I wish I did this because my luggage tags got torn off on my most recent cruise. They eventually found me through backtracking my name I guess but if I had an extra luggage tag in my bag, I feel like they would’ve found me faster.
A tip that I plan on using on my next cruise is to try to use the cruise line app while waiting in the cruise terminal during the embarkation process. I've heard other people say they they were able to book reservations for entertainment while in the cruise terminal instead of waiting until you are actually on the ship.
When you print and fold your luggage tags, run a strip of the two-inch wide clear packing tape down the tag before you attach it to your luggage. This significantly increases the durability of the tag. We've never lost a bag yet, and have always had them delivered to our cabin while others have to go down to the main and search for a bag which had the luggage tag accidentally torn off.
Also on printing my luggage tag I use photo paper which is thicker then normal paper but tape ideal can also be use here to strengthen the seal. Problem thou is now need carry tape with you for cruise luggage tag is exchange with airline tags after you reclaim luggage at airport and now headed for port. I also make a sticker that read property of (my name and phone number with me) plus leave empty space to write note such as date, cabin # or airline flight and stick to noticeable area on luggage. Been mention carry copy of tag in luggage which how I started and still do but find sticker save staff trouble of looking inside luggage for info. Should tag become separated. Most time tag is found but now which case does it go to match name to sticker, problem solved.😊
@@floydwolfe9331 I print and tape at home, but do not apply the tags to my luggage until I drop them off at the Ship dock. There are always staplers to put them on, and that way, they do not get torn off in airports or travel.
Great video! One tip from me is to unpack your luggage and iron your formals on the first day. No line, no waiting for the iron, and the room is nice and cold.
Not all cruise lines have a laundry room with access to an iron. Plus travel irons, full-size irons, Steamers are not allowed to be brought on board any Cruise Line due to a fire hazard
- Before boarding become familiar with a basic overview of the ship’s layout. Deck plans, location of your cabin, general public areas. - Also, it can be difficult to know what direction you are going, forward or aft, in the hallways. Most cruise lines/ships have very subtle ways to tell which direction is which. Some may be an emblem on the cabin number signs or even a pattern in the hall carpeting. Ask your cabin steward they will know! - Be kind to your cabin steward. They know a lot about how things work or don’t work! I personally like to give my steward an appropriate tip upon first arrival especially if I have a request for a daily or occasional service such as a fresh ice bucket each afternoon. You might be surprised how much this is appreciated by these people who work VERY hard long hours just to make your trip enjoyable.
This is embarrassing...on my first cruise I had a backpack full of contraband. And my wife had no clue...or she would have corrected me. I carried my backpack like a MacGyver man-purse during every day life . I had tools, mini box cutters, pointy files, 800 nail clippers, and Dude wipes...lol. After they collected most of that...they called me the terrorist with the clean tail. They gathered that I was an idiot and not a threat. True story.
😂😂😂😂 Clean nails and tail... that almost beats my 12 yr old flying with his 4 month old nieces baby formula, 4 tins of Pokémon cards and a kitchen scale used to weigh Pokémon cards, to get the best ones which must be heavier in the package. After my 12 yr old was pulled from the TSA line and patted down, searched and swipped with multiple unknown items, he was cleared to fly with his scale, Pokémon tins and 4 cans of baby formula. 😂😂😂
28 days from our first cruise and even our first family vacation ever!! My 20 and 6 year olds will be along too. We are SUPER excited and I am starting to freak out and worry. So these videos really help and put my mind at ease. Thank you!!
Glanced through the comments but didn't see this one: Explore the Ship! As soon as we've been to the room and gotten rid of our carry-on, and have grabbed something for lunch, we take the opportunity to walk all over the ship. This familiarizes us with where everything is located, how to get places, and we discover little nooks and crannies that come in handy later for meet-ups or just a quiet spot to hang out. This really saves time later on, when we're in a hurry to get somewhere-- we've already seen where it is, and how to get there!
Jason, that was an awesome video. Like you, I can identify with everything that you mentioned. 15 cruises under my belt, and I learned several of those items by experience. The only other thing that I would add would be to remind cruisers to pack their patience. It can be frustrating but the fun is only a short time away. Don H Ocala Fl
@@TheTravelScouts Great job. The only thing I would add is to remind everyone that they can Archive (save) your great video for review. That list went by FAST! 🙂 Also, remind people they can copy and send the link to others going on the cruise.
Regarding documents: I support both copies. Paper copies might be a pain but they've came in handy in a pinch when I needed them. Once, the QR codes were not working on phones and I had a paper copy, got to bypass the entire line. I keep my cruise docs, insurance, photocopy of passport, any confirmation in paper in my backpack. In my email, I make a label for the cruise so that I'm not searching for anything. I also leave a copy of these documents at home so my emergency contact has all the information.
