Too Many First-Time Cruisers Still Get This Wrong

When I started cruising, I made many mistakes and on every cruise I go on I see first-time cruisers still making those very same mistakes I did on their first cruising vacation. This list of the 7 most important things every first-time cruise passenger must know and what to do should help!
ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 85 cruises I have done to date.
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#FirstTimeCruiseTips #CruiseTips #CruisingTips
00:00 Start
00:31 Best First Cruise
01:36 Best First Cruise Line
07:18 Best First Cabin
09:02 Getting Best Cost
12:27 Best First Excursions
14:55 More First-Time Watch-Outs

[@dborlando]

And my worst cruise nightmare (as well as hilarious) was having packed ALL my clothes the night of departure. That’s right… I had NOTHING to wear but a Royal Caribbean bath robe off the ship, on the bus from the ship, and onto the cruise terminal (and waited 45 minute in my robe for our luggage to be sorted before my luggage section was ready for me to collect). At least I have a picture for memories and laughs!

[@ryastor]

If it makes you feel better, I saw where a husband had packed up all the clothes trying to be helpful while his wife was showering recently and she also had nothing to wear but the cruise's bathrobe out lol!

[@lauramata4244]

I LOVE sea days! I can sit and watch the ocean for HOURS and not be bored.

[@fifthof1795]

Same here.

[@singingwindrider9881]

Yes. That's what I look forward to, the sea days!

[@Skoogman13]

Really? I won't go on a cruise that has more sea days than port days. Boring, boring, boring...I guess each to their own. I travel to explore, not vegetate...maybe my curse, but my preference.

[@fifthof1795]

@@Skoogman13 You think chilling out to the sea is vegetating?

[@singingwindrider9881]

@@Skoogman13 same old tourist crap at every port, that's boring to me.

[@sarge6870]

Just to fine tune something..Once you are paid in full, the cruise line will not do changes. This is why it is best to just pay the deposit and go into a payment plan. As long as you are not paid in full yet, there is a MUCH better chance the line WILL honor the new promotion.

[@stevenforcey7788]

Also note that disembarking at the end of a cruise can take a very long time especially with the large ships. It is usually staggered so make sure for your next journey/flight etc (if applicable) that there is sufficient time or you could miss a flight. Also make sure you have pre-arranged transport as waiting for a taxi with many other travellers could be extremely lengthy.

[@chrishatherley3531]

As an ex Shore Excursions Manger for P&O Cruises I'm so glad you included the warning about the ship not waiting for guests. Seen that happen far too many often with independent explorers. 👍👍

[@davidfence6939]

The fact some people are so entitled that a ship with 500-6000 passengers and 600-2500 crew would wait on them is beyond me. An airline doesn't wait so why do they expect a cruise ship to do so?🤦‍♂️

[@alanela6761]

If I recall correctly there is always a very loud announcement from the ship.. "do not get back late. you may wind up staying here"

[@EtzEchad]

Very important: double check when you need to be back on board when you take a shore excursion, especially if you book your own. I was on a cruise once and they moved the on-board time up by an hour on the day of the port call. Several people almost missed the ship and I believe that one couple did miss it. Also, I always planned to be back on the ship an hour early because I am a little paranoid about missing the ship.

[@LeftCoastStephen]

I really enjoy watching those people running down the wharf. Remember one family lazing along taking selfies while the lines were being taken in! They seemed to think that that could get on the ship at anytime before it actually started moving!

[@CaminoTurtle]

How do you know when the ship changes their time? Do you just let your smartphone change with the time zone?

[@LeftCoastStephen]

@@CaminoTurtle there’s clocks all over the ship and the TV’s in our cabin showed the ship’s time

[@dieseldragon6756]

From what I've been watching over the past couple of days, it seems that getting *Local* time and *Ship* time mixed-up is a common problem. The soundest advice seems to be to set your watch to *Ships Time* and set return/departure alarms on that so when your watch beeps to tell you you've an hour to get back on board, you remember that „Departure at 15:00“ (Ships clock, CET) may not be as distant as the clock you're looking at (GMT, CET -1) might otherwise suggest...

[@nursie94]

I wish more cruise reviewers would discuss the fact that so many of the ‘adventurous’ excursions have a weight limit. My husband is a very active former wrestler. A really big guy.

