10 "Hush Hush" Cruise Tips No One Else Will Tell You

[@sf3413]

7 was surprising to me based on my husband and my experience. We do our best to milk everything we can from what's included in our base fare. We have a blast every time! We really don't spend any money outside of the onboard credit we score from deals and owning stock. Maybe Royal just offers a bunch? Lol, maybe we can have a great time just about anywhere though. haha

[@csmith2435]

I agree with you! The people make the party, so to speak! Good vibes attract good vibes! Safe travels!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

When an insurance claim was made for a missed cruise, Princess immediately refunded the Taxes and Port Fees to the travel agency. I got all my money back. Thank you, Princess.

[@richardmacdonald6303]

Fewer kids: did an 18 day circle Hawaii from San Diego on HAL Konnigsdam in early February. Maybe 4-5 kids on entire ship. Of course being 68 and 64 we slightly lowered the average age when we boarded.

[@Cruzelycom]

And I bet those kids were boooored, even though I bet it was a spectacular trip.

[@tammystreasures8766]

I’m a fairly seasoned cruiser, but I learned a couple of things. I agree with everything except #7. I am a very conservative spender. I prepay as much as I can and try not to have a balance at the end. I’ve been on ship excursions and private ones. I’ve bought things from the gift shops. However, I can’t say I have ever had more fun when I spent more. I’m almost always very happy with my cruise. I think it could be true for some people, but everyone is different.

[@nascarmadman]

We are NOT cruise vets by any means (7 with another coming up). BUT, we DO know that you DON'T fly in the DAY OF the cruise (Although on our first 2 night shorty, we did). Having said that, ALWAYS do the insurance. We had to cancel a cruise from about 2 1/2 years ago but it was because FiL (who was traveling with us) passed away. I sent a copy of the death cert and we got a full refund. "Full wallet" concept. INTERESTING! On our last 2 cruises we did the NCL Free at Sea and the HAL Have it ALL. Included are drinks, wi-fi, 2 nights specialty dining (10/16 night cruises) and shore excursion credit (practically paid for it). If you drink, it's worth it. BUT everyone 21 or over MUST buy it. This is the first vid of this guy I have watched. I'm not sure, despite - what, HOW many cruises under his belt? 25 or more? - he understands cruises. Book specialty dining in advance. HELLO! I prefer the smaller ships. There are fewer kids on my ships - there are fewer kids that see the end of a cruise than see the beginning 'cause I pitch them overboard every chance I get. Ok, that's a JOKE!

[@judithstrachan9399]

It’s a good one!

[@TheSoaphippo]

I flew in the morning of the cruise, probably 16 cruises in a row, however, in the last five years, the airline industry service has went completely crapped and now I am delayed almost every time I fly, which is about six or eight times a year so now I do fly a day early

[@DonnaHolmes-js6hm]

We have a lot more fun NOT coming home with a big bill! Our last cruise was inexpensive with the Plus package and we came back with a $10 USD charge due to 1 on board purchase. There were no excursions that interested us enough to do them and we either explored the ports ourselves or enjoyed what the ship had to offer.

[@christineshin7035]

I have hear,d (have not tried it out) that you can connect to ship wifi while in the terminal...so if you need to book shows or dining reservations (which cant be booked until "onboard"), you may be able to do it while in the terminal waiting to embark.

[@richardgotshall2703]

We were cruising in the Mediterranean a couple of years ago when one of our stops was canceled because of rough seas -p it was a tender port. We were rerouted to Marseille. It turned out to be a great change. We had a wonderful day touring the city.

[@julieb7882]

We pre purchase almost everything before we cruise. Our final bill is under $100. That means we already have reservations for our 1 or 2 specialty dining experiences at a reduced price. I have hopes of packing flight carry-on for our next cruise. It means doing some laundry but less stuff navigating the airport.

[@Super396chevelle]

How early on a cruise can you reserve Specialty dinners? Weeks again or months?

[@julieb7882]

@Super396chevelle As soon as you book the cruise on Royal. We booked a Giovanni's lunch at half price a year before sailing.

[@christinemarino5732]

We purchase all the things we want and can afford before we sail. My goal is to not have a bill getting off the ship. The best one was a refund of a few dollars due to a port fee change. One was $15.00, and we purchased a shirt. We dWhen we first started cruising, we would have a large bill at the end. Sometimes, as much as the cruise itself. We don't get a drink package, we are Dimond, and we purchase a coffee card ahead. All extras are paid ahead now.

