#7 absolutely saved my butt in Nassau once when a diving excursion returned 4 hours late, the provider said they were in contact with the ship, they weren’t. We got back to the ship and the passenger ramp had already been closed down and we had to enter through the cruise ramp. The crew members told us they had no idea what was going on because the provider hadn’t let them know what was happening but had to wait since it was cruise sponsored.
Cruise lines now are pricing both the cabin and taxes and port fees as of 7/1 2024. It's a great positive change and makes it easier to compare actual costs between cruises.
I'm an experienced solo traveller and nowadays you find at a lot of cruise lines with special offers only for solo travellers - not paying for double occupancy!! Norwegian for example has on larger ships a designated solo area with solo studios and even an own lounge. Or you can book solo cabins / solo oceanview / solo balcony. Check out on cruise lines websites, you want to sail with, and not forget to set at filters 1 guest and you will find offers for solo travellers.
I was on Holland American a year ago. I was outside waiting in line to see a show across from a specialty restaurant. It was supposed to open for dinner at 6 and was supposedly fully booked. At 6:15 it was only 20% fully, even at 6:30 it was less than 40% full and may be half fully by 6:45. In the mean time there were quite a few people inquired but was turned away due to its FULLY BOOKED status.
Got back 30 minutes after all aboard on a drift snorkling excursion due to the catamaran not being able to get the body count right. Sure was nice knowing the ship was waiting on us. It happens.
I don’t cruise. I’ve never seen the appeal. I have seen vids where they explain the difference between a ship sponsored excursion vs a private local one
Just wanted to say that I took your advice for AARP from a previous video. Was able to save quite a bit from booking for AirBNB, and I'm looking forward to using it for cruises. Thank you!
At 4:25, it's important to note that ship time and local time may not always be the same. The ship will operate according to ship time, and if that happens to be different from the local time, heed that difference before you leave the ship because she will definitely set sail according to the ship's time, even if that's an hour earlier than local time.
Your point about excursions is so valid - I've tried so many excursions that return to the ship at lunchtime - zero risk of being left behind. For all day tours, yes there's benefit to the ship waiting, but not the half day ones - worth checking!
If you want the best last minute cruise deals.....become a travel agent. Go online. It is the equivalent of a 3 credit college course. But you can do it in your spare time. Then join an online platform, pay the yearly fee and sail for a third of the price.
@@ronv6637 No state licensing fees. You receive an IATA number from your online hosting agency once you complete the training. They register your name. Yearly fees run from $350 to $800 depending on the commission tier you choose. You use the client's credit card to pay for the trip. No added fee for funds handling. I only book for myself and family. Then refund the commission to them (which is technically illegal) after the trip is over. The real savings come when you are booking last minute. You contact the tour or cruise company two weeks out. See if they are offering cut rates to travel agents. Crystal slashed a cruise to Antarctic by 65% just to fill the ship.
We booked a cruise with Viking Ocean. We got a price that had literally NO add-ons other than tips - and those were optional and moderate. No port fees, no taxes, no service fees, no specialty dining fee, no spa fee, no anything - and every cabin is an outside balcony cabin. When you look at all-in costs, especially since a shore excursion is included in every port, Viking is luxury at a cost that compares favorably to the actual full cost of cruises on so-called mainstream lines. Add on the fact that a drink package on Viking is $25 a day compared to the $50-80 a day of the 'cheap' cruise lines, and the economics are obvious. Unless the ship itself is your destination, operators like Viking offer a much better value. I'm not a shill - just a very pleased customer. And we do book excursions from parties other than the cruise line - but only when there's an appropriate buffer of time to allow for problems.
Viking is the biggest rip-off out there. You are paying for their brochures that they will mail you everyday!! Sometimes we get 3 a day! Check out Vacations To Go for your best cruising prices.
I’ve been on cruises where people were late getting back to the ship and were running trying to make the ship only to be turned away because the causeway was pulled up. Even though the ship was still at the dock, they couldn’t board. It’s in your contract that the ship will leave you if you’re not on board before departure TIME.
Booked a 16 day Hawaiian Cruise out of Canada (less than 8 weeks out) on a Princess Cruise for $169 pp. $169!!!! I never book more than 3 months out. So some times it works.
I booked a 9 day Vancouver to Honolulu inside for about $85 pp pd plus grats. And it was cheaper flying home from Honolulu than Vancouver. This was on Celebrity.
We took a Princess Panama Canal cruise in January and were very happy with the WiFi speed. Had heard it might be a problem but it wasn't for us. We didn't do a lot of streaming type activities but for usual communications it was great.
Another great video! And I fully agree with point 3! I want to share my experiences with my kids and have great memories with them! What's the point of being divided during the best part of the year, when I'm relaxed and all my worries are left back home (well...at least trying to let them behind. 🙂). Just back from a one week cruise today, kids enjoyed all excursions we did together.
