Do These 12 Things to AVOID the Crowds on a Cruise!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

[@VoiceoverMomentum]

I love my cruise planner!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad to hear! Thanks for your purchase

[@roseg9887]

Thank you for your videos learning alot. About to give on my first cruise at the end of September hopefully not so crowded.

[@mianta55]

😊

[@designdoctor247]

10:43 YES we play a game to see how many days we can take the stairs ONLY it helps us 😊 we enjpy the feeling of the exercise...because uh the food the food is plentiful...yes we feel the burn in our legs but at the top of each floor ...we pause and look at the art 😅😂😂 and catch or breath if we need to ...then march up another deck...praising God for the health to be able to walk stairs

[@guccijules]

That is always my goal....then I end up in fancy 3-5 inch heels. The first rug burn from tripping UP the stairs does it for me. You can just call me 'Grace". Lol!

[@designdoctor247]

@@guccijules 🤣😂🤣😂😂 However, Gace is a 💞beautiful name ...try slipping off your heals n running up/down the stairs bearfoot...i feel the🤗 exuberance of childhood🥰 and then i get my husband to slip them back on before entering the dinning room...and i feel like Cinderella ...rem to 😊straighten your 👑

[@helenalovelock1030]

Yes I do that too

[@mwpinnc1]

And only gain 0.75 pounds a day!

[@Rhyonized]

Another option I like to do out of personal preference even though it may not be possible for everyone is to book longer cruises such as 10-15 days. For me, 2 weeks is usually a sweet spot if I have the time and less obligations to worry about at home because there’s usually less people overall, way less kids, more time to explore and not feel rushed to experience everything from the ship or ports, and I love the ability to meet and make new friends throughout the trip.

[@FraserAtSea]

I totally agree with this - I always find my longer cruises are waaaaay quieter!

[@michaels3003]

It depends on the specific cruise. For example, a three week Mediterranean cruise includes one or two two-week cruises and three one-week cruises (people get on and off in a few ports). This will not be obvious to "newbie" cruisers.

[@erikh9991]

Our 10 night Baltic Sea cruise was incredible! Everyone was in bed by 9pm and maybe 6 kids. We practically had the whole ship. It did get a little strange when we would go to the entertainment bars and there was only 10 people. My son was still able to hook-up too. Good Times!

[@designdoctor247]

oh this is a GREAT tip ...yes i agree even "anything" past 7 nights seems to be more calm to me. it might just be that "i" am calmer.

[@Exotic3000]

Thanks for mentioning the ‘2 week’ option. That’s what I will do if I cruise again! ❤

[@dgilman2]

I’m a contrarian cruiser. That means an introvert with bouts of extroversion. Go against the crowd. We love to swim and use the hot tubs at night. It’s like you have a private space and your own personal bartenders. We eat at the earliest possible diner times, early shows, and then hit the pools. So beautiful under the stars.

[@Next_Cruise_Please]

That's exactly what I strive for: Do the opposite of what everyone else does. I get exercise walking around the ship and usually find areas ignored by others. I have dinner after 8:00 and attend the late shows. The casino is less crowded during the first shows.

[@cindycarey5277]

We always book a balcony. My favorite place to get away and read my book, have a cocktail, etc.

[@Travelling.Over.60]

I missed out on a shore excursion in Papeete and then walked on to the pier found a tour and it ended up being the best tour I did the whole holiday. The guide ended up being a fully university trained guide with amazing local knowledge.

[@mbutterfly4180]

My experience is the thermal package is super crowded! I avoid crowds by hanging out on the decks above Lido. Also, I have found on embarkation day, arriving late is the way to go. Your room is ready, everyone has already eaten, and you can have just enough time to unpack, get settled, watch the sunset and have dinner.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

Another good tip to at least not have to deal with as big of a crowd especially if you don't like fighting for tables & lines at the buffet is to go to the MDR for breakfast. I have found that the food in the buffet and the MDR are almost exactly the same but you don't have to deal with looking for a table then one person having to sit at the table to make sure nobody takes it. You also don't have to stand and wait at the omelet station or deal with someone cutting in front of you in line. The only time I go to the buffet anymore is if my excursion time just doesn't allow me the time to get breakfast at the MDR.

