Suite Natured
Suite Natured
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Cruise Drinks Packages - Are They Still Good Value? | Cruise Cast Ep.21 With The Cruise Monkeys
Thinking of buying a cruise drinks package for your next cruise?
It's fair to say that we like a cocktail and we love a cruise drinks package, but are they for everyone?
In this episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we sit down with Gavin and Luke, better known to many as the Cruise Monkeys, to explore whether these cruise drink packages are just for heavy drinkers or if they offer real value for budget-savvy traveler's and look at the real pro & cons to buying one.
Plus, we dive into how these packages might nudge passengers toward more onboard spending, from shopping sprees to a few rounds at the casino after a cocktail or two, and much more.
We also have a cruise confession and take a look at three of the recent cruise stories that caught our eyes.
00:00 Introduction to Cruise Drinks Packages
02:01Understanding the Target Audience for Drinks Packages
04:36 Comparing Different Cruise Lines' Drinks Packages
06:52 Exploring the Virgin Bar Tab vs. Traditional Packages
09:12 Value for Money in Drinks Packages
11:09 The Importance of Added Value in Packages
12:12 Common Annoyances with Drinks Packages
14:13 The Complexity of Drinks Package Options
16:39 Gratuities and Pricing Transparency
18:48 Onboard Credit and Its Limitations
21:05 The Importance of Hydration on Cruises
23:32 Tips for Choosing a Drinks Package
26:50 Cruise Confessions: A Cocktail Catastrophe
30:31 Innovations in Pet-Friendly Cruising
35:11 Festive Celebrations on Princess Cruises
39:48 Unexpected Events: Sprinklers and Surprises at Sea
If you enjoyed this episode please consider supporting the channel via our UA-cam Membership ua-cam.com/channels/NaAHapT85jdtLYwrJhFsCw.htmljoin
And please consider subscribing to the channel to keep up to date with all our latest videos, podcasts and live streams and it would be great if you could give the video a like too 😀
Cheers, and have a lovely day
Linzi & Mark
Переглядів: 887