[@jaybuzz00]

How huge is he?

[@GigglingKat]

My first cruise was in 2005 and I lucked out - I had access to a travel agent through work. I wanted to take my mom to Alaska but she gets motion sickness easily so I wasn't sure about cruising. They asked me where we typically ate out (standard fare franchise restaurants) and where we typically went on vacations (we're Floridians so typically Orlando theme parks at the time) and she advised me to book a cruise on one of the bigger lines and to get an inside cabin as low and to the middle as I could get and to pick one of the 7 day ones in and out of Vancouver (common at the time). She also recommended sticking to the cruise excursions as not to worry about the times as well. I listened and we ended up on Norwegian as Mom despises formal dress and I figured their "freestyle" dining would appeal and booked all the excursions through the cruise. We had a BLAST. We were quite surprised when we found people who weren't enjoying it and looking back I realize that agent basically walked me through this vid - to be honest, I'd forgotten she asked me about eating out and vacations until I watched this! The ones that weren't enjoying it were folks that were not on the right type of cruise or the right kind of cabin. I hope first timers see this prior to booking. These things really do make all the difference.

[@amybradley5821]

All true! First cruise on Carnival, never again. Love smaller ships, less party types so cruise Holland America and some NCL now. Don’t understand all the roller coasters, water slides etc. can do all that at theme parks. I want to relax, quiet ship with great ports. Save the partying and excitement for ports, that’s me

[@debra333]

I'm with you, Amy!

[@timwolfers7880]

The entertainment ships are geared for families with kids primarily. Parents can relax, while their kids are entertained. Win win for that category of cruiser.

[@davefitzpatrick6370]

Holland America, best cruise ever, no kids !!!! Carnival, nope, Disney, hell no...

[@barbram8001]

Amy Bradley...You will like the Azamara.

[@Minaish11]

I LOVE long cruise days out at sea!! We used to sail will my dad...he was a master mariner on cargo ships. Our longest sea voyage without touching shore was 30 days!!! It was AMAZING. 🇮🇳

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

my preference would be to only be at a port to leave or return. I prefer long stretches at sea.

[@hannahmitchell6262]

Wow

[@nathanielseymour8108]

Me too. On the last Royal Caribbean cruise I was on they had a huge dessert buffet on our days at sea.....so there's one more reason. ;)

[@garethevans7602]

wow! lucky you!

[@MaryOKC]

I took a 14 night Norwegian cruise (a last minute cruise) and right above my cabin was the teen club and the good news was there was only one teen on board that cruise so it was quiet…the cabin was chosen for me and it was a cabin for the hearing impaired.. it was large as well, and was the best cruise ever👍🏻! Once mask conditions are removed we will cruise again. ..we might be senior citizens by then.

[@56dlp]

I did Norwegian last month for 7 nights. The ship was only 38% occupied! It was wonderful.

[@ALL4SCUBA05]

We cruised months ago and didn’t have to wear masks. NCL didn’t require it.

[@LCLand]

Princess does not require and now have religious exemption 🙏🏼✝️🙂

[@yousufhasan4998]

I did a 7 day MSC Cruise in the Baltic Sea last month and the only requirement for masks were in the Theater and medical room. The ship was 1/3rd full. Definitely the best of the 4 cruises I've been on!

[@jackieheidorn5875]

I have an additional hint regarding choosing your cabin. Most ships will "skim" the coast on part of the cruise. If you want to be able to see the coast and not just the sea then pay attention to which side of the ship your cabin is located. We took a cruise to Hawaii while lava was going into the sea and our ocean view cabin was on the shore-side of the ship. We were able to watch the lava from our room instead of having to join all the other people on the pool deck of the ship trying to get photos or just watch the lava stacked together like canned meat.

[@c-linnd606]

So true! My husband always books a cabin with this in mind. Great tip overlooked.

[@d.6593]

But how to find out?

[@eddiegarcia8040]

Would that be on the drivers side

[@colinthomas867]

@@eddiegarcia8040 lol

[@esterdrass4964]

Shore side is best? Is that considered port or starboard side? I am planning a cruise in January and want to get this whole thing right!!

[@BillMattson]

I typically take the Cruise excursions whenever I'm visiting a new port. Once i've visited a port I'm more informed and can decide which way is best.

