How I Afford to Cruise EVERY Weekend and One BIG Reason I stay with Royal Caribbean!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

First, you don’t owe us an explanation, second, I am really happy that you are such an open book and that you let us know what you’ve had to do to live such a beautiful and incredible life! Thank you so much for being our friend and not just saying that it’s none of our business like so many KZbinrs do, even though they are making their living off of us watching their videos. They are quick to tell us that they’ve quit their jobs to do KZbin full time, but not not so open with the details. I am really happy with how you are doing things and I’m not talking about people’s private business.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you Mitchell!! Very appreciated and I try to share as much as appropriate. It also helps show the other side of what all it takes to live this kind of life. I think some people think I woke up one day and simply "decided" to cruising every weekend. Nothing could be further from reality as it has been a methodical process that takes a lot of planning and self sacrifice to achieve. I am very fortunate to have been able to pull it off and recognize not everyone can.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Thank you for sharing your incredible story about the hard work that you have to do to make your dreams come true !

[@davidh2420]

Congratulations!!! I love seeing people do what they want.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you!!!

[@MsMaree]

I’ve started cruising solo and love that RCCL gives single cruisers 2X the loyalty points on regular rooms and 3X the points if a single person gets a suite, no promotion involved. I love that! My first cruise for 5 days inside cabin, I got 10 points!! You probably have so many points, way to go!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

It is a really nice touch! We pay for those points but it is a nice way for RCCL to say thank you.

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

MSC has a no single supplement on many of their ships, and Celebrity just did the same thing for solos in cruises through March 2023! Finally the cruise lines are starting to get that solos are a good percentage of cruisers these days! Great video! Thanks Brandon!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

My pleasure! Thanks Johnny! I have sense discovered that MSC does not have the single supplement and love it! They might be my next stop in venturing out!

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Fantastic! I really love them despite all the Americans giving them tough reviews! I find them refreshingly different but still highly competitive with the other big lines!

[@PatrickWagz]

I like how transparent you are with your videos. You provide a lot of valuable information to literally strangers to help them out. Plus, you are really involved and encouraging in your comment sections. So, THANK YOU!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

My pleasure Patrick and glad to do it! When I decided to take on a social media presence, I knew it was important to me to stay involved and encouraging/positive. Otherwise, the internet can be brutal! haha

[@FincaBelleVue]

Brandon- What you did is my dream! We live in Boston and we try to take two to three cruise vacations per year and one land vacation. DH and I have been downsizing our life over the past four years and we continue to downsize so we can retire early, move to a warm island, and keep traveling and cruising as our lifestyle. Congratulations on your achievement and keep being honest. It gives me and others hope!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you! You can 100% do it! Just takes focus and making those sacrifices others might not be comfortable with. Excited for your journey!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Interesting story. I’m usually a solo cruiser also and I also don’t think it’s fair to charge 200% for a room for one person since most people that are one person or not eating double for example. I have tried Norwegian two times and I like their solo cabins even though they’re very small they’re made in an interesting way that they empty out into a big solo lot lounge that makes a good way to meet and chat with people around the coffee or some people bring the own bottles of wine and then we go to dinner together and meet a variety of peoples usually from different countries also.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That's awesome! I have seen the lounge and Iis really neat concept. Thinking about hosting a solo cruisers meetup where single supplement doesn't apply. Would this interest you any?

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@TheWeekendCruiser yes that would interest me. Actually in any info regarding travel, especially solo travel would interest me. I live outside of Orlando now looking forward to taking the Brightline for the first time from Orlando airport!! I am a big train fan and Cruise fan as well.

[@ZaphodCRC]

For the single supplement , keep an eye out for Royal’s sales where they offer the single person supplement for 100% (usually at least once a year). This is the best time to book as many cruises you can for the following 12-24 months. This has saved me a great deal of money, and I usually book 13-15 cruises a year, while traveling solo.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Very good feedback! Do you have a place where you track the single supplement? Not sure I see it advertised a lot.

[@ZaphodCRC]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Unfortunately Royal will never advertise them, so there is no real good way of knowing unless you just check back every so often, which is how I do it. I will usually check about once a week throughout the year, and always check the 3-4 night Bahamas/Perfect Day cruises, because those typically go up for sale first. Then once I find it available, I check other destinations and lengths. Also sometimes, I notice this deal is only for Florida residents, so when you check rates, always make sure you select the option for being a Florida resident. There is also not a specific time of year they offer it, however the last time was in August 2021 I believe.

