Things people do on a cruise that I don't understand at all

[@TheHighRiseElevatorLover]

I feel like I have to comment on this thing about hotel shuttles. My father and I just took a carnival cruise two weeks ago out of Port Canaveral Florida. Parking at the port cost $119 for the week. We had to stay in a hotel for the night anyway, so we stayed at the country Inn and suites right in the middle of the port. For $177, we got a shuttle to the port, night at the hotel, and parking for the car for the week. Not to mention, we’re going to the port, you have to reserve your shuttle slot advance at the hotel. This means we knew exactly where we needed to be and at what time. Coming back, the shuttle was waiting for us at the port, and it was a stress-free trip back to the car. We probably saved $90-$100 doing this. 10 out of 10 would recommend country Inn and suites to anyone traveling out of Port Canaveral.

[@Cjtpine]

yeah i agree. We took a shuttle too and was totally worth it! IT was super convenient and was same price as uber/lyft

[@k.c.6415]

This was helpful!

[@kathryncashner3294]

We've had great and "not so great" situations with park and stay and hotel shuttles. Bottom line, call the hotel directly and learn everything you can about how the shuttle system works. If it meets your needs, go for it! We did one shuttle where we were signed up in advance for a particular time and then sat for 30 minutes waiting for one person who had signed up and didn't show. For some reason, the driver and load helper were convinced that they couldn't leave without this person. Particularly at Port Canaveral, there are good park and stay programs that include shuttles; your hotel ends up costing you nearly nothing if you account for what parking at the port would have cost. Another warning though; make sure the lot is lighted and fenced/locked!

[@bencalebrod]

Agreed completely, used this my first time cruising and I no problems at all with it.

[@arnelcelestino9727]

I 100% agree on the last thing on your list. The crew members are very hard working and just trying to make money to send back to their families back to their country. I really admire and respect them. Thank you so much for mentioning them.

[@melindawood323]

My husband and I enjoy art auctions very much. We don't go to buy, and we try to make that clear up front. We don't consume alcohol so we don't attend for the free champagne. We genuinely enjoy art, and learning about the pieces, the mediums, the artists. We aren't ones to hang out by the pool or go to bingo, so the art auction gives us a great afternoon increasing our knowledge about a subject we enjoy. 😊

[@cathyzawatzki8443]

I loved the art actions on the cruises, and they give away really nice small pieces for attending. I have framed them and they hang on my walls.

[@sharonnewton4374]

One of the great joys of the over 40 cruises we have been on is the art auction. We have never had an opportunity to buy art like this in our area. Our whole family has their home decorated with these pieces of art. Even now our grown children have these in their homes and they bring imense joy to all of us!

[@cliffs1956]

I agree. we have learned a lot about art from these auctions and have even attended land VIP events by Park West. We now own original art because of our beginning in these auctions that has significantly increased in value since we purchased it - not prints or numbered but originals. we enjoy the auctions and the art. People who are complaining are not computing the costs of the frames that they come in.

[@oldsnwbrdr]

Us too. We bought pieces that look great in our home. We are VERY happy with them and are not “investors.”

[@rodneycollins5328]

Not sure about others, but we had a great experience on a CCL art auction. The experience was fun, we made a few friends, had some free champagne where we bought 4 really nice pieces of artwork (via Park West Galleries) that we received in less than a month from our trip, which we get many compliments on as they are displayed at our home. We have have since had independently appraised which ended up being more than what we bought them for. All in all, it was fun and we made a few dollars in the process. In regard to the hotel shuttle, we have cruised out of the Tampa area several times and stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn, to which we pay a very nominal fee (and I know what hotels should cost in that are as I travel for work there often) to park our car for the week (in their parking garage) and use the hotel shuttle. The shuttle is convenient both going to and coming from the port....Not sure what this guy is doing or has experienced to which he has issues with the art auctions and the hotel shuttles, but I would NOT discount these things just based on his limited opinion.

[@jimroscovius]

You may like it, but I have a lot better and more fun things to do then sit around a room having art pushed at me. That was his point 🙂

[@Ro7068]

Hi Matt, Many years in the past I would buy a piece of art on each cruise. It started as just a fun way to spend an hour or two and I enjoyed looking at the art. When I saw a piece I wanted, I did not bid on it during the auction. I waited until it was over and googled it to see if the price was in line with others, then waited until the last night to negotiate the price way down. They do have gimmicks like inflating the shipping charge so if you return it you’re out a couple of hundred bucks but once you find their tricks, it’s easy to work around.

