6 Things You Can Get Free On A Cruise - If You Ask !

[@peterjaro6804]

You know Mr Bembridge, that you are one of the very few KZbin-er that EVERYONE can understand, even people with limited understanding of English. Your pronansuation and diction are second to none, on top of the fact that the way you use your voice is never boring or 'trying'. I love the content of your video's , but the presentation is something a lot of other you tuber could learn from you. You don't need gimmicks or music to make your point and it is STILL enjoyable and easy to watch videos produced by you. Thank you!!!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks so much. Great to hear your comments and feedback. I really appreciate you watching!!

[@suecollins3246]

Crisp clear diction - nothing to beat it...

[@notrappaport5340]

Professor Henry Higgins would approve.

[@Keep-on-ok]

I agree.

[@dereksharples2128]

Great information thanks

[@hazelleblanc8969]

We got free stuff once in the oddest way. My husband and I are sound engineers, so he usually likes to say hi to the engineers on board. On one cruise, she was struggling because she had just come on board, and the previous engineer who had been fired sabotaged the sound system in the main theatre. We helped her with figuring out what he did and helped her fix what she could. The cruise director was so grateful he gave us our choice of anyexcursions for free, a fruit basket, a wine bottle and a stack of free drink coupons that was so big we were giving away free drinks to strangers at the end of the cruise because we couldn't use them all. Definitely be nice to the crew.

[@davidrn2473]

Another thing that helps, if you try an ethnic food and really like it, ask to thank the chef. Last trip I tried an Indian desert, gajar halwa, I spoke with the chef, thanked him for introducing us to a new taste. (he actually taught me how to make this dish) He was so happy (seems not many thank the chef's) that we asked to speak with him. The next formal dining night, the chef from India walked out of the kitchen, came to our table with 3 samples of foods, "these are my mother and grandmothers favorite meals". That type of service is free, just requires being polite. This has happened several times, I always pay attention to name tags that list home country. If you speak positively of their home country, somehow life is more enjoyable.

[@Steampunksaly]

How manipulative and cunning to fake gratitude in order to gain special service and then boast about it. Sickening

[@lindalds]

@@Steampunksaly who said anything about faking it? It's like my mother always said. If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all. Being positive about things and being happy, those will get you much further in life.

[@stephanienewhouse2056]

@@Steampunksaly Interesting that you took it that way. That says something about you, not the person who asked to say thank you to the chef.

[@LewisTheFly888]

@@Steampunksaly nothing fake here. Was actually being positive and complimentary. You on the other hand demonstrate cold and negative attitude. It’s a heart thing. Look within. Lighten the load.

[@mitch868]

A wonderful example of human connection! And that memory will stay with you forever. 🤗

[@mitch868]

On My first cruise (Carnival) I was travelling solo. When the Captain hosted a cocktail party prior to the formal dinner, a photographer was in the greeting area taking pics of each couple. I introduced myself to the Captain, and explained I was solo, and asked i could have a picture taken with him as opposed to alone. He did, and asked me where I was from. I replied Toronto. He knew I was referencing this big city instead of where I actually lived. I named another smaller city...he asked if I lived there...no..and I named my really small town. Turns out he lives 20 mins from me! He asked me to sit at his cocktail table! He asked my room number and had a hardcover book about the ship delivered! He also sent me the photographs of us, plus refunded the cost of my excursions! This was all very professional. The tip is to introduce yourself to people!

[@lisaclifton4871]

Mich Johnson that is so amazing!!!!

[@sheilahartney9777]

What a wonderful story!

[@Meowth849]

Things that never happened for $100

[@mitch868]

Meowth849 I swear it's true. Meowth -$100

[@eunicerofsky2089]

I mentioned that my birth was the first on the Great Lakes ship RE MoodyNov 23 1938. My dad was Chief Engineer, Water E Wood. It was delivered by telephone announcing of my birth over Ship to Shore Telephone. However, on this all of the cruises I have ever been on, absolutely not one of the crew officers has ever been impressed. Unfortunately, this may have been my only 15 minutes of fame, add it means nothing to anyone else.

[@icreatedanaccountforthis1852]

Remember, manners are always free. Thanks for the video.

[@obviouslytwo4u]

Thanks mate, I appreciate it

[@lindadickins5860]

A smile costs nothing

[@snowflake4233]

For real, I've witnessed many a bit intoxicated individuals making a fuss for no reason. Reasons were valid but all they had to do was politely inform the staff and it would have been taken care of without question.

[@The-Captain117]

Yeah, I've got so manners for ya.

[@thejeannelson]

This is so true

[@zenkakuji3776]

On a particular cruise, my cabin had some odd noises coming from the deck above from the ship's systems. On the first day, I informed the room steward but also received advice from the staff to inform the information/help desk in the main lobby. When you inform the desk staff, the policy is to log the issue officially and it requires daily follow up until the issue is resolved. By merely informing your steward, the issue can result in lower priority to be addressed. As a result, the issue was resolved but I received additional freebies in my cabin throughout the cruise including bottles of wines, canapes, and various snacks. I was polite while giving feedback to the staff. I find this is more effective than emotional outbursts since the staff you are speaking with did not directly or intentionally cause the issue. An unexpected result from having an issue on day one of the cruise and informing the right staff members in an informative manner.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Mice in the ceiling? I actually had that on a cruise ship, many years ago. 😬 could hear them scurrying about at night. Creeeeepy.