We travel the same way. As I used to travel with my children alone Now they are young adults and know the drill. Copies of everything and a emergency person at home.
Hi Jason! Good stuff! Lots of great info there. My embarcation day challenge is carry on luggage, specifically the added item of a Bi-pap machine. (CPAP on steroids). It's a bit fragile and not something I want in my checked luggage, but also a bit bulky and not fun to lug around. Bulky or not, CPAP/Auto-PAP/Bi-PAP machines need to treated like your medications. Better to deal with carrying them for a few hours than to risk having to cruise without them.
Hi Jason, great tips. I find booking last possible cruise arrival time means no lines, no wait, breeze on board cabin ready. I travel in black, white and pink a no brainer. No need to worry, anything you need or want can be bought on board or in port. KISS !!
We wait to put our cruise luggage tags on our luggage until we get to our hotel the night before. This way there is no issue while flying in. I also place a copy of the cruise luggage tag inside our luggage...just in case.
Carnival has ship time posted in the app... and usually that night's dinner menu is posted there too. You can check it for everything from allergies to whether or not it appeals to you. It might help with deciding if that specialty restaurant is a better choice, or if you would rather hit the buffet.
Love the videos. My wife and i are sailing on the Horizon in october. My wife deals with a lot of travel anxiety so these videos help ease some of that stress!!
Hi friend Jason, Well done as always. Make SURE your passport is good for long after your cruise. The number I have heard most is 6 months. Keep an eye on your pre-booked excursions. Sometimes they have a sale and the price drops. Nothing says you can't cancel and rebook at the cheaper price.
Wish we had this valuable information prior to my first cruise in early 90!s- we got on a ship and had no clue what to do! I know through the years, some never knew that there was a MDR and ate in the buffet all week.
I made a mistake on my second cruise. We were supposed to get a bottle of wine/ champagne for loyalty perk. I did not ask for it because I did not want to act like (for lack of a better word) a Karen. It came up in conversation with our cruise consultant, and he told us that if it's not there, just ask your room attendant! Our 3rd it was in the room. 4th was it was not, so we asked, and it arrived shortly. (Along with a coffee pot, lol) So, if you are missing something, dont be shy. You won't offend anyone asking if you do so kindly. There's no reason to be rude, either. Just ask in a polite manner! We never do sail away party lol. I like to hide on my balcony, but maybe I will try it next cruise. They have always been so crowded! My balcony (if I have one and usually do) or a nice observation lounge is our alternative to the sail away. Of course, having a bottle of champagne waiting for us is a good incentive for balcony sail away. 😁
Jason, Loved the video! Looks like you covered it all. I like what you said about keeping the jewelry in the safe. Keeping it all in the same place and you are less likely to misplace it. Awesome job as always!
Hi Jason, I pray you and the family are well! This is a great reminder. Sometimes the excitement can be a lot, easy to forget. Always appreciate your videos.
Using Air Tags (or similar devices) work great to locate your luggage, especially if your tag comes off or after disembarkation when thousands of bags are in the terminal.
Be sure to have rain gear quickly available. We went to our last cruise and our rain gear was in our checked luggage. We arrived during a “monsoon “. Needless to say, we spent our first hours in drenched clothing. Luckily we had a later embarkation time so we didn’t have long to get into our room but we did have to wait on our luggage.
Hi Jason, thank you for the tips. I think this is so good for first time cruisers and even good for vendors veteran cruises. Being that rules and policies change or get updated from time to time. Take care.
I loved all your tips, we're checked in, have tags, done the pre-check that we can do (other than health) and have most things staged to pack. I do need to make a couple of reservations for specialty restaurants, though. I have a blue paper folder (the ones with the metal catches) that I do hole punch and put in EVERY document, copies of the boarding pass, the luggage tags, photo copies of the passport information page, the list of the things we pre-purchased and pre-scheduled. Contact information on the parking back at port. I have a packing list (to check off when we repack) and I even have the emergency note I give my kids and the kennel for our dog, just in case we need to get in touch. There's a paper copy of our medications and dose/time. I do have that in my tablet and my phone (carrying to doctors), but a paper copy will be with me in my bag on the wheelchair and even if the tablet and phone are dead, that paper's important. Copies of Driver's License's with photos, travel agent info, cruise insurance information, personal insurance information, and emergency numbers for the kids back home (adults), the doctors we have, and the hospital we use. That's pretty much it, it's a lot but I'm a tad OCD and I'm one who tries to cover whatever we might need. When we checked in for our first cruise last year, the desk person was very surprised that it's all in the folder, with tabs, so I can pull it up immediately. Once onboard, I put it in the bag and don't worry about it until the night we pack to disembark, then it comes out so I can check on packing and then put it away. The one last year was 5 nights, this one's a 7, so the packing lit is going to be a bit longer. Thanks for the tips!!
