Princess Cruise Secrets - You Need To Know Before Cruising

[@liseohplease]

I bring laundry sheets. You can bring many of them in a baggie. Bonus: your suitcase will smell lovely and sheets don’t make any mess

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We might think to get some of those great idea Lise 🚢🙂

[@judit1783]

I use Tru Earth laundry sheets, but laundry sheets cannot get damp or they go hard, keep in zip lock bag.

[@lynnfranklin5098]

Ditto laundry sheets cheaper than the boxes in the laundry . The cruise ship approved are tiny enough to not take up room we have 2 a US plug and an EU adapter so we can utilize both ( my hubby can work from the room) order one with USB ports

[@janicelongenberger7166]

Princess advises to keep you real passport in the safe. Make a photocopy of it for excursions. I also make copies of my drivers license.

[@TravelNearorFar]

For a friend, it was more difficult to get back to our home country without a passport than it was to meet your ship at the next port. At least to the US, you’ll need the assistance of the embassy. I would definitely only take a copy.

[@karenherchel1792]

Your video is so informative!! Many KZbinrs post 15 minute videos that contain endless fluff and only a few tips. Yours was jammed packed with good info. Thank You.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great comment thank you Karen 👍🚢🍷

[@NanaSaves]

Love princess cruise line ❤ thanks for tips , may not buy the drinks packages next time 😂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Any time! 🚢🙂

[@clnelson321]

We had a photo magnet made to put on our door to mark it from other doors. We also bring a small bottle of essential oil for weird odors. Spearmint or lemongrass, bergamont are wonderful.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great ideas🙂

[@BoninBrighton]

I really enjoy your videos- it’s been creeping on me slowly…. 😂 but I’m fully invested in your channel now and look for old videos every day. The most annoying thing we’ve experienced is noisy neighbours in the next cabin, I wrote a note outlining snippets of what we’d heard and whether they realised? We invited them to meet us in the bar to discuss! We ended up having a good laugh, they got a lot quieter….

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome Boni thank you another tip we forgot don’t get a cabin with a connecting door ! 🙂🚢🍷

[@rustydog1236]

Buy the drink package... includes all the water you drink. 24 hour free room service no matter you order. No gratuities to pay: wifi included. Drinks included. It's really worth it. Espresso coffees.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It was as much as the price we paid for our cruise 😂

[@maureenmellott5738]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Just recently off the Ruby Princess, sailing from Vancouver to the Hawaiian Islands and back. Purchased the plus package, will not do so again.

[@kathychaves1814]

too pricey

[@joanzach4859]

I guess I’ve been spoiled traveling with Viking. They pass out free bottled waters every time you leave the ship, room service is always free, laundry room and detergent is free.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Price is three or four times higher 😂😂

[@joanzach4859]

Yes I realize but I didn’t realize that there were so many incidental charges on Princess now.

[@mbene1585]

Not sure about Princess but on Carnival and MSC we have asked the cabin steward to empty the refrigerator in our room and have full use of it for drinks and food we've brought back from the buffet, especially some cheese and meat on MSC.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s too funny as there was nothing in ours 😂😂so we could put whatever we wanted Cheers 👍

[@mbene1585]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement ours was loaded with a bunch of drinks for purchase, although, I can't remember which line that was

[@robertsaczawa5634]

Drinks in refrigerator are complementary on princess a cruise a BIG PLUS

[@Walk-retirement-travel]

The magnet hack was great I’ve taken a bathroom stopper for the shower it helps keep that smell out. We take two suitcases one clothes one snacks we like. I’m not paying 8 $ for a candy bar. Great deal on the water that’s another good one if they offer that service.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you liked the magnet trick

[@dm208060]

Don't forget about the Carnival Corporation shareholder benefit! You get on-board credit (minimum $50, max $250 _per cabin_ depending on length of cruise) for holding 100 shares of CCL stock. CCL includes Princess, Holland America, Carnival, Seabourne, Cunnard, AIDA, Costa, P&O (Australia and UK). It's free spending money, if you don't mind the whole stock-market experience.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We always claim the shareholders benefit

[@RetiredLovingIt]

Great tips guys

[@TeresaS-q7x]

I recently read people were left behind because they were late arriving back to a cruise ship. When I cruise, actually I've only been once lol, I never strayed away from the ship unless it was an excursion planned by the ship. People often had tables set up at different ports, yes, more expensive but not as much as it would be to fly to the next cruise stop. If I'm not 15 minutes early, I consider that late. Just not a chance I want to take..

