When it comes to older ships, I really like the Voyager class. Lately, they've had some of the best, most unique itineraries. they're interesting ships with lots of amenities. And they are at great, sometimes eye popping, prices.
The best advice I can give someone Booking their first cruise. Make sure you don't go during Holidays or spring breaks and such. My first cruise I went during Spring Break.BUT is was incredibly crowded with families and such. It did annoy me how a lot of them behaved, but I still had a blast and kept going on more and more cruises (though on Royal Instead XD).
Booking early and keeping an eye on prices can save you a bunch. Booked a December sailing for Utopia in March while on a cruise and it was estimated to be $2,100 for two people overlooking the Promenade. By the time final payment was due, the sailing was under $1,500. We just kept checking the prices on a regular basis to see the difference.
When we booked in 1998, there was nothing but print and tv ads to steer one to the right trip. Ended on a west coast cruise on Carnival and it was a great time (far different than today's Carnival). Still cruising today and enjoying it, my biggest suggestion is book far in advance. 18 months is not too far out
Tbh when i had my 1st cruise i did not struggle that much with planning. It took a lot of yt videos to plan my trip and it went smoothly. For 1st time cruisers, watch yt, do your own research, google google google. Dont do the "go with the flow." It doesn't take that much time to research. And use common sense
Did my first cruise in February for my birthday. It went so well. And with my ADHD it sent me into hyper focus doing research. By the time I left I had already found my room on YT and done many tours of the ship. I knew where almost everything was. I can’t wait for my next one
It's always a pleasure to hear your voice, Matt! Thank you for the reminders. Even though I'm a seasoned cruiser, I still need reminding of the types of things that will improve my sailing and save me money.
It is always amusing when someone simps for a dude. It is even worse whenever I see a guy simping for another guy (which does not seem to be the case here).
These five things apply to most cruise lines. When it comes to beverage packages, always do the math. If you don't drink much alcohol, the alcohol package is rarely cost-effective. Even a non-alcoholic package may not be cost-effective. Look at the number of days you will be off the ship and how long. Be honest and realistic in how many drinks you will drink. Most lines provide fruit juice, coffee, and tea during meal times at no additional cost. Do you really need fancy coffee drinks all day, every day?
The main advice is get used to crowds don’t be in a rush. People get used to the city fast life and at sea want to complain about lines or crowds etc just chillllllll. I also always see arguments over seats in shows lol
Before I booked my first cruise I wish I knew that you can get food as soon as you get on the ship. We stopped to get some food, we were starving. That was a long time ago, we are now experienced cruisers. Ready for the next one.
Our TA is the worst! I will never again use one. She doesn't do a darn thing. I told her our cruise dropped in price and she made a comment that ours didn't because of all the add ons, like the drink package and excursions. I am so pissed I could scream. I told her I wanted her to send my reservation back the cruise line . She said I would have to pay her a cancellation fee of half what I paid for the cruise.
I love would to see you go on a cruise and not spend any money beyond the cost the cruise and see how your experience goes compared to your normal experience when you add things on.
I've never been on a cruise, so these videos are very helpful. So when you book 2-joining rooms, there is an extra bathroom in between? Is that correct? Right now I'm looking for a cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral or one of the other Florida ports, maybe 5-7 days. Any suggestions or tips?
Went on Wonder of the Seas and only regret was that I wish we had booked a specific dinner time each night. Didn't get the times we wanted some of the nights.
I’m going on my first cruise as a Diamond member. I typically get the Refreshment package, but now with my vouchers I’m thinking of going down to the Soda package. My question is does it include water bottles at bars? I know you can buy a water pack for the room but I enjoy a soda from time to time and think it’s the perfect package of if I can get bottles of water included as well. Thanks
Love the videos, if I booked through a travel agent and a better deal comes up, can I just call RC and have them give me the better deal or do I have to go through the initial travel agency?
There's a 10 night Europe cruise we really want to do in 2026. We're thinking about doing the nextcruise prepay option of $200 in Oct. Then in Nov when the cruise comes out, booking a grand suite and getting a truck load of OBC. Is that a good idea? Would I lose the OBC if our TA reprices later on? Thanks, Matt!!!
I'm not the expert that @matt is, but here's my attempt to answer your questions. First, NextCruise $200 deposit counts toward standard cabins up through Jr. Suites. The only time I attempted to book a larger suite through them, the deposit was 10% of the cruise fare. I did get a nice OBC. Your mileage may vary. When you reprice, you generally won't lose the NextCruise OBC, but you might lose any additional promotional OBC, if any. Booking through NextCruise is a great option, but as Matt warns, don't hold up on your booking just to get the NextCruise OBC. Otherwise, you might have a price increase (or worse, the suite might book up) that negates any advantage. I hope this helps.
