13 SNEAKY THINGS CRUISE LINES WON'T TELL YOU *unadvertised & fine print*

[@LifeWellCruised]

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

[@movingforward743]

Hi I am going on a cruise in July 2022. If there is a casino on board , will Carnival Conquest take regular money or does the funds need to be on a card? Thanks for the great video!

[@shahid7094]

@@movingforward743 hello mam

[@joannechludzinski1805]

I am from Boston. A co-worker went on a Boston to Bermuda Cruise. She made friends with a women from Canada. It was the fall and the weather took a bad turn and they ended up in Nova Scotia. Her new friend, who had flown into Boston, said "Well Edie, I'm walking home to get a sweater, do you want me to get one for you?"

[@roymaddocks3184]

what a lovely story about Canadian hospitality

[@dahnbieunbi]

That’s funny and unfortunate for the friend who ended up going on a cruise to her own backyard

[@ginamercer3321]

😆

[@dwayne7356]

Was on a flight from Brussels to Philadelphia and we were flying into a very bad head wind. Force to land in Banger Maine to take on extra fuel and nobody was allowed off the plane. Landed in Philadelphia and a couple missed their connecting flight back to Banger Maine. They had been travel for over 24 hrs from Nepal.

[@mmorden9938]

Love this. Good time to do a load of laundry!

[@joriturpin4603]

I highly recommend purchasing the insurance. My family friend is young and healthy and usually NEVER buys the insurance and cruises often. This last cruise they went to Bermuda and he felt an inkling to get the insurance. Well he had a massive stroke on the cruise. The doctors did their best to help him on the cruise, and he stayed in the infirmary for a few days until they got to land . He ended up at a small island for a few weeks until he was well enough to fly home. Had he not bought the insurance it would’ve been literally hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[@judimardula8685]

The last cruise that my sister and I went on had a Santa Claus convention, great fun!

[@DCYote1]

To your point about possibly encountering niche groups on a cruise, the last cruise I took with Princess in Alaska, had actually been booked by a bunch of "furries" and there were people in animal costumes running around everywhere on the ship. They were super friendly and cool though, so there wasn't any problems I was aware of. But man do I have some great photos of me with giant dogs/wolves etc. against the Alaskan scenery LOL

[@emileepini2311]

What an odd experience 🙃

[@ThestuffthatSaralikes]

I’ll bet that was one of those “surreal yet amazing” moments in life you only get a few of..! What FUN!!

[@melissahanna4327]

My niece is a "furry". She is an outer space puppy. I have been with her to 1 convention, in Dallas. I didn't know about furry cruises. We will have to check it out

[@darlenemattingly5552]

My group of 11 got bumped due to a charter about 5 years back. We all were moved to another cruise with an upgrade in cabin and cruise credit. Then our 2nd cruise was chartered as well. All 11 of us got a 2nd upgrade to another cruise with another credit. 🤣😂😀. Unbelievable deal.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha crazy!! At least that worked out well for you all 👌

[@heathertardy9789]

Booked our first cruise in April 22. I am leaning so many things I need to know watch your videos. Big thank you :)

[@dirodriguez1646]

Thanks for the great information. I strongly suggest getting the INSURANCE - my husband fell off his rented scooter while attempting to go down the walkway. His side hurt and they took him to the medical center. He was unable to stand up straight for the X-Ray machine that they had. They made us go to the hospital on the island. We had to take our important paperwork and a change of clothes, because they were LEAVING us on the island! The cruise had to go to the next port. We were taken by an ambulance to the hospital. It was dirty; no nurses. He had his xray but they didn't see anything. He was told that the xray machine was not as good as the American xray machines because theirs is OLD. That was it... I tried to get him released and finally was let out. We actually walked out. (We received the bills and the INSURANCE paid for everything, even the ambulance) The cruiseline had a person on the island make arrangements for a hotel room.... that's all! We took a cab to a bar/restaurant for dinner. We took a cab to the hotel. Let me tell you, those wonderful happy sunny islands get very scary at night. No street lights with all the shops closed. Even the cab driver had to check if we were legit! When we went to the "hotel" the gate was LOCKED and we had to wait for someone to unlock it. We were told that WE had to make our own arrangements to get to the next Port where we could get back on the ship!! We called the airport and found that only "1" plane was going to the next island. We woke up early and went to the airport, stood online and bought the LAST TWO TICKETS!! The plane was so small that People and Luggage had to be weighed and distributed evenly so that the plane would fly correctly. It was just like a roller coaster ride. We flew so low over the water that the small inhabited islands were easily seen. Well, we did make it to the next port safely. The cruise ship was there. No one checked for us, etc. We will never go on that Cruise Ship again. So the message of our saga is to BUY THE INSURANCE. We were reimbursed for ALL of our expenses. It was well worth the $139 each.

