The Key Elements to Being Able to Cruise Just About Every Weekend | The Weekend Cruiser

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

What is holding you back from cruising more? Would you be happy cruising 25% of the year?

[@kvom01]

Married to a non-cruiser. Also I have mainly taken transatlantic cruises once or twice a year. Shorter cruises have no appeal. So twice a year for 3-4 weeks with a cruise as on-way transportation.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

right now it's my job. I have to have so much notice to be able to take time off, then it has to align with nobody else taking off, and THEN it has to align with the cost of the cruise.. So I am waiting for my 'expiration' date of my current job and will take an extended leave of absence. If they don't want me to return, I am okay with it. I hope to sell my house and travel.

[@FraserAtSea]

I really like when you share these sorts of things with us - I find your weekend cruise life fascinating!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Aww thanks Fraser! Every now and again, it's good to break away from the "educational" content or the reviews and do something personal. Who doesn't love talking about themselves! haha Hope you are well!

[@luvtravel6207]

The best part about solo cruising is that you can spend how you want or not spend money. I get on more cruises because I can spend less on drink packages and I do an inside cabins.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

100%!!! You sound like me, always asking "if I go cheaper here, how many more cruises can I do!"

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

yep. no drink package, no internet extortion, no extravagant paid excursions. I use the time to relax and destress.. Last cruise I spent the first sea day just sleeping all day.. haven't done that in YEARS!!.

[@jerri-lynnjohnson841]

Just wondering where in Miami do you live that is not expensive smile.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Haha it's def not cheap and has skyrocketed since I moved there. One of my biggest fears is it does become too expensive and I get priced out. One of my biggest fears is it does become too expensive and I get priced out. Like, I am in downtown which is cheaper than burglar Edgewater at this point but still not cheap. Having roommates def helps.

[@KN-op3et]

"Dreams only come true with a plan." Structure, discipline, accountability, etc. can make everything happen.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

100%%!!! Those plans are not always easy but can definitely be done!

[@rebeccaswk]

Sober cruising is the best! I work from home and also cruise often. People don’t see the 12 hour days I put in when they make comments about how frequently I cruise. But, I live in Florida and can easily make it to Port Canaveral for inexpensive MSC cruises. I don’t have kids and my wife doesn’t mind if I travel solo. It’s a nice lifestyle. Happy cruising!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That is excellent Rebecca and sounds like a great balance! Yes, people on social media only see us traveling and don't pull the curtain back often to see what it takes to make that happen! Sober Cruising is something I would like to talk about more on the channel but haven't figured out the right angle. Welcome any thoughts to show others this is possible!

[@rebeccaswk]

@@TheWeekendCruiser I am actually a psychotherapist and love talking to people about sober options for cruising, like focusing on mindfulness, exploring new locales and enjoying sober sunrises! There is so much to do when you are sober! Honestly, drinking just makes people sloppy on cruises (sometimes) I think. My fav time of any cruise is watching the sunrise the first morning! So many people over do it that first night lol. The next morning is very quiet lol!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@rebeccaswk would you mind sending me an email? If I ever script this video I would love for someone like yourself to review it or even like a guest appearance 😜

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@rebeccaswk [e-mail]

[@LukeofAllTrades.]

YNAB is great! Been using it for years, its a great way to budget and track expenses!

[@Elisabeth.Eriksson]

Thank you for your video so fun listen to and know how you finance your cruises. 😊 ❤

[@svetlanakozic5740]

I just got back from Boston , I am glad you move to Florida.Wether there is brutal even in October. Best decision is to cruise and live in florida definitely .

[@laurahardman8069]

Google FI is so awesome for traveling. Love having service where ever I go. Don’t even have to use airplane mode ever. Gone are the days of having to go get coffee to get Wi-Fi.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahahah OMG I am having flashbacks!

[@eugenerowley1717]

Great video Brandon, didn’t know you were a twin. Can’t wait to cruise with you again!!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Soon enough Eugene!!! Can't believe the last group cruise is a month gone now!!

[@Twinny-m6p]

Enjoy all your weekends

[@gsixhome]

Glad your are a cruise addict. We enjoy your posts. Keep it up!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha thank you!!

[@andrewwaters2498]

Another great video with lots of tips and some great advice. I really liked your choice of the word "intention", it really does take that to succeed at anything!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Andrew!! 100% intentionality that last for years!

