Ben and David, we just returned form a Mediterranean cruise out of Rome. Your tips on getting from Rome to the port, and so many other tips were so beneficial to our enjoyment of the trip. Going from the airport to our hotel by train was so much less stress because you showed us just what to do. My husband was so nervous and I said, well Ben and David said....It was fantastic. Thank you so much. We had a great time. Love you guys.
I'm a solo traveller and got a 7 night cruise on Msc, double inside cabin for 1, going from Southampton to Le Havre, Brussels, Amsterdam and Hamburg for £299 in November! Not only that, they matched my Elite status with Princess although it was my first time! They gave me champagne, macarons, free meal in specialty restaurant, chocolates, slippers etc! Wasn't expecting much but it was fantastic!
Oh boy… to give Carnival a fair test, I highly recommend ONLY sailing on one of their newer ships from Breeze through Celebration. Their older ships are cheap for a reason 👍
I actually really enjoy Carnival, even though not their target demographic. I have no doubt you’ll give it a fair shake, realizing that an older Carnival ship sailing to Nassau is a much different experience than a newer Carnival ship sailing to another port. I hope you enjoy it and thanks for all the great advice and content.
Three day cruises on Carnival can be more of a party cruise. Lots of kids and drinking adults. Longer cruises are a bit more representative of the line. Hope you have a great time.
I've read that also that the 3 day and 2 day taster cruises are more like hen and stag cruises (batchelor and batchelorette parties) and so don't represent the usual clientele.
Great video for those who haven't cruised or booked often. One thing I do is when looking at a possible guarantee cabin, I will check the other option and to see what cabins they are showing available. It gives me an idea of what cabin I 'might' possibly get (if I can't pick a mid-ship on my own, then chances are I won't get it as a guarantee). Another thing I do, as a solo cruiser, is decide which cruise I want to go on and then book my (no fee change) airfare and hotel and wait last minute to book the cruise, waiting for the solo supplement to be removed. This is a bit of a gamble but so far, so good. And if I am sailing out of Florida, and the supplement doesn't drop on the cruise I wanted, I can easily find something else. Already looking forward to your next adventure (and you sailing Carnival...I was a one and done on them).
I'm new to cruising and also a solo cruiser. You've shared some really useful tips 🙏🏾 I'm kicking myself for not booking my flights earlier this year when I saw them cheap. They've gone up by 30% due to the increase in oil costs I'm so annoyed but hey, I'm going to give up drinking alcohol & the drinks package I was going to choose, in order to get my flight. I'm too excited about being able to travel after working so hard through the pandemic...
Hey guys, great video! Just a note on the price match that you said is offered to USA Customers from the cruise lines, Royal Caribbean actually do honour this for UK customers too. I'm a Travel Agent and have had helped Cruisers with this before :)
I have 4 cruises in a row on Carnival Mardi Gras . 7 days each for $100 per person plus port fees/ taxes and prepaid gratuities. I go solo therefore its $479 total for me. Plus they are giving me $200 on board credit and $250 fun play per cruise. 4 ports each cruise. 4 cruises times $479 equals $1916 for 28 days total
I totally lucked out on my last cabin aboard the Adventure of the Seas. They moved me from a windowless interior room to an ocean view. It was also quiet
I like ocean view the best! I used to like balcony but the smokers smoke on the balcony, even though they aren’t supposed to, with the ocean view i don’t have to smell the smokers nastiness but still get a view.
Also, you’ll now be a part of Carnivals VIFP (loyalty program). And those deals are stupid great. Right now they’re running rates that end up paying you to go! I have one booked for early in 2023 that was 5 days for 2 people and only cost $490 WITH taxes and port fees. PLUS a $500 onboard credit so we are literally get paid $10 to cruise!
I went on a Carnival ship and I’m too old for it. I don’t drink and kept comparing it to Princess. Love Princess. Price and length are the important items for me.
We got a $140 ($20 each plus fees) 3-day balcony for 2 of us through Carnival back in March! It's definitely an interesting time to be cruising! Interested to hear what you think about Carnival.
