Changes EVERYONE Cruising in 2024 Needs To Know About

After listening to what cruise lines are telling investors they're doing this year, I'm convinced that in 2024 we are going to be facing five new and unwelcome challenges. But I also have some suggestions on how to work around these and get ahead of them, including one solution that you may not even realise is possible.
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ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 101 cruises I have done to date.
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00:00 Start
00:35 Capacity Changes
04:50 On Board Changes
06:57 Experience Changes
08:49 New Ship Changes

[@CruiseDude1]

This is such a great Cruise Channel, the very best. Never sensationalizing, smart, practical advice, concise and always relevant. Bravo.

[@cliffnorman178]

Totally agree 👍🏻👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@cocoaddams4502]

i don't even cruise and I love it. I love his whole personality and his voice.

[@lauriequinn3487]

I agree. He’s the least annoying one I’ve ever seen and although that sounds not like a compliment from me it is a big compliment. I watch a lot of videos with the sound off and just read what they’re saying because they get on my nerves so much.

[@rarelycares8416]

Not for me, sticking with Viking. Pay more up front, no unexpected charges later. All cabins are assigned, drinks are free with lunch and dinner, only 930 guests max, no art auctions or jewelry/photography hard sells, and no paying to eat (even room service is free).

[@deannaporter4365]

I'm with you. I started using Silversea. 99.95% of things are included. You get what you pay for.😊

[@Signs9]

I'm looking forward to my Viking river cruise this summer &Viking ocean cruise next year. The thought of a huge ship is such a turn off for me now. I loved it 20 years ago.

[@geraldkoger5681]

As a experienced cruiser (50+) I find your vid filled with excellent advice and tips. I still feel that cruising is the best value in travel. Your point about “packages” is spot on. My wife has Alzheimer’s. Cruising allows us to travel in complete comfort, even with the challenges we cut face as we walk our journey. Thanks again.

[@mgweir3252]

This May will be my first ocean cruise. I thought 2,000 passengers was a lot. I couldn't imagine being on a ship with 7.600 passengers.

[@chelsealee9459]

I think it really is important to avoid any school holidays, if you want fewer kids, no matter what the line now. Unless adults only cruise line, all are advertising for families more often. We went on princess when children would be in school and we had hardly any children on board. We planned it that way.

[@Elaines-travels]

Also longer cruises tend to have fewer children

[@davidwelty9763]

True on every line except Disney

[@roundandroundmyworld]

You may get surprise in the future as more and more parents are pulling kids out of school for a week or more at a time to go on holidays more cheaply, outside of the scheduled holiday times.

[@debraweaver7416]

We just came back from a Caribbean cruise that started January 7, when kids should have been back to school, and there were tons of kids aboard.

[@Jeff-cr6ur]

Sadly, parents are pulling their kids out of school at any time through out the year..

[@reggiethecommenter9137]

So how do they compensate those who had their cruises cancelled? In most cases, people have to fly to ports, get hotels, take time off work, take kids out of school, etc. I would be livid.

[@roundandroundmyworld]

The last report I read about the eleven cancelled couples in Australia was that the company came through with a full cash refund plus a future travel voucher for 100% of the price they'd paid for the cancelled voyage. From what Gary said, it seems all the other cases involved people notified prior to sailing date that they were off the ship -- and all cases involved people who booked the "guaranteed category" rather than booking a specific cabin.

[@ptturboe5792]

@@roundandroundmyworld crap I just did that.

[@kimhayes7075]

I just heard that Royal Caribbean is going to be building a smaller ship this year, yay! I think they might’ve been listening to all of the cruisers that wanted a cruise that wasn’t a floating circus😊

[@TVHouseHistorian]

As a solo cruiser, I’ve noticed over the last couple of years how cruise lines seem to be shooing solos away in favor of families. Family bookings yield a much higher profit margin, obviously. Never mind the fact that families impose the greatest burden on vacation pleasure and enjoyment. It’s very sad how cruise lines are going in this direction.

[@NarrativeEscapes]

Yeah my experience is all my own casual checks and the like but I am noticing the chances of getting a solo price remotely towards £100 a night is shrinking. Solo charging is going up I think and all the price structures are just ways to squeeze money out. Seems my brief flirtations between 2019 - 2022 doing four well prices cruises was a short window haha.

[@stuartjohnson5686]

@@NarrativeEscapes Europe has discounts for solo? I have to pay the double occupancy. I have never seen a sale for solo cruisers. What I have to pay I am subsidiznng those "3rd and 4th passengers" free deals.