I tip and leave my gratuities ON! So what its a little extra for them. Unless your in a bind and can't afford it then yes take it off and tip individually...
Be careful of the AARP cruise gift cards. MANY stipulations on how you can use them. At least there was with Royal Carribean. Thanks for the great videos!!
The only last minute cruise deal that I know about is Holland America. They will let you list as a last minute standby passenger for $49/passenger/day. With taxes and fees its more like $100/day but still a good deal. There is no extra charge if you are solo. You need flexible travel plans though because they notify you if you have a cabin 4-7 days before the cruise and it's nonrefundable at that point.
Most of these suggestions are on target, but paying for wi-fi may not be necessary. My phone plan (happens to be with T-Mobile; I have no financial interest in them, am not being paid for this, and am pretty sure that other companies have similar plans at zero or small additional cost to regular service) gives me unlimited data anywhere. My phone (happens to be an iPhone, similar disclaimer) lets me set up a hotspot anywhere I have cell data service. Put them together: I go online free, at high speeds, any time we're in port or close enough to shore to get a cell signal. Unless you need to surf the web after setting sail in the evenings or during sea days, that may be plenty.
I agree about leaving your kid on the ship while you go to port. I saw a post the other day someone was asking if they could do this while on an excursion. What happens if they are hurt or something while off the ship?
From my own experience you will find nearly with every cruise line last minute deals. They can be found on cruise lines direct websites and you have to search for offers with lowest prices / fares. Here is an example: I've just found a 7 day Alaska cruise for 2 people for a total price under 1.400 $ !!! - promo offer incl. drink package, specialty dining, WiFi, excursion credit - sailing is in two weeks.
I just booked a 14 day HAL oceanview in Alaska in September for $1520 which is down from what I was offered back in January for the same cruise on-ship. I always use the Vacations to Go 90 day ticker.
If you don’t mind an obstructed view, cabin in a noisy place, etc. then last minute deals work. But I don’t believe you’re paying less than someone who booked a year ago, even if they’re cabins no one would else would want.
@@pdallen5801 It gets me to the same place as those people who pay a lot more. And yes, I track those fares and they have come down a lot in the past six months.
Mentioning showing up late. Last cruise my boarding time was 3:00, I showed up accidently at 3:30 (ship departure was after 5). They moved me straight to the front of the line and I boarded right away. Way better than showing up early and standing in line for an hour.
Warning - Carnival's medium grade WiFi is NOT just slower. They block streaming sites like UA-cam. I figured if it was slow, no problem, I'd just download the videos and watch them at my leisure... nope! Certain sites do not work at all.
I do NOT agree with the assertion that there are NO last minute deals. Prices do decrease starting 8-9 months out when bookings are weak. Sure, it is not going to occur on the "hottest" ships in the "hottest" destinations during the busy seasons. It is going to occur on older ships during the shoulder season. And then there is the Holland America 'standby fares" which also offer great value.
Agreed. Depending on the time of year, you can get a last minute cruise fairly cheaply. On the longer cruises 9+ nights or on the shorter ones 5-7 nights. And always put a fee watch on your preferred cruise lines.
I like your shore excursions tip. We often book shore excursions separate from the cruise line. We often find ourselves on the same boat or tour van as passengers from the cruise ship, so we feel like we "inherit" the return to ship guarantee. Our loose rule is to book through the cruise line if it is our first visit to a port. After that, we look for excursions on our own.
#5 On embarkation day, I caught up with a friend from my dining table and we chatted over a coffee. When I arrived at the designated exit point (Royal Theatre), I was berated for being "late". 4 times I had to ask for directions before the person let me go and join the 30 minute queue to get to the gangway. #10 Fast speed all the way! No value in wasting time online waiting when you could be having fun.
i agree 100% with your comparison of advertised vs actual cruise prices. But compare the actual to a week at a Disney park, and a 7-day cruise is still a fantastic bargain.
#6 They don’t like food in the casino, but I’ve never been told no. I get takeaway from the dining room and eat it on deck or in the buffet. #7 Returning to ship in port-you only have to see the entire bridal party running on foot (I was on a land vacation in Jamaica, when a huge sinkhole stopped traffic on the main road) or the various videos of dock runners to help shape your decision. Take your passport or a copy of it with a driver’s license and a credit card with you. #10 Agree with the WiFi go with the best, they all pretty much suck but if you want to do anything pay for it.