[@coma13794]

What a wonderful way to present such a wide range of choices without letting your personal prefs clouding every statement. Very helpful! I love the lack of drama in your videos, you just get on with it.

[@cherylkavanagh3387]

This was an extremely useful video. These are the ever important details that can make or break your cruise experience.

[@docmalthus]

Took my first cruise in August, Holland America to Alaska, and was helped immeasurably by your videos. And I turned many of my fellow cruisers on to your site. Good info needs to be shared!

[@largol33t1]

His tips are so helpful and I find it sad that he hasn't hit 500K subscribers yet...

[@moistbreadstick5625]

holland to alaska??

[@heathertirak6051]

Any tips?? Were are taking that same cruise in July 2023

[@docmalthus]

@@heathertirak6051 Best tip I can give you is watch Gary's channel before you go, both with regard to Alaska and cruising in general. I thought Holland America was first rate, by the way.

[@heathertirak6051]

Thanks! Yes I subscribed!!

[@Hairmetallurgist]

Specialty cruises are a blast! My husband and I have sailed with "Cruise To The Edge" (a progressive rock cruise) since 2013. It is always a blast since we love the music and we always get a balcony cabin at the least. We also love the Mayan ruins excursions in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, etc. I never thought I'd like cruising, but I really love it! We've been on MSC, Norwegian, and a couple others.

[@patriciaroane4913]

My first cruise was a theme one on RC Explorer of the Seas, so even though there were too many kids, I had a good time with the people in my group. I am planning a transatlantic QM2 one in 2023, and hope it is mainly kid free.

[@stuartlee6622]

I think I just want to do nothing, but read a book and sit and look out on the sea. I'm leaning to being one of the very few freighter ship passengers. I don't care to constantly be "on" and be witty and amusing to scores of people from New Jersey and the outer boroughs. I live in Manhattan; I'm not a foodie. I have plenty of theater and film and great food here. I really just want to do nothing. And no evening clothes and not even a jacket and tie.

[@judithnaim-hirsh186]

Dear Gary I would like to thank you for your wonderful, detailed and practical videos!! I have close to 10 cruises under my belt but your videos have taught me so much more that I did not know. I am loyal to one cruise line and thus they have given me quite a few perks but you opened my eyes to many more. Thanks so much for everything!

[@rickcudmore8156]

Our first cruise was 10 nights on the Dawn Princess in the Caribbean and it hooked us into cruising. We booked all our shore excursions with the cruise line as recommended by our travel agent. Our port stop at the Isla de Margarita was cancelled due to a port strike so we had an extra sea day.

[@mstrathmore]

Such good advice - especially the part about choosing a cabin: never listen to anyone who tells you not to worry about the cabin!

[@mattdavis4248]

For me being an introvert with socializing issues, I need time away from people. Having down time in a comfortable and quiet place is important.

[@neilevenden3481]

We went on our first cruise in January 2020. Boy, was our timing good. I watched a number of your videos, and talked to others who had been on many cruises, do we were better prepared for the experience. Our Travel Agent was very good at making recommendation and plans. This was especially true for a first-timer. Can't wait to go on another cruise in the future.

[@johnfern]

Another good reason to get a nice ocean view (preferably balcony) is, if for any reason you are quarantined, you will still be able to see the ocean.

[@AnthonyWilliams-dc5ez]

Gary, thank you for the greatest informative videos…EVER! My wife and I learn so much about cruises thanks to you! We’re part-time tracer agents, and when we do ship inspections, we don’t get this kind of information to pass on to our clients! I understand now why you’re the top cruise KZbinr out there!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@SM_77799]

Thank you so much for your guidance 🙏🏽 I've recently booked our first cruise with P&O, departing from Auckland NZ & visiting the South Pacific (New Caledonia, Vanuatu etc.). I didn't book the balcony room I wanted, Instead settled with the Oceanview room - to allow for the $ difference for a few excursions. I'm very grateful P&O have gifted a complimentary birthday cake & have waitlisted us for a room upgrade (if possible).