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We agree, never arrive back on time always early

[@webjammer1]

If your clothes get wrinkled traveling to the cruise, if available, the launderettes have ironing boards to touch up your garments. In the US you can buy Princess gift cards through AARP and get an 8% discount. They have $100 and $500 gift cards available. Those can also be used for on board credit which can be used for gratuities, dining, excursions, the casino. or any place you would charge to your on board folio.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome tips thanks for sharing these

[@gkennedy2998]

You two are The Cutest. Thank you for these expert tips.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! 🙂

[@jameshall2299]

I just got off a transatlantic cruise on virgin voyages from Miami to Barcelona. I am working my way through Spain to Portugal for a couple weeks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a great trip!

[@garyspurrell9569]

Hi guys!! Thanks for sharing! The information you provided is very useful. We have been on many cruises but there are things you can always learn from others. Have a great day! Gary from Red Deer, AB Canada

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Gary

[@margoanchorage883]

Not sure how long ago that was but the last time I was on Princess (last month) I tried to add things on the hangar and they called me in the morning and told me they no longer do that. Just don't want anyone to be disappointed. Only what is listed on the hangar is what they bring now.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We were there two weeks ago and worked every day

[@laurie2218]

You are correct. We always travel mini suite on Princess. We were on the Enchanted in February and nothing other than what was listed on the menu card was provided for breakfast. Also it’s my understanding that you must book mini suite class or higher to get invited to the captain’s functions. Tina & Norm are now KZbin stars (and well deserved). Princess gave them the royal treatment.

[@pamelalambe1356]

Love the tshirt again Norm. Is expensive but is so carefree when you get a package. Your not thinking about and adding up cost on vacation, it is all done ahead of time. Lots of great advice.

[@markwelch6573]

It would be very interesting to see a video on how you pack a carry on bag only

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for the idea Mark 🙂

[@catherinemuhammad2738]

Thanks for the tips. I appreciate all the cost-saving ways to enjoy the cruise.👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure!

[@ruthtorphy2204]

Love Princess cruises. Thanks for your tips. Enjoy

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching!

[@champ1238]

I did the afternoon tea for the first time on our last cruise with Princess it was really lovely. I didn’t know I could pre-order a case of water for our cabin that was a great tip I have been on three Princess cruises and didn’t know that.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was useful

[@TheFletcher53]

We like the case of water. It is handy.

[@garybarros2891]

thanks for the great " tips " ...especially the H2O pre buy !!! always really bugged me paying $2.50 for it on board .

[@4scoopable]

When I see "SHOCKING" in one of your video titles I know it's a must-watch. Great video. Good tips!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes you know it’s going to be special 😂😂

[@judit1783]

I use Tru Earth laundry sheets, but laundry sheets cannot get damp or they go hard, keep in zip lock bag. I love the tip about water and wine. I use both in volume!!! lol

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

$1.50 for detergent is a no brainer on the ship!

[@janicelongenberger7166]

I purchased a mess pocket bag and hang it on the closet door (where shelves are ) to s of stuff can fit it in, it is handy a d very packable. I also use magnetic hooks. Great for hats, lanyards, etc. Cuts down on the clutter

[@christineainslie4239]

Hi Tina and Norm! All great tips. We love Princess too. Another tip-I always wear a wrist watch, set to the ship's time, so we aren't late back, if we're out exploring a port on our own. Don't rely on cell phones, they can switch to the port time, which maybe different to the ship's time. I bought a fairly inexpensive watch from Shopper's and use it exclusively for when we cruise. Keep on travelling! Cheers from London, Ontario.😄

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great tip! we actually have one as well Christine to handle the time changes on board didn’t think of the cell phones 📱 changing to Port time thanks 🍷🙂

[@jacquelyns9709]

Afternoon Tea for those with no dietary restrictions is geat. Not so good for those who can't eat gluten. Only a few items and they are always the same. They could have better dessert options since they are available at the International Cafe at no additional charge.