[@elenapowell6497]

When you need to get off the ship early in the morning for an excursion or for local sight seeing, have breakfast delivered to your room at least an hour before you plan to leave the ship. It's free on Norwegian -- the night before you fill out a form listing all the breakfast items you want and for what time and you leave the form on your outside door knob. This really saves time in the morning.

[@margaretnathanson1011]

M

[@nikkib67]

My favorite tip on cruise. Early breakfast to the room before port & a lovely way to start the day and save timr!

[@toothybj]

The extra food (if you ask) is great advice. I once couldn’t decide between Roasted Duck and Lobster Tail, so the waiter just said, “no problem. You can have both.” I was blown away, but it really makes sense when you think about it, since they throw away a TON of food during each cruise.

[@willgaukler8979]

... also if you really like an appetizer ... ask your server to have it served as an entree ...

[@joebaumgart1146]

Always be super nice to the staff. If you're really nice to the cleaning staff, guess who will have an extra clean cabin. Be really nice to the chef, guess who will have extra food. Be really nice to the shopkeep, guess who might get a discount. Be really nice to the bartender, guess who will have a little stronger of a drink. Plus, it's just common decency, everyone's job is important or they wouldn't have it.

[@thejeannelson]

We are frequent cruisers and have made friends with many of the staff . It is like home week for us to get of some of the ships. Most of these people don't get much attention or thank you. My husband passes out tootsie rolls and tootsie pops. He loves doing it and most just love getting them. I don't hide my rubber ducks because I prefer seeing how excited the workers are to get them. It is so easy to be kind and although we don't do it to reap rewards we have some lovely relationships with many of our staff friends

[@maryingalls218]

@@thejeannelson rubber ducks? 😀 What are they?

[@Stryker11able]

Something I thought was cool. If you and a friend have balconies side by side, you can ask them to open that partition to make a bigger balcony.

[@frangiambattista1053]

Norwegian refused our request for safety reasons.

[@lisawadamann8410]

We did that on our last Princess Cruise! Made it more fun!

[@richardwebb2348]

Great for spreading infection and increasing the risk of death.

[@ainsleyhewson1400]

Since my family all has balcony rooms in a row we plan to have a giant balcony

[@allienixon8959]

@@richardwebb2348 how is that spreading infection if it’s your friend that your sharing the balcony with? Man this channel has so many miserable old people subscribed.

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

On my last Royal Caribbean Cruise, my niece was taking forever deciding what main dish to order that the dining room manager had 3 main dish served to her. They probably found that faster than wait for her make a decision. (they need the table for the next seating after all). I am still amazed that she was able to eat all of them. The following night she got a lecture from the family and ordered faster.

[@catherinehouston3325]

I travelled several times with my late mum who had swallowing issues and early dementia and she never liked anything on the menu. We used to speak to the maitre'd every day and they would talk to her to ask what she wanted (mostly omelette and chips or if there was something at lunch she liked) and were great as long as we gave them some notice. She mostly had the same meal every night but she loved that consistency. She also got ice cream every meal and the waiting staff all treated her really well as she was easy to please. This was Fred Olsen cruise line.

[@carlabridgesmason3529]

How sweet! 💖

[@krysab6125]

That's really lovely of them!

[@gailhandschuh1138]

I simply fill my water bottle with ice that melts during the day and provides very drinkable water.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Nice idea!

[@frankf5244]

I wish this video was available when I booked my first cruise on Norwegian. I made several of the mistakes you advice to avoid! Starting with the booking itself. Booked my cruise on week of Easter forgetting about all the college people on Spring break! Followed that mistake by booking an ocean view cabin on the rear of the ship. Compounded the errors by not paying attention to surroundings near the cabin. It was three doors down from a disco! A disco on Spring break, what a total nightmare! Drunk college students making plenty of noise every night until past 2 AM! I learned your lessons the hard way!

[@Galactic123]

Being friendly and nice to your cabin steward and guest services representatives is always a good idea. This has gotten me all sorts of upgrades without even really asking.

[@edyedith]

On our first cruise my husband and everyone else in our party ordered steaks and lobster for dinner. Not being much of a meat eater I ordered a hamburger every night for dinner. On the last night of the cruise the chef brought my hamburger on a fancy tray with a lid. He wanted to meet the person who night after night ordered a hamburger. We all had such a laugh and after took pictures with the chef. Such a special memory pictures

[@LetsBeCivilShallWe]

I had to chuckle. I drink Crystal Light all day but hearing something like that referred to as a sachet/cordial is how I will forever think of them. Really classes them up 🍾

[@annacantar3098]

Royal Caribbean did free liquor tastings throughout our cruise. You could have as many little shots as you wanted and you can go to every scheduled tasting! It was great!

