7 Easy-To-Make Cruise Mistakes. Are You Making These?

[@tracywestwest7012]

Travel insurance is a must! My mother passed away in Puerto Rico on a Carnival cruise on the 4th day of an 8 day trip. Got sick on the ship, off loaded at the next port, died at the hospital in Puerto Rico and Carnival took care of my Dad (who was all alone) until my brother could get there. The insurance took care of everything, my dad never got a bill and actually had the cruise fare returned. I will never go without it!

[@patevans3709]

I am soooo very sorry for your loss, but so appreciate your advice for others! I hope you and your family are sharing your grief and finding your way through this shocking experience.

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

So sorry for your ordeal.

[@ua_dancer]

Dear guests of cruise ships, you can forget about independent excursions and go to shore by your self :( and big thank you for your tips. Cruise crew call it "pool". So each department of the ship have some percent of this pool. For example in my contract I have salary 816$ and because your tips I will have 1000$ per month. And I salute for you guys, who give some tips by cash. Even 5$ tips it is ok. If you do not want give any tips you can say tganks for creww member just writting his name and department on front desk and describe how this crew members was helpfull to you. This action will be even more better than tips. Thank you and hope to see you all on cruise ship.

[@lcflngn]

Cannot thank you enough for your comment. I haven’t cruised yet, but planning, and have long wondered how the prepaid tips work for the crew, and how much is appropriate to add on. I’m sure we will “overtip” in cash somehow (we used to work for tips, so that’s how we roll) but also will make sure to leave names & comments in the proper place. 🤗

[@bradp8355]

Forget airplane mode. As soon as the last rope is untied my phone gets turned off and locked in the safe until I am back in the cruise terminal. I am on holiday!

[@tipsfortravellers]

:-)

[@DianeRoma1]

Same here!

[@jdane2277]

Yes, turning it off is a good idea unless you want to pay for wifi service. You can always turn it on when on shore if there is free public wifi and make sure your roaming is off. Some ports (Helsinki for example) have excellent free wifi and you can pick up your email sporadically if you must.

[@Star-Boarder]

I agree. I'm on my phone and laptop all day for work. I don't even want the internet package. The amazing thing about a cruise is that it gives your boss and clients a legitimate excuse for why you won't be able to be in contact. But I will take my phone to the port. But that's for emergency purposes only.

[@docmalthus]

Right on. The only reason I keep my phone on when I'm on holiday is because I don't wear a watch.

[@DonLekei]

Not only do you need to put you PHONE in airplane mode, put your TABLET (and WATCH) in airplane mode too! If you have a roaming package, it it PER DEVICE and PER COUNTRY. On one trip, I packed my tablet in my bag without turning it to airplane mode and it cost $40 in roaming charges when we flew from Vancouver to Cancun because the red-eye to Toronto dipped into the US ($12) and the leg from Toronto to Cancun was technically the next day and cost $12 while crossing the US and $16 when we entered Mexico.

[@torycook1215]

Gary, Always love your voice tone & volume. You are easy to listen to through your continuous videos. Of course, your British accent is also a big plus.😎👍 Thanks for all your tips.

[@cherylkoski7184]

Agree. Gary has such a relaxing voice.

[@johnpatz8395]

When it comes to “double tipping,” if my room steward and/waiter is particularly excellent (I’ve never had any that weren’t at least very good,) I’ll give them an extra tip at the end of a cruise, but a couple times I’ve found, from chatting with a waiter/steward, that it was their turn to go ashore for a few hours off the ship in the next port, so I’d give them a nice tip the night before we made port, so they’d have a little extra money on them the next day, and although this has only happened to me a few times, each time it did, the people were extremely thrilled at receiving the tip, with one room steward literally almost crying as he thanked me profusely.

[@lottosal]

Great advice, thank you!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Whenever I hand a cash tip to my steward, or others, I always say quietly, "not for sharing."

[@knoopsylvia]

Maybe I‘m wrong but I give a tip to my cabin steward (or cleaner in the hotel) at the beginning of the trip, I never have had a shortage of toiletpaper or towels and always extra little thoughtful things. And at the end I give some more! So maybe that‘s triple but you really want a clean room !

[@angiejoh.7156]

How much is a good extra tip?

[@johnpatz8395]

@@angiejoh.7156 not really sure. As I recall with a single room steward I think I usually give them $40 US. It’s not a lot, but it always seems appreciated.