[@michaels3003]

Your comment is helpful. TY.

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

I see that Norm shaved for the cruise! I love your tips on making travel better 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It’s just our secret

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

Cruises always look so nice to me, but years ago I realized that I get seasick! That never happened to me until I got on a local ship in the Detroit River for a party through my husband's job and we had to get off within 5 minutes ! I'm so glad you enjoyed yours!

[@bellamills7366]

That’s a great idea ask for kettle and thx ❤. I am going to Alaska on September 14-24 with Princess.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have fun, it’s a wonderful cruise

[@44lgarden]

Thanks for the wonderful advice for cruises. Another great video.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! 🙂

[@patsycathcart1]

Looking forward to a Princess cruise. Thanks again!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@mrsjuliemasse]

Great tips! Thank you 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnkelley1426]

Hey, thanks for sharing your experiences in Portugal. We returned from a guided hiking trip in Madeira, a quick tour of Porto and Lisbon, and a bike trip from Sarges to Trivia. All a bit more active than your sharing, yet fit for us. Thank you. We spent 6 weeks in Portuguese lessons prior to our trip - not essential, yet the lessons increased our confidence. We highly aspire to return.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are not hikers

[@iniabellepaz445]

Hi, thank you so much for all the secrets tips… Trying to get the hubby to take a cruise. These will definitely help! Stay well.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Fingers crossed 😂😂

[@pattyk8594]

Sounds like it was a lovely cruise! I'm very happy to see you enjoyed it. Great tips and tricks, thank you!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! 🚢🙂

[@AdventuresWithTodd]

Great video. Good timing. We recently booked our first cruise with Princess.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hope you enjoy it! glad it was helpful 🙂🚢

[@martinman4540]

Great information Tina and Norm. I think I will still be taking a small power strip on the Regal next month as I found this on the Princess website.*Electrical devices such as small fans, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords without surge protectors and electric extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution and following inspection/tests from the onboard electrical department. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard then they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark. I don't know why it would be deemed to pose a hazard but even if they keep it I will get it back at the end of the cruise. Keep up the great posts. They are very informative and entertaining.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes go for it, we had ours taken and given back at the end of the cruise. Bear in mind embarkation security is from the port employees

[@martinman4540]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement That's good to know. I didn't realize. Do you happen to remember if the one outlet that was in the room was a two prong or three prong receptacle?

[@cherylkelly8009]

You two are wonderful! 😊 thanks for the tips !

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks

[@robertabeyers3371]

Princess Discovery has free wash and dry plus courtesy soap.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome

[@list-and-sell]

First! Hope you're having a fabulous trip.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you 🙂🚢

[@iany2448]

Thank Tina and Norm for great tips! Vert useful info.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DfChen-c5m]

Great ideas from great minds

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you like them!

[@irlenemm]

Great information! Thank you for all these wonderful tips!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome!

[@alvalantine]

If you go on shore excursions thru the ship you won't get left behind. As far as taking your original passport with you off ship I wouldn't do that. If you lose it or a pick pocket gets you ( and that happens a lot in quite a few ports ) you now don't have your original passport. I just make sure I get back on time and leave my passport safely in the safe of your room.

[@lorenadugan6355]

Great information. ✌️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you think so! 🙂

[@DfChen-c5m]

Glad you both enjoyed your trip

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks! 😃

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

!…cuteness tips…!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! 😊

[@DrCrystalHarris]

Thank for the tips. New subscriber and planning a transatlantic in 2025!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much, we hope you enjoy your cruise

[@lindaparry7491]

Most ships don’t have any laundrettes but Princess.

[@gerry2345]

I like this vid.Good insight and good tips

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-beckyc]

Have you two ever sailed the QM2 Cunard? If so, any tips? We sail NYC to Southampton mid-June. Our first cruise.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No we haven’t travelled on Cunard, but we want to

[@LesleyCobley]

I was on QM2 last month. Gorgeous ship. Room service is free. Afternoon tea in the Queen's room is free. ​@@ThisIsOurRetirement

[@jacquelyns9709]

If you need gluten-free or no sugar desserts, they have several options each day at the International Cafe.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

And in the buffet

[@jacquelyns9709]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement The International Cafe had better ones on our cruise.