[@uncaboat2399]

That's one advantage sailing out of the west coast. We don't get that many hurricanes!!

[@JasonMorford]

Again stuff I had never heard. Thanks.

[@ralphg450]

July 21 I missed Margaritaville islander cruise. The IT screw up caused my Sunday 7am flight should have no problems. Oh. A two hour delay kept getting longer. When it passed 11am. I gave up and cancelled. Plane flew at 12:23pm. Bags at baggage claim 3:05pm. We would have never made it. Glad I canceled, took Delta four days to get my bags back to JFK. They delivered them. BUT. Margaritaville let me keep my money I spent as credit in my wallet for a $150.00 fee. Ok I have a year to rebook. Delta is refunding all airfare.

[@davee8113]

ask the food venue, if they could squeeze you in, or they will ask you to come back a bit later, so does not hurt to ask

[@monarusch4087]

One of my fav ships is the NCL Spirit - the oldest (?? almost oldest) in the NCL fleet. Small and the referb was amazing.

[@nikstorm594]

Good tip, thanks

[@cathypearson1889]

How do you find that info?

[@lightwarrior432]

@@cathypearson1889 Go to their website 🤔

[@Lindy88888]

5:58 agreed 💯

[@amyb510]

I was thrilled when our bill at the end of the cruise was only $3! 😂 Just tax on drinks when we were in port in boston.

[@subarugirlsubaru5788]

Ecstasy was my first cruise from Galveston back in 2005.

[@vicki8042]

Rarely spend extra and always have a great time. I think someone is trying to convince you to spend more money.

[@kims.8067]

Carnival has just changed that free drink to any day, so that's a little better now

[@TheRecon1a]

We are going to be Platinum our next cruise. I'm abit disappointed that Platinum and Diamond now only get 1 complimentary drink. Platinum should get like 3-4 and Diamond should get 1 free per day. I mean that's alot of money shelled out for just 1 free drink.

[@Cruzelycom]

Saw that in another comment. That's not how it was on my last cruise with them in April and the policy was still listed as the last day when I checked last week for this video. Looked today, and yep, it's changed. Good change!

[@lovedfriend2020]

Yes, I was just about to say they changed that perk.

[@lightwarrior432]

@@TheRecon1a RIGHT!! 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

[@tinybrownin]

When I cruised Mardi Gras in February I had FTTF. I got on at 11 n my room was ready. Only a few rooms in my hall had there envelopes at the doors. Just another tip.

[@RobStevens64]

That correlation between onboard spend and reviews is very misleading. When most things have an upcharge, of course the people who can afford it will have a better experience. Likewise, if you feel like you’re being nicked and dimed, and maybe refuse to spend more out of principle, you’re likely going to have that reflected in the survey. This does NOT mean a guest should spend more to have a better time! This means the cruise lines should be carefully considering if they have taken too much value off the table for the guests not paying more. Upcharges should be an enticement, with clear value, but not taking so much value off the table that others feel ripped off.

[@Remianen]

Aw, I didn't know the Ecstasy was scrapped. I thought it was sold to some other, niche line like they typically do. I remember the Fantasy class fondly as it was early in my career when I could afford to accompany the groups I booked (and satellite phones were obscenely expensive). Ecstasy, Sensation, Elation, Imagination, Inspiration, Fornication....wait, scratch that last one. I remember meeting Joe Farcus (the guy who designed the ships at the time) for the first time on the Imagination's maiden voyage. Back then, they used the older ships for the shorter itineraries, including weekend trips to nowhere. Best adults only cruise lines have to be Virgin and Viking, in my view. Viking gives the most flexibility (river vs ocean vs expedition, better ports in general, smaller ships) but I had a better overall experience on the Scarlet Lady. I'm a partier though and Viking draws a bit more of a sedate crowd (though not as sedate as Holland America).

[@raynavarro1078]

Thank you for another informative video. My favorite was #2 - "Fresh Wallet" which made perfect sense.

[@lindad6223]

Texas to Atlanta is easier than New Mexico to anywhere!

[@djlesher]

Carnival changed the free drink rules incase you want to update, but love the channel

[@janiekcarney5482]

Checking bags means you might not see your bags until late at night or the next day. I take everything on with me and off. Same thing.

[@jkconner9636]

Carnival platinum level can drop bags off in the room upon boarding, nice benefit

[@uncaboat2399]

I'm too old and fat for the roller coasters and water slides, so no loss there.

