11 Tips Cruise Lines DON'T Want You to Know (But They Aren't Against the Rules)

What tips would the cruise line rather you actually not know? I'm not talking about anything illegal or against the rules, but when you know what I'm about to share, you'll save tons of money, know some of the secrets behind cruising most don't know, and do things way differently than the cruise lines planned.
The pollution research report mentioned in the video:
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
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[@Cruzelycom]

Hey y'all -- the channel is almost to 80K subscribers. Would love to say this is the video that pushed it over that mark. If you like it, hitting subscribe would be awesome. Enjoy the video!

[@user-hj8fo9kh7w]

I don't drink much in my everyday life, but when cruising, I like to sip on a drink whenever I want. Drink package for me.

[@JimH13164]

There is one tip for entree’s in the main dining room. When you have three choices for an entree, You can ask for one or two half size entree’s as appetizers. Then you can enjoy all of them at your meal.

[@djcook]

i order multiple courses

[@QueenSuperJ]

Short or long cruise I cannot cruise without a balcony. I need to be able to just step outside in my personal space as often as I want. I like to get up in the middle of the night and go outside and listen to the sea.

[@deeslifestyleloves]

This!

[@simonegruenig8361]

Same

[@Aaron-nj4ou]

I am too cheap for the balcony but the absolute darkness of the inside room is odd. When we go on the Alaskan cruise I will spring for the balcony.

[@janiekcarney5482]

Don’t use the spa. They charge 3 times more than a massage at home before and after my cruise. Plus they high pressure you to buy things you don’t want. That ruined my massage having to say NO four times. I’m boycotting. I hate high pressure treatment.

[@harrisdavonyha]

The light from the balcony is good for anyone who suffers from depression, even if you dont use it at all.

[@djlesher]

lets not forget the non-alcohol drinks you get which I consider, like specialty coffee and bottled water or soda as a cost. I like having no bill at the end of the trip.

[@KTrentLR]

Yeah most of this guy's tips are bogus.

[@megastormy497]

The ships got coffee free.

[@kayshabella2440]

@@megastormy497trashy coffee…. it’s not Starbucks

[@megastormy497]

@@kayshabella2440 the small ship I was on had Lavazza coffee dark roast I believe it was pretty good. I think Starbucks is paying for the label/name of it, always tastes watered down when I get it

[@lokicooper4690]

As some who doesn’t drink alcohol, but my cabin mate has the package, obv. I had to get it. That’s how I’ll be spending it (mock cocktails, pop, other specialty drinks at the coffee shop as I also don’t drink tea or coffee). 🤷‍♀️ What can ya do?

[@diannebrideson2368]

I will always choose a balcony cabin. I think Covid proved how important it can be if you get confined to your cabin. If I feel bad or get sick, I want to get some fresh air.

[@valerief911]

A balcony is a “must have” for me no matter how long my cruise is. I had one on my very first 4 day Disney cruise and I can’t do without it.

[@sportsMike87]

Drink package for me is just about the convenience of not having to keep track of drink expenses not about getting the money back I paid for it .

[@GlobalAdventurer]

I feel the same, especially when you price the cruise with or without the drink package and then add it back in. I usually get a better deal by having it included, but not always. I don't drink that much but I like to drink carbonated water throughout the day and that's included.

[@kuriusly23]

We have always found value with the drink package because we are coffee snobs and like all the other non alcoholic options.

[@kuriusly23]

I would also add the convenience of not having to sign each and every time. That was a game changer!

[@maryherje7120]

Agree. It is vacation so I don’t want to nickel & dime myself.😹

[@mssexy915]

​@kuriusly23 huh? I had to every single time. Even if I got a soda because they want a tip!

[@TheRecon1a]

I'm an inside cabin cruiser. Can't justify paying 35%-50% more on a Balcony. I can use that money saved on other things on the cruise or excursions or even to go against another cruise. Drink Package for us is way overrated. We spend about $125 on alcoholic beverages on a 7 day cruise and we bring our own 12 pack sodas as we cruise Carnival and well it fits us just fine. Always enjoy your videos btw.

[@Cruzelycom]

I think we cruise the exact same. A few drinks here and there, but never to a point where I'd come out ahead on a drink package even for a single day. And I love having a balcony, but realized I use it maybe 15 minutes a day just to step out and see what's going on. Much rather save the money.

