Griff & Alyssa I’ve been on 7 cruises and I still over pack (I can’t help myself). Biggest mistake though is forgetting my shampoo. I don’t like using other stuff and my hair felt like straw for a few weeks after.
Griff & Alyssa we didn't pack enough either! Didn't pack enough and booked an interior room for the first time bc we were in port 5 of the 7 days lol! lesson learned
Worst cruise mistake: not planning excursions. And not making sure I get the gratuity charged off my account before leaving boat. I like to tip cash to everyone thruout the cruise, I don’t want it taken off my card too
Yup for my honeymoon we WAY over packed for a 3 day cruise. We've gotten much better since then. Now I like to brag how well I can pack everything necessary onto a carry-on case.
Yup. I under packed. By a lot. Didn't pack underwear, socks or a bathing suit. But I did have my suits and ties. Also they don't sell any of those things except a carnival bathing suit for $40.
Lady Ghana I agree...except that on the first cruise I was my own travel agent. So no one to blame but myself. One for not checking. Two for not getting a. Travel agent lol.
if you like a city, allow more days rather than missing, also consider for example savona from milano, london southampton harwich, just like excursions, sometimes closest airport is three hours drive or train ride away, factor in rush hour traffic jam, .....
Just found your channel and I am enjoying your videos. Last cruise my wife and I went on we didn't take a power strip. I suggest always taking a power strip. Also, you mentioned on board charges. One thing I do is budget how much I think I am going to spend on the cruise, and then buy Carnival Gift Cards ahead of time from our local grocery store. I end up getting fuel perks for buying the gift cards, and then have a very small balance applied to my credit card when I get off the ship.
Thank you Jason! Carnival Gift Cards! That is genius! I see people posting about them, but haven't had any luck finding them... maybe I'm not looking hard enough! -Alyssa
Missed our back aboard time, WHILE IN ALASKA, we were 15 minutes late and the ship was still there but the steps had been removed. The cruise personnel went into our room and got our passports from the safe so that we could travel to the next port in Canada. So, we had to fly to Seattle, WA from Ketchikan, Alaska. Go from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada because you cannot leave the USA unless it's from an international airport. It cost us $1500 more.
Definately overpacking. As I'm a solo cruiser and haven't been on many cruises, I didn't end up going to the solo cruisers events on the first few nights. I suspect the first night or 2 these events go off with a bang, towards the end of the cruise everyone was sizing each other up and leaving lol, a very very small group and it was just not good. Awkward! 😂 I regret possibly making friends at these events or just having fun with fellow cruisers early on.
I WAY Over packed my first cruise. So I tried to compensate for my second cruise and way, way, way under parked. I had to have things sent to the laundry I think three times. A cruise is later I think I have a happy medium. 😂
My worse mistake is overpacking. I live near a port so I don’t have to worry about the 311 rule. Unfortunately, I end up packing things I think I would wear instead of just clothes I will actually wear. For example, on the last Alaska cruise, I took more dresses (8!)than normal, thinking I would go to all kinds of shows. It was so cold. I wore one dress for formal night and one to the spa. That’s it.
I learned not to take clothes I wouldn’t wear any other time. I don’t wear short skirts, dresses or sleeveless tops. But hey - I’m going on a cruise let’s take a bunch of sleeveless T’s and that cute dress I saw. Didn’t wear them and ended up buying T-shirts at ports to wear. And I can’t wear flip flops (that toe strap kills me) so what did I do? Yeah, took two pairs. Didn’t wear one pair for 5 minutes! Whew - I had water shoes I wore at pool and beach.
