I had spf50 on everything except the tops of my feet. A quarter mile walk down the pier at 8am, and I fixed it when I got on the ferry. Big mistake. My feet burned in that amount of time.
Another mistake people make is not checking to see if they have more than 6 months on their passports. Just about anywhere you visit requires that passports must have more than 6 months time on them in order to enter countries. So before you travel, see when your passport expires, and if it's less than 6 months, then renew it. The process is pretty easy.
I have been with you for years and big difference in your set, intro , and finish. My wife and I actually plan our future cruises based on your information. Thanks for your work. Good Video and info.
another mistake..Don't forget to take a small carry on with a change of clothes such as bathing suit..medications tolitries etc.. Your main luggage may not show up to your cabin for hours!!!
@@tango1305 There's a weight limit to what you can take yourself. If it's over a certain weight the cruise workers HAVE to take it to your room for you. It's the same with how you can't take a big suitcase as your carryon on a plane so it has to go in cargo. This can be avoided altogether if you pack lightly though.
I usually take about 15 singles. Also you can opt out of gratuities, just take enough cash to dilly out to who you want....not who they say will get gratuities.
Our first cruise mistake... didn’t take enough sunblock. Closer to the equator meant having to apply and reapply throughout the day and we ran out on day 3 of 5. Cruise ship charged $18 for a 6oz bottle of Coppertone. For 4 of us we needed 18 ounces a day. Oh, and two, we didn’t explore till the last day. Afraid we would go where we didn’t belong or get lost and look foolish. That last night was fun and a lesson to get out on the ship and explore.
Yup. Cruise shops charge an arm and a leg. Reserve the shopping for souvenirs (because a green owl plushie the size of a watermelon is just too cute to pass up) and bring your own essential supplies.
I am Platinum with Carnival and you too did very well on all of these items. The one thing I would add to the list is: since it is a cashless system it is so easy to rack up a very high credit card bill. Take time to review your bill daily. Sometimes there are mistakes, other times you may need to stay in a budget.
brenda escalon, another option is to prepay everything you possibly can ahead of your cruise including excursions you plan on taking and gratuities unless you are going to pay cash for the gratuities. That should leave you only having to pay for your souvenirs and maybe a couple of incidental such as your casino bankroll.
Food tip 1: Be careful and pay attention to menus in restaurants!! Some restaurants are partially complimentary. My grandparents told me of a story where they went to a sushi restaurant on Norwegian Cruise Lines that had some complimentary items, but most cost money. While eating, they watch a couple at another table order almost the entire menu, chow down, and then leave. They apparently ordered food that wasn't complementary and the employees chased them down for their card. Be careful! If you're not sure what's complementary, just ask. Employees will be happy to tell you what's free. It's their job. Food Tip 2: The only way to find on brand candy on a cruise is by going to the candy shop where it's easily 5x what it is back at home. Have a kid who is incredibly picky and wants a specific sweet? As long as it's unopened, you can bring candy in your luggage. So, before going on a cruise, make a quick stop at the dollar tree, stock up on what you know your kids won't got without, and take it in the luggage. Clothing Tip 1: Bring clothes that increases in size. If you're like me and you like food, you're probably going to eat a lot of it on cruises. I tend to gain 7-10 pounds on a seven day cruise, so I bring clothes that is a size up for the last few days of my cruise. It helps hide the sudden stomach while still looking good. I also bring with me a braided stretch belt. No holes so I can increase or decrease it as needed without worry of my pants falling down. Clothing Tip 2: Some cruise lines have a dress code to eat in their complementary nighttime dining restaurant. The cruise lines on their website will say whether they do or don't. I have seen my mother be turned away for trying to wear shorts to the nighttime dining restaurant. Dock Tip: When the ship is at dock and you want to get off and explore, take your passport, your ID, and cash. If you loose your room keycard, the only thing that will save you from being stuck in a strange new place with no knowledge of the language is that passport and ID. Luggage Tip: Always have a carry on with your most important items: a change of clothes, passport, ID, bathing suit, medicine, etc. There's usually thousands of people getting on, with each party carrying 2+ luggage. Luggage is going to be lost. I was on a cruise where we were missing one luggage until 10pm. Always have a carry on with your important items. You don't want to be stuck waiting in a huff for your bathing suit. Money Tip: Call your credit/debit card company and tell them you're traveling. They will cancel your card and you will have to wait until you return home and can physically visit your bank to fix it. Politeness Tip: When you're at the buffet, you can accumulate a lot of plates FAST. You're supposed to grab a new plate every time you get more food, and in a flash you've got plates all over your table. Before you leave after you've finished eating, nicely stack the plates so it's easier for the employees. Yes, it's their job to clean up after you, but trust me, they deal with enough as it is for what they're paid. There's absolutely nothing wrong with making their job a little easier by stacking the plates for a quick grab. And don't leave cups or plates in obscure places around the ship. The employees aren't here to play "Where's That Disgusting Smell Coming From?" That's just rude.
food tip no3: TAKE A WALK after every meal...it aids in digestion and will help shift things around....and you'll burn off some of those calories you just consumed...
I dont mean to be so offtopic but does someone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost my password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
Food tip 2.5: If you've brought a kid who so absolutely needs a certain brand of candy and can't settle for UNLIMITED 24-HOUR ICE CREAM until they get to port, you should reconsider if they really deserve to go on a cruise.
On one cruise I decided to pack lightly by only taking 7 shirts for my 7 day cruise! I ended up wanting to change clothes more than often on the ship because it was sooo hot and the sweat factor was intense. And don’t even consider trying to wash anything by hand. It will NOT dry because of the intense humidity.
Don’t forget travelers insurance in case you get sick or miss the trip due to unforeseen delays. Most cruise lines will offer that through a separate company or you can find your own. It’s worth a little extra in case of flight delays or accidents
Michelle I put Insurance down too. And the kind that will pay for helicopters I told a terrible story about a woman that was not helicoptered to the hospital in a big city. When she got home she was a vegetable The faster your helped the better. They let her wait for a port and the hospital was not equiped. Her mate did not demand a helicopter. The boat does not need a pad they can lower a pick up patient to a large hospital. They put her in a rest home. She could have a long life.
And really make sure you understand what the insurance will cover. We bought tix and insurance, and when I suddenly couldn't travel because of respiratory illness, they made us jump through hoops to get our refund back.
I'm taking my very first ever cruise (out of Fremantle Western Australia) in December. Now while I haven't yet been on a Ship, I grew up on boats so here are my "On the Water" tips. It can get very cold on the open sea. Always take a warm coat. Attach a tether to your hat/cap, then pin that tether to your shirt. If your head gear blows off in the wind; you wont lose it overboard. Have an extra pair of shoes in case of rain or sea spray.
I always make a list for day and night of all the clothes/shoes/bags I am going to take and pack nothing else after I over-packed on our first cruise. Be careful with excursions - only choose one two that you really want to go on otherwise it is very expensive and it is good just to get off the ship and do your own thing. When we were in Guernsey a couple of years ago the cruise ship had a bus excursion around the island at a big cost - I got the local bus for £1.00 and did the same trip!
Well one mistake that wasn’t mentioned in this video is not being aware of the theme nights and the dress code for each of those nights. If we had known we would’ve packed adequately. Also, bring a warm jacket because the air con can be pretty bad for a cold fish like me.