[@paulgerrard9227]

My wife and i found wine and whisky tastings. A token charge and you get generous serves. They feature brands they serve at the dining venus and bars. Another can be free gaming lessons. They give you chips retc and you learn with their money

[@1beakin]

When RCCL found out we were celebrating our 50th Anniv they gave ua a real nice gift package with a RCCL & tote bag,hats and other little things

[@karenm694]

How did you let them know it was your Anniversary? Im traveling in 10 with my husband for our Anniversary.

[@rushore1]

I literally just did this seconds ago. I booked a cruise and selected one dining option, but the wrong options showed in the app, so I called Royal Caribbean to straighten it out, which they did. While on the phone, I asked if there were any upgrades. They didn't have any, but they told me there is an additional discount on my room, and they're issuing me a refund for $140, and they added $100 onboard credit to my account!

[@patricedhanis3546]

Room service is great. I cruised with my kids and at 10:00 pm and ordered 3 peanut butter and jam, 3 milk and a chocolate chip cookies. We never thought that it was not on the menu but we got it.

[@eirabish7980]

Wow love that, would never have thought of that!!

[@anderjpoo]

we took my daughters, son-in-laws and grandkids on a cruise, I was not too sure if the son-in-laws would enjoy it. When they discovered the waiter was happy to bring them 2 delicious desserts of their choice each evening their trip was made!!! Sometimes its the little things that make a big difference!!!

[@daynacjones]

On my first cruise which was RC, no matter what I ordered for dinner, my waiter always brought me mashed potatoes as an excuse xtra. He learned that I loved them, and always produce it even when not on the menu.

[@emmapink5157]

We were on a Celebrity cruise with my sister and brother in law. My husband and brother in law spoke with our dining room waiter and asked if on a night that lamb was being served would it be possible to get mint sauce rather than mint jelly. Sure enough a few nights later there was lamb on the menu and our waiter brought a dish of mint sauce to the table. He had spoken to the chef who personally whipped up mint sauce just for us.

[@robertahenhoeffer2853]

Good points ! We were on a celebrity cruise this year and had vibration problems in the cabin. Unfortunately they could't give us a new cabin (full cruise) but we received a $450 gift voucher each for a future cruise with a pretty lengthy expiration date. It's definitely worth saying something !

[@divinentd]

Oceania tip: Filet Mignon used to be available from the Waves Grill, but it seems they have removed it because it was competing with their steakhouse. But you can still get that cut for “free” at any time from the room service menu.

[@markledesma3251]

i did ask for second portions a few times and after the cruise i gained 5 lbs but i really had a great time.

[@faithwilley3651]

Great job Gary. I enjoy the way you categorize your tips, and present them with clarity. Personally, I do not like sitting through the entire lecture of something I am not interested in, just for the hopes of getting a free something at the end. This is of course a personal choice. The worst one I sat through was a potential spa package. I have also found that spa treatments lead to sales pitches for products, and I avoid spas now for that reason. What I do recommend is the wine tasting clubs. I have found by paying $20 or so for a tasting, you will get much more wine than you would at one of the bars. I even won a bottle of wine at the tasting :)

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

I once got 10 percent off of a massage on a cruise. There was no sales pitch.

[@anntobin3017]

On our New Zealand cruise last October Majestic Princess was great. My sister in law had to eat just certain foods. They were great. Every night they would take her choices for the next night. They gave her plenty and were very creative.

[@flynnmorrow6945]

Someday my husband and I want to go on a cruise. It won't be anytime soon (we're knee deep in small children), but it's so nice to get so much good information! Love your videos!

[@Flygal5]

Cruising is great with children, my kids loved it and now go as adults!

[@willgaukler8979]

...take em all with you on a ship with waterslides on top ... cruise your way tho ...enjoy it while you can ...

[@Vicky-by2hq]

Cruises with kids are fantastic! No preparing foods, they can eat at their schedule, and so many options for everyone. Naptime is a breeze because the bed is just a few minutes walk away. I take a very compact stroller onboard.

[@haiminh4263]

Cruising with kids is great if you can afford it. They have a kids club. It's free babysitting for hours. I drop my kids off there for a few hours while my husband and I go back to the cabin and have a wild time, if you know what I mean.

[@RetiredSignDude]

@@willgaukler8979 enjoy the trip AND THE KIDS while you can.

[@DarthTrazyn]

On my first and only Cruise, there was a chilled strawberry soup that literally tasted like melted strawberry ice cream that was served during the formal meal... I don't remember the name of it, but I liked it so much I requested some the next day and they did give it to me, so I was quite pleased

[@EnthetaSkater]

Ah the famous ‘Strawberry Bisque’. I had it on A cruise to Vanuatu 🤤🍓

[@delphine88313]

If concerned about water bring one of those camping filter gadgets. They won't take up much space in baggage.