[@ZaphodCRC]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Possibly a TA can check based on the booking code. The booking code/description that I found on my invoices that had this sale applied was "Singles NRD"

[@rebeccasoto9592]

I live about 20 min from the port in NJ and it made our Royal Caribbean cruise very enjoyable. Going right from the apartment to the ship and back home is a dream. However, I found the options from the region to be lacking. They all go to Coco Cay (not my fave) so we are sailing out of Tampa next time! I hope it's worth it.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Love Brilliance of the Seas out of Tampa! I was there in January and had a blast!

[@ducheau100]

Living near the port makes a huge difference - no airfare and just uber to the port. Yep I have to pay 200% occupancy when I cruise. But I have been on some cruises where I've paid less than 200%. It just depends. Celebrity is the absolute worse when it comes to this practice. Sometimes I've seen rates even higher than 200% for solos. It is ridiculous. I guess they figure they will be losing on board expenditures for the missing passenger so just stick it to the solo. Recently I found a cruise out of San Juan on Royal for 7 nights at around 450 including Port taxes for an interior cabin, which was less than 200, more like 150%. It was so cheap I jumped at it. And airfare from DC to SJU was only 250 roundtrip. I booked this last year so I hope I get double points. One other strategy is that you can wait until the last minute to book . Sometimes the prices significantly drop the week before. Best way to check is to go on the site and view the open cabins. If u see a lot of open cabins, its easy to predict the price will drop.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

All good pointers Dave!! To your point, having flexibility of when and where you cruise really helps save money! Have not tried Celebrity yet but have a few coming up and can't wait!

[@lisachauvin]

I’m also blessed to live in south Florida, and it’s awesome having 4 cruise ports within a 3-hour drive. (I’m not counting Jacksonville) Everyone has their own individual preferences where cruise lines are concerned, but I much prefer Carnival over RCCL. Cruising solo with them is MUCH cheaper than RCCL, and their offers to VIPF members are awesome! Plus, I find their food better, their drink and internet packages cheaper, and the overall vibe is more fun. Glad you’re living your best life! ❤️

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That is awesome Lisa! I will make it over there one of these days to try it out!

[@JTGould]

I also live in S Florida and finding that I can cruise more on Carnival over the other lines.

[@jenniferl4861]

Wait a minute. I just saw you on TikTok. Enjoy your cruise!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahah, I am everywhere! Thanks for checking out both channels Jennifer!

[@MolotovMan1263]

Met you briefly this weekend near El Loco Fresh! Love the channel!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Michael! Was good running into you as well! Hope you found some good food as well!

[@cbostic817]

It was nice meeting you in person on Freedom in the Windjammer March 11th to 14th sailing. You consistently have good advice.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Carl! Great meeting you as well!

[@simon5005]

If I went on a cruise every weekend, or even every month, the thrill would eventually dissipate. I'm going on a 7-Day out of Boston here in October, and the last one was to Bermuda in March...........and that is plenty enough for me. I love the thrill of having one to look forward to, and I would never feel right about spending a tremendous amount of money on buying, well.............happiness. But, different strokes for different folks.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

It is very true. I started out like you liking having a cruise to look forward to and it just kept growing lol I definitely enjoy having a cruise every week and even try to switch up the itineraries when I can. As for money, we always prioritize what is important to us. 90% of all my money goes to cruises and I have hardly any land based expenses.

[@BarbByArt]

Such fun to Meet you on this cruise! How did I miss you LAST week!?! LOL! Congrats on tonite🥳🤩

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

You as well Barb!!! Thought of you this morning when I was eating cookies for breakfast!

[@grumpyandvee989]

Thank you for your transparency. This is a great video about sacrifices that need to be made in order to live your dream job. I will be sharing with some young people that I know.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That is excellent! Put your mind to something and make it happen!

[@robertc1982]

Thanks for the video , almost at 4K! Hope you make it there soon !

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you!!! All in good time :-) Amazing to think 3 weeks ago I had 300 subscribers!

[@mp5cartman]

While I am grateful Royal finally putting a ship in Los Angeles, I really wish they also decide to put a quantum class ship here. Not putting down Navigator because it is an still awesome ship especially after the amplification. Nothing beats the waters and ports of the Caribbean for cruising though so flights to Florida are still worth it once in awhile.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I would agree a Quantum class would be amazing to help with the cooler season!