[@kevdogcle9955]

On my first cruise. I sailed with carnival. I love this Cruise line. I also learned, before I went . I would plan everything out. I pre booked those items, that I wanted to do or not. I would then, included them in my booking and paid for the shore actives. I wanted to do then added in my booking. I also booked my sailing a year inadvance. I do the deposit. Then paid threw out the year on my sailing. And then watched the fair. And if it dropped. I call and request a price adjustment. And saved me over 200 on my first sailing. I planned a set Budget to spend and stuck to it. If I go on a 4 day sailing. I plan on saving a extra 200 for drinks and on ship actives. I never pay extra for the pay dinning restaurants. I stick to the buffets,free dinning offering and dinning room. It made me more relaxed and stress free. I also never just give them a credit card or debit card. I set up on board cash account. I put the 200 in and that's all I spent. On my cabins I always book a middle deck and middle of the ship cabin. I never book a cabin by a gym , spa ,dinning room,night club or elevator or Lobby.. Inside cabins are very quite and dark and I never have a issue with noise or disturbing my sleep. When I'm on the ship. I always walking around the ship and exploring it. I also never do long sailing. I stay with a 4 to 5 day sailing or mist 7 days. I also look at how the sea days on the sailing are on the internery. I sail to the Bahamas, western or southern Caribbean sailing. I been on 7 sailing and only had one sailing that was not so enjoyble. But all my others were relaxing and stress free . And loved them learned that when I booked to check the fair. to always book a middle ship inside cabin. I'm a ac

[@maryannelarsen1186]

Great job providing details on the different cruise lines. I agree that the room you choose is important.

[@FraserAtSea]

I totally agree with the cabin selection point - I was on a ship (which I'll not name and shame here) that had a horrendous creak outside my room, and I had 7 nights of AWFUL sleep. Had I planned better, I'd just have packed ear plugs and been absolutely fine!

[@lisabaker4255]

Our first cruise was 4 nights on Royal Caribbean with 2 kids. Great cruise with lots of excursions and things for kids to do onboard but I've never been so exhausted at the end of a trip. I vowed to have sea days on our next one, which was just my husband and I and our travel agent suggested Celebrity, much more for adults, and with 2 days at sea. Loved it! We sail on Celestyal next September, can't wait!

[@sippinh2o]

this video gave me years of cruising experience in just 15 minutes. highly recommended for beginners/first timers

[@highpsi11]

Your detailed knowledge is amazing! Thank you!!

[@jeffeby2218]

Well done! Very helpful. I will add you must understand the differences between trip insurance offered by the cruise line and 3rd party trip insurance. 3rd party can offer a lot more flexibility including canceling for any reason (at a cost, of course). You also need to be aware of the difference between ship time and port time if you are not on a ship excursion. You need to keep track of ship time and cell phones will often shift to local time. Finally, for US travelers, get a passport. It is just much easier to use even if a driver's license and birth certificate can be accepted as proof. We actually booked a trip and then had an unexpected expense 5 days before departure. We used all the spending cash we had planned to use onboard for that unexpected expense. We actually cruised spending no extra money. We drank a lot of coffee and iced tea! What was interesting is while it seemed like it would be less fun when we boarded, we adapted to it quickly and really enjoyed the cruise. Which leads to one last bit of wisdom. Be flexible. Things will not go perfectly but you can still have fun. Don't let an unruly fellow passenger affect your cruise. Smile and move on. Let others complain. Enjoy and relax!

[@TH-eb5ro]

Agreed, anyone leaving their home country is better off having a passport. If you need to take an emergency flight or other means you will need it. If there is a natural calamity or ship issue and you need to be evacuated, easier with a passport. If you are from the US join the STEP program, other countries may have similar programs.

[@Mike_McCord]

Different cruise lines handle time differently. CCL typically keeps the time of the departure port. So "ship time" remains constant. NCL however typically adjusts time to match the port, so you get a notice in your cabin to move time forward/backward as appropriate for the port. So "ship time" is local time. There are pro/con to each method, but most importantly, know how your particular ship is doing it!

[@karenmackie9665]

Great suggestions for first-time cruisers and for many-time cruisers. We learn from mistakes, but some mistakes are crucial!

[@MrWraygl]

I am not new to cruising but, I must say, this is one of the most informative videos I have ever watched on this topic. Learned several things I didn't previously know. Thank you!