Every Alaska cruise I have been on, the ship "time" has been adjusted to local time. When we enter Alaska waters, the clocks go from PST to Alaska time (and reverse on the way back). Also...you can adjust settings on cellphone where it doesn't auto-update the time and you can manually adjust/set the time.
You can also turn off the auto update for your clock on your phone. Set it to whatever timezone the ship is set to as it's leaving, then disable the auto update setting.
Tipping is optional. The cruiselines do not tell you that and they keep increasing the daily amount. On the second day of the cruise, you can go to guest relations and ask them to remove the automatic billing.
R B. I bring a travel pack of Clorox/ Lysol wipes and clean any surface I plan on touching. After finding crusty lettuce still on the telephone, it all gets disinfected.
@@mendystarcher119 I have Lysol (Lemon Scent) wipes. These also go to Vegas with me. 2nd day of a Vegas trip and I got the NoroVirus No fun at all staying in your room on the toilet with a trashcan in front of you. I learned!
The bigger the suitcase, the bigger the temptation to overpack. If my destination is warm, I only need a backpack. If cold, then I bring a carry on sized roller suitcase and a backpack. For long trips, I do a load of laundry half way through. It's hilarious when I go to Europe for a couple weeks and customs asks if I forgot to pick up my bag. When I say I only have the backpack they give me the oddest looks.
True. If the weather turns bad, there may be plenty of people trying to buy some on the ship. However, if you are on a very large boat, it can be an extremely long line! Have heard on other ytubers that the ship's prices are very high compared with the cost of any over the counter meds. Including Dramamine, or Bonine. Both for sea sickness. You can get patches to put behind yours ears, or dic on a band to help stop it. Be sure to put a band on each hand.
Best tip I can give besides arrive the day before sailing and depart for home the day after sailing is USE A REAL TRAVEL AGENT WHO WILL HAVE YOUR BACK in case you miss La Lido Loca's very sensible tips!!!
We keep a "Cruise Box" in the closet, we keep a small flashlight, binder clips (to FULLY close the curtains), return mailing labels, safety sleeves (for credit cards while in port), a night light, small alarm clock, a reminder to pack medications, room key lanyards, as well as other essentials that may or may not be needed on the cruise. We are "seasoned" cruisers (15+) and never risk leaving something behind.
Correction on the Muster Drill. If you do not attend you have a great chance of being escorted off of he ship before it even leaves port. Also if you consume too much alcohol you may be put off of the ship. No 12. Those who eat too much are not just first time cruisers. One sees so many loading their plates up then walk out leaving most of the food to be thrown out. Take a reasonable amount on your plate then if you need more go back again.
Hey Rod, we never ever did a drill while still at the dock,always under way.The drill is inadequate, it is announced, no body ever tries to get into a life boat,all it is showing where folks got to be in an emergency. NOT enough training. Ship is level,not listing, not lower at one end, calm reigns. Actual drill should be done like at 0400 hours, 2nd night out, after all passengers have been shown their evacuation points.Keep it a little real.
First-time cruisers should be made aware of Buffet Manners 101. Keep your fingers out of the food and watch the kiddos, especially near the mashed potatoes!
Here’s a. Backwards mistake. Many cruise lines offer free continental breakfast in your room. If you don’t wake til your first cup of coffee.tea, this is great. Put in your order the night before and they bring your pre breakfast to you. Morning coffee on the balcony is a great way to enjoy vacation. Just leave a nice tip to the delivery person. They make the coffee right there on your deck so it arrives nice and hot
Great video and tips, however I wanted to point out that sometimes ship time DOES change. So you need to set your watch to ship time but also be cognisant of any notices saying the time is going back or forward.
tina w. I agree. Just returned from an Alaska cruise, departing from Seattle. Ship time changes there TWICE: From Pacific Time, to Alaska time, then back to Pacific time (and that is depending on how many Canadian port stops the itinerary makes.) Bottomline is, if you pay attention to notices and announcements, you’ll be fine.
I used to work for a major cell phone carrier and even if you buy an international package from your carrier to use your phone in port, it will not cover usage on the ship. I once saw a 5 figure bill from a few apps auto updating. And in most cases your carrier will not waive those charges no matter how much you complain.
Not having the proper travel documents or not having them within easy reach. You can get asked several times for your documents by the time you check in. People put them in their checked bags or put them back into their carry on bags after they are asked for them the first time. Besides making it take for ever for them to get on the ship, they can hold up everybody behind them.
She also said if booking a hotel room on a tour, take a room on the first four floors only! In case the elevator does not work or you have to be rescued by firemen you will be in easy reach!
One important note on shore excursions. If you arrange an excursion through the ship and it returns to the ship late, the ship will wait for you. However, if you arrange a much cheaper excursion otherwise and it arrives late, the ship can take off without you. It's your choice.
Take a night light with you, it is VERY dark at night in the cabin, and if you need to use the bathroom, a nightlight in there with help. My other tip is, if you have a windowless room, turn the volume off on the TV and set the channel to "View from the Bridge". At night the view is pitch black, but if you wake up and it is daylight, you will know instantly if it is day or night.
You should mention that if you get an "Open Bar" option, keep in mind that when the ship is still docked at port, you will pay taxes on your drinks even though the drink itself is free. So at the end of your cruise you will see these charges on your bill.
After many cruises, there are 2 things that I have to take with me! Magnetic hooks/clips for the cabin walls (to hang hats, lanyards, purses, backpacks, jackets and some toiletries/make up in ziplock bags); and a power cube (NON- surge protected) for extra outlets and usb ports. I keep a packing cube with these things in my luggage, so I don't have to hunt them down when I cruise.
Good idea to pre tip, host at dining room and your room attendants. You can get those little favors that make things mire convenient and enjoyable. Make a dining room reservation.
Some great suggestions. Thanks, folks! Just some additional things that strike me. With regards to overpacking, it’s probably better to get advice from the MANY groups online who can suggest when too much might be too much. Also, remember that tipping and gratuity rules change internationally and can be culturally based. I'm a Brit, and our rules and expectations with regards to tipping are completely different - tipping is regarded as unnecessary (as all gratuities are inclusive/ staff are evenly compensated) and staff will be horrified if you approach them openly for tipping (it can, of course, be done discreetly but is still discouraged). The staff you don't come into contact with (below decks, support staff, laundry staff), don't get regularly tipped, so it's fundamentally unfair.
Gary Woodward Last year before a cruise, we stayed in a London hotel for three nights. The concierge went above and beyond for us booking transportation; he definitely deserved the gratuity we gave him. It was our first time in London and we had a blast!
With the help of many videos like yours, I was able to avoid the most common mistakes of new cruisers ( except for the over packing, LOL ). I brought $100 in singles for tipping, set my watches to ship time before boarding, did not drink at any port stops, I pre booked my excursion, arrived in Florida a week before my cruise left, prepaid the gratuities, attended the mustard drill, oh, I mean "muster drill" on time, my cell phone is prepaid thus no roaming, booked an evening flight for the day the cruise ship returned, and didn't get in trouble for doing something stupid on the ship. I did drink enough ( while on the ship, that is ), hell, I was on vacation, and food was not an issue. I had a lovely time aboard my first cruise on Carnival Conquest this past April 2018. Will do it again during spring break on the Carnival Legend in 2020. Did I do well?
Download the app! (If they have one) and pay for the text feature! It saved us so much hassle when trying to communicate with our large group. Well worth the 5$! Also download it BEFORE you leave port!