[@dianeneglia]

We like to tip our cabin steward $20-100 at the BEGINNING of the cruise, with the comment that this is in addition to the auto-tips. Additionally, at the end we hand an envelope with a note that says "in addition to the auto-gratuity, we wanted to show our extra appreciation with this $___"

[@cbeck01]

I only book shore excursion through the ship because I am a nervous Nellie about independent excursions getting us back too late. It paid off when my sister and I cruised Italy a couple years ago. Our shore excursion bus to Monte Carlo etc got caught up in traffic and we were an hour and a half late getting back to the tender. Everyone was freaking out but I knew we were safe because the ship would wait.

[@johnpatz8395]

Yeah, that bit of peace of mind is well worth the cost, at least for excursions that will take you a good distance from the port. We never ran into that on an excursion, but on one of first cruises we took, we had a similar issue with our flight to the cruise. I can’t remember all the details, but basically our flights ended up getting us to the airport a couple hours after the ship was scheduled to sail, but thankfully, since our flights were booked through the cruise line, the ship had actually waited for us, and the 3 or 4 other people from the same flight who were booked on the cruise. The cruise line had a staff meet us as we got off the plane, expedited getting the luggage of those with checked bags, drove us directly to the cruise terminal and ushered us to a check in desk in the port (it was so strange, it’s this massive warehouse sized room but was empty except for those of us from the plane and our guides from the cruise line.) 2 of the 3 guides we had with us, checked us all in, while the third took our bags. After check in the two escorted us onto the ship, where we were greeted by the first officer of the ship, who then radioed the captain and we set sail immediately. Surprisingly when we got to our cabins, the third person who had picked us up, had already placed our bags into our rooms, and each room there was a note from the cruise line, signed by the first officer, apologizing for our delays and “rushing us out of the airport.”

[@Meela234]

@@johnpatz8395 Wow it's good you didn't miss your cruise. This is why I plan to arrive the day before the cruise.

[@johnpatz8395]

@@Meela234 yeah, this is why I always plan on getting there at least a day early, as I prefer driving to cruises now, even if it means 14-16 hours driving. We’ve found that driving, and thus avoiding airports and airlines makes our trips much more pleasant, and by planning on getting there a day or two early means we aren’t in any rush, and if we see something interesting we can stop and check it out without being worried about missing the cruise. That way if we break down, we’ve got time to get it fixed or whatever, and get back on the road and still not be late, but if nothing goes wrong, and we Don stop anywhere for any length of time, worst case we spend a day or two kicking around the area we are staying, high can even be an hour or so from the port if my wife or I wanted to check out a specific area near there.

[@Meela234]

@@johnpatz8395 Great info in your reply! Thanks! I either want to take a train or drive to Orlando from Southeast Virginia next year (no flying). I'd love to drive but worry about putting the miles on my car or if something breaks down because I'm not a car fixer lol. I'll do further research but thanks for your good information.

[@ericafors6039]

Same happened to me and my hubby in Malta. 1-1/2 hs late due to a camera ‘theft’ at our luncheon restaurant and local Maltese traffic. It was completely worth it to take the cruise line sponsored excursion. Everyone on the decks clapped then the Captain announced our arrival! 😅

[@Whitbypoppers]

For a long time, I wondered what this French company Pinôt was, until I realized it was merely your two-syllable pronunciation of P & O.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Oh dear... I will try and "P" "and "o" it better! Good to know

[@vh6307]

🤭

[@V100-e5q]

Pinot noir it is in its complete form. A kind of wine. ;-)

[@larry4111]

Great tips, Gary! My very first cruise I knew to put my phone in airplane mode and made sure to do so. What I didn't realize was that the phone I had at the time was notorious for randomly turning off airplane mode on its own. The way I found out was that one day I was sunning on the pool deck, having the time of my life, when I got a text from my phone provider telling me I was about to reach my data limit. Needless to say, my heart started pounding. They did have a number you could call without incurring additional charges and we figured it out. I got very lucky because they were aware of the bug and didn't charge me. It would have been about $700. Then they told me what to do and this is what I do now. Not only do I turn on airplane mode but I go in and also turn off mobile data and international data roaming.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Phew, great to hear as the phone companies are not known for being that understanding.....

[@elouise5593]

@@tipsfortravellers T mobile is my provider, and they were very understanding, when I didn't realize that phone service while on the ship was really expensive. They took the charges off my phone bill.

