Things We Will NEVER Do Again on a Cruise

[@susanwestfall2051]

In defense of shore excursions, sometimes they are the best option. My sister and I are in our mid seventies, plus she has some mobility issues so taking an excursion means we can experience some of what a country has to offer while in the relative “safety” of a escorted group that is under the umbrella of the ship.

[@benjamindover4033]

Also, if you take a cruise line shore tour and are late, the ship will wait for you. If you take an excursion organized outside of the cruise line and are late the ship will NOT wait for you.

[@sullanciri2002]

in some cases, they are also the only option - we hope to sail on MSC Seaside this weekend in Europe, and you're not allowed off the ship unless it's on a paid for excursion (which have been priced reasonably for now) - not ideal, but better than having to stay on the ship every day, no ?

[@ZurriyetBlogs]

@@sullanciri2002 What port was this on?

[@GrandmaandMrRon]

We agree. We usually have a wider experience with booked excursions; guides telling us about the culture etc; and safe to know you'll get back to ship on time [if booked through the cruise line]. When we go on our own, we usually wing it...and do far less.

[@carmenhachmann5720]

Overall, I've usually had very positive expierences with shore excursions.

[@mizzprettyhuston]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for all these tips, very helpful 😊

[@cuzinsheshe2677]

As solo traveler I book shore ex in every port. Europe, Asia, South America can be challenging & sometimes dangerous on ur own. Well worth the extra $$. Plus I’ll get back in time or ship will wait.

[@35Justme1]

Good to know that shorex is a good company. I am a solo cruiser too. Will try the company on my next cruise.

[@102810281028nl]

100% agree always fly in a day before.

[@gman77gas]

Bei g retired now we can aford the money and time and now do 2 days ahead!

[@fluffytail6355]

In and out before and after the cruise!

[@zenkakuji3776]

Great advice covered in this segment. To minimize the chance of phone charges while on a cruise, I bring my slightly older phone that doesn't have an active service plan. It's set up with the cruise ship app in advance with no other apps that have my social media or email accounts. I use it onboard with the ships WiFi as well as a camera for port visits. If it gets lost, then I have my active phone (in airplane mode) in my cabin's safe, and have little risk of losing personal data.

[@kychhean6218]

Did you set airplane mode off or on. Thanks

[@paulvoelker3801]

Ben, I really appreciated your vlog today. And your #10 to not take cruising for granted anymore. It reminded me that I need to add extra $20 dollar bills to my packing list. Uears ago I used to search out a crew member that went really out of the way for me and give them a twenty. This year, September 26th Southern Caribbean on the Celebrity Equinox , I have decided to budget $50 day to well deserving crew members. We try to make their day, and they really do deserve it.

[@willgaukler8979]

... try tipping a regular non tipped worker ... like a cleaner or porter ...can really make their day ... Skittles are good tip too ...

[@travelwithdebandnick]

I watched this video months ago but have forgotten what you boys said, so have just rewatched it :) awesome video :)

[@mikewest5796]

When booking a cruise, I’ll have the deck plans open in a 2nd window. I learned the hard way about being in a room near a noisy venue. That is sage advice 👍🏻

[@meshiawilliams7139]

Our family took a cruise in Feb 2020 for my parents 50th anniversary. So much fun and no one got sick! And to think, I was worried about the stomach flu! The memories of 25 family members and friends having a ball got us through some rough patches of 2020 so your last tip is really important!

[@meghan926]

A tip for college students and university employees: take a cruise after finals in middle to late may or very very early June. Grade schools aren’t out yet so the prices are still low! Same thing for early to middle of January!

[@davidh9844]

Thanks for that advice, but you are 50 years too late. Beside, who had money to cruise then?

[@meghan926]

@@davidh9844 University employees! :) Professors, staff, etc

[@danasandoval624]

We always use the shore excursions, one time we didn’t we had to hunt down local police because the guy didn’t come back when he was supposed to for us to get back to the ship. Thank goodness we made it in time so no more trust in excursions that are not through the cruise line.