[@carlosflecha1171]

If you like art, and know of famous painters, painting techniques, is really enjoyable to attend the auction. Sales pressure is minimal if you know why you attend, and know your budget.

[@christineshields1714]

I used online checking when the RC app was first introduced. This was well before COVID. When we arrived at the terminal there was a different line for those that were preregistered. No one was in this line. Check in was a breeze and we were on the ship in less then 15 minutes. My husband acted as if I had the powers of a magic genie!

[@pamm3776]

We went to an art auction, just for something to do on a sea day. We did buy a piece, we love and is still hanging in our home. We don’t drink champagne.

[@camt4133]

I bought a few pieces of arts on cruise ships. I m quite sure they overvalued most of them. But I did got great satisfaction from them especially when friends , guests and professional art dealers praised on them. Make me feel like I got my money worth.

[@ParrotplaySix]

We always stay at the Hilton when we cruise from Cape Liberty. We pay the same rate as anyone else. The parking and shuttle both ways use to be free, but a couple of years ago they added a surcharge of $75 for the room. That includes parking and round trip to the pier. The shuttle bus is always waiting for us and the porter brings our luggage to the bus, no hassle at all. I parked at the garage once and it was a pain to shelp to your car and then load your luggage, also the long line of cars in the garage waiting to get out. I never understand why people pay all that money for parking when you can just book a room for the night. I am know there are places that charge you more, I did my homework and we love the Hilton Garden Inn.

[@akeolsson8020]

I can say "amen" to the point of not being rude to crew! Being polite always helps. I have an example from an airline. Flying from Boston to Copenhagen there had been a technical problem so the plane that arrived had almost a hundred seats less than originally planned. When I got to the poor assistant at check in I said "I know that you are going through hell and feel sorry about that but is there any way you can help?". Got a perfect alternative route booked and only lost a couple of hours. Another passenger who yelled and screamed as well as threatening to sue (not only airline but the attendee) did not get the same help...

[@nicolegarey6322]

Anytime me and my husband cruise we always take hotel shuttles, usually only 15-20 a person and you have to reserve your spot when you check in and they will order the number of shuttles needed for the guests going to the cruise port. This is much better than the fluctuating prices during busy times like Uber does. Plus it’s nice talking to fellow cruisers on the way to port! I usually don’t post on KZbin but felt like I should put in my 2 cents!

[@laurahenshaw3590]

Free charms: if it's a port without an excursion, I like to collect them as a memento. I know they are worthless, but I hang them from my rear view mirror and they remind me of all the ports we've visited. I will not, however, go out of my way to find them if we're busy with an excursion or there's a crazy crowd in the store - they aren't worth that much hassle.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Fair answer, thank you

[@chazcov08]

They're not worthless to you if they remind you of the trip you took, or it's something that you like to collect. This guy is wrong on this one, in addition to others.

[@laurahenshaw3590]

@@chazcov08 I meant worthless as lacking monetary value. I agree they have to me as mementos.

[@chazcov08]

Worth =/= monetary value. Our society has forgotten that.

[@christinedelrossi2819]

I agree with all of these, especially the not being a jerk part 😂. One thing that some cruisers do that boggles my mind is wanting to bring everything but the kitchen sink with them (irons, coffee makers, foam mattress pads, their own pillows, aroma therapy/essential oil dispensers, etc). Sheesh! To each his or her own, but I can live without most things for the length of a cruise and love a somewhat minimal luggage situation.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I totally agree!

[@Steampunksaly]

Does it make you feel superior condemning others packing habits? Why are you getting your knickers in a twist? Live and let live and leave folks to do and enjoy in ways that are appropriate to them.

[@soshiangel90]

@@Steampunksaly no condemnation here from what I can tell....just a comment on their personal preferences vs others.....

[@randallbolt9193]

@@Steampunksaly Yes, especially when some of the items she mentioned are not allowed and are a fire hazard.

