Christmas Day was a DISASTER in the Philippines! | Norwegian Spirit, Christmas & New Years Cruise

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Great job on this video, Ben! Very glad we were able to make the best of an unexpected and interesting port day! A Christmas to remember, no doubt! 😊🎄

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@MerCruisesSolo thank you, Mer! A good attitude turns a bad day into a great day! I still think about that incredible Onda dinner 😂 a Christmas Day I won’t forget!

[@bganonimouse2754]

Nice one Ben. I do enjoy your authenticity and general encouragement of others. Single travel isn't easy but I think its a good thing to let people know it can be enjoyed on cruises.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment and I agree with everything you said 😊

[@norahb55]

Ben, you are great at making the best of whatever is happening. I feel the same way as you. Getting mad is never helpful and just ruins the day. Seems like you still found fun things to do on the ship to keep your Christmas merry. I enjoy watching all of your adventures!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@norahb55 that’s the best way to be, Norah! Getting mad or complaining isn’t going to fix the situation and you’ll just waste more time! It was still an amazing Christmas Day and we enjoyed relaxing on the ship! Thank you for watching! 😁

[@sheilaathay2034]

Great video! It looked like alot of fun . Everything about a cruise is subject to cancelation, I would imagine. Enjoy all the amenities, and appreciate all that goes into running a giant vessel like that. I love boats, I love the sea, Id be happy. Too bad you can't drop a fishing line over the side, though😅🎣 There's always something to do.Thanks!❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Sheila! I totally agree, no complaining while on a cruise ship with all you can eat and drink 😂 and fun stuff going on everywhere! Always happy 😆

[@marartper9770]

Thanks for coming in the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@rigorramos4288]

For a minute there I thought the Philippines itself was the problem... because of the title of your video... 😊 relieved to know it was the ship's system... Enjoy the rest of your holidays! God bless and greetings from the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@rigorramos4288 cheers, Rigor! Philippines did nothing wrong 😂

[@bdesalis]

My wife and I went on the NCL Spirit in August 2023 to Alaska from Vancouver and absolutely loved the ship. I agree - I think it is my favourite ship as well.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@bdesalis it’s an amazing ship, Bob! I liked it very much 😁

[@madamenicoleNY]

Thanks for a great vid Ben! Things will happen and I’m glad you can roll with it. You’re correct-life is short. I’m glad you have a travel partner and you’re not glued to each other. It’s great to view her perspective as well. I would love to see more interaction with others on the ship to see their demographics and how comfortable it is to cruise solo. You have opened my eyes to another way to travel. I’m not 100% there yet. And possible your take on cruising in small ships, river cruises and at different price points eventually. I’d love to learn your thoughts. As always, thanks for taking us along! -Nicole in NY

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@madamenicoleNY thank you, Nicole! Some things you can control but you can control your attitude 😁 it was great traveling with Mer but we definitely have our own way of cruising. I do interact with many others on the cruise but I just don’t film it, would you be happy being filmed on vacation by someone you just met? 😁 I’d love to try other ways of cruising and traveling too! Hopefully I can in the future!

[@madamenicoleNY]

@ I think if someone asked my permission and if it would help others, I would. But I’m not the majority. Point taken Ben. I’m just curious to the others. I’ve heard many things but I don’t think they were accurate. Didn’t mean to be out of line.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ no you weren’t out of line! I’m just saying that I do meet lots of people but I don’t feel good about asking them if they want to be in my video 😁 I’d love to know what you’ve heard!

[@mikehueter3982]

Hey Ben, I'm glad you were able to salvage the day -- especially since it was Christmas. Looking forward to the next one!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@mikehueter3982 cheers, Mate! Of course! Things didn’t go to plan but that’s okay, we still had an amazing day! Thank you for watching 😁

[@newday5]

NCL solo cruising is a lot of fun I agree . I am going on another in two weeks

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@newday5 enjoy your cruise, Darlene!

[@ridingwithkitty]

I loved your video. I also loved how you made lemonade out of lemons.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ridingwithkitty thank you, Kitty! I tried to make the most of the day 😁

[@mvsgeek]

Sounds like the shore excursion was a "cluster of fun". I'm glad you didn't let it get the best of you. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@mvsgeek I’m sure it was a fun excursion but I never got to do it 😂 Christmas was great! Thank you for watching!