[@lauradefriez9061]

Did you buy the insurance from the cruise line or from a 3rd party?

[@dirodriguez1646]

@@lauradefriez9061 I bought it through the cruise line. it was better since they have someone on each island that was a liasion and helped us with the hotel booking but NOT the travel. which was awful as you read. Thank God for miracles! This time Royal Caribbean cruise lines travel insurance is NOT good enough for New York laws, which is where I live. So we had to purchase coverage from a NY recognized travel insurance company.

[@ilovebonjovi1992]

This is scary. I am going on a Carnival Cruise next month and I bought insurance through the Cruise line. They made it sound like everything is taken care of if we ever ran into trouble. Hopefully it's the difference in insurance. 😮

[@Pete-jm8ps]

@@ilovebonjovi1992 I just booked my first cruise with Carnival and i too bought the cruise line insurance. 🤞

[@mariebrooks5955]

Read the fine print! WE had excellent coverage through a third party insurance company. My husband needed emergency surgery just before we left home. Our travel insurance covered everything down to the penny - our airfare, prepaid hotel and cruise. WE were able to go six months later, but I will never travel without it. Most cruise company policies will not cover pre-existing conditions. Some will use a pre-existing condition (say high blood pressure) to get out of paying for anything at all, even a broken leg that has nothing to do with your pre-existing condition. Make sure to read the fine print! Phone the insurance company is you have any questions. The cruise lines each use an insurance company and the cruise telephone folks don’t know the details of the policies. Make sure you have what you need in writing!

[@jmr1703]

I've booked my flight through the airline for the first time. It's a learning experience and you are 100% correct. I paid a fee to fly in the day before. I'm still on the fence but in C19 world, I figured booking through the cruiseline might give me added benefit. 1. Check the luggage allowance "suggestions" or rules. Carnival only allows checking bags up to 2 hours before sailing and weight limit 50 pounds per bag. And unlocked... so read EVERY POLICY.

[@LifeWellCruised]

How interesting- I wasn’t sure if carnival enforced the luggage policy, but true good to check

[@jmr1703]

@@LifeWellCruised I fly into the port so I'm essentially compliant so not sure. I'd say that being more restrictive or adhering to policy is coming.

[@chrisbond756]

Llĺ

[@valeriecrawford6081]

@@jmr1703 9os9

[@Clothed-with-His-Glory]

I’m leaving my bag unlocked. They can call me down to open it.

[@stacythomas1587]

When travelling to certain Caribbean ports, be prepared to see some impoverished areas outside of the tourist areas on the islands. It was quite a shock when I visited St. Kitts and Maartens.

[@princesskkay221]

If my cruise has a clown convention onboard I’ll literally die 🤡

[@ToddRussell-l6l]

My family has a cruise with NCL Jade in August of 2023. We originally booked a 7 day cruise. Then we were notified that our curie line was extended to a 10 day cruise as the ship was chartered for a portion of the following week. Very excited to learn this.

[@elizabethr9304]

This happened to me with a flight trying to leave Venice. Due to strikes Europe-wide, we had an extra 3 days there… messes with my husband’s work days though

[@KristiMaxwell0819]

Thank you so much for segmenting your videos! You do such a great job of allowing us to focus on the portion we find important.

[@rebeccawilson7953]

When hurricane Sandy happened, our trip to Roatan got canceled. We were refunded a small amount but it was because our trip was shortened by a day due to delay.

[@cynthiaj.9770]

I’m lucky my bestie owns a travel agency and he got us a great package including beverages and Wi-Fi for each of us for one device

[@lorenadugan6355]

We ended up on a cruise with a large polka group. We were celebrating my bilaw’s 40th. Since he was a Chicago Firefighter/medic, it was a blast. There so many parties beginning at 11am. They welcomed everyone. It was a P-A-R-T-Y!! Bonus, we polka’d our calories away.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Love this!! Glad you could make the best of it and even have a ton of fun 💃

[@elouise5593]

That would be a nightmare for me! I hate polka music!