[@brontewcat]

Another positive of booking excursions through local businesses is that most of your money goes to the communities you are visiting, rather than the cruise companies. I was living in an island country for 18 months which rarely gets cruises. I was fascinated (shocked) at the costs being charged when a cruise ship arrived. I think the passengers were being charged $10 or $15 for travelling around on the local minibuses (which themselves are an experience) which actually cost 25 cents per trip.I think it was to be taken to the best known landmark- which was a 15 minute trip and then a 5 or 10 min walk? To do it yourself would have been $1.

[@sergel02]

I definitely agree with booking them with local business to support the Economy and usually save yourself money. I think cruise shore excursions are great if there is something particularly interesting, major language or distance barriers, or visa concerns, but many can be done well with local companies. We did one with a local company in Juneau, Alaska that was fantastic.

[@chicagogyrl4846]

😂🤣 I would never pay $10-$15 to ride around on a bus, in a developing country, or island!! Stupid people! 😂🤣

[@pandastamps]

At 01:25 you mention canceling a refundable fare and rebooking to get the lower pricing. Good idea but you have to make sure the offer or lower pricing does not exclude "rebooks". I have seen new promos that specifically state "no rebooking allowed".

[@marcelosilva595]

Royal Caribbean has this kind of exclusion when you cancel a cruise.

[@MW-iu1ed]

Last year I knew 2 people who needed to be airlifted. One was $40,000 for the patient-did not include the trip for the companion- to be airlifted back to the states and it had to be prepaid. In addition, they had to get all medical bills paid before leaving. Family back home had to take out the loans to send the money. No trip insurance. The second person had the insurance for air lift and they only had to pay $10,000 for all the remaining costs associated with the incident. Still real money but not as bad as person 1

[@Arabsummer]

I've never been on a cruise nor are planning to go on one. But your videos are so entertaining as well as educational, I can't stop watching!

[@jeffreyb3238]

Totally agree with this comment. Just enjoying all the information. It's an education.

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Gary as always your amazing advice is so welcome. I just placed a note in my phone calendar on the day we leave for Puerto Vallarta to put my phone in airplane mode, THANK YOU!!!

[@jdane2277]

In a way, this may be one of your best videos (yes I watch them all.) I've only been on two cruises and they were rather specialized, but I could have or did make some of those errors. If I do cruise again, I'm making a laminated CHECKLIST before booking to make sure I cover those points. Thanks for all you do.

[@michaellee3903]

Good point about travel insurance. I would in fact suggest you might spend an entire episode about choosing the right travel insurance if you haven't done so already. Thanks.

[@jwillisbarrie]

Thanks for adding actual captions for the Deaf.

[@karenkershaw6324]

I am quite shocked people don’t have travel insurance. It is an absolute must.

[@frostfire5208]

I don't mind double tipping. We know those guys work hard, are away from their families and probably don't make much. If you think about it, the auto-tip amount that we get charged isn't a lot - especially if you were to compare how much you'd tip if you ate out at a fancy restaurant for 7 days straight at restaurants on land. Also, every extra 20 dollars tipped is less than 3 dollars a day - probably split amongst the two waiters you get and possibly the bar staff. Same goes for the cabin stewards.

[@saramoran3961]

I always pre pay gratuities and then if a specific person goes above and beyond, I give extra then. Many of the staff work for gratuities only.

[@chriswilliams6568]

never pre pay anything you do not have to, e.g tips, (they get added to your shipboard account when on board) if the cruise gets cancelled that is more money you will have to try and get refunded.

[@EmmaCruises]

It makes me feel a bit sick when people tell me they don’t get travel insurance 😂🤮

[@EmmaCruises]

I just reminded myself I haven’t bought travel insurance for my May cruise yet, thanks me (and Gary for the video) 😂👏🏼

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree!!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

I got mine as my current expires May 8 but changed provider to get much more specific cruise insurance as existing covered cruise but didn’t specifically say “cruise cover” which sounds like has to be explicit to show when checking in under the new protocols (well Princess, Cunard and P&O require to be shown)!

[@tedsgirluk736]

Me too! 😱

[@TheJm129]

Not to be argumentative, but if you buy travel insurance and submit a claim they will do an exhaustive check of any possible insurances you have which might pay all or part of any bill as primary coverage to minimize their outlay. They will look closely at your health insurance, any credit card insurance from charges you billed, etc. What's best is to know what gaps in insurance you may have and buy only what you really need since there is no benefit for overlapping coverage.

[@timsanders9111]

Thanks for the suggestion about medical insurance. I never even considered that. Ironically, I was injured on a Holland America cruise once. I was sitting on the stateroom balcony. The door had a sharp corner at the bottom and it scrapped against my heel as it was closing. The bleeding was bad so I had to go to the medical center. Fortunately , no sutures were required. HAL never mentioned billing me for the medical services and there are a basket of fruit and chocolate my stateroom the next day. HAL probably felt partially responsible since the door was so sharp. It all worked out but it’s a good reminder that accidents happen.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for sharing this. I guess a they saw it as injured in part through something on there side they did not charge.