[@tiffanypage9077]

Brandon your wonderful

[@pw-sz6ds]

What a great video. Thanks for sharing your life with us❤

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

My pleasure!

[@Adamas11]

Living the dream 🙌

[@johnmarlon6916]

That just gave a whole new meaning to the word Geographically Desirable.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahahaha so true!

[@summerwinter4]

Thank you for sharing your story! Sounds like a great life you planned out for yourself!

[@tinadelacruz3094]

You are the best! I took my 1st cruise on Christmas 2023 after I watched your videos. I went on RC Freedom of the seas and had a great time! Your info is spot on!! Are you thinking of ever getting on Margaritaville the Islander? I would love to hear your thoughts

[@MerriHaub-er6cr]

I’m retired, living in Indiana, and can easily manage about 15% of the year. My difference is that I do long range B2B averaging 20-25 nights at a time. 21 nights this coming January on Explorer in the southern Caribbean is cheaper (thanks to an inside cabin and amazing travel agent) then doing an Airbnb in Florida for the same time.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

that is my long-term dream! I would like to do two 7-night cruises a month but while I am still working, call the weekends a win! Those transatlantic and crossings come at amazing prices! That makes it MUCH easier!

[@journeysbyjess]

We moved from IL to FL to be closer to cruise ships too! 😂 we’re a family of 5 & it was costing so much just to fly back & forth 4 or 5 times a year so we said screw it! & now we’re so happy being in FL! Love your videos! ❤

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you and loving the dream as well! Love it!

[@Joel-Tracy]

yes! YNAB is an amazing tool and like you, it enables prioritizing cash for cruising!

[@bettyditillo1425]

You are fascinating, and such a nice person!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Awww thank you Betty! I love this comment!

[@BarbByArt]

Hey Brandon! Wish we could be on same ship again! Hope so one day!! Stay well & Smooth Seas! 🥳🤩

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Barb, as much as we both go, it will certainly happen!

[@isntitlovely7]

You are my spirit cruise animal - haha - I have the same intentions and cruising is my number one priority - trying to get to Diamond on RCCL and spend quality time with my son! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Those are some amazing life goals! You got this!

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Thank you for sharing, Brandon! I enjoyed listening to your strategy on how to be able to afford cruise almost every weekend! You definitely are disciplined enough not be able not to go off the reservation with cruise expenses! Downtown Miami must cost $$$$ to live there even with splitting the cost with roommates! Not having car and the related expenses I'm sure helps offset! I live in St Augustine, so Jaxport is the nearest at about an hour north however I prefer to cruise out of Port Canaveral which is under 2 hours away south. My cruise affordability strategy is taking 2-4 cruises a year with none of them over 5 days to keep the cruise cost down. This year was 4 cruises (two were 4-night cruises and two were 3-night cruises) between 3 different cruise lines and next year a 5-night Alaska cruise and a 4-night Bahamas cruise which will be all RCCL.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

You are not kidding on the cost of living in Miami! Since I moved down a few years ago it has sky rocketed. This is actually my biggest fear is being priced out of Miami. As much as I love it, at some point I have to say "do I love it $$$$ that much". Glad you are close to Canaveral as you have some great options there too!

[@ericlauzon5222]

Wow ! That has been a great explanation of your life video. You are so open and informative that makes me want to do more cruises as well. By the way if ever you are looking for a roommate on a cruise 🙌 😂. You said you like roommates lol. Hope your KZbin Chanel brings in more money as it would be nice yo see you do longer cruises as well. Thanks for the hard work Sea ya Eric 😊

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha thanks Eric and greatly appreciated! One day I will get to do longer cruises but need to retire first! Funny, I always offer my friends to cruise with me and non can commit to a date! It isn't for lack of trying!

[@pchygrl17]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing your story and how you have mastered this lifestyle!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Not sure it is mastered yet but it is certainly close to it! Always a work in progress :-)

[@michaelstreffery1446]

I didn’t know you moved from Boston. Congratulations friend. Good to see you doing well!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I did! I think I headed down in 2017? So far, I am loving it. Still miss all the amazing friends and memories from Boston but this works well for now! Glad to see your family on FB and follow along!

[@RoadWarriorRick]

Living the dream Brandon!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Rick!!! Hope you are doing well and living your best life these days too!