[@sandiblohm6733]

I would love that! I was raised on polka music. No wedding was without it. Reminds me of younger, and awesome times!!!❤❤❤

[@SmartMarketingBuz]

We also had to do early self disembarkation and run for our plane because my sister that books everything for us had booked our plane tickets too early at the end of our cruise.

[@sweetjaybaby]

🤠 Wait! What? Cowboys on a cruise! Sign me up! 🤠 🚢 🍹 ♥️ 😂

[@LifeWellCruised]

😂😂😂

[@elizabethr9304]

And here I wasn’t sure if it was referring to the Dallas football team!

[@DonnaDavis-l1u]

Me too

[@annsuematthews]

I have enjoyed your videos. They are very helpful and not do long. 10-13 minutes has been very practical and not too much information at one time.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@joeo7693]

First cruise, hurricane changed Eastern Caribbean to a Western Caribbean. Still loved it enough to have cruising as our go to vacation.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome! I had a hurricane itinerary change too on my first cruise and it definitely didn’t deter me either

[@lorrajulian8622]

I've just recently started flying to the ship vs driving, but we are "dare deviling" it by flying in day of. We did Atlanta to Nassau without problems and now will be doing Atlanta to Miami next month. I will ONLY fly Delta nonstop, so with a 2 hour flight, I make sure we land 6-8 hours before sail away. I just can't afford the extra time off from work and hotel stay in order to arrive the day before. I do book via Air2Sea as well.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds like you’ve got a good plan. You’re really not too far away :)

[@susankilstrom6852]

I really like this realistic view of cruising. It's very helpful to hear these things. Thank you!

[@gracegonzales9839]

I've cruised with an affinity group multiple times. Between 70 and 400 people depending on the musical artists that year. Are private parties tend to start around midnight and during the day when spaces are typically not being used by regular passengers. We always tip our wait staff extra since they are working outside of their normal hours.

[@user-lr4dj8fs6e]

Twice I got an extra day on a cruise because of fog. Personally it was a win/win for me (free extra day), but some people who have lives were NOT happy.

[@drexellking8931]

First thing I learned, is to just go with the flow when cruising and things can change. I was just told that Venice still doesn’t have a permanent cruise port there and that we’ll be leaving from Ravenna. So we plan on getting there a day in advance to travel and then stay an extra day so we won’t be rushed.

[@LifeWellCruised]

This is the best advice! It’s very true, things can change and if it’s out of your control, no point in stressing

[@grandmother7007]

No one talks about older, disabled , cruisers. I had a stroke and walking is now , more difficult. When I go into a store, I always use the electric cart. I have never seen one on any video. Would maybe make a good topic.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for the topic idea. Have you seen the channel “cruising with wheels”? I’m not sure if they have this topic in particular, but I mention in case there may be some helpful info for you

[@careym3901]

I actually had a cruise ship wait several hours for us on embarkation day! We were delayed on our connecting flight when one of the baggage handlers fell from the baggage compartment and broke his leg in Toronto! We were delayed for over 4hrs while every possible agency came to investigate. It was Sunday so we had to wait as they all came from home! Anyways I call trip interruption and was resigned to flying to the next port. Ended up being about 20 of us on the same flight & there was a delay with departure, so the ship decided to wait for us. We sailed at 7:30pm instead of 5:00pm. The 14 day cruise was later cut short by an outbreak of Norwalk. The ports were skittish as Covid was just emerging, so I spent the last 3 days in Ft Lauderdale! It was Feb.2020 Quite the trip!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh my goodness!! Very eventful!! Crazy but lucky start and what a finish

[@joannagasser909]

Well I found out that if you change cruise consultants, and your promised something in your room, say a bottle of wine, they can remove it.:(

[@ACarole]

God help me if I end up on a clown cruise. 😱

[@dougb.2627]

I purchased cruise insurance (the Universal Cruise Plan from Nationwide) which apparently will pay us $100 pp in the case of a change in cruise ports. I was mainly looking for insurance against a covid shutdown and evacuation and wasn't even thinking about a rerouting when I bought the insurance, but I have already received notice that our upcoming cruise has been rerouted due to the Cayman Islands refusing cruise ships, so I plan to claim for this.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great to know. Thanks for sharing the info