[@chriswilliams6568]

They certainly do and as a retired Travel Consultant of 30 years I have heard some horrendously expensive medical accidents. Even to bring a body home costs many thousands of $$$$.

[@AndrewAo]

i would have thought that personal medical insurance would cover and reimburse you on the medical expenses. is it right?

[@deborahkn1114]

@@AndrewAo Many insurance companies in the US don’t cover anything if you are out of the country. A few only cover you in your home state!

[@thomaspoke8511]

A separate video describing the various types of potential insurance would be helpful. For example, some cover accidents on the trip. Other versions get you out of the cruise before it starts, usually with an MD’s letter. Some insurance can cover the death of a non-cruising family member under the assumption you would go to the services vs. continue on the cruise. The most expensive is usually ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for that suggestion. It is quite a complex area but will look at this!

[@larry4111]

I also found out the hard way, when I cancelled a trip to Guatemala at the start of the pandemic, that most CFAR insurance only pays back up to 75% of the non-refundable cost.

[@chriswilliams6568]

yes you need cancellation and interruption insurance to cover you from the moment any of your money is under the non refundable period. This covers you before you travel, if you had to cancel due to an illness or an immediate family illness, or a house fire. Interruption insurance pays for you to get home if i’ll and allowed to travel home, plus compensates you for the days you lost of travel. epically coverage is for when you are on your trip.

[@larry4111]

@@chriswilliams6568 Also people need to check their credit cards. Many include trip cancellation and interruption insurance if you charge the trip to the card. For example, I have it included with my AMEX card. Of course, it MAY not be enough so you want to check the limits but you might save by not buying the same insurance twice.

[@chriswilliams6568]

@@larry4111 thx but those coverages with credit cards are hardly ever enough. Token coverage, and for very few days.

[@maddyhappy4712]

Thank you! I just called NCL and one of our cabins is 1200$ cheaper and the other is 1000!

[@keithreid2550]

I can confirm the costly repercussions of not keeping a phone in airplane mode. My wife checked her email one evening and forgot to turn airplane mode back on overnight, the phone did a few updates and used a few hundred kilobytes. Not that big a deal right? The bill was over $6000! Yes that's not a typo. After considerable negotiations with the phone carrier we got it down to just under $700. We will never make that mistake again and arrange one of the on board packages before leaving Port.

[@carb101]

Just reading that makes me feel sick. That's a lot of money for a simple error - and not even the kind of error where anyone is hurt!

[@ashleymatthews2763]

I had never considered how incredibly high costs for medical emergencies could be. Will not be cruising without insurance again. Thank you so much for this valuable advice!!!

[@chriswilliams6568]

Why on earth had you not. I wonder. Is that the error of youth who think they will live for ever.

[@ashleymatthews2763]

@@chriswilliams6568 I’m not young and I certainly don’t think I’m invincible. I haven’t cruised out of the realm of my own insurance coverage at this point but would consider it as an add on. What a rude response. Really unnecessary to belittle me.

[@chriswilliams6568]

@@ashleymatthews2763 not rude at all, it is mostly the young that believe nothing will happen to them, hence they take more risks at a young age. Anyway hope you remember to get Medical and cancellation/ Interruption insurance for your next trip, don’t forget that if you travel more than once a year, an annual policy might be more cost effective.

[@tipsfortravellers]

It is definitely something that not enough is made of, So many people travel without it, as we never think about what can go wrong when planning a vacation. It is good that liens are starting to insist on it and even checking it is in place as it will help people in the end

[@ashleymatthews2763]

@@tipsfortravellers I’m glad they are doing this. Thanks as always for your helpful tips for us cruise lovers!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Princess Medallion class ships have wi-fi that is actually FASTER than my commercial wi-fi at my office. And I believe that there is no time or data limit. But, on my December 2021 Sky Princess cruise, the internet was sometimes VERY slow or non-existent.

[@chriswilliams6568]

Gary I like the fact of tips going on my bill, as then I pay my bill with a credit card, and I get Air Canada Aeroplan points on it. When I used to use cash, no points for my future travel on Air Canada.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad to hear someone else is obsessed about collecting airline points via their card :-)

[@Bonglecat]

Excursions are my bugbear since we did Hawaii with Princess, the excursion to Pearl Harbour was $100 but in fact it was within walking distance or short cab ride and the entry was free. We didn’t buy that excursion but it really highlighted how they can be a rip off.