[@cattimascha1985]

Loved your Video Norwegian cruise line is really great, I also loved to sail on the norwegian Jade from Hamburg to the the north Cape and many stationes in norway, was sooo great Have fun🎉 and take care❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cattimascha1985 thank you, Catti! NCL is great, my opinion about them hasn’t change at all!

[@paulknowles8469]

I agree with your thought to not let anything ruin your day. There is no point being angry about something that you have no control of. That way, you were still able to enjoy your day which happened to be Christmas! Also, I like your description of the night sea - terrifying and beautiful! I like looking outside the ship at night and can never think of a description. I’m looking forward to seeing your video of Manila, where we have family and plan on going there ourselves!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@paulknowles8469 cheers, Paul! A good attitude can change a bad day into a good day! I had no control over anything that happened that day so no reason to get upset or mad. I’ve spent hours just looking out into the dark ocean, what’s out there?! 😂 ohhhh, Manila was very interesting HA coming up next 😁

[@deba175]

Enjoy your travels good call go back to ship! Can't imagine sitting on a bus for hours. I agree life is short just do it!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@deba175 cheers, Deb! Life always goes on 😁

[@akemim9434]

Love your energy and this video. Ok I am going to say it…you two make a cute couple!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@akemim9434 cheers, Akemi!

[@LourdesA777]

Wow there’s a port stop in Currimao?! There some nice beaches up north in the pagudpud area, one top rated destination is Saud beach and the other is called blue lagoon. Haven’t experienced them yet but heard they were just as nice as borocay, just not as crowded.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@LourdesA777 I didn’t make it that far 😂

[@juliajones2283]

Glad you made the most of Christmas Day Ben. 🎄

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@juliajones2283 it was a great day, Julia! 😁🎄

[@Krypto64]

I’m so sorry you and Meredith, and the other passengers, had all this hassle. And on Christmas Day, too. I admire your chilled attitude hugely. If I have something to complain about, I do go to Guest Servicea, but I’m always polite - there’s no point complaining to head office in Miami because they just do not care. At least once per cruise I’ll wander up to a quiet desk, look vaguely serious, and then just give them genuine compliments about the staff and services. Nothing wrong with positive feedback, as you demonstrate so graciously. I love your running gag about looking out at the ‘terrifying’ sea!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@Krypto64 cheers, Martin! A good attitude makes a big difference. We were fine with the excursion being cancelled but the disorganisation needs to be fixed! It’s not a gag 😂 the dark ocean is beautiful and terrifying!

[@Krypto64]

Oh, it is terrifying, looking into the abyss and all that, but it’s such a regular ‘bit’ that I look forward to it!

[@ronplourde7658]

I guess I meant German made ships. All the ships in the Norwegian Fleet We’re made in Germany as opposed to the prima, Viva and Aqua and the latest Italian made ship coming out later this year. Those ships were made in Italy. I have been on the prima in October 2022. Not a bad ship overall, but not my preference as opposed to like I said the German made ships.

[@Krypto64]

@ Thanks - I’m familiar with ship class, eg Jewel, as categories but country of build is beyond me!

[@ronplourde7658]

When I was on the Prima in October 2022, the ship was pretty much brand new. It only had sailed maybe five times prior to my cruise. There were some engineers that were still on the ship from the shipyard in Italy. One of them was a smoker and her and I would talk sometimes and she would explain that the prima was built in Italy and the other new ships are going to be Italian built also. That’s how I became aware. And most of the crew on the prima at the time did not know how to do many repairs on the Italian built ship because they were used to working on the German built ships. That’s how I became aware also that the other ships in the fleet were made in Germany. I do prefer their older ships. They are very colorful and just have a vibe that I enjoy much more.