[@lokicooper4690]

We wanted a balcony for our Alaska cruise, but it was $1000 more for it. Needless to say, we don’t have a balcony room. The pricing is ridiculous! I would love a balcony fir that trip, but I’d rather save that money for other things on the trip (like 3 extra days in Vancouver & Victoria, BC).

[@ashleynicholegibbs]

The drink package was honestly the best part of the cruise. The freedom to drink nearly whatever and dislike it was something great. Morning mimosas will be missed.

[@brantthompson199]

This is a great point regarding drink packages. It’s a chunk up front but def gives you the freedom to try different drinks and incur a bunch of individual charges and feel obligated to a drink you ordered that you didn’t care for.

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

If one wants to throw money away on drinks and hangovers.

[@ashleynicholegibbs]

@cockerspaniel4706 If you're too weak to handle some drinks, then that's on you. Hangovers are for chumps.

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

@@ashleynicholegibbs $59.95 per person per day. So for a couple on an 18 day cruise, $2,158. Lol waste.

[@AshRektum]

never considered a drink package for a cruise longer than 8 days lol. tbh thats too long of a cruise but to each their own. i imagine they would have a deal for you ​@Gregory-Masovutch

[@cafsixtieslover]

Neither of us drink so a drinks package is a waste of time for us. We drink what is provided for free, tea coffee and water, glass of bubbly on formal night and maybe the very odd drink at the bar. We would never make a drinks package pay.

[@janiekcarney5482]

Just pay as you go on drinks.

[@anitariley7077]

Best advice is know yourself and roommates. Some people it is better to pay as you go and some will spend more this way. Drink packages isn't just alcohol drinks.

[@ericgranger5014]

On the drink package it should be pointed out that includes bottled water, soda, specialty coffees and shakes, etc and that should figure in to the analysis if it’s worth it or not.

[@julieb7882]

I just did the math for our 12 night cruise. We could have saved about $200 per person to drop to Royals refreshment package. However, even limiting ourselves to 2 alcoholic drinks we would be spending more than for the deluxe package. There are technically only 2 port days since private island is only other stop.

[@otterpropertysolutions2835]

What is included in the package varies by cruise line and some have different levels that include different things like premium beverages, bottled water, what wine is included, espresso…

[@lodrigue420]

This is true for carnival cruise lines that i know. As being someone who goes on a cruise regularly, having the drink package is worth the money when taking everything into account. It's not just for alcohol and yes take this into consideration

[@tanyajones123]

Worth it !!!

[@nikiajones9648]

Not worth it if u don't drink a lot. You can bring a 12 pack of sodas/water and 1 bottle of wine/champagne on the cruise. What's free - coffee, tea, water, juice, and milk.

[@R32R38]

I just don't like the way *everything* is extra cost.

[@StillPooh62]

That’s the biggest reason I prefer land based all-inclusives.

[@DEPUTYGETSOME]

This confuses me. You eat breakfast in the mdr or buffet, lunch at whatever quick serve options the line has or the buffet, dinner in the main dining room, carnival has options for free specialty dining. You don’t pay for the shows. Don’t pay for a towel. What exactly isn’t included that you expect to be?

[@R32R38]

@@DEPUTYGETSOME Drink packages (even nonalcoholic ones), Wifi, shore excursions, specialty dining,

[@DEPUTYGETSOME]

@@R32R38 Wi-Fi and a non alcoholic drink package aren’t used by everyone? Why would they up prices to include things people don’t use? And I would never expect shore excursions to be included. When you book a hotel you don’t get included catamaran trips or river tubing. You said everything costs extra, when it clearly doesn’t and you can 100% have a great vacation without buying packages. Or go on virgin, no up charging 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Robin_S78]

Then pay more and go on a luxury line. You can’t expect from a budget line to pay for your tours 😂😂

[@bennygoodman123]

Great 411! Wife and I are cruising in 27 days. I love your work.

[@SOUTHparkMODz]

Def not hard on a week long cruise for the drink package, you are forgetting it includes EVERYTHING. Specialty coffees, water bottles, energy drinks, smoothies, soda. Not to mention you have the ability to try something and if you dont like it, get something else for free.