Don't forget to bring some behind the ear seasick patches if you start to feel nauseous! Better to have it packed - just in case. Nausea ruins cruises.
Thank you thank you thank you for #8; the Muenster Drill! I was on a one cruise in which it was obvious the crew wasn’t serious about it. I wrote the company an email when I returned. People need to understand that half of the ships crew are not trained sailors; they are hotel services employees. Things are likely to break down in a real emergency... Costa Concordia! Paying attention could save you life some day!
Yes, you definitely need a password. One time we didn't bring ours and wouldn't let us on the ship! Our petsitter at home came to our rescue and found our birth certificate s and text them over. What a fiasco!
Just come back from my first cruise on the Norwegian Epic to Bahamas and Mexico and am guilty of most of those things mentioned: I ate like there was no tomorrow and put on 4kg in one week I over packed Was thinking taking an iron on my next trip now I know they would confiscate it Didn't put phone on aeroplane and got charges of £79 (105 us$) Didnt listen to announcements just followed others Next cruise will be Caribbean and will certainly be better prepared Thanks for your informative video
I’ve watched at least a half dozen videos from cruise experts and cruise line former employees and none of them covered any of this stuff on their list! Well maybe they covered 2-3 points. Thanks so much for this video!
My biggest mistake involved sunscreen. I was using it, but didn't reapply it throughout the day. Was really burnt after Day 2 at sea. This was a cruise in the Western Caribbean. Use sunscreen, a pretty high SPF (50 SPF or higher preferred) and REAPPLY IT regularly.
Bring ziplock bags and order a sandwich before bed. Take it with you on the island for a lunch if you're trying to save money. Whole fruit makes for a great breakfast on the go. Free room service is a wonderful perk (not all items are free, but most). The on board gym is a great spa alternative! Do cardio whilst capturing great views of the ocean (sometimes dolphins that swim in the wake of the ship) and take advantage of the incredible sauna, usually comes with a view. There are movie nights where family movies are shown on the top deck under the stars. If you are bringing children, research the children activities beforehand. Keeps the kids happy, gives you ample adult time and they have more fun on the cruise with friends. The staff on Carnival Cruise line kept them all secure in their own area and away from partying passengers and usually cordon one of the night clubs or specialty areas a night so they can have their own safe space to party with other kids. Bringing teenagers? Leave them at home! 😂 Just kidding. There's programs for them too as well as an 18 and under club. Don't forget to pack for formal night!
You’re not allowed to take food off the ship. Most ports have dogs smelling for food and drugs and they will confiscate it and can fine you if they choose. It’s a customs issue.
I would say 1st time cruisers should pace themselves in general. There's a LOT of things happening on the ship all the time, plus the port calls and excursions. You're going to be doggone tired by night 3. (But it's so worth it!)
I totally agree!!!! We were gone 7 days and there is always something going on at the ship. I went on a few of the outside excursions, but also did my own thing off the boat that I found fun in. I didn't think I would say that I will go on another cruise...but I am definitely going on another one. I had a good time.
A cruise was a great solution for my friend who does not walk very well. She did not have to pack and unpack over and over. Elevators help!. A man even let her dance on his feet at a dress up ball! God love him!!!
Thank you i was only thinking about summer clothing but i didn't think about what if it got chilly or if the ac is too cold i i have two trows i plan to bring in case the blankets they have a on the thin side thanks again need to add it to my list
Estee Creel you’re right, Estee, at least every line I’ve ever been on. But some cruise lines make a bigger deal of that fact, in announcements and/or in the daily bulletin.
If you are sailing out of Mobile, AL stay at the Fr Conde in the night before sailing and you can keep your car in their parking lot for free for the duration of your cruise. The cruise port is a 3-5 minute walk from the Ft Conde Inn.
Another good tip for first-time Cruisers is to look at your deck plans so you'll know what is above and below your stateroom when you book your cruise that way if you go to bed early you don't have the Rock and roll nightclub above you going till 2 or 3 a.m. or early morning having the sound of dumbbells from the gym and weights pounding on the floor this happened to some friends of ours just a tip to share sincerely Adventures of David and Aaron love the videos guys
This is a great tip. I never paid attention to where our cabin was in the beginning and we just relied on our travel agent. Luckily we never had a bad cabin but I still research and pick where I want to be nowadays!
I just checked the deck plan and our room is under the casino. I chose this room to minimize seasickness as it’s central and lower on the ship. Guess I will bring earplugs? I’m a light sleeper.
Just a little something I recently learned, that adds to the internet at the ports. There ARE scammers that will set up WiFi in tourist areas to steal your personal data, credit card info. Etc. This was a lovely video, I can’t wait for my first cruise next April with The Don 😉
Valerie Foster so just by clicking on a scammer’s fake WiFi network you’re hacked? Or do you have to click on something else after selecting his/her network be hacked?
Bill Robertson this is false information. If there’s a packet sniffer set up a VPN won’t matter because they’re gathering information off the physical network you’re connected to, not the connection points. A VPN is not useful for packet sniffers which is the biggest threat as it’s the easiest to implement and support.
On our first cruise we did not know that excursions are optional so we booked excursions on every port. We are much more selective now and often simply do "self-guided" wandering around the port excursions. The cabins are smaller than a first-time cruiser might expect. Taking 2 medium size suit cases instead of one monster will be easier to handle and easier to stash under the bed. One expanding capacity bag might be good if you tend to buy stuff in the ports or on the ship and don't want to buy another suit case to take everything home. On your first cruise, don't try to smuggle alcohol onto the ship. There will be plenty on board and in most of the ports. The cruise lines are pretty good at catching smugglers and if caught, your booze is put in booze jail until the end of the cruise (at best). Don't pack your meds, documents, money, jewelry, and things you will need right away in your checked bags. Once the porter puts them onto the baggage cart, you won't see them again until they show up outside your cabin later that day. Minimize your carry-on bag. I have seen and felt compassion for the folks pulling around a full-size case as they try to get lunch in an already crowded cafeteria. Join the cruise line loyalty program. It is free and if you turn into a cruiser, there usually are nice perks down the road as your number of cruise nights grows, including free alcohol in some cases.
Your debit/credit card will have preauthorization holds! Most are released before they are noticed. Their only purpose is to verify your account since you are only billed once at the end of your sailing 😊
Onna Thanks for this information. I’m a first time cruiser next month and couldn’t seem to figure out what’s best between a card or cash account? I also wanted to know how and if your money is returned to you if you’re not using all of it from a cash account?
OK.. I will type in my response/addition to the list as I listen and we'll see if I get one you do not... :D #13 - Trying too hard to get it all in -Rushing around and not actually relaxing. Packing a schedule with activities makes it look like you will have a fun packed vacation, but it can often lead to frustration and exhaustion rushing from one thing to another. Leave time for just relaxing and changing clothes, taking a nap, just walking the deck or other casual activities that you can avail yourself of when the impulse hits you... :)
yes!! i'm going on my first and also solo cruise as an adult in 2 weeks and my coworker keeps looking up ALL the available excursions and i'm like dude... my biggest plans for the first day are hitting the day spa on the ship LOL
Very, very important! IF you use the in-room safe, run your fingers over the keyboard after you enter your combination. There are rings operating on some of the ships that "powder" the keys, or use a black lite to determine your combination and rob your safe (while you are having your dinner and your nice stateroom steward has your door open doing all that great cleaning). Huh uh!. My safe was robbed of my passport. The embassy told me the thieves were using the stolen passports for trafficking girls! I couldn't leave the cruise ship, my vacation was ruined and the liner didn't help me! BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE!