[@fitfrog65]

We rarely travel in the summer. Kids are the best reason to avoid airports and cruise ships in summer. Very good content on the video.

[@terrifromm5085]

Great advice regarding cabin location aboard ship and arriving at least one day before cruise embarkation.

[@lizdavis6214]

I go on ship excursions only if they are something I could not set up myself. Went fishing in Flam on a small boat with a local . Just 8 middle aged Scottish men and me! Never could have figured that out! Best excursion ever! Check. Sometimes it can be worth it!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

We spent between 3 people over $2000 (aud) extra onboard our last cruise. That was without buying spa treatments, activities, and speciality dining. It cost us way more than our first cruise, when we only spent $600

[@travelwithdebandnick]

And we all had a refreshment drink package as well. This is not included in the $2000

[@larryqueen1638]

We generally always book a shore excursion the first or second time to a port so we can get a general feel for the port, not feel like we missed out and know we won't be left. Several people have been left behind every cruise we have been on. 🙈

[@barbaralazier8352]

Great tips ❤

[@barbaralynch5139]

As a Reservations agent for a major airline, I can't tell you the number of people I have spoken with who missed their cruises because they booked their flights on embarkation day, and then we have a weather or maintenance delay/cancellation! Playing "catch up with the cruiseship" is not fun and can be more expensive than if you had flown a day in early to begin with!

[@janicecroissiert9116]

You are right! The cruise excursions are not worth it, for us. Yes, had a cabin on a very low floor once near the engines, oh what a nightmare! Oh boy. So noisy, especially when the engines rev up in the wee hours. I had no sleep! Even with earplugs, or zzzquil. Terrible, never again. And, also cramming everything in 1 day! Thanks for this, and the other tips. Didn’t know about booking the restaurants before cruising. Yes, yes to taking the stairs! Agree!

[@richarddeason1845]

Agree with you One point I have Pick the right ship for u and family Not everyone wants a party ship Or dress up ship

[@CG_86]

Me and my wife went on our first cruise in 2017 for our honeymoon. We went on the carnival sunshine. We were going to go on another one this year on carnival Mardi gras but covid put a halt to that. Now that things are returning to normal we'll probably go next year. I will say I recommend getting an interior cabin around the 2nd floor and middle of the ship. 1. It's the most budget friendly giving you more money to spend on more activities. We figured we'd be out doing things on the ship anyways and our cabin was only for sleeping. 2. You don't get light coming into your cabin making it easier to sleep in and the location made it very quite and you don't feel the ship rocking that much.

[@henryschumacher4047]

Great video about cruising besides setting a budget make sure you look at your bill during the week of the cruise, so there are no surprises on the amount your spending while on board.

[@mamapetecooley7324]

Great tips

[@vacationmode6286]

Thanks for the tips! We have never cruised before and still planning what our first trip will be - probably something out of LA or San Diego because we live in oregon. Thanks for all you do!

[@Catherine22518]

You’re going to love it! I live in Oregon too and just booked a cruise out of Seattle on Norwegian Encore to Alaska! So excited!! Happy sailing!

[@DenaInWyo]

My mistakes: Cruising with someone I didn't know ahead of time that I would get along well AND travel well with (turned out she's in the top 3 people I dislike most ever...long story), cruising to the Bahamas (specifically Nassau and Freeport..personal opinion, but never again), and like you, cruising during the summer, for the same reasons. It makes far more sense for me to go in January or February anyway because it gives me a break from winter weather. Good vid!

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Great hints n tips....... I don’t think anyone will take Cruising for advantage anymore.... Can’t wait to get back to it...just need to re- convince my husband it’s safe and enjoyable again....👍

[@ltwlof4967]

I've only been on one cruise and the first day we explored the whole ship and then planned what we wanted to do in order to allocate time for each place on board.