[@timsanders9111]

Even though I have cruised several times, I find videos like this helpful. Thank you !

[@barbarakozera4564]

So happy I found your videos. Learning a lot. We are planning a cruise sometime and you’ve provided so much good information. Thank you

[@plum_colored_dahlia]

Gary’s list is all good insight for first timers. Bon Voyage! Go have some great experiences! When you look back over your life these will be some of the high points.

[@Karamellek]

Room choice is soooo important! I won my first cruise so I didn't get to chose my room which happened to be right above the anchor chain. Everytime it docked in the morning I was woken by the anchor dropping. Still had an excellent time though....

[@nedracrouse8125]

Love your tips

[@marykbennett8158]

I always enjoy your videos and advice, and not because I want to take one, but to reinforce that a cruise is not for me.

[@chanchaga]

Never been on a cruise before but I am so glad I watched this video. I am planning one and my informed decision is very much guided by this video.

[@carolyns99]

Don't forget that for many people there is no "first cruise" implying that there will be many more. For some, a cruise will be a once in a lifetime thing.

[@stevenstair1068]

We've been on 18 Carnival Cruises and each time it feels like are first Cruise again we absolutely enjoy them....

[@tlew9429]

Even if it’s your only, you may as well avoid mistakes if possible.

[@sheaholloway9537]

Very valid point, and well said. I thought the same thing regarding those who save up that money to only cruise once. Saying, well I've been on 18 cruises, etc. shows a serious lack of empathy. Yes. One might as well be educated for one's first or 18th cruise, so good point, thus the need for the video.

[@alexzapf6422]

Great point. For most bang for the buck, when planned properly, cruises are the best value. If you drink alcohol. Pay for the package. Don’t mess that up. For the most part. The regular dining is good enough. In my opinion. We go carnival because of the resort style feel. So. If we don’t want o go on excusrsions, there’s plenty on board to do. Great video by the way.

[@l.faraday8767]

We were extremely lucky on our first cruise. It was almost as if it was tailor made for us. Activity if you wanted it, peace and quiet if we didn’t. We chose Princess and we have stuck with them. Thanks for the top tips! ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@ElizabethWarrenYeahYeah]

This is very helpful. I'm planning to cruise next year and have absorbed all of this.

[@TheAviator504]

the one cruise I’ve been on, the sea days were my favorites! Relaxing and beautiful! There were enough things to do on the ship that I never got bored!

[@cu4wur6023]

Excellent advice and information Gary, thank you 😊

[@terrifromm5085]

Great tips, as usual. I completely agree on cabin location. I choose my location, deck, etc. as I enjoy quiet and I must be able to sleep.

[@Tenorsax69er]

Good point. I try choosing a cabin far away from the elevator so I know it’s not a cabin high traffic area as well.

[@mcsabie1]

Gary, you are so knowledgeable, thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!!

[@sweetypatnett6123]

Thanks Gary! I appreciate all the information you have given. 😊 I will definitely make a mental note.

[@Cruise2go2day]

My first cruise was on Soviet time cruiseship, at Black Sea only, and yes, first timers mistakes are very common. Thank you Gary for making that useful video for newcomers.

[@paulwright9644]

My wife and I are going on our first cruise soon, can't thank you enough for this VLOG and the many others you've produced.

[@smileycindy]

What a great video, very informative! I've never cruised but would love to eventually. Saving this for future reference when I do!

[@martinejoseph5266]

Great video Gary. I am not a seasoned cruiser (only 3 under my belt) and these advices rang so true

[@MichellePavel]

Awesome content Gary, so much help. Thank you

[@alanshepherd9210]

Great tips thank you. Looking forward to our first cruise

[@claytonzidell233]

Thank you Gary!! My wife and are trying to plan for our first cruise and watching all of these amazing ideas and tips is really a super HUGE help thank you my friend !!

[@pjfan173]

My wife and I are in the same situation as you. We have never been on a cruise and honestly I they never interested me. Please let me know if you go, who you went with and pros and cons

[@victorp7932]

I love your framed posters behind you. Reminds me off old travel postcards. 👌

[@HuddleAdventures]

Excellent content and editing as usual. You are an inspiration to me as a new cruise Vlogger.

[@alanm2725]

VERY HELPFUL. THANK YOU.

