Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
I’d highly recommend that if your safe is big enough, leave one shoe in it. That way you won’t leave without your shoe and you’ll remember to empty the safe.
I am always the last off. To be fair, I am usually dragged off. While everyone else seem to be rushing to get off, I'm up on deck having an extra breakfast and grabbing more freebies from the quiz rooms.
I’m diabetic so must eat before disembarking, so the day before, I pick up cartons of milk, cereal, yogurt, bananas or other fruit from the buffet and keep them in the cabin fridge as well as cutlery. I’m all set!
To add to your tip to book a future cruise on board early, note that you will almost certainly receive on board credit that must be used on the existing cruise so you will need time to utilize it. Booking on the last day is therefore not advisable. As always, thanks for the tips.😎
i Love your last Tip (About the parking) as i'm sometimes doing it myself even if it's a simple shopping mall. Probably (most definitly) do it at my Cruise next summer!
We pack throughout the cruise. Any outfits we know we’re not going to re-wear gets folded and put into our luggage each day. On the last night, we just add the stuff we didn’t end up wearing and we’re all done. Really makes it simple. We do this anytime we’re away - even if it’s just a weekend at the in-law’s.
Taking a picture of your parking spot is great advice!!! Follow that for cruises as well as all travel where you are away from your car for more than two days. It will save your day.
On my last cruise with Celebrity on the Infinity a luggage cart from our section was left on the ship! If only I could hide that easy and enjoy another weeks vacation 🥳 Once this problem was sorted out our bags were retrieved right away. Another good reason to plan for a little extra time in your departure schedule. Thanks for another helpful video. 🚢😎
As I only live 40 mins drive away from the docks . I always try and get the latest time to disembark.. I think last time there was only I about 5 other pieces of luggage waiting to be claimed in the terminal after I collected mine. I always check my account daily so any errors can be rectified before the last day. Enjoyable video.
Great tip about checking account balances frequently and resolving issues early! I always use one of our empty suitcases for our dirty laundry. I fold/roll it up (much like when I use a packing cube). Since I’m not concerned with wrinkles, I really cram a lot in that suitcase.This saves time packing before disembarkation. I actually have ended several trips with an empty suitcase and was able to pack a full carry-on inside a larger empty suitcase!
Idea, get all your clothes and suitcases from a charity shop. Last day of cruise, it all goes overboard or leave it in the captains lobby!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
We cruised out of Miami a few weeks ago. We used self debatkation and it was a breeze with the Homeland Security facial recognition software. We literally walked off the ship with our luggage and got a flat rate cab back to the airport
I am cruising next week! I’m praying I disembark in time to make my flight in Miami! It’s at 11:45 am. This is my first cruise in 33 years so I don’t really know what I’m doing!
Love your cruise planner. I have used for two cruises. First time I used it I listed each outfit I packed and then checked it off the list when I wore it. This helped me when packing for the second cruise so I did not over pack the second time. I used the list to eliminate clothes on my next cruise that I did not wear.
That’s great to hear!! I’m so glad it was helpful, even with overpacking (lol always my challenge). I’m collecting a few testimonials - would you mind if I used yours?
Regarding forgetting where you parked, our new car has a nice little app (remote start, lock/unlock, and you can also see where it is on the map, quite accurately. Love it
Idea, get all your clothes and suitcases from a charity shop. Last day of cruise, it all goes overboard or leave it in the captains lobby!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Hi, Ilana. Love the tip: go down early get some food and eat breakfast leisurely while finalizing your last day. Wow, so simple yet so vital. I recall sitting on the floor on a lido deck waiting for my group to be called and no food in sight or a single shop open. Thanks, as always!
One advantage of the way cruise lines are dismissing people these days is that guests are allowed to stay in their cabins later (until group is called). That is nice.
I have never booked a cruise on the future Cruise desk before but since this is my first solo cruise if it goes well I know I no longer have to wait to find somebody that is available to go with me when I want to go so I will look to secure a future cruise to keep me motivated to wake up and go to work everyday until then to pay for it LOL and as far as debarcation day I usually try to resist the temptation of leaving the cabin for breakfast and I just do the free room service that Carnival offers so that I can squeeze every last second of sleep in.