Maybe in a small river cruise, on big cruise lines those things don't happen! 1. There are surveillance cameras 24hrs on all passengers and crew hallways! Its like a "big brother" 2. In case of a missing item from the safety box, they can read the exact times your safety was open! Electronic technology! 3. How did the embassy knew they were using your passport for "trafficking girls" it sounds like a movie lol
@@davidwadsworth8982 nobody said security cameras on the rooms, I've said on the all hallways! And if some opens your safe they can read the safe and check the time it was open, therefore they can compare that to the cameras on the halleways...
Carnival will allow you to take a bottle of wine per person. I don't drink wine but two bottles for my wife allows her to have wine with dinner and not pay $10 or more for a small glass. In addition, Carnival also allows each cruiser to bring a 12 pack of canned soda or carbonated water onboard. That's 24 cans per couple; a big savings as compared to purchasing onboard.
Went on our first cruise on July 3rd and we thought we left enough room for suvineers, ect but ... well we definitely over packed! lol and since we flew we ended up being 13 lbs over!! 🤦♀️😂 1 item I can say is a waste to pack... your own beach towels! leave them at home. They took up space and we didnt even need them because carnival provides you with beach towels already in your room for you & you can switch them out anytime you come back from a port & need a new one. Plus they have towel huts by the pools on the ship
People underestimate the use of sunscreen in the Caribbean. First time cruisers don't make yourself miserable. Use alot of sunscreen.
I had spf50 on everything except the tops of my feet. A quarter mile walk down the pier at 8am, and I fixed it when I got on the ferry. Big mistake. My feet burned in that amount of time.
So true. I've never been burned as bad as my last time in Barbados. Even with sunscreen on, snorkeling with those turtles did not end well for my back
@@emman6941 when I went snorkeling in the long ago, I would wear an old pair of pyjamas in the water!
Another mistake people make is not checking to see if they have more than 6 months on their passports. Just about anywhere you visit requires that passports must have more than 6 months time on them in order to enter countries. So before you travel, see when your passport expires, and if it's less than 6 months, then renew it. The process is pretty easy.
I have been with you for years and big difference in your set, intro , and finish. My wife and I actually plan our future cruises based on your information. Thanks for your work. Good Video and info.
2:50 two minutes and 50 seconds in and I've already saved a whole $7. This video is priceless.
another mistake..Don't forget to take a small carry on with a change of clothes such as bathing suit..medications tolitries etc.. Your main luggage may not show up to your cabin for hours!!!
Good one as the ship I was on had no bathing suits for sale. I found that strange with the several pools etc.
Mr Pilot, I was on the 1st and 2nd cruise, we had our luccage arrived on time. and we had a cabin which was on the 10th floor :)
Oooor.....u could take your luggage yourself
Tanya Taylor exactly
@@tango1305 There's a weight limit to what you can take yourself. If it's over a certain weight the cruise workers HAVE to take it to your room for you. It's the same with how you can't take a big suitcase as your carryon on a plane so it has to go in cargo. This can be avoided altogether if you pack lightly though.
Bring small bills when going into port is always a good idea.
I usually take about 15 singles. Also you can opt out of gratuities, just take enough cash to dilly out to who you want....not who they say will get gratuities.
@@jamesries5534 Definitely!
better not miss the Muster dirll or you will have to ketchup and Mayo effect the rest of your cruise, and i dont relish that
Our first cruise mistake... didn’t take enough sunblock. Closer to the equator meant having to apply and reapply throughout the day and we ran out on day 3 of 5. Cruise ship charged $18 for a 6oz bottle of Coppertone. For 4 of us we needed 18 ounces a day.
Oh, and two, we didn’t explore till the last day. Afraid we would go where we didn’t belong or get lost and look foolish. That last night was fun and a lesson to get out on the ship and explore.
Yup. Cruise shops charge an arm and a leg. Reserve the shopping for souvenirs (because a green owl plushie the size of a watermelon is just too cute to pass up) and bring your own essential supplies.
Considering you can only bring 3.?oz on the plane that’s going to be a whole lot of little bottles or pay $60 for it on the ship 😂
@@hollyscott3993 Another advantage of arriving the day before, time to pick up the supplies you couldn’t fly with.
@mowogo101 good idea. I didn’t think of that.
I am Platinum with Carnival and you too did very well on all of these items. The one thing I would add to the list is: since it is a cashless system it is so easy to rack up a very high credit card bill. Take time to review your bill daily. Sometimes there are mistakes, other times you may need to stay in a budget.
brenda escalon, another option is to prepay everything you possibly can ahead of your cruise including excursions you plan on taking and gratuities unless you are going to pay cash for the gratuities. That should leave you only having to pay for your souvenirs and maybe a couple of incidental such as your casino bankroll.
Over eating 1st cruise ='s my brother-in-law ate 5 lobsters and 2 steaks in one sitting. After 7 days, could not buckle his pants.
so sad :(
😂
😂😂😂😂😄😄😄🤢🤮
Thanks
😂😂😂😂😂😹😹😹😹🤪🤪😝😝😂😂😂
Food tip 1:
Be careful and pay attention to menus in restaurants!! Some restaurants are partially complimentary. My grandparents told me of a story where they went to a sushi restaurant on Norwegian Cruise Lines that had some complimentary items, but most cost money. While eating, they watch a couple at another table order almost the entire menu, chow down, and then leave. They apparently ordered food that wasn't complementary and the employees chased them down for their card. Be careful! If you're not sure what's complementary, just ask. Employees will be happy to tell you what's free. It's their job.
Food Tip 2:
The only way to find on brand candy on a cruise is by going to the candy shop where it's easily 5x what it is back at home. Have a kid who is incredibly picky and wants a specific sweet? As long as it's unopened, you can bring candy in your luggage. So, before going on a cruise, make a quick stop at the dollar tree, stock up on what you know your kids won't got without, and take it in the luggage.
Clothing Tip 1:
Bring clothes that increases in size. If you're like me and you like food, you're probably going to eat a lot of it on cruises. I tend to gain 7-10 pounds on a seven day cruise, so I bring clothes that is a size up for the last few days of my cruise. It helps hide the sudden stomach while still looking good. I also bring with me a braided stretch belt. No holes so I can increase or decrease it as needed without worry of my pants falling down.
Clothing Tip 2:
Some cruise lines have a dress code to eat in their complementary nighttime dining restaurant. The cruise lines on their website will say whether they do or don't. I have seen my mother be turned away for trying to wear shorts to the nighttime dining restaurant.
Dock Tip:
When the ship is at dock and you want to get off and explore, take your passport, your ID, and cash. If you loose your room keycard, the only thing that will save you from being stuck in a strange new place with no knowledge of the language is that passport and ID.
Luggage Tip:
Always have a carry on with your most important items: a change of clothes, passport, ID, bathing suit, medicine, etc. There's usually thousands of people getting on, with each party carrying 2+ luggage. Luggage is going to be lost. I was on a cruise where we were missing one luggage until 10pm. Always have a carry on with your important items. You don't want to be stuck waiting in a huff for your bathing suit.
Money Tip:
Call your credit/debit card company and tell them you're traveling. They will cancel your card and you will have to wait until you return home and can physically visit your bank to fix it.