[@j.m.7056]

I've made this comment before on this site: travel insurance is a must. I had to cancel an Alaska cruise due to a health issue while flying to the port. My cruise agent took care of my claim with the insurance company. I also spent time on the phone to Delta who kindly gave me credit for the unused portion of my reservation. Don't forget insurance!

[@tipsfortravellers]

agree

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

Missing the ship will cost you dearly. So, don't miss the ship!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree!!!!

[@samarmstrong2202]

I have seen some 3rd party excursion companies that guarantee to get you back to the ship or they will get you to the next port. Be sure to ask.

[@rochellegraham6578]

going tonbed.

[@GunnerHillTX]

@@samarmstrong2202 I still would never, ever, want to have to put that promise to the test... :D

[@katkat521]

My last cruise to New England and Canada cost me about $1,000 in cell charges. Great tip!

[@susanparsons4338]

😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@dogcrazy25]

Another vlogger mentioned insurance to get flown to medical care. These specific cruisers needed to be flown twice, once off the ship and once back home due to a cancer diagnosis. Travel insurance only covered one trip. Costly issue.

[@nealbapat567]

You can also turn off mobile data to avoid the charge as well without being on airplane mode.

[@noworries9212]

Thank you Gary for another wonderful video! I love your calm delivery. I will keep in mind the airplane mode tip for my May 2022 Amawaterways cruise!!!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear your feedback. AmaWaterways are great!

[@noworries9212]

@@tipsfortravellers it’s been postponed twice already, fingers crossed for next year!!

[@christineterry4269]

5

[@rickcudmore8156]

A pilot friend of mine told me as soon as he gets to his seat in the cockpit he places his phone on airplane mode. I've been doing this for 7 years. And on the ship, I ask the crew about the wifi spots at the ports of call. We always take our 2 bottles of wine on board.

[@tipsfortravellers]

good tip!

[@timwatson-bartlam3341]

Gary you mention giving a cash tip ‘at the end of the cruise’ , I strongly recommend that if you are going to double tip, which we did on our only cruise so far, that you do it at the beginning or as you go along. My wife and I were originally in hospitality and tipping like this gets you the very best service as the staff will mark you out ask a tipper! The staff appreciate it and I appreciated the extra level of service.

[@noelt2238]

How very American!

[@owengilchrist8143]

The airplane mode for phone is a great tip. I was cruising with a friend who used AT&T. He turned on his phone to see if he had service, and thought he had service through AT&T. $200 later he turned his phone off. I have T-Mobile and only got a text telling me how much the service I was on is going to cost and asking me to reply “Y” to accept the charges. I did not reply and I did not get charged. Yes, I am a big advocate for T-Mobile because I hate getting surprise charges. Also, I have cruised several times and never bothered with getting the travel insurance. However, you brought up great examples in your video and I will definitely look into getting it for my next cruise! Thank you for the informative video!

[@erikagholston6610]

I am buying the insurance from now on.

[@lindariley9934]

Your tip to check current fares after booking is solid gold. So glad I watched this video! Thank you!

[@timesuck1320]

I completely disagree with your advice about looking into individual/private shore excursions not organized by the cruise line. If an individual/private excursion arrives back to the ship late, the ship will leave. If it's a cruise line organized excursion they must wait for the excursion to return before the ship can depart. This added piece of mind lets you enjoy your excursion so much more fully! Please rethink your advice on this topic as it is completely incorrect. Thank you. Otherwise, I have enjoyed most of your other videos.

[@cliffnorman178]

What an utterly informative video. Thanks for sharing all of these helpful and enlightening tricks and skills.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@phaedoncouniniotis2183]

Thank you again Gary. A treasure of information. Keep watching your videos over and over again so info settles in.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you like them!

[@phaedoncouniniotis2183]

@@tipsfortravellers Frankly Gary and all readers without your help I would have done all the Don'ts!!!!!!

[@Snappers1_]

6:52 Or you can go to the customer service desk when 75% of the cruise is finished. For example, a 7 day cruise at Carnival Freedom. The dates I sent were from January 29, 2022 to February 6, 2022. The first thing to ask at the front desk is when do gratuities automatically get applied on board. They told us that they start charging automatically on February 4, 2022 at 2pm ship time. We took advantage of the time and didn’t have a line to wait for. It was such an easy process, and we even traditionally tipped those who assisted our services.