[@mitchellmarcellacrank2170]

Not all cruise lines have every type of drink included.

[@julieb7882]

If you're a bit of a klutz,like me, you don't even feel bad about spilling one. Other than for the crew needing to clean up your mess.

[@loading...............]

Our drink package also gave us the basic WiFi package and our drink package is usable on coco cay! Well worth it to us!

[@AngelProjekt]

The drink package that includes cocktails on our ship is $60/person/day. Can we plausibly buy 3 $15 cocktails + 3 $3 sodas + 2 $5 coffees per person in a day - absolutely. But if we are trying to save any money on our trip, there is no way we would spend $840/cabin/week on beverages! We can get a lot of mileage from the “free” beverages. The point of the video isn’t to say that it’s a scam, just that you may not get your money’s worth.

[@calebnation6155]

You still have to drink like 7+ specialty drinks a day to make it worth it at carnival prices. I've looked into it but I think, at least for me, paying for bottomless bubbles and purchasing specialty drinks a la carte is the better option.

[@MikaTyni]

You should also count in the non-alcoholic drinks, and not just to calculations based on beer and cocktails. It's kind of stupid that almost all vloggers that talk about drink packages only take the alcohol in concideration.

[@brittanyrussell727]

Exactly! It usually includes fancy coffee drinks too which - for people like me- it really adds up!

[@davidbrooks8809]

Me and my wife is not an alcoholic Drinker what should we do!!??😢

[@MikaTyni]

@davidbrooks8809 most of the cruiselines also have drink packages that don't include alcoholic drinks. They are also a lot cheaper. Also you don't have to take any kind of package, just drink the complimentary stuff

[@blair7484]

@@MikaTyniwhat can you typically get complimentary in terms of drinks? I was surprised to see that bottled water isn’t included. I usually carry my water bottle with me to refill. Are there juices, etc?

[@Scarface1337_]

yes water, juice, coffee, tea ​@@blair7484

[@mr.tomatohead5648]

I wish my wife was ok with interior rooms. I do have to admit though that she spends 3 or 4 hours each day on the balcony. She starts her day by spending at least 2 hours on the balcony and then we usually end the day with another hour on the balcony.

[@maeisab]

I spend a lot of time on the balcony as well. I usually end up napping. But I don’t need one. My husband rarely sits on the balcony with me

[@loopymcgeee3939]

I like to go out there if the sun is on the opposite side. I read, drink coffee and nap.

[@bronzefox9035]

We like early dining at 5:30 then hit the Windjammer around 8 pm. I like the balcony because my husband snores. If it is just me and our daughter, we get an inside or porthole cabin. There have been a few times when we book a last minute cruise (3 weeks before it sets sale) and we get a late embarkation time. We fly in a day early and most hotels have a noon checkout time. We may be able to find some where to spend an hour but then we head to the port. We never ask to board early. They see us sitting there and they always ask us our boarding time. We tell them 2:30 and they say just to go ahead and board. This is when we go out of Miami.

[@Cruzelycom]

Yes, the only time I've had to wait was being about 10 minutes early when it was also early in boarding. There were still a lot of people around. Usually no one even asks.

[@giosalvi]

Very informative and useful as usual! I wrote the same comment already some months ago: I really love the way you're able to stand out doing cruise videos that are different from those from the other "big names" (Emma, Don, Tony, J, ... ). Way to go!

[@catherineyagecic416]

I really love your videos, fresh information that you're not going to see elsewhere

[@DonLekei]

We have never spent more than $150/week for drinks for the two of us on a cruise. Most of what we drink is free (coffee, teas, hot chocolate, mocha, milk, juice, flavored drinks, water and the occasional prosecco at events) on top of our 2 bottles of wine and dozen sodas. On a 2022 transpacific cruise the drink package would have cost us CAD $3600 (both need to get it plus mandatory "gratuities"). I realized that we were getting pretty close to enough cruise days for status. For CAD$2800 we booked a 9 night southern Caribbean cruise ($3100 including gratuities) which pushed us into diamond with 4 drinks each per day plus unlimited espresso (which we couldn't keep up with) for our transpacific. Saved $500 and got an extra cruise.