[@waterbug1135]

Great tips.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you think so! 🙂

[@joanzach4859]

When we travel with Viking they always encourage us to leave our passport in the safe and carry only a copy due to the concern of pick pockets. Passports a valuable on the black market.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You can’t travel internationally with photocopies, if you miss the sailing

[@joanzach4859]

The copy is for sightseeing and the actual one stored safely in the safe on the ship. If you were victim of a pickpocket and you had your actual passport stolen you would have difficulty getting home.

[@rowanmulvey8632]

The non-surge protected outlet strips are allowed by the cruise lines.

[@arseniang9464]

Hi Tina and Norm, I thoroughly enjoy your videos, very informative and practical, and your interaction with each other is so cute! I have a question: where do I go to order the 3, 5 or 7 bottle wine packages? I checked cruise personalizer but did not find bottled packages. They have the drinks package and other stuff. Thank you and keep up your interesting videos.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We bought it on board when you first get on they will have a table where you buy it it’s a great deal 🍷🙂

[@jovicrazed]

I think it's ridiculous that ships charge for bottled water. Tru Earth laundry strips are another option and are Canadian made. Every time I'm in Giant Tiger and I see rock t-shirts I think of Norm. My recent purchases were Def Leppard, Prism, and Ozzy Osbourne.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are building a T-shirt collection 😂😂

[@lorenadugan6355]

You can bring cords that do NOT have a surge on them.

[@Fortran66-d7n]

Great content! Any advice for solo travelers for taking cruises? I've never taken a cruise because of this condition "single supplement" extra fee.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Strange you mention this but we are thinking of doing a video exactly on this , you can request to share with someone else and if they don’t find someone you get the cabin to yourself . Also some cruise lines have single cabins no extra charge might be an idea 🙂

[@canpin]

Love princess!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Us too 🙂🍷

[@murraytown4]

Norm shaved. Nooooo!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

He wanted another change 🙂

[@alicelawless4393]

How do you research "deal" travel? Thank you for the great vlogs.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/onO9ZHeggZtlbLM we did a video on just that 🌺

[@patriciabowers687]

May I ask which ship of the Princess Cruise Line were you on? Loved your down to earth take on saving money on the cruise. Did you get cruise insurance for this trip incase of a health emergency. We have never cruised and just trying to sort this all out.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Regal Princess and yes we had travel insurance we never travel without it 🙂

[@dorothyschell511]

Thanks for sharing, I'm taking notes. You may have said it, but I must have missed it, but which princess cruise ship were you on.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Regal a lovely ship 🚢

[@dorothyschell511]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement thank you, I will look at it for our first trip. Thank you for sharing your adventures. 😊

[@jackieyarbrough4985]

How did you get such a discounted rate on the mini suite?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

All the information is in the videos we have done about the transatlantic cruise 🚢, we also have another coming soon on how we find the deals Cheers 🙂

[@wendylee6040]

Thank you for the useful tips! One question I have is where do you usually search or monitor for good deals for cruises?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

On the cruise lines website

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Cruise plum is a GREAT cruise search tool.

[@TheFletcher53]

Thank you. I like that three bottle of wine purchase. Is that on the Princess website or app? We are boarding the Sky in a few weeks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Not sure we ordered it in person on the ship 🚢 when you board they are actually selling it we missed that bit 🍷🙂

[@TheFletcher53]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement I will be looking when we board. We will be on our sixth Princess cruise soon. My case of water will be waiting for us.