I am just as thorough as you are and I am not OCD, just the Girl Scout and Air Force training in me to always be prepared. We also make copies of our credit cards (front and back) we are taking and our passports.
I’m going to watch heaps of these cruise info videos. We are about to plan our first ever cruise at age of mid 60’s and we are very nervous, terrified actually! LOL
Don't be! Cruising is fun! I did an Alaska cruise at age 55. Now we're heading to S America and Antarctica (age 61). Get a pair of good quality walking/hiking shoes.
I’ve been on three different cruises all left from Florida (Miami, Port Canaveral, and Ft Lauderdale). I live in Alabama. My family and I drove to Miami and Port Canaveral the day before. My dad and I flew down to Ft Lauderdale for a cruise with Viking. I would also add to check if your cruise line has flight and cruise packages.
@@TheTravelScouts Your welcome! To bad I havent done this myself since my last cruise the lift on the bus almost trapped me on the bus and to miss the cruise!
Definitely find out where specialty dining reservations are made ahead of time. We asked 3 people at guest services and they all gave different answers and tried to send us to my time dining line that was huge. Found the podium of promenade for everything we wanted. While waiting a MTD rep was in the windjammer with no line. 😮
Thanks so much!There will be about 25 of us. Our meeting for checking online will be later today which we will do together via video. Going to share your video beforehand as well. Really appreciate so they can have a heads up. 😀👍🏽
Thanks for the tips, our last 4 cruises have been with an adults only 80s theme charter and they were able to make their own rules but with RC crew. It’s been at least 5 years since we’ve been on a regular sailing with kids - should be interesting 😅. We are definitely going to specialty dining on embarkation day. Got a great price for the steakhouse plus a free bottle of wine!
This former enlisted finally found a use for an officer. LOL Seriously, great videos. I'm headed out to my first cruise in years in October so this is very useful information.
We booked a very late embarkation time because of travel. There were only about 6 people in the terminal. Absolutely the fastest boarding ever. The downside was that the rooms had not opened and everyone huddled with their luggage in the dining room, making it a little difficult to find a seat to eat.
In January we boarded the Carnival Panorama for a 7 day cruise with our two grandsons. We arrived at the terminal and handed our luggage over to the porter, and my husband gave him a tip of $1.00 per bag. The porter then proceeded to call my husband a cheapskate because the tip wasn't larger. We had used the luggage tags that have the wire cable and plastic cover so that they wouldn't come off our luggage. Everyone in our group received their luggage quite early except for our eldest grandson. My husband and my grandson went to customer services to check on it since we were getting close to sailing time. Customer service said if we didn't get it before 6:00 p.m. to come back down and check again. 6:00 p.m. came so we went back to customer services to check and finally found his suitcase. We found that the luggage tag and been removed from the suitcase. In speaking with some other cruisers, we met will waiting in line to board, they had handed their luggage to the same porter and he had also insulted them. I'm not saying that this porter took the luggage tag off my grandson's suitcase because he was upset with his "TIP" but I'm not saying he didn't. Just keep your eyes open!!!
I've thought about the tip too. They probably make hundreds of dollars on boarding day that is not reported but they always want more. I have those types of luggage tags too. Glad your luggage was on the ship!
I bought the same exact boarding pass holders - the wire cable with plastic sleeve, after a recommendation from another video I watched. I thought you were going to say they fell off your luggage haha. But I do hope they hold up well. And that was horrible behavior from your porter, totally unacceptable.
The porters are not employees of the cruise line. What's it worth to you not to have to schlep your bags aboard? 2-5$ per bag, be generous! Not an easy way to make a living, and this is a minor expense in your total trip cost. Plan to carry $100 in small bills for tipping.
You got it down...keep up all the great videos. Cruising guest should be REQUIRE to watch before they cruise. And that refers to each cruise line, they are NOT all the same..like you said. DO YOUR HOMEWORK..
Hi, great informative video. Since I don’t want to check my luggage and give to porter, does all the carry luggage has to fit into the scanner to qualify as a carryon?? do you know if I can just carry the medium/large size luggage with me onto the carnival ship? Thanks
Sorry to break it to you but i am 80 yrs old and i havent got a clue re downloading anything and guess what? Not going to try to figure it out. I'm going to simply walk onto the ship!