Відео

Are Cruise Drink Packages Still Worth It? Audio Only 🎧 - Cruise Cast Ep.21 With The Cruise Monkeys
Переглядів 492 години тому
Send us a text (www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2296509/open_sms) Ready to navigate the world of cruise drinks packages? We sat down with Gavin and Luke, the dynamic duo known as the Cruise Monkeys, to explore whether these packages are just for heavy drinkers or if they offer real value for budget-savvy travelers. Our chat uncovers how P&O's selection, including the intriguing Kung Fu ...
Which Is Right For You? - Alaska vs Fjords Cruises Comparison Guide
Переглядів 7709 годин тому
Alaska & The Norwegian Fjords cruises are at top of many cruisers and traveler's bucket lists but which, if you had to choose just one, would be the right one for you? We, very fortunately, managed to go to both Alaska and the Fjords within less than a year, and are sharing our thoughts in this video on which really is THE bucket list location. We take a look at the costs of cruising in both, l...
The Best & Worst Cruises For First Time Cruisers | Cruise Cast Ep.20
Переглядів 83214 днів тому
In episode 20 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the best and worst cruise lines for first-time cruisers, focusing on families and couples. Sharing our personal experiences and insights on various cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Cunard, and Virgin. We also touch on the ideal length for a first cruise and another entertaining cruise confessions and our take on the rece...
The Best & Worst Cruise Lines For First Time Cruisers - Audio Only 🎧| Cruise Cast Ep.20
Переглядів 9514 днів тому
In episode 20 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the best and worst cruise lines for first-time cruisers, focusing on families and couples. Sharing our personal experiences and insights on various cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Cunard, and Virgin. We also touch on the ideal length for a first cruise and another entertaining cruise confessions and our take on the rece...
Cruise Dress Code Comparison | 6 Different Cruise Lines 🛳️💃
Переглядів 2,1 тис.21 день тому
In our Cruise Dress Code Comparison, we are taking a look at what to wear on MSC, Cunard, Princess, Virgin, P&O and Virgin, and what you wear in the daytime, the evening and on formal, gala or party nights. One of the things we get asked most often is about cruise dress codes, and how does cruise line A compare to Cruise Line B, and there are a lot of pre-conceptions, some right, many wrong. In...
Ship Within A Ship - Is It A Step Up In Cruising? | Cruise Cast Ep 19 With Emma Cruises
Переглядів 1,5 тис.28 днів тому
In Episode 19 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast we are joined by Emma from @EmmaCruises to talk all things "Ship Within A Ship". Are they a step up in cruising, worth the money or over-hyped; and are all Ship Within A Ship experiences equal. We also have a unique cruise confession in this episode from our guest herself 😂 and of course take a look at some of the more interesting new stories from ...
Is It Worth The Splurge? Exploring The "Ship Within a Ship" Experience - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Ca...
Переглядів 10428 днів тому
Send us a text (www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2296509/open_sms) Join us on an exhilarating voyage through the world of premium cruising as we welcome Emma from Emma Cruises, who sheds light on the amazing "ship within a ship" concept. Discover the allure of exclusive areas, like private lounges and restaurants, that transform your cruise into an intimate escape from the hustle and bus...
Resilient Lady Full Cruise Review 2024 | The Best & Worst Experiences
Переглядів 4,8 тис.Місяць тому
In our Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Full Cruise Review, we break down the key aspects of a cruise, the embarkation, accommodation, food & dining, drinks & bar, entertainment, disembarkation and value for money; and give our overall review for Resilient Lady for our August 2024 cruise. It's no secret that we love cruising with Virgin Voyages, but one aspect of this cruise was the worst experien...
Sea Terrace Showdown: Virgin Voyages - The XL Debate!
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
Was The Sea Terrace On Virgin Voyages The Right Cabin For Us? Or Did We Make A Big Mistake? Having just cruised on Resilient Lady, and stayed in a Sea Terrace for the first time, we review it, and give you our thoughts, and at the same time give our side by side comparison to the Virgin Voyages XL Sea Terrace to see which give we felt was better for us, and which is better value. We also compar...
The Ever Increasing Cost Of Cruising💰| Cruise Cast Ep.18
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
Cruising Is Getting More Expensive - Fact, BUT Is It Still Worth It? In this episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the rising costs of cruising, comparing it to other vacation options and exploring the value that cruising still offers. We share personal experiences and insights on the evolution of cruise pricing, the impact of the pandemic, and the current trends in the cruise in...
Is Cruising Becoming Too Pricey? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.18
Переглядів 163Місяць тому
Send us a text (www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2296509/open_sms) Did you ever think cruising might be stretching your wallet too thin? Join us as we embark on a humorous and nostalgic voyage through our cruising past. Linzi and Marky kick off the episode with a lively discussion about mood music, surprising ties to the three ages of Elvis, and some cheeky Father Ted moments that will s...
The Craziest Cruise We've Ever Done | Resilient Lady 2024
Переглядів 1,9 тис.Місяць тому
The Craziest Cruise We've Ever Done | Resilient Lady 2024
Would These Gimmicks Persuade You To Cruise? | Cruise Cast Ep.17 With JJ Cruise
Переглядів 659Місяць тому
Would These Gimmicks Persuade You To Cruise? | Cruise Cast Ep.17 With JJ Cruise
What Will Cruise Lines Do Next To Get Your Money? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.17 With JJ Cruise
Переглядів 99Місяць тому
What Will Cruise Lines Do Next To Get Your Money? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.17 With JJ Cruise
Which Virgin Voyages Cabin is Better Value? | Insider Cabin vs Rockstar Suite
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Місяць тому
Which Virgin Voyages Cabin is Better Value? | Insider Cabin vs Rockstar Suite
Can A Cruise Be Too Much Fun? | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Ep.4
Переглядів 3,5 тис.2 місяці тому
Can A Cruise Be Too Much Fun? | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Ep.4
Hot Cruising vs Cold Cruising - Which is Better? | Cruise Cast Ep.16
Переглядів 9952 місяці тому
Hot Cruising vs Cold Cruising - Which is Better? | Cruise Cast Ep.16
Hot Weather vs Cold Weather Cruises - Which Is Better? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.16
Переглядів 822 місяці тому
Hot Weather vs Cold Weather Cruises - Which Is Better? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.16
A Wild Scarlet Night | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Vlog Ep.3
Переглядів 6 тис.2 місяці тому
A Wild Scarlet Night | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Vlog Ep.3
$25 Bottomless Brunch! | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Vlog Ep.2
Переглядів 3,4 тис.2 місяці тому
$25 Bottomless Brunch! | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Vlog Ep.2
Virgin Virgins - Is It As Wild As The TV Show Says? | Cruise Cast Ep.15
Переглядів 2,9 тис.2 місяці тому
Virgin Virgins - Is It As Wild As The TV Show Says? | Cruise Cast Ep.15
Is A Virgin Voyages Cruise Really That Wild? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.15
Переглядів 1602 місяці тому
Is A Virgin Voyages Cruise Really That Wild? - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.15
What A First Day | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Vlog Ep.1
Переглядів 8 тис.2 місяці тому
What A First Day | Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Vlog Ep.1
What to Pack for an ALASKA CRUISE
Переглядів 7053 місяці тому
What to Pack for an ALASKA CRUISE
Why We've Been Avoiding River Cruises | Cruise Cast Ep.14
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 місяці тому
Why We've Been Avoiding River Cruises | Cruise Cast Ep.14
Why We've Been Avoiding River Cruises - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.14
Переглядів 1013 місяці тому
Why We've Been Avoiding River Cruises - Audio Only 🎧 | Cruise Cast Ep.14
Alaskan Cruising: Everything You NEED To Know
Переглядів 1,7 тис.3 місяці тому
Alaskan Cruising: Everything You NEED To Know
Alaskan Cruise Review | Ruby Princess 2024
Переглядів 10 тис.3 місяці тому
Alaskan Cruise Review | Ruby Princess 2024
Last Minute Cruises: Are They Worth It? | Cruise Cast Ep.13
Переглядів 2,4 тис.3 місяці тому
Last Minute Cruises: Are They Worth It? | Cruise Cast Ep.13