[@alandusautoy8204]

Whiskey, wine and beer - sounds like you are having a great trip 🙂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It was! Cheers Alan 🍻🙂

[@lindaparry7491]

Don’t they have a water fountain where you can fill your bottle?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes they do 🙂

[@ganaa0121]

That white suv just wasting others time. Cruising on the 1st line

[@TeresaS-q7x]

I worked with a gal, 7 years back, she would book a week cruise and then book a second week when on the 1st week, she would get it for half price. So her 2 weeks much cheaper than booking all at once. However the second week made the same stops as the 1st week and she also was a solo traveler so I'm not sure if that made it easier to do. As a solo traveler she would be teamed up with another solo passenger.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great hack thanks for sharing

[@moiraw9574]

Solo passengers Do Not get teamed up to share

[@jeremy1350]

Hi Tina and Norm. Somehow I can't imagine either of you tripping on LSD or doing Mushrooms, listening to Jimmy Hendricks and the other rockers of the 1960's !! But you were "young" once, right ??

[@christinaisaak9765]

Why would not go on excursions? Too expensive ? We would decide what we wanted too see and often booked with the people at the port waiting for customers. Often go with other people from the ship

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We we’re definitely young once and the music 🎶 was just awesome 😂🎶😂👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Funny thing was Christina all the excursions were fully booked 😂😂but we actually most times prefer just to wander and experience the local town 🙂🚢

[@jimmyc8951]

I have heard other people say to bring a power strip. So what gives?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Ask your cabin steward for a power strip

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

The best thing about free stuff is that it doesn’t cost anything.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We agree 😂😂😂

[@lochie18]

How do you place an order for water with Princess? Love all the tips!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Online before you board 🙂

[@lochie18]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thanks!!

[@lynnfranklin5098]

If you use that port agent # they will give your passport to the agent if you request

[@kathrinaverzosa815]

i wouldnt put clean laundry in the same container that held the dirty laundry. So why put dirty clothes in your suitcase, launde the clothes, then put the cleaned clothes in the suitcase that held your stinky dirty clothes? just put the dirty clothes into a clean 13 gallon garbage bag you brought from home, put it in the suitcase so yo can still wheel it to the launder room. then clean clothes staightaway in the luggage. save the garbage bag for more dithy clothes.

[@rubysrithavanathan3212]

I love your channel ❤️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you so much Ruby!

[@sandrasavoie8641]

You know…buy a coconut air freshener along with a pineapple one. Put them together and you’ve got a pina colada scent! 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great!

[@bluetocop]

have you considered living long term on a cruise?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No 😂😂

[@bluetocop]

what about neighbors screaming and headboard banging on the wall with squeaky beds my wife and i never got a nights sleep

[@scribbler60]

Oh... sorry about that.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like you were on the love boat 😂😂

[@slowmads]

Never never never take your passport off the ship with you unless required to by the host country. It is MUCH safer to leave it in the safe.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

If the ship sails without you, you can’t travel internationally unless you wait for emergency travel documents, that can take a long time in some areas of the world.

[@sjbutler2330]

Why do they confiscate your power bar???

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The ship’s electric can’t cope with the power draw

[@fayegalemore5395]

I had odor in bathroom on notwegian

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Take an air freshener 🙂

[@marjblack9688]

HAL has free room service

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes they do but charge for some extra items 🌺🙂

[@pruelinge]

Why on earth do you want to buy water?

[@TripleDeano]

Pretty shocking....

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Always 😂😂

[@johnristheanswer]

" shock " , " secret " , " top 10 ideas " , " the truth ". You're quickly learning the clickbait words to use on KZbin . :)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Just trying to tell our stories thanks 🙂

[@johnristheanswer]

​@@ThisIsOurRetirementYou're doing a fine job. Keep it up.

[@Tonimaree25]

It’s a ship…..not a boat.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Actually it’s “ The Love Boat “ ❤️

[@joanhall3718]

Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it in buffet. Please don’t use plastic water bottles. They are an environmental nightmare

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for your suggestion

[@michaels3003]

Each modern ship has recycling programs, but I agree with the too much plastic idea.

[@Nrustica]

I hope i never smell sewage, that would turn me off of cruising forever.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It can be a thing but very rarely, room freshener just makes the bathroom smell inviting

[@myjoysunshine]

Great video! Thank you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you liked it!

[@brigittecrawley1872]

Excellent tips. Thank you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure!🚢🙂

[@desertfish6239]

Lots of great tips. Thank you!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

👍