[@judis4900]

Great video Brandon. You set your priorities to be able to cruise so often. I wonder how many people are bringing out their spreadsheets to see if they can also make it work.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That was one of my hopes with this videos. To show people it isn't easy but is is very doable! Trust me, I am checking my spreadsheets more than I care to admit! ha Hope you are well Judi!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

What a fantastic video and it makes 100% sense!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Mitchell!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Your are very welcome my friend!

[@dara_the_cruisingcatlady]

inspirational :)

[@rongottheil2823]

I love your video and your reasoning! My wife and I lived in Santa Barbara, Ca for many years but recently moved to the Panhandle of Florida to be close to family. We cruised a lot out of Long Beach, 2 hr. drive, and loved the 3-day ($175) and 4-day ($165) prices. When we were planning our move, I wanted to move closer to the Port of Miami so we could take advantage of their weekend cruises, but I also wanted to be on the Gulf but that's a further drive, but I digress. I also appreciate Subscribing to your site because I'm not constantly swamped with videos.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you and glad you enjoy the videos! If I get two videos out a week, I feel like I have accomplished something! That is a big move from CA to the panhandle! Hope all has gone well with the storms as the gulf side hasn't had an easy go of it the past few years!

[@wallacehelin3384]

I’m happy for you since you pulled off what you like to do within your budget. Nothing you do would work for me, but I can go through the process of developing my own ways to cruise a lot.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Wallace! Yes, I am not sure many could do it my way here as it isn't the easy way by any stretch! Glad you are on a journey to find your way to get to cruise more! That's what it is all about :-)

[@ricosuwabe6837]

This how-to video is an inspiration for my cruise goals. Thank you!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

My pleasure and was fun making this video too!

[@60Airflyte]

Thank you. You cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had about how you managed this.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

My pleasure!! Always good to pull the curtain back from time to time :-)

[@GrantMcLeod-u2r]

It is nice to learn a little bit about you.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Grant!! I'm sure you knew a good bit of this already though ;-)

[@ScottLara]

Another great video!

[@estellelopez6254]

Thanks, really enjoy your videos.❤

[@luxurytravelspotlight]

This is so interesting. Thanks for sharing! We're newly retired, and we take a few longer cruises (~15 days) each year. We're rarely departing from Florida these days. We avoid the mega ships, but we still try to minimize the cost per day by booking "mostly inclusive" premium cruise lines like Oceania, Viking, and Azamara. We book interesting transatlantic sailings with free or reduced airfare offers whenever possible.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I love this strategy too and the luxury travel experience you are getting! One day, I will join you on one of these as they have always sounded amazing!

[@richardg8651]

Great honest video. Do you ever actually walk on to the cruise from your home?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I sure do! If it is terminal C, D, E, G or V it is walkable. I don't often walk onto the ship as I am the last to board and pressed for time but I def walk home in the non-summer months. It's about a 25 min walk and as long as you can manage the bridge, you are good!

[@reginaldvickers8453]

Love following you through all your adventures. Thanks for sharing. We are also moving to FL to be closer to cruising. Do FL residents get any discounts or short notice cruises? Thanks for all that you do?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Not particularly... and if they do, it is $25 or $50. I feel like the cruise lines have moved away from these but a good travel agent would be able to point you to any discounts available for FL residents.

[@laughremixsquad]

Excellent video! I loved the tips. How many weekend cruises are you hoping to take in 2025?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I like how you framed this question! Right now, I have 18 weekends booked. I would like to see that number closer to 25 and am watching a few cruises. Only thing I am struggling with is I am getting a stronger desire to be home in Miami to build relationships and get to know people better. Tough to do that when you are always gone on the weekends... so the 18 could go down, or it could go up. Let's see what I decide!

[@lianna1634-cruising4ever]

Hmmm. Wait…can you explain the no wifi? Is there a way to have full streaming service without purchasing the Voom surf & stream? Great video and now you have me thinking about this lifestyle for myself too!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Lianna, when you are at sea, you are not close to cell phone towers as these are on land. The primary option is purchasing through the cruise ship, but I actually have a video this week coming out talking about GigSky and how I use them to not buy ship wifi. Stay tuned!