[@Diana-007]

Great update Gary, happy new year to you and yours. You are absolutely correct I noticed with NCL last year whilst onboard both their new ships that it’s all about attracting the younger crowd, shoring up their future customer base which makes business sense to an extent however ignoring their traditional regular loyal cruisers is a risk that may not pay off. I for one will not be cruising this year, the passenger behaviours and atmosphere on many lines feels as if it has gone downhill and I’m no fuddy duddy 😁 The nickel and diming is also beyond a joke, I just hope the golden era of cruising is not past, I’m holding out for the Queen Anne 🤞if she’s not rated I think sadly I may be sticking to land based hols. 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@abrahamclott5604]

Perhaps things will sort out as the new large resort/mall /amusement park ships come into service giving more options to families travelling with kids or others who want that experience. Once those beds are on the market, perhaps those of us who enjoy the mid-range 2000-3200 ships wothout the rides and other gimmicks on lines such as Princess, HAL, and Celebrity will find that the lines cater to our needs to fill up the ships in this class. What's happening this year may be more chaotic transition than permanent change. I hope.

[@johnreynolds4213]

I enjoy the mid range ship so much more. I wonder how long unitl they simply stop going to ports and stick to private islands and all the "fun" aboard as a selling point.

[@R.a.t.t.y]

Dear Shareholder, In 2024 we plan to: 1. Sell more and more cabins that we don't have and keep people's money until after the cruise sails. Our only cost is a "Your holiday is ruined" letter that is given to people when they turn up. We make make interest from people for months between them paying us and us refunding the money 2. Gouge people for more and more money. Expect less items to be included, effective after cruisers have booked, signed their contract and paid. 3. Pay our staff even less. This will be made up for by raising gratuities so that cruisers are expected to pay even more for the staff on board 4. We are planning to have a musician playing drums for free 24 hours a day. It's part of our "everyone row at the same time" package. Any other suggestions for making money at the expense of passengers, please let us know.

[@donaldspaulding6973]

I own CCL stock exactly for these reasons!

[@mea3665]

🧀 🫕

[@kumber]

as someone who's never cruised but wanted to during the pandemic, my desire is quickly diminishing 😬

[@Empressranda]

We cruised with Disney in December and it was honestly wonderful. It definitely costs a premium but we had a blast. We already booked another

[@sandflea23]

Oddly enough, pandemic cruising was most enjoyable of recent memory. Few passengers, no lines, good service, etc. Price gouging, crowds, reduced service and entertainment staff are the new norms. The ships are gorgeous, the new policies can be outright mind boggling. RCCL best overall for food, shows, service, venues, etc. Holland America and Celebrity known for better food and service with the older crowd. MSC cheapest price point to get basic experience. Midnight buffets, great service, great food, themed pool parties with freshly cooked poolside bites with exotic fruits and live ice carving demos are distant memories these days. Never book the latest and greatest ships, unless price is no object. Otherwise, shop around and you'll see prices can vary greatly. Best advice, pick the ship that fits your needs and read blogs, vlogs, etc. to see what passengers are currently experiencing! Good luck!

[@vittoriovuocolo2438]

You should try it once for the experience but it's nothing like it used to be. I would go on a premium line like Celebrity or Princess .

[@vittoriovuocolo2438]

​@@sandflea23yes it might have been nice sailing at half or less capacity. But I was not willing to take the experimental jabs and don't regret it one bit . I don't care who wants to jump off a bridge I don't have too .. virtue signalling isn't my thing.i don't care about saving the world.

[@sandflea23]

@@vittoriovuocolo2438 Virtue Signaling? Cruising? Whatever floats or sinks your boat, it's your choice! God Bless America!

[@singbike5832]

I can't believe they will overbook and then, when you show up after having flown and gone through travel hassles, just say "well, sorry, tough luck." They took your money, they confirmed the booking. Passengers should not have to pay a higher "ransom fare" instead of guaranteed price so they are sure to get on a cruise they paid for and are confirmed for. Sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. I have a cruise for 2024, but after hearing so many bad things about the cutbacks and things like this, not sure if I'll bother going on a cruise after this trip. I really don't like how cruise lines seem to be pushing using apps onboard, cramming people in, building ships that so large you have almost no connection to the ocean or feeling of being on a ship. Hopefully, the market for smaller, but not crazy expensive, ships expands. The only line that seems to be smaller ships, fairly inclusive, but not astronomically priced, is Azamara.

[@mrslinarcos]

I haven't cruised since 2004, that was on the IMAGINATION. I don't plan on another cruise, the mega cruise ships are too much. Cruise lines are asking for too many fees. When I started cruising, it was much better. DOLPHIN IV, NORWAY, EMERALD SEAS..... Fun times.