I would wait to attach cruise luggage tags after you arrive to the port (or just before driving there). Another tip I've heard, take them off before you fly home. Someone had their bag stolen at the airport on the way home from their cruise. Security told them that it may have been because there were cruise tags on it. Thieves know that cruisers tend to pack expensive items so they will target those bags at the baggage claim area.
Check NCL excursions list one more time about a month away from your cruise. A lot of excursions are showing up on their list at what feels like the last minute.
so I've been on cruises as a child with my family. and obviously I never took the reins in planning and prep. This is the first time planning a cruise with my family as an adult and it didn't realize how much was involved. Yes it can get a little overwhelming but it's also very excited
Put a copy of the luggage tag in your luggage, in case your tag is torn off your luggage.
Hi Linda! Great tip! I do that also.
Putting it in your luggage will do you no good if your luggage tag comes off... need to be in your carry on or a photo on your phone.... just sayin'
Great idea
@@funigurl72 If a copy is inside your luggage, the crew will find the paperwork when they open luggage with no tag…
I wish I did this because my luggage tags got torn off on my most recent cruise. They eventually found me through backtracking my name I guess but if I had an extra luggage tag in my bag, I feel like they would’ve found me faster.
A tip that I plan on using on my next cruise is to try to use the cruise line app while waiting in the cruise terminal during the embarkation process. I've heard other people say they they were able to book reservations for entertainment while in the cruise terminal instead of waiting until you are actually on the ship.
For RC, it is also dependent on the ship - if it's Oasis class, you can book entertainment 40 days or so before
What about for
Norwegian?
On Norwegian you can book the main entertainment ahead of time but the comedy & a couple of others can’t be booked until you get on the ship
Take a picture of your luggage for embarkation and disembarkation! It’s so much easier to show them exactly what it looks like if it gets lost.
Hi Jake! Great tip!
Great idea.
Air tags work great to locate your luggage.
We use the plastic luggage tags with the wire twist lock. They are awesome and won't get pulled off or damaged.
When you print and fold your luggage tags, run a strip of the two-inch wide clear packing tape down the tag before you attach it to your luggage. This significantly increases the durability of the tag. We've never lost a bag yet, and have always had them delivered to our cabin while others have to go down to the main and search for a bag which had the luggage tag accidentally torn off.
Also on printing my luggage tag I use photo paper which is thicker then normal paper but tape ideal can also be use here to strengthen the seal. Problem thou is now need carry tape with you for cruise luggage tag is exchange with airline tags after you reclaim luggage at airport and now headed for port. I also make a sticker that read property of (my name and phone number with me) plus leave empty space to write note such as date, cabin # or airline flight and stick to noticeable area on luggage. Been mention carry copy of tag in luggage which how I started and still do but find sticker save staff trouble of looking inside luggage for info. Should tag become separated. Most time tag is found but now which case does it go to match name to sticker, problem solved.😊
@@floydwolfe9331 I print and tape at home, but do not apply the tags to my luggage until I drop them off at the Ship dock. There are always staplers to put them on, and that way, they do not get torn off in airports or travel.
That’s what I always use also.
Great video! One tip from me is to unpack your luggage and iron your formals on the first day. No line, no waiting for the iron, and the room is nice and cold.
Not all cruise lines have a laundry room with access to an iron. Plus travel irons, full-size irons, Steamers are not allowed to be brought on board any Cruise Line due to a fire hazard
@@suewolf3279
Thanks for the heads up.
- Before boarding become familiar with a basic overview of the ship’s layout. Deck plans, location of your cabin, general public areas.
- Also, it can be difficult to know what direction you are going, forward or aft, in the hallways. Most cruise lines/ships have very subtle ways to tell which direction is which. Some may be an emblem on the cabin number signs or even a pattern in the hall carpeting. Ask your cabin steward they will know!
- Be kind to your cabin steward. They know a lot about how things work or don’t work! I personally like to give my steward an appropriate tip upon first arrival especially if I have a request for a daily or occasional service such as a fresh ice bucket each afternoon. You might be surprised how much this is appreciated by these people who work VERY hard long hours just to make your trip enjoyable.
This is embarrassing...on my first cruise I had a backpack full of contraband. And my wife had no clue...or she would have corrected me. I carried my backpack like a MacGyver man-purse during every day life . I had tools, mini box cutters, pointy files, 800 nail clippers, and Dude wipes...lol. After they collected most of that...they called me the terrorist with the clean tail. They gathered that I was an idiot and not a threat. True story.
This was great! Got a kick out of reading it! Thanks for sharing!