Hey Ben and David. Yesss. Carnival has many many cheap cruises depending what port you’re leaving from. We’re from NY so it’s rare. But Florida port 2-5 days I have seen as low as $0. Just pay taxes and port fees. We’re leaving July 18th on the Magic and got a spa balcony for $1500 for both of us for an 8 night. Next year on the inaugural Jublilee out of Galveston we got a balcony for $1100 for both of us. Next august 2023 Oasis of the Sea got a balcony for $1348 each on a 9 night but will get reduced if and when. The interior was $584. Last Royal on the Allure , went from $3500 to $2500 🙌🏼. It’s hit or miss and luck. Great tips and Thanks so much and see you next video. I dummy book all the time. Never put payment info; then get the email please complete your booking. 😂.
The Conquest class ships on Carnival are amazing. One of my favorite classes. Pro tip about Liberty there’s a beautiful huge sauna and steam room in the locker room that overlook the ocean. It’s so relaxing and it’s FREE! Carnival Liberty doesn’t have a thermal suite but it’s the next best thing. Also, Bimini is a totally beautiful port it’s not super commercialized as it’s a new port. I suggest renting a golf cart for $60 USD and explore the island and hit up the local restaurants and bars and shops and free public beaches. I absolutely love Bimini and the Conquest Class (class of Liberty) and Carnival in general!
Ive sailed both Royal Caribbean and Carnival. While Carnival isnt bad at all, the clientelle leave something to be desired. Classier group on RCCL, and like someone said Carnival clientele feel like they're on vacation from the trailer park, Overall though I think youll have fun. Order at the specialty italian restaurant - the chicken parmegiana is out of this world!!!
this video helped me so much thank you, we have booked a holiday in Florida and I want to surprise my wife for her 50th(she'll kill me for revealing her age) with a 3 day cruise while we are there. We both look forward to Sunday evening as we know there is a new Ben and David video and you guys are so much better than anything on T.V., enjoy your cruise guys and thank you. Stay safe
We try Vacations to Go first then look at what’s on offer directly from the cruise line. We get direct email offers, too. We’ve gotten free cruises after taking cash out at the cashier cage in the casino because it counts as money spent in the casino, too. And if the itinerary is right we will book however is easiest, too.
Never cruised always wanted to we are in our late seventies have recently came across your channel you make every fear that’s stopped us from cruising disappear bless you both I’m looking at cruises ! ❤️❤️💝🏴🏴🏴
I like carnival because of the spa rooms and price, but the passenger atmosphere is a bit hard. Carnivals policy is that they can’t control guests actions according to our last cruise, even if it illegal activity, so because of carnivals standards, we won’t cruise them anymore. Don’t cruse the Carnival Sunrise. That’s was the ship that doesn’t support their security staff or repeat cruisers.
We just got off a 5 day western Caribbean today on carnival and paid $90 PP $507 with taxes and port fees and last cruise we paid $45 per person for a 4 day in April. We went on royal last month and got a good deal and we enjoyed its however we love our carnival party ships as well and the crew remembered us and it was wonderful! The food far surpassed the food on royal Caribbean or at least the independence we were on last month! Hope you guys enjoy your first carnival voyage! Not my go to vacation or cruise line all the time It’s definitely super fun for a cheap getaway ❤️ the VIFP club is really good with their discounts
There is something else to consider, when looking at the very cheapest scroll down a few looking at the number of nights. I have been able to add a night or two for just a bit more money so average price per night actually goes down.
Hope you have a good time but personally Carnival is not one we like. The only way we would sail with them again would be on a new big ship (Mardi Gras) otherwise no way. Those prices are cheap for a reason.
This past Spring, found Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston, inside cabin, 5 nights, $25.00. And being just a 15 drive to the port, a no brainer to book it.
I just got a RCL 5 day To Perfect day and Nassau for $500 each. In a large aft facing balcony. 4 of us are going. What a good deal. They are out there.
We are going on the Disney WISH for their Inaugural Cruise and Back to Back on there next cruise for DVC members. Hopping to see you guys, if your sailing on any one of them.
I just cruised on Liberty a few weekends ago. It was such fun! I did the steakhouse twice. The food was excellent! Guy's Burger Joint was quite good as was the tacos I tried. The pizza was very good! Customer service was very good to excellent. The drinks at the Alchemy Bar were amazing. The ship itself is UNIQUE to say the least. It looks way better in person than it does on video. Enjoy!
