I have a cruise booked for march. I was looking at shore excursion. I booked few and payed for, How do I know if have any out standing balance? ( because I know they can deny you boarding if you have a out standing balance)
My wife has that problem
I over pack because if i run out of pants or shirts or whatever
min 12 ft ext cord
So u have a pkg ( Princess Discovery) drinks WiFi , gratuities, etc, and you go to a bar. Do they charge you another gratuity?
For cobvenience I've started booking cabins 6 or so decks above the mdr or below the buffet. Cuts out a lot of unnecessary walking
I can't find the insurance info for Virgin Voyage. Do you know where I can find it
What is the New York port like
Extension cords are confiscated!
Women can’t do ( most) 1 suitcase🥰
I pack less with each cruise. I’ve been on 6 cruises and still over pack🤦♀️
We've been on 20+ and I still over pack!
Haha, we are on our 55th cruise right now. I already packed much less (1 big suitcase and 1 carry-on) and it is still too much!
The weather on Europe at the moment is so unpredictable and I thought I better want to be on the safe side.
We will be taking a pre cruise flight but will be arriving in Florida airport, we rent a room in Florida so the next day we have to go to Miami Port, could you please suggest us should me go by taxi, or Uber! We are paying ourselves it is not covered by NCL, thank you for your help.
Thank you we will arrive Ft Lauderdale fll airport
May be a shuttle van to hotel. Another shuttle to pier. $30 each.
The hotel we found in Fort Lauderdale they have a free shuttle picking us at airport! So the next day we will take Uber or if there are some people going to the port we might get together to go the port sharing the cost. Thank you for your help, we are flying from Ottawa Ontario on the 4th of February!
Hi Don, Extension cords are not permitted on cruises.
Really I have taken one on every cruise I have been on 18 and my 19th in 3 weeks, never been told that or have anyone tell me other wise. even room stewards never said anything to me.
As long as they’re not surge protected, they’re allowed.
It's easier not to over pack for males. But my wife need a luggage for makeups, another one for shoes, another one for swimsuits and daily clothes, and last one for night clothes.
The number one tip that smart cruisers use is not listen to or take advice from Don or Tony.
First
Those aren’t tips they are fees
Don't take 14 pairs of shoes? Thems fightin' words Don.🩴👞👟🥿👠👡👢