[@tedcoates402]

s much as we This is your video at it's best. Everyone wants to know what career give you the money and control and flexibility to manage your life as you do. But you also need privacy. You have made many adjustments but still are earning a good living. Congrats! We get free drinks on RC and enjoy a couple, but never use them all. As much as we enjoy cruising we would not make the scrafices you have made.In face, I think we'd get tired if weekly cruises. Interested to learn you have a twin but doubt it applies to your life style. I do wonder what he does but that privacy thing pops up again. An interesting thing about this is you feel you know someone, but of course you dont realy. Well, again, an interesting video!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Ted, the privacy thing is certainly something I try to balance and don't always do a great job and do over-share more than most would probably advise. My full-time job will always be a non-starter for me because I don't want to think about them when I am on a ship and I always worry I say something someone doesn't like and they try to get me fired. Heard it happen to too many folks. Family, I am a lot more open about and they don't mind being in a video here and there. Meeting people on ships for me is great because people who watch the channel definitely feels like you know me and it has allowed me to get that! It also means I get to better understand these videos are actually being seen my real life humans, not just numbers on the screen. Thanks as always Ted for your support!

[@donbockin6725]

Hi Brandon. Don here. We did finish Royal Caribbean Ultimate World cruise. My question is what do you do for a profession? I watched you for many years, but I never heard what you do for a living. Thanks.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Don! Very glad you were able to do the full UWW!!! I would have loved to have been there for a few parts of it but couldn't swing it! Great question and I understand the curiosity here but I try to keep a hard line between my full-time job and KZbin. I definitely overshare more than I should for this broad of an audience but this is one line I try not to cross.

[@donbockin6725]

Hi Brandon, that is a wise choice. I feel a little foolish now of asking you over this type of media. One day will meet on a cruise and you can tell me in private. And I will keep it private. In the meantime, enjoy the cruising. The Ultimate World Cruise reunion cruise will be September 7 on the serenade leaving Vancouver and going to Alaska. You probably knew that, but I just thought I’d let you know.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@donbockin6725 no worries at all Don! I have been asked that question MANY times! Hope you have a blast on the reunion cruise! I haven't done Alaska in ages but would love to go back!

[@donbockin6725]

@ the Ultimate World cruise was a wonderful experience.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

So if you don't drink, what do you do on those booze cruises? Curious if you don't drink and don't gamble. EDIT: I watched a few more videos.. you are busy!!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha, there is always something to do! Though, I keep saying I am going to make a video of the transition from drinking on ships to not drinking on ships. It 100% changes the kind of cruise you go on! I swear I am still fun!! 😂

[@jenstravelblog]

Hi, I’m from NC as well. I went on my first cruise in August and now I have 3 booked for next year. I really enjoyed cruising by myself. I wish I could move to Florida, but I currently have a nice stable job in healthcare. I also have 3 boys, who are grown and don’t want to go anywhere anymore. I will be 44 in 2 days and I want to cruise more, but need to figure out how to save money on traveling to the ports.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Totally get that Jen! It is def a struggle to balance all things in life with the desire to go on more cruises! Love others North Carolinians! What part of the state are you in?

[@jenstravelblog]

@@TheWeekendCruiserI’m in Greensboro

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@jenstravelblog haha it's funny, I tell people I am from Goldsboro and they always go "Greensboro?" I say "no, that's the other G-boro".

[@jenstravelblog]

@ hilarious 😆

[@DelosFive]

I have the biggest crush on Brandon. I make peace with this because he'd never be around if we were a couple. 😂😂😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha someone actually sent me this comment and was like #same. I totally hear you and I am definitely away a lot. As I continue to mature, it is actually something I think about often. Had always hopped to find someone who could travel with me or be good with me traveling but that is a hard sale. Think I am going to try and stick around a bit more next year but time will tell. I want to be in Miami and on ships.... I am a torn person.

[@DelosFive]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Haha. Ah, travel is in your blood! I can see the appeal, though honestly I did a few cruises with Virgin (got a huge free upgrade last time) and I'm already done. Hoping the bug will come back 🤷🏽‍♂️ I'll just enjoy your videos and listen out for the next episode of the saga! 🤣

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@DelosFive haha I 100% have travel in my blood. Will be interesting how it plays itself out over time! Aww you should come back! the ships miss you!

[@TerceroJorge]

Hero 😂

[@ernestwinata7908]

What a life! Do you air bnb your place in Miami when youre away?

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

he said he has roommates.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Ernest, I do not. When I moved to Miami I looked at condos that would allow me to do short term rentals but decided that was a tough life. You have to lock everything up and can't really make it a "home". Went the long-term roommate option and 1-year leases instead. 100% easier!