I don't know when this changed, but *right now* (7/21/24) they are required to include all the port fees and taxes into the headline price. So, if they advertise it's $500 person for a cruise, and you sail with 2 people, you won't have to pay more than $1,000. (unless you buy more stuff, of course)
It’s worth it for me to pay the extra for the cruise excursions. Some independent operators will guarantee to get you back to your ship or will pay to get you to the next port, and that’s what you want, but they’re rarely that much cheaper than the cruise excursions. I don’t cruise with others, strictly solo, and I always have great time, no one in my cabin. I can’t imagine having two other people in a cabin with me. How is that a vacation?
Taking a cruise for the first time in 20+ years and got lured in by what I consider to be false advertising at best if not deceptive practices. As a last minute solo traveler the chance of finding a travel companion is zero so your 2.5x-3x is right on. With minimal research I found the excursions by the cruise line to be outrageously overpriced upto 5x costs with reading between the lines(omissions) they're also not very thorough- look out the bus window as you drive by but we're stopping at our restaurant for lunch.
People need to be prepared for possible huge roaming charges if basic WiFi. You’re not bouncing off a cell tower, you’re using a satellite which is WAY more expensive. Put your phone, iPad and smart watch on ‘airplane mode.’
4. We used this to take along our regular babysitter, who was also a good friend. She’d never have been able to go if she’d had to pay full price. 9. It isn’t really 2.5 / 3, it’s more like 1.5. You’d expect to pay for the second person anyway, so their fare should already be in your budget. Who ever, even unconsciously, thinks a fare will cover 2 people?
Took your advice about AARP and have saved loads of money!!! We owe you a beer at least! That pricing math is soooo helpful. I'll use it from now on... and can we all contact our rep and senators about making cruise prices transparent?
The areas at the back of the theatres are in most cases reserved for people confined to wheelchairs, or passengers who have a mobility problem. Most people are accommodating when it comes to the disabled, but not all.
I am having a hard time, in AARP, finding the giftcards. Specifically looking for Royal Caribbean cards, read there are a lot of restrictions but don't know what they are?
If you cancel your cruise, if you paid all or part through gift cards, your refund for that portion will be refunded as a gift card. So save your receipts.
your 2.5 times rule is a bit misleading. for 2 travelers the fare is 2x and then the other 0.5x is taxes and fees. Someone could have to be an idiot to thank the 2 people can travel for the price pp!
@@user-ff3ow9ym5t It was. Sao Tome is a tender port, and the local coast guard brought the passengers to the ship before it departed. The captain wouldn't let them board.
Information: Guests were at the tender point at pier over 1 hour late prior to all on board time!!! And normally the last tender of cruise ships leaves at pier 30 minutes before all on board time. And cruise ships are leaving normally within a time frame from 30 to 60 minutes (sometimes 90 minutes) after all on board time. It is simply in responsibility of guests to check length of excursion, time of last tender and all on board time before booking a third party excursion.
I hear of people talking about Wi fi on the cruise. I don’t get it?? Your on a cruise. What possible reason could you need WI fi? Unplug and enjoy real life!
Singles pay double occupancy because they are not buying shore excursions, speciality dining, gambling, drinking, or buying photos as the two passenger per stateroom rate. Extra adults are buying those things. Children probably get revenue from shore excursions at least, and tend to be pickier eaters. Chicken tenders and mac & cheese aren't rack of lamb or sea bass.
Once you are on an AARP mailing list, you will never get off. My kid was somehow signed up when he was three years old and we got mail from them for 25 years in his name. No. I'm not kidding. I finally called them and told them to remove us. I'll never sign up for anything from them. You can get discounts other ways.
Imagine parents leave their kid while going to port and the parents aren't back on time (not on a cruise expedition or whatever). Will the ship just take the kid and leave the parents? Lol
First time cruiser here, sailing Jan 2025 on Carnival Splendor and all I want to know is how do I get a discount on the $900 drink package? $50 onboard credit is not enough 😅
Bring your 2 allowed bottles of wine/champagne. You can also try to sneak in some hard clear alcohol in a secret pouch that you smuggle on your body or as "toiletry". Use some food coloring to make your vodka look like mouthwash
If you want to save money on Internet when cruising, save your connection for when you get into port. Or just leave your laptop at home. If your company asks, "WHERE WERE YOU?" tell 'em, sorry, the laptop fell into the Atlantic on the first day.
I have purchased gift cards for Princess several times but has always been 8% savings, not 10%. I do not pay for AARP membership, just created an account, so am wondering if you get a larger discount for purchasing a membership?
About carrying food, most dining rooms will not allow you to carry food to your cabin. I’ve been stopped at the door by the MaitreD when taking dessert to my cabin. They say it’s because of the risk of food poisoning - once the food leaves the DR they have no control over what happens to it.
I have watched hundreds of UA-cam videos. Your just popped up, I watched it. I truly like they way you put it together. Great tips. Except for one, The AARP, I am 70 I have never joined AARP because they are to political for my taste. If they were only pushing support ofr seniors great, but the enter to many other political topics. Thanks for the idea about the wifi, I wondered about that, Next time I won't scemp. I also wondered about the last minute deals, again this was helpful.