I made the mistake of not bringing small bills and felt horrible when it came to not being able to tip. I learned the 1st 5 minutes in trying to walk in stilettos on formal night I made a bad decision and they were not even shown in my picture we had taken. Great tips!!!
not having small bills is the worst feeling. I still remember his face when he realized he just wasted his time carry our stuff. Hopefully we will run into each other again the next time we're on a Norwegian cruise so we can tip hime properly. Thanks for watching! - Griff
Thanks for the video. I think the best tip you had was not to let small things ruin your vacation. Our last cruise was supposed to stop at Great Stirrup Cay but because of rough water they could not tender us in. Some people were quite upset. As much as we were looking forward to spending the day on the island we had found chairs on a good spot on the ship to hang out until we got there so once we found out we just stayed there all day. The bars were open, we all had books, the bars were open, the weather was nice, the bars were open, the bands were playing by the pool, and the bars were open so we still had a great time. As much as a rainy day sucks on a sea day there are plenty of things to do inside. It is a good time to check out the shops, go to the casino if you want, maybe do a sit down lunch, and maybe a great time to go to the gym and burn off some calories from the cruise. Don't forget the inside bars are still open.
On my first cruise I bought tanning lotion instead of sunscreen. I turned into lobster girl. ..and spent the rest of the time avoiding the sun. Silly Canadian girl. ..lol.
Oh no!!! lol Have you seen our Freedom vlogs yet? I burnt pretty bad in St. Thomas and was bright red most of the trip.. And I reapplied several times! All the regret! -Alyssa
Yay!! You will definitely learn exactly what you need after your first cruise, but I always find it best to pack more than less.. lol We have not used the laundry facilities onboard, but we have heard its pretty easy!
Well, it really depends on what cruise line, itinerary, time of year, how many port stops and the category of stateroom you book. The food is included unless you plan to eat at a speciality dining restaurant. You may be looking at anywhere between $2k-5k for 2 people (with everything included).
so the mistake that I made was that we got a gift card for the spa and I didn't make a reservation right away because I still had four days before the expiration date and by the date that it expired there were no more appointment so I never got to use it
For my second cruise I was so obsessed with getting everything right in my planning and packing and when we got to the ship I realized I had forgotten my bag of shoes (yes overpacking is a problem for me too....). I only had the flip flops I boarded the ship in and the next day was a sea day. We couldn't go to the dining room the first 2 days then we had to hunt down actual shoes in Freeport (which is pretty hard for a girl with really big feet :P ) Don't be like me, don't forget your shoes :P
Michelle Phillips ways to avoid that is a check-list!! I have a main list that I use EVERY CRUISE! I even made copies of my list for Family members because it was so thorough!
What's the WORST cruise mistake you ever made?
Griff & Alyssa I’ve been on 7 cruises and I still over pack (I can’t help myself). Biggest mistake though is forgetting my shampoo. I don’t like using other stuff and my hair felt like straw for a few weeks after.
Idk yet I haven’t been on a cruise!!! I’m going this summer!!!
Griff & Alyssa we didn't pack enough either! Didn't pack enough and booked an interior room for the first time bc we were in port 5 of the 7 days lol! lesson learned
Griff & Alyssa I just download the ships app which gives up to date notifications and maps and daily itineraries
Worst cruise mistake: not planning excursions. And not making sure I get the gratuity charged off my account before leaving boat. I like to tip cash to everyone thruout the cruise, I don’t want it taken off my card too
I always pack a hi-lighter with me. So I can hi-light the items that I like on the cruise planner.
We will definitely be bringing a highlighter on the Freedom of the Seas! We don't wanna miss anything for you all!!
You two are the cutest couple!! Love it!!
Ha well thank you!!
Yup for my honeymoon we WAY over packed for a 3 day cruise. We've gotten much better since then. Now I like to brag how well I can pack everything necessary onto a carry-on case.
I've watched tons of videos and this is the first time I've heard the embarkation debarkation tip. Thanks!
Oh wow, you are welcome!! Its a good one to remember! lol
I totally agree with the additional cost is to much. Really enjoyed the food references for the panini
Yup. I under packed. By a lot. Didn't pack underwear, socks or a bathing suit. But I did have my suits and ties. Also they don't sell any of those things except a carnival bathing suit for $40.