😂😂😂
😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂 Clean nails and tail... that almost beats my 12 yr old flying with his 4 month old nieces baby formula, 4 tins of Pokémon cards and a kitchen scale used to weigh Pokémon cards, to get the best ones which must be heavier in the package. After my 12 yr old was pulled from the TSA line and patted down, searched and swipped with multiple unknown items, he was cleared to fly with his scale, Pokémon tins and 4 cans of baby formula. 😂😂😂
28 days from our first cruise and even our first family vacation ever!! My 20 and 6 year olds will be along too. We are SUPER excited and I am starting to freak out and worry. So these videos really help and put my mind at ease. Thank you!!
I hope it went well for you all!
You'll enjoy it a lot! Have fun and do not hesitate to try new things!
A big tip is making sure you unpack on day 1 so you know where everything is during the week...cruising is not a time to live out of suitcase!
Glanced through the comments but didn't see this one: Explore the Ship! As soon as we've been to the room and gotten rid of our carry-on, and have grabbed something for lunch, we take the opportunity to walk all over the ship. This familiarizes us with where everything is located, how to get places, and we discover little nooks and crannies that come in handy later for meet-ups or just a quiet spot to hang out. This really saves time later on, when we're in a hurry to get somewhere-- we've already seen where it is, and how to get there!
Hi Friend! Very good addition! Thanks for sharing!
A great idea would be to have a gps for each ship that you can access through the cruise app
I have been watching videos of the ship layout.
Jason, that was an awesome video. Like you, I can identify with everything that you mentioned. 15 cruises under my belt, and I learned several of those items by experience. The only other thing that I would add would be to remind cruisers to pack their patience. It can be frustrating but the fun is only a short time away. Don H Ocala Fl
Hi Donald! Thanks for your kind words and I LOVE your addition. Very good wisdom there!!
@@TheTravelScouts Great job. The only thing I would add is to remind everyone that they can Archive (save) your great video for review. That list went by FAST! 🙂 Also, remind people they can copy and send the link to others going on the cruise.
Regarding documents: I support both copies. Paper copies might be a pain but they've came in handy in a pinch when I needed them. Once, the QR codes were not working on phones and I had a paper copy, got to bypass the entire line. I keep my cruise docs, insurance, photocopy of passport, any confirmation in paper in my backpack. In my email, I make a label for the cruise so that I'm not searching for anything. I also leave a copy of these documents at home so my emergency contact has all the information.
Hi Star Boarder! I love it! I do things very similar. Good stuff!!
We travel the same way. As I used to travel with my children alone Now they are young adults and know the drill. Copies of everything and a emergency person at home.
I always make paper docs, incase you don't have good cell wifi connection. Easier to show. Best to have ship app loaded at home. 😊
I dont know why Carnival has the boarding pass on the phone. In my two cruises no one asked to see my phone. Its always the papers.
I enjoyed your quick presentation. You kept it moving and organized, not boring at all. Thank you 🎉
Hi Jason! Good stuff! Lots of great info there.
My embarcation day challenge is carry on luggage, specifically the added item of a Bi-pap machine. (CPAP on steroids). It's a bit fragile and not something I want in my checked luggage, but also a bit bulky and not fun to lug around. Bulky or not, CPAP/Auto-PAP/Bi-PAP machines need to treated like your medications. Better to deal with carrying them for a few hours than to risk having to cruise without them.
Hi Mark! Very good advice here! Thanks for sharing!
Check in tomorrow for our first cruise! I really appreciate all of your information and your delivery style! Thank you so much!
Hi Jason, great tips. I find booking last possible cruise arrival time means no lines, no wait, breeze on board cabin ready. I travel in black, white and pink a no brainer. No need to worry, anything you need or want can be bought on board or in port. KISS !!
We wait to put our cruise luggage tags on our luggage until we get to our hotel the night before. This way there is no issue while flying in. I also place a copy of the cruise luggage tag inside our luggage...just in case.
Carnival has ship time posted in the app... and usually that night's dinner menu is posted there too. You can check it for everything from allergies to whether or not it appeals to you. It might help with deciding if that specialty restaurant is a better choice, or if you would rather hit the buffet.
Thanks for adding this tip for everyone! Very good!
We are going on the Haven Norwegian Escape. Never been on a cruise. I am so nervous and overwhelmed. Thank you so much for all of the videos. 😃
Love the videos. My wife and i are sailing on the Horizon in october. My wife deals with a lot of travel anxiety so these videos help ease some of that stress!!
Hi friend Jason,
Well done as always.
Make SURE your passport is good for long after your cruise. The number I have heard most is 6 months.