@@stevek7068 Thanks a bunch! Yeah, I don't think I'd try it except that 2026 Europe cruises won't be released until a month after the cruise- good point though! Cheers
@@jenprothero1677 me, my dad and my daughter want to go on a cruise and thought it could work out. We are in the planning stage. Still haven't decided between one room or two
@@cruisecrazy7066if you tap in the upper corner of the video, several icons will appear. One looks like a gear, select that one. You will see playback speed as one of the options. Choose whichever playback speed you prefer.
0:05: "Up Next!" Thank God Matt restored his catchphrase.
Why is there a beep at the beginning? Did Matt say naughty word?
IM GOING ON A CRUISE IN A FEW WEEKSS!!!!!
When it comes to older ships, I really like the Voyager class. Lately, they've had some of the best, most unique itineraries. they're interesting ships with lots of amenities. And they are at great, sometimes eye popping, prices.
The best advice I can give someone Booking their first cruise. Make sure you don't go during Holidays or spring breaks and such. My first cruise I went during Spring Break.BUT is was incredibly crowded with families and such. It did annoy me how a lot of them behaved, but I still had a blast and kept going on more and more cruises (though on Royal Instead XD).
Booking early and keeping an eye on prices can save you a bunch.
Booked a December sailing for Utopia in March while on a cruise and it was estimated to be $2,100 for two people overlooking the Promenade. By the time final payment was due, the sailing was under $1,500. We just kept checking the prices on a regular basis to see the difference.
When we booked in 1998, there was nothing but print and tv ads to steer one to the right trip. Ended on a west coast cruise on Carnival and it was a great time (far different than today's Carnival).
Still cruising today and enjoying it, my biggest suggestion is book far in advance. 18 months is not too far out
Tbh when i had my 1st cruise i did not struggle that much with planning. It took a lot of yt videos to plan my trip and it went smoothly. For 1st time cruisers, watch yt, do your own research, google google google. Dont do the "go with the flow." It doesn't take that much time to research. And use common sense
Exactly what I did.
I totally agree with you. That’s what i did too.
Did my first cruise in February for my birthday. It went so well. And with my ADHD it sent me into hyper focus doing research. By the time I left I had already found my room on YT and done many tours of the ship. I knew where almost everything was. I can’t wait for my next one
My first cruise was on Voyager. It was really nice and relaxing. Next cruise will be on Harmony. Looking forward to it.
We love the Radiance class ships, have spent lots of nights on board. Heading out on Liberty in 2 weeks to Bermuda, wish it was Jewel. Thanks Matt!
Matt dropping the F bomb in the intro. Classic Matt 😂
New ships usually have better / hand picked staff. Old ships can be dearer because they are not staff nor fuel efficient.
Very good info and to the point. I love hearing your voice❤❤❤
It's always a pleasure to hear your voice, Matt! Thank you for the reminders. Even though I'm a seasoned cruiser, I still need reminding of the types of things that will improve my sailing and save me money.
It is always amusing when someone simps for a dude. It is even worse whenever I see a guy simping for another guy (which does not seem to be the case here).
These five things apply to most cruise lines.
When it comes to beverage packages, always do the math. If you don't drink much alcohol, the alcohol package is rarely cost-effective. Even a non-alcoholic package may not be cost-effective. Look at the number of days you will be off the ship and how long. Be honest and realistic in how many drinks you will drink.
Most lines provide fruit juice, coffee, and tea during meal times at no additional cost. Do you really need fancy coffee drinks all day, every day?
The main advice is get used to crowds don’t be in a rush. People get used to the city fast life and at sea want to complain about lines or crowds etc just chillllllll. I also always see arguments over seats in shows lol
Before I booked my first cruise I wish I knew that you can get food as soon as you get on the ship. We stopped to get some food, we were starving. That was a long time ago, we are now experienced cruisers. Ready for the next one.
Cruiseplum shows virtually EVERY single cruise on RC going down over time.
It's all about the ship!
Our TA is the worst! I will never again use one. She doesn't do a darn thing. I told her our cruise dropped in price and she made a comment that ours didn't because of all the add ons, like the drink package and excursions. I am so pissed I could scream. I told her I wanted her to send my reservation back the cruise line . She said I would have to pay her a cancellation fee of half what I paid for the cruise.