[@BeaverPT]

Merry belated Christmas 🎄 Glad you made the best of it.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@BeaverPT cheers, Kevin! I always try to 😁

[@GDJason]

Unfortunate that things just weren't going your way, but I appreciate your attitude toward it. I try to be the same way and not get bent out of shape over things that are out of my control. And I've often found at least some good things can result in an unplanned situations. Not always obviously but more often that not, for me at least.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@GDJason I totally agree with you, Jason! Trying to keep a good attitude is the best thing but it’s difficult sometimes but it’s up to you to make the most of it! It was a memorable Christmas Day for sure!!😁

[@jillmilne3129]

I’m travelling solo on the Prima next month! First time ever cruising. I enjoy watching your videos! They helped me to get enough courage to go by myself😊

[@NarrativeEscapes]

Just to support - the excursion process on the Prima was impeccably organised. So this particular issue probably won't be a thing. I went on the trip after or before Ben solo as well.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@jillmilne3129 that’s amazing, Jill! Well done for having the courage to take a cruise! I love the Prima very much, it’s still my favorite cruise ship I’ve ever been on. I’m glad I encouraged you just a little bit, enjoy your cruise, Jill! 😁

[@cathypowell7254]

Looks like a great Christmas. Ben, I am going on my first cruise in August to Alaska. This old girl is excited. 💥

[@cathy1672]

Oh nooo, Alaska was my favourite cruise. It’s not good for the best. Ruined to be first, nothing else will compare afterwards! Nonetheless enjoy, wish I could go with you!

[@cathypowell7254]

@@cathy1672 Thanks. It’s my dream cruise for my 65 Th Birthday. I may never get on another. Nice name by the way lol

[@cathy1672]

@@cathypowell7254 ​​⁠thank you, your name is fabulous as well! Go and enjoy the cruise. Then take another and another! It’s the best! I have a long long way to retirement, I would love to be able to retire right now just to enjoy the cruising. I also went in Aug of last year on the Celebrity Summit, it was absolutely perfect, nothing absolutely nothing went wrong, and that never ever ever happens for nothing to go wrong! It was just perfect ❤️ if you can afford a balcony, Alaska is the best to experience with a balcony.

[@cathypowell7254]

@@cathy1672 Thank You. That’s what I am scared of ,I will want to go on more, lol. We have a balcony booked. ❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cathypowell7254 it was a great Christmas, Cathy! That’s amazing! Alaska is still on my bucket list, I’ll make it there one day 😁 enjoy your cruise!

[@carolleiter6027]

Good video. Merry Christmas, Ben. My Christmas was very nice. I will check out Merideths channel. She seems very nice. Sorry about your first day in the Philippines. I am sure it will be better, how can it not be. Lol. Yes the ocean is beautiful and scary especially at night.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@carolleiter6027 thank you, Carol! Merry Christmas! Mer’s videos are very fun! We have a very similar care free travel style 😁 it does get better, of course!

[@vickymatous5512]

So nice you and Mer had one another to laugh through the chaos with! 😂❤ Also, I’m SO GLAD to hear you speak on cruising solo; my first solo cruise is the August, to Alaska on PCL… but this chat makes me want to investigate NCL for all the other places on my bucket list!!! 🎉

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@vickymatous5512 thank you, Vicky! We are both glad we have similar attitudes when it comes to things not going to plan 😂 we both agreed quickly to go back to the ship and enjoy our day instead of being stressed! I don’t talk about solo cruising that much because it’s a totally normal thing to me! Make sure you subscribe to Mer’s channel as she talks about to a lot and she’s very knowledgeable when it comes to solo cruising. Enjoy your Alaska cruise! Alaska is still on my bucket list 😆

[@cathy1672]

I spent Christmas Day 2024 on a cruise too! A Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess! It was lovely.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cathy1672 that sounds great, Cathy! Cruising at Christmas is a great experience!

[@cijmo]

I LOVE traveling solo and cruised solo. It was at a time I needed a lot of "alone time in my head" (4 deaths in the family in 3 years, all unexpected) so I just did a lot of thinking and putting my thoughts in order...basically getting out of bed and finding somewhere else to nap LOL. It was such a relaxing trip because you could do a lot of things, you could do nothing. I did nothing all day and shows at night. I encourage anyone who wants to cruise but doesn't have a cruise partner, to do it. Like Ben said, there are singles events or you can do things on your own. As the saying goes "do it now or forever wish you had."