[@RhymesWithSpark]

I've found myself mixed when it comes to wi-fi. When I travel, I like to disconnect while on the ship but I do like to post photos to Instagram, etc.. I actually find it fun to land it port and find a restaurant with wifi, almost like a scavenger hunt, and have brunch or lunch of local cuisine and upload my photos and let family/friends know I am doing well. Then back on airplane mode so I can live in the moment. Something we all need to do more and more in this hyperconnected world.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree. That is why I like that there is a slow but on going trend for lines to include wifi as we all expect places to include it - especially as they try to attract younger families and travellers. They will expect it for sure

[@leeannkleine6120]

I booked my cruise, and added travel insurance on it. I have since also purchased a year round plan to cover all of my travel. The year round plan covers the 3 things mentioned and pre-existing conditions. I am not cruising until November, but I am already sleeping better knowing that I am protected. Thank you, Gary! Your videos are always concise, and educational.

[@bgregg55]

Anyone know where to get last minute discounted cruise tickets in Port Canaveral?

[@irishinusa1615]

Excellent advice. Like you, we have been cruising for years. Feel Guilty if we dont do those end of cruise envelopes. Likely, will continue, but thinking sensibly 👍 all points on here are valid 👊👍

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good to know it is not just me then.....

[@andylawson9410]

Hi Gary, great tips on everything cruising. Have been on 3 Princess Cruises and booked for February next year around NZ from Melbourne, which l have done before. I always do my own tipping and cancel the cruise liners.

[@tipsfortravellers]

thanks for adding this, good to know what different people do! that cruise sounds amazing

[@punstress]

As a travel agent I was told that you cannot require a client to get travel insurance, at least in California.

[@roseanderson7103]

Thank you Gary! Love your videos- always learn such valuable information and so enjoyable to watch- really appreciate you!😁

[@philippedemontauvant5565]

Gratuities for the cabin steward are given the first day of the cruise.

[@playme129]

Great tips on requirements for the new normal. I have my Covid shots, but there seems to be a lot of changes. Thanks for posting. Virginia

[@lindarobinson2104]

Do you have a video on the different types of travel insurance?

[@tipsfortravellers]

I don’t but a few people have asked about this so I’m looking into it

[@NuclearSavety]

10:37 only 100 grand for evacuation? In comparison to US health system thats cheap.... better get treated on the ship ;-)

[@QLee-fp5qe]

I always enjoy your videos because they are very informative 👍! Thanks for the tips especially about the free website to track price changes. And yep, always put your phone📱 on airplane mode 👍.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear !!

[@joinantonius2]

Too many catches to be actually worth considering. Thank you for your informative videos. I’ll avoid this trap in life.

[@tantanman2852]

Do you have any advice for UK insurance providers that would cover cruises and all the Covid stuff?

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Do you need Covid covered health insurance if you're already vaccinated and with enough time since the last dose that you are unlikely to inadvertently get infected between dose and full immunity?

[@FurnitureFan]

Maybe you could ask for a reduction in travel insurance because you're careful and up to date with your jabs?

[@candicabral3767]

I am so thankful for your videos. I had never purchased the insurance because for some reason I had this belief that it only covered the cost of the cruise if I had to cancel for some reason. I didn't realize it would cover my medical expenses if there was an accident or and unexpected emergency of some sort. Now that I'm nearing 60, the insurance is an absolute!

[@brucemiller2057]

Do you have any recommendations on the various insurance providers, including the cruise line?

[@chriswilliams6568]

so of use the cruise line insurance, the medical coverage is for a very small amount, so inadequate.

[@tipsfortravellers]

I never use the cruise line insurance as usually can get more coverage and better prices. In Uk I found AllClear and Avanti good and in US people use TripInsurance.com and have been pleased

[@ALSmith-zz4yy]

I think I would take the SIM card out of my phone before I leave home. Then use Skype over whatever wifi is available. Calling most places in the world cost pennies per minute. You also have messaging, video calls and voicemail. Unless you have some heavy duty phone requirements this should do you for a vacation.

[@FurnitureFan]

Good tip for any international traveller. Buy a SIM locally - but do check that all your important numbers are saved to your phone after you take out your SIM.

[@FurnitureFan]

Also, I have US friends who had such trouble with roaming coverage that was supposed to be guaranteed in Europe. No one wants to waste time on the phone trying to sort that out. Get a local SIM if you're in another continent.