[@ernestwinata7908]

@@TheWeekendCruiser what a lucky roommate. You're almost always gone for the weekend 😄

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@ernestwinata7908 haha right?!?! I'm amazing :-)

[@CruiseDude1]

Lucky Guy!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

When am I going to see you on a weekend??

[@CruiseDude1]

@@TheWeekendCruiser I'd love to meet you but I'm cruising out of Baltimore in April.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@CruiseDude1 We will make it happen one day!

[@lianna1634-cruising4ever]

Another question - when sailing on MSC, do you feel out of sorts so-to-speak. MSC seems like a totally different culture than Royal. Interested to hear your thoughts on this. I almost booked MSC for a quick impulsive extra trip but at the last min booked Royal instead (paid over 500 more for a shorter sailing too-but I just couldn’t pull the trigger a book MSC).

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

It still feels like a cruise ship and everything will feel similiar. They have theater shows, main dinning room, buffet, etc. It always takes a bit to learn the "ways" of any new company but it can quickly be done. I actually like the adventure of the change. And as you mentioned, for the value you get on MSC, it isn't shabby!

[@RetireEarlywithBudgetTravel]

Cruising is fun but I'd be bored if I did it every weekend. I do a 7+ day cruise about once a month. That works for me. I started a cruise youtube channel too and is doesn't cost me anything. What are you spending on?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I wish I could do longer cruises too. Think my ideal would be two 7-nights per month but no desire to live on a ship... yet. My full-time job likes to see me which regulates me to the weekends mostly. I actually was going to make a video on all the hidden things I have purchased 1) live streaming software 2) Video editing software 3) workflow management software 3) website domain name and website hosting 4) @theweekendcruiser email accounts 5) QuickBooks 6) merchandise 7) credit card processing 8) sales tax tracker by state 9) Google Drive expanded storage. That's all that is coming to mind on the fly! These are luckily not required to get started but as your channel grows, it takes more and more structure to keep the train on the tracks!

[@sisichen6294]

MSC well done 👍 disrupting the market . Fair prices

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Love it!!!

[@mikebarnes2294]

Brandon, as a solo cruiser was there a single supplement charge on the casino comped cruises you got back when you were gambling?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Mike, no, when I was receiving comps, there was no single supplement to pick any of the cruises listed on the form. If I wanted to use the trade-in value to book an off-form cruise, then yes. However, these days I am hearing they are offering a lot more comped cruises for one-person and charge for the second person whether they go or not...

[@juliejensen7370]

Did I hear you say you can't afford health insurance?!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Julie! Let me clarify, if I was to quite my full-time job and move into KZbin full-time, I would not be able to afford health insurance. It is probably the biggest obstacle to going full-time with the channel.

[@summerwinter4]

My daughter-in-laws’ Grandfather used to cruise all the time for free, all he had to do was ask the older single ladies to dance. Apparently, there weren’t enough single older men to go around. Of course, this was quite awhile ago, I don’t think they do that anymore.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha your grandfather sounds like a fun time!

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

isn't that becoming boring to go to the same place all the time ？

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Yes and no. To an extent, it gets more interesting because you build more relationships with guest and crew who are also doing the same cruises often. The ports have def become a little stale. Becoming a free agent and going on multiple cruise lines has certainly helped keep things fresh with new ways of doing things, food options, and shows. Ideally, would gladly do longer cruises but I have to be at work on Mondays! So I take the weekends as a win :-)

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

@TheWeekendCruiser Thank you for the information, truly useful for someone like me never been on a cruise.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@littletravelmonkey6727 You're absolutely welcome!

[@felixchu7656]

You are a twin!?!? How do we know it's not your twin making some of these videos!?!? Hahahaha, jk.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahahha He does like a good cruise ship too!

[@aynrandfan7454]

I don't drink alcohol either haha no calories and no wasting money on that

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Those are two of the three reasons I stopped as well! Just didn't make sense!

[@T_Jonesy]

You're a twin so you've always had a roommate? Dude, you had a womb mate.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahahaha!!! I might have to use this term in future videos!

[@tinadelacruz3094]

You are the best! I took my 1st cruise on Christmas 2023 after I watched your videos. I went on RC Freedom of the seas and had a great time! Your info is spot on!! Are you thinking of ever getting on Margaritaville the Islander? I would love to hear your thoughts

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Tina! I would love to get on Margaritaville one day! The Island is out of Tampa, so that is more of a stretch but have West Palm on my potential list for cruises next year!