[@tjncanada]

They don't tell you that all ships are not the same. Some people love the "mega ships" with all the extra attractions on board but others hate all the crowds (maybe not currently an issue with reduced capacity) and space taken up by those attractions. For some a mid size ship is better with more personalized attention from the staff and space to just relax and be away from it all. Some people like either one. It's important to know you're preferences and expectations before you book.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Absolutely!! Good advice 👏

[@gunnardotson5822]

My wife and I are setting sail on our first cruise this November. We’re 23 and 25 and don’t like super big crowds. Vision is a smaller ship, but I think the more personable experience from staff will be nice.

[@ericsoderquist3969]

Could you please do a fun video on insane cruiser complaints? 😳🤪🤗

[@lap8329]

I spent some time in Santorini a couple of years ago - we dreaded the hours the numerous cruise ships were in port. The quiet little lanes suddenly jam packed, restaurants and shops overflowing, photo op spots quite spoiled. You could, quite literally, not turn around in some of the narrow lanes. Frankly, I don’t see how it could have been much fun for the cruisers. Ferried in on those little boats, climb those endless stairs to the town, only to have to line up and wait for everything, then back down those stairs and back to the ship, possibly without lunch as you couldn’t get in anywhere. I think many of the cruisers would have been very disappointed - their day would have been nothing like the expected Santorini experience. I think it would really pay as a potential cruiser to have a careful look at ports of call ahead of time to see how large the town is and how many different day excursions are on offer to various places. If they are like Santorini - very small tightly-packed towns with no other options for day excursions to spread out over several locales - know what you are in for, and don’t let picture-postcard expectations spoil your day.

[@juanjvalentin1968]

Do you have a video about travel insurance? Any particular Co you prefer?

[@rayh53]

I'd rather be charged for some of the extras than have it added on to the price and making it unaffordable.

[@JulieWallis1963]

I’d rather pay for a package, get drinks, ice cream, wifi or whatever matters to me as a deal. Isn’t it great that *we* aren’t all the same. How boring would that be?

[@patrickcleary7787]

Loved the fact you packed in a lot of information in a sort time

[@equalizer1946]

Good Video

[@robertasinift1555]

Oh My Lord!! Thank You Ilana for putting the Cruise Planner together!! Absolutely 💘 it!! I have 12 cruises under my belt and this would have definitely made it much easier. I'm sure it took a lot of adventures and goof ups to get this materialized!! Thanks for all you do! We sure do benefit from your "pain"😅

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks Roberta! Lol I think the planner started off at about 25 pages and just grew over the year+ we were “paused” 😂. So glad that you find it helpful, especially as a seasoned cruiser!! Would it be ok if I use your comment in future as a testimonial. I’m gathering a few to use in a little while :)

[@robertasinift1555]

@@LifeWellCruised Absolutely!! Glad to help!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@robertasinift1555 thank you!! 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Have you ever experienced any of these things? What other things do the cruise lines not really tell us 🤫

[@MarilynNeilson-k4t]

We were on a cruise out of Galveston TX in February. Cold front hit warm air. We were stuck on ship 11 miles out from Galveston for 8 hours before we could dock. Yes - there was a line of the next cruisers since we didn’t dock until 4 pm - the time they were supposed to sail away. We had to leave our rooms at 8 am as planned. Everything was closed up. Around lunch time, they did bring sandwiches out & other food. Luckily we drove to port so no big deal. Friends had flights that they had to change. That taught us to go in a day early and stay a day later if we fly in.

[@kimpritt9559]

The only major itinerary change in the 10 cruises I've done: I did a transatlantic cruise that when I booked it the original itinerary was Azores and three stops in Ireland - Cork, Waterford, and Dublin with 8 days crossing…..and only one day in Cork. A few weeks before the cruise, I started looking at excursions and noticed the itinerary had changed to Azores, two days in Cork, Liverpool England, and Dublin with 7 days crossing --- I was so excited, I called them to make sure it wasn't a mistake on the website --- when the lady I spoke with confirmed that we were indeed going to Liverpool, I told her she made my day - no made my year!!! I'm a huge Beatles fan!!! LOL So....it was a wonderful change!