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @paulkeay5032
    @paulkeay5032 4 години тому

    Kung Fu girl more often than not in our local Costco for about £12 a bottle.

  • @Slaylikebeaukay
    @Slaylikebeaukay 17 годин тому

    We love p and o as the kids are free ( one adult and one child in an inside room) two rooms ... Bingo

  • @jabbathehut656
    @jabbathehut656 День тому

    Surprised at the negative Celebrity comments. We have always found their premium package awesome, and we defintely had way more than 15 drinks each daily. Incl Speciality coffees and water I may add. Phew glad I put that last bit in

  • @selseybill
    @selseybill День тому

    I'm an avid golfer. What would happen if I hit the ball, over the aft, and a dog jumped in to retrieve it 😅

  • @selseybill
    @selseybill День тому

    Hi peeps. If you're teetotal, and you book, the alcohol free option, why can't you buy the minors package if you have kiddies, to save money? What happens to a teetotall passenger in the yacht club?

  • @annwagner-millward7039
    @annwagner-millward7039 День тому

    Looking forward to saying hi onboard, we’re all packed and ready to go. It’s my daughters 30th 🥳

  • @TrenaDavenport-b3j
    @TrenaDavenport-b3j День тому

    Ooh yes did you book the package 🙈🙈

  • @TrenaDavenport-b3j
    @TrenaDavenport-b3j День тому

    Love the hats on your cruise ships behind Gavin & Luke 🎅🏻 🚢 😂

  • @JimW-gt4qp
    @JimW-gt4qp День тому

    Same reason casinos offer free drinks (if they are allowed), your guard drops.....

  • @JimW-gt4qp
    @JimW-gt4qp День тому

    Excellent, just made the mood music, bit like Huggy Bear's bar from Starsky and Hutch

  • @pfp0854
    @pfp0854 2 дні тому

    I am sailing on QM2 in November 2025. Appreciate your wonderful insights for enjoying the cruise. It will be my first time with Cunard and I am really looking forward to it!

  • @larrys2554
    @larrys2554 2 дні тому

    Hi, loved the video. Would you go on the Sun again or choose the new Star? We’re going to go with Princess and do one of these 2. We do have Celebrity booked for Jan of ‘25 and Jan of ‘26, but are looking to try Princess in Jan of ‘27. Should we do Star or Sun? Thanks so much.😊 Did I hear you say, "no transatlantic for Star"?

  • @JaneFisher-f1g
    @JaneFisher-f1g 2 дні тому

    Would you say it’s still ok if you’re doing the med?

  • @bobbysmith4370
    @bobbysmith4370 3 дні тому

    I just subscribed to your channel. I have watched one or two of your vlogs before, and enjoyed them. The two of you are not over the top, but just real.

  • @FraserAtSea
    @FraserAtSea 3 дні тому

    I absolutely loved both Alaska and Norway, and honestly find it impossible to pick between them. So many people say that they're similar, but I actually found the experience to be so different. Personally, I'd say to add both to your list - in some parts, I found the scenery in Alaska to be much better than Norway, but in others it was the opposite!

  • @kevindavies5332
    @kevindavies5332 4 дні тому

    We got off Victoria last week and the christmas decks were up. Enjoy the trip.

  • @MrAwesomeSauce777
    @MrAwesomeSauce777 4 дні тому

    I am trying to go to Alaska but don’t know when the best time to visit is

  • @michelleb749
    @michelleb749 4 дні тому

    More people cruise out of Seattle than Vancouver so I would definitely disagree with your travel prices.