Keep an eye on your pre-booked excursions. Sometimes they have a sale and the price drops. Nothing says you can't cancel and rebook at the cheaper price.
Hi Wes! Two really good tips! Thanks for sharing my Friend!
also if they do this, you can fill out the price match guarantee form for carnival and they will adjust it without you having to cancel and rebook
If u can't eat in the dining room and u have to eat somewhere else will u be charged for the food there
Wish we had this valuable information prior to my first cruise in early 90!s- we got on a ship and had no clue what to do! I know through the years, some never knew that there was a MDR and ate in the buffet all week.
Thanks for the information it's very helpful I will go back and watch and put it in my book really appreciate the video 🙏🏽🤗
Hi Ruby! Glad the information was helpful. And, thank you so much for your kind words!
I made a mistake on my second cruise. We were supposed to get a bottle of wine/ champagne for loyalty perk. I did not ask for it because I did not want to act like (for lack of a better word) a Karen. It came up in conversation with our cruise consultant, and he told us that if it's not there, just ask your room attendant! Our 3rd it was in the room. 4th was it was not, so we asked, and it arrived shortly. (Along with a coffee pot, lol) So, if you are missing something, dont be shy. You won't offend anyone asking if you do so kindly. There's no reason to be rude, either. Just ask in a polite manner! We never do sail away party lol. I like to hide on my balcony, but maybe I will try it next cruise. They have always been so crowded! My balcony (if I have one and usually do) or a nice observation lounge is our alternative to the sail away. Of course, having a bottle of champagne waiting for us is a good incentive for balcony sail away. 😁
I love your videos and content dude u r the best
Thanks Mark! Your words are very encouraging!
Jason, Loved the video! Looks like you covered it all. I like what you said about keeping the jewelry in the safe. Keeping it all in the same place and you are less likely to misplace it.
Awesome job as always!
Good presentation and well informed video 👍, always to the point no waste time
Love the delivery of the information: I don't have to listen 3 minutes to get the important two or three sentences.
Hi Jason, I pray you and the family are well! This is a great reminder. Sometimes the excitement can be a lot, easy to forget. Always appreciate your videos.
Using Air Tags (or similar devices) work great to locate your luggage, especially if your tag comes off or after disembarkation when thousands of bags are in the terminal.
I haven't cruised since the pandemic shutdown. A lot of things have changed in the meantime, so I really appreciate all your tips . Love your vlogs!
Be sure to have rain gear quickly available. We went to our last cruise and our rain gear was in our checked luggage. We arrived during a “monsoon “. Needless to say, we spent our first hours in drenched clothing. Luckily we had a later embarkation time so we didn’t have long to get into our room but we did have to wait on our luggage.
Hi Jason, thank you for the tips. I think this is so good for first time cruisers and even good for vendors veteran cruises. Being that rules and policies change or get updated from time to time. Take care.
Hi Michael! Thanks for your great and kind feedback!
Thanks so much for all the info first cruise in September in the Mediterranean......
Well done indeed. We cruise a lot.. you nailed everything we have learned the hard way.
Keep up the great work Jason😊
Thanks Merry!
I loved all your tips, we're checked in, have tags, done the pre-check that we can do (other than health) and have most things staged to pack. I do need to make a couple of reservations for specialty restaurants, though.
I have a blue paper folder (the ones with the metal catches) that I do hole punch and put in EVERY document, copies of the boarding pass, the luggage tags, photo copies of the passport information page, the list of the things we pre-purchased and pre-scheduled. Contact information on the parking back at port. I have a packing list (to check off when we repack) and I even have the emergency note I give my kids and the kennel for our dog, just in case we need to get in touch. There's a paper copy of our medications and dose/time. I do have that in my tablet and my phone (carrying to doctors), but a paper copy will be with me in my bag on the wheelchair and even if the tablet and phone are dead, that paper's important. Copies of Driver's License's with photos, travel agent info, cruise insurance information, personal insurance information, and emergency numbers for the kids back home (adults), the doctors we have, and the hospital we use.
That's pretty much it, it's a lot but I'm a tad OCD and I'm one who tries to cover whatever we might need. When we checked in for our first cruise last year, the desk person was very surprised that it's all in the folder, with tabs, so I can pull it up immediately. Once onboard, I put it in the bag and don't worry about it until the night we pack to disembark, then it comes out so I can check on packing and then put it away. The one last year was 5 nights, this one's a 7, so the packing lit is going to be a bit longer.
Thanks for the tips!!
Hi Charlayne! Super, super information. I love your organization!
No, thank you for all your awesome tips....