Those Gift cards with AARP have a boat load of restrictions and you can only use a few at a time. Not sailing with 4 people in a Cabin, if you cant aford the trip stop booking them !
Love the fact I can leave my beautiful baby boy on the ship in their care while we go on excursions. If the worst happens to us in countries, I know my child is safe
#6 taking food from the Buffet Haha, no way at Costa!!!!! Never ever did we manage to take just a piece of baguette, or a piece of fruit not to mention "bigger things" No way!!! They treat you as if you are stealing 👎👎👎
Suggesting that it's ever okay to show up after a show has already begun is always very wrong. Even if taking a seat in the back. It's rude, distracting, and frankly, shows a real lack of class.
People who ditch their kids to sit at the pool/bar and drink or go off on an excursion should rethink being parents. You are just being selfish. Leave them home with a relative.
Nah, for most cruises, the policy isn't that big a deal. Now, headed out all day or late in the afternoon, it's great. Most excursions, however, leave early and get back early.
NO PASSENGER SHOULD EVER PAY AUTOMATIC CRUISE GRATUITIES! CRUISE GRATUITIES ARE NOT, NOT, NOT TIPS. THEY ARE SALARY PAID TO EVERY CREW MEMBER BY THE PASSENGER INSTEAD OF THE CRUISE LINE WHICH MAKES GRATUITIES NOT, NOT, NOT A TIP. TIPS ARE GIVEN TO INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS WHO GIVE AN INDIVIDUAL PASSENGER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE! I ALWAYS TELL THE SHIP, "DO NOT CHARGE ME GRATUITIES". I GIVE TIPS TO SPECIFIC MEMBERS OF THE CREW WHO MAKE MY TRIP SPECIAL, USUALLY TO THE 2 WAITERS AND THE CABIN STEWARD AS I DO NOT DRINK, BUT I REFUSE TO PAY SALARIES WHICH ARE THE RESPONSABILITY OF THE RELEVANT CRUISE LINE!
Ya chill.. Tips are different then Gratuity. I also pay the Gratuity and Tip cause crew members do not get Paid enough to deal with All the have to deal with.
#7 absolutely saved my butt in Nassau once when a diving excursion returned 4 hours late, the provider said they were in contact with the ship, they weren’t. We got back to the ship and the passenger ramp had already been closed down and we had to enter through the cruise ramp. The crew members told us they had no idea what was going on because the provider hadn’t let them know what was happening but had to wait since it was cruise sponsored.
Cruise lines now are pricing both the cabin and taxes and port fees as of 7/1 2024. It's a great positive change and makes it easier to compare actual costs between cruises.
Yep, love the new transparency!
I'm an experienced solo traveller and nowadays you find at a lot of cruise lines with special offers only for solo travellers - not paying for double occupancy!!
Norwegian for example has on larger ships a designated solo area with solo studios and even an own lounge. Or you can book solo cabins / solo oceanview / solo balcony.
Check out on cruise lines websites, you want to sail with, and not forget to set at filters 1 guest and you will find offers for solo travellers.
Love your creative numbering your points!! Subscribed
I was on Holland American a year ago. I was outside waiting in line to see a show across from a specialty restaurant. It was supposed to open for dinner at 6 and was supposedly fully booked. At 6:15 it was only 20% fully, even at 6:30 it was less than 40% full and may be half fully by 6:45. In the mean time there were quite a few people inquired but was turned away due to its FULLY BOOKED status.
Got back 30 minutes after all aboard on a drift snorkling excursion due to the catamaran not being able to get the body count right. Sure was nice knowing the ship was waiting on us. It happens.
I don’t cruise. I’ve never seen the appeal. I have seen vids where they explain the difference between a ship sponsored excursion vs a private local one
Just wanted to say that I took your advice for AARP from a previous video. Was able to save quite a bit from booking for AirBNB, and I'm looking forward to using it for cruises. Thank you!
Last minute deals definitely exists!
At 4:25, it's important to note that ship time and local time may not always be the same. The ship will operate according to ship time, and if that happens to be different from the local time, heed that difference before you leave the ship because she will definitely set sail according to the ship's time, even if that's an hour earlier than local time.
Your point about excursions is so valid - I've tried so many excursions that return to the ship at lunchtime - zero risk of being left behind. For all day tours, yes there's benefit to the ship waiting, but not the half day ones - worth checking!
If you want the best last minute cruise deals.....become a travel agent. Go online. It is the equivalent of a 3 credit college course. But you can do it in your spare time. Then join an online platform, pay the yearly fee and sail for a third of the price.