[@Krysdavar]

What is the MDR? Main Dining Room?

[@jamess5154]

We do what we call contra cruising. Living in FL on warm cruises we avoid the sun so when the Lido is sunny and busy on sea days we tend to either sit on promenade or an empty lounge. Then we do the pool at 5pm when many are getting ready to eat. The aft bars also get quiet during dinner times--especially after sunset yet the views are still great. We also avoid the big shows and loud music so we look for things like piano bars or string duos which are less crowded and the music is usually better.

[@pinklucky61]

My suggestion to avoid the crowds, pay attention to the activity schedule. It will pretty much tell you where the crowds will be.

[@susandiannesmith191]

Use witch hazel mix aloe vera a 1/3 to two 2/3 of witch hazel. This is the best ever for any sunburn. Witch hazel takes the heat off of the burn. No more hurting The aloe helps the witch hazel to be thick and not running. Or if just witch hazel pour on cotton towels and apply on sunburns. I promise to mix with aloe with witch hazel. Much better ❤

[@designdoctor247]

5:15 i agree "totally" and....if u just want the FEEL and LUX of the dinning room ...i learned i can not HOLD in my tummy breakfast lunch n dinner in the dinning room. so i eat LUNCH in the dinning room on sea days n snack at the buffet for dinner before a show...that way i do not feel rushed to get to the show in time and the entire day is sooo much calmer❤ i always eat breakfast in the dinning room the last day before getting off the ship ...to end the cruise w a LUX feel....i probably w not eat on a white tablecloth again until my next cruise...i also usually get to see my fav wait staff and say goodbye w a nice card pre made w a tip in it 😊 if i do not see them i just pass it to the head wait staff last... IMO many people who cruise do not want to wake up early...i LOVE an early morning walk and go to breakfast in the dinning room as soon as it opens... usually no crowds...the service is always slower than, well in IMO "any place" ..off the ship so i bring a book and read it while sipping my hot tea ...i ask for a table for one ...out of the way...in the back... on the first day and explain i have an "anxiety" issue (i pass a written dr note to them) ....they always rem and from then on they seat me in a nice calm place alone. oooh Big tip if u have anxiety like i do wow the dinning rooms have TON of background noise....dishes clanging, music, people talking, AC noise and often children crying...ear canceling plugs HELP SO MUCH... 😊

[@absolutehonor141]

when it comes to booking excursions with local organizers, I think it's important to add that you should be back on time, a lot can happen and if you're late, the ship isn't waiting!

[@FraserAtSea]

After spending months on cruise ships this year, one of the biggest tips I can offer for avoiding crowds is to try and book longer cruises (if you can afford the time out). For example, some 14 night cruises I've been on this year have been operating at around the 50% full rate, whereas most of the 7-night cruises have been operating at 90%-100% full, with some ships being a nightmare...!!

[@skeletor9121]

I agree. I have recently been booking 10-12 day cruises. Much more relaxing and not as crowded.

[@garyelliott2475]

We’re on a 15 day Transatlantic leaving on November 10 out of Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale. The ship is virtually fully booked! There are maybe 3 inside cabins available to book as of today.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@garyelliott2475 oh wow - I’m currently on a 14 night transatlantic on Valiant Lady and we’re 1,200 passengers short of capacity!

[@jackiebyers3424]

@@garyelliott2475What cruise line / ship is that? Wow.

[@jjasper911]

@@jackiebyers3424i beleive Valient Lady is Virgin cruise line

[@gatorguy7711]

Another excellent video! A few things we do to avoid crowds: 1. When going down to dinner, we go down about 45 minutes early (when the elevators are not crowded) and enjoy a drink at the bar or a coffee in the cafe and enjoy the pre-dinner entertainment. 2. Go to the buffet or main dinning room, as soon as they open, for breakfast or lunch. Normally, the crowds arrive shortly after they open. 3. Book shore excursions with the cruise line in ports that have to use a tender. Ship excursions will give you priority tendering. 4. Book cabins on deck 6 and 7, which makes using the stairs (at least walking down) a more efficient option (avoiding the crowded elevators)to gain access to dinning and entertainment on decks 3, 4, and 5. If you use the self-carry luggage option for debarkation, use the forward elevators to carry your luggage to the designated meeting location. The forward elevators are less crowded as most passengers use the aft elevators to go up to the buffet for breakfast.