[@robedin6626]

You saved the best tip for last. I’ve never had a problem with a cabin. But if I did, I wouldn’t think to go to Guest Services after talking with the cabin steward.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and to the last tip too 😀😀😀

[@Wkmor]

Do NOT ago to the medical centre for normal stomach Issues to get “free consultation and meds”. You would likely be quarantined for Norwalk for the remainder of the cruise. And possibly your room mate, too. Pretty much wrecks your cruise. Just bring along some Imodium, tums, pepto bismol. They are all available in small packaging to save space.

[@natkarl7559]

Your videos are incredibly informative and concise. I have learned so much from you which helps both me personally and for my clients. Thank you.

[@eagander]

If you like champagne, go to the art gallery showings. They most always offer it.

[@steven_jahn]

I was on a Carnival Cruise to Alaska and arrived early for an evening dance show. They picked me to dance on stage. The next evening I was invited to a celebration event at the bar for all those who participated. The dancers brought ~6 bottles of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. It was also a great way to (casually!) party with the dancers.

[@B88]

Owww... When the crew in the main restaurant all break out in song & dance because it's someone's birthday was the most special thing I think I've ever experienced ❤️😊

[@SUSU32333]

I've been on a number of cruises and most of the time everything was fabulous. My advice would be to PARTICIPATE and meet other travelers. Sometimes you'll get a great penpal or possibly a companion(s) to travel with later.

[@punstress]

If you book through a travel agent, often they will have gifts waiting for you when you arrive, such as flowers, wine, or chocolate-covered strawberries, or a cake sent on your birthday or anniversary. Remember to thank them because it most likely came out of their very slim commissions!

[@bettywith2girls]

We've never used a travel agent but I've also heard one cruiser tell me that her agent kept at the ship's bookers again and again until she got an cabin upgrade, for free.

[@RetiredSignDude]

I ALWAYS use an agent. They work for no cost to me, have a wider view than me, and are always on my side.

[@allent1034]

I've gotten a free lanyard to hang cruise card around neck from the casino on the first day of sailing.

[@CaptainArt777]

They want your money!!!

[@bettywith2girls]

@@CaptainArt777 You also need your cruise card to get in and out of your room, or off and back on the ship at ports....I think he was thinking more along those lines. I don't but A LOT of people do that.

[@richardwebb2348]

Remember how special that was when you get infected onboard and close to death.

[@karinaday4690]

Some cruise ships may offer some sort of complimentary medical treatment, not all of them do. When we went on a Royal Caribbean cruise departing from Australia to the Pacific Islands, many people got sea sick on day 5 from the swell picking up. The fee to see a Dr and be treated for sea sickness was upwards of $250.

[@peggymoczulski2275]

I slept on the couch the very first night due to the bed being too soft. Our Steward had that fixed when we went to Breakfast the next morning. Everyone was so helpful and kind. 😊

[@sunnydee196]

I got a free bottle of bubbly at one of the shows on board. My friend was that know-it-all answering everything loudly. The presenter finally said that if anyone can get him to be quiet, there will be a bottle in it on the house. 🍾😁

[@NoDontLikeIt]

Hahaha that’s the way to do it! Do you bring your friend on every cruise now?😂

[@Steampunksaly]

Another example of bad behaviour being rewarded -

[@NoDontLikeIt]

@@Steampunksaly he’s answering the questions. Ok, maybe he’s being a “pest”, but I don’t really think it’s “bad behavior”. If the presenter had told him to be quiet, he probably would have,. His friend settled him down. That wouldn’t have bothered me as much as loud mouth drunks or the kids who are being jerks and the parents who refuse to control them.

[@LewisTheFly888]

@@Steampunksaly The serial complainer. And life and soul of the party here. Etta. Wake up. Smile. Take a laxative for goodness sakes.

[@davidhood9712]

On Royal Caribbean, we just go to the Windjammer or pool bar to get water. The windjammer also has lemonade etc for free.

[@cruisingwithkids2550]

With kids, another freebie that we've consistently gotten are branded merchandise from the kids' clubs. We've gotten free stuffed animals and clothes (small Inky stuffies and Adventure Ocean branded shorts), as well as a whole lot of arts and crafts!

[@laurag.7521]

Excellent tips, Gary. My mom took me on a Norwegian cruise to celebrate the fact that I survived my open heart surgery last year and I received a voucher for a “special dessert.” When I presented it to the hostess she took it and forgot about it. 😕 Several days later I mentioned it to guest services and they gave me a replacement voucher. We dined at a speciality restaurant one night and I presented it again. I was given an off menu dessert item. It was good. And I’m not trying to sound ungrateful but when you’re celebrating the fact that your life wasn’t cut short at age 36 due to a major undetected birth defect in your heart that you’ve lived with your whole life and that you survived the Mother of all surgeries, Open Heart; a free dessert doesn’t seem that special, especially when every passenger can request unlimited desserts if they wish and also because they forgot about me the first time I presented the voucher. I’m sure a couple celebrating an anniversary would get a bottle of champagne or the like. Anyhow this was on the Norwegian Pride of America Hawaii ship and FYI I don’t recommend this ship for several reasons, including but not limited to virtually none of the wait staff (especially in the main dining halls) knew the slightest thing about a Gluten allergy, which my mom suffers from. Several times she was given food items that contained gluten despite telling the wait staff that we are gluten free table. Luckily our intuition told us to question the few select items that were placed in front of us and no medical emergencies happened. If Denny’s can have GF items on their menus then cruise ships should too, imho. Thank you again. Your videos are very informative!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching, and good to get your perspectives and experiences for others to know and help them plan!