I always am packed the night before and yes having the account settled early is a must. I usually walk my bags out and am off early. I don’t eat on the ship the last morning as I’m now focused on returning to regular life. My backpack or carry on bag is all I have out from the night before as I leave space in it for my night clothes and soap and toothbrushes.
Is there a rule of thumb on how to how much to tip If you take an excursion. The bus driver. The person helping you with bags. The bartenders your Cabin steward etc.? This is stressing me. Thanks for your Informative podcast.
One thing I found out about when cruising out of Miami was Uber rush surcharges! Right when we got off the ship, an Uber from the cruise terminal to the airport was fluctuating around $70 when it was closer to $20 when arriving before the cruise. My group ended up waiting a while and crossing the bridge off the island (walking) with all our luggage and then catching an Uber from downtown. If you’re traveling alone, the shuttle bus is probably the best way to go IMO because you’ll have that already paid for.
I would think you’d be ok with 6 hours before your flight if it’s at Miami airport. I was on Carnival and the debarkation process was pretty quick, especially if you’ll be carrying your bags off the ship.
Before with Princess they had terminals near the PSD where you could print out a statement of your charges. I did this every few days. No need to wait in line to talk to a employee.
I take a tall kitchen trash bag that has frebreze scent. I put it in a hamper and we put our dirty clothes in it . Then we just pull the bag out and put in the suitcase. If you have to pack some clean clothes in that suitcase they will stay fresh. Thanks for all of the info.
Hi Ilana, no worries, you’re the only one I give a thumbs up to before even listening. But great advice. I’m watching everything right now because we’re leaving on the Panorama Nov. 20. So what else is there to say… the morning of departure is the WORST ! Headache, nausea and depression. But the next day you’re on the phone planning another cruise. You will be the BEST vlogger ever ! We look forward to your posts.
So exciting Michael!! You’re cruise is around the corner 🎉 You’re right… the last day is 🤢!! I always think ahead to the next possibilities as well. Btw, thanks for your kind words & support!!
Hi Llana. Just purchased your ultimate cruise planner for my wife. She starts a a binder for all our cruises as soon as she books a cruise. Only 1 complaint that I have - the planner has only 60 countdown days. We just booked a cruise for Nov 2023. Gonna need a lot more days. LOL. Thanks!
Great idea to use it in a binder form! I like your wife’s planning skills!! Lol you definitely have a lot of countdown days - now I’m thinking maybe some people could use an extra blank page 🤔. I appreciate the feedback & thanks so much for your purchase
Wow I didn’t know you could ask for a different time for disembarkation- woo! Will def remember to see if I can’t push that back as late as possible lol.
@@LifeWellCruised oh so do I but I’m usually quite paranoid I haven’t checked ‘everywhere’ that I’ll check at least twice before really leaving a stateroom or hotel room. So I’ve trained myself that if I leave a shoe somewhere unexpected like the bar fridge once (my shoe was super cold after that 😝) then I’ll know the room has thoroughly been checked. Touch wood, I’ve never left anything. I did come close to forgetting my meds on my last vacation but was triple checking the kettle was turned off when I spotted them on the shelf above it. So it all worked out in the end.
Hi Ilana, 26 days until our cruise. We're definitely looking into self disembarkation pros and cons. The Millennium docks at 7 am but our flight isn't until 1 pm at Ft Lauderdale Airport, reasonably close by. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
Make sure to view the picture of your parking area before you get on the ship. Nothing worse than not checking and getting back and the picture is blurry or doesn't show what you expected. Speaking for a friend...hahahaha.
Hi Alana, I have another tip for disembarkation that you haven't mentioned in your video and it has to do if you choose to do traditional disembarkaton and that if you are going to leave your luggage out to be checked off it is very important to always keep a change of clothes before you put your luggage out to be picked up. I have heard that some cruisers have forgot to do this and pack everything in their luggage without keeping a change of clothes and it ends up being taken and they end up with nothing to wear on disembarkation day putting them between a rock and a hard place and they either get off the cruise ship naked or they might end up taking one of the robes from the closet in tha stateroom they have been staying in to get off which is generally not allowed.