[@crazy4dariver]

St Martin. I do not recommend what i did, but it worked. "$100.00 Usd show me the best here." He not only did it he took me to locals only places, beaches, food. John pronounced Jean is a friend to this day.

[@BruceDavid-p4k]

With my wife's mobility issues, avoiding elevators is just not possible. There is always a time or 2 that we find ourselves at the back of a large line. In that case I simply push the button for the elevator going in the opposite direction. It's usually only a deck or so and if we're alone on it, I push for the next deck. I can then immediately push for the deck that I want and be already on the elevator when it gets back to where we originally stuck. This works especially well on embarkation and after a show.

[@Henriette368]

Another good option for shore excursions is to book through Get your Guide

[@jenniferyoung6818]

I am definitely looking for ways to avoid the big crowds on our cruise next month.

[@gerardacronin334]

Repositioning cruises are much less likely to have large families on board!

[@matersworkshop6123]

On embarkation day I choose to get a late boarding onto the ship. The crowds are less waiting in line to go through check in. The lines for getting food are smaller since everyone that got on early already has gotten their food.

[@Blackphoenix422]

I go early for the same reasons, however I love being on ships. So I try to get on as soon as possible to get in vacation mindset

[@prisoncop1860]

On the newer Carnival Ships there is a lanai. Since the party crowds tend to hang out by the main pool, you can find peace, quiet and excellent drink service there. Sunshine and a lot less noise makes it the perfect spot!!

[@JacobHolt106]

Lots of good tips here. A few more I would suggest: 1. For breakfast and lunch in the main dining room get there when the dining room opens. I have found you usually get seated right away and can be done eating before it gets busy. 2. On port days with a late arrival time (11:00 am or later), the best time to use the gym is roughly an hour before arrival. 3. On sea days, the gym is less crowded in the morning 4. Avoid eating at the buffet 5. When you are cleared on port days, people (understandably) rush to exit. Wait 30 minutes and you get off quickly

[@LifeWellCruised]

Super tips!

[@vickyburton2434]

I love to stay on the ship when everyone is off the ship! Last cruise I stayed aboard and just relaxed.

[@debracartier2947]

I’ve always used Viator on vacation they are really top notch! Although, I’m too afraid to book them when I’m on a cruise. I like to book my excursions through the cruise line. I’m afraid of being left behind if something goes wrong on the excursion!

[@ginnyhinton1370]

We used Viator several times on a Mediterranean cruise last year. Had a great experience, so we also booked them for our Caribbean cruise in January 2024. Many of the tour operators promise to get you back to the ship on time. I think they will all do it, but some make a point of it.

[@guccijules]

That's great info! I was hoping to find an alternative. The cs excursions are all booked up..@@ginnyhinton1370

[@calicokitten6121]

Thanks for this info. I have a tentative viator excursion. They seem legit. Anyone else have experience with them? (In new zealand)

[@carmencastillo9101]

Just went on our 1st cruise! Your videos helped tremendously! ❤ I had no idea what yo expected since Jubilee is the largest ship and all the video and photos I've seen - seem like massively large crowds. It wasn't at all like that. I didn't feel overwhelmed nor did I feel like it was packed. Plenty of moving space and hide aways.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m so glad to hear your feedback & that you had a great cruise!

[@willcooper6980]

When I cruise solo, I have to do the very early or very late strategy to all three meals in both the MDR and buffet. Another point Ilana. I need to make my target arrival time at 12noon. This is to ensure a good parking spot at the terminal, and minimal time waiting for the rooms to be available.