Clever
Nice
Aren't there legal liabilities if you do it for others(even friends and family),state licencing,funds handling?
@@ronv6637 No state licensing fees. You receive an IATA number from your online hosting agency once you complete the training. They register your name. Yearly fees run from $350 to $800 depending on the commission tier you choose. You use the client's credit card to pay for the trip. No added fee for funds handling. I only book for myself and family. Then refund the commission to them (which is technically illegal) after the trip is over. The real savings come when you are booking last minute. You contact the tour or cruise company two weeks out. See if they are offering cut rates to travel agents. Crystal slashed a cruise to Antarctic by 65% just to fill the ship.
Interesting information
We booked a cruise with Viking Ocean. We got a price that had literally NO add-ons other than tips - and those were optional and moderate. No port fees, no taxes, no service fees, no specialty dining fee, no spa fee, no anything - and every cabin is an outside balcony cabin. When you look at all-in costs, especially since a shore excursion is included in every port, Viking is luxury at a cost that compares favorably to the actual full cost of cruises on so-called mainstream lines. Add on the fact that a drink package on Viking is $25 a day compared to the $50-80 a day of the 'cheap' cruise lines, and the economics are obvious. Unless the ship itself is your destination, operators like Viking offer a much better value. I'm not a shill - just a very pleased customer. And we do book excursions from parties other than the cruise line - but only when there's an appropriate buffer of time to allow for problems.
Viking is the biggest rip-off out there. You are paying for their brochures that they will mail you everyday!! Sometimes we get 3 a day! Check out Vacations To Go for your best cruising prices.
I’ve been on cruises where people were late getting back to the ship and were running trying to make the ship only to be turned away because the causeway was pulled up. Even though the ship was still at the dock, they couldn’t board. It’s in your contract that the ship will leave you if you’re not on board before departure TIME.
Your multiply by three is a good rule. Great tips all around.
Booked a 16 day Hawaiian Cruise out of Canada (less than 8 weeks out) on a Princess Cruise for $169 pp. $169!!!! I never book more than 3 months out. So some times it works.
Add me in next time, damn! 🎉
I booked a 9 day Vancouver to Honolulu inside for about $85 pp pd plus grats. And it was cheaper flying home from Honolulu than Vancouver. This was on Celebrity.
We took a Princess Panama Canal cruise in January and were very happy with the WiFi speed. Had heard it might be a problem but it wasn't for us. We didn't do a lot of streaming type activities but for usual communications it was great.
Another great video! And I fully agree with point 3! I want to share my experiences with my kids and have great memories with them! What's the point of being divided during the best part of the year, when I'm relaxed and all my worries are left back home (well...at least trying to let them behind. 🙂). Just back from a one week cruise today, kids enjoyed all excursions we did together.
I tip and leave my gratuities ON! So what its a little extra for them. Unless your in a bind and can't afford it then yes take it off and tip individually...
The trouble with that is that you're only tipping the people you come in direct contact with, which leaves so many others out.
@juliehall2893 I agree but like I said if there in a bind it's better they tip some then none.
well done on the bumpers between tips!
Gonna go look for AARP discounts!
wow - I had no idea about the AARP gift cards!! thank you!
Be careful of the AARP cruise gift cards. MANY stipulations on how you can use them. At least there was with Royal Carribean. Thanks for the great videos!!
Yes, Royal Caribbean seems to have a lot of stipulation whether it's AARP or not.
The only last minute cruise deal that I know about is Holland America. They will let you list as a last minute standby passenger for $49/passenger/day. With taxes and fees its more like $100/day but still a good deal. There is no extra charge if you are solo. You need flexible travel plans though because they notify you if you have a cabin 4-7 days before the cruise and it's nonrefundable at that point.
Some great hints. I have used some, i will look into AARP lead. Like your crafty numbering! Fun talent
Most of these suggestions are on target, but paying for wi-fi may not be necessary. My phone plan (happens to be with T-Mobile; I have no financial interest in them, am not being paid for this, and am pretty sure that other companies have similar plans at zero or small additional cost to regular service) gives me unlimited data anywhere. My phone (happens to be an iPhone, similar disclaimer) lets me set up a hotspot anywhere I have cell data service. Put them together: I go online free, at high speeds, any time we're in port or close enough to shore to get a cell signal. Unless you need to surf the web after setting sail in the evenings or during sea days, that may be plenty.
I think my Verizon only works for Continental America - Canada, US, Mexico
Hope you tip the unseen staff as well, not paying gratuities means they get nothing.
Great vlog!!!
Good points and topics, this is once of the best I have heard....thanks
I agree about leaving your kid on the ship while you go to port. I saw a post the other day someone was asking if they could do this while on an excursion. What happens if they are hurt or something while off the ship?
There was an incident of the parent being left in port a year or so ago.