[@traceybartlam7737]

The Princess app is wonderful. We really liked that no matter where we were we could order a drink and it would be bought to us as they can see where you are. I would never do a very large ship, not for me. Our last cruise was on Regent and was lovely as it was a small ship with a high staff to passenger ratio. We got a very good deal made even better when you factor in what’s included that you’d have to buy additionally on lines that are cheaper. We wouldn’t pay anywhere near full price for them but they do have highly reduced deals if you keep an eye out.

[@rarelycares8416]

@@mrslinarcos Try Viking, they cruise the way it is supposed to be.

[@mrslinarcos]

@@rarelycares8416 if I were to cruise again definitely Viking would be the best one to go to

[@neutrino78x]

Have to tell you, tip for travelers, you are the embodiment of how it is that many of us want to live our lives as we age! Still vibrant and jovial, as if you were decades younger! 🙂 Love your videos, and love that you also talk about the cruise lines that I prefer, the ones that are not Flag of Convenience, for me that's an important distinction 🙂 I wish Cunard was still in that category...but I also try to have some understanding that re-flagging the Cunard fleet was probably not the choice of Cunard. 🙂

[@MustangShelby]

Strange calling it a guaranteed cabin if they will kick you off. I have 0 respect for cruise lines or airlines who overbook their ships/planes and would avoid using them when possible

[@dlgregory35]

Obviously, the people running the cruise lines do not understand the English language. There is only one meaning for guaranteed obviously they are guaranteeing that you will get a cabin.

[@tuvia4082]

Thanks for the info Gary. I'll pass this year and maybe '25 as well. Too many people in one place to be able to relax. Maybe an older smaller ship, but bigger is not always better. The cruise lines want more money for their investors while the underpaid crew bugs a person for a good review.

[@davidellis4084]

These reasons are why I am LESS likely to cruise. Overcrowding is #1!

[@Leo-vk6qm]

That's very worrying that cruises over book, as a solo traveller I'd feel very anxious about booking a cruise now as solos will be the first to be dumped. Would be interested to know how this interacts with consumer law or whether consumer law even applies given the international nature of cruising.

[@roundandroundmyworld]

The contract of the passenger with the cruise line specifies the sole jurisdiction where any legal challenges shall be resolved, e.g. California for Princess, Washington State for Holland America. In both cases, it's the state where the corporate headquarters is located. This also means that legal cases will be resolved according to the laws of that state.

[@mim3097]

I certainly hope that with this push to extract more money out of travellers, cruise lines are factoring in the expense of a better experience. I feel like people are at breaking point right now. They are tired of prices constantly rising, but quality constantly decreasing. Businesses across multiple industries are going to get a rude shock when people walk away in protest, or somply can no longer afford to keep enabling their greed.

[@bobcarr5497]

I'm in total agreement with your analysis. People currently are paying more for EVERYTHING and that includes any and ALL VACATIONS but with the cruise industry making more money currently than even before the pandemic tells you people look at cruising as getting more and a better value rightly or wrongly depending how you look at it. Lol. I will say though people will and are running out of cash on hand because if it we're not the case the country wouldn't be seeing the highest credit card debt on record. Those bills will be coming to those that are in over there heads in big debt.

[@owensmith7530]

I've never booked on a cruise line that even offers guaranteed cabin types. I am baffled why anyone would be content to not know their cabin number when booking. In 2024 I'm booked on Viking Ocean in Alaska, and Viking on the Nile. All adults only, cabin numbers chosen at booking, and more inclusive fair than ever given they are throwing in drinks package and gratuities as promotions. The only extras to pay are optional excursions, spa treatments, and premium drinks.

[@JBM425]

You book a hotel without knowing the room number, so booking a cruise by category isn’t a lot different. It’s something of a roll of the dice: you might get a great deal, or you may be in a room that you don’t like. It might be worth it for some to pay extra for an assigned room, but others may be happy to save a bit of cash and gamble that they’ll be happy with the guarantee of a room class versus a specific cabin.

[@yvonnetomenga5726]

Thanks for this update. 👍

[@tjflash60]

Thank you for the videos. Good content, well delivered.

[@jensgoldgrabe7052]

Great video as always. We have found that if you give the daily gratuitee which I believe most people do, then its not a stretch to go for the package. If you do not drink a lot of alcoholic beverages, we really enjoy specialty coffees, juices, desserts and soda's, so for us the packages make sense. the plus is not having a bill at the end as well.