[@lynnh4923]

Great comment... I'm in the same boat no pun intended 😁

[@pw-sz6ds]

Here, here

[@paid4c4]

Great video! It got me to finally subscribe....

[@Cruzelycom]

Welcome to the revolution.

[@mackellar829]

Bonu$ tip, leave a future cruise deposit on DAY ONE when aboard Celebrity, you'll be rewarded with a NICE bottle of wine plus additional On Board Credit w/o having to select a cruise. When home and you spot a special/deal/itinerary you are ahead of the game for only $100 which you left onboard. ALWAYS sign up for the cruise line credit card. My Celebrity Visa from B.O.A. is no fee and has earned me OVER $2,k in OBC's.

[@TheChefSteph]

I’ll definitely be sticking to #6 🎉

[@jimerin3533]

We left 36 hours for an 8 hour drive to our cruise from Nor Cal to So Cal. Snow storms closed two of the three passes from Nor Cal to So Cal and we arrived at the port 1 hour too late due to the congestion and reroutes. We were on the phone with Princess checking in hourly. We hoped the ship might leave late, but it didn't. We missed it. Trip insurance refunded us 100% as we sought cruise credit instead of cash it only took a week.

[@abrahamclott5604]

#7: Maybe people who spend more are more invested in psyching themselves to report a good time?

[@iowa_don]

Free laundry is the BEST perk!

[@mea3665]

Nothings free on ship its included in your room fee

[@csmith2435]

@@mea3665 I believe with the loyalty points/perks, it is cheaper than without them.

[@stephanieh5030]

That’s ok as well. I’d travel longer if someone did the laundry 3 hours wasted my thinking.

[@corejacehome]

I only do theme cruises. 21 and over no kids!

[@ScottLara]

Another great video

[@sharkgirl9426]

Awesome video!!!

[@kimkircher4025]

Really great tips

[@Cruzelycom]

Glad you think so!

[@arthurmatthewf5406]

Tip #11: The mandatory gratuity is NOT mandatory. If you don't wish to tip $18 per day per person, go to the Bursar and adjust your tip. We always do. We drop it to $7-$10 total per day and then tip cash to our waiters and steward. They much prefer that since they get the entire tip and in cash. And, if the service is bad, then it's our decision how much to give, not the ship's. Tip #12: If the line has a private water park but your ship has water slides and other water perks, stay on board the day the ship docks at private island. The water activities onboard are free and will be empty, whereas the water park is jammed and $$$$.

[@joethecomputerguy1]

That's a nice invoice seeing port fees by day/port. I've not seen that type on MSC, Carnival or NCL. Who was this on?

[@Ivehadenuff]

I just subscribed.

[@richszlama7496]

Is there an easy way to search which ships are the oldest?

[@loreleimiller1077]

I like the app Cruisemapper. It has info on ships, including the year it was built.

[@lightwarrior432]

When looking to book, it will have that information. Find the ship and click on it. Or just google the ship itself 😉👍🏽🛳️

[@joannedawe1900]

You came up with some good suggestions. I love having free laundry. Holland does such a great job.

[@LEENOBLE-k4g]

Holland America used to give you a discount on cruises at 3 star mariner but no longer

[@barnum4244]

I don't agree that the more you spend on board the more you enjoy a cruise. That a cruise line CEO says that's the case is just a sales pitch. Also, we've not been impressed with excursions.

[@lanceretterbush]

Cruise insurance--- you're funny!!!

[@steveseattle140]

Flied in day of departure? On a two legged flight?

[@Cruzelycom]

Oh trust me... I know.

[@lightwarrior432]

@@Cruzelycom I bet you won’t do that ever again 😁👍🏽😉 We all gotta learn 😉🛳️

[@silviaeaston]

I've been cruising since 1969.... 120 cruises "under my belt". You mentioned "if/when you do more than one cruise a year".... WHAT?!?!?! I would say for myself "if you do a cruise or two a MONTH"!?!?! Nevertheless, I enjoy your blogs IMMENSELY (trust me, there are many (most?) that fustrate me to no end....

[@claveauannie]

You flew the morning of the cruise? Isn't that a rooky mistake? :-)

[@dorothygrantham4370]

I think if you only have the one flight and you leave early in the morning...you're good. For example, we are central valley, California...and take a quick 1.5 hour flight to LAX...not much of a risk. I'd have palpitations if there were connecting flights!