Politeness Tip:
When you're at the buffet, you can accumulate a lot of plates FAST. You're supposed to grab a new plate every time you get more food, and in a flash you've got plates all over your table. Before you leave after you've finished eating, nicely stack the plates so it's easier for the employees. Yes, it's their job to clean up after you, but trust me, they deal with enough as it is for what they're paid. There's absolutely nothing wrong with making their job a little easier by stacking the plates for a quick grab. And don't leave cups or plates in obscure places around the ship. The employees aren't here to play "Where's That Disgusting Smell Coming From?" That's just rude.
food tip no3: TAKE A WALK after every meal...it aids in digestion and will help shift things around....and you'll burn off some of those calories you just consumed...
I dont mean to be so offtopic but does someone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?
I was dumb lost my password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
Food tip 2.5: If you've brought a kid who so absolutely needs a certain brand of candy and can't settle for UNLIMITED 24-HOUR ICE CREAM until they get to port, you should reconsider if they really deserve to go on a cruise.
I've never gained more than a pound or 2 on a cruise, even the 15 day cruises. I continue my same level of activity!
@@h8GW 😂😂😂
On one cruise I decided to pack lightly by only taking 7 shirts for my 7 day cruise! I ended up wanting to change clothes more than often on the ship because it was sooo hot and the sweat factor was intense. And don’t even consider trying to wash anything by hand. It will NOT dry because of the intense humidity.
I'm glad you mentioned that things don't dry. I have my first cruise booked. I feel certain I would have tried to hand wash something at some point
Don’t they have washers and dryers?
No, but they will wash them for you, for an exorbitant fee.
@@maureenlandry5348 RCL ships do not have laundromats so it can get pricey
I must say that when I have tried to pack lightly I find myself running out of clothes
Don’t forget travelers insurance in case you get sick or miss the trip due to unforeseen delays. Most cruise lines will offer that through a separate company or you can find your own. It’s worth a little extra in case of flight delays or accidents
Michelle I put Insurance down too. And the kind that will pay for helicopters I told a terrible story about
a woman that was not helicoptered to the hospital in a big city. When she got home she was a vegetable
The faster your helped the better. They let her wait for a port and the hospital was not equiped. Her mate
did not demand a helicopter. The boat does not need a pad they can lower a pick up patient to a large
hospital. They put her in a rest home. She could have a long life.
And really make sure you understand what the insurance will cover. We bought tix and insurance, and when I suddenly couldn't travel because of respiratory illness, they made us jump through hoops to get our refund back.
I'm taking my very first ever cruise (out of Fremantle Western Australia) in December. Now while I haven't yet been on a Ship, I grew up on boats so here are my "On the Water" tips. It can get very cold on the open sea. Always take a warm coat. Attach a tether to your hat/cap, then pin that tether to your shirt. If your head gear blows off in the wind; you wont lose it overboard. Have an extra pair of shoes in case of rain or sea spray.
Bring a small travel clock for the room!
I always make a list for day and night of all the clothes/shoes/bags I am going to take and pack nothing else after I over-packed on our first cruise. Be careful with excursions - only choose one two that you really want to go on otherwise it is very expensive and it is good just to get off the ship and do your own thing. When we were in Guernsey a couple of years ago the cruise ship had a bus excursion around the island at a big cost - I got the local bus for £1.00 and did the same trip!
This is easier to watch at 1.5 speed.
sgtsnakepit YOU ARE AWSOME!!!!
Thanks lol
Thanks, I did the same
Genius!
Perfect! But, did anyone else notice it makes him sound like Cartman from South Park? Lol
Well one mistake that wasn’t mentioned in this video is not being aware of the theme nights and the dress code for each of those nights. If we had known we would’ve packed adequately. Also, bring a warm jacket because the air con can be pretty bad for a cold fish like me.
Great I was wondering about those and how would i know what to bring and wear.
Every Alaska cruise I have been on, the ship "time" has been adjusted to local time. When we enter Alaska waters, the clocks go from PST to Alaska time (and reverse on the way back). Also...you can adjust settings on cellphone where it doesn't auto-update the time and you can manually adjust/set the time.
Never would have thought to set a watch to ship time. Thank you
You are welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. - Tony
Yeah j wont be bringing my Verizon Samsung watch even though I want to for exercise. Fitness center.
Duchess of MoCo a
You can also turn off the auto update for your clock on your phone. Set it to whatever timezone the ship is set to as it's leaving, then disable the auto update setting.
Duchess of MoCo i
If you cruise carnival, their app always shows ship time so you wont need a watch if you have your phone with you.
Amanda washburn Ohhhh awesome. thanks!
Thanks so much
Amanda washburn if you go on a shore excursion with your cell service off, you’ll still need a watch to get back to the ship on time. 😊
If you can carry your phone you can wear a watch.
Tipping is optional. The cruiselines do not tell you that and they keep increasing the daily amount. On the second day of the cruise, you can go to guest relations and ask them to remove the automatic billing.
Also another item is Clorox spray for sanitizing your room in the event you get sick, they confine you to your cabin!
Clorox is so strong, surely something as good but less choking!!
R B. I bring a travel pack of Clorox/ Lysol wipes and clean any surface I plan on touching. After finding crusty lettuce still on the telephone, it all gets disinfected.
@@mendystarcher119 I have Lysol (Lemon Scent) wipes. These also go to Vegas with me. 2nd day of a Vegas trip and I got the NoroVirus No fun at all staying in your room on the toilet with a trashcan in front of you. I learned!
The bigger the suitcase, the bigger the temptation to overpack. If my destination is warm, I only need a backpack. If cold, then I bring a carry on sized roller suitcase and a backpack. For long trips, I do a load of laundry half way through. It's hilarious when I go to Europe for a couple weeks and customs asks if I forgot to pick up my bag. When I say I only have the backpack they give me the oddest looks.
Here's another tip: Prepare for seasickness. Bring Dramamine pills.
GREAT ONE REBECCA! I was about to comment the same thing 👍🏽
Are the cabins smokey or stuffy? 😕
True. If the weather turns bad, there may be plenty of people trying to buy some on the ship. However, if you are on a very large boat, it can be an extremely long line! Have heard on other ytubers that the ship's prices are very high compared with the cost of any over the counter meds. Including Dramamine, or Bonine. Both for sea sickness. You can get patches to put behind yours ears, or dic on a band to help stop it. Be sure to put a band on each hand.
Trying to buy something for sea sickness. Sorry I forgot to put that before I wrote the the info.
The Dramamine pill make some people sleepy, I always use the sea sick pill from the ship it work wonders. It's free at the service counter.
A mistake I made on my first cruise, trying to gamble when I have no clue how to use the machines, or how to gamble in general.
Fly a day before! The timing was enough, but you are super tired, you can’t enjoy the first day at all.
Never heard of "Fist" day. Sounds very interesting;)
And if you have to fly international…2 days ahead! Better safe than sorry!
My all time favorite thing to do is sit on my balcony with the bottle of whiskey I preordered, some pizza and watch the pier runners.
LOL What is your profile picture?
I'm totally doing this
Ok I’m doing this on my next cruise, thanks for the idea.
If I ever go on a cruise, I’m doing this because I love pier runners.
Ditto! except with Champagne. I love going out of Ft. Lauderdale. Dang! I miss cruising!
Best tip I can give besides arrive the day before sailing and depart for home the day after sailing is USE A REAL TRAVEL AGENT WHO WILL HAVE YOUR BACK in case you miss La Lido Loca's very sensible tips!!!