[@EasternUNO]

hi llana, thank you very much for all of the tips you provide us for free. I bought your cruise planner just to appreciate your tips regarding cruises. We will be taking 12 days southern Caribbean cruise with Celebrity Beyond in February for the first time (we have never ever cruised before) so let's hope there won't be many people :)

[@CandiPinki]

We did private tours in Asia but booked two regular cruise tours. The private tours were far superior since we could stop when we needed to, spend more time if we wanted, skip things we didn't want to do, and eat when we were hungry. It was only like $30 each more than the cruise tour! Though the Ha Long Bay tour we did through the cruise ship was well run and left from the side of the ship. For the private tours, I booked with Tours by locals, Get your guide and Viatour. If you're worried about getting back to the ship in time, tell the guide and remember their ratings depend on happy customers!

[@harborspringsgirl]

Great advice!!! I love a specialty restaurant the first night- always discounted too. You are spot on!!

[@drewski-qu3co]

Whenever possible choose assigned time and table in main dinning before cruising rather than anytime dining. You will never have to wait to get to your table.

[@PattiMiller-l4y]

We have friends who routinely book 3rd party excursions no problem. We avoid dinner congestion by booking reserve class cabins (formerly club class).

[@_echobravo]

It usually takes a combination of strategies to get it done. Premium line + shoulder season + a longer itinerary tends to keep the occupancy at 100% or less (aka no kids sharing rooms).

[@RebelPickle]

Thanks for the great information! I enjoy exploring the ship immediately after boarding to find all the little out-of-the-way nooks and crannies. “Doing the opposite” is probably the #1 best advice for avoiding crowds. I plan to do that on my next cruise by staying on the ship while in port in Nassau. I can’t wait! 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

You’re so right! When you explore the ship asap you find out all the secrets 👏

[@martyklestadt6766]

Yup. I always print out a copy of the deck plan a couple of weeks before my cruise and carry it with me the whole time I'm on board. I also do my own little tour of the ship the first day as well. This shaves a few days off of the time it takes to get used to where everything is.

[@guccijules]

This works great if you find yourself in a scavenger hunt too! 😉@@LifeWellCruised

[@mksyogameditation7148]

That's literally our plan ❤

[@dancingfishfish]

I have never booked with a cruise line.. always on my own with locals.. My alaska whale watching was a small boat with 4 people!! so amazing!

[@jbob1548]

With what group please?

[@raleighrobinson6399]

I would like that info to and from what port? Please and Thank You!

[@bradp8355]

On embarkation day we have lunch before going to the port, then board late and go straight to our cabin. Best way to avoid embarkation crowds

[@tywork]

I most often take third-party excursions. So far, I have been quite satisfied

[@gladius2489]

I generally book the ballast hold. Have the whole level to myself.

[@pagrant]

When we were on a cruise, days at sea we headed to the indoor pool, much quieter , and one day whilst in Asia 2020 it rained most the day ,

[@debbieguthrie2307]

A friend shared a story about a Barbados cruise she was on recently and the pool area was occupied with nude people. Not an ordinary thing I'm sure. I would be a horrified.

[@noesjewelry5348]

We just got off the Carnival Celebration. It was totally booked, 6,700 Passengers! We really never "felt" there were that many Passengers. The ship offers so many areas of food and entertainment, everyone was spread out!

[@crazy4dariver]

Love you dear. Your professional opinion is what i want to hear.

[@pdallen5801]

I’ve never felt the fullness of the cruise, maybe it’s because I’m a night owl/late riser? I don’t get started until about 10-11 am, so I guess that I’m one of the last to get breakfast, then participate in a few activities, eat again about 2, do other activities maybe go to a nearly empty pool, solarium, then my dinner reservations are 6:30-7. I go to the late shows, hang out at a bar or the casino until closing, walk around a nearly silent ship, then crash until 10 am or so the next morning. I didn’t realize that my lazy vacation style keeps me away from the crowds, I’ve always wondered why I never seem to be in large crowds…

[@LifeWellCruised]

You have a good schedule to avoid the crowds 👏

[@guccijules]

SAME!! I don't do it necessarily to avoid crowds. I'm just a night owl. I always end up closing down the casino.

[@joewoodard2801]

Our solution with elevators is to grab any elevator no matter which direction it's going to be in the capsule for the floor you are targeting, it will go up and down.