[@johnlavery6116]

Hello. Do you have any advice for a 1st time cruiser....are port stops added to the bill on leaving the ship...thank you.

[@maryg4551]

Great video and tips! Am familiar with most of these tips (thanks to you!) but always good to have a refresher. Also, I love the tip about group cruises - always wondered about that! Thanks!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad you enjoyed the video Mary :)

[@NCsoulsigma]

I agree with #1! My last cruise was in 2014. I took a cruise to Mexico, in the middle of the cruise the itinerary was switched, we went to Nassau, Bahamas....The problem is, I am from Nassau, Bahamas 🇧🇸...I took a plane to Miami, to take a ship back to Nassau ON MY BIRTHDAY....I was pissed! Hence 2014 was my last time cruising...

[@davidblessing712]

Yes WiFi is via satellite connection also know as VSAT and it is not cheap for the cruise ship or any ship. The larger the bandwidth (overall speed) the more money they need to pay. I am just a guy that manages a VSAT on a ship, but doesn't buy the service, I can't speak on actual pricing, just rumors. On trip was reported over $20,000 a month for 15Mb up and 5Mb down.(we are pushing live real time feeds to shore) for a non-profit. Even ours,, which is 3 Mbps down ans 1Mbps up is reported over $10,000 a month.. For a cruise ship both would be no internet slow. As for cell service, after a few miles away from land, cell towers don't reach, so yes, unless the ship allows WiFi calling, turn cellular off and save the battery.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you so much for this information!! I didn’t realize how the cell phone “towers” wouldn’t even reach for service

[@salty_lizard]

As Floridians, we KNOW to roll with itinerary changes... hurricanes. 🥴🙃

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m sure you must!! I hope you stay safe the next few weeks

[@vtroach]

They won’t tell you that there is a class system on the ships. They also won’t tell you that there is not enough time or availability to partake in every activity offered during a sailing. There is limited capacity for taking elevators, booking specialty restaurants, cabanas, nightly shows, etc. If you wait until embarkation day to schedule your activities, you will most likely spend your cruise a little disappointed.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Do you mean the suites and the suite only area on some cruise ships? Good point about making sure to reserve what you can before the cruise or and/or show up early to shows and events

[@eminiarvii]

I always reserve certain venues ahead of time, except this up coming cruise they have not figured out what is wrong with my app…it is not the app itself it is something with Princess as the solutions navigator and IT people can not resolve the issue…so i am nervous as i cannot oder medallion or anything…especially at this point no one can book the Thermal suite and i am thinking there will be a mad rush and because my app is not right i might be left out😖

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@eminiarvii uggh that’s annoying. It sounds like you’ve called them, but can they manually reserve you to help?

[@WendyKovacs]

My plan includes a specialty restaurant but there is no option for me to make a reservation for one! That’s discrimination

[@MrJeffMaloney]

Excellent thank you

[@tashb265]

We brought a cruise approved power bar on our last cruise and well...everyone's power bar got taken away. So its not a guarantee

[@susanbrechbiel7033]

Hey Lana, just curious how many cruises have u been on?

[@rosemarygallo902]

Just wondering where you can check if your cruise has a group cruise on it

[@LifeWellCruised]

Usually big groups advertise in some way and it will be on the internet. If you google your cruise ship and date with “group cruise” or even on its own, it will often come up on google

[@saramorgan3456]

I bet I have watched just about every one of your videos & some twice & I take notes. This will be our 1st time cruising and I'm learning so much valuable information. I did purchase your "Ultimate Cruise Planner" and it is very helpful. Little problem though; I paid twice for it. I couldn't get it transferred from my phone to my pc, so I just ended up ordering it again. Anyway, thank you so much!

[@kcsopinionsterriblevideoskill]

I've gotten the hang of it now but when I was new to cruising. I think The thing that surprised me the most was that it advertised places as stops when actually they could be several hours away from where the cruise ship actually stopped. For instance it might list that the stop is in Florence italy but it's actually in Trieste and that's several hours away and there may or may not even be an excursion going there. Parentheses make a difference when seeing where your cruise is going. 😅❤

[@christineanderson925]

the link for the non surge power bar links to a surge protected power bar just an fyi

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

Excellent advice as usual Ilana! I’ve only been a travel consultant since February 2019. Bad timing I know! I’ve been a cruise fan since the late 90s though.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lots more time in the coming years at least :)

[@keyman6689]

My sister was late on embarkation day for a Disney cruise and they waited for her cuz she was on cruise line transportation. It wasn't too terribly long, which is probably why they allowed it. They pulled away as soon as she boarded. We were so relieved.