[@bruciethecuz9031]

Thanks Gary, good stuff to ponder on in this segment. I know insurance will cost us plenty for our 14 dayer next February, but peace of mind alone will be worth it. Also, we know someone who left their phone in normal mode and saw an immense bill next billing cycle. Be well! 👍👍👍

[@tipsfortravellers]

agree. Eek, that phone thing catches far too many....

[@tantanman2852]

Did you get insurance? Who did you use?

[@mhtyler]

Great video, in fact this is one I intend to watch over again. One thing struck me; I got the impression that you're booking your own cruise and then monitoring, but don't you usually use a travel agent, and using one, won't they monitor price for you? Also, do you consider these beverage deals to be worth it...by which I mean, are they good value, and is there a way to monitor price before you book the cruise? It seems they hide most expenses until after you book.

[@tipsfortravellers]

I do use an agent, but still keep eye on myself as they do not always pick it up as they handling so many.

[@happytraveller2122]

I use an agent to book my cruised AFTER I've done all the research. ( Which I love doing). If I find lower prices, I alert my agent and get it fixed

[@aegolan]

If things continue as they are you will only be able to take ship sponsored excursions

[@merrywhiterose]

If you are cheap, like us 😄 here are some tips. If you don't drink alcohol, don't buy ANY drink package. Drink ice tea, coffee, lemonade, & take drink mixes to add to water. DON'T DOUBLE TIP! If you pay tips ahead of time, don't tip anyone after that. Put your phones in the safe so you don't need a Wi-Fi package. Yes, get travel insurance. Don't pay for Specialty Dining. There are plenty of choices, w/o it.

[@maril1379]

Your site popped up New and subscribing -also liked

[@tipsfortravellers]

AWESOME!! Thanks

[@cathyalltwen]

Hi Gary, so grateful to have found your channel, thank you for all your hard work. It's our 1st ever cruise coming up in April 2024 and your videos are so welcome. I just tried to find out if our cruise had dropped in price since we booked but cruisewatch doesn't cover P & O Do you know if there is something similar please for the P & O line? Thank you once again xxx

[@gerharde]

Travel insurance. I think that is a MUST, not an option. And don't, don't, DON'T only rely on the insurance that comes with your credit card. That's very limited. My brother got caught in that trap.

[@deeedwards9292]

Hi, Is there a U.K. website that keeps track on prices of cruises from the U.K. and in sterling. Cruise watch is an American site, deals in dollars and doesn’t seem to have P & O cruises departing from Southampton. Thanks!

[@shelleyjennings2427]

I'm actually a travel professional and I LOVE your videos. You are informative, succinct, practical, and dispassionate and factual.. I so appreciate that in this business where we are often SO passionate about our own experiences and opinions. I have taken many notes watching you!

[@dospalmascb]

I'm curious, my sister recently went on a cruise from Oman to Singapore and I was being nosey and discovered the same cruise was half the price a couple of weeks before departure, does that mean the cruise line should refund the difference between the two, assuming there isnt a clause in the booking conditions. Your point about using an agent to put together a package is interesting. My dad has had to use the medical centre on board a cruise in the Caribbean on 2 different cruises and he's over 80. The insurer was fantastic, he didn't pay a single thing himself, then when he booked the following year there was no penalty for having claimed in the past. Staysure seem to be outstanding for medical conditions and cruising .

[@gerharde]

Upgrades. Sorry, but if your name us Gary Bembridge you are much more likely to get a great upgrade, than if your name is Joe Citizen. 😉

[@lindavitale5169]

Im I'm confused a bit. Is the insurance that is offered by the cruise ship the "travel insurance" you're talking about or do you have to get that and separate travel insurance? I have never been on a cruise and am planning to go this month. Opted for the cruise ship insurance. So am I good now?

[@Gymcoach1]

You are amazing and have helped me so completely thoroughly!! You help has been absolutely brilliant!! ❤

[@VegasNegus]

Incredibly valuable information here. I created a file in my notes on my I Phone so I will always be able to refer. Many Thx!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Great to hear

[@jeffgunter8507]

Gary, THANKS! We use a prepaid cell service at home (Cricket, but there are a lot of options). With a prepaid cell provider you will never be charged more than your monthly prepaid fee (which, by the way does not include any junk fees, taxes, etc. $25/month is $25/month. no additional charges). If you get service somewhere, it is included in your prepaid amount. NO SURPRISES! We've traveled with them for years and never had any problems. Bonus: Great service at a reasonable price.

[@tipsfortravellers]

great tip, thanks

[@cherylkoski7184]

So true!!!