[@lindahart6049]

Excellent tips, as usual. You provide excellent information for both first-time and seasoned travelers.

[@lailaatallah1857]

Fantastic tips! Thank you. I was totally unaware about the strict cancellation policies and how the cruise line can change their itinerary at will, and you still sometimes can’t cancel once that happens, even if it’s before the cruise starts.

[@pissedoffpotato1882]

Will be a first time cruiser here too. My husband and I are currently looking forward to more of your content in your channel. We have watched quite a bit have not been disappointed with the information. It is very much appreciated

[@debrabessette2699]

My cruisemate and I book our cruise through Yankee Trails. We get bused directly to the port, Luggage is handled and loaded on board. Prices are great, don't have parking fees, no crazy traffic, no luggage to pull along. For first timers, We recommend you carry sunscreen and a few necessities on your person. Luggage takes a few hours to arrive to your stateroom

[@mharb8346]

Excellent advice I so wish I had had this advice before my first cruise.!!!

[@lucontin]

Thanks. Your videos are excellent, and have the best images.

[@kharris0465]

On my first cruise I discovered the extremely rare Other People’s Screaming Children. Not only do they scream endlessly, they also touch food and plates on the buffet line when they had no intention of using the plate or eating the food they put back on the buffet with their hand that’s dripping pool water into the rest of the food. Lesson learned.

[@donpM.A.D.4412]

Very, very interesting,and informative! Nice job!!

[@BYHIZBLOOD]

Thank you so much!! SO informative !!

[@cxa340]

I will say - we listened to a coworker who cruises a lot and selected a cabin with large porthole window on the second deck, and we loved it, having grown up sailing it was great reconnecting with the see and I spent an hour every morning just drinking my coffee and watching the sea/wake, later we did a cruise with a balcony and enjoyed it much less. One cruise they moved our cabin from the second deck to being above the theater, and the noise was unbelievable and we had no choice to complain.

[@rossnorton7781]

Great content,keep up the information it really helps.

[@larrykramer2761]

Fantastic video Gary! My prior 3 cruises were the Mexican Riviera and 2 very short cruises out of CA. All 3 were on Carnival. I'm going on my 4th cruise next year to Alaska! The cruise leaves out of Seattle and is on NCL. I'm excited because I haven't had a 1 week vacation in over 20 years.

[@randygrotzky9780]

Thank you Gary for your information about cruising it still helps me out and I’ve been on 8 cruises all on the same cruise line and have been very pleased with them i also have seen many changes both good and bad

[@paulthekkanath80]

Wow- crisp and precise advise 👍

[@sweetpepper13]

I've been cruising for a while now but I still found this video very helpful. Thanks! 🙂

[@joebaumgart1146]

The thing I'm most excited for believe it or not, is being able to look at the night sky without all that ambiant light around. I grew up in a city where there's streetlights and 24 hour stores everywhere. I feel like I'm misding out on so many stars up there.

[@jimzeleny7213]

Good luck with that! On our three Celebrity cruises there were so many ship lights that you could barely see the sky. From any deck.

[@kirbrit1]

Better join the Navy for that one. The cruise liners are lit up like christmas trees.

[@uRBruna]

@@kirbrit1 I had heard that as well, but I think it depends on the ship for sure. On the Disney magic I was able to see quite a few stars, saw orions belt and such. Definitely couldn't see the whole band of the milky way though, but it's certainly a LOT more stars than what I see in the city

[@melodyschleicher81]

Your best bet for seeing the stars in all their beauty is a night trip into a desert. We went into the Sahara whilst visiting Egypt. It was breathtaking. Black velvet liberally studded with diamonds is how I described it.

[@literacylabyrinth4018]

Just got back from a cruise on Royal Carribeans Ovation of the Seas, a beautiful experience on every level. The staff and food were wonderful. Its a massive ship so lots of walking and beautiful New Zealand tour . If youre not too fit I recommend Radiance of the Seas, smaller but had an incredible vacation at Vanuatu

[@TheMoonlightAdventures]

Great VLOG Gary! Emphasis on #1! Thinking about where you are going versus, I just want to go on a cruise can make a huge difference in your experience!

[@davejiannuzzi4160]

I have a shirt that says”The wake view is the best view” most certainly my favorite place to sit and watch the water!