  • @Eugenia-1982
    @Eugenia-1982 4 дні тому

    Great video. Have done Alaska cruise with a week land tour with Princess years ago. This past July Greenland and Iceland with NCL. In September Norway with Cunard. Cost of cruises very close. The cost of flights not much of a difference. Excursions crazy expensive especially Iceland. All three are bucket list destinations and all worth going back to visit but probably not a cruise. We enjoy cruising but like spontaneous and unique experiences.

  • @Travel_Day_Dreams
    @Travel_Day_Dreams 4 дні тому

    In order to resolve the dress conundrum we would suggest throwing yourself on the bonfire of social opinion (a Facebook poll) which would require a photo in order for Linzi's adoring fans to determine whether the blue dress would be suitable or not.

  • @Lord.Kiltridge
    @Lord.Kiltridge 4 дні тому

    I'm 6'2", not thin, 60 and a bit busted up. Coach is pain. I choose Alaska simply because it's cheaper and easier for me to get from Toronto to Seattle/Vancouver in coach than crossing the Atlantic in premium economy. It might be different if Cruise companies started doing the Fjords out of Iceland.

  • @Dilaxan123
    @Dilaxan123 4 дні тому

    Does virgin voyage require mandatory travel insurance?

  • @bobdrane5224
    @bobdrane5224 5 днів тому

    What does up and under mean,nice one chaps

  • @Travel_Day_Dreams
    @Travel_Day_Dreams 7 днів тому

    Best for Families : RCI / NCL / MSC / Disney (specifically for fans), Worst : Cunard / Celebrity / Fred Olsen / Azamara / Regent / Oceania. Best for Couples : See Worst for Families, plus Virgin (depends on age). There's then a raft of cruise line which straddle both worlds like Princess, P&O & Carnival. Perfect length for the first cruise is 6-7 nights. Forgive the karaoke, after recently experiencing the worst rendition we've ever heard of Janis Joplins "Piece of my heart" his Bohemian Rhapsody could only have been an improvement.

  • @knuto8826
    @knuto8826 8 днів тому

    you two must be the average IQ quota, sorry

  • @uptowngirl734
    @uptowngirl734 10 днів тому

    Sorry I missed the LiVE, but Linzi needs 2 more dresses. I bought 3 for my upcoming QM2 trip. Will you be dancing on board QUeen Vic? Would like to try it soon.

  • @teresadonaldson-smith3838
    @teresadonaldson-smith3838 10 днів тому

    You look marvelous darling.

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 10 днів тому

      Mark says thank you very much ❤️😂😉

  • @hanswoelfle5173
    @hanswoelfle5173 11 днів тому

    After watching this episode: LNL needs the drink package! How can you not let Linz get the dresses she NEEDS? Give her what she wants. You won’t regret it! 😊

  • @JenniferAdrift
    @JenniferAdrift 11 днів тому

    Looks like you have plenty of blue gowns, lol. But you'd look great in green and purple!

  • @stephendimmock4674
    @stephendimmock4674 11 днів тому

    We are on QV on 2nd Jan. Looking forward to your thoughts. Hope you have a fab time.

  • @SallyMarkRobinson
    @SallyMarkRobinson 11 днів тому

    Missed you again, busy lives. Just driven back from Cheshire. We look forward to the next York group meet too. P.s Your hair looks great....Mark 😂😂

  • @aimeerogers4542
    @aimeerogers4542 12 днів тому

    My sister and I are cruising to Hawaii on the Ruby Princess in April, so this tour of the ship is very helpful.

  • @karensheldon4216
    @karensheldon4216 12 днів тому

    If I was going Transatlant I would happily have a sheltered balcony. 😊

  • @MorganThayer
    @MorganThayer 13 днів тому

    I'm boarding 3 Dec and really enjoyed this foray into the food :)

  • @jigatumadre
    @jigatumadre 13 днів тому

    i got fat just watching this video

  • @andyprice7895
    @andyprice7895 13 днів тому

    Watching up to 4mins and now giving up due to the sound

  • @Slaylikebeaukay
    @Slaylikebeaukay 14 днів тому

    I'm going on a short cruise with my mum so I think this helped me because you would have still come on under the $90 that they want and mum doesn't drink bottles of wine so I should be okay

  • @TonyG737
    @TonyG737 14 днів тому

    Love watching your videos but can’t watch this one as audio is terrible im sure just a glitch and look forward to the next one.