[@johndawson8281]

Unless we are concerned about getting back to the ship on time, we almost always book with a local tour company rather than the ship. Same tours at half the price. Iceland we found the best small local tours. Do not do local companies in Vietnam. Traffic is horrible. We went on a ship excursion and arrived back 2 hrs after departure time!

[@ak9868]

Yes for some alone time and soothing the soul, I booked the spa thermal package on my last cruise on the Carnival Breeze (1st one) and it was heaven! I was out of the crowd, chilling with the steam saunas (there were 3 different ones) and the therassapy pool was magnificent! The thermal chairs were my real quiet place and a chance to catch my breath after all the activities and ports of call. I was so thankful you spoke of the spas in an earlier video and I looked into it and booked it. It was so worth the price to be able to treat myself and get pampered a little bit. I went at least once each day on board and 1 day I went twice. I highly recommend the thermal spa. And the serenity area (adults only) was also wonderful and not crowded.

[@martyklestadt6766]

I took a private, local tour in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and it turned out to be a great decision. We got to see the highlights of the town, plus we also got to take a little boat in a canal that went right through the rainforest! I saw some amazing wildlife there!

[@Mariazellerbahn]

1) Cruise on smaller ships. 2) Look for pre-maiden voyages (shakedown cruises). 3) Look for repositioning cruises. 4) Look for last minute cruises that they can't fill.

[@stedmays2768]

Wish you'd do a segment on finding quiet places on cruise ships --- to read with no music, to have conversation with no music, to just enjoy silence while feeling the breeze, etc. Or have u already done this type of youtube?

[@Blackphoenix422]

Its normally the opposite side of the smoking section there are hardly ever people there.

[@stedmays2768]

@@Blackphoenix422 I'm always looking for the places with no music (even though I enjoy some of the music and entertainment offerings), so on my next cruise I'll be on the lookout for your suggestion. Thanks for your thought.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Why we love smaller ships. Like HAL and Oceania.

[@lawofficesofjeffreym.jacob9466]

Carnival Panorama is canceling the next 2 cruises. I was in the 12/2/23 one!

[@amandaregis313]

Thanks for the great tips. We were already thinking of reserving in a specialty restaurant our first night, as it'll be our anniversary (39 years). And going midship for elevators would be a good idea for us too, as we booked midship.

[@deebee_412]

Book a room with an ocean view balcony. Great escape

[@bbmiller412]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm going on my first cruise ever in 18 days with Princess Cruises on the Sky Princess. It will be my first time out of the U.S. I'm equally excited and nervous at this completely new experience. I've got the cruise planner to help out, which is especially great for a first-time cruiser. I'll be taking quite a few notes from your videos. Thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s so exciting!! I’m sure you’re going to be just fine - great ship btw 👏

[@kathie1499]

Our first cruise is on Carnival Jubilee July 2025. We got a Havana Room with balcony with lounge chair hammock, an exclusive adult only area. There is a pool lounging. IK we will enjoy the seclusion when we want to get away. Enjoy all of your tips for travel. I have already starting getting my stuff together/ your suggestions. Just hope the meds work for motion sickness. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@susanscott8023]

We have booked excursions through Viator and through Air BnB and have been very pleased. One AirBnB tour was in Dubrovnik, where we met the local guide at a fountain outside the old city for a walking tour. It was just the two of us, and it was fantastic!

[@Shanacello07090]

Re shore excursions . We booked an excursion independently. Unfortunately our ship got delayed getting into port and we missed the excursion. No refunds. The excursions that were booked through the cruise ship waited for the passengers.

[@RaymondMullen-t9j]

The Wife & I talk about this and agree 1 st and Last Day seem Jamed ....

[@francesgill8621]

I love the thermal spa. Great way to avoid the crowds and relax.

[@stephancox9105]

On Carnival ships, the best time to get lunch on Embarkation Day from places like Guy's Burger, Shaq's Big Chicken, and Blue Iguana Cantina while avoiding lines is around 1:30pm. The rooms will be ready, and most people will be settling in.

[@alicegoodfellow3566]

I know onboard libraries are rarely used anymore but I’d love to see a quiet area for reading and other quiet activities. It could have a bar nearby and preferably be located near windows. Comfortable chairs are on my wishlist too.