@@LifeWellCruised you did mention that, no worries. A vlogger mentioned that someone forgot all clothes and had nothing to wear! Don't know if I believe that but it's funny.
On my last cruise, I found a wallet full of credit cards and cash! I turned it in of course. But, I felt awful for the person who left the ship without it.
Love your videos! We always try to pack as we go. I keep a couple of empty packing cubes in a drawer. As clothes are worn and become dirty, I go ahead and pack them up. That way at the end of the cruise a lot of items are already snuggle squared away in cubes.
Write commendation notes for the people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for you. Go to Guest Services, and ask them to photocopy these. Ask Guest Services to deliver these: one to the person who's done the thing, and one for their boss.
Regardless last day of cruise, we plan on doing this everyday when traveling. That will maximize your day of vacation (don't sleep-in and waste your day) such that you could do anything you wanted or planned. It's a good habit.
Ilana, thanks for all of your videos and information about cruises. I have never been on a cruise but hopefully one day I will be able to. I have a question about disembarkation day, do you have to leave the ship that day when you leave your room or can you stay on the ship and go to the pool or do other things on the ship? Just curious, thank you again!
If you repack some of your clothes aren't taking yourself out of the cruising mindset and constantly packing? How hard b is it to pack a finite amount of stuff? BTW, do bags get stolen being left out in the corridor?
That’s a good point, I guess it depends on the person. I tend to have a lot so it makes it easier for me. No, bags don’t get stolen, but don’t put valuables in there
Hi Ileana, thanks so much for your videos. We are going for our first cruise to Italy, we are excited and nervous as well. I’m wondering how long normally will take to get off of the ship. We are going to stay in Rome for a few days but I’m not sure what time I should book the taxi. Is there a way to guess that in order to book the pickup time? Thanks so much in advance
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
D
I’d highly recommend that if your safe is big enough, leave one shoe in it. That way you won’t leave without your shoe and you’ll remember to empty the safe.
Brilliant!
I am always the last off.
To be fair, I am usually dragged off.
While everyone else seem to be rushing to get off, I'm up on deck having an extra breakfast and grabbing more freebies from the quiz rooms.
Haha that’s one way to do it
Where are the quiz rooms and what types of freebies are you referring to? Is this for all cruiselines?
On the second to last day of the cruise we start to pack after breakfast so we are not scrambling around trying to pack at the last minute 😎
That’s a great idea!! Smart
Same here
I especially like the idea of partially packing up prior to the end of the cruise.
Isn’t packing up at the end the worst? Lol
I’m diabetic so must eat before disembarking, so the day before, I pick up cartons of milk, cereal, yogurt, bananas or other fruit from the buffet and keep them in the cabin fridge as well as cutlery. I’m all set!
To add to your tip to book a future cruise on board early, note that you will almost certainly receive on board credit that must be used on the existing cruise so you will need time to utilize it. Booking on the last day is therefore not advisable. As always, thanks for the tips.😎
Great tip! You definitely want to make sure you use your entire OBC
We always buy a future cruise credit and ask the crew if they have worked on a particular ship we are interested in or there take on an itinerary
What a great idea! I hadn’t thought of asking the crew but smart to do
i Love your last Tip (About the parking) as i'm sometimes doing it myself even if it's a simple shopping mall. Probably (most definitly) do it at my Cruise next summer!
12 years ago, I acutally went to Miami to board a Carnival cruise. After we cruise from Bahamas to Miami, we have explored Miami for a few days.
We pack throughout the cruise. Any outfits we know we’re not going to re-wear gets folded and put into our luggage each day. On the last night, we just add the stuff we didn’t end up wearing and we’re all done. Really makes it simple. We do this anytime we’re away - even if it’s just a weekend at the in-law’s.
Very smart packing!!