[@debbiechasan1186]

Gary, I don't remember 'making a comment', however in the New Year, I wanted to tell you what a 'brilliant asset' you are to the public. My partner & I listen to you often & truly appreciate All of the information You impart. In closing, Happy New Year to You & Your Husband. Stay well & safe. :) Debbie C.

[@charlieb893]

Great Job- your videos are always very informative

[@reginaobrien8983]

As always, an informative and helpful video!

[@styrpak1]

I don't care for the super large cruise ships, like Celebrity Edge class. After cruising steadily since cruising reopened after the pandemic, and throughly enjoying the lighter passenger loads, I suppose I'm spoiled. I'm taking a vacation from cruising until things calm down. And then, I'll look for smaller ships, longer cruises, and more exotic itineraries than Alaska and the Caribbean.

[@RD-qe5rn]

Gary, your videos have been a great help to us. Thanks.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Very interesting insights as always.

[@TeachinTV]

I haven't gone on a cruise since the pandemic. My last one was a solo, aboard the now-defunct Majesty of the Seas, a "small" ship that RCL sold for scrapping. The cruise was so cheap that I was able to snag a cabin for a tad above my $100 a night cap. It was terrific. With all of the increased charges and reduced services, I think my cruising days are gone. Now, if I want an ocean view, I drive five miles to the beach.

[@carolm4545]

Majesty of the Seas was a great “little ship” and my first cruise. I’m sorry to hear that she was scrapped. 😢

[@jeffreywagner5234]

Great video, Gary! Thank you. 🚢🚢

[@CarboneCat]

We’ve booked our upcoming Norwegian cruise for September 2024, two years ago. We’re looking at the port website you suggested for the excursion because we’ll have to book them soon. As for the package, we usually take the wine package as we do drink bottles of wine during dinner and our party of three gets through the bottles.

[@davidandrew1078]

More floating cities will not improve the cruise experience, in fact, a lot of ports are pushing hard to limit cruise ship sizes and passenger numbers. This is a fallout from the Virus where they have now got more power. The Cruise lines need the ports much more than the ports need the cruise lines.

[@FrielFamilyFootball]

Thank you for the information.

[@arokh72]

You make an excellent point in regard to packages. Generally speaking, I'm happy with included dining, I cruise to switch off from devices, and I don't drink alcohol or soft drink, for me, it's tea, juice, and milkshakes, so a drinks package offers zero value for me. I was recently pricing some cruises, and to use Princess as an example, a cruise advertised at $1632 AUD pp, 6 day Tasmania trip ex Sydney, balcony cabin, drops to about $1242 AUD pp for "Princess Standard", the advertised price being for Princess Plus. That $800 AUD, total for 2 people, saving, is a lot of spending money to be used elsewhere.

[@robertk4552]

We booked our first Princess cruise in June 2024 for 14 days on what will also be our first time to Alaska. We opted for the Premier Package for as close to an all inclusive experience that was available between the various cruise lines we were considering for our 25th anniversary 2nd honeymoon trip. Gratuities still included in the package unlike another line. Included room service unlike many other lines today. We cruise every 3-5 years in any case. The new floating hotels don't capture the reasons that we like to cruise. They tend to be going in the opposite direction.

[@drsmilecow]

We are also going in June 2024 aboard Grand Princess to Alaska.

[@nwo4L]

​@drsmilecow I took that ship in a new zealand back in December enjoy

[@apl175]

Hope to sail on Entitlement of the Seas this year.

[@femalejaysfan]

I'm surprised they're focusing more on families. I thought things like the solo cabins would be more the focus. Many of the people with disposable income nowadays are single or married millennials who opted not to have kids.

[@tommykay7427]

Thanks Gary for the info! Another thing that is happening is that cruiselines are starting to charge SOLO passengers MORE than just the double occupancy fee. They don't want solo passengeers as that lowers the onboard spendings. Royal and Celebrity is out first with this. We can probalby expect this from the other companies as well.

[@laureljaneg]

Boycott!!

[@LovaLova808]

Celebrity-$3,700 for solo cabin, $2,500 for regular cabin on same cruise. If that's not a "get lost" msg, I don't know what is.

[@crBudgetWatches]

The least I would expect if I am bumped is a voucher for 100% next cruise plus enough cash to have the same days of vacation in whatever port I am being bumped .

[@ohbollox2it]

Always picked the cabin we were staying in - I’ve never risked it

[@murrethmedia]

Would you mind elaborating for me? I've never cruised before. When you say you chose your cabin do you mean you didn't do the "let the cruise line pick for you" thing?