[@MEvans-dh5jy]

💯

[@proudmoon3]

I would definitely take your lifestyle & personality into account when choosing whether or not to get the balcony, regardless of trip length. As an introvert and outdoorsy person, it is an absolute necessity for me to have a private outdoor getaway spot on a longer trip! (I also enjoy being able to pop outside and check the weather & watch the docking process from my room on port days.) If you are more outgoing & prefer to hang out by the pool, in the bars, casinos or such, it's probably not going to be as important for you to have a balcony.

[@Cruzelycom]

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE having a balcony. I'd sail with one every time. But I also realized that I use it literally minutes a day. Longer trips I find myself out there more. Shorter trips? It's typically just pop in and out occasionally.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

Great info on the back of the ship pollution. Didn't know this.

[@sf3413]

Fantastic tips!!! I'm actually going to try an interior on a 14 day transatlantic through RCI. I love the complete darkness at night in interior rooms and find I can always catch beautiful quiet views from a handful of places on any ship. I hope it's not a huge mistake! I completely agree about the drink packages. The only time I find a package worth it is those virtual coffee punch cards when I'm taking my daughters along with us on RCI. Thanks again, you've saved me a ton of money with your tips!!!

[@haydenpierce]

On the last point about sales constantly running: I was talking to a sales rep on board for a future cruise and the rep was pushing on me to buy multiple credits. They explained that you could always use 1 credit for a cruise, but you could 2 credits when a promotion was running. When I told them I only wanted 1 because I didnt want to gamble on timing my booking with a promotion, they looked at me like I had 3 heads. 😂

[@rosem388]

Thanks for the dinner any time. I dont like assigned times definitely gonna use this tip.

[@debbielong399]

I RECOMMEND getting the cheers package. Its a wonderful feeling not having to budget yourself! it's nice to just walk up to any bar (even at dinner) to have someone to MIX YOUR DRINK! LOL... ALSO please remember ! CHEERS PACKAGE includes other non- alcohol drinks!!! only problem I have purchasing the cheers package when you are traveling with others -why does everyone in your cabin that is 21 and over need to purchase the package - I DISAGEE with these policy -for example what if someone is pregnant, in recovery, or just doesn't drink! - it would be great if they could purchase the bubbly package in these cases... stamp on their VIFP card if they are CHEERs or BUBBLES Packages. Just a thought...

[@yasminedrexler8951]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@mariefortune]

GREAT INFORMATION THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@higherstandard710]

Great video! A few i already do and a few I will start to do! They was all amazing tips. I got my carnival FIRENZY this summer. Can’t wait. They adding lots of new ones to the lbc port. And I live by it so it’s nice.. I been on the radiance a few times and panorama last summer. Can’t wait to see this Italian style fun. I been watching vids on the east coast version the Venezia lol

[@elainesmith5766]

Great Info To Know. Thanks For Sharing 🎉😮

[@DEPUTYGETSOME]

Please do not tell people to show up outside of their scheduled time. They schedule them for a reason and it causes back ups for people who are actually following the process. Absolutely do not follow this tip and show up when you’re supposed to. If you want an early boarding time, pay for priority boarding or stay up until midnight and make sure you get it. Don’t make other peoples day harder because you aren’t responsible.

[@valerief911]

Exactly!

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Chris, of the lines you have been on, which one do you think has the best daily buffet? thanks

[@crystalrowan]

This is great! I'll be in Amber Cove next month on my cruise and we don't have an excursion booked - we're just going to enjoy the beach if the weather is awesome. :) This makes me feel better about that decision!

[@rfamilyentertainment6236]

Amber cove is beautiful but it’s not a private island owned by a cruise company so anything you do will cost money even to go to the beach because it’s not at the port! Lots to offer in DR though, enjoy!

[@jbbbclark]

Drink package is worth it but you gotta pace yourself. Here my schedule port days wake 6 am 4-5 mixed drinks before getting off the boat. Then hammer them when I get back on board. Remember you got 10 to drink before bedtime. At sea drink in hand from the time you wake up until you go to bed. Live like a true alcoholic for a week and see how the other half lives.