Taking a picture of your parking spot is great advice!!! Follow that for cruises as well as all travel where you are away from your car for more than two days. It will save your day.
On my last cruise with Celebrity on the Infinity a luggage cart from our section was left on the ship! If only I could hide that easy and enjoy another weeks vacation 🥳 Once this problem was sorted out our bags were retrieved right away. Another good reason to plan for a little extra time in your departure schedule. Thanks for another helpful video. 🚢😎
As I only live 40 mins drive away from the docks . I always try and get the latest time to disembark.. I think last time there was only I about 5 other pieces of luggage waiting to be claimed in the terminal after I collected mine. I always check my account daily so any errors can be rectified before the last day. Enjoyable video.
Great tip about checking account balances frequently and resolving issues early!
I always use one of our empty suitcases for our dirty laundry. I fold/roll it up (much like when I use a packing cube). Since I’m not concerned with wrinkles, I really cram a lot in that suitcase.This saves time packing before disembarkation. I actually have ended several trips with an empty suitcase and was able to pack a full carry-on inside a larger empty suitcase!
That’s a great idea!! So much easier than doing it on the last day
That’s my plan!
Idea, get all your clothes and suitcases from a charity shop. Last day of cruise, it all goes overboard or leave it in the captains lobby!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Side note: The luggage tags and magnets you recommended came in great!!!
That’s awesome!!
We cruised out of Miami a few weeks ago. We used self debatkation and it was a breeze with the Homeland Security facial recognition software. We literally walked off the ship with our luggage and got a flat rate cab back to the airport
That’s great! So glad it was so easy
I am cruising next week! I’m praying I disembark in time to make my flight in Miami! It’s at 11:45 am. This is my first cruise in 33 years so I don’t really know what I’m doing!
Thanks, as always! I'm off to a Greek Isles cruise on Saturday, and I love the refresher course for disembarkation!!
That’s so wonderful!! Have an incredible cruise and an easy disembarkation 😂
Love your cruise planner. I have used for two cruises. First time I used it I listed each outfit I packed and then checked it off the list when I wore it. This helped me when packing for the second cruise so I did not over pack the second time. I used the list to eliminate clothes on my next cruise that I did not wear.
That’s great to hear!! I’m so glad it was helpful, even with overpacking (lol always my challenge). I’m collecting a few testimonials - would you mind if I used yours?
@@LifeWellCruised Absolutely
@@myrasmith1981 thanks 😊
Great idea.
Regarding forgetting where you parked, our new car has a nice little app (remote start, lock/unlock, and you can also see where it is on the map, quite accurately. Love it
Idea, get all your clothes and suitcases from a charity shop. Last day of cruise, it all goes overboard or leave it in the captains lobby!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Looking forward to our first cruise January 2. Thank you for the info.
So exciting!! 🎉
Oh yeah. Also thanks again as you keep me thinking about things which made my last trip last month awesome.
Awe I’m so glad!!
I always. At least put a deposit if it is a line I love. Then turn it over to my TA. Some of our family cruises not as sure I want to do on my own.
Great idea!!
Hi, Ilana. Love the tip: go down early get some food and eat breakfast leisurely while finalizing your last day. Wow, so simple yet so vital. I recall sitting on the floor on a lido deck waiting for my group to be called and no food in sight or a single shop open. Thanks, as always!
It’s so unpleasant compared to the rest of the cruise, isn’t it? I definitely like to hide in my cabin as long as possible 😂
One advantage of the way cruise lines are dismissing people these days is that guests are allowed to stay in their cabins later (until group is called). That is nice.
I have never booked a cruise on the future Cruise desk before but since this is my first solo cruise if it goes well I know I no longer have to wait to find somebody that is available to go with me when I want to go so I will look to secure a future cruise to keep me motivated to wake up and go to work everyday until then to pay for it LOL and as far as debarcation day I usually try to resist the temptation of leaving the cabin for breakfast and I just do the free room service that Carnival offers so that I can squeeze every last second of sleep in.
This is great!!