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cijmo I agree with everything you said 😁

[@hollyecf]

Hey Lucky! Just roll with the punches and have a great time! That's my motto in life, too! Loving these videos!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@hollyecf I totally agree, Fredwina! Things go wrong but that’s life 😁 smile and move on!

[@dr.ikeavina3761]

So sorry about the unfortunate experience with the shore excursion Ben but you always have such a positive attitude about everything. Glad you found something to do.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@dr.ikeavina3761 thanks, Dr Ike! Definitely frustrating but what are ya gonna do? 😁 thank you for watching!

[@david1234lee]

Hey, Ben ! Enjoy your good time !

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@david1234lee I always do, David! Thank you!

[@david1234lee]

@@TravelWithBen121 lost my draw bar; just recovered it !

[@breinich2]

I’ve had similar experiences on NCL excursions, very slow assembly and boarding buses. My general rule is avoid excursions on tender ports.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@breinich2 good rule, John 👍

[@pams6792]

I have been on 11 cruises, but I will be taking my first solo cruise in April on the Celebrity Beyond. I am excited and a little nervous.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@pams6792 that’s great, Pam! Enjoy your cruise 😁

[@DonaldYoung-b7x]

Too bad about your excursion but at least you had a day at the pool on a beautiful ship! Tenders are always a bit messy and a little stressful, I've had a few bad experiences on them.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@DonaldYoung-b7x it turned out to be a great day, Donald! It was frustrating but life goes on! I agree, tenders can be unpredictable so no one should rely on getting to the port on time! But whatever happens, smile and move on 😁

[@stephencoutu2674]

If you can book the cabin room in the center of a ship you will not feel the rocking quite as much. Your new jacket and shoes look great Ben, treat yourself more often.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 good idea, Stephen 😁 many people were not feeling good during this cruise 😂

[@ronplourde7658]

I’m sorry that your excursion got canceled and did not work out. I saw Meredith’s video earlier. But it is good to see that you made the best of your Christmas on the ship. I have never been on the NCL spirit, but I’ve been on many other NCL ships including the prima when it first came out in 2022. For me, I really prefer the German class ships in their fleet. My wife and I are going back on the prima in April to Bermuda and perhaps I will get a different perspective of the ship then. I am also doing the Iceland cruise to New York in late June on the NCL Star and in October gonna be on the NCL Viva from Turkey to Greece and Alexandria Egypt. I’m really looking forward to those cruises also. My question is what other cruises do you have planned for this year and where are they going?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ronplourde7658 Cheers, Ron! Spirit is a beautiful ship! I’d love to cruise on the Prima again, you have some great cruises coming up! An Iceland cruise is so so special. I actually have zero cruises booked right now, I have a few events happening at home in England in the next few months so I’ll be there for a while but hopefully another cruise is coming up very soon!

[@ronplourde7658]

That is great that you have some events coming up soon back home in England. Hopefully, they will be really good times. I have seen some of your videos on your cruise through Norway and Iceland. I had that one booked on the prima for June, but had to push it back. So I will be taking the Star from Iceland to Greenland and Canada and disembark in New York. I am so looking forward to it. Have you ever done the cruise from Turkey to Greece, Cyprus and Alexandria Egypt?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ Iceland to NY sounds like an amazing cruise, Ron! I want to go to Greenland one day. I haven’t been to any of those places on a cruise 😁 but I’d love to!

[@ronplourde7658]

You should give it a try for sure. Plus on the cruise we’re going to three ports of call in Canada. I’m looking forward to your video upcoming of Manila. My wife is from that area of the Philippines. I have never been there yet myself.

[@mvsgeek]

Ben: I love to cruise solo. I love to cruise with family and friends. I love to cruise. Both options have their benefits and challenges. I am enjoying your Christmas cruise!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@mvsgeek any cruise is great 😁 I’m glad you’re enjoying the series!

[@alil7348]

Bus 9 was probably still waiting for you two before leaving (even though you'd returned to ship!) 😅 What crazy "tour entertainment" for your Xmas day!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@alil7348 HAHAHA bus 9 never made it out of the parking lot! None of the busses did! All excursions cancelled and everyone got a refund 😁 an interesting Christmas Day 😂

[@KimKano-x4m]

Wow! You may have missed a tour BUT you have quite a story!! It sounds like when your Christmas roast is in the oven and the oven breaks… “carry on!”