Hi Ben and David! This sounds really interesting comparing to the other cruise lines. Heard you say your going to be on the Wish. That should be really cool seeing how you compare it to other Disney ships. Have a great day!
As a single person I would really like to find a week long cruise (soon), maybe Mediterranean, not expensive, maybe MSC, or similar. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :))
I found a good website for Vacations to go, which has many options for reasonably priced cruises worldwide. I was able to book a cruise as my transportation home to NZ, as well as being a 4 week holiday getting there!
Once you're a VIFP member (Carnival's loyalty program), you will get special offers. I just sailed on Carnival Splendor to Alaska for $100 per person plus taxes and port fees. They gave us $200 onboard credit, so essentially our fare was free. 2 of us sailed in a large Oceanview cabin (2470) for under $950 total, not considering the onboard credit. 7 days to ALASKA. Unheard of. I booked it less than 2 months out. Not a luxury cruise, but we had a lot of fun and Alaska is simply amazing.
We cruised with Royal Carribbean on Granduer of the Seas for 10 nights in 2019 over Christmas, on a repositioning cruise from Puerto Rico to New York; £209pp in a balcony stateroom! Granduer was a small ship which, as we learnt, didn't really suit what we were after: for the cheap price, however, we really couldn't complain and it was still a great way to give the cruise line and ship a chance. It was our first - and currently only - RCL cruise, but we're definitely looking at going on another one next summer in a bigger ship (would love an oasis class ship, but we can't compensate paying over £1000pp for it), so we're currently just checking the website most days just incase the price decreases at all!
I've sailed with them for $1 interior. I paid $400 for a suite on one cruise. I got a Balcony earlier this year on the breeze for $25PP. :) Cost me less than $100PP for round trip tickets from DFW to Houston. CCL is awesome! I've unfortunately or fortunately switched my loyalty to them from NCL.
@@Lori_L It was phenomenal. The BEST carnival cruises I ever had. Both were on the Breeze out of Galveston. One in October 2021, and the other in January 2022. And the Breeze has a decent spa. It's not like NCL but for that price.. OMG! I'm eagerly awaiting another deal like that. Right now I'm getting deals to Alaska for $25PP but with the cost of flying to Seattle from DFW being so high, its not worth it at all. I'll just wait for another one out of Galveston.
Have you ever tried German cruise ships? For example German Carnival daughter “Aida” ist really good in my opinion. (Very chill and casual) or tui cruises.
Thanks for a really informative video! I love all your videos; it's good to have one that will help me to book our next cruise. Here is food for thought. For the third time Norwegian has cancelled our Asian cruise and we need to leave booking that one again for awhile. We had Norwegian book everything for us. Flights and hotel the night before and also we wanted a few extra days after the cruise as well. All taken care of. The bonus with that was that when the cruise was cancelled, we got our total refund all from one spot without delay. It might not work all the time, but this is the one time when an expensive cruise (travelling from Ontario, Canada) was seamlessly refunded back to us. Happy Cruising to both of you! :)
I want to say something for Carnival. I understand some of you guys who were fans of Princess or other "better" cruise line did not have good time with Carnival. As a new cruiser,I can not care if the ship is old because Carnival Miracle is just in the city where I live,which is a great chance to try. Okkk, I have to admit that although Miracle had been renovation few years ago, the choice of color and design of the inside look little bit old school. The food is not bad, but not surprising or impressing , which is like other people said. Then the crew members were great and nice, and I did not see any problems during my trip;therefore, my first and solo cruise trip was great.
Ok I stumbled upon your channel and have been binge watching ever since. Information with humor is the perfect combination. Love you two. Happy Cruising!!!
I love Disney Cruise line because they can help book everything with one person. We have an upcoming Royal Carribean trip and we are having to deal with so many people it's a nightmare. Also we learned that the fare we booked is non refunable and did not explain that while setting it up or we would have changed our minds. They are already getting a failing grade and the trip is't til January.
I've sailed on Norwegian, Holland America, Royal Caribbean older ship, Princess Alaska. I'd take the Carnival Vista or Breeze any day over the Cocoon Alaska Princess Cruise I took out of San Francisco where the average age had to have been over 70 yo.