[@tinafrus7249]

You are supposed to inform them when you do the reservation or before you sail of any dietary restrictions.

[@bettywith2girls]

I'm sorry you had the experience you did. God bless you and thankfully you "made it" as long as you have in life. Yes, it's frustrating but they really need to make a profit on these cruises also is the way we think about it. Yes, we found something in one of our cabins that wasn't cleaned very well (won't tell you what) and all we got was an apology and a bowl of fruit delivered to our cabin...the same fruit that you get for free all-you-can-eat at any of the buffets. LOL! Same thing with a free cake for a birthday or anniversary...the only good part is the singing staff, if they do that. You can get more exotic or fancy desserts really any day of the week any time you want on ship...so an ordinary cake or dessert wouldn't be "special". It would be nice if they gave you something that you could use that they don't give out free anyway to anyone...BUT again, they DO have to make a profit and they really don't owe you nor I anything. God bless you.

[@thenoeticskeptic5819]

2:09 While Room Service is often free, every cruise I have been on the last few years charges a service fee/tip to your room charges.

[@sherisellars5129]

My husband wasn't into free giveaways, but I was - so I went to the spa introduction presentation by myself and wound up winning a free hour long massage. It was wonderful and there was no pushy sales associated - just an hour of luxury.

[@crisy0728]

We eloped during our cruise. After supper we participated in a marriage match game in the lounge and managed to win a bottle of champagne! So that was a pretty nice little surprise 😊

[@lisamorice4701]

Great list Gary! On our last Carnival cruise I won dinner for two at the specialty restaurant just by attending a sailaway gathering in the theatre. We shouted our friends and the four of us had a fabulous dinner for the price of two. It was a very lucky cruise for me as I won at bingo one day and in the casino another day. At the end of our cruise we only had a small amount to pay on our account.

[@lisamorice4701]

@pleiades We did that too, several nights. It was a twelve night cruise so we like to mix it up.

[@lisamorice4701]

@pleiades From Sydney, Australia we sailed to Mystery Island but we couldn't tender to shore due to a nearby cyclone and choppy seas. Then Noumea, Suva, Port Denarau and Isle of Pines. It was our first time to New Caledonia or Fiji and I'd love to go back and spend more time in both.

[@lisamorice4701]

@pleiades We're keen to a repositioning cruise from the US to Australia via Hawaii. We are also planning to do a Caribbean cruise in the next couple of years so I guess we're thinking along the same lines 😊

[@syguzman5739]

5:17 I ran out of toothpaste on my last trip. I went to the shop on board and they had toothpaste for $8 per tube. Given that I wasn't going to pay that price, I went to the Lido Deck and asked for baking soda- it works just as well as toothpaste and I got it FREE 💙

[@tipsfortravellers]

EEk. Good tip. Sometimes also worth chancing it and seeing if Guest Services has amenity kits with these in (though tends to be more for people whose baggage lost but I have got them before ...)

[@bettywith2girls]

Smart!

[@rexblokland7778]

Question: how many nights were you off-shore during that last cruise? Given the fact that you ran out of tooth-paste it must have been over 2 month.. Next time, take a full tube with you or, dare to visit a local store whenever you're visiting a nice city during the cruise. No offence, just a friendly advice....:-)

[@syguzman5739]

@@rexblokland7778 : Sir, I _did_ walk into a store at a port stop and the cost was about $3 USD for a tube, which I personally felt was overpriced because you can buy a tube of toothpaste for $1 in the US. The port stores are convenient stores *not* discount stores- they are priced to get your money, not to save you money. Rather than pay any money, I got baking soda for free at the Lido Deck just by asking a crew member for some from the kitchen. FREE always wins!

[@chanelgodiva2450]

@@syguzman5739 How much does your toothpaste usually costs? It's about 3-4 dollars in the US.

[@jennifernoble3282]

Great advice! I have asked for both the steak and lobster on the fancy night, and all the guests at the table were shocked and then did the same!

[@ilovesparky13]

Lmao what? Were they only ordering one dish at a time? It should be common knowledge that you can order multiple things.

[@wasntme923]

I learned this hack from some seasoned cruisers at our dining table! It was only my 2nd cruise (first cruise on a large ship) and the knowledge they shared was invaluable!

[@tazman572]

@@wasntme923 We cruise HAL and they have "surf & turf" nights where you get both.