[@flowermiller2308]

My husband and I have health insurance. Will it not work with a cruise?

[@michaeldiesel3688]

Over 2 minutes to get to #2 !

[@JaniceCrowell]

I’ve found 3rd party insurance is not only cheaper but covers more.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Absolutely - you’re so right

[@pagrant]

I been on cruises when the itinerary has changed but we have been told by email , or the order has changed slightly, one port was switched on the day due to the water being too rough to dock and use tender boats. one cruise we went on which was very nice of the cruise company to give some money back for missing off two cruise ports, due to engine problems, we were emailed about this eight weeks before the sale date, we did managed to get one port back of the itinerary due to the captain joking going down hill, and it helped a lot with people getting back on board at every port on time, like 45 minutes before sail time.

[@rogerdodger8415]

In short..they write the contract FOR THEM and not for you. Every aspect of your trip works to benefit them, not you.

[@beatricestephensford644]

I almost missed my cruise because Norwegian Cruise lines did not help me even though I purchased their air package. I will never purchase their air travel package ever again !!!!!!’

[@surlywithfabshoes]

My cellular provider actually blocks the use of cellular data on cruises. And all streaming except KZbin is blocked once in international waters, and that is only if you use the premium option. I did get the premium package and it was well worth it. There are no plans that support Disney Plus, Netflix or Apple TV unless you download shows before you leave.

[@joanwilliams6695]

Hi Illana, we love watching your very informative videos. Just wanted to mention something many cruisers may not know about. My husband, Chris wears prescription glasses. We were able to get his prescription from his eye doctor and sent it into the company he ordered his snorkel gear from, they were able to build his prescription into his snorkel goggles...he really enjoys snorkeling more now that he can actually see under water. Ok enjoy your day and we look forward to all your viideos

[@ae4116]

If I was supposed to go to Bermuda and went New England area, I’d be pissed. It would be to cold to swim and I’d have to find clothes to wear.

[@sithlordhibiscus9936]

as long as it's not a "Furry cruise．" I heard of a flatearthers cruise that canceled bc they used navigate for our round earth. 😂😂😂😂

[@matgoodman2632]

We arrived a day in advance of departure and another day after we got back so plenty of time to spare for arriving and departing. That way there's no panic moments.

[@oscarsalazar4063]

Hi Ilana, I just subscribed to your channel, is very helpful,, we booked a 7 day cruise to Mexican Rivera on the Carnival Panorama for next year, January 2023. I'm not 100% satisfied cause I booked obstructed view cabin, do you think I can upgrade it. ??? Regards from Los Angeles, CA.

[@dobsondesign]

Some “included air” you can not choose your own flight like NCL. RCCL air2sea let’s you choose what is right for your family

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s true. I wouldn’t take it if I couldn’t choose my flights and fly in a day early

[@madchatteress]

Yes ... I will only book air with a cruise if I can have input on the selection of my flights. Connections (especially in foreign countries) give me anxiety so I always do a long connection window in the event of a delay. I also fly at least 1 day prior.

[@ritasantos5592]

I am new to the cruising scene. I went on-line and booked my first trip, unbeknownst to me I picked a pack and go months before my trip. I am so bummed because I am now going to get a stateroom that is left over. I am not very hopeful that it will be a good room😢😢

[@jaydeguzman764]

Thank you for posting your videos, it really helped us to get ready on our first cruise. Ok the thing the we did not made sure was the free specialty dinning,free premium beverage, free excursion, free flight for 2nd person, free wifi. When got onboard, first hour of the ship I ordered a cocktail drink and was told by the bar tender that it's not showing that we have that package. He suggest to go to the service desk and we were told that those offer are free but we have to choose for one only. But before the cruise, we saw that the beverage package was purchased, so we assumed that's what they do when they say it's free. They said it showed that we chose the free excursion, we did not, but we did book an excursion and what happens is in every excursion $50 is discounted on my wife's fee because she was the one that book it and I pay full price. So no free wifi, no free beverage package, no free excursion, no free flight because we did not have to fly, no free specialty dinning. We should have talk to someone before the cruise. We learned.