[@evelynhillier2877]

The only time we've flown in on the same day as sailaway was when we did Jet Set Sail with Celebrity, their own chartered flight out of a private terminal in Luton. Since we travelled with them, we were guaranteed to get to the ship in good time! Very relaxing. As for shore excursions, due to Covid-19 protocols most itineraries still say it's either a ship's excursion, or you stay on board.

[@joejoejohnson8207]

Shore excursions depends. Brazil get one.. St Thomas no.

[@jodyforsyth8489]

Have made all 10 of those mistakes at one point or another! - your best tip is to never, ever travel to your destination port on the day of your cruise - very stressful! - thanks guys

[@alone_not_lonely57]

Plus it's great fun to explore the port city 1 or 2 days before.

[@DenaInWyo]

And with the way airlines are these days, you've got about a 50/50 chance of making your ship.

[@andrewcharlesevanch]

100 percent agree!!! I worked for years with two of the largest cruise travel agencies, very good advice in this video. Only tip I would add is take the longer 7-14 day vacations and newer ships if possible. Happy cruising! ~~~~~

[@ZurriyetBlogs]

thank you

[@gman77gas]

Also cabins midship you feel less rocking fore and aft.

[@TravelingFlamingo]

Great point!

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Totally agree and normally a lot cheaper if you get a cabin lower down just above sea level which is best location less rocking. After all you don't spend much time in your cabin only for changing and sleeping.

[@shawnryan8345]

Good advice ⚠️ Spot on 👍 Been there and learned hard way too. Better informed , better cruise 😀 Ty, Ben & David 🍻

[@davidl.6509]

I always research deck plans and like to find to oddball cabins in out of the way places, employing all the tips you Boys have talked about. Quite often they are great values, and great or even better than the regular cabins.

[@bridgetlydon7]

Thanks to you both, great information.

[@TravelingFlamingo]

Also wear comfy shoes!

[@penelopepitstop762]

The most important thing you can do is look at the deck plans and see what’s above and below. I learned that the hard way.

[@patriciamolina5841]

Good points guys!😉👍 We usually book 1-2 excursions, depending on the port and what they have to offer. Or we rent a van and plan out our day.

[@matthewlysne]

Love your videos and insights as always! Some friendly feedback, I don’t disagree with the cost of shore excursions but with youngish kids, they really are a decent way to safely get offshore and entertain the kids too and lower parental anxiety (it’s one thing if I miss the ship-but if the KiDS miss the ship-that cruise becomes Bad News Bears.) And for some, I can see mobility and personal safety being good reasons to stick with the corporate excursions. Same feedback on school breaks-for us it’s a necessity to travel then. (I’d LOvE to take a cruise in October, so I feel you!!!🤣)

[@mlwise24]

I agree with not cruising during summer time or spring break. However Holidays are great fun. I have done Halloween and Christmas. I now cruise every Christmas. I'll be on Mardi Gras this Christmas.

[@TravelingFlamingo]

As a teacher I’m stuck to the holidays. A Halloween cruise would be fun! One day 😊

[@mlwise24]

@@TravelingFlamingo I can not suggest any harder to do a holiday cruise. It is the very best

[@jacquelinechristensen9231]

Great advice. Over twenty cruises we learned these points.

[@samph3315]

We book excursions but independently via Trip Advisor. It saves us about 40%. But we have also taken private guides as well. We sometimes book through the cruise line if we're in a place where we have to go on a long drive and we want to feel secure that we're getting back in time.

[@texasboy5117]

We really enjoy the off season to cruise, and plan our room location with care. All good points

[@7509Christina]

I love how you give key useful information that is straight and to the point. I had already planned to go to Italy for a couple days before my Mediterranean cruise. I've also been looking at the Christmas on the Rhine cruise through Viking.

[@lisaanderson8235]

These are just great travel tips in general! But wow, the cabin selection tip is one I wouldn't have thought of. You don't want to be near something loud or TOO far from the stairs/ elevator. 😊👍

[@wehojm7320]

A great summation of thing not to do on a cruise that you experienced yourselves. You know of what you speak.