[@AlexHernandez-yb9rx]

I agree especially with the last one. I think that goes anywhere especially with services. People work hard. So many people are quick to yell, complain about the littlest thing, etc. I try to make a point to compliment someone especially when they go above and beyond. I work or have worked Customer Service. I do try to make the effort to get a Supervisor when someone is going above and beyond. And yes, if you don’t agree or say you’re not getting good Customer Service, then get a Supervisor for that reason too.

[@scottlenyo8579]

This might not apply to Royal Caribbean, but it certainly applies to people sailing out of Seattle on Princess or a Holland America. If you’re departing from Pier 91 Lyft and Uber cannot bring you today cruise port terminal, but rather drop you three or 400 yards away from the terminal, if you arrive or depart by a shuttle, a taxi or a private car, you get dropped right next to the terminal. Our hotel had a paid shuttle service $10 per person to the terminal. Same shuttle service also offered airport drop off $18 per person, which I thought was pretty reasonable. Everything else on your list I totally agree with

[@paulcgrout5108]

As to the Art Auctions. I have been purchasing for over 10 yrs. You have to know the history of the painting. I have purchased a total cost of 30.000 . Had them appraised this yr. I am over 140.000 in value. PRINCESS CRUISES HAS THE BEST

[@darnelll2554]

I don't like the disrespecting of crew members either and if it is done in front of me I will say something. Bullying is my number one pet peeve and is a good way to really get me upset

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Unfortunately I've seen too many guests ignoring requests by crew, and/or acting disrespectfully to them. It's a real shame.

[@sandym4875]

Good! I think more people need to say something if someone is being a jerk. Thanks for sticking up for the employee!

[@sylvialucas7755]

Agree with all your comments, especially the last one!

[@QPRTokyo]

You and Tips for Travellers are the KZbin go to.

[@lelandmckeevertheadventure768]

I have been cruising reguarly since 2006 and the only thing that I dont understand is people paying to go to a speacilty resturant when the food is the same as the main dining room

[@katderose2962]

I have never had any problems with the hotels I have stayed at with a cruise port shuttle. I actually enjoyed it! They had a large bus that was only going back. and forth. We boarded around noon. And the bus was never full.(I was checking.) The driver was so Friendly and entertaining. We all had a great ride. He went above and beyond for us. Easy!

[@dchenkin02]

Along the lines of not doing online check-in; one thing I noticed on my first cruise was people who booked without using a travel agent. The people I talked with assumed every cruise line was exactly the same; they typically bought drink packages without reading the fine print of what was and was not included.

[@kuthixo]

I wish I knew how to find a good travel agent! We cruise, we also do expedition like trips (Nepal, Antarctica, Australia and so on) and I can't find anyone who can do either one well, let alone both types!

[@dchenkin02]

@@kuthixo Gary from Tips for Travelers does expedition cruises to unique destinations. He may know travel agents.

[@jamesmarz3665]

Like the hotel stay and park with shuttle. Do it rarely, but always worked for me. Doing it in September. Rate is great (less than parking alone in Miami) and the hotel is fine. Will take Lyft back from the port though.

[@susanwhite2466]

On the shuttle issue. Some people may not have a choice, I have glaucoma advanced and can no longer drive, I do use uber and lyft as well, but for me it's almost worth paying the extra for the shuttle. And I 100%agree on the staff issue treat the staff with the upmost respect. They're there for you.

[@Mikeknz78]

We happened to walk past the art auction just as it was starting on a sea day and were attracted in by the free champange, sat down, watched a few pieces of art not typically not sell, then they did the first spot raffle (they do one every 20mins or so) which my wife won and we collected and then moved on. So got a few free glasses of champange and a quite nice free piece of art which is hanging in my hall for the cost of some shipping. So not a typical experience but not a bad one :)

[@geraldwalker7609]

Park Sleep and Fly or Cruise....... I see your view, but if one drives in a day ahead to give a cushion for any problems, they're not going to be sleeping in the lot at the cruise port. I do agree, as in anything, consider the costs on any given scenario. I can get Park Sleep and Fly for under $100 in Indy.

[@eddiefish2508]

Was on Freedom of the seas and no free drinks were served at the Art Auction. Was very disappointed, because I had told my girlfriend that Strawberries and Shampane would be served. We did receive a free print at the end, but was not worth our time.