[@staciepercell8454]

😂my goal: you can't be an all day drinker if you don't start first thing in the morning 🌄

[@Scarface1337_]

4-5 mix drinks and you're almost break even 😂

[@ahoier]

dpkt forget the old "shower 🍺 🍻 🍺!" omg soooo good in the early morning 🌄 👌 lol

[@ascott6804]

Great looking tile for a newb!! Can't wait to see what y'all build up there!!

[@elissajones5154]

These are great tips! Especially the boarding call times and dining times. I was always afraid they were super strict about that stuff! Glad to know there is flexibility if we need it 👍

[@dchenkin02]

Fixed dining is only for those who really want the same table and waiter each evening. The disadvantage of not choosing fixed dining or NCL without any fixed dining option is you sometimes will be waiting over half an hour for a table.

[@francesfox3913]

Since we usually have several people, fixed dining suits us. Like the efficiency,and getting to know dining staff and they know our preferences. If we had to decide where and when to eat every day, we could starve before we all agree! Also love sailing past all those waiting in the "anytime" dining line!

[@billyrichterrocks]

Anytime dining is mandatory for us. Definitely planning on ordering the extra entree. As a rule I try the “rare finds” so I can experience new things. Would be nice to have a backup in case I were unable to eat it lol.

[@janiekcarney5482]

I quit the spa for good. Big heavy sale pressure. They had my sea pass and I couldn’t leave without it. Massage at home before and after the cruise.

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Please explain. This makes no sense.

[@williamoday573]

I can say that Royal Caribbean seems to at least give the appearance of enforcement of their check-in time ranges. We are always asked to show our Set Sail Pass outside the terminal, and then we're directed to the line for our assigned time. Now we've never arrived terribly far outside our assigned time, but I suspect we'd get at least some pushback if we did. I'm not saying that they'd deny us boarding, but I wouldn't be surprised if we were required to wait. Also, we do try to arrive close to our assigned time as we don't like getting stuck in huge lines ourselves.

[@catherineyagecic416]

Saw my cruise go up for sale this week so I went through all the steps to buy a similar cabin and the price was the same for a guaranteed cabin. When we booked, a guaranteed upgrade was part of the deal so I expect that to happen soon and more likely than not, whoever books a guaranteed cabin will wind up in my original choice. It's always good to watch the sales just to be sure but, you're likely to lose some of your benefits by rebooking just to save a very small amount of money

[@thatonechick6744]

The carnival ecstacy! That was my first cruise!

[@chadly211bucks]

I whole heartedly disagree with your drink package opinion. It’s includes specialty coffees, smoothies, etc. 80 is 8-10 drinks. It’s vacation. Better than getting a 6-700 bill at the end.

[@nnajj01]

I definitely bring my own everything.

[@hectoralejandro5046]

Gracias amigo buenos tips.... 😂😊

[@barnum4244]

P&O do pay attention to boarding times from Southampton. Plus you have no say in selecting your preferred boarding time. If you turn up early they make you wait outside the terminal. Only once they've finished processing those with earlier arrival times will they start letting those in the queue enter the terminal prior to their boarding time, but still in order of the passenger's boarding times. If you've 200 nights history of cruising with them you can rock up whenever you want.

[@cafsixtieslover]

We always turn up early at Southampton usually at midday even if our boarding time is 2.00 pm My husband is a wheelchair user and it takes ages to get out of the car, get it collected and then get the luggage loaded and him into the terminal. They have never sent us away yet and we get taken straight through.

[@barnum4244]

@@cafsixtieslover We encountered the outdoor queue on our Christmas sailing. I think it's comparatively new. Any who could not stand or handle the cold were sent to the arrivals hall which was under cover and had seats, but you'd not know if your boarding time was being called early. You also go there if you need the loo. Passengers with sufficiently high Peninsular Club points had "Priority Boarding" on their boarding cards and could jump the queue. Same for suite guests.

[@Shameka614]

Nowadays you can't find a good deal unless it's last minute and those are starting to go away too Black Friday Cyber Monday this year was not as great as the year before

[@davee8113]

Boarding times are not really followed because the check in process has gotten much faster and therefore it just does not matter anymore

[@djwardlowentertainment9098]

totally worth it for a short 3 or 4 day cruise if you enjoy top shelf liquor and expensive mixers like energy drinks.

[@mariefortune]

Carnival Venezia, restaurant employees are very generous. They do not charge an extra fee for food.