[@stevehumphreys8666]

Great video again. But don't you mean we won't take cruising for granted not advantage?? Lol

[@titchlewis51]

Brits say for granted

[@james82]

Yeah I thought this, I can’t understand how on earth they got the phrase wrong on the graphics and also in the script. 100% Brits would say ‘for granted’. But then they might not have known the original phrase ‘from the gecko’. Let’s hope on the the next cruise they have a ‘flaming yawn’, Bone Apple Tea!!!

[@vcjtx]

Great tips!! I'll finally be cruising again in January - almost 2 years!!😳

[@MrBTimesThree]

We typically DONT book shore excursions…..except when we do. Lol The most expensive SE we booked was in Cozumel (we will never return there) and we booked to see Chichen Itza (Mayan Ruins). We desperately wanted to see them - but it was a 45 minute ferry ride, then a 2 hour bus ride, 2 hours there and then the same in return. There was no way we were going to risk being left behind…..so we remortgaged our home and booked it. That is the only SE we have booked through the cruise line. Other ports, we’ve booked excursions through other companies abd have had great time.

[@LoganLavery]

That’s interesting. I worked on board cruise ships for years and Cozumel is one of my favourite Caribbean ports. Yes, if you want to go to Xcaret or Tulum, a (often choppy/rough) ferry ride to the mainland is required.

[@Catherine22518]

Remortgaged your home!! 🤣😂🤣😂

[@debsterlee3801]

Great tips, especially for those who are new to cruising. I typically never book ship excursions but for my upcoming 11 ports in 11 days cruise, I have booked a few thru the ship, mainly because of time, transportation options (or lack of) and never having been to these ports. But for the rest it is a private tour or DIY.

[@tacoandmemes6890]

One of the best informative videos I have watched. 👏👏👏 ***STANDING OVATION!*** 👏👏👏

[@sitode]

Point #1 is always overly emphasized on KZbin. Booking onboard excursions is not always the worst choice and booking locally doesn’t always save you money. We always end up with a mix of onboard excursions, independent and none at all! It really depends on your port.

[@Cruisewith]

On our 42nd cruise never seen a cruise booked shore excursion cheaper on a cruise compared to a 3rd party or doing it yourself like for like.

[@Scott__C]

I kind of agree with you. While I understand booking your own stuff and certainly no one wants to overspend, factors other than price are important. If the excursion is longer or ends too close to all aboard time, I'm not taking the chance of missing the ship.

[@femmefuntime]

Also the extra money for the on board excursion might be worth it so you’re not stressing about getting back to the ship on time.

[@sitode]

@@Cruisewith When you factor in costs for taxis to meet up with the independent tour, it can happen depending where meeting point is compared to cruise port. Also, money isn’t the only determining factor. Nobody should EVER go independently to Chichen Itza from Cozumel. I’ve seen the cruise ship ones barely make it back and I’ve even seen the cruise ship held for that tour as well (they won’t hold it if you go independent). Also, I prefer walking through European towns with a Rick Steves self guided walking tour versus paying for any tour. Your 42 cruises don’t make you the definitive and unquestionable experts, but perhaps more experienced than average. Keep in mind you never know someone else’s experience level. Also, luxury cruises like Regent include most tours and Viking includes an overview tour...so without a doubt you’d be wasting money to go 3p.

[@cruiselifeeric]

If I'm doing an excursion in Belize, for example, where everything is at least a 45 minute drive from the port, you'd better believe I'm doing the ship's excursion. The extra money you pay is worth it for assurance the ship won't leave without you.

[@mewette1992]

I always have to book shore excursion. I usually travel with my 63 year old mom who has trouble walking. We came so close in Sint Maarten that we could have lose the ship. But since it was with MSC themselves, they needed to wait. You need to really trust your surroundings to be able to book your own excursions but that is very risky. If your young and able, knock your self out but if you struggle just a little, please do your excursions via the cruise ship.