First, my husband and I really like your channel. Your videos are very fun and informative. Now, about Carnival... If you cruise with Carnival a few times and play a little in the casino (I'm not a big gambler), you will be surprised at the deals you get, especially this year. We've been getting offers for $40 per person for a 12-day cruise that leaves from Barcelona. We booked two $25 per person cruises this year, one 5-day out of Florida on the Carnival Spirit (a very cool boat) and a 4-day out of Charleston, South Carolina. Those were great because the capacities were less than 50%. They are still sending free cruise offers for Alaska out of Seattle, WA for six and seven-day cruises. Last year we sailed for seven days on Mardi Gras (all of their specialty restaurants are free) for a total (including taxes, port fees, AND gratuities) of $629, plus we had $200 onboard credit. Except for the Mardi Gras, the Carnival vibe is a little different than Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, etc., but they definitely send good offers for their loyal cruisers. I hope you enjoy the Carnival Liberty. Even though it's a smaller boat, it's one of my favorites in the Carnival line. Oh, and don't forget to try the Guy's Burgers and Carnival Melting Cake in the dining room. ;-) Have fun!
Ben and David, you are so right about cautioning people to get on the right cruise for them. Otherwise it can be a total disaster. My folks took their first (and last) cruise a number of years ago and it turned out to be horrible. It was early February and they were cruising to Hawaii... meaning they would have a lot of days at sea. It was a 15-day cruise... not the best for a first cruise. My folks were in their mid-70s at the time, still quite agile and fun... but also older adults. The cruise turned out to be a "switch over" cruise... where Carnival had bought the ship they were on from the line they thought they were sailing with... meaning it was the last cruise for the old company and the first one for Carnival for that ship. Because of the switch-over status, the whole cruise had changed... right from ports to entertainment. My folks weren't told any of this before they sailed. Much of the entertainment sounded like they were figuring it out "on the fly", so to speak... disorganized and rushed. The entertainment my folks had been told about was not what they got. The crew were unhappy with what was going on. People who had cruised with the old line for years weren't happy either. They had a lot of things that my folks didn't care for... like belly flop contests and a wedding conga line that everyone was expected to join. The one port that my Mom really wanted to see was cancelled... so the whole cruise was a bust for her. They also nearly froze when the cruise people decided to open the big window thing over the pool and let in all of the cold air. As I said, it was February... and they'd left from Vancouver, Canada. People were hauling out their winter jackets to sit outside. If my folks had done a bit of research instead of relying on the travel people at Costco to do it all, things might have turned out better. But they bought the cruise for what they were told was a "good price". It was not great... nearly $10,000 Canadian. There are no shore excursions in that price... or anything else... just the cruise.
On a Sky Princess cruise to Norway...Yesterday I tested positive so now isolated for a week till we return home. My wife may join me if her test today is positive. The biggest shock is that 2 days into the cruise a directive was printed and put in every stateroom asking people to wear masks whilst moving about and to socially distance. In the 4 nights since that directive the Theatre had been jam packed with 80% not wearing masks....not one announcement telling people to mask up and no seats cordoned off to help with social distancing. The lifts s packed with no signs on limits. I am bitterly disappointed with Princess....how can you issue a directive and not act upon it?
Great tips. Thank you. We booked Royal Caribbean from Haifa to Cyprus and the Greek Islands for September. Saw the price online and called RC UK office and they gave us a much better price. So it’s worth calling the cruise line to see if their prices are better than the online price. We were very pleasantly surprised.
Ben and David...... I use vacationstogo......for cruises....... I got one to Alaska....7nights......balcony....carnival.......for 364 plus tax..... I have seen them down to 50......for a 7nights....so good luck.....lady mary
Always great watching your videos. Well was on the NCL Cruise in Hawaii. Staff are nice most of them and they have never seen a person who is blind. They do not speak different languages. Careful with the cruise as you have to pay for so many things. Before i went on i went swimming with the Dolphins and it was nice, however i got stun by baby jelly fish and i puffed up twice my size due to been allergic. Half of the time was spent in medical then in my studio. When it came time to leave i was to get a wheelchair and asked the day before and that day. Staff did not bother to help me or help with my luggage as i hurt my hand . To remind that you have to pay for so many things on the cruise. I would never go with that company again after what they did as i am in an air cast boot and blind. Look forward to watching more videos from you. 😀cheers. !