[@andrewbrown574]

When the drink package is bundled in with other things, the value is far greater. For example, Princess Plus ($60/day) and Princess Premier ($80/day) also include gratuities, WiFi, some extra-cost dining, and a few other perks. I have calculated that it only takes a couple of alcoholic beverages or one alcoholic beverage plus a couple of specialty coffees/sodas/juices each day to break even. I believe HAL has a similar package.

[@Cruzelycom]

That Princess offer is a great one. I booked it last year even though I don't drink much. It was still a good deal.

[@nappyqueen86]

Good video. Learn a few things thx so much

[@jenniferallred9367]

We never get the big drink packages and always come out ahead. Last cruise we spent $700 on drinks for 3 of us. We drank whatever we wanted. The drink package was going to be $1300 for 2!! Insane.

[@TCB_Aries]

Balconies are a must for me, especially on sea days when everywhere is crowded. I love to eat on my balcony and relax. I had an ocean view but prefer my balcony!

[@sherrijustice6482]

My bff and I are going on our first cruise together in the near future. We are both the type who don't like crowds. We're getting a balcony cabin and I'm pretty sure that we'll be pn it a lot.

[@PhiPhi_Jagz]

Based on your post, I think you'll love the balcony room. Sometimes, a break from the other cruisers is needed and welcome. If you haven't already started a pack list, I would HIGHLY suggest doing so. There are so many tips you'll probably want to follow, but don't forget to bring EMPTY refillable water bottles and/or coffee/tea travel mugs, ziploc bags and a few plastic containers in case you want to keep a few snacks from the buffet in the room. The cooler in the room keep items cool but not ultra cold. Plus check your cruise line's policy to bring drinks on board. For example with Carnival, each person can bring a 12 pack of CANNED drinks (keep in carton) AND 1 bottle of wine or champagne per adult. You just have to carry it on. Dont forget COMFORTABLE shoes. If you and bff aren't already in shape, I would suggest start walking now because it'll help you have a more pleasurable time. All in all, have fun!!🎉

[@beachbreath2504]

I am pretty sure the premium Royal Caribbean drink package also includes sodas and coffee’s made with espresso so it’s not just alcohol-especially if you like cappuccino’s or latte’s!

[@StaceyChamberlain-kf1qx]

I think each person is different. When we first started sailing , I thought , an inside cabin is perfect for me, because I hate the sun coming in when I have a migraine. But last time we got a free upgrade to a balcony and it was wonderful and I won’t cruise without it. I spent most of my time there. I like having an early set time for dinner. Everything is customized to you.

[@yiwang886]

Sensible advice!

[@chweehar]

Are last minute cruise deals worth the wait? Thanks

[@lokicooper4690]

Thing with the sales is they can be complete BS. We recently got tickets for a cruise to Iceland and Greenland. On sale. Week or so later they had a 50% off sale. We checked that out in case it was better than what we purchased, nope. They cranked the base price so that even with 50% off, our cruise was still cheaper. We regularly check to see if there are deals or specials we can get. Definitely a good idea to get something at a good price, then change it later if a better deal comes along.

[@BLUEQUEEFTOSSER]

Carnival did a sale where they are giving 200 dollars on board credit and $99 deposit per person. You have to book before june 30th. The last deal was no discount deposit and only 50 bucks per cabin obc

[@milemarker301]

Have you a vid on how to finance , 'lay away,' something to hold a Cruise? Newbie.

[@SilverHonda0767]

Mile marker 0. Been to Key West several times but never been there on a cruise ship.

[@marilynnkadan7948]

I was on 20dy didn't get drink pkg, found 2/1 every night in 2 bars, carried 2drink to dining. Or was served 2nd later in eve. Purchase others as i wanted. O/v is fine for most cruises, inside i did 1x. Tv bow camera would give day sight

[@digitalkev06]

They definitely check your boarding time on Disney cruises. Don’t try it 😂

[@maeisab]

They sure do

[@willscottytv]

6 cocktails in a day? 6 can easily be done in 2 hours.

[@richardgotshall2703]

When drinks are included with other costs - such as gratuities and Wi-Fi - then the cost of the package can make more sense.

[@TheNomad3000]

I didn’t see a shop on carnival celebrations.