[@kathyslocombe1182]

Alana, you always have such inciteful information. I particularly liked your 'embarkation' information. I've 'read' some embarkation congestion in San Diego, which is our next embarkation port. However, we're taking the attitude that rushing to embark is not what we're going to do. We're on a 35-day cruise in February on HAL so we'd rather board relaxed because being on a long cruise we'll have enough days to enjoy the ship, the Koningsdam. Great video as always!

[@harlanabraham7772]

Howdy Ilana, Personally, don't like crowds. Am subscribed to channel and even hit the like button. Big difference between cruise lines too. Prefer to sail in the off season. Fall is a good time, that's when our anniversary is. Prefer to eat early. Don't like RCCL, NCL, or MSC.. Only booked shore excursions with the cruise line. Do prefer to take the stairs. Have to take elevator at the lower level on certain ports. Promenade decks are good. Usually like to go to a lounge that doesn't have very many people. I try to stay away from most people.

[@ShelleyFick]

We take longer cruises (14-21 day), usually in off season, either the week after Thanksgiving (our anniversary) or middle to last week in May (Mother’s Day, husband’s birthday), when it is less crowded. We always book a balcony, mini suite or suite, so there is always somewhere quiet to get away from the busyness of the ship. We have been on all size ships, including Coral Princess, Carnival Destiny (now Carnival Sunshine), Disney Fantasy, RC Radiance of the Sea as well as RC Allure, Oasis and Harmony of the Seas and never really experienced over crowding, even in the buffet. I will say, with the bigger ships, there is so much to do and so many shows, that the crowds are well dispersed. In 18 more days we will be on our first cruise since the pandemic, sailing on the Crown Princess 16 day Transpacific Hawaii cruise, round trip from San Francisco, so we will see how different it is than our previous cruises. Also, we have always booked our shore excursions through the ship and have never had a bad one yet or any problems.

[@calicokitten6121]

MAy i ask how this cruise was? We are doing the opposite in april

[@ShelleyFick]

The cruise was amazing. Our room was excellent, the staff was very friendly, helpful and professional and the ship was in great condition. Leaving out of SF was very cold (remember it was Nov.) and a little rough sailing out of the bay, which continued for three days. Then it started to get warmer as we got closer to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, it was hot and muggy, but beautiful. No rain at all. The excursions we book through the cruise line were amazing and very memorable. Also, while sailing in the Hawaiian waters around the islands, the casino is closed because Hawaii does not allow gambling. So no casino from the time we were Hilo until we were 50 miles out from Kona four days later. We had the Crab Shack pop up event three nights on our ship, which was spectacular. If that is something you want to do, you need to ask someone right away how to book it because it fills up fast. The cost is $29.99/pp, but it is worth every penny. The food is hit or miss, but thankfully there is Slice as well as Salty Dog and Coffee and Cones on deck 15. You will not go hungry on the cruise. There are a lot of activities on the ship, including lei making (for a cost) and ukulele classes, so never a dull moment. We did not go to any shows (not like the ones on RC, so not our cup of tea), but people in our FaceBook group had good things to say about them. Heading home from Hawaii was warm the first two days, then it started to get colder as we headed towards the states. We did have two medical emergencies, one heading to Hawaii, so we had to speed up and docked at Hilo 12 hours early, but couldn’t get off the ship until the next day. The other one happened two days after leaving Kona and they ended up having a Coast Guard helicopter come to take the passenger off and transport to San Diego. For this emergency, the Captain even requested blood donations and many people did donate. Even though we had these emergencies and hoped the people were alright, it was reassuring to know how it would be handled if something were to happen to us. Make sure to bring masks, sanitizer and Lysol wipes. We had about 30 people in our FaceBook group that got sick, either with COVID or Nora-virus. Luckily we came home healthy. Better to be safe than sorry. All in all, it was a fantastic cruise and I am sure you will enjoy it. Our next cruise is to Alaska (our second time) on the Royal Princess May 31, 2025.

[@calicokitten6121]

Thank you so much!!! This is very helpful! Sorry to hear about the food quality but as you say we wont go hungry!