[@eagander]

I was on a cruise where they had an abundance of lobster. The waiter kept coming back asking if we'd like more. I had FIVE total! I also like to order more than one dessert!

[@midwestkatie4]

We got a lovely bottle of wine, some chocolates, and a pretty flower arrangement on our anniversary on our last cruise with Celebrity. We were pleasantly surprised.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Very nice 👍🏻 Good to hear they gave you those

[@jimevans4582]

Most cruise lines will send you something to your room free if you let them know in advance it's not your birthday or anniversary.

[@OnboardG1]

Celebrity are good like that. My parents let on to them that it was our anniversary when we sailed with them and we got the same.

[@caroleanne8529]

We got a signed business card from the captain for our 50th anniversary on Holland America. We also got Norovirus and it cost $284 at the ship's doctor. No freebees on Holland America. Not much of anything on the Oosterdam. Sure won't be doing that again.

[@karenm694]

How did the cruise line know it was your Anniversary? We are traveling for our Anniversary in 10 days.

[@ianmelville9735]

Very well done with good advice, I have done many cruises and you told me a lot that I didn’t know ,thanks for the advice .

[@jamesterwilliger3176]

One thing we found on some cruises is that there is sometimes a special menu for the crew that is available if you ask. On the cruises we were on, there was spectacular Indian food (biryani, tandoori, etc.) but only if asked about it because a lot of the crew had come from that region.

[@krysab6125]

Ooh, that's interesting! I love Indian food, will definitely ask

[@Solonneysa]

0:59 My partner's family went on a cruise when he was around 10. His little sister was a SUPER picky eater, and his family was having a hard time getting her to eat. The staff in the main dining area warmed spaghetti-o's for her. I wouldn't count on it happening every time, but your tip reminded me of it!

[@lorispain1]

On board NCL Epic in May I had my 60th birthday, a cake was delivered to me at the pool bar and my cabin was decorated.. didn't cost me a bean!

[@christinep8085]

How did you let them know? Ahead of time or when u got there?

[@scooterpie413]

I cruised for my bday & my daughter"s for 10 years...we have never received more than a cupcake for free or any other recognition. I have paid for special cakes and I have paid for room decorations on occasion for my daughter, but nothing was ever free on Carnival.

[@jasonvanboesschoten6680]

We always go for our anniversary and get a free specialty dinning and a big big discount on spa.

[@MJC1124]

Last time I went with Royal Caribbean there was no shower gel or shampoo in my cabin, only soap supplied. I asked the steward and he provided both.

[@thehinac01]

Go to Guest Services and ask for a extra charger left behind for phones. Sometimes they even have laptop chargers. Works at Hotels as well. So if you need an extra chargers for the house back home pick up a few while your on vacations.

[@llovley]

I worked at hotels before as an Incremental Sales Revenue Manager as well as the in Front Office, and the Front Desk. Hotels do not give away free chargers. If they are left behind by guests they are kept in the lost and found for specified amount of time before then usually being donated to charity. During my time at a Hyatt Regency our hotel had chargers to lend to guests, if you were lent a charger there were notes put on your account indicating you had a charger that was lent by us. If you failed to return the charger anytime prior to your departure or while checking out you were charged for it.

[@frostfire5208]

Late to the party but you can ask the front desk for a deck of cards. Usually they'll give you one for free. They're not as good quality as a pack from Bee or Bicycle but it's a nice souvenir. Also if you're a platinum/diamond passenger they invite you to special cocktail parties (free Champaign) and sometimes give you free stuff on your first night. We got chocolate covered strawberries.

[@EarPlugTV]

Great Tips. We make custom sleeping earplugs and if we ever could meet I would love to make you a set. I have learned a lot from your videos that I actually have used. I just completed my 20th cruise and thought I was pretty savvy, but always seem to learn one more thing that you have taken the time to share! Keep up the good work. Glenn

[@vernonprevatt-usmc]

Been using your plugs for years!

[@lewisbyrd7547]

How could anyone possibly want (need) extra food??? There is so so much food offered in numerous areas of the ship!!! My favourite extra food is high tea, the truth is if I’m Iallowi myself to eat the delicious scones etc. a full dinner is out of the question, an appetizer & dessert.

[@TheGrandGamers]

I went on a cruise as a kid and ate Lobster for dinner. Our server was above and beyond fantastic. I asked if I could have another one, and they were just like 'Sure!'. It was amazing.

[@RetiredSignDude]

My nephew got seven (7)! He could have had more, but he was full.

[@chrisd2051]

Another thing I noticed, if you thank the crew in their language the crewmates who speak the same language will often help you more. I do this with Russian/Ukrainian and Filipino crew and they always help me more after.

[@krysab6125]

This works on land as well - a little bit of Polish will get you all kinds of better service (and it's lovely to see people smile when you greet them in their own language and make them feel at home)

[@judithstrachan9399]

I worked in a bank, at the time selling travellers’ cheques (We’re talking 40+ years ago!) & recognised a customer’s French accent. So, in my best schoolgirl French, I asked, “Bonjour, Madame, voulez-vous des cheques de voyage?” She was ecstatic! I couldn’t keep it up, of course, but we had a lovely 20 minutes. It was my favourite part of working. Almost everyone was excited about their holiday & it made work so much more enjoyable.