I always am packed the night before and yes having the account settled early is a must. I usually walk my bags out and am off early. I don’t eat on the ship the last morning as I’m now focused on returning to regular life. My backpack or carry on bag is all I have out from the night before as I leave space in it for my night clothes and soap and toothbrushes.
We feel the same. I totally get you
Is there a rule of thumb on how to how much to tip If you take an excursion. The bus driver. The person helping you with bags. The bartenders your Cabin steward etc.? This is stressing me. Thanks for your Informative podcast.
One thing I found out about when cruising out of Miami was Uber rush surcharges! Right when we got off the ship, an Uber from the cruise terminal to the airport was fluctuating around $70 when it was closer to $20 when arriving before the cruise. My group ended up waiting a while and crossing the bridge off the island (walking) with all our luggage and then catching an Uber from downtown. If you’re traveling alone, the shuttle bus is probably the best way to go IMO because you’ll have that already paid for.
How much time you needed to leave the ship ?is having a flight 6 hours after the ship arrival time is enough to be in the airport on time ?
I would think you’d be ok with 6 hours before your flight if it’s at Miami airport. I was on Carnival and the debarkation process was pretty quick, especially if you’ll be carrying your bags off the ship.
Before with Princess they had terminals near the PSD where you could print out a statement of your charges. I did this every few days. No need to wait in line to talk to a employee.
That’s a great idea. I wonder if they still have it
I take a tall kitchen trash bag that has frebreze scent. I put it in a hamper and we put our dirty clothes in it . Then we just pull the bag out and put in the suitcase. If you have to pack some clean clothes in that suitcase they will stay fresh. Thanks for all of the info.
I love your videos but could make a new disembarkation tips thank you
Hi Ilana, no worries, you’re the only one I give a thumbs up to before even listening. But great advice. I’m watching everything right now because we’re leaving on the Panorama Nov. 20. So what else is there to say… the morning of departure is the WORST ! Headache, nausea and depression. But the next day you’re on the phone planning another cruise.
You will be the BEST vlogger ever ! We look forward to your posts.
So exciting Michael!! You’re cruise is around the corner 🎉 You’re right… the last day is 🤢!! I always think ahead to the next possibilities as well. Btw, thanks for your kind words & support!!
Hi Llana. Just purchased your ultimate cruise planner for my wife. She starts a a binder for all our cruises as soon as she books a cruise. Only 1 complaint that I have - the planner has only 60 countdown days. We just booked a cruise for Nov 2023. Gonna need a lot more days. LOL. Thanks!
Oh its fun to have the 60 day. I started out at 450 days…so i am now at 60 so I am so excited for this count down to start crossing off the days😊
Great idea to use it in a binder form! I like your wife’s planning skills!! Lol you definitely have a lot of countdown days - now I’m thinking maybe some people could use an extra blank page 🤔. I appreciate the feedback & thanks so much for your purchase
Try the vacation count down app for your phone. Love it.
Great information for a first time cruiser! Thanks
So glad!
Great disembarkation advice Ilana. Check account several times during the cruise. 😎
I think that’s smart. Certainly avoids problems later :)
I like to settle up in cash. Carnival has kiosks to do this and rarely is there a line. No waiting at guest services.
How smart!
Wow I didn’t know you could ask for a different time for disembarkation- woo! Will def remember to see if I can’t push that back as late as possible lol.
I do it every time, usually for earlier but the opposite works too :)
@@LifeWellCruised oh so do I but I’m usually quite paranoid I haven’t checked ‘everywhere’ that I’ll check at least twice before really leaving a stateroom or hotel room. So I’ve trained myself that if I leave a shoe somewhere unexpected like the bar fridge once (my shoe was super cold after that 😝) then I’ll know the room has thoroughly been checked. Touch wood, I’ve never left anything. I did come close to forgetting my meds on my last vacation but was triple checking the kettle was turned off when I spotted them on the shelf above it. So it all worked out in the end.
Very good information!
Hi Ilana, 26 days until our cruise. We're definitely looking into self disembarkation pros and cons. The Millennium docks at 7 am but our flight isn't until 1 pm at Ft Lauderdale Airport, reasonably close by. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
That makes sense. I like self disembarkation but it’s a lot to carry around if you’re not a super light packer (me 😂)
Great tips!