We keep a "Cruise Box" in the closet, we keep a small flashlight, binder clips (to FULLY close the curtains), return mailing labels, safety sleeves (for credit cards while in port), a night light, small alarm clock, a reminder to pack medications, room key lanyards, as well as other essentials
that may or may not be needed on the cruise. We are "seasoned" cruisers (15+) and never risk leaving something behind.
I like that idea of a cruise box! Very nice! - Tony
@@LaLidoLoca Use it and promote it Tony...
If you have a smart phone it has a great flashlight, and an alarm as well as a reminder alert to get yourselves back to ship!
Why do you need return mailing labels? I'm preparing for my first cruise
Huge mistake CHECK YOUR ID EXPIRATION DATES!!!
Thanks a great tip! Thanks! - Tony
Thank you we’re heading for our first cruise on Monday and I promise to not make any of those 12 mistakes..thank you
Correction on the Muster Drill. If you do not attend you have a great chance of being escorted off of he ship before it even leaves port. Also if you consume too much alcohol you may be put off of the ship.
No 12. Those who eat too much are not just first time cruisers. One sees so many loading their plates up then walk out leaving most of the food to be thrown out. Take a reasonable amount on your plate then if you need more go back again.
Rod ,excellent,are a merchantman?
Hey Rod, we never ever did a drill while still at the dock,always under way.The drill is inadequate, it is announced, no body ever tries to get into a life boat,all it is showing where folks got to be in an emergency. NOT enough training. Ship is level,not listing, not lower at one end, calm reigns. Actual drill should be done like at 0400 hours, 2nd night out, after all passengers have been shown their evacuation points.Keep it a little real.
@@geharris611 Pilot is always available.Tugs do not leave if ship is late,that would cost them SERIOUS MONEY! They wait.
The internet cost so much more now, you sent me here from cruise news, I’ve never seen this before.
Thanks for checking it out.
First-time cruisers should be made aware of Buffet Manners 101. Keep your fingers out of the food and watch the kiddos, especially near the mashed potatoes!
Here’s a. Backwards mistake. Many cruise lines offer free continental breakfast in your room. If you don’t wake til your first cup of coffee.tea, this is great. Put in your order the night before and they bring your pre breakfast to you. Morning coffee on the balcony is a great way to enjoy vacation. Just leave a nice tip to the delivery person. They make the coffee right there on your deck so it arrives nice and hot
Great video and tips, however I wanted to point out that sometimes ship time DOES change. So you need to set your watch to ship time but also be cognisant of any notices saying the time is going back or forward.
Great point. We also make sure we are sync’d before getting off at port. Thanks for the comment. - Tony
tina w. I agree. Just returned from an Alaska cruise, departing from Seattle. Ship time changes there TWICE: From Pacific Time, to Alaska time, then back to Pacific time (and that is depending on how many Canadian port stops the itinerary makes.)
Bottomline is, if you pay attention to notices and announcements, you’ll be fine.
I used to work for a major cell phone carrier and even if you buy an international package from your carrier to use your phone in port, it will not cover usage on the ship. I once saw a 5 figure bill from a few apps auto updating. And in most cases your carrier will not waive those charges no matter how much you complain.
Definitely want to arrive the day before you board. You'll be well rested, and if you're flying, your luggage might not arrive with you the same day.
Yes
#11 don't drink too much because you will miss activities on the ship-not worth it!
Not having the proper travel documents or not having them within easy reach. You can get asked several times for your documents by the time you check in. People put them in their checked bags or put them back into their carry on bags after they are asked for them the first time. Besides making it take for ever for them to get on the ship, they can hold up everybody behind them.
mark wisner that’s a good one for sure. - Tony
I’m going on my first cruise next March and I will be turning 40 when we are cruising, so excited 🙂
Blondi 1980 Have a great time, we too are going on our first cruise this year. Looking forward to it
kezzie40 aww thank you, and same to you have a great first cruise, so exciting isn’t it 😃
My travel agent friend took clothes she did not mind leaving. Got rid of them little by little! Took older clothes!
She also said if booking a hotel room on a tour, take a room on the first four floors only! In case the elevator does not work or you have to be rescued by firemen you will be in easy reach!
One important note on shore excursions. If you arrange an excursion through the ship and it returns to the ship late, the ship will wait for you. However, if you arrange a much cheaper excursion otherwise and it arrives late, the ship can take off without you. It's your choice.
Take a night light with you, it is VERY dark at night in the cabin, and if you need to use the bathroom, a nightlight in there with help. My other tip is, if you have a windowless room, turn the volume off on the TV and set the channel to "View from the Bridge". At night the view is pitch black, but if you wake up and it is daylight, you will know instantly if it is day or night.
Luckily, I always go through a travel agency when cruising, so I was able to avoid most of these mistakes.
We always stay at a hotel near the port the night before and after a cruise. It makes for a much less stressful experience.
HinduHillbilly what hotel did you stay at
Ship time is a huge tip
Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏾
You should mention that if you get an "Open Bar" option, keep in mind that when the ship is still docked at port, you will pay taxes on your drinks even though the drink itself is free. So at the end of your cruise you will see these charges on your bill.
After many cruises, there are 2 things that I have to take with me! Magnetic hooks/clips for the cabin walls (to hang hats, lanyards, purses, backpacks, jackets and some toiletries/make up in ziplock bags); and a power cube (NON- surge protected) for extra outlets and usb ports. I keep a packing cube with these things in my luggage, so I don't have to hunt them down when I cruise.
Did they mention get back to the ship on time and don’t be a pier runner. We left someone on a carribbean island on my first cruise
Good idea to pre tip, host at dining room and your room attendants. You can get those little favors that make things mire convenient and enjoyable. Make a dining room reservation.
First time cruiser right here 👈🏾👈🏾🛳
Enjoy Janice
It’s really fun right? I’m going on my 4th cruise April 28th eek can’t wait
HOLA SOY DORA did u get seasick ???
Some great suggestions. Thanks, folks! Just some additional things that strike me. With regards to overpacking, it’s probably better to get advice from the MANY groups online who can suggest when too much might be too much. Also, remember that tipping and gratuity rules change internationally and can be culturally based. I'm a Brit, and our rules and expectations with regards to tipping are completely different - tipping is regarded as unnecessary (as all gratuities are inclusive/ staff are evenly compensated) and staff will be horrified if you approach them openly for tipping (it can, of course, be done discreetly but is still discouraged). The staff you don't come into contact with (below decks, support staff, laundry staff), don't get regularly tipped, so it's fundamentally unfair.
I would of course tip when travelling a part of the world where it's expected... ;)
But it’s nice to bless whom you can, when you can with a tip showing your gratitude. ....discretely. Especially if you are in a position to do so.
Gary Woodward Last year before a cruise, we stayed in a London hotel for three nights. The concierge went above and beyond for us booking transportation; he definitely deserved the gratuity we gave him. It was our first time in London and we had a blast!
With the help of many videos like yours, I was able to avoid the most common mistakes of new cruisers ( except for the over packing, LOL ). I brought $100 in singles for tipping, set my watches to ship time before boarding, did not drink at any port stops, I pre booked my excursion, arrived in Florida a week before my cruise left, prepaid the gratuities, attended the mustard drill, oh, I mean "muster drill" on time, my cell phone is prepaid thus no roaming, booked an evening flight for the day the cruise ship returned, and didn't get in trouble for doing something stupid on the ship. I did drink enough ( while on the ship, that is ), hell, I was on vacation, and food was not an issue. I had a lovely time aboard my first cruise on Carnival Conquest this past April 2018. Will do it again during spring break on the Carnival Legend in 2020. Did I do well?