[@ShelleyFick]

@@calicokitten6121 Some of it were the choices they had on the menu where we didn’t care for them, so we just ordered the standard choice of Salmon or Fettuccini Alfredo; some of it was the way they cooked it, like the lobster in the Crown Grill was chargrilled, not steamed and the spinach was creamed, which I did not care for the taste of either of them. That being said, the food was more hit than miss and we did not go hungry.

[@iteachmy3]

We booked a local tour recommended by the info center/chamber of commerce in Cozumel and for about $20pp we got a bus ride to Uvas beach, a meal and beverage there, sitting area with wifi, and beach chairs. I will say you needed water shoes because it was a rocky entry into the ocean, but once in or once out, it was a great deal.

[@lita7465]

We went to Uvas on a previous cruise and now we go there always in Cozumel. Its about a 5 minute taxi ride from the port, we go early without a reservation to grab a table in the outdoor dining. This gets us there ahead of the groups. We stay for lunch then head back.

[@crazy4dariver]

Gotta say, never get crazy over lemmings. I have seen only two onboard shows in 20 cruises. That entertainment is not me. Every lemming heads straight down the isle, I go left or right and get there first

[@edschulhof6303]

Entertaining video. I would find the smallest ship, going to less crowded ports. I want to feel like I'm on a ship, not the Mall of America goes to sea. LOL Maybe a 550' ship with fewer than 400 people.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very nice! I haven’t tried a small ship yet

[@susantownsend8397]

We often do specialty dining on embarkation night. Never crowded on those nights.

[@jimerin3533]

Suggestion I didn’t hear: night clubs during the day are typically quiet and if you bring your own drink it’s comfy usually with a great view. Sorry if I missed it. BTW awe did a Discovery Princess cruise in December and I find it over crowded for its size and features. I’ll avoid it in the future.

[@trainattendant5810]

I enjoy longer itineraries on smaller ships. Upper premium lines. I can't recommend Viking Ocean enough. Floating Zen palace at sea, yet never boring. There's always a buzz of activity just around the corner if that's what one wants. The atmosphere onboard is dignified, yet never stuffy.

[@carolgravius9312]

You always get right to it with the greatest tips. Love your channel.❤

[@stevefinn9137]

I love your videos 😊

[@dennisgarwood975]

I know this isn’t probably the video I should ask this, but since there are so few outlets in cabins do the TV’s have usb ports so that you can charge devices without having to take up an outlet? I throughly enjoy your videos and am looking forward to my first ever cruise this summer 2024 at 63 years old

[@lindadunham286]

Book adult only areas. We booked the Vibe for our entire trip in April from Miami through the Panama Canal and ending in LA.

[@fredbowers493]

We're reserved a cabana for the week in the Vibe beach club on NCL. They sell a few passes. No pool but a couple hot tubs and private cabana with great views

[@beckywilliams1388]

Llana , what cruise line is the most peaceful with less of a party environment?

[@kathyhiggins2847]

On our recent cruise to the Mediterranean on Enchanted Princess, we scheduled several non cruise line excursions. We used Italy Tours in Marseilles, Florence/ Pisa and Naples ( semi private small groups, 4-16 people per tour). We used Walks of Italy for small group tours in Rome, for the Colosseum and the Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica. For Ephesus we used Ekol tours for a private tour of the site. All were excellent with no issues returning to the ship in time for departure. The HOHO buses in Barcelona and Athens were also great, not so good on Crete, so so in Genoa! Happy cruising Ilana😘

[@janethunt4037]

We're taking our first cruise next month. We booked a balcony cabin so we can sit outside and enjoy the scenery in peace . . . . but will it be quiet enough?

[@cliffcolby4450]

What about bathrooms. As you are moving about are they available.