[@chriswilliams6568]

I do not think the sites like Cruisewatch gives prices in CAD $ , just US$. And i a,ways book in CAD$ if poss as if I need to cancel and get any refund, it saves loses money between the buying and selling rates of currencies. If it is in CAD$ then i will get a refund the exact same amount that I paid them.

[@tipsfortravellers]

yes, they seem to only have US$ option so track US fares, which is a good point. When I get the alerts I check then my local fares - hey almost always have changed the same as it is the system they use that adjusts fares across the board usually for the lines

[@timwatson-bartlam3341]

@@tipsfortravellers I recently noticed that Celebrity had a sale on their American web site for a cruise I have booked in Feb 22. I called them to say that it was now cheaper than I paid and I had paid tips and bev package as they were not included when I made the original booking but are now. But they would not do anything for me as they said I had booked in Sterling and that was a US only promotion. I think this is very unfair.

[@mjc8281]

To add what was said about insurance I was living in the US a number of years ago and my daughter needed to be flown by helicopter to maybe 40miles into Boston(thankfully she recovered very quickly)but the cost ended up being over $80,000

[@carolynlucca3269]

I’ve heard the the cruise lines take a portion of the pre-added gratuities for themselves. Do you think that is true?

[@SD-cj8sp]

Are cruise employees taxed on their gratuities ? I try to tip cash to those who go out of their way to help me But I always wonder if they are taxed on gratuities

[@joycehewitt7648]

Yes he is right book before going off the boat go on the boat long line up they have certain ones full You are right tipping I Am Canadains MORE

[@davoshaunessy3428]

You sure know your stuff But I tend to watch just to think of all the savings of cash an hassles BUY KNOT SAILING

[@inthegreatwide]

Thanks for listing the specific websites you use to look at other excursion options! We spend SO much time researching these

[@kaberroneill94]

How is travel insurance different from cruise health insurance?

[@conniebyes2472]

We went on pricess cruises but it was impossible to manage my wheel chair and I had to eat in my cabin what ship is better

[@robwillett4960]

Insurance is sooooo important. We were on a cruise around the Azores, and someone had a burst bladder (yuk I know but it really happened). They had to divert the ship to mainland Portugal within helicopter range. They had to evacuate the upper decks on one side of the ship and fly him ashore. To allow the helicopter to land they had to remove all the light from the upper deck. The cost for just that must have been massive. You MUST get good insurance otherwise you could be bankrupt.

[@casondave]

OK, so this tipping and double tipping and all that jazz ..... so if I go on a cruise that's expected or has it always been that way? Or if I go on a cruise in Europe (say the med for example) is that now a thing over there now too? I get enough of it as it now in Canada, does it apply to cruises as well?

[@Meliitalks]

Let me know if I tip too much because I’m guilty, $1 a drink at the bar, $2 a drink of brought to me, and more adjustments for price. I tipped like $30 at the steakhouse lol

[@celesteinman56]

Thank you so much for all these fabulous tips. My son is taking me on my first cruise this May but he's noticed that the fees are much more than originally quoted. He's thinking of reconsidering. because of it. So I've been doing lots of homework.

[@jennymay259]

I am unable to find P&O on Cruisewatch?

[@mgoodinoz]

I'm concerned about whether ports will close to anyone who hasn't booked a Cruise-offered tour. I'm hearing stories about that happening and folks being unable to go off-shore for a wander. Do you have any advice?

[@Duchess_of_Cadishead]

P&O Australia do not allow any alcohol to be brought onboard, and I don’t think Carnival do either.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good to know. They do in other regions so maybe a Australian rule..

[@TSKseattle]

The "gratuities" goes to everyone on the crew and their wage is reduced. Handing and extra tip to a particular staff member is not really double tipping, because their share would be relatively low and you're giving money direct to them.

[@angiejoh.7156]

How much is a good extra tip? Not sure how much cash to bring?

[@donnahodges7574]

Thank you so very much for all of your Cruise travel tips! I've really enjoyed your videos! They have been most informative. Keep up the great work!

[@ronnieam33]

Is the two bottles of wine you are allowed to bring onboard per person or per cabin?

[@KMA66]

Excellent video, Gary. I watch them all, and ALWAYS learn something new.

[@wartex77]

I don't know if I am technologically challenged but when I went to cruise watch, I was going to check January 2022 cruises on the Liberty of the sea, it's not listed on Cruise watch, they have a ship that not going to be there yet! Liberty Yes, Allure of the Seas NO. I'm confused!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Itineraries are changing so fast I think they struggle to keep up as so many. They’ll catch up soon I am sure