[@larryhall7998]

My wife and I usually do the room service for breakfast!!! we just love it!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

It is definitely a big plus 👍🏻

[@tazman572]

Hope that you give the attendant a tip.

[@larryhall7998]

@@tazman572 We Cruise with Princess so the Gratuity is paid in advance . I always give room service a tip if they are pleasant and cheerful. They always act grateful. I learned this in Vegas, everyone their relies on Tips .

[@tazman572]

@@larryhall7998 We cruise on HAL and have never used room service but even though gratuities are paid per each day of our cruises, we always tip the bartenders or servers for each drink that they bring us and I always give our room attendants approx $2.50 ea. per day the day before we disembark. They all work very hard and do long hours, sometimes even working 2 and 3 venues. I hate it when I see some of the other passengers treat them in a lousy way especially when it is not their fault.

[@steverosengren1492]

Room attendants 2.50 a day. That’s pretty cheap!

[@celester3101]

On carnival if you tell them you're sailing for your birthday or anniversary you get a $50 spa voucher also!

[@michellewhitley8668]

Same with Royal Carribean on liberty of the seas we did this past June

[@fredzbrother1]

Who do you tell? Guest services?

[@darlenejones1197]

We went to get anti diarrhea medication on our cruise a couple years ago and they quarantined us to our cabin for 24 hours. It’s best to try to remember to pack your own

[@Paulad39uk]

Good point. Cruise ships are scared of spreading disease on board See Richard Benz post earlier. It's in everyone's best interest that they're not spread onboard ship. Have scrupulous hand hygiene. use the hand gels and don't cross contaminate food by reusing dirty plates and cutlery at the buffet then you shouldn't get Diarrhoea. If you do go to the medical centre take plenty of money as they charge an extortionate amount but you can try to claim it off your holiday insurance if you're lucky. Most cruise companies don't let you travel without it.

[@martyklestadt6766]

@@Paulad39uk Hand gels DO NOT prevent norovirus. Frequently washing one's hands is a much better defense.

[@Deadlydog717]

Motion sickness cause me to upchuck and I got quarantined for the rest of the cruise 48 hours

[@soniaengalla-ama4751]

We were going on a tour on a RC tour one morning and I decided to ask for a couple of Midol to take with me on the tour so just in case my stomach doesn’t feel good I have something to ease my sensitive tummy. When the nurse ask me to fill out a form of what I have eaten the past couple days I told her it’s ok I don’t need it if I have to fill out 2 pages of questionnaires. I start to leave the infirmary but I was stop could not leave I was put quarantine right there would not believe me that I feel great I don’t have a stomach ache I’m only asking for a pill since we were going on all day tour, so just in case for my sensitive tummy. I didn’t have diarrhea I assured them but they didn’t believe me, our tour was cancelled n refunded and have stay in room no roaming around the ship, no room service orders except the meals for quarantined passengers, we can consumed everything in refrigerator for free, watched all rental movies for free for 24 hrs in til we get a release letter from the clinic...so all in all we enjoyed our day more than our expensive tour and we ended up getting our room service what we wanted ordered afterwards.

[@dlynnfrazier5216]

Regarding water, you can get both ice and chilled water in the buffet. That's what we do. The tap water is totally drinkable, too, and I presume it is the same water that is in the tap in the cabin.

[@inthegreatwide]

I'm realizing more and more how much Royal Caribbean was nickel-and-diming us on our first cruise. We went for my 30th birthday and got 10 other people to go with us, but we were told no when we asked for a room upgrade once we got onboard, so our friends ended up paying for it, and then our friends had to pay for them to decorate the room too, as a surprise for me. The only thing Royal Caribbean actually did for my birthday was put a candle in my dessert that night in the main dining room. However, with all that being said, we still had a good time and I am so grateful that my awesome friends were there with me and so eager to make my birthday even more special. It's just a little sad to hear that other cruise lines probably would have done a lot more themselves.

[@clement2780]

whether ocean river cruises, bus, train, etc ask whether the art galleries, museums, concerts, operas, ballet, etc areavailable to tour either with excursiin or during your free time, make sure you get to those must see sights, life is too short to miss what you must.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

I have requested Peking duck and received it a few days later

[@mitch868]

Awesome!!!!

[@jasonpresley690]

Get a free deck of playing cards at Guest Services

[@tipsfortravellers]

Nice tip 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@lisamorice4701]

I usually buy one on each cruise from the casino. I'll try this next time instead. Thank you.

[@gillchatfield3231]

Wow! Saved you £2

[@johnmilliard2696]

Not all lines do this

[@dawnbellerive4717]

Celebrity does

[@rachelmerrill7870]

Where do you get this b-roll footage of all the cruises and people??

[@virtuitousvampire9371]

Rachel Merrill you go to stock image sites and buy them.