[@MrsBilla-nu8qb]

I’m glad you brought up the art auction. I sat through so many of those auctions and they never cease to amaze me. I don’t know anything about art. People buying art seem to think the auctioneer is telling the truth. That’s doubtful. If they tell you it’s a Picasso, understand that it’s not an original. There are no original art pieces. If you want to buy something, buy only things you really like and set a limit for how much you will pay. If you can look at things before the auction, look them up online to get info on them.

[@cliffs1956]

There actually are original art pieces offered, but at the VIP level. The first auctioneer we met on a cruise made a very good point - buy art only because you like it - not as an investment. We follow that rule regularly and have a lot of art we really like.

[@MrsBilla-nu8qb]

@@cliffs1956 I agree the everyone should only but art that they like. It’s the high-priced art that people need to beware of. If they have no knowledge of what they are truly buying. For example, how many Picasso can actually be for sale each voyage on every ship? I didn’t realize he’d painted tens of thousands of paintings.

[@cliffs1956]

@@MrsBilla-nu8qb as you mentioned, these are not original paintings but in most cases are etching that were printed from a copper or wooden plate that he carved and then had printed. there are a limited number of examples from the plate. In most cases they are not purchased and are offered numerous times. I won't own a Picasso because I don't like them. I do own an original Duaiv, Tim Yankee, Michael M9illiken, Peter Max, and Csabo Markus, among a few others that I happen to like and have met the artist personally during some events. You won't meet the artists at the normal cruise auctions but will at VIP events.

[@MrsBilla-nu8qb]

@@cliffs1956 I’m not disagreeing with what you are saying. You are clearly a person who likes art and is more educated on the offerings. The average person on the cruise puts blind faith in the art dealer. They go to these auctions with no knowledge and get caught up in the excitement and the free champagne, then later find out what paid was way over the price of what it was worth. I used to attend these auctions all the time when I was cruising regularly. I was just observing. When I got home, I would do research on the artwork being sold. Now, I think it’s probably easier onboard to look things up in real-time which will give the buyers an advantage.

[@jimroscovius]

We were going to take a hotel shuttle to the cruise port in Ft. Lauderdale. It was $8/person, and there were four of us. I asked the girl at the front desk about it, and she said, "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but you can all take a cab for $5 total." That's what we did. The fare was $5.25, I gave him a good tip, and still saved money.

[@howardwang8]

Agree with you on all points - even though I am riding a shuttle to my hotel stay the day before my cruise…and I know, I know, I could simply take an Uber or Lyft….but the hotel does have a hotel specific shuttle….haha!

[@raymullen3583]

Great Info . and RE-MINDER for Cruiser..As for treatment of Crew I agree !00 & 10 % ...

[@LaurieCiriello]

We will be taking a shuttle from airport to port. I guess I trust it more being able to schedule it and pay for it ahead of time. Uber and Lyft are not common in our area, so i'm not as comfortable with that option. Also, there are 6 people in our party, so we would probably need it least 2 ubers/lyfts anyway.

[@bettyditillo1425]

Yes, NEVER disrespect the crew!!!

[@rochelle266]

I agree the crew members work very hard to make your trip very pleasant and they work hats off to them ?

[@Star-Boarder]

I agree on the art auctions, mostly because it's tacky art. You are spot on with the jewelry as well, on board and the port.

[@younglady2789]

I agree with you Mr. Matt!

[@DancEncounters]

I love park and stay packages. I use them whenever I fly out of Syracuse. It always saves me money over what I would pay to park at the airport, and the convenience is great. I've never had any trouble with scheduling. I have never used it in a cruise port city because I fly into the city.

[@rickandvickystover2575]

Great job and information

[@slinkyscrap]

My first experience with the charms was on my Alaskan cruise a few years ago. That was my second cruise and I had never experienced that before. I thought it was really cool....until the pushy sales pitches and rude sales people trying to get me to buy their stuff. On my last cruise I did not fall for this scam. Secondly, the 'art auctions'. I've been on 3 cruises, so far, on three different cruise lines. And boy was I shocked to see the same exact pieces of art on all three cruises.

[@simon5005]

Matt........I have total respect and admiration for you now after this video, so many nails hit right on the head! The one thing that gets me is nothing screams I'M REALLY A MISERABLY UNHAPPY PERSON IN MY REAL LIFE than people who try WAY too hard to have a good time. To the point it makes them nauseating and obnoxious! LOL!!! 😁

[@Diehappppy]

You speak the truth! Love your videos, thank you!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad you like them!