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@KimKano-x4m what’s the alternative, Kim? 😂 not carry on? It was definitely an eventful day! 😁

[@territhomas3293]

Was not walking around like you normally do not an option? I've never seen you go on an excursion. So sad for you. I'm curious how far is the walk to town or was there no taxi, Uber? I just disembarked from Encore from Caribbean 😁

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@territhomas3293 I had never done any excursion until this cruise, Terri! There was literally nothing in the port area, you had to take transport to somewhere but not much nearby. The main issue was the time, it would have been a rush to make it back to the port for the last tender. Who needs the stress? 😁 I hope your cruise was great!

[@territhomas3293]

@TravelWithBen121 Oh that totally makes since😁 Thank you for another wonderful video! You're my favorite 💗 Safe travels.

[@JeanineWoolet]

You did the right thing. Getting rushed around and have tours cut short are not fun. We had that happen to us at the Grand Canyon years ago. We made the best of it.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JeanineWoolet I agree Jeanine, no one wants to be rushed and stressed so we made the right decision to call it and go back to the ship. We were very happy with our decision! It happens sometimes but life goes on 😁

[@dan1025]

Hey Ben! Let me know what other cruises you have planned. I'd love to join you on a cruise (separate rooms of course). I'm booked February 22 out of Miami for a Panama Canal cruise. I'm currently looking at booking something for October or November.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@dan1025 I have nothing else booked right now, Dan! Enjoy your cruise! 😁

[@EdiSteve]

Hi Ben I’m @krypto64’s better half and just wanted to say how much we are enjoying your videos on the Spirit, one of our favourite ships. Sorry to hear about the excursion chaos but the way you and Meredith handled it was admirable, after all there is not much that could be done. Glad you got your money back, but the attitude of the Shorex Manager was not great - they were probably stressed out. Sounds like a lot of learning coming out of this episode for NCL. Glad you enjoyed Onda, but as Mart probably mentioned, it’s not our favourite, with us preferring La Cucina, probably because they have soups available, particularly, Tuscan Bean. The entertainment, particularly, the Christmas show, looked like nice festive fun, which I’m glad you both enjoyed. Thanks again, and looking forward to your next videos. We are looking forward to our next NCL cruise, which is at the end of March on the inaugural Aqua cruise to Boston. We must try the mud pie cocktail. Cheers, Steven

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@EdiSteve cheers, Steven! I appreciate yours and Martin’s comments. The day didn’t start well but it ended up being an amazing day! Nothing anyone can do about it so move on and enjoy the day. Onda was great, I’d love to try the other specialty restaurants too! Enjoy your Aqua cruise! Thanks again!

[@YaYas_simple_living]

So…your tender boat started taking on water, but isn’t that one of the life boats?? That would be a concern if the life boats were taking on water

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@YaYas_simple_living HAHAHA yes, YaYa! That’s exactly what happened 😂

[@ridingwithkitty]

Have you ever been on a Carnival cruise?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ridingwithkitty I never have, Kitty!

[@cathy1672]

I love travelling too, and I have no one to go with. Let us know where you are going ahead of time, would love to jump on one where you are!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cathy1672 going alone is better than not going at all! 😁

[@cathy1672]

@ true, but a group of like minded solo travellers is better!

[@sgalligan]

Merry Christmas Ben! I agree that if the options are to travel solo or not travel then you gotta go solo. I am going on a three week trip solo and I think half the people were shocked I would go alone while the other half felt sorry for me. So grateful I have the chance to do the trip. Stuff gets canceled all the time! In 2025 could you please go on a cruise and not be the youngest solo traveler? Every time you say that I get anew wrinkle!!😂

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@sgalligan merry Christmas, Sue! I get the same reactions too 😂 some people feel bad for me and some people think I’m crazy to travel solo. You can literally wake up everyday and do whatever you want! Sounds perfect to me. HAHA I’m just thing to explain the demographic to people watching so they know it’s mostly older people 😂 nothing wrong with that, I’m just saying!