Pre-Cruise...not checking for price drops. My first two cruises, i never knew you could get a price adjustment.
Yesss that is a good one! (Well, you know what we mean!)
Dave G that’s your travel agents fault!
Lady Ghana I agree...except that on the first cruise I was my own travel agent. So no one to blame but myself. One for not checking. Two for not getting a. Travel agent lol.
Dave G ok, that explains it!😀 but we live and learn. But thank goodness for UA-cam
if you like a city, allow more days rather than missing, also consider for example savona from milano, london southampton harwich, just like excursions, sometimes closest airport is three hours drive or train ride away, factor in rush hour traffic jam, .....
Just found your channel and I am enjoying your videos. Last cruise my wife and I went on we didn't take a power strip. I suggest always taking a power strip. Also, you mentioned on board charges. One thing I do is budget how much I think I am going to spend on the cruise, and then buy Carnival Gift Cards ahead of time from our local grocery store. I end up getting fuel perks for buying the gift cards, and then have a very small balance applied to my credit card when I get off the ship.
Thank you Jason! Carnival Gift Cards! That is genius! I see people posting about them, but haven't had any luck finding them... maybe I'm not looking hard enough! -Alyssa
Great info! I'm going on my first cruise and never thought about packing for debarkation.
Yesss! Very important. :) Thanks for watching and have an amazing first cruise!
It’s like you guys have a video for every question I ask. I love it! #Subscribed
Missed our back aboard time, WHILE IN ALASKA, we were 15 minutes late and the ship was still there but the steps had been removed. The cruise personnel went into our room and got our passports from the safe so that we could travel to the next port in Canada. So, we had to fly to Seattle, WA from Ketchikan, Alaska. Go from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada because you cannot leave the USA unless it's from an international airport. It cost us $1500 more.
Oh no!! What a hassle! 🙈
great tips. Thanks for sharing. U 2 look happy together. ;-) happy cruising.
Definately overpacking. As I'm a solo cruiser and haven't been on many cruises, I didn't end up going to the solo cruisers events on the first few nights. I suspect the first night or 2 these events go off with a bang, towards the end of the cruise everyone was sizing each other up and leaving lol, a very very small group and it was just not good. Awkward! 😂 I regret possibly making friends at these events or just having fun with fellow cruisers early on.
I WAY Over packed my first cruise. So I tried to compensate for my second cruise and way, way, way under parked. I had to have things sent to the laundry I think three times. A cruise is later I think I have a happy medium. 😂
#trialanderror lol
My worse mistake is overpacking. I live near a port so I don’t have to worry about the 311 rule. Unfortunately, I end up packing things I think I would wear instead of just clothes I will actually wear. For example, on the last Alaska cruise, I took more dresses (8!)than normal, thinking I would go to all kinds of shows. It was so cold. I wore one dress for formal night and one to the spa. That’s it.
On my last cruise I ended up trying to buy Vaseline in Honduras in Spanish. My Spanish sucks. It was a special time.
I've been doing a lot of filming with just my phone these days to keep my tech weight down. All those lenses get heavy.
I learned not to take clothes I wouldn’t wear any other time. I don’t wear short skirts, dresses or sleeveless tops. But hey - I’m going on a cruise let’s take a bunch of sleeveless T’s and that cute dress I saw. Didn’t wear them and ended up buying T-shirts at ports to wear. And I can’t wear flip flops (that toe strap kills me) so what did I do? Yeah, took two pairs. Didn’t wear one pair for 5 minutes! Whew - I had water shoes I wore at pool and beach.
Hahaha I do that too. Its almost like you feel obligated to bring all of those things... Just be you! 😉 - Alyssa
They can sail on past Roatan. I'll stay on ship either way.
Do not take camouflage clothing to the Caribbean.