[@FABAGENT]

I disagree sweet Ben and David, I LUV shore excursions and have been on some fantastic ones. Some have been super FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

[@alone_not_lonely57]

Another plus to booking activities ahead is if you are on a budget, you can pay for your extras one at a time. Plan out what you want, and then add them individually. By the time you cruise, you've paid for them all💵💷🙂

[@2000konnie]

My favor time to cruise (Caribbean) is around early May. Of course that wasn't possible the last couple of years, so I booked a short RC Bahamas cruise for September. Definitely not my favorite because I'm thinking 50-50 it will sail due to peak hurricane season. Fingers crossed for good weather :)

[@9Xavier1]

0:59 Good luck using Dayton, Ohio’s public transport on your next cruise. 😉 😆

[@dons123111]

Shore excursions get a 65/35 approval from me. Ive had very fantastic ones and very poor ones. We trade off spending a day or couple of days depending on the cruise, take in a swim, then walking, shopping, touring in the port seeing it's sights. These are counted among some of our best cruise days, they often are luscious masterpieces.

[@Albert-fe8jx]

Tip #7 airplane mode was especially valuable. I wondered about necessity of purchasing a drinks package if you prefer bottled water to tap. I've heard cruise lines are prohibiting you from bringing on a case of bottled water when you initially board.

[@sandraarnold7528]

I always have a hotel night stay before a cruise near the port! Why not have an extra day on your hols! X

[@mikkiduf]

Twice on the same cruise, our NCL excursion was late getting back to port, in Norway - the ship had to wait for us. The same cruise my friends and I were left behind at a restaurant on shore and the restaurant staff called NCL, the bus had to come back and get us!!!!

[@JanetCrawford]

Excellent points!!! This is definitely a keeper!!! Thank you!

[@wendykoek6757]

Good advice too as always my sister travels up on the train on the night before the cruise she gets to Sydney in the morning of the cruise after having not slept all night makes you tired earlier that night on the ship, where me I live south of the port I have a great sleep the night before and go to the port in the morning get there by lunch time and I am right for the day to embark the ship

[@garytilkin]

I agree with cruise excursions, except on luxury cruises to exclusive ports. . I also agree with not cruising during holidays. I always do suites, on my cabin selection choices.

[@ZurriyetBlogs]

exclusive ports ? which ones ?

[@garytilkin]

@@ZurriyetBlogs Look at the upcoming Crystal Cruises Bahamas offering. Small ship, small ports rarely visited. Also, luxury lines in Europe. A whole different experience

[@ZurriyetBlogs]

@@garytilkin Thank you

[@macrichardson7440]

My husband and I have done 14 cruises. I agree with every single one of these. The only thing i would add is Don't be selfish. Don't stand socializing in isles, hallways, in front of elevators or food areas. Stop yelling in hallways and balconies. YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY GUEST ONBOARD. Also ask your travel agent to inquire if the dates you want have block outs for large groups. The Cruise line can tell you if they also have 500 screaming cheerleaders, or International line dance people cruising on your same week. You will want to avoid that.

[@Twoguysonaship]

Wowsa. That’s bonkers. Feel for you guys. Such a shame so it was looking great. Was almost changing my mind on MSC after all the negative stuff I’ve heard elsewhere. But this has sealed the deal and won’t ever be sailing with them….

[@casskmiec9472]

Oh how I wish I could cruise outside of the summer, but I'm a teacher so unfortunately it's our only option.

[@med6399]

Your work is fabulous! 🎖🎖🎖 You make us smile!😎😎😎

[@Cruisewith]

Thank you so much 😀

[@FABAGENT]

@1:22 yes LOL I made the mistake (not thinking really about the dates when I booked it) of booking a Caribbean cruise during Spring Break. It was an interesting cruise to say the least.