[@cherifurr3935]

All good points, Gary. A lot to think about. Recently decide to do an Asian GV on Regent Seven Seas. Decided by the time I flew twice, it would be easier ti take one cruise with more ports than taking separate Japan and Australia/NZ cruises separately. Plus they throw in a lot of extras on a GV.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

So, this year is out. All I need to know.

[@lap8329]

Having heard on another channel that Celebrity is raising Solo rates, I did a comparison to see how bad it was. I chose a cruise of the sort I would actually consider - an April 16-night Solstice, Sydney to Honolulu. I selected a specific veranda cabin and used it for both comparisons. I’m using Australian currency, and rates are fully inclusive of all fees and taxes. Here is the horrifying truth: Cabin-only rate, the Solo cost was $2,506 more than the total cost for double occupancy. All-inclusive rate, the Solo cost was $3,761 more than the total cost for double occupancy. I’m a cruising newbie, taking my first cruise this month with Princess. Celebrity had been high on my list for choosing my next cruise. Now I won’t waste my time even glancing at their offerings.

[@DooWopKing2011]

You are a wealth of information . . . thank you!

[@wisdomoutdoors]

Great advice Gary, thank you sir

[@billkallas1762]

I've got my rooms booked for June and October cruises. I've even booked and paid for my excursions for both. Short Alaska in June, three week Panama in October. 21 days will be the longest I've ever been on a ship. Lots of sea days (my favorite)

[@suzt7076]

The packages costing more is no surprise. I’ve only cruised once, and it was clear that the amount you would need to drink to make a package cost efficient was enormous

[@tgiskardify]

You shouldn't buy a package to try and save money, but it can be worthwhile if not thinking about incremental costs onboard improves your experience.

[@FrancisSiuChock]

Great video! It is beyond crazy how much supply and demand has effected every price of cruising. The most ridiculous 'additional' cost I saw was a rental cabana on CocoCay for $5,000!!! These used to go for under $1,000. The craziest thing is they were all reserved for our cruise in August 2024.

[@kays749]

We are going to do fewer cruises and spend the money going on the more traditional inclusive lines (such as Oceana) because Princess, et al., have ruined traditional cruising for us. This the first year I haven't had a future cruise booked in decades.

[@vittoriovuocolo2438]

That's because traditional cruisers are getting to be les and less they are trying to appeal to the new age people. Personally ,after next year's cruise we will just do several small land trips. There is plenty to see and do within the USA.

[@singbike5832]

@@vittoriovuocolo2438 Speaking as someone in (presumably) their new target age group, I personally don't want cruise ships to all be giant floating theme parks. If I want to vacation in a theme park, I'll visit one. There's a place for some ships like that, I suppose, but certainly not all or most of them.

[@kays749]

Good point, @@vittoriovuocolo2438

[@trainattendant5810]

All of this is case & point why I no longer sail Holland America, Princess, & Celebrity; my former go-to lines. Between ship design, onboard service & dining changes, & blatant focus of onboard revenue production. The changes are making these lines ghostly shadows of their former selves. Viking Ocean offers the type of cruise experience I specifically enjoy - small ships, refined atmosphere, attention to detail, no onboard marketing, no children. Clearly a higher price point, but worth every penny to me.

[@cherifurr3935]

But Viking is making you the full fare 12-18 months advance, which is ridiculous.

[@owensmith7530]

@@cherifurr3935Depends what country you book from. In the UK Viking make you pay 25% deposit on booking (which is very high compared to UK norms) and then pay the balance 90 days before sailing. I have no idea why it is so much worse elsewhere.

[@trainattendant5810]

@@cherifurr3935 I always book my next cruise(s) onboard. Final payment six months from sail date. Easy peasy.

[@casamayer]

@@cherifurr3935 3 time Viking cruiser and that never happened. Fact check!

[@bobcarr5497]

I agree as well. My wife and I are looking at possibly booking another cruise for 2025 with either Viking, Regent or seabourn for 10 to 12 days for 2025. Still researching but smaller crowds and no kids / families is what the target is now that we are 56 yrs old. Lol. The industry has definitely changed and not for the better. These 6K to 7K + mega ships being built will be doing 5 to 7 day voyages with two sea days then two days a two private islands and two more days at sea and back to home Port because the Caribbean Islands are not wanting these huge mega ships of Carnival, Royal Caribbean MSC and even Celebrity edge class ships and Holland coming to there small islands. Bigger is not always better when it comes to cruising.

[@pw-sz6ds]

I have a budget and I stick to it. If my budget can include a drink package then I will not worry about the fact that I could have saved some $$. I love when the cruise lines offer all inclusive packages for one price within my budget. So when I’m finished with my cruise vacation my bill is $zero$.