I made the mistake of not bringing small bills and felt horrible when it came to not being able to tip. I learned the 1st 5 minutes in trying to walk in stilettos on formal night I made a bad decision and they were not even shown in my picture we had taken. Great tips!!!
not having small bills is the worst feeling. I still remember his face when he realized he just wasted his time carry our stuff. Hopefully we will run into each other again the next time we're on a Norwegian cruise so we can tip hime properly.
Thanks for watching! - Griff
Thanks for the video. I think the best tip you had was not to let small things ruin your vacation. Our last cruise was supposed to stop at Great Stirrup Cay but because of rough water they could not tender us in. Some people were quite upset. As much as we were looking forward to spending the day on the island we had found chairs on a good spot on the ship to hang out until we got there so once we found out we just stayed there all day. The bars were open, we all had books, the bars were open, the weather was nice, the bars were open, the bands were playing by the pool, and the bars were open so we still had a great time.
As much as a rainy day sucks on a sea day there are plenty of things to do inside. It is a good time to check out the shops, go to the casino if you want, maybe do a sit down lunch, and maybe a great time to go to the gym and burn off some calories from the cruise. Don't forget the inside bars are still open.
Could not agree more.. and yes, the bars are always open. ;)
On my first cruise I bought tanning lotion instead of sunscreen. I turned into lobster girl. ..and spent the rest of the time avoiding the sun. Silly Canadian girl. ..lol.
Oh no!!! lol Have you seen our Freedom vlogs yet? I burnt pretty bad in St. Thomas and was bright red most of the trip.. And I reapplied several times! All the regret! -Alyssa
I really over packed
Haha! Yeah I feel your pain.. I still do every time. I have every intention on NOT over packing though. lol -Alyssa
And my wife forgot conditioner. So she bought it at the spa...for $20!
Oh Dear!! Perfect example of things being available, but you are gonna pay for it! #ouch lol
bidding for art and not withdrawing bids before sale close oops!!🙏🌴🌈🤗not good. 😂
Haha oh no!! Yeah those pieces can get a little pricey!
Only 45 days until my first cruise! I hope I pack enough/ not too much. Does anyone have any experience using the washer/dryers on board?
Yay!! You will definitely learn exactly what you need after your first cruise, but I always find it best to pack more than less.. lol We have not used the laundry facilities onboard, but we have heard its pretty easy!
How much can someone look spend on average for a 7 night cruise with dining and drink plans as well for excursions?
Well, it really depends on what cruise line, itinerary, time of year, how many port stops and the category of stateroom you book. The food is included unless you plan to eat at a speciality dining restaurant. You may be looking at anywhere between $2k-5k for 2 people (with everything included).
We are flying to our first cruise so will only have carryon luggage. Do we take a pack or something and let them take our carryon?
If you would like! You can walk on the ship with your carryon if you would prefer as well.
so the mistake that I made was that we got a gift card for the spa and I didn't make a reservation right away because I still had four days before the expiration date and by the date that it expired there were no more appointment so I never got to use it
Rachel Delaney oh no!! That’s so disappointing... 😢
Griff & Alyssa I know right so book spa right away
For my second cruise I was so obsessed with getting everything right in my planning and packing and when we got to the ship I realized I had forgotten my bag of shoes (yes overpacking is a problem for me too....). I only had the flip flops I boarded the ship in and the next day was a sea day. We couldn't go to the dining room the first 2 days then we had to hunt down actual shoes in Freeport (which is pretty hard for a girl with really big feet :P )
Don't be like me, don't forget your shoes :P
Haha oh no! During our cruise this past week, I forgot a few things as well... Didn't realize until we got to San Juan. 🙈
Griff & Alyssa Oh no!! I hope it didn’t hamper your trip much!!
Haha nah, luckily we were able to purchase a few things before we got on board! 😀
Michelle Phillips ways to avoid that is a check-list!! I have a main list that I use EVERY CRUISE! I even made copies of my list for Family members because it was so thorough!
Lady Ghana could you post a copy of your checklist ? Or maybe link to it? I’m a first time cruiser...it might come in handy