[@alyssasimon3940]

love the tips. I am so going to enjoy the Mardi Gras when we sail her in the fall.

[@willgaukler8979]

...if you can book excursions when you book the cruise ... venues can sell out weeks before the ship even sails ... Like the Maho Beach excursion limited to about 45 people ...

[@rtroyer8963]

All great tips, things you don't want to learn "the hard way"!!!

[@melaniedavenport]

Don't forget...if you book the excursion with the cruise you are guaranteed to make it back in time.

[@kaybrisvegas1099]

Lucky you can cruise again, not happening here in Aussie. Most likely 2nd part of 2022 but maybe I am dreaming.

[@alej8902]

Excellent tips 👍🏻👌🏻 Thank you for sharing!

[@billboggs6641]

Don't know why anyone would pay extra for a specialty restaurant. The food being served in the regular spots is already top notch and part of your cruise. You can have as much as you want anytime you want. Drink packages are a waste of money cuz you really aren't on the boat that much except for day at sea. ( unless you really pound them at night ) Wine package is all right if you have wine with your dinner every night. Also a waste of money to eat anywhere in port. ( maybe a light snack )You can usually time it around your excursions to eat on the boat. Having drinks in port is a good idea though, usually cheaper than on board.

[@ua_dancer]

With our reality you can not go out in ports if you do not booked ship excursion. You can not explore by your self. And about elevators: only four people allowed inside of elevator. And, yes, better use a stairs, special, when you go down :)

[@jimjohns8017]

Though we had a good upgraded room one cruise, turns out we were right below the free weight section of the spa, and of course, some fitness nut couple was up there every morning at 7am dropping weights on our ceiling.

[@CrossingBorderz]

Enjoy every single moment, indeed, cheers! ✌

[@alanbarlow3974]

Hi . Just wanted to say a massive thanks for your vlogs. I’ve only cruised on Fred Olsen and Cunard. I’m now looking for something different and thinking of sailing solo for the first time. Norwegian Cruise Lines is very appealing although while I don’t want anything too formal dress wise I’d prefer to eat at set times to meet more people. That said, I like my own company too. And to always be out in the sun. So I think I’ll continue the search. I’ve binge watched most of your vlogs because you’re honest and I like your presentation style. So keep the vlogs coming! 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@lizdavis6214]

I think you would like Holland America if you like Fred Olsen.

[@DanielPerez-rp8wd]

If you book a solo cabin on one of Norwegian's newer, larger ships, they have a meet up in the solo lounge every evening at 6.30. People meet up and then go to dinner together.

[@nancywilson2884]

I once booked an ocean view and it was so noisy at night while we were trying to sleep, not sure what it was we heard but loud scrapping noises below us. Not sure if all ocean views are like this but it’s my excuse now to always get a balcony! 😂

[@EagleRockers]

Good video, short and concise, packed with great tips! La La Land loves you guys!

[@Flies2FLL]

1. Avoiding shore excursions through the Cruise line may indeed get you better tours of areas, but you HAVE to be back at the port before sailing time. If a line shore excursion cannot get back to the ship due to a broken down bus, for example, the Captain HAS to delay the departure until all passengers are back on board. That is not true if you do your own excursions! That, and the lines made doubly sure the shore excursions are safe and that their passengers will not get robbed or get into any trouble at all. Make your decision.... 2. At 6:18 you say not to use elevators: EXCELLENT! You just earned yourself a thumbs up AND a subscriber! I have never put on a single pound on the five cruises I have been on [one of which was interrupted due to the ship wrecking, no it was not the Concordia~] because we always used the stairs. With our suitcases yes, but otherwise it was the stairs. And I make a point of three miles on the treadmill [I HATE these things~!] every day. The food on the boats in the buffets are GOOD and you will pack 'em on if you don't at least take the stairs! 3. Don't do the special dining. You are eating the same food just in a more formal environment, it comes from the same stores/restaurant. If that's what you want, fine, but you are spending money you don't need to. That, and many of these special dining restaurants require you to wear formal wear, which complicates your suitcase. 4. The last point is important: Try to meet other people. This enhances your cruise and you'll make fast friends. Great video!