[@NicholasPyers]

Believe it or not, a tip I Highly Recommend is head towards the Smokers Area!!! 😮😱😶‍🌫️ Most people avoid these areas for obvious reasons but I’m a non-smoker, and find there are almost always chairs and lounges free. Most of the time the smoke isn’t actually an issue and there are usually tons chairs well and truly away from the smokers themselves I also find smokers are incredibly friendly… and often their partners don’t smoke so they sit away from the smokers too, so you’ll have someone to chat to IF you want.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s actually a great idea! I used to smoke many moons ago & I do agree smokers are a friendly group 😂

[@tanikokishimoto1604]

As someone who can't stand in place for any length of time (bad ankles), I will have to avoid lines.

[@Cha-y412]

Loyal NCL cruisers - Go Haven .

[@erikh9991]

I save my cans and water bottles so I can upgrade to concierge class. It gets you on the ship faster. The check in line is faster.

[@lynnleipold2617]

Thanks!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it :)

[@designdoctor247]

6:22 AMEN

[@gonefishing8347]

Cruise number 9 in 10 days. I'll try some of these out.

[@johnthomas5026]

Hi Llana, Looking forward to meeting you on the Rotterdam! John and Melody

[@writern5389]

It’s harder and harder to find cruises that aren’t sold out.

[@IveeGreer]

How do you if there’s a discount being offered in the Specialty dining areas

[@nancyc1196]

We found that there are crowds for MDR at 5 pm on both Princess ships and NCL Pride of America.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very interesting

[@skeletor9121]

Many years ago I booked several excursions through a private party and they were all very good. The only thing I worried about was getting back to the ship prior to departure. Now I tend to book all shore excursions through the cruise line.

[@joahetchells326]

Have a pass port. Birth certificate line is slow and 4x longer. Pack two small bags so when leaving the ship. Just wake up at 7:00 am. Leave at 7:30. No wait be ready and listen and go. Weighing you will get stuck at the elevators. The pools are cold find a hot tub there not too hot. Stay on the boat when in Port to avoid crows.

[@Krysdavar]

Great info!

[@phils4634]

Any thoughts on buying an AIS-based personal locator beacon? These are not expensive (FAR cheaper / less bulky than an EPIRB), but in the unfortunate event of you falling overboard, can provide an immediate alert to the Bridge, along with your course and speed. This wold seem to be a near-certain assurance of recovery in a timely fashion.

[@gaykelly3382]

I do a lot of sailboat sailing and as a sailor, I've learned the process of MOB and recovery. On these big ships it could take an hour or so to get the ship stopped, turned around and approach you, which has to be done with care, as it is quite easy to run over you with the waves moving you. You will be recovered, but will you still be alive. That is the question. If going overboard is a worry of yours, I'd stay away from open decks and forget about locator beacons. Also, pay attention, to how far the beam goes on the PLB. They can vary. Princess has an app that can locate your friends and family anywhere on the ship. The GPS is in your medallion that everyone wears all the time. It works great.

[@johngafford1302]

Have only cruised a few times, and only on Carnival so far. But from what I’ve seen on the two ships we have been on, the only way you can fall overboard is to climb over the railings and jump! You are worrying unnecessarily.

[@phils4634]

@@gaykelly3382 No need to turn the boat around. The AIS beacon provides a near-exact target location, and ALL larger passenger vessels have at least two Fast Recovery Boats that may be deployed in minutes. All modern chart plotters can display AIS MOB targetting data, so recovery will be reasonably prompt, even during the silent hours. As a leisure sailor myself, I have found my AIS PLB to be a useful (yet compact) addition to the ship's 406MHz EPIRB.

[@kellyrome]

Once again!! GREAT information! Thank you!! 🧜🏻‍♀️🇨🇦

[@Violet3017]

I find that excursions are REALLY overpriced. Other passengers we talked to agreed. I will never book another excursion as I don’t think they are worth it!! I’m amazed at what they charge!!! I have booked excursions once on shore and have found them to be better and a third of the price. You just want to be sure that you will be returning in plenty of time before departure.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

Great ideas ❤

[@martyklestadt6766]

These are excellent tips, Ilana; thanks! Many of them I knew about beforehand, but there were plenty of good ideas here that I didn't know about! My next cruise is in about five weeks (Dec. 16) on the Holland America ship Konigsdam, which you showed the outside of briefly in this video!

[@BeefromSC]

Thanks for the reminders! 🛳🛳