[@JoyJohndin]

Great attitude. Does no good complain

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JoyJohndin I totally agree, Joy!

[@NarrativeEscapes]

Crazy. The excursion process on Prima from the theatre was impeccable. Seems there is sonething unique to the ships, ports or countries on this one. I know it feels like cheating but your feet touched the ground so it counts!! I agree with you. Get the facts. Go wjth rhe flow. Enjoy the day.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@NarrativeEscapes I’m sure the excursion experience we had on the Spirit is unique and not the same on every ship, I hope! But I feel it’s important to talk about my personal experiences 😁 HAHA 10 minutes still counts as a visit to the Philippines! Always enjoy your day and make the most of it!

[@unclesags22]

Hey Ben, how’s it going? Newly single here and I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, couple questions for you, do you meet single people that are ready to mingle? And what line is better for solo? Norwegian or virgin? Thanks Brent

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@unclesags22 hey Brent, there were around 40-50 solo travelers on this cruise. Firstly, don’t mistake solo with single 😁 I’ve never been on a Virgin cruise, Mer has so check out her videos. But NCL is great for solo cruisers. Book a cruise and find out! 👍

[@unclesags22]

Cheers mate 🍻safe travels on your next adventure

[@brendalogan6281]

So sorry, Christmas day was so screwy for you ... N CL 11:33 definitely needs to give you some kind of reimbursement and additional credit for the aggravation and disappointment! a lot of times I don't go off the ship when I see that. There's a lot of people and a lot of confusion disembarking, because I know it's just going to be as bad getting back on. i'll stay on the ship and enjoy the ship and the fact that there's less people on it.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@brendalogan6281 I agree, Brenda! We wasted a lot of time and missed out on a port day and an excursion and all we got was a refund, nothing extra. It would be nice to get something for our troubles but I wasn’t holding out hope for that 😁 port days can be some of the best times to stay on the ship as most people get off! Empty ship is fun!

[@PaKettleGOAT]

Ben, do you think you and Meredith are able to be so chill when things go wrong because you travel so often? I'm sure your cruise was a bucket list item for many of your fellow travelers. That would be super disappointing if you knew it was your one shot to see a particular port. Our travel rule is that when things go wrong, we just determine to make the best of it. If we can't have fun, we'll at least have an adventure! 😅

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@PaKettleGOAT traveling often is not related to having a good attitude when things go wrong. Why do you think a 14 day Asia cruise over Christmas and new years wasn’t a bucket list item for me? 😂 just because I travel often? Of course this cruise was a big deal for me and I was disappointed that the excursion was cancelled, just like everyone else. I think you missed my point, you can be as mad/sad/disappointed as you want but don’t let it ruin your day. I’ll never go to this port again in my life, just like everyone else 😂 everyday is an adventure but something things go wrong. But im not going to complain and be upset while I’m lucky enough to be on a 500 million dollar cruise ship.

[@stephencoutu2674]

My thought is this, a person saved for their once in a lifetime cruise for Christmas and then things get canceled. Worrying about your vacation's weather is stressful enough, but when things that can be forseen, like shallow water, is just stupidity. My heart goes out to anyone who gets screwed during their hard earned vacation, including you Ben.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 I have complete sympathy for everyone too, Stephen! But what are you gonna do? 😂 no doubt that things will go wrong hit complaining, crying, shouting, won’t fix anything. I definitely think people have the right to be annoyed but it shouldn’t ruin the rest of the day 😁 it definitely didn’t ruin our day!

[@jonathansewell8928]

Enjoy your positivity

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ cheers, Jonathan!