I am just as thorough as you are and I am not OCD, just the Girl Scout and Air Force training in me to always be prepared. We also make copies of our credit cards (front and back) we are taking and our passports.
Excellent information. My neighbor helped me through so much for my first cruise. Everything was awesome.
Hi Woofer SD! That is great about your neighbor. And, thank you so much for your kind words!
Thanks for an informative video!🛳⚓️🛟🏝
Hi Teresa! Thank you so much!
Jason great information.1st time listening Very helpful.
Thank you Monica! I really appreciate your kind words! 😊
All great hints Jason. I have good firm plastic luggage pocket w/wire screw on ring. So good know won't rip off.
I’m going to watch heaps of these cruise info videos. We are about to plan our first ever cruise at age of mid 60’s and we are very nervous, terrified actually! LOL
Don't be! Cruising is fun! I did an Alaska cruise at age 55. Now we're heading to S America and Antarctica (age 61). Get a pair of good quality walking/hiking shoes.
@@kimberlyann1029 thanks for replying and your advice, cheers 🤗
Great tips for first time cruisers Jason!
Hi Frankie! Thank you so much! This is VERY appreciated!!
Per bag?
@@marciamauney2731 We generally tip $5-10 total
We’ve made a habit of doing lunch first day in specialty dining
I’ve been on three different cruises all left from Florida (Miami, Port Canaveral, and Ft Lauderdale). I live in Alabama. My family and I drove to Miami and Port Canaveral the day before. My dad and I flew down to Ft Lauderdale for a cruise with Viking. I would also add to check if your cruise line has flight and cruise packages.
Embarkation Mistake 31 You CAN log onto the ship's wifi while in the cruise termimal so do that and do the E-muster video.
Hi Michael! Thanks for chiming in with your tip!
@@TheTravelScouts Your welcome! To bad I havent done this myself since my last cruise the lift on the bus almost trapped me on the bus and to miss the cruise!
We used AAA on two Alaska cruises, saves time and anxiety, they coordinate times and prepare documents for you.
best embarkation video for new cruisers that I've seen yet ! Thank you!
Excellent video! I’m a seasoned cruiser and always love to hear information! Tx
Fantastic cruise tips!!! Well done, I think you have covered everything 👍
I have been cruising since 1998, even though I know all this, I enjoy watching anyway.. love your channel.
Great tips thank you. 🥰🏴🇬🇧
Thank you for getting right to the reasons being accurate informative but basically shooting them off I like it
Great video. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Thank you Nicole!
We will be on Carnival Vista on August 5th. Booked the Havana aft balcony, so we're expecting a fun cruise!
Love an aft balcony!
Excellent information!
Definitely find out where specialty dining reservations are made ahead of time. We asked 3 people at guest services and they all gave different answers and tried to send us to my time dining line that was huge. Found the podium of promenade for everything we wanted. While waiting a MTD rep was in the windjammer with no line. 😮
Thanks so much!There will be about 25 of us. Our meeting for checking online will be later today which we will do together via video. Going to share your video beforehand as well. Really appreciate so they can have a heads up. 😀👍🏽
Thanks for the tips, our last 4 cruises have been with an adults only 80s theme charter and they were able to make their own rules but with RC crew. It’s been at least 5 years since we’ve been on a regular sailing with kids - should be interesting 😅. We are definitely going to specialty dining on embarkation day. Got a great price for the steakhouse plus a free bottle of wine!
Hi Monica! The themed cruises would be great! And, good move with the steakhouse on embarkation day. Thanks for chiming in!
This former enlisted finally found a use for an officer. LOL Seriously, great videos. I'm headed out to my first cruise in years in October so this is very useful information.
Also, if you get an upgrade, make sure you print and attach the correct Luggage tags.
Thanks Jason. This is one of most informative video on cruise tips. Very helpful indeed. Looking forward to our Alaskan cruise next month.
Excellent, will watch before each cruise we take
Отличные советы! Всегда учитываю эти моменты в своих круизах!
Super info❤ thank you!
Thanks Cynthia!
Liked the tips, but we find the sail away parties to be over-rated. 🎉
Hi Howard! Thanks for the feedback!
How so? Please elaborate.
Going on my first cruise with my hubby on sunshine February 24 2025 excited but nervous too
love and light
This a very good and detailed video. Thank you
Excellent video.
Thank you Terri!
This is very helpful 😅 I’m going solo and I have a bit of anxiety 😅I’ve never vacayed without parents 😅
We booked a very late embarkation time because of travel. There were only about 6 people in the terminal. Absolutely the fastest boarding ever. The downside was that the rooms had not opened and everyone huddled with their luggage in the dining room, making it a little difficult to find a seat to eat.