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 14 днів тому

      Thanks Tony, in hindsight we might have been better taking a week off! The mics and software were really struggling with our croaky / pitchy voices and keeping the gain level right just didn't work out. Back to normal for the next one (and it'll be a belter)

  • @lindashaw5416
    @lindashaw5416 15 днів тому

    Sorry, cannot listen. Sounds like you are under water 😢xxx

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 14 днів тому

      Sorry Linda, we had been stuggling with the lurgy for the past five days, and in hindsight we should have delayed recording this as the mics and software were really struggling with our pitchy croaky voices and just didn't work out.

  • @suitedreams1437
    @suitedreams1437 15 днів тому

    It’s not your colds, it’s definitely the mics. I’m struggling through. 😬

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 14 днів тому

      The mics and software were really struggling with our voices and keeping the gain level right just didn't work out. The set up was exactly the same as usual, but we were the variant on this one. We should have delayed recording this one in hindsight.

  • @markrobinson2338
    @markrobinson2338 15 днів тому

    The sound is a bit choppy but I still love listening to you two. It’s a highlight of my day 😊

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 14 днів тому

      Thank you so much Mark, the audio was not great on this one. The mics and software were really struggling with our voices and keeping the gain level right just didn't work out.

    • @andysmith9649
      @andysmith9649 13 днів тому

      Same here. Tried to listen to the audio only version via Spotify (on Android) in the car yesterday but had to give up. Wife has the same problem too so it doesn't seem to be device (or ear 😂) specific. The problem is similar to the the dodgy audio you had a few months ago. Recent episodes have been much better so seems odd that it's come back again. 😢

    • @markrobinson2338
      @markrobinson2338 13 днів тому

      @@SuiteNatured i still love this channel and won't miss any of your updates.

  • @jabbathehut656
    @jabbathehut656 15 днів тому

    Difficult to watch this unfortunately, as the sound is horrendous. Especially Linzies mic.

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 15 днів тому

      The main problem was our throats and voices as opposed to the mics. They were working fine in the rest but our throats just struggled for the bug we've both had this past few days. It's the main reason we cancelled the live stream last Sunday. It'll be better again for the next one we promise.

    • @jabbathehut656
      @jabbathehut656 14 днів тому

      @@SuiteNatured Strangely, I have a sore throat now, and that was caused just by watching you two on youtube. Not really. Well I do have a sore throat but I am sure you two arent to blame.

  • @JimW-gt4qp
    @JimW-gt4qp 15 днів тому

    Ha ha, it's such a long song as well!

  • @uptowngirl734
    @uptowngirl734 15 днів тому

    I liked the closing cha cha music, Markie!

  • @elisaperez1976
    @elisaperez1976 16 днів тому

    Wow! Amazing!!! 😋😋😋😋

  • @yosemitechris
    @yosemitechris 18 днів тому

    salty dog is one of the best restaurant on these ship, you prob just had a bad night! never go on the first night

  • @duniascrap
    @duniascrap 19 днів тому

    You guys are SO cute!!!

  • @Ian_Burgess
    @Ian_Burgess 21 день тому

    My wife and I were on this cruise with you, sadly didn’t get the chance to say hello! But we love the channel! We’ve just come off a 10 dayer on P&O Ventura…. Wow, what a difference. The food on P&O was shockingly poor in comparison, it was our first (and last) on P&O. Royal, MSC, Princess, NCL & Disney all far better with Virgin the king of all food!

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 21 день тому

      Oh no, what a shame we didn't get chance to meet you both Ian. Hopefully we will see you on another Virgin cruise in the future and we can get some cocktails together then :) It is always a bit of a shock to the system going from Virgin onto other cruise lines, both in the terms of the inclusive food and the overall vibe. It's not to say we don't have a great time on other cruise lines, just very different. We wish they could all offer the same level of food as Virgin.

    • @Ian_Burgess
      @Ian_Burgess 21 день тому

      @ agreed! We still had a good time but it lacked in many areas. As we’ve been away it’s catch up time so now about to listen into your podcast with Emma!😁

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 20 днів тому

      @@Ian_Burgess Hope you enjoyed the podcast Ian.

    • @Ian_Burgess
      @Ian_Burgess 20 днів тому

      @@SuiteNatured I did thanks! Always do, normally listen in the gym but listened to this one whilst doing the hated post cruise clothes wash😁

  • @volentezzetnelov3793
    @volentezzetnelov3793 22 дні тому

    I love these videos when people are so enthusiastic about such mundane things.

    • @SuiteNatured
      @SuiteNatured 21 день тому

      And if we can be this enthusiastic about the mundane then imagine what we are like on things that are exciting 😂