@@remove574 Thank You for your concern. Not sure I ever want to cruise again after this. And trying to get off was so hard for me on top of been blind as well. Still have bandages on my arms as well from been stun by jelly fish. I asked a few times and they knew I needed a Wheelchair Lack of respect.Stay safe.Cheers.!
We like to go on the Vacations to Go website, and then click on the 90-Day Tickler icon. It will bring up cruises sailing in the next 90 Days. It's broken down by where you are traveling. Most cruises are 75% off, some as much as 90%. You will be amazed at the prices!!
I feel so much better with what I just paid for a 7 night cruise for this Dec. I paid $468 for 2 people including port fees and taxes. I was ok with an interior room on deck 7. Also got $200 OBC.
Hi guys. The advantage that you guys have is that you can cruise anytime. For us living in Florida, even though we are driving distance from all ports, we have our child that it’s still in school and we have to cruise around his free time. In addition, we like certain type of cabin on a certain area of the cruise ship and therefore we do not take any cabin which is another way of getting a last minute deal.
With Carnival I recently booked a 9 day cruise from Dover, England with balcony 2 people for $740 including taxes. This is the cheapest cruise I have purchased
You guys are my hero's have fun...I miss my days I could click and go. You guys I'm sure are aware of Carnivals puke til you drop issue. My first cruise was a Carnival cruise we had a lovely time, and I'd won the cruise I wanted a little longer cruise so I booked a 4 day I paid for the 1 day more than the 3 day I'd won.. Had a great time. Funny part was, it was one of the coldest fall days ever recorded when we for off the plane in Miami. But, loved the whole trip. Go with the flow attitude helps. Can't wait for the live but being a California, I'll probably be at work when it happens. But I always watch whatever you post. 👍👍
When are you going to try Holland America cruises? I'm sailing on Nov. 5-19 on the Statendam. Come join us. They are having great prices, and the food is delicious!
When going to Florida we always find it so cheap and so easy to combine cruises as the availability and frequency is amazing. The best cruise deals are from Florida ports guys and find the best time to book between Christmas and march for the whole years multiple cruises. Our next cruise on the beyond has went up £950 for exactly the same package we booked in march sailing this July
I mentioned this before, our 2023 cruise on Princess was upgraded for free from a balcony room to a mini suite and they did it for us when I asked how much more it would be. We cannot wait and this probably means we will not be satisfied with a room with a balcony on future cruises. We will now want a mini suite. 😂
As someone mentioned, like RCL, I would suggest trying their newer classes ie. Vista and Excel Classes. This will give a better perspective of the cruise line. Unlike DCL, the maintenance of the older ships is not the same. Make sure to cruise at least 3 times before making a judgement 😉 Mostly so you can experience, and we all can watch. 😂
Spot on, with the tips on booking! We booked a guarantee, once on RC Brilliance of the Seas. Leaving Dubai, for 7 days, ended up with the owners suite! We've done 66 cruises! Plus 15 River cruises. Leaving on Snake , Colombia River cruise July 10th! Can't wait! Would love to see a few more exotic destinations from you, in the future. Carribean cruises are getting to get old with everyone you tuber doing the Carribean. Just a thought! Vickie from SE Pa USA
My husband and I decided to try out Carnival (we usually cruise with Princess) back in 2019 with a 3-day cruise to Ensenada out of Long Beach on the now-scrapped Imagination. Had an absolute blast! Yes, it was a bit of a booze cruise, with lots of bachelorette parties and birthdays. I recommend heading to the Lido Deck upon embarkation and grabbing a Guy's Burger. So yummy! Also, make sure you get a breakfast burrito or "regular" burrito from Blue Iguana. Late night comedy shows are adult focused and usually very funny. Also, don't miss the deck parties.