[@LukeofAllTrades0]

Haha, my wife loves the little free charms, it's more the collection aspect I think. Luckily the prices are all really high on the stuff they push at those places, so she gets scared off and wants to go look at the other shops anyways.

[@Yoko.Kurama]

Can you just take the charm then walk away?

[@LukeofAllTrades0]

@@Yoko.Kurama Pretty much, it depends on the shop, but most are happy to just get you in the store to see things.

[@carlosflecha1171]

I would change/add to do not disrespect the crew, to not disrespect anybody working including the artists. Last weekend a passenger thought that picking an argument with the comedian was a good idea. Guess who won, and who ended up leaving the theater….really annoying experience by someone who needed to be the center of attention.

[@c7adventures376]

What the hell. Cruise parking is a joke!!. They should work it into your total trip. Who wants to get off the ship and have to pay $140-200 just to get out of the parking lot?

[@Cloud7Travel]

Some jurisdictions have clamped down on hotels that offer park and fly as the it breaks the zoning rules of those jurisdictions to offer paid parking for people not actually staying at the hotel.

[@TracyKMainwaring]

we like hotel shuttles. We often have 5 or more people so it can be tricky to get a cab. We don't have data to use apps like Uber in the States. We have never had an issue with going on their schedule and have NEVER been on one that did not have reserved seating. Never seen people waiting in line and not making it on the shuttle. We compared prices and prices additional cost was similar to a taxi. We fly in, so park and stay or parking at the port isn't an option. We're not even fans of Uber because most drivers don't have business insurance.

[@michelealkins616]

Great video, Matt! I agree with all of them!

[@bookon999]

With Park and Cruise, the parking is included in the higher rate. It's often cheaper if your staying at a hotel anyway.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

The shuttle service is what really turns me off from park and cruise packages. They are run infrequently and on someone else's schedule. I'd also argue you would likely save more money by finding the best hotel at the best rate, and then paying to park at the terminal. But the shuttle service is more of a hindrance than the lack of park and stay options.

[@bookon999]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog I am going out of NJ in Nov. I will pay $300 for a room , a weeks parking and a shuttle. I am driving 4 hours , so I want to go the night before JIC. If the shuttle has bad timing, I can take an uber. A room and parking at the pier should be about $300, unless I stay somewhere really cheap. Which is hard to find near NYC Marathon weekend. I will be 1.5 miles from the terminal, so I expect to be ok even with bad shuttle timing.

[@ujuakaniru]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog I think it depends on the terminal and the time you buy the hotel. Miami terminal can hit $200 to park for a 7 day cruise and the park and ride hotels aren’t an extra $200 in price. Comprare to FLL where it’s a lot cheaper to park or port carnaval or the port in tampa too where the cost is half as much as in Miami. Booking everything early can save too

[@AxelQC]

I don't understand why people waste their time in casinos. I hate gambling and the smoke is disgusting. I am happy that they are willing to subsidize my cruise with their casino losses.

[@dchenkin02]

Some cruise lines are making the casinos no smoking.

[@jimdale3188]

The only place I have ever bought something for a "wall" is at Park West art auction. I don't expect value. I'm certainly not expecting to sell it for more someday. Sadly too many people think its an auction when its a retail operation. You aren't going to get rich buying Park West gallery art; but I sure like how it looks on my wall.

[@nancyb4977]

I use park and fly often out of Boston as it’s much cheaper than parking at the terminal. When I cruise, I don’t have a car with me, so parking is not an issue. Moving to Florida soon and see much more cruising in my future, so love the hint of parking at the cruise port. Will be nice to just walk to my car for the drive home. Thanks for your points.

[@Steampunksaly]

When you cruise you don’t have a car so parking is not an issue …. Thank you for sharing

[@nancyb4977]

@@Steampunksaly If I start driving to the port, gonna have to park my car somewhere! The convenience of parking right at the port will be great! Now, when I cruise, I generally shuttle in from airport, so don’t have a car with me that needs to be parked.