These tips were awesome, even for well traveled cruisers. Thank you so much!
Thanks Rick & Mary! So glad you found the video helpful
Make sure to view the picture of your parking area before you get on the ship. Nothing worse than not checking and getting back and the picture is blurry or doesn't show what you expected. Speaking for a friend...hahahaha.
Hahahaha - good one!! I’ll remember this 😂
Great tips
Hi Alana, I have another tip for disembarkation that you haven't mentioned in your video and it has to do if you choose to do traditional disembarkaton and that if you are going to leave your luggage out to be checked off it is very important to always keep a change of clothes before you put your luggage out to be picked up. I have heard that some cruisers have forgot to do this and pack everything in their luggage without keeping a change of clothes and it ends up being taken and they end up with nothing to wear on disembarkation day putting them between a rock and a hard place and they either get off the cruise ship naked or they might end up taking one of the robes from the closet in tha stateroom they have been staying in to get off which is generally not allowed.
Lol definitely something that can happen!! I thought this was one of my points but you explained it much better than I did 👍
She did mention that and even showed a picture of cruisers that forgot.
@@LifeWellCruised you did mention that, no worries. A vlogger mentioned that someone forgot all clothes and had nothing to wear! Don't know if I believe that but it's funny.
Love your pink top!
Thank you!
On my last cruise, I found a wallet full of credit cards and cash! I turned it in of course. But, I felt awful for the person who left the ship without it.
Love your videos! We always try to pack as we go. I keep a couple of empty packing cubes in a drawer. As clothes are worn and become dirty, I go ahead and pack them up. That way at the end of the cruise a lot of items are already snuggle squared away in cubes.
What a smart idea!! Thanks for sharing
Hi, can you have breakfast in the morning of disembarkation
Breakfast is typically available in the buffet, but expect it to be BUSY!!
Yes definitely breakfast is available. Go early if possible as it will be somewhat hectic
What are your must dos before disembarkation? Have you ever been stuck with a “surprise” bill at the end of your cruise?
Write commendation notes for the people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for you. Go to Guest Services, and ask them to photocopy these. Ask Guest Services to deliver these: one to the person who's done the thing, and one for their boss.
should I prepay for gratuities
I plan on taking an Uber to the airport to make my flight home! I have no experience with this but I am nervous!
How did it go
Regardless last day of cruise, we plan on doing this everyday when traveling. That will maximize your day of vacation (don't sleep-in and waste your day) such that you could do anything you wanted or planned. It's a good habit.
Great tips
As opposed to “8 a.m. in the evening?”
Ilana, thanks for all of your videos and information about cruises. I have never been on a cruise but hopefully one day I will be able to. I have a question about disembarkation day, do you have to leave the ship that day when you leave your room or can you stay on the ship and go to the pool or do other things on the ship? Just curious, thank you again!
why can't I find any information on the last time you can do embarkation day , iam trying to do a 7 hours tour before check in ?
If I've already booked a future back to back, will they cancel and rebook forme so I can get the OBC?
Once onboard? No because it needs to be a new booking and you’d have cancellation fees if you canceled so close to sailing
Gday can I tip in Australian money?
If you repack some of your clothes aren't taking yourself out of the cruising mindset and constantly packing? How hard b is it to pack a finite amount of stuff? BTW, do bags get stolen being left out in the corridor?
That’s a good point, I guess it depends on the person. I tend to have a lot so it makes it easier for me. No, bags don’t get stolen, but don’t put valuables in there
Hi Ileana, thanks so much for your videos. We are going for our first cruise to Italy, we are excited and nervous as well. I’m wondering how long normally will take to get off of the ship.
We are going to stay in Rome for a few days but I’m not sure what time I should book the taxi. Is there a way to guess that in order to book the pickup time?
Thanks so much in advance
Usually it will be around 9 am, could be a bit before or after though
Do not take your tips down.
Great tips!!
Glad they’re helpful!