[@QuentinStephens]

How does cruise cancellation interact with insurance? After all, you may have spent hundreds or even thousands of pounds to fly out to join the ship, and you may now need to spend thousands on hotels or early flights back. I hope you will look into this further.

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

If you booked air on your own, you're screwed. Insurance won't pay a dime.

[@PaulCashman]

It depends on what type of travel insurance you purchase. For U.S. and Canadian cruisers, the "Insure My Trip" website is the best for comparing travel insurance plans. If you include your air travel expenses and hotel expenses, it is quite possible for your plan to cover that.

[@dchenkin02]

Look at different travel insurance policies and don't buy through the cruise line.

[@gma2one]

We took a cruise on the smallest/oldest RC ship, Grandeur. Everyone said it had very little children because there weren’t things to do. What a lie! There were rug rats all over the place with no supervision. We had the royal suite and spent 90% of our time in our cabin. We ate meals in there, entertained ourselves. The other 10% we spent in bars the kids couldn’t go in to. I hated the whole thing and we are frequent diamond cruisers.

[@Dingdong3696oyvey]

Cruise lines will only abuse passengers as much as they will accept it.

[@raananh]

If a ship is over-booked, then cancel for people who live in or near the departing port with a nice compensation. - they would not mind it much. And the fair compensation is less. Instead, cruise lines cancel for people who flew from Japan to start a cruise in Florida with horrible results and costs.

[@deborahwilliams7072]

We booked a cruise for August 2024. We live in Florida but the rest of the family live much farther away so hoping this doesn’t happen to us.

[@RevitupPhil]

NCL also reported in their quarterly they have a harder time selling cruises over 10 days. I've gotten better deals under their 6 weeks prior to departure and they won't allow you to reprice in this window.

[@CraigZeigler]

Gary, I really enjoy your channel and am an experienced solo cruiser. I sail exclusively with NCL and have never been disappointed. While I can appreciate your perspective, its great that they're targeting a younger and more diverse crowd. Active cruises are far more fun than the floating hotel where you're just waiting for the next feeding. We're not captives in a zoo. Cruising is still a great value for a vacation and I welcome all of the new activities on board.

[@larisaserhijiw3670]

Do people have to be entertained every waking moment of their holiday? I mean really, what is wrong with people? Chill out and relax why don't you. Or is that a foreign concept?

[@juliemcmeekin2095]

as always very interesting

[@FraserAtSea]

The thought of turning up to an oversold ship is an absolute nightmare - I didn't even realise cruise lines were doing this! What an awful practice, especially when it means some people turn up and can't get on their holiday! While cruising last year, I did actually find it more difficult as the year went on to not pay for more things while on the ships - a clear change that's really come in over the last year or so!

[@michaelgunney1183]

I am using the Free at Sea on NCL for my next cruise which works out at £22 a day each. As someone who does drink alcohol I know I will be up on this amount, so for me it makes sense. That is before you added in the dining, wifi etc. Horses for course but as you say worth checking if each package is worth it for you. Only once ever had a guaranteed cabin and that was because of a mistake at the agents when booking. At the time it actually worked out better but given what you say not perhaps a risk worth taking.

[@wfodavid]

Great info! We have 4 kids and we've done the cruises with kids. They're all grown and out of the house now and prefer a more adult (less children) cruises. We will be watching more closely in the future.

[@user-hy4zy9hf5i]

Did a HAL cruise on the Noordam late last year and it seems another way the line is saving money is the cutting down on entertainment. There were the two pianists in the Billboard and a band in the Rolling Stones lounge every evening (both so crowded that you had to be there an hour early to get a seat). The World Stage was a huge disappointment, no big shows at all. A good jazz group in the Ocean Bar most evenings and that was it. Very disappointing

[@richardlocke7264]

after watching this video, i'm all the happier I'll be on Viking.

[@laalratty]

Ditto myself with Fred. Olsen.

[@hollyvanhecke9280]

Likewise

[@casamayer]

VIKING VELA Dec 24

[@sjrp]

Hope you’re not one of the people Viking cancels on because they booked a charter to fill the ship

[@skylineuk1485]

Great information Gary. I had no idea they now over book by that amount 😳. In 2015/2016 I remember talking to some staff onboard RCCL who had said they always kept a few cabins free in case they had to swap people into them due to maintenance problems (toilets and aircon probably), I wonder how this is dealt with on a fully booked ship if they are at full capacity or do they still do this but full capacity always includes a few spare cabins? We have had to swap cabins before due to issues but there was always somewhere to move too apart from one MSC and we just had to put up with something loose rattling behind the front fascia on a wall (was like a dripping tap).