Buy a plastic luggage tag with cable and put on your bag and slide your bag tag in it. It will not rip off
Good to know, because I have those exact holders.
Great tips
In January we boarded the Carnival Panorama for a 7 day cruise with our two grandsons. We arrived at the terminal and handed our luggage over to the porter, and my husband gave him a tip of $1.00 per bag. The porter then proceeded to call my husband a cheapskate because the tip wasn't larger. We had used the luggage tags that have the wire cable and plastic cover so that they wouldn't come off our luggage. Everyone in our group received their luggage quite early except for our eldest grandson. My husband and my grandson went to customer services to check on it since we were getting close to sailing time. Customer service said if we didn't get it before 6:00 p.m. to come back down and check again. 6:00 p.m. came so we went back to customer services to check and finally found his suitcase. We found that the luggage tag and been removed from the suitcase. In speaking with some other cruisers, we met will waiting in line to board, they had handed their luggage to the same porter and he had also insulted them. I'm not saying that this porter took the luggage tag off my grandson's suitcase because he was upset with his "TIP" but I'm not saying he didn't. Just keep your eyes open!!!
I've thought about the tip too. They probably make hundreds of dollars on boarding day that is not reported but they always want more. I have those types of luggage tags too. Glad your luggage was on the ship!
You did report the porter, right?
What IS acceptable tip amount per bags? It’s been so long since I’ve cruised, I honestly don’t know and am curious.
I bought the same exact boarding pass holders - the wire cable with plastic sleeve, after a recommendation from another video I watched. I thought you were going to say they fell off your luggage haha. But I do hope they hold up well. And that was horrible behavior from your porter, totally unacceptable.
The porters are not employees of the cruise line. What's it worth to you not to have to schlep your bags aboard? 2-5$ per bag, be generous! Not an easy way to make a living, and this is a minor expense in your total trip cost. Plan to carry $100 in small bills for tipping.
Can you go to specialty dining and main dining for the same meal (if you want the dessert that’s part of the main dining)
Once you are on the ship after embarking, it is very crowded. If you need some peace and quiet {jet lagged?} find the library!!
Hi,great video. Where to do online check in?
Hello I’m going on my first cruise. What do you need to check in?
Louisiana is starting real id to fly I don't know where you guys are from just helpful travel trips
You got it down...keep up all the great videos. Cruising guest should be REQUIRE to watch before they cruise. And that refers to each cruise line, they are NOT all the same..like you said. DO YOUR HOMEWORK..
Sanitize the cabin by wiping everything down with Lysol wipes.
You forgot to add wear your disposable foot coverings, nitrile gloves, and to change your hazmat suit filters daily.
I hope you can answer this question should you embark later in times or arrive hours earlier?
I've watched this many times.
Love it, good tips
J&K I think you nailed the embarkation day check list, thank you.😊
Hi Steven! Thank you my Friend!
Long video but great info.
Hi, great informative video. Since I don’t want to check my luggage and give to porter, does all the carry luggage has to fit into the scanner to qualify as a carryon?? do you know if I can just carry the medium/large size luggage with me onto the carnival ship? Thanks
Loved watching this post. Gets me so excited for my bucket list cruise in 63 weeks. 😀✈️⛴️⚓️💃
I’m going on my first cruise on carnival Radiance😊. Can I use a passport card?
Yes
Sorry to break it to you but i am 80 yrs old and i havent got a clue re downloading anything and guess what? Not going to try to figure it out. I'm going to simply walk onto the ship!
Just a follow up question. Luggage tags ... you say its ok to attach before flying as well?
I would wait to attach cruise luggage tags after you arrive to the port (or just before driving there).
Another tip I've heard, take them off before you fly home. Someone had their bag stolen at the airport on the way home from their cruise. Security told them that it may have been because there were cruise tags on it. Thieves know that cruisers tend to pack expensive items so they will target those bags at the baggage claim area.
Ok to bring on board personal open talk about radios ?
Would like to see facilities inside your cabin😊
Make sure and pre pay gratuity is my addition… my first crew they destroyed us with that
Check NCL excursions list one more time about a month away from your cruise.
A lot of excursions are showing up on their list at what feels like the last minute.
Hi 81fostermom! Great tip! Thanks for sharing!!
There are cruise line plastic holders. Amazon.
Question. If you're checking in and you're spouse is also listed, can I check in for him without him going through registering.
so I've been on cruises as a child with my family. and obviously I never took the reins in planning and prep. This is the first time planning a cruise with my family as an adult and it didn't realize how much was involved. Yes it can get a little overwhelming but it's also very excited