[@athlon9394]

I don't blame Royal for not giving us a Quantum ship just yet in LA. It's too much of a risk. Carnival gave us the Panorama, and I'm sure that's still an ongoing experiment. I think Royal giving us Navigator is a generous move at this point. I'd be happy if they kept Navigator here. Certainly gives Carnival competition, as they were the only game in town.

[@hidavidhuang]

I wonder how long they will keep Navigator here in LA. how often do they change ships per port?

[@sharonstriluk8680]

Newbie here. Just subscribed. But not new to RCCL. We are loyal royal cruisers. Hopefully moving to Fla in the next year or two. Currently cruise usually 2 times a year , but hopefully once we move will be able to go more often. Made it to diamond plus then COVID hit and slowed us down quite a bit. Congratulations on your channel

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you and welcome to the channel!!! I know we will all be glad when COVID is a distant memory!

[@annettebyrd8259]

Whaaaat you cruise every weekend!!!??? I LOVE this!!!!! I love cruising as well. Your video came up in my recommended I am subscribing!!!! My next cruise is out of NY on the Oasis of the Seas in May. My next one after that is on the inaugural sailing on the Carnival Celebration in November. This will be my 1st inaugural and holiday cruise!!! Hunnie let me tell you, if I lived in Florida i'd be cruising every weekend too. I can't wait to binge watch your videos!!!! I'm thinking about doing a weekend cruise on the Celebrity Summit for my 55th birthday in March 2023!!! Have you sailed on her?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Annettee and welcome to the Channel!!! Come on down to Florida anytime you want!! Def stay tuned to the channel as I am going to Oasis in 2 weeks and have my first Celebrity cruise on the Summit - a 4 night to Key West in April! Granted, have a friend coming into town that weekend and might have to cancel but hope I can make it!

[@paulgettinger5983]

MSC has not been charging g a single supplement surcharge. Also if you book your next cruise on board you save more money. The drink and Wi-Fi bundle is great. Also the gratuity is $12.50 a day.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Someone else mentioned that! I honestly didn''t believe it but when I looked, it was very much so true! I will have to check them out one day

[@dann952]

The first 1:30 of this is my life... begging my wife to leave Boston so we can save tens of thousands on taxes and living expenses. It's just ridiculous here, and preventing us from being out on the water!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Yes and Yes!! Leaving your home is not an easy situation to solve for but if you can, it will be a game changer!

[@jerrypardue8280]

I hear you Dan.I have the same problem with my wife. Here in New Orleans it four, five, seven days. New Orleans Fares is not as cheap as Miami.

[@B-ch6uk]

Yeah, Boston is very expensive but worth it. I can't imagine living anywhere else.

[@Reed-2big]

@@B-ch6uk you’ve made his point, exactly! Everyone decides what they are willing to do to achieve goals. I used to think it was ridiculous to fly business until my back and knees hurt so bad that I couldn’t walk for a couple of days after a 17 hour flight! I had done that flight numerous times when I was younger and coach was fine! Now we make up for the cost of the flight by staying longer, making a long vacation rather than two shorter ones. Besides who want to sit in a metal tube for even 9 hours again!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

People ask me all the time if I miss Boston and I always respond "I will always miss Boston". It was an amazing place to live for 11 years.

[@joycehardy9422]

Close to 4K! Yay

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha, reading this and I was like "how many subscribers do I have?? I looked and am at 4,002!!!!! It has been a crazy journey but so thankful for everyone here!

[@ninaporterfield8011]

Awesome subject but there must be more….do you use an a RCCL credit card? Do you have 100 shares of RCCL stock?? Do you book two years in advance? Do you book another cruise while you are on board?? Do tell.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha I love the inquisitive nature! No credit card, no stock, and I book about 1 year to 1.5 years out unless it is a big trip and then 2+. Right now, I am booked through March 2024 with a few open weekends here and there. With Royal Caribbean, he Next Cruise desk onboard does nothing for a 3-night sailing. They only do 4 nights and higher which is a real bummer for me. Otherwise, I totally would.

[@tamitarekolayan9918]

I’m so happy for you Brandon! Such a great way to spend your weekends! I didn’t know there are weekend cruises? Is that mostly from Florida?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Tami & Tarek, they are actually all over! The main ones that do a weekend cruise weekly are out of Miami and Port Canaveral. However, if you keep your eyes open, I just did a weekend cruise out of LA in December, Seattle will have one, I even managed to do a 4 night out of Bayonne, NJ one time on Anthem!