[@rongottheil2823]

Fascinating, I never thought I would disagree with everything you said until the last frustrating item: disrespecting the crew member. I like art auctions my wife likes charms, my brother and his wife have been sailing for 50 years enjoy taking the hotel shuttle and have never complained and as far as checking in it's whatever you're comfortable with! Like John Legend said we're just" Ordinary People"

[@grsmonkey116]

I love all the videos. Nice to change it up with a more opinionated one. One thing with the hotel and shuttle debate is car seat/booster requirements for younger kids. If you get the big coach bus you may be able to avoid needing them. Which is nice to avoid travel with extra bags.

[@jeffewaldt9166]

Thanks Matt! Good info as always, glad I don't collect 'free' charms.

[@lovedfriend2020]

Yeah and I will bet you they are made in China!

[@douggaskell4586]

Totally, completely, 100% agree!

[@lfairchild002]

I like going to the art auctions with no intention to buy because I like to look at the things and hear about the artists because I genuinely find it interesting, but I avoid chatting to too long with the people running it, because the pressure is real. 😂

[@2thesea541]

LOL, your so funny, and so right. I use to do a few of these before but now I know they are NOT worth it. I can relate to the Hotel shuttle, one time I was stuck at the terminal for more then 1 1/2 hrs. in the sun. They had forgotten to pick me up. Lesson learned .Since I live near the ports in Florida I'll take my own car not a shuttle. Also no more charms, your right they are very good sale people, WATCH OUT ! or better yet don't go.

[@mvo1293]

Perhaps I suggest a vice versa video on things peoples should do on a cruise ship but don’t do.

[@DJ_afroASH]

Hey I take this personally because I was that charm person a week ago on my cruise 😂😂 I bought the bracelet $10 and went every day and collected me yes free charm I ended up with 8. And it was in a Michael kors shop who I dislike so yes I only had the charm Bracket and nothing else. So yes you can get the bracelet and free charms and nothing else haha

[@jworth7203]

I have gone to art auctions just to learn about the art. They are clearly overpriced but if I need some time in the a/C It's a nice way to spend an hour or so. Never been pressured in the least.

[@soshiangel90]

I fully agree with the free charms. On our first cruise, I guess my mom heard about the charms thing for Cozumel and since we didn't have any excursion booked (and had no desire to gamble by booking one at the pier) we just decided to walk the block and get the charms. Honestly, I was AMAZED by the lack of sales pitch. Maybe we looked too broke, tired, or uninterested or maybe they just knew the deal, but no one really asked us to do more than look around. I actually ended up even buying an inexpensive butterfly pendant at one shop - unhassled! BUT OMG THE CHARMS! They are STILL sitting the baggies I got them in becuse they are all different sizes and I have 0 desire to attempt to find a bracelet to put them on. They are useless and despite my absolute love for free things, I refuse to do them ever again.

[@sportsMike87]

People that hoard food at the buffet. Don't get it you want more go back don't take a tray and waste food

[@averagejoesmo1967]

Free charms. We did it with our kids one trip. They enjoyed it. We never got a hard sales pitch. We literally walked in with the coupon from the ship and said we were there to get the free charms. They are busy enough with other passengers wanting to purchase so they were always polite and didn't care.

[@jonahmerchant4099]

If I ever see a passenger disrespect a crew member, I’d call them out so fast. Crew members are like family that are hosting us in their home

[@user-ml7ty3mp1o]

I’m an American, I pay my taxes, and I’m on vacation…..this is some passengers justification for acting like an idiot

[@tinawozniak374]

No champagne in the art auction on Oasis last week of September. ☹

[@chazcov08]

Does the charm remind you of the trip you took? Was it free? Then it's not worthless. Some people like to do little things like that, and it makes them happy, but hey, you do you. I do agree with you on the treatment of the crew members, although I personally have never seen anyone being disrespected, I'm sure it happens. We just cruised on NCL, and they have probably a 90%+ Filipino crew, and I did my best to learn some Tagalog and Filipino phrases and they were very appreciative of the effort.

[@larry4111]

The "free pearls" are the worst scam lol. Good luck walking away easily. RE: shuttles - 100% agree. If I have to stay at a hotel, I compare the price of the shuttle hotel with the non-shuttle hotel plus Lyft. DIY is the way to go. I've also changed my parking routine, too. I live an hour from Miami so I just drive. For my first Miami cruise I looked for a cheap parking garage onshore and took Lyft, thinking I was saving money. As it turns out, for a cruise of a week or so it is indeed not much more just to park at the port than the discount garage when you add in roundtrip Lyft. And with the new staggered embarkation times it's not like everyone is driving in at once. And I do EVERYTHING online as early as I am allowed to do it.