You crushed it! Great job! - Tony
Lmao
dollarsmakesense11 ，
This is awesome. Cheers!
dollarsmakesense11 Was
When flying in ALWAYS fly in at least the day before departure
Download the app! (If they have one) and pay for the text feature! It saved us so much hassle when trying to communicate with our large group. Well worth the 5$! Also download it BEFORE you leave port!
Great tip!!!! - Tony
zombieface96 great idea !!!
What app?
Don't forget to bring some behind the ear seasick patches if you start to feel nauseous! Better to have it packed - just in case. Nausea ruins cruises.
Thanks
Number 8 matters no matter if you 1st 2nd or whatever time cruiser
Always go to the muster drill
Cause rules can always change
ml.
.
Missing the muster drill on a Princess cruise can get you kicked off
Thank you thank you thank you for #8; the Muenster Drill! I was on a one cruise in which it was obvious the crew wasn’t serious about it. I wrote the company an email when I returned. People need to understand that half of the ships crew are not trained sailors; they are hotel services employees. Things are likely to break down in a real emergency... Costa Concordia!
Paying attention could save you life some day!
kcooke00 it’s not Muenster that’s a cheese , it’s muster as in all hands gather
Royal Caribbean all you need is their app, and you will keep eye on that ship time.
Did you mention? Don't forget your passport!!!!!!!
Ruth Hersh , do you really need a passport ?
Ruth Hersh , what if you only have. Green card ?
Yes, you definitely need a password. One time we didn't bring ours and wouldn't let us on the ship! Our petsitter at home came to our rescue and found our birth certificate s and text them over. What a fiasco!
You don't need a passport
You need a passport card to travel in foreign waters
Just come back from my first cruise on the Norwegian Epic to Bahamas and Mexico and am guilty of most of those things mentioned: I ate like there was no tomorrow and put on 4kg in one week
I over packed
Was thinking taking an iron on my next trip now I know they would confiscate it
Didn't put phone on aeroplane and got charges of £79 (105 us$)
Didnt listen to announcements just followed others
Next cruise will be Caribbean and will certainly be better prepared
Thanks for your informative video
I’ve watched at least a half dozen videos from cruise experts and cruise line former employees and none of them covered any of this stuff on their list! Well maybe they covered 2-3 points. Thanks so much for this video!
Thanks Dorian! Appreciate the kind comment. - Tony
On our first cruise we were running around trying to participate in every event on schedule. Now after 51 we are very chill
My biggest mistake involved sunscreen. I was using it, but didn't reapply it throughout the day. Was really burnt after Day 2 at sea. This was a cruise in the Western Caribbean.
Use sunscreen, a pretty high SPF (50 SPF or higher preferred) and REAPPLY IT regularly.
Great tip!!!
I think best thing I learned on my first cruise was that I could order two items for my meal that was great.. and two desserts.
Ed Blake lol one for each hand.
What a cute couple.
Glad I dont have to worry about the travel time on mine, the terminal is about 15 minutes from home
So glad I downloaded my ship's app! It helped me keep ship's time even in Port.
Took my first cruise back in ‘99. Good thing my wife Donna, then my girlfriend, was already an old hand and knew the ropes.
Bring ziplock bags and order a sandwich before bed. Take it with you on the island for a lunch if you're trying to save money. Whole fruit makes for a great breakfast on the go. Free room service is a wonderful perk (not all items are free, but most).
The on board gym is a great spa alternative! Do cardio whilst capturing great views of the ocean (sometimes dolphins that swim in the wake of the ship) and take advantage of the incredible sauna, usually comes with a view.
There are movie nights where family movies are shown on the top deck under the stars.
If you are bringing children, research the children activities beforehand. Keeps the kids happy, gives you ample adult time and they have more fun on the cruise with friends. The staff on Carnival Cruise line kept them all secure in their own area and away from partying passengers and usually cordon one of the night clubs or specialty areas a night so they can have their own safe space to party with other kids. Bringing teenagers? Leave them at home! 😂 Just kidding. There's programs for them too as well as an 18 and under club.
Don't forget to pack for formal night!
Great tips Mele! Thanks!
Awesome idea!!
Mele Metcalf except on most cruise ships it’s illegal to take food off a ship due to customs rules.
remember sometimes customs will not let you take food items into a foreign country. espeically fruit.
You’re not allowed to take food off the ship. Most ports have dogs smelling for food and drugs and they will confiscate it and can fine you if they choose. It’s a customs issue.
I would say 1st time cruisers should pace themselves in general. There's a LOT of things happening on the ship all the time, plus the port calls and excursions. You're going to be doggone tired by night 3. (But it's so worth it!)
I totally agree!!!! We were gone 7 days and there is always something going on at the ship. I went on a few of the outside excursions, but also did my own thing off the boat that I found fun in. I didn't think I would say that I will go on another cruise...but I am definitely going on another one. I had a good time.
13:03 cant go overboard unless you willfully go yourself lol had me dead
A cruise was a great solution for my friend who does not walk very well. She did not have to pack and unpack over and over. Elevators help!. A man even let her dance on his feet at a dress up ball! God love him!!!
My Mistake is not taking a jacket 🧥 if your gonna watch a movie on the lido deck bring a THICK JACKET
Very true! Can be chilly out there! - Tony
Yes! I froze half the time because of the air conditioning. Next time I will bring my heavy jacket.
Big brain time: go to the hot tub, jackets arnt really heat you up what about your legs therefore you should go into a hot tub.
Thank you i was only thinking about summer clothing but i didn't think about what if it got chilly or if the ac is too cold i i have two trows i plan to bring in case the blankets they have a on the thin side thanks again need to add it to my list
Cruised a bunch and Overeat: check, Drink too much: check, Pack too much: check....I might have most of these lol next cruise I'm doing better
Boy, I’ve broken #10 in Cabo twice. Good thing my stepdaughter was along to help me back. 😳
You’re fine you had a plan for safety
Most phones now allow you to have to manually change the time zones so it won't automatically update with each zone. This is so helpful.
You forgot to remind people that they should bring the European outlet adapter kit because we went on the carnival dream and guess what? Euro outlets!
thank you soooo much for this heads up I just posed this video to go oder one right now . 👍🏽
The ship time tip- I got caught relying on the cell time - missed an excursion, but not the ship- whew. 1 hour later in Cozumel.
If you're on Norwegian, they change the time on the ship by time zone. We nearly missed a shore excursion because of this.
All ships do....
Estee Creel you’re right, Estee, at least every line I’ve ever been on. But some cruise lines make a bigger deal of that fact, in announcements and/or in the daily bulletin.
If you are sailing out of Mobile, AL stay at the Fr Conde in the night before sailing and you can keep your car in their parking lot for free for the duration of your cruise. The cruise port is a 3-5 minute walk from the Ft Conde Inn.
It's hard not to eat everything in sight at all inclusive"s, but I agree with you, in regards to not feeling well after!
It's not a mistake to eat too much on a cruise ship if you cruise fairly regularly. The mistake is wasting your money on the land buffets.