Why even bring kids? Leave them at home with a trusted family member. It will be a true vacation for you both.
From my own experience you will find nearly with every cruise line last minute deals. They can be found on cruise lines direct websites and you have to search for offers with lowest prices / fares.
Here is an example: I've just found a 7 day Alaska cruise for 2 people for a total price under 1.400 $ !!! - promo offer incl. drink package, specialty dining, WiFi, excursion credit - sailing is in two weeks.
And the airfare will be ridiculous.
I just booked a 14 day HAL oceanview in Alaska in September for $1520 which is down from what I was offered back in January for the same cruise on-ship. I always use the Vacations to Go 90 day ticker.
If you don’t mind an obstructed view, cabin in a noisy place, etc. then last minute deals work. But I don’t believe you’re paying less than someone who booked a year ago, even if they’re cabins no one would else would want.
@@pdallen5801 It gets me to the same place as those people who pay a lot more. And yes, I track those fares and they have come down a lot in the past six months.
@@jlawrence0181Great deal for Alaska. Have fun.
Mentioning showing up late. Last cruise my boarding time was 3:00, I showed up accidently at 3:30 (ship departure was after 5). They moved me straight to the front of the line and I boarded right away. Way better than showing up early and standing in line for an hour.
Ha! Wouldn't suggest that, but yes, it's nice to board, have no crowds and head right to the room.
Great tips as always!
Warning - Carnival's medium grade WiFi is NOT just slower. They block streaming sites like UA-cam. I figured if it was slow, no problem, I'd just download the videos and watch them at my leisure... nope! Certain sites do not work at all.
I do NOT agree with the assertion that there are NO last minute deals. Prices do decrease starting 8-9 months out when bookings are weak. Sure, it is not going to occur on the "hottest" ships in the "hottest" destinations during the busy seasons. It is going to occur on older ships during the shoulder season. And then there is the Holland America 'standby fares" which also offer great value.
Agreed. Depending on the time of year, you can get a last minute cruise fairly cheaply. On the longer cruises 9+ nights or on the shorter ones 5-7 nights. And always put a fee watch on your preferred cruise lines.
Agreed. The early bookings obviously always have the best deals but last minute bookings frequently have decent prices if you are flexible
I like your shore excursions tip. We often book shore excursions separate from the cruise line. We often find ourselves on the same boat or tour van as passengers from the cruise ship, so we feel like we "inherit" the return to ship guarantee. Our loose rule is to book through the cruise line if it is our first visit to a port. After that, we look for excursions on our own.
#5 On embarkation day, I caught up with a friend from my dining table and we chatted over a coffee. When I arrived at the designated exit point (Royal Theatre), I was berated for being "late". 4 times I had to ask for directions before the person let me go and join the 30 minute queue to get to the gangway. #10 Fast speed all the way! No value in wasting time online waiting when you could be having fun.
i agree 100% with your comparison of advertised vs actual cruise prices. But compare the actual to a week at a Disney park, and a 7-day cruise is still a fantastic bargain.
#6 They don’t like food in the casino, but I’ve never been told no. I get takeaway from the dining room and eat it on deck or in the buffet. #7 Returning to ship in port-you only have to see the entire bridal party running on foot (I was on a land vacation in Jamaica, when a huge sinkhole stopped traffic on the main road) or the various videos of dock runners to help shape your decision. Take your passport or a copy of it with a driver’s license and a credit card with you. #10 Agree with the WiFi go with the best, they all pretty much suck but if you want to do anything pay for it.
I don't know when this changed, but *right now* (7/21/24) they are required to include all the port fees and taxes into the headline price.
So, if they advertise it's $500 person for a cruise, and you sail with 2 people, you won't have to pay more than $1,000. (unless you buy more stuff, of course)
It’s worth it for me to pay the extra for the cruise excursions. Some independent operators will guarantee to get you back to your ship or will pay to get you to the next port, and that’s what you want, but they’re rarely that much cheaper than the cruise excursions. I don’t cruise with others, strictly solo, and I always have great time, no one in my cabin. I can’t imagine having two other people in a cabin with me. How is that a vacation?
Taking a cruise for the first time in 20+ years and got lured in by what I consider to be false advertising at best if not deceptive practices. As a last minute solo traveler the chance of finding a travel companion is zero so your 2.5x-3x is right on. With minimal research I found the excursions by the cruise line to be outrageously overpriced upto 5x costs with reading between the lines(omissions) they're also not very thorough- look out the bus window as you drive by but we're stopping at our restaurant for lunch.
Which times are low occupancy? Holidays? etc
Good points
People need to be prepared for possible huge roaming charges if basic WiFi. You’re not bouncing off a cell tower, you’re using a satellite which is WAY more expensive. Put your phone, iPad and smart watch on ‘airplane mode.’