[@stevebartley8594]

Not cruising related, but sea shipping. In my import/export class, the professor asked the class if they should read the shipping contract. Of course the class answered. No the prof replied. No need to. You can’t change anything in it. Every line has been in it forever and adjudicated long ago.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol it’s true for cruising too. You’re right you can’t really refuse

[@theresajames]

I was on one of those cruises meant for Bermuda but ended up in Canada 🤦‍♀️

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh my!! I have to admit I’d probably have been disappointed, although it was understandable. I hope you had a good cruise regardless

[@joriturpin4603]

My parents just got back from a cruise and missed quite a few days of it. First, the waters were too rough to port in Jamaica so they missed that day there. Then, when they were out to sea the next day a man had a heart attack and needed to get to shore for help. They flipped the boat around to the nearest island (Jamaica) and had to have a smaller tug boat come out to get him because the waters were still a bit rough. They missed their second port of call too. 🤷‍♀️

[@kittyku6619]

Love your channel

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you! Really appreciate you being here & watching :)

[@VictoriaRankin-vs1hv]

Just wanted to say I’m about to go on my first cruise soon and I am finding your videos SO helpful! You are so well-spoken and give great info! Also i am so jealous of your hair! 😀

[@LAKatKreations]

Hi, I’ve learned so much from your channel while planning our cruise! Have you ever had a problem with putting your chargers, surge protectors and/or converters in your carry-on while flying on a plane?

[@jackmchammocklashing224]

Itenary changed, well it did not really bother me, as I had been on the same cruise previously, so it was a different nice change What I did feel upset about/for was the cruise was THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL and a visit to the Pyramids, as I said no bother to me, only we had met people on the cruise who had saved up for years and on retirement booked their first and last cruise to see the Pyramids So sad

[@LifeWellCruised]

This is sad. Unfortunately it does sometimes happen

[@bobkrakovich1851]

Hi Ilana, the helpful tips you give are always educational for long time cruisers, as a refresher course, and as a check list to help new cruisers. Hope to see you and Frank on the Lido deck one day. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much Bob & Jill! We’ll definitely meet one day on a celebrity cruise 😉

[@janajeffsilvernickelladventure]

Even If you have the drink package and you are in a US port, you can and most likely will be charged taxes for that drink. I think it’s is listed on your cruise contract, however it is not easily found.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I really never noticed it out of most cruise ports. I’m sure you’re right though - I may just not have checked

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

I’ve never noticed it in US ports either.

[@wsuukjj]

I have heard the taxes on alcoholic drinks are only in Texas & New York. In Texas, on embarkation day, you are limited to Texas produced spirits until in international waters.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@wsuukjj interesting! Thanks for sharing

[@pcooper1tgl]

What if your ship excursion makes you late.

[@Judy-qc9kh]

Can you still make calls to family members while on the ship?

[@RVPartsGerald]

We used a cruise line air option one time and never again. They did not believe in customer service. Our return air trip got canceled by the airline and the cruise air staff would not do anything. We did make it home thanks to being Skymiles members. Thank you Ilana for what you do.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh no! That sounds like an awful experience. Thanks for sharing

[@madchatteress]

Was that NCL by any chance? After consulting with their air department for my upcoming cruise, I felt uneasy as they said if there are delays, I would need to work with the airline to get to the next port. I decided to book my own air with a two-day pre-cruise stay. Not worth the stress.

[@RVPartsGerald]

@@madchatteress We sailed with Captain Kate on Celebrity.

[@karenfazlurrehman2691]

MSC has there own private small island. I am “older” and while on the island I had to walk a great distance to the bar to ask them to refill my water bottle. I had mistakenly left my room key back with my belongings. The bartender refused and said I had to buy water. Absolutely no customer service and they don’t care. Water is a necessity and would have not cost them a single penny to refill my water bottle. I will never go with MSC again for this reason. A little bit of kindness goes along way. Too much penny pinching

[@lindakenny4779]

Why do I keep hearing that you must put your phone in airplane mode when boarding? Does this still apply if I bought the internet pkg?