That's why he says a GOOD travel agent.
As a travel agent, clients are not always correct and the biggest issue is they NEVER READ the documents or booking confirmation.
@@billybenson3834also some TAs do not read the documents either.
The beep 😂😂😂
I love would to see you go on a cruise and not spend any money beyond the cost the cruise and see how your experience goes compared to your normal experience when you add things on.
Thanks for sharing
Should we buy Cruises through Costco vs travel agent or cruise directly
Book with RC call in line. They are great
I've never been on a cruise, so these videos are very helpful. So when you book 2-joining rooms, there is an extra bathroom in between? Is that correct? Right now I'm looking for a cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral or one of the other Florida ports, maybe 5-7 days. Any suggestions or tips?
Went on Wonder of the Seas and only regret was that I wish we had booked a specific dinner time each night. Didn't get the times we wanted some of the nights.
I’m going on my first cruise as a Diamond member. I typically get the Refreshment package, but now with my vouchers I’m thinking of going down to the Soda package. My question is does it include water bottles at bars? I know you can buy a water pack for the room but I enjoy a soda from time to time and think it’s the perfect package of if I can get bottles of water included as well. Thanks
Black friday, i got kids sail free, 250 off my ticket and 60% off my wifes ticket. Not bad. Still paid ship fees on the kids but could have been worse
Love the videos, if I booked through a travel agent and a better deal comes up, can I just call RC and have them give me the better deal
or do I have to go through the initial travel agency?
What travel agent do you use?
MEI Travel
UP NEXT!!
We live in the USA but will be in Mexico on Black Friday. Has anyone had issues booking a cruise while in another country? 🤔
Anyone know what happened to the crown and anchor balcony and suite discount chart?
I’m going on oasis of the seas in may but also went on the ship in 2013 how much has it changed since then
A ship is "amped" when it goes through renovation. Oasis went through one in 2019 and you can Google that.
1. Don't book a cruise if you don't want a great holiday.
There's a 10 night Europe cruise we really want to do in 2026. We're thinking about doing the nextcruise prepay option of $200 in Oct. Then in Nov when the cruise comes out, booking a grand suite and getting a truck load of OBC. Is that a good idea? Would I lose the OBC if our TA reprices later on? Thanks, Matt!!!
I'm not the expert that @matt is, but here's my attempt to answer your questions. First, NextCruise $200 deposit counts toward standard cabins up through Jr. Suites. The only time I attempted to book a larger suite through them, the deposit was 10% of the cruise fare. I did get a nice OBC. Your mileage may vary. When you reprice, you generally won't lose the NextCruise OBC, but you might lose any additional promotional OBC, if any. Booking through NextCruise is a great option, but as Matt warns, don't hold up on your booking just to get the NextCruise OBC. Otherwise, you might have a price increase (or worse, the suite might book up) that negates any advantage. I hope this helps.
@@stevek7068 Thanks a bunch! Yeah, I don't think I'd try it except that 2026 Europe cruises won't be released until a month after the cruise- good point though! Cheers
Do interior rooms offer sleeping arrangements for 3. We need at least two beds, 2 adults and a tall 12 year old
Yes they do!
@@jenprothero1677 me, my dad and my daughter want to go on a cruise and thought it could work out. We are in the planning stage. Still haven't decided between one room or two
Who do you use for a travel agent?
MEI Travel
I hear the food on the RC ships is horrible. Cafeteria or hospital food at best. Is this true?!
Not at all
Isn't 2024 almost over?
I’m about to talk to a travel agent about a cruise next year. I’ve heard great things about MEI travel.
I've been using MEI for one and a half years- Game Changer!
@@jewels7822 is there anyone in particular you recommend?
What’s with the “beep”?!
Just for fun
The five f%&÷ing things you need to know before booking your cruise, UPP NEXXXT!
The Utopia cabins are ugh. Look like Ikea.
Did Matt say bad words? lol
Potentially going on my first in 2025, if I like it I'll make it a regular thing
Or go to the casino and gamble and get a free cruise lol
Free? Don't you mean "Free" XD
Boy that's the truth.
Going to the casino to win a free cruise is insane. It's not a free cruise if you gambled away 5K 😅
Please speak a little more slowly. Sometimes you speak so quickly that you sound like a language lesson...Babble.
You can change the playback speed to be slower.
@@danielleb1565 How do you do that?
@@cruisecrazy7066if you tap in the upper corner of the video, several icons will appear. One looks like a gear, select that one. You will see playback speed as one of the options. Choose whichever playback speed you prefer.
First