[@monkeygirl55]

Man I live on the balcony. I could sit there for hours.

[@gloriabeckley7464]

I get the smoothie and coffee package upgrade. I probably won’t have seven alcoholic beverages on a seven day cruise.

[@karisheets2323]

Virgin Voyages make you wait for your boarding time!

[@Cruzelycom]

When I sailed, there was nobody entering the terminal. There was a short line at check-in, but nobody checked boarding times.

[@zombielovesquad8751]

We got a good deal on our Royal Caribbean cruise. We got $50 a day for the Alcohol drink package AND internet. Also remember that specialty coffees, juice and soda are part of that also. Not all your drinks need to be alcoholic. I know my package was worth it, especially when you add the no worries about price once you're on board. I admit I am a bit of a lush, especially when it comes to my Guinness, but being able to add a shot of Baileys to my morning iced coffee is gold.

[@Cruzelycom]

What? When? How? That's a killer deal.

[@julieb7882]

We got ours for a 12 night transatlanticin October on Adventure on Black Friday for $48 or $56 once gratuities were added.

[@Cruzelycom]

Oh that Black Friday sail is legit. I got a jet ski drive and Thrill waterpark for about $100 for both combined.

[@zombielovesquad8751]

My friend got it for us on a 16 day sailing during the Black Friday sale. Still cost $800 but the math works out.

[@lisachauvin]

How did you do that? How long was your cruise?

[@casey4602]

On Carnival cruise the 2nd entrée is free. Passengers are charged for the 3rd entrée.

[@dchenkin02]

It typically is easy to spot when near exhaust on most ships. The exhaust has hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) which smells like rotten eggs.

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Can we get a drink card for unlimited specialty teas and coffees for non drinkers? thanks

[@jillcox259]

All ships' drink packages are not priced the same. Ours was on the cheaper end. Four cocktails per day makes it worth it.

[@barryhaley7430]

It made no sense to arrive when boarding opens before they started scheduling times. I always targeted after 1:00

[@mootanda730]

What do you think of the Royal Caribbean VIP The Key Pass. I just purchased it and it does include internet

[@julieb7882]

We've had the Key and enjoyed most of the benefits. We only buy it if not much more per day than the internet alone.

[@nonnauu3977]

Waste of money.

[@andreas4268]

We do not purchase a drink package: promotes over consumption mentality which is not healthy IMO! Getting your monies worth vs healthy enjoyment is a no brainer for us! I purchase bevies as I like and find my bill is not outrageous. I agree on the boarding time indifference….we’ve not had a problem on-boarding at all. I like the portion sizes in the dining room…you can always find food! Thanks Tanner! 😊

[@Cruzelycom]

You're welcome! And yes, there's always something to eat somewhere.

[@shastah-i1666]

I would politely disagree with the boarding time, at least on Royal Caribbean. See ppl forced to wait all the time

[@robertware5076]

On drink package, if traveling with a non drinker you can buy a solo package, you just need to call them and explain travel mate doesn't drink.

[@ab2396]

On which cruise line did u do this on ? Please? I have my senior mom and adult kids 21 and they don’t drink but we are all in same cabin 😮? Thanks

[@robertware5076]

@@ab2396 royal carribean honored the request jan 2024.

[@diannebrideson2368]

You really don't have to drink that many alcoholic drinks if you make the most of the drink package by getting the specialty coffees, mocktails, juices, bottled waters, etc. People forget that the drink package includes all of those drinks also. I am a very light drinker but if I watch the price drops on the package pre cruise it is usually worth it.

[@jennyjohnson2913]

Our waiters would just bring out extra appetizers, entrees, and deserts... it was great😂

[@Jimmietwotimes]

I dunno about anyone else but drinking 6 cocktails a day would not be a problem at all for me or anyone I know.