[@rimtnbiker]

Matt, is there a blog post, or have you done a video about what it is like now in the main dinning due to Covid and explaining the excursion process, traveling to and from the ship to excursions in small buses with 10-20 people. Thanks

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

This post might be what you're asking: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/09/30/what-its-be-cruise-ship-no-guests

[@brettparnell8254]

I can't understand any of these either. Only thing I would differ on is that I don't understand parking for a cruise whatsoever. If you are close enough to drive to the cruise port, your close enough to hop on Amtrak/Greyhound/Megabus and cut out that giant parking expense while being about to relax en route instead of having to deal with driving.

[@jodura3363]

Do not mind the shuttle getting to the hotel from airport. After that Uber

[@cynthiarothrock4255]

I'm one of thoese old foggy that refuses to use internet to conduct business. I also use city bus or rual bus service for my shuttle. All I need to do is use the library and have exact change. With the bus map and time schedule.

[@timsnodgrass4637]

I went to an art auction on my first cruise, enjoyed it and purchased some art. Soon after the cruise it become clear that the valuations were highly questionable but I enjoyed the art I purchased and did not have any serious regrets. On my second cruise I returned to the auction simply to observe and enjoy the auction process and the descriptions of the various works. What a mistake that was. Unlike other products and services on the ship the auctioneers quickly turned to high pressure sales tactics and made the whole experience stressful and uncomfortable forcing me to say no repeatedly until I just got up and walked away. As a result I have avoided the art auctions ever since.

[@ruthkringle1353]

I was gullible enough to buy a piece of art on a ship. The frame wasn’t what I ordered. My friend sent hers back and she had to pay over a hundred dollars to send it.

[@jeep146]

I sometimes wonder if they don't plant people to bid on some of the art just to get people excited to buy something. We were always to broke to buy something even if we wanted to. Why did we go? They always gave away some cheap prints and my sister likes art.

[@helent1835]

Many years ago, there were no art auctions or free charms. I have a charm bracelet that has a charm from every location I visited (all bought and paid for). I agree that all these things are to get you in the door for the hard sell. Not a fan. The hotel shuttles are viewed as convenient. We parked for 7 days at terminal 91 in Seattle and it cost $186. Not great! Please be kind to everyone in the service industry 😁

[@bar10dr]

If people don’t spend money at ports, there is no point for the ports to accept cruise ships. I know some ports in Norway are considering stopping the intake of polluting cruise ships because so few leave any money; rather putting more effort into other forms of tourism.

[@jamiwoods8678]

I go to art auctions for the free champagne lol I don’t go all the time.

[@EvinMA]

Stay and park or shuttle so we don’t have to think about anymore. My husband will try anything once or twice hence HE goes on all the gimmicky things on board. Charms just for fun.

[@sheridefelice3734]

I feel like on some ships the art area space could be repurposed.. Give us a smoke free casino... Or at least a smoke free area of slot machines... 🙄

[@josecrespo4161]

Online check in is the best but some people think that someone will take information from there they just don’t know that u don’t put show any documentation online

[@sissysweetp3764]

AMEN Matt! You picked most of my pet peeves also. It makes me crazy reading some of the comments but I’m trying to learn to keep my mouth shut and just let them learn from experience. 🤐🤷‍♀️

[@Steampunksaly]

Looks like you didn’t quite manage

[@sissysweetp3764]

@@Steampunksaly touche’. 🤣

[@quartytypo]

Don't buy any art on a cruise ship unless you can walk off the ship with it in your hand. Once they get your money for the art why should they ship it to you? What are you going to do about it if they don't ship it to you call the SEC?

[@tjoines2]

I just tell them I'm there for the charm and have someone waiting outside for me. Usually it works and not to much push from the shop. I mean it's not gold. Almost like some cheap bronze look. The bracelet surprisingly last a bit before turning.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I appreciate you sharing what you do. My response would be wouldn't you rather do something else much more interesting with your time? LOL I mean that in the nicest way possible, just curious what the appeal is of extremely low quality/value "jewelry". But I'm sure there are things I do you'd question too!