[@claveauannie]

@@dorothygrantham4370 well, flight can be cancelled, delayed, luggage lost…. So many Things can go wrong… but if you feel confortable with it, it’s your business. The fun part of arriving a day earlier is to use that time to enjoy the city of departure. Miami, orlando, Los Angeles, Vancouver, so many places to discover

[@Sharon-it3mb]

New carnival gold drink is available first day anytime

[@TessAlmond]

I have tips that I keep to myself because if everybody knew about it, the tip wouldn't work LOL.

[@lindakowalski8687]

The early or late meal hasn’t worked for me.

[@jamesbarton-dw8jp]

I’m going on the carnival spirit to Alaska in August next year but I have a tight budget for me and my wife and one year old any tips on getting the most out of our trip it’ll be our first cruise ever

[@lightwarrior432]

Don’t go on Carnival (🥳🍻🍹🥃🍸🍾party ship) ☺️😁😉👍🏽 Royal Caribbean is more family oriented.

[@jenniferbramley3125]

How do you get travel insurance and who through?

[@cathypearson1889]

I think Costco Travel is the best value, but absolutely don't buy travel insurance through the cruise line.

[@dorothygrantham4370]

The cruiseline will offer it....or whoever your travel agent is.... it's typically a better deal than researching on your own (I've looked:)

[@juliehall2893]

Maybe the people who spend more on a cruise do so *because* they are enjoying the cruise. Those who don't spend might just want to cut their losses. Just a thought. 🙂

[@jlawrence0181]

Agreed. On my ONLY Norwegian cruise, I decided to write off the cruise early in the cruise and was determined NOT to give them another cent.

[@mtdorajohn]

buy 100 shares of Carnival stock (CCL) to receive on-board credits on all of the CCL lines including Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard, P&O, etc.. 1-6 days; $50, 7-13 days; $100, 14+ days; $250.

[@polmattpressurewashing4444]

Great video. I thought you were bull sh!tt!ng but nope, it took me by surprise, I've never heard that before. Thanks

[@CherylMcGee-fx3id]

Your out of date on the free drink on gold status for carnival they changed it

[@ralphandritashow4904]

You get it anywhere on the first day of the cruise now.

[@Cruzelycom]

Nice catch! This was the policy on my last cruise and when I checked the rewards last week. Looked after your comment, and it has been changed! Great change, imo.

[@raynavarro1078]

@@Cruzelycom and one that was way overdue. Never made sense to be that restrictive on a free drink.

[@shakiyagotdreams2299]

Get the drink package! The drinks are watered down. It will take you 5 drinks in the morning just to get u tipsy. 5 more in the afternoon and 5 more in the evening and you still won’t be too drunk. They put one shot of alcohol and alot of soda n other fruity drinks. I literally watched them poured one shot and half of it went on the table!!!!

[@shakiyagotdreams2299]

Please do a video on this bc I was pissed! I’m about to join bill

[@davidforsyth-o5t]

LV

[@philclark2743]

Bring shoes

[@QueenKayKay47]

You cruise often, and flew out in the same day? Interesting...

[@Cruzelycom]

Have done it a lot. Never had an issue. The mistake was having a connecting flight instead of a direct. All that said, if this was a big cruise, I would have been more cautious. But a relatively cheap three-day trip? The risk was worth it, even if it bit me this time!

[@veez7467]

i get that you have to keep posting new stuff but this was all rather "meh", i wish I had those 12 mintues back

[@dorothygrantham4370]

New cruisers like me enjoy it....but I totally understand your view.... there's this one lady I watch....and she is forever recycling her info....but adds just a bit more each time.

[@MissDemeanorOG]

I dint drink so rewards are useless.

[@dorothygrantham4370]

AND you save tons of money.... our drink packages are the same or more than the cruise itself!

[@MissDemeanorOG]

@@dorothygrantham4370 I hope they have AA meetings on board!

[@jaybruminator]

#11 don't sail carnival

[@EstherBello-nn9jc]

Nonsense 😅

[@janiekcarney5482]

You need to drop the stupid numbers. You can do Better than that. You want subscribers act professional.

[@Cruzelycom]

Lol.

[@theone-zb3tw]

@@Cruzelycompeople get bothered about the silliest things. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Run your page the way you feel like it. The right people will subscribe. I just did. 😉

[@lorigrimaldi194]

@@CruzelycomI like the numbers. I like how creative you get

[@dorothygrantham4370]

I thought it was enjoyable...something different:)