[@silviaterracciano4513]

Nice video even if lately I have not been going on a cruise.

[@rmcneill6636]

Love all your videos, great tips! Question for you (and others), regarding the overbooking, and relatedly booking via room-type Guarantee option. Is there any general guidance as to WHEN the cabin allocations will be made to those who booked via Guarantee? For example, Celebrity Edge series; if a Caribbean cruise in March/April 2024 (past the date of full payment due 90 days from departure) still shows 30-50 Suites as available, but virtually no Veranda (balcony) cabins available, and the price declined immediately after at the date of full payment. Any idea when the Guarantees will be allocated, as well as when Veranda cabins would be offered upgrade deals to Suites? Just trying to figure out best time to book!! THANKS!

[@willscottytv]

Good grief. We booked for May 2025 in November 2023 😬. I'll be gutted if we get bumped somewhere along the way.

[@user-sj5id8dr8g]

First off, we're new to crusing.. My husband and I had to cancel our cruise 3 days before the ship set sail due to Covid. We did purchase travel insurance that covers most of our expenses. We were told by Celebrity that if we had no insurance we would receive a credit, but because insurance was purchased, we were not entitled to a credit. How can they justify this? It appears to be a double standard. Is there anything that be done to pursue this?

[@cheryljones2009]

Wow, this is very interesting information, to get the inside scoop on what the cruise lines are telling "Investors"! 👂 Most of my cruises have been on Carnival, where there ARE lots of families & kids, but I didn't know the more traditional cruise lines are actually trying to "target" families & kids now, Wow!!!! 😮

[@Dexter037S4]

I don't even plan on cruising in like the next decade or so (21, broke) but I love these deep dives into the business side of things, and the engineering.

[@katem4365]

Thanks, Gary, I'm going to wait til 60-90 day window and book my Alaska cruise that way. I'm also one of those not keen on being in the Mediterranean right now, but I am bkd on Queen Anne in Dec for Northern Europe 😊

[@keekwillie]

Always great advice. One thing that appears to be new for 2024 is that several cruise lines are no longer offering Cruise Insurance protection to several Canadian provinces (BC and Quebec). Or are not offering Platinum protection (full trip, medical, etc coverage) and cancel for any reason. This will dramatically affect many older cruisers!

[@Bandy1036]

Who else is happy to be here before 10,000 views?! 🥹

[@quicksilver2510]

I don't understand how people can think that an entire industry can shut down cold sober for years on end and expect it to bounce back to pre covid conditions, or better, especially in a global inflationary environment. I live in Australia, and our cruuse industry was closed for probably the most time out of any of them. I've been on 5 cruises since they resumed. The last one was from England to Norway and back on P&O UK. I'm just thankful to be cruising at all at this point, and I'm happy to pay extra, even if that means some of the services are reduced, changed, cancelled or cost more.

[@markanderson4163]

sounds like youre a cruise industry employee and not the average consumer...greed has taken over the industry and its going to eventually catch up with them...

[@quicksilver2510]

@markanderson4163 No, I'm not in the industry. I'm just a person that enjoys cruising and doesn't do any other holidays other than cruises.

[@alexcorzo702]

Great and insightful video, thanks. So for solo cruisers like me these are not the best of news I guess?

[@TassieEV]

Wow Gary, using the hotel trick but they could end up in court in some jurisdictions may find they cannot overbook or be fined heavily...very heavily.

[@lynnleipold2617]

Thanks!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@raxterwot7940]

$1800 for an interior cabin on the Icon OTS? I don't think so....

[@billyslide7645]

Gary, you’re a prince! Sincerely. My wife and i are booked on Queen Elizabeth in March. And I’m doing much based on what I’ve learned here. Thank you. It’s our 2nd Cunard voyage, the first was a trans-Atlantic on QM2. Following what you’re saying here, I think Cunard fits us best, followed by Hurtigruten or Ritz. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@Tolpuddle581]

Same here.

[@loveistheonlyword]

We booked our upcoming March 2024 cruise a year and a half ago and booked a Sky Suite on Celebrity. Since then, they have removed many of the extras that caused us to book this room class to begin with. It may be our last cruise for awhile or ever. A future cruise is going to be a hard sell for us.

[@kts7113]

I can guarantee you that if I booked a cruise two years in advance, and they tell me I don’t have a room on board. I will sue the ever loving crap out of the whole line and the whole industry. And I will use this video as part proof that they are intentionally over booking the ships. I do believe it’s time for a class action lawsuit against all cruise lines!! I spend way too much money on these cruises to deal with this type of incompetence!! And I shouldn’t have to pay extra just to make sure I have the cruise that I booked!!