4. We used this to take along our regular babysitter, who was also a good friend. She’d never have been able to go if she’d had to pay full price.
9. It isn’t really 2.5 / 3, it’s more like 1.5. You’d expect to pay for the second person anyway, so their fare should already be in your budget. Who ever, even unconsciously, thinks a fare will cover 2 people?
Where did you find the AARP page with cruise gift cards? I just joined and do not see those available anywhere on the website.
Took your advice about AARP and have saved loads of money!!! We owe you a beer at least! That pricing math is soooo helpful. I'll use it from now on... and can we all contact our rep and senators about making cruise prices transparent?
Love my AARP card!!!!!
Thanks
The areas at the back of the theatres are in most cases reserved for people confined to wheelchairs, or passengers who have a mobility problem. Most people are accommodating when it comes to the disabled, but not all.
#1 is total bs, especially if you’re a rewards member. Every free cruise or cheap deal I get through email is for this week or next.
I am having a hard time, in AARP, finding the giftcards. Specifically looking for Royal Caribbean cards, read there are a lot of restrictions but don't know what they are?
I can’t find the gift cards either. Can someone give us step by step instructions to find them?
I don't know why I've never thought of it but the AARP membership is a great tip, not only for cruising but for other things as well.
If you cancel your cruise, if you paid all or part through gift cards, your refund for that portion will be refunded as a gift card. So save your receipts.
your 2.5 times rule is a bit misleading. for 2 travelers the fare is 2x and then the other 0.5x is taxes and fees. Someone could have to be an idiot to thank the 2 people can travel for the price pp!
Exactly!
Regarding #7, consider the recent horror story about the eight people NCL stranded in Sao Tome when their independent excursion was an hour late.
Not NCL fault.
@@user-ff3ow9ym5t It was. Sao Tome is a tender port, and the local coast guard brought the passengers to the ship before it departed. The captain wouldn't let them board.
Information:
Guests were at the tender point at pier over 1 hour late prior to all on board time!!! And normally the last tender of cruise ships leaves at pier 30 minutes before all on board time. And cruise ships are leaving normally within a time frame from 30 to 60 minutes (sometimes 90 minutes) after all on board time.
It is simply in responsibility of guests to check length of excursion, time of last tender and all on board time before booking a third party excursion.
@@monikaliebold4225Did they arrive at the ship before it departed? Yes or no?
Because one lady was handicap and another was pregnant he felt it dangerous to have them climb aboard
If I join AARP, I can purchase a $500 GC for $450. I can use those GC to pay for my cruise fare?
Yep.
Re: 3 what happens if u don’t make it back to the ship?
Never got my AARP tote bag, lol
I hear of people talking about Wi fi on the cruise. I don’t get it?? Your on a cruise. What possible reason could you need WI fi? Unplug and enjoy real life!
Singles pay double occupancy because they are not buying shore excursions, speciality dining, gambling, drinking, or buying photos as the two passenger per stateroom rate.
Extra adults are buying those things. Children probably get revenue from shore excursions at least, and tend to be pickier eaters. Chicken tenders and mac & cheese aren't rack of lamb or sea bass.
Once you are on an AARP mailing list, you will never get off. My kid was somehow signed up when he was three years old and we got mail from them for 25 years in his name. No. I'm not kidding. I finally called them and told them to remove us. I'll never sign up for anything from them. You can get discounts other ways.
Can I use zoom on my phone?
I used Skype on my last NCL cruise.
Your cool as always.
Imagine parents leave their kid while going to port and the parents aren't back on time (not on a cruise expedition or whatever). Will the ship just take the kid and leave the parents? Lol
First time cruiser here, sailing Jan 2025 on Carnival Splendor and all I want to know is how do I get a discount on the $900 drink package? $50 onboard credit is not enough 😅
Bring your 2 allowed bottles of wine/champagne. You can also try to sneak in some hard clear alcohol in a secret pouch that you smuggle on your body or as "toiletry". Use some food coloring to make your vodka look like mouthwash
Unless you plan to drink 15 drinks every day, skip the drink package. Pay as you go.
I get last minute $50 cruises all the time!
Where do you go find them?
Yes. Please let us know how, what line, etc.
wait can I take a plate from the buffet and take it to a show?
Don’t shows stop you from taking in any food?
What kind of parent ditches their kids while they go ashore? What if the parents are late getting back to the ship and get left behind?
I couldn't do it, but it is an option. Maybe if you're not going far?
Carnival has the worst internet possible.
I wouldn’t mind being crammed into a cabin with 3-4 people. The issue for me is only one toilet
I have gratuities removed now that they raised them. I pay each crew member I have dealings with in cash.
There are so many others you never see, though.