Hello Ben and David! Absolutely love your videos they are beautiful produced and very informative. During Carnival’s 50th Celebration week I received an amazing offer for a Cloud 9 balcony Spa Room on deck 17 Lido deck of the Celebration going to Amber Cove, San Juan and Saint Thomas US Virgin Islands for $1,400 total for everything including port fees and prepaid gratuities. I also booked the room next door under my husband’s offer with $1,000 OBC for $2,200 for everything. Bonus it leaves on my birthday. This will be our 4th Carnival cruise and definitely not our last. Enjoy your cruise
we paid $800 for the 2 of us on carnival in November for a balcony 7 days. a few months ago for 7 days we paid around $600 last year during the pandic we paid around $500. this is all on carnival cuz it appears to be the cheapest cruise line. we went on 3 cruises last year. now the prices have really gone up so we don't think we will find those prices again
Well I didn't learn anything new I'm getting a cheaper fare, but you did confirm I'm doing everything the right way so thank you for that. Living near fort Lauderdale and having family near Port Canaveral it's very easy for me to take advantage of these last minute offers
Just wanted to say I love you guys so much. Just recently started binge watching your videos. Went on my first cruise a couple of weeks ago with Carnival and we’re planning on going again next year. Royal and Carnival have really good deals for December cruises right now. I’ve been looking every day at the websites for deals. We want to go with carnival again, I became a VIP member and have an option to pay on the cruise before we go. That’s great because with four grown kids and 3 big dogs that’s a nice option. Plus we can get a balcony room and choose where our room will be. Kind of hate that most of the deals are out of California or Florida. We live in Memphis and New Orleans isn’t that far away so we wouldn’t have to fly.
Interesting Instead of cheapest should talk about the best value Always recommend a travel agent They will get the same price as any website plus can move u into a group perhaps with OBC that u can’t get
When we have booked cheap cruises, found they are usually older/run down ships, bad food, etc. Weng on a NCL cruise and it basically rained in the dining room when the ship when through a storm. Went in a cheap RC cruise and the food was horrible. Could have broke a window with the rolls, they were so hard.
I live in Iowa so the cruising isn’t always the greatest amount. The flights are crazy. I just spent more on a flight and the hotel than I’ve spent on a short cruise.
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Ben and David, we just returned form a Mediterranean cruise out of Rome. Your tips on getting from Rome to the port, and so many other tips were so beneficial to our enjoyment of the trip. Going from the airport to our hotel by train was so much less stress because you showed us just what to do. My husband was so nervous and I said, well Ben and David said....It was fantastic. Thank you so much. We had a great time. Love you guys.
How did you get from Rome to the port?
@@zahraabu interested too. I've booked the civitavecchia express train to the centre.
Which Vlog ? I’d love to go xx
I'm a solo traveller and got a 7 night cruise on Msc, double inside cabin for 1, going from Southampton to Le Havre, Brussels, Amsterdam and Hamburg for £299 in November! Not only that, they matched my Elite status with Princess although it was my first time! They gave me champagne, macarons, free meal in specialty restaurant, chocolates, slippers etc! Wasn't expecting much but it was fantastic!
Not bad at all
Oh boy… to give Carnival a fair test, I highly recommend ONLY sailing on one of their newer ships from Breeze through Celebration. Their older ships are cheap for a reason 👍
Are you trying to have fewer people on those ships so you can enjoy them for yourself?
Also 3 day cruises definitely have a different vibe than a 7day or longer . I love Carnival but I don't like their 3 and 4 day cruises.
I agree!! been on 10 carnival cruises, older ships for quicker cruise are ok but love the newer ships and stops for longer cruises!
I actually really enjoy Carnival, even though not their target demographic. I have no doubt you’ll give it a fair shake, realizing that an older Carnival ship sailing to Nassau is a much different experience than a newer Carnival ship sailing to another port. I hope you enjoy it and thanks for all the great advice and content.
Three day cruises on Carnival can be more of a party cruise. Lots of kids and drinking adults. Longer cruises are a bit more representative of the line. Hope you have a great time.
I've read that also that the 3 day and 2 day taster cruises are more like hen and stag cruises (batchelor and batchelorette parties) and so don't represent the usual clientele.
Great video for those who haven't cruised or booked often. One thing I do is when looking at a possible guarantee cabin, I will check the other option and to see what cabins they are showing available. It gives me an idea of what cabin I 'might' possibly get (if I can't pick a mid-ship on my own, then chances are I won't get it as a guarantee). Another thing I do, as a solo cruiser, is decide which cruise I want to go on and then book my (no fee change) airfare and hotel and wait last minute to book the cruise, waiting for the solo supplement to be removed. This is a bit of a gamble but so far, so good. And if I am sailing out of Florida, and the supplement doesn't drop on the cruise I wanted, I can easily find something else. Already looking forward to your next adventure (and you sailing Carnival...I was a one and done on them).