[@andreaferreira3738]

my exact thought! I can drink 3 daiquiris or piña coladas in a short time JUST sitting in the pool. I could easily drink more during the rest of the day (it is a vacation after all). That is what the drink package is for. If you really don't drink much and 2-3 drinks per day are enough for you, or you have kids to take care of, then the drink package obviously is not for you. You don't have to do the math to know you'll lose money if you purchase it. Just order as you go

[@kathryncashner3294]

IMHO, short cruises are a waste. By the time I pay the airfare to get to the port and go thru the hassle of flying, I may as well stay awhile. Also, long cruises can often be more cost effective, especially if they are repositioning cruises. Very funny....when I am booking a cruise, my cruise partner finds a balcony to be essential....but when her fiance's family invites her, an inside is just fine. One place I do feel a balcony is essential is on Virgin Voyages. Sorry, but that hammock is glorious and I do spend time on the balcony.

[@charlottechance5295]

How much are domestic beers on Carnival's Sunshine?? Thanks!!

[@Cruzelycom]

About $6-8

[@candlechef6786]

Remember if everyone gets the drink package ie Norwegian the lines at every bar are ridiculous.....won't do another cruise that everyone gets the package

[@timklompstra750]

I have saved money with the drink package every single cruise I have been on. That being said, if it were longer than a 7 day cruise I could see it. But I always go on 5, 6, or 7 nights and have always saved money.

[@davidbrooks8809]

So you do you recommend that I get the drink package even though me and my fiance don't drink we going on a 5 day cruise??

[@francesfox3913]

If you don't drink alcohol, 😢what else is included in the package? Most offer a non alcohol package at a reduced price. Other things to consider-how many port days, some private island stops don't honor the drink packages. Price of package may increase your insurance charge if added to your cruise fare.

[@theharmonholedamon2008]

6 cocktails a day starting at breakfast is easy some of them are tiny with barely anything in them

[@user-zw6cj3vv2n]

You CANNOT just show up to the dining room anytime you want on every cruise line.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

Your great.

[@charlesjohnson9057]

I have always gotten my moneys worth with the drink package. Its really not that hard to do.

[@tamarajoneshill4037]

Thank you for these wonderful and helpful tips!! Random question - where did you get that tiny carnival whale tail that’s on your left side, on the top of the picture frame?

[@Cruzelycom]

On board a cruise. It's a Christmas ornament and I just took the loop off.

[@tamarajoneshill4037]

@@Cruzelycom thank you for the quick response!!! 😁

[@harlanabraham7772]

Don't like drink packages. Not a big drinker. Maybe two drinks a day. Sometimes even a third, but, not often. Prefer the aft section of the ship. Cruise lines would like me. Big eater. Not a RCCL fan. Do like Celebrity though, or at least, used to. Bring a small pharmacy with me too. Like older ships myself. This is true. Not that much time is actually spent on the balcony. Not a fan of private islands. Some are okay. Crime is a big problem in Nassau. Yes, did learn a few things. Already subscribed and hit the like button.

[@tanyakrumsky6887]

Do you mind sharing why you prefer Celebrity over RCC?

[@harlanabraham7772]

@@tanyakrumsky6887 Celebrity Cruise Line has better food than does RCCL. Celebrity Cruise Line has better service than does RCCL. When my wife wanted to go to the Johnny Rockets restaurant the wait staff wanted my room key. They held onto it for more than 30 minutes. When I asked for it back the waitress had a fit. I thought she would quit when I asked for steak sauce. They brought my wife's food and not mine, then they brought mine when my wife was finished with hers. The only time I saw someone so drunk they couldn't sit in their seat in the MDR was on a RCCL ship.

[@davidbrooks8809]

I don't drink.. should I get the drink package or not.. all I drink is soda..iced tea and O.J...and regular water..😮

[@harlanabraham7772]

@@davidbrooks8809 You could always ask the cruise line what is included in the drink package. On Princess Cruises I like the specialty coffees.

[@reedaharris1341]

​@@davidbrooks8809 No

[@seanras1965]

Boarding times came out of covid and I think they are over it.

[@vincent412l7]

Private islands often have free food

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Please explain

[@vincent412l7]

@@angelofamillionyears4599 on most cruise lines' private islands, they set up a barbecue / buffet where you can get food and drinks for no charge, as you can at the buffet on the ship.

[@marianacary425]

I love older ships .

[@teresadelvo6786]

Are there hairdryers in our cabins on the ships?

[@Cruzelycom]

Yes, built in so you don't have to bring one.

[@mariefortune]

Hahaha, I don't drink liquor . Just enjoy the food at the restaurant. And relax in the balcony.