[@aliciar8978]

I am new to your channel, thanks for the video. The joys of the single life!! I was wondering how you could afford to cruise almost every weekend, this video answered that. Video was motivating and inspiring, however, what kind of work do you do for a living... that was one question that wasn't addressed.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Alicia, yes, being single and not having to negotiate a cruise budget with a significant other certainly helps! I work for a bank and investment firm in a strategic training role.

[@aliciar8978]

@@TheWeekendCruiser thanks for the reply! I will continue to live vicariously thru you, until my kids leave the house between 4-10 years from now, lol. My husband and I try to go on 1- 2 cruises a year for now. keep up the good work!!

[@gailjohnson9066]

I hope u have 100 shares of their stock. You get room credit every trip!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

You know, I have looked into it many times and have never made a purchase!

[@rebeccalyons1327]

And this channel is probably a big help too

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Honestly, I just monetized on KZbin a few weeks ago with the success of the COVID videos. AT this time, I have not earned enough to purchase an interior room on a weekend cruise lol But fingers crossed we will be there one day!

[@rebeccalyons1327]

@@TheWeekendCruiser I hope you have success!

[@theryang7737]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Like you would do an interior you jr suite diva! hahahaha! just kidding!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@theryang7737 haha, I need to find some friends onboard in an interior so I can film it! I think I have an ocean view coming up at some point.

[@theryang7737]

@@TheWeekendCruiser im doing weekends in march in an interior as of now ha i will let you film the room as long as they dont auto upgrade me 👍

[@di5606]

Hey Brandon, I have a question about the Freedom of the Seas, and I feel you are the best person to ask. Are the nightly entertainment (shows, comedian, ice skating) still a thing on Freedom, or are they suspended. I checked my reservation in the app, and I did not see any headliner shows listed. Only live music. Would appreciate your response. Thank you, and keep up the good work :)

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey D, I was there last weekend and the shows were not suspended. I feel like Freedom has been fortunate to not have a lot of performances cancelled due to COVID. The headliners, comedians, and main stage performers are also rotating ships again. For the longest time, we had the same headliners every week and now they are changing it up every 2 weeks or so. Hope this question means you are cruising soon!

[@di5606]

@The Weekend Cruiser awesome, thank you very much. Yes, we are cruising on 2/4. It will be our first cruise since "what you know" happened. Can't wait :)

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@di5606 haha the virus that shall not be named. Hope you have a blast!

[@danaxe407]

MSC doesn’t charge double, it’s not half price but not double either.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Ummm, HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS??!?!?! I honestly didn't want to believe it but I went to the MSC WebSite and priced out all of their February sailings and the single supplement was like $20. Though, I cannot find their written policy for single supplement. I wonder if this is because of the current cruise environment or if it is always like this? Thank you for sharing!

[@gemini365ayear]

How do I figure out how much my port fees aand taxes are going to be.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Nicole! This is a great question and there are no good answers. Port fees and taxes are different for every sailing, every port, and every ship. I have yet to find a rhyme or reason to how they are accessed. You can even have two bookings on the same ship and the port fees and taxes will be different. You will find the ports in the Bahamas including private islands will have the largest charge. For a weekend cruise on Royal Caribbean it is anywhere from $105 to $120 for a 3-night sailing to two Bahamas ports.

[@DavidZakariaie]

Do you think the wifi is good enough on Freedom to work remote?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

With any ship, have a back-up plan on how to access the internet. Ship wifi can be temperamental. It can absolutely be done but know there are risk. If you need strong bandwidth, have a VPN, or need to be on at certain times, it could be problematic.

[@DavidZakariaie]

@@TheWeekendCruiser thanks! I booked the 3 night leaving march 4th. Will try it out and if it works I'll book more for later in the month. Solo cruised a bunch but first time on Royal.

[@juanitafurtado8805]

do you ever do Royal Up? if so do you get points based on what you paid originally or on the category you upgraded to? ok if you do a separate video on Royal Up.. Thanks!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Juanita, the only time I did a royal up is when I had booked a 7 night studio cabin. I did the upgrade to a ocean view room for $400 total without having to pay the double occupancy! You will only receive points based on the category you book and I have not seen the computer system get this one wrong before.

[@juanitafurtado8805]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Thanks!

[@sarahgupton2552]

How long did it take to get over 300 points at 1 point per day? Explain that further please. And the studio rooms?

[@christravels5218]

Yes, 1 point per day. He must have a very good paying job to cruise every weekend.

[@theryang7737]

When you travel solo on royal, if you are in an interior or balcony stateroom its 2pts per night for a solo cruiser. When you do a Jr suite or higher its more per night. since solo cruises pay double occ in a stateroom they award us double points. Now combine that with the offer last year for double points promotion and we are seeing 4X the points on current cruises thru 2022

[@christravels5218]

I stand corrected!