Another good tip for first-time Cruisers is to look at your deck plans so you'll know what is above and below your stateroom when you book your cruise that way if you go to bed early you don't have the Rock and roll nightclub above you going till 2 or 3 a.m. or early morning having the sound of dumbbells from the gym and weights pounding on the floor this happened to some friends of ours just a tip to share sincerely Adventures of David and Aaron love the videos guys
Great point. We don’t know what cabin we will have on the Caribbean Princess. We are worried :) - Tony
This is a great tip. I never paid attention to where our cabin was in the beginning and we just relied on our travel agent. Luckily we never had a bad cabin but I still research and pick where I want to be nowadays!
fae rae thank you so much I'm glad that you enjoyed our tip
I once got a last minute room under the gym...wife was annoyed because she's a light sleeper...I didn't notice a thing lol
I just checked the deck plan and our room is under the casino. I chose this room to minimize seasickness as it’s central and lower on the ship. Guess I will bring earplugs? I’m a light sleeper.
Thankfully my first cruise was my wife’s 5th cruise, so she was able to help guide me through my first cruise and help me avoid these.
going for my first trip in 4 months, its only 2 nights but im looking forward to it
2nights? Pfff don't even bother
@@deg6788 im glade you have more money to go on longer trips
OMG I’m the classic OVERpacker. Every vacation I do it. However the one time I packed light, I didn’t have enough clothes. 😂
K G exactly , overpacking is not a mistake at all , I always overpack and I have been to 40 cruises so far
Cruise Passion Ok, the saying less is more does not apply here! Thanks! 😉😉
I’m wondering why I’m watching this, I’m going on my 15th cruise in April
You never know! :) - Tony
Annabelle Eugul you do it to see if you know everything. There might be something that others know
that I don't know or you don't know.
@@LaLidoLoca another very important tip - TRAVEL INSURANCE /MEDVAC !!!
I have been on 8 cruises and watched it to see if I could learn something new.....
Same as us 30+ cruises but never to old to learn 🙈🙈
Just a little something I recently learned, that adds to the internet at the ports. There ARE scammers that will set up WiFi in tourist areas to steal your personal data, credit card info. Etc.
This was a lovely video, I can’t wait for my first cruise next April with The Don 😉
Good info. Ya I am super worried about the cell phone connecting and getting taking advantage of. We go full airplane mode off the ship. - Tony
Oh wow thanks! I was going to connect to wifi to update FB at the ports but i wont.
Subscribe to a VPN service and you will be safe at the Ports free wifi areas.
Valerie Foster so just by clicking on a scammer’s fake WiFi network you’re hacked? Or do you have to click on something else after selecting his/her network be hacked?
Bill Robertson this is false information. If there’s a packet sniffer set up a VPN won’t matter because they’re gathering information off the physical network you’re connected to, not the connection points. A VPN is not useful for packet sniffers which is the biggest threat as it’s the easiest to implement and support.
On our first cruise we did not know that excursions are optional so we booked excursions on every port. We are much more selective now and often simply do "self-guided" wandering around the port excursions.
The cabins are smaller than a first-time cruiser might expect. Taking 2 medium size suit cases instead of one monster will be easier to handle and easier to stash under the bed. One expanding capacity bag might be good if you tend to buy stuff in the ports or on the ship and don't want to buy another suit case to take everything home.
On your first cruise, don't try to smuggle alcohol onto the ship. There will be plenty on board and in most of the ports. The cruise lines are pretty good at catching smugglers and if caught, your booze is put in booze jail until the end of the cruise (at best).
Don't pack your meds, documents, money, jewelry, and things you will need right away in your checked bags. Once the porter puts them onto the baggage cart, you won't see them again until they show up outside your cabin later that day.
Minimize your carry-on bag. I have seen and felt compassion for the folks pulling around a full-size case as they try to get lunch in an already crowded cafeteria.
Join the cruise line loyalty program. It is free and if you turn into a cruiser, there usually are nice perks down the road as your number of cruise nights grows, including free alcohol in some cases.
Jack! Great points and additional info. I remember the shock of the size of our first cabin. Thanks for watching and the comment. - Tony
Jack Mortimer ik
Jack Mortimer m
Yes my first cruise cabin was tiny for 3 adults. I will definitely upgrade next time to a window at the very minimum.
Jack Mortimer z
I haven’t been on a cruise for a long while 😢❤ for me reminders
Your debit/credit card will have preauthorization holds! Most are released before they are noticed. Their only purpose is to verify your account since you are only billed once at the end of your sailing 😊
Onna Thanks for this information. I’m a first time cruiser next month and couldn’t seem to figure out what’s best between a card or cash account? I also wanted to know how and if your money is returned to you if you’re not using all of it from a cash account?
OK.. I will type in my response/addition to the list as I listen and we'll see if I get one you do not... :D
#13 - Trying too hard to get it all in -Rushing around and not actually relaxing. Packing a schedule with activities makes it look like you will have a fun packed vacation, but it can often lead to frustration and exhaustion rushing from one thing to another. Leave time for just relaxing and changing clothes, taking a nap, just walking the deck or other casual activities that you can avail yourself of when the impulse hits you... :)
yes!! i'm going on my first and also solo cruise as an adult in 2 weeks and my coworker keeps looking up ALL the available excursions and i'm like dude... my biggest plans for the first day are hitting the day spa on the ship LOL
Very, very important! IF you use the in-room safe, run your fingers over the keyboard after you enter your combination. There are rings operating on some of the ships that "powder" the keys, or use a black lite to determine your combination and rob your safe (while you are having your dinner and your nice stateroom steward has your door open doing all that great cleaning). Huh uh!. My safe was robbed of my passport. The embassy told me the thieves were using the stolen passports for trafficking girls! I couldn't leave the cruise ship, my vacation was ruined and the liner didn't help me! BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE!
are you kidding me? the safe is where we think we can put our valuables to keep safe. our money.
Chris,saw this happen, done by staff, Steward,from panama,.there was a holding foom,right off engine room,more like a closet, he hated his new room.
Maybe in a small river cruise, on big cruise lines those things don't happen! 1. There are surveillance cameras 24hrs on all passengers and crew hallways! Its like a "big brother"
2. In case of a missing item from the safety box, they can read the exact times your safety was open! Electronic technology!
3. How did the embassy knew they were using your passport for "trafficking girls" it sounds like a movie lol
There are no security camera's in rooms.That is where the crime took place.
@@davidwadsworth8982 nobody said security cameras on the rooms, I've said on the all hallways!
And if some opens your safe they can read the safe and check the time it was open, therefore they can compare that to the cameras on the halleways...
Carnival will allow you to take a bottle of wine per person. I don't drink wine but two bottles for my wife allows her to have wine with dinner and not pay $10 or more for a small glass. In addition, Carnival also allows each cruiser to bring a 12 pack of canned soda or carbonated water onboard. That's 24 cans per couple; a big savings as compared to purchasing onboard.
Great tips just booked my first cruise for November 2019
Well are you ready? Booked ours for May. Any tips?
Carressa when are you going yo get there. Because I think I made a mistake I booked a plane for 11:20 and ship leaves at 15h00
Went on our first cruise on July 3rd and we thought we left enough room for suvineers, ect but ... well we definitely over packed! lol and since we flew we ended up being 13 lbs over!! 🤦♀️😂
1 item I can say is a waste to pack... your own beach towels! leave them at home. They took up space and we didnt even need them because carnival provides you with beach towels already in your room for you & you can switch them out anytime you come back from a port & need a new one. Plus they have towel huts by the pools on the ship