[@LifeWellCruised]

Yes - there will be instructions

[@lisabowenhospital]

Sounds like it would be wise to leave a day after the cruise arrives back in port.

[@drexellking8931]

Having never been on a cruise or not knowing what actually happens on a cruise, do you have a video that talks about how a cruise vacation works?

[@LifeWellCruised]

This is a really good suggestion. I have videos with cruise tips, packing, embarkation and more, but not really how it works. You may find the playlist “first time cruise tips” has some helpful info in the meantime

[@chemreger]

One can also check the port schedule to see how many cruise ships will be in port they day you are scheduled to be there. This maybe helpful in determining the excursions you might want to take and their departure times.

[@LifeWellCruised]

This is an amazing tip!!!

[@cyhomer]

How do we find our cruise line’s port schedule…(NCL…). Ty

[@chemreger]

@@cyhomer Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. The answer just do in internet search for whatever port you want example: Miami cruise port schedule for Dec 4th or Roatan cruise port schedule for whatever date. Hope you find my answer helpful.

[@cyhomer]

@@chemreger ..thanks much!

[@dlkelly2010]

Thank you! #3- cruise airlines, and #8- non surge protector plugs.....EXCELLENT advise, thanks Ilana!

[@laurayoung1639]

Ilana- This is totally off subject but I was watching one of your videos and got distracted ordering your planner, however you mentioned that the Ships have liquor stores on board. Is that liquor allowed to be drank on board? Would one necessarily need the drink package or can they buy whatever they would prefer from the store? A drink package would be expensive in my situation because I may have a couple drinks, and probably not daily, however my husband would want more while on vacation.

[@kyrataylor5642]

No, you cannot drink the liquor from the store

[@DianeinDestin]

You talk way too fast! Great info, though.

[@jesicaraymond6434]

Thank you so much for these tips!! They help out so much. As a first time cruiser there was a lot I was no mt aware of.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m so glad these “tips” are helpful Jessica!

[@virginieholmes813]

Wow. New things I've just learned. Thanks, Ilana.

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad you enjoyed the video Virginie 🛳

[@redtankgirl5]

Gotta say if I booked a cruise to the Bermuda and they took me to Canada/ New England I couldn’t have possibly been more disappointed bc that’s literally my backyard and were I would have been escaping from in the first place. I would have felt like I could have taken my money out of the bank and burned it with the same value lol.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol I totally get it!! It’s snowing today in Montreal and I just need some warmth and sun ☀️😂

[@redtankgirl5]

@@LifeWellCruised Here in Moncton too. I want some sun and heat so badly as well today. Hahaha 🤣

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@redtankgirl5 Oh no!! Praying for sun ☀️ 😂

[@wandayrowell]

I can't find where items are posted .

[@latoyajoslyn8116]

When i buy an internet package, does it effect my cabin mate? Will the add her on the package?

[@mandiigraham1596]

What is the importance of a “non surge protected” power board?

[@JulieWallis1963]

Surge protected power strips *are not allowed onboard* if you take a protected strip, it _will_ be confiscated. The protection means it causes issues for the ships onboard power supply.

[@amandaregis313]

I'm really enjoying the tips and tricks you've given during the videos. As much as the river cruise hubby and I took (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Ottawa to Kingston) was an adventure and neither of us had expectations of grandeur, we've booked a Boston to Montreal on board the MS Volendam this summer and i can say for sure it's an upgrade from our previous accommodations. Your videos have shown there are definite differences, but a few similarities. Thank you for sharing your advice.

[@amydawson1279]

Knock on wood, haven’t had many issues with changes. We did experience not being able to get into a Caribbean port because of rough seas. Was disappointed but Princess had so many activities on the ship we still had a great day & Princess refunded our excursion price.

[@butterflykisses-ritagather126]

Do you have to work through a travel agent...? Or can you book directly at the cruise liner...?

[@LisaAnn164]

Now I am getting "freaked out"😲. I am going on a sailing in March 2023(on my Birthday); and the absolute LAST THING I want to happen is to be booked with some FREAKY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP on the same sailing. Let alone have it CANCELED due to a CHARTER. Especially AFTER my sailing has been COMPLETELY PAID FOR🤨. HOW can I find out if there will be a special interest group sailing prior to your sailing🤔? Please..PLEASE let me know🙏🙏. Thanks 😊.