[@sunsetorange89]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog People love a freebie.

[@sissysweetp3764]

🤣

[@TheresaStClare]

The art auctions are fun. I find some of the other activities, casinos, clubs & such boring. Art auction keeps me away from shopping on sea days. You get to see a lot of great art. I would never buy art at that price but as an artist myself, I had a great time looking and learning. I don't drink, so I even passed on the free champagne. Besides, when else am I gonna witness an art auction???

[@vicki8042]

Interesting, I’m sure the art, charm , people think the stuff you like to do is stupid. But not sure it’s anyone’s business what or why someone does anything.

[@Realitytime2024]

My question for you that I may have missed prior is, the covid test. We are leaving home 2 days prior to cruise. What to do? Would hate to get to FLL and then have a testing issue. Any suggestions. Going on the Allure! Yahoo.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Get the at-home test so you do it either before you leave or at the hotel you're at. More info: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/09/04/should-be-your-approach-getting-covid-test-your-cruise

[@russellyates6391]

I got a similar issue. I think we may have to order the at-home test.

[@beachymamaadventures]

I do like hotel shuttles just to save a few bucks here and there when I have to fly but everything else 🙌🙌🙌👏👏👏😂.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Next time you plan a cruise and need a shuttle, I'd highly recommend opting for the best hotel you can find at the best rate you can find and then using Uber or Lyft to get you to the port. I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are on it! I love the flexibility it provides, both in hotel pricing as well as getting you to the cruise terminal.

[@beachymamaadventures]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog we actually did that on our last cruise (pre pandemic) it wasn’t that much different other than we had it to ourselves. We still had to wait. And it cost us about $50 to Uber.

[@gielharrisbateman]

I have to disagree with the hotel shuttle or park package. We fly to the ports and have to get hotel anyway and yes the packages are higher but I research the price of getting a Uber or shuttle service or renting a car and driving and it’s not worth it for us. For the port we live closest to we don’t drive but shuttle because it’s seamless to be picked up and dropped of at the port

[@bynum1966]

What hotels would you recommend?

[@RJMEL24]

Just returned from cruise on Oasis of Seas out of Bayonne and checkin was horrible. Used iPhone checkin , but still stood in packed terminal line for near an hour. No social distancing at all although RC claims it adheres to CDC guidelines regarding this. Could not arrive early as were assigned checkin time (3:30-4:00) for 6:00 departure which ended up being near end checkin lines. Understaffed and overworked staff workers of which our checkin agent was dead on her feet and visibly exhausted and said she had no break for last two hours standing on her feet. Did witness a frustrated passenger in another line yelling at checkin agent and agree with you, uncalled for. He was obnoxious. RC was definitely at fault and blamed Covid. Ok, but poor planning on their part for sure. And for a lot more reasons too many to enumerate here, wont be sailing with RC again until Covid is completely behind us or RC improves its sailing protocols.

[@wendytabon3029]

Matt do you have any suggestions for hotels in FtL stayed at the Embassy Suites in August and they were okay traveling in May

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Hyatt centric Los olas blvd was great

[@lindacassell5915]

Wow you actually said Royal Caribbean slow enough that I could understand you for a change

[@jennylynne4414]

I did the hotel shuttle thing once. Never again. The art auctions are fun so long as you don't buy anything lol! I find art I like and look it up when I get home. You can find it cheaper elsewhere. I can't think of a reason to ever be disrespectful to a crew member. If I have a problem, guest services. Also, I take crew names. Mentioning them by name in the surveys you fill out after a cruise goes a long, long way. I try to give as many crew members as I can positive reviews, but will put down names if someone is ever rude or out of line. Which - in all my cruises, has only happened once.

[@c7adventures376]

Princess gave us the charm up-front. If you want to win stuff you have to stop by the shop. You can just keep the charm and skip the high pressure sells.

[@Olivia-bt9hs]

Great video! I’m making an effort to get names of all my crew members for the survey and tip people who made my trip special. How do you tip for room service if the breakfast has no charge? Do you leave cash in your stateroom with a note or should I leave it in an envelope outside my door? I would hate for it to get lost!

[@patfox326]

I tip when they deliver

[@ajqueen31]

The flow-rider _is_ a faceplant ready to happen. I biffed it every time the instructor let go of me😅

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I knew it! lol