[@PatchaChel]

Your tips are always helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share these.

[@martyklestadt6766]

This tip isn't exactly a freebie you can get just by asking, but...on HAL, if you book a future cruise DURING a cruise, you can get some really nice perks. Last cruise I was on (which was booked on a previous HAL cruise), we had a free dinner in one of the specialty restaurants, and a free beverage package--up to 15 drinks per day (as long as each drink was priced on the menu at $9 or less). This included both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

[@davidfarmer7555]

May try some of these next month. Will be cruising on our Anniversary.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Have a great trip!!!

[@SuperKenndog]

Get it!

[@paultakeotravels6325]

Be safe and have fun.

[@sabaaman]

Hi ...thanks a lot for such an informative v log...what changes are expected after covid pandemic as lot of cruise liners have stopped functioning..........there are loads of revised guidelines...are we going to enjoy same quality as before covid...I am planning one next year...can u please update ...Will be waiting...Great job...thanks again

[@johnkoller8935]

Love your tips even though I’ve been on thirty cruises. Many of your tips are new to me.

[@adadelacruz8561]

If you have food allergies (I'm allergic to gluten) the ship will go above and beyond to accommodate you. I can choose the day prior what I want to eat and the chef would prepare it gluten free.

[@robinnc5406]

Excellent tips. Thanks so much. I'll be looking for more of your videos on line. Very clear delivery, too.

[@paradonym]

KZbin algorithm showed me a weird cruise only channel which is quite nice. Think I'll stick with it for some weeks.

[@alisonlucas6206]

Cold infused teabags are also good

[@broccanmacronain457]

We went to the spa raffles on Norwegian and my wife and I won money certificates and turned them in for a his and hers massage (great massage) but it still cost us $350 after the massage was over which we were not told to use before the massage.

[@michaelrexrode3759]

Always been able to order more main courses on Celebrity and Holland America. Also anything else.

[@rowenaramsaran4256]

I am enjoying your channel Mr. Bembridge. Came across it today & fell down the rabbit hole😂😂😂. But I'm learning a lot. Thank you for all the valuable advice, Sir.

[@steemdup]

I heard not one word about these vouchers, raffles, or any other prize giveaways on my cruise! There was a definite breakdown in communication - except for the shipboard letter left outside my cabin each night. Good to know about requesting improvements to the bed! I would have LOVED to have a way to eliminate the uncomfortable division in the middle where the beds were pushed together. Wow!

[@zachphil0405]

Gary, thanks for the tips. Went to a spa raffle, won $150 spa certificate and and free Thimas Kinkade at the art show. We really enjoy your videos and have learned a bunch. Thanks again!!

[@joebaumgart1146]

I'm going on my first cruise in April. Viking Ocean. Thanks for helping me out.

[@lindahaas385]

You should still tip for room service. It’s very much appreciated.

[@krab1791]

The stuff for Norovirus is definitely free (at least to ships sailing from US ports because it is paid for by the the CDC. WE sail on the Disney cruise lines and they brought me whatever I wanted to eat to my cabin. At first crackers and soda but later Han everything had settled down and I was ready for full meal, the assistant server for my table brought me what I wanted from the menu at the restaurant we were seated at that evening, Disney uses a system where your serving staff travels with you from restaurant to restaurant each night so they get to know you. So it wasnt a stranger bringing me the food.

[@geraldcollins5684]

I've been on two cruises, and both times I went by guest services and asked if they had complimentary decks of cards. And both times, I got one or two decks, new and unused.

[@Remember_when]

Our cabin steward on our Hawaiian Norwegian cruise never cleaned our cabin. The floor was filthy, the sheets were strong with bleach and he was always on shore excursions. We complained and got a bottle of wine. I wanted my carpet vacuumed.

[@pagrant]

sometimes we asked for a 2nd starter or dessert if there are two things which like in the main restaurant

[@sunnybrucci3453]

Great tips. I make sure and let them know when I’m celebrating my birthday or anniversary. I always get wine or champagne waiting in my cabin.

[@manalani3724]

thank you over and over again…for great helpful tips. blessings to you

[@lyndaearhart2505]

I was on NCL Jewel recently. As soon as I noticed my pillow was too soft, I asked the steward for a very firm pillow. I received it within the hour. However, our room refrigerator went on the fritz the second day of a twelve day cruise and it was reported several times without being taken care of. Couldn't find a replacement is what we were told. It wasn't a huge deal though and didn't keep us from enjoying our cruise.

[@tommytube268]

Gary, I traveled on the Norwegian Bliss before the pandemic and while putting my luggage under the bed found a sock and We believe the bathroom was not clean and the supervisor didn’t care at all

[@georgeshepherd6431]

I would love a croissant fresh fruit and coffee in my room in the morning while I am just sitting there alone waking to the new day!!

[@georgeshepherd6431]

And since I have no social skills at 55 and never have, it's always alone

[@jintyc9133]

If I ever meet you on a cruise I’ll get you to join us you won’t need social skills