[@theryang7737]

@@christravels5218 ha i only know because i do the exact opposite cruise schedule, on the same ship, as Brandon.

[@christravels5218]

@@theryang7737 that's awesome!

[@CUTravel1st]

Well none of the tips help the normal person out. I did learn something on my first crusie with RC but learned it as I was waiting to get off. Bummer right. The cheapest tickets to get on a ship is to gamble for some time on a crusie ship. Doesn’t matter which one. It’s more about time then money from what I have been told. The deals are crazy good from 100 for a week or free room altogether. But also be warned there is no refund at all that I know of. Well I hope there is if they cancel. But no other reason that I think even insurance will cover. Again not sure just started spending time in the casinos since I have learned it and have gotten so great deals just don’t have anytime to use it. Lol enjoy.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

You are correct, this was not your normal person tip video. Though, not to worry, I have already scripted one that will be more applicable to normal cruisers. This was just to show to what extremes I was willing to go through to make it happen. Be careful with the gambling. They will certainly give you free cruises but I call them "prepaid at a premium". Would be interesting to keep track of how much you gambled and how much money you are saving on cruises. I have a feeling for most, the casino still wins.

[@Colombia20102018]

Hello. I’m over analytical to the point that people have suggested I’m possibly on the spectrum so please don’t take this as a criticism. I think your video didn’t really explain how you afford to cruise almost every weekend. You only explained how you keep costs down which is good but didn’t explain how you generate income to pay for multiple cruises a month. Being conservative, let’s say you only spend $500.00 a week on cruising, that’s $26K a year. That’s not affordable, that’s a down payment lol.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Atrevete, you are correct, I did not share my full balance sheet and cash flow statement 🤑 . I pulled the curtain back as far as I was comfortable without sharing details I found too personal for KZbin. The good news, I do have a full-time job which is where my income comes from. What I was hoping to show is the extreme lengths I have gone through to manage my expenses and allow me to prioritize cruising over all else. This was how I personally afford to cruise and recognize most people think it sounds very crazy. 😂 I do have scripted a more practical way of being able to get better prices on cruising I hope to publish soon!

[@Colombia20102018]

@@TheWeekendCruiser I totally understand. Thanks for the reply.

[@teams3345]

Being so good looking how can you not have a spouse?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha, they would cost money and I want tot cruise! ;-)

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Not everybody finds their soulmate and also some people have hobbies or jobs that are very important and or a absorbing to them.

[@teams3345]

@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 I understand. We had great careers and love to travel over 33 years. We have other interest than cruising. However we like going on NCL newer ships twice a year. My partner and I just prefer newer ships when school is in session and not a rowdy bunch on board.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@teams3345 yep, I prefer not a rowdy bunch on board also but interesting conversations and activities such as exploring new ports or snorkeling etc. etc.

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

😏 🍍 😉

[@IndigoSister]

Why do you love cruising so much? Is it the love of the sea? Being spoiled?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Actually, neither. It is the ability to unwind and eventually be still. I can be guilty of always looking for something to do (hello, youtube channel), and on a ship, I walk around and eventually just sit down and don't do anything.

[@sarahgupton2552]

A $500 per person double occupancy is $1000 for 1. I don’t understand your example. You said you paid $1000. 150% would be $750.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Sarah, I went back to listen to the example in the video to ensure I got it right as I have misspoke a few times and that is when you see little pop-up text correcting myself (opps). In the example in the video, I think we are both saying the same thing. For a single supplement, it is $500 + $500 = $1,000 for full single supplement. However, the crown and anchor society has a benefit where at the 340 point level, you only pay 150%. That would turn the $1,000 to $750 ($500 x 150%) or a $250 savings. Sorry if I wasn't as clear as I could have been but hope this helps!

[@kevinp8108]

What's confusing? If he goes alone without the crown and anchor society benefit, he's required to pay Double Occupancy which means he also has to pay for the missing person in the cabin which comes out to paying $1000 total.

[@TheTruthBomber007]

I thought he had a sugar daddy. That’s like the most logical reason…because…obviously. Who thought the same thing?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I mean, I am accepting applications... Just imagine the kind of damage I could do with ample financial support!

[@BDThomas]

@@TheWeekendCruiser The laugh I got from this response totally changed the tone of my evening! Thank you! 😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@BDThomas Always a pleasure! :-)