[@jamesmatthews291]

This video should be on every first-time cruiser's most frequently played videos! Gold dust advice, particularly the categorisation of the different lines.

[@eleanor4482]

Great tips as always. Thanks for sharing.😎

[@johnam1234]

Thanks for the info about going on cruise and which helps my planning

[@davidfarmer7397]

Lots of good tips Gary!

[@karenglaicar5486]

Nice video. Great information. Thanks for doing this video. Take care.

[@ricklaplante1687]

Yes, our first cruise was in 2018 a 11day round trip from S.F. to Alaska on Princess. Ong, what a wonderful trip . We even did landcruise to Alaska in 2019. Love the Princess lodges. Another awesome trip. We are now cruisers.

[@charlesnazare7358]

Excellent advice and all in one place!

[@scm731]

Just found your channel. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge. Very kind indeed. 👍🏼

[@owensmith7530]

My first ocean cruise was the Baltic with Viking Ocean and it was a great choice, despite not being on your list of three.

[@tjeerdtrekkie1030]

I want to take a cruise vacation some day. pretty high on my bucket list. I want one of these cruises thats spends days on the sea. Would absolutely love it

[@karaalan2678]

Wow Thank you so much This is so much appreciated as I will be a 1st time cruiser in Dec The contents are just fantastic and so useful Thank you so much for sharing 🙏🙏🙏👍👍🚗

[@hokuspokus8947]

Good stuff, thank you for sharing

[@Wilem35]

Cruising right now is crazy.

[@Northstar2000]

Corona is a scam

[@polgaravasti]

Thank you Gary. This was very helpful.

[@indigosue3070]

Our first cruise was a family reunion cruise to Alaska, sponsored by my mom. She said it was the only way to get us all together in one place at one time. 😊 We learned a lot about how to choose a cruise from that experience. Bless you, Mom!

[@TarenaD]

How was it traveling through the Northwest Passage? It's on my bucket list.

[@purplerose9041]

@@TarenaD Do it. The inside passage is stunning. We had a balcony cabin and every time we were out on the balcony, we saw sea otters, dolphins and whales (twice). The view is so beautiful.

[@eloiseharris2014]

Recently returned from an Alaskan cruise. We loved it! I would definitely do it again.

[@louisyock9285]

And then...there are those of us surprised by what we discover we like. I would count myself as the opposite of a Carnival-type cruiser. But I booked my first cruise on Carnival because it was so inexpensive (10 years ago). I found out that I love the Carnival vibe. Before my first cruise I thought I didn't like ships, being out of sight of land, or crowds--what could go wrong on a Carnival cruise? But as we pulled away from port, I discovered my favorite way to vacation.

[@seeking70]

Love your videos! After 26 years of "cruises" in the Navy, my wife and I have tried to take at least one a year. As COVID hopefully dies down we want to start up again. Next on our list is Antarctica this February.

[@TooMuchLuggage]

Pls let me know how is the cruise in Antarctica. Have a great time

[@darlenevm]

This video explained perfectly why I hated my first cruise and swore I would never cruise again. It was on Carnival, which was geared towards partying and didn’t offer any entertainment onboard that interested me. That meant our days at sea were excruciating. Jumping overboard and swimming back to port would have been more fun. I went with a large group of friends, and a few of them chose the line and destination. Now that I know all cruise lines and venues are varied and provide different experiences based on preference, I’ll give cruises another try.

[@willgaukler8979]

...look at the top of the ship ... see any waterslides ? ... if not the ship is likely more adult natured and not so much family ...also book any excursions when you first book your cruise ... they fill up fast and you can always cxcl to a point ...

[@andream9470]

Watching all these videos from all of the different cruisers has definitely steered me towards wanting either a smaller cruise ship or a river cruise if we ever get to go.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

I hope you cruise again and find one you enjoy

[@chriswilliams6568]

a wise decision

[@ALL4SCUBA05]

Sounds like you didn’t do research BEFORE choosing. Your fault.

[@chaitanyamaddineni2020]

Very well put together video. Thank you

[@margaretwhitehead415]

I love cruising and love days at sea to just relax with a good book or around the pool.

[@jesperolsen8727]

Very informative, a well done video, thank you so much.