[@elizabethmills6496]

Very helpful, havent cruised for years but love it and cant wait to get onboard

[@Tatyana_2373]

Good morning guys thank you so much

[@christiangchrisg3302]

I'm really surprise you haven't mention - DON'T GO TO CASINO, ON BOARD , REMEMBER THE HOUSE ALWAYS WIN . I saw peoples getting 2-3 times to get $$$$$ of the Bank machine

[@kennedymeow]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful.

[@janknowles1963]

Very good advice, guys. I learned some of this the hard way .

[@Vacation4us1]

Really enjoy your videos. Can’t wait to book our next cruise 🚢

[@juhakeskinen1103]

Thanks for very good tips 👍🏻

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Always get a cabin just above water level or midway less turbulence and rocking and a lot cheaper. Why spend more on a upper level cabin which is more expensive with more turbulence in rougher weather and let's face it you only spend time in your cabin for changing & sleeping.

[@donb2480]

Good info….I agree with you 100%. …I do everything you said….

[@abv5488]

Thanks for tips on phone use that will be helpful when I cruise next year.

[@pandorad3427]

That was LOVELY !!! Thank you.

[@tammyherndon6701]

Great advice.

[@nelsondeaton9271]

Thank you Ben!! Great information!!!

[@wendyjenkins1559]

THANK YOU FOR THE TIPS🤛

[@breadyegg]

Another WiFi caveat. Some cruises do internet by the minutes. You log in to a page start the minutes and log out to stop them. Don't forget to logout!!

[@RicardoLopez-mc5op]

You can’t book the sanctuary on Princess ahead of time like you stated.

[@thesledgehammerblog]

Another one I'd add to the list: Booking short "sampler" and repositioning cruises. This seems to be mostly a US West Coast thing as ships reposition to and from Alaska, but I'm sure it happens elsewhere as well. In my experience, short cruises tend to be disappointing more often than not. In theory they are relatively inexpensive and it's a good way to "try out": a line or a ship, but they tend to be inconveniently scheduled (often they're in the middle of the week which means you just about need to take a whole week off work anyway,) repos tend to happen at the beginning and end of a season where the weather can be less than ideal, there are few (or frequently no) stops, and especially the 1, 2 and 3 day cruises tend to turn into booze cruises. I've had repositioning cruises that I've enjoyed, but most of the time when I take one I find myself wishing I had just booked a 7 day cruise instead.

[@DenaInWyo]

And if you're "trying out" and end up on a booze cruise, you don't get to actually experience what it's really like anyway. 6 days is the minimum I'd recommend for getting to know what cruising is like. I won't fly for less than that, and I prefer longer. I've gotten around it on my next cruise (friends picked it, and I want to see them, otherwise I would never have booked) by booking a 4 and 5 day back to back. When you have to fly to a port, less than 6 is just not worth it and I even try to avoid those in preference for 7+.

[@petrocarbo]

Here’s a tip you missed: Arrive into your favorite destination among the itinerary of the cruise you are thinking of taking, find and book suitable accommodations, unpack once, enjoy the port city, on your own schedule and terms, wave at the cruise ships that come and go, leaving behind a perfectly good beach, incompletely explored port city, and the freedom from cruise insanity that only a leisure destination can provide.

[@PleaseApplaud]

It's not for everyone, but it suits a lot of people with mobility problems who struggle with airports and navigating new cities that have poor adaptations for step-free access or other access needs. I love longer stays, but my cruising with someone who has poor (and declining) mobility means they can still go on holidays safely, and book things now that they know they will still manage to do in 2 years time, even if their mobility gets worse. While I get to taste lots of places, and then I go back later for a longer stay in my favourite ones.