[@daisycharles440]

I admire your sanguine attitude Ben, however that was a shambles, thank goodness it wasn’t your only port in the Philippines 🇵🇭, I hope as well as a refund they compensate you both. 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@daisycharles440 thank you, Daisy! I agree, shambles. The other ports in the Philippines were great, I’m excited to share those videos next! We did not receive any compensation, only a refund 😁

[@JustShelby888]

I understand and I’m with you about not complaining about stuff to employees because they’re having stressful days and they can’t control the weather and they can’t control what’s happening. But I would definitely talk to guest services. And just let them know that things are very unorganized. Because sometimes especially in big organizations like that, you know ships or resorts and companies there’s so many people and moving pieces that they don’t really understand where the disconnect is and where they need Improvement. And I would’ve just gave some helpful criticism so that they know but like I said I’m also from a background and customer service and hospitality so that’s kind of where my mindframe comes so maybe not complaining but I would’ve definitely let somebody know but I guess you could also do that in your cruise review I also was gonna ask did they do Christmas dinner in the main dining room? I know here in America the cruise ships do on Thanksgiving and Christmas have a special dinner in the main dining room. If you don’t want to do specialty dining on the holidays I don’t know if they would’ve done it for Asian cruise maybe ?!?!?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JustShelby888 I agree with what you said, Shelby! If no one can fix anything then don’t complain, no one can change the weather. You’re also right about giving feedback on disorganisation, because there’s really no reason to not be organised! It was frustrating and it happened again during another excursion we had booked so it wasn’t a one off! There actually wasn’t anything special on the menu for Christmas in the main dining room! Actually, the buffet had some Christmas food! But the main dining room menu was just like any other day 😁

[@JustShelby888]

@ i’m sorry you had such a bad experience with excursions. I’ve only been on one in Mexico when we went to the Mayan Ruins Chichen Itza. That’s the only thing when you depend on other people for sightseeing, it’s like you want to go with them because you’re in a foreign country and you don’t know your way around, but then you’re completely depending on their schedule and their organization and I feel like as a type A personality that would drive me crazy .. and I would hate to say it, I try not to complain, but I will definitely let my opinion be known. I try not to, but it takes a lot of mental effort. I guess because I’ve done a lot of the work that they’ve done so if it’s the weather, you can’t control that but if it’s their disorganization. I’m gonna say something Just like I was at Epcot the other day, and the single rider line was down, I asked the cast member why she said because there was too many people in line. And I looked at her and I said well that’s why we need single rider. !!! 😆 but you know I feel like if you say everything with a smile and a laugh they kinda don’t take you seriously. But I definitely let them know how I feel about things without making it a big deal.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ I agree Shelby, I hate relying on other people but sometimes you need to! It’s okay if things don’t go to plan but sometimes it’s out of your control so you just need to make the most of it! I’m not saying never complain, I’m just saying pick your battles 😂

[@shirleyjones270]

Love you’re videos ❤. Ben, I totally agree!! Attitude is everything 🥰 i would love love to be on ship with 3/4 the people having your attitude ☺️. Life goes on …… 😎

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ thank you, Shirley! If only 3/4 of the world had a good attitude 😁

[@bw5911]

I will travel with you cutie.😉

[@SteveJones-g7v]

That is the Philippines, its a nightmare, not with visiting. so many better places to visit, no one has a clue what they are doing in the Philippines. So think yourself luck, as it would have only gotten worse .

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@SteveJones-g7v does the Philippines control the weather, Steve Jones?

[@LindaBulman]

NCL really dropped the ball on this one. I'm glad you registered your dissatisfaction (aka: complaint). Your unbiased assessment of your cruise is what gives you credibility. I also admire your ability to rise above it. To spend all day grumbling only hurts oneself. You and Meredith are very wise people. I once had a similar experience with a very long wait in the theater. People were getting very agitated and even a little aggressive toward the crew, and then a man from New York (accent made it obvious) yelled out, "I GET BETTER SERVICE AT THE DMV!" No matter what country or state one was from, he could relate to that statement. Everyone started laughing and the tension was immediately dissipated. It just takes a little humor to keep things in perspective. Sorry you didn't get to go on the excursion, but the good news is that the ship itself is a destination. As always--a great video.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@LindaBulman thank you, Linda! I definitely don’t blame NCL for the excursion being cancelled, no one controls the weather but the organisation of the shore excursions was very bad, so I feel it’s important for me to talk about my real experiences to explain what happened. I don’t like being critical but I like being honest 😁 I agree about just laugh it off and move on. Bad things happen but it’s okay! “The ship is a destination”, I love that, Linda! Thank you!