[@BoninBrighton]

Flights have been overbooking for many years….

[@mashenka6189]

With this news, I’ll just book a beautiful resort. Thanks

[@jturie]

Not surprised at these developments. The cruise lines lost a lot of money during the pandemic, so of course they're going to do their best to maximize revenues. Unfortunately, we all know that these changes will be permanent. The "good old days" are pretty much gone for good. Your tip about looking to Europe makes a lot of sense. Families with kids want beaches and rides. I'm on a HAL Caribbean cruise in a couple of weeks, and it might be my last for that part of the world. I think the Mediterranean and Western Europe is going to be on my radar for 2025 and beyond.

[@JBM425]

It’s like a “Temporary Tax.” Very few ever wind up being temporary.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I find it shocking that they waited until the morning of the departure at the port to tell the poor bumped off passengers that they were not going to be travelling. They surely knew earlier?!!! Thank you for the video!

[@stevenvater8720]

Great video, and this is my concern too. I've booked on cunard queen Anne, I've been on many cruises on queen Victoria /Elizabeth. But I got the horrible feeling that cunard will be using tricks to encourage me hard to dine in speciality restaurants instead of the basic buffet and main dining restaurants

[@dlamiss]

We took the deluxe package on a September P&O Azura trip. the package cost £1294 (including loyalty discount) and had we paid as we went along the cost would have been £1941 so we were happy

[@zacharys8594]

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for the great info! I would like to see you check out the new Explora Journeys cruise line as my wife and I are interested in them.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. I am booked but only for 2025

[@barbra7562]

My son and his fiancé ate getting married next year and have booked a 3 week Mediterranean cruise on the Sun Princess for their honeymoon. They’re flying from NZ to Rome to pick up the ship so I really hope their cruise isn’t “bumped”!

[@markanderson4163]

best cruise we went on was right after COVID...2000 passengers on a 3800 passenger ship...it was awesome...I would almost be willing to pay double for that...almost.

[@sean65xjrurwin61]

This makes sad viewing. Its been coming drip by drip over the last couple of years. The giant cruise companies are extorting more money from our pockets and giving people less for their money. Encouraging a "larger demographic of clientele" will ruin what was once a luxury indulgent way of holidaying. I will now look for alternative luxury holidays.

[@ljacobs357]

Great content. I'm glad I did most of my cruising when I was younger. Much of cruising today is nothing more than catering to the mass market. I wish you would do a segment on the negative impact of large cruise ship on the port experience.

[@tiffinyanderson4403]

My number rule is pay for the cabin that I want and will be happy with. I am picky about my cabin location. I don’t want to be under large and loud public areas or by the stairs, elevators, mechanical or laundry areas etc. I take my time picking my cabin but I’m paying for it. I think over booking is wrong especially with large increase of people choosing cruise holidays.

[@sylviat8461]

I’ve been cruising for many years and lucky to have cruised with my parents. I’ve always loved cruising……………until recently! It’s been such a crap shoot with way too many people on board! We are slowing down and possibly moving to river cruising or higher end cruise lines!

[@roundandroundmyworld]

I'm still seeing a mixed bag in the cruises I am considering of voyages where there is a surcharge to choose a specific cabin versus ones where guaranteed category and choose your own cabin are at the same price. That's on both Princess and on Holland America. Trying to figure out a pattern to explain how/why both companies switch back and forth from surcharge to no surcharge. I was looking this month for 2024 sailings.

[@joannekelly2578]

I love the whirlpool suite on MSC. We're going February 4-11. I'd like to book 2 whirlpool suites on the same ship for next Dec 8-15. Should I call and book now or go to the Future Cruise desk on the ship when we get there? My husband and I take no packages but my son and his fiancé want the premium drink and wifi package.

[@tiffinyanderson4403]

I really wish they would introduce or refurbish midsize ships for those of us who don’t want too small but we don’t want to wait 23 days for a tender or buffet line. Another great video!

[@pdallen5801]

I read where Celebrity is charging solos not only the single supplement but 15% MORE because they’re factoring the money Celebrity loses by not having two people spend money on board. I know as a solo, I never buy drink and specialty dining packages because they’re not bargains to me. I just buy want I want, so perhaps I’m part of the problem…

[@allau2041]

The possibility of being bumped is alarming. It's different than floghts because of the number of flights andich lower cost but a cruise is a whole vacation planned aroind a specific time. Cruise lones absolutely should not be allowed to do this. People book far in advance and there are deposits to protect cruiselines from no shows.

[@briandopking35]

This trend to bigger ships is very disappointing. They are grotesque.