If you want to save money on Internet when cruising, save your connection for when you get into port.
Or just leave your laptop at home. If your company asks, "WHERE WERE YOU?" tell 'em, sorry, the laptop fell into the Atlantic on the first day.
I joined AARP in January and have yet to see those deals unless I'm looking in the wrong queue which I don't think I am.
I have purchased gift cards for Princess several times but has always been 8% savings, not 10%. I do not pay for AARP membership, just created an account, so am wondering if you get a larger discount for purchasing a membership?
No, Princess is 8% while others are 10%
So you couldn't do your B roll numbers with all cruise cards? lol
About carrying food, most dining rooms will not allow you to carry food to your cabin. I’ve been stopped at the door by the MaitreD when taking dessert to my cabin. They say it’s because of the risk of food poisoning - once the food leaves the DR they have no control over what happens to it.
Virgin voyages do things differently than other cruise lines...Virgin often have space
I have watched hundreds of UA-cam videos. Your just popped up, I watched it. I truly like they way you put it together. Great tips.
Except for one, The AARP, I am 70 I have never joined AARP because they are to political for my taste. If they were only pushing support ofr seniors great, but the enter to many other political topics.
Thanks for the idea about the wifi, I wondered about that, Next time I won't scemp. I also wondered about the last minute deals, again this was helpful.
Those Gift cards with AARP have a boat load of restrictions and you can only use a few at a time.
Not sailing with 4 people in a Cabin, if you cant aford the trip stop booking them !
I don't understand. I just posted 4 x $500 AARP HAL gift cards to my booking without any problems.
I have used up to 15 of the $500 certs at a time without any issues on Princess.
When using gift cards for Royal, where do you enter the card number (or do you have to speak to a human)?
Agree with most....arriving to the show late? Don't be THAT person. Argh...
As long as you catch a seat in the back, it's cool. But yeah, don't be going down the aisle trying to get a seat up close.
Love the fact I can leave my beautiful baby boy on the ship in their care while we go on excursions. If the worst happens to us in countries, I know my child is safe
wunnerful
#6 taking food from the Buffet
Haha, no way at Costa!!!!!
Never ever did we manage to take just a piece of baguette, or a piece of fruit not to mention "bigger things"
No way!!! They treat you as if you are stealing 👎👎👎
An important note on the whole "drink anywhere you want" tip. This is not true on MSC. Drinks are not allowed in pools/whirlpools or the main theater
Most MSC cruise ships do not allow drinks in the theater. However the Seashore allows drinks in the theater.
Suggesting that it's ever okay to show up after a show has already begun is always very wrong. Even if taking a seat in the back. It's rude, distracting, and frankly, shows a real lack of class.
People who ditch their kids to sit at the pool/bar and drink or go off on an excursion should rethink being parents. You are just being selfish. Leave them home with a relative.
Exactly!
Leaving them while you enjoy the ship is no big deal. Going off ship without them is crazy!
Note: Tips are not I repeat, not mandatory!
Anyone who can afford to treat themselves should think a little about the folks doing all the work.
#7 didn't age well... Folks made a stink recently because they got left behind
Nah, for most cruises, the policy isn't that big a deal. Now, headed out all day or late in the afternoon, it's great. Most excursions, however, leave early and get back early.
you mention AARP, have you checked AMAC? Just curious
NO PASSENGER SHOULD EVER PAY AUTOMATIC CRUISE GRATUITIES! CRUISE GRATUITIES ARE NOT, NOT, NOT TIPS. THEY ARE SALARY PAID TO EVERY CREW MEMBER BY THE PASSENGER INSTEAD OF THE CRUISE LINE WHICH MAKES GRATUITIES NOT, NOT, NOT A TIP. TIPS ARE GIVEN TO INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS WHO GIVE AN INDIVIDUAL PASSENGER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE! I ALWAYS TELL THE SHIP, "DO NOT CHARGE ME GRATUITIES". I GIVE TIPS TO SPECIFIC MEMBERS OF THE CREW WHO MAKE MY TRIP SPECIAL, USUALLY TO THE 2 WAITERS AND THE CABIN STEWARD AS I DO NOT DRINK, BUT I REFUSE TO PAY SALARIES WHICH ARE THE RESPONSABILITY OF THE RELEVANT CRUISE LINE!
Bro chill, we get it. No need for the CAPS LOCK. 😂
Ya chill.. Tips are different then Gratuity. I also pay the Gratuity and Tip cause crew members do not get Paid enough to deal with All the have to deal with.
Capital letters are on-line shouting. Nobody likes to be shouted at. We'll pay more attention if you tone it down a bit.
Did you know you can turn off caps lock?
Thanks for this. I'm going on my first cruise Jan 2025 any advice to not be ripped off will help! 😅 Your cap locks got my attention! 😅