I'm new to cruising and also a solo cruiser. You've shared some really useful tips 🙏🏾 I'm kicking myself for not booking my flights earlier this year when I saw them cheap. They've gone up by 30% due to the increase in oil costs I'm so annoyed but hey, I'm going to give up drinking alcohol & the drinks package I was going to choose, in order to get my flight. I'm too excited about being able to travel after working so hard through the pandemic...
Hey guys, great video! Just a note on the price match that you said is offered to USA Customers from the cruise lines, Royal Caribbean actually do honour this for UK customers too. I'm a Travel Agent and have had helped Cruisers with this before :)
I have 4 cruises in a row on Carnival Mardi Gras . 7 days each for $100 per person plus port fees/ taxes and prepaid gratuities. I go solo therefore its $479 total for me. Plus they are giving me $200 on board credit and $250 fun play per cruise. 4 ports each cruise.
4 cruises times $479 equals $1916 for 28 days total
Just booked my 2nd cruise in March 2023 with Norwegian. So hyped! My first one was with MSC!!
I totally lucked out on my last cabin aboard the Adventure of the Seas. They moved me from a windowless interior room to an ocean view. It was also quiet
I like ocean view the best! I used to like balcony but the smokers smoke on the balcony, even though they aren’t supposed to, with the ocean view i don’t have to smell the smokers nastiness but still get a view.
Alaskan Cruises on Carnival are $35/per person right now
Also, you’ll now be a part of Carnivals VIFP (loyalty program). And those deals are stupid great. Right now they’re running rates that end up paying you to go! I have one booked for early in 2023 that was 5 days for 2 people and only cost $490 WITH taxes and port fees. PLUS a $500 onboard credit so we are literally get paid $10 to cruise!
After your first sailing you will save even more. I got 7 nights in Mexico for $150 on carnival.
I went on a Carnival ship and I’m too old for it. I don’t drink and kept comparing it to Princess. Love Princess. Price and length are the important items for me.
I just booked a 7 night on Carnival Glory out of New Orleans!😄
We got a $140 ($20 each plus fees) 3-day balcony for 2 of us through Carnival back in March! It's definitely an interesting time to be cruising! Interested to hear what you think about Carnival.
Hey Ben and David. Yesss. Carnival has many many cheap cruises depending what port you’re leaving from. We’re from NY so it’s rare. But Florida port 2-5 days I have seen as low as $0. Just pay taxes and port fees. We’re leaving July 18th on the Magic and got a spa balcony for $1500 for both of us for an 8 night. Next year on the inaugural Jublilee out of Galveston we got a balcony for $1100 for both of us. Next august 2023 Oasis of the Sea got a balcony for $1348 each on a 9 night but will get reduced if and when. The interior was $584. Last Royal on the Allure , went from $3500 to $2500 🙌🏼. It’s hit or miss and luck. Great tips and Thanks so much and see you next video. I dummy book all the time. Never put payment info; then get the email please complete your booking. 😂.
The Conquest class ships on Carnival are amazing. One of my favorite classes. Pro tip about Liberty there’s a beautiful huge sauna and steam room in the locker room that overlook the ocean. It’s so relaxing and it’s FREE! Carnival Liberty doesn’t have a thermal suite but it’s the next best thing. Also, Bimini is a totally beautiful port it’s not super commercialized as it’s a new port. I suggest renting a golf cart for $60 USD and explore the island and hit up the local restaurants and bars and shops and free public beaches. I absolutely love Bimini and the Conquest Class (class of Liberty) and Carnival in general!
Ive sailed both Royal Caribbean and Carnival. While Carnival isnt bad at all, the clientelle leave something to be desired. Classier group on RCCL, and like someone said Carnival clientele feel like they're on vacation from the trailer park, Overall though I think youll have fun. Order at the specialty italian restaurant - the chicken parmegiana is out of this world!!!
I went on a carnival cruise in March for only $55 per person 4 nights it was great plus it was close enough we didn’t have to fly
this video helped me so much thank you, we have booked a holiday in Florida and I want to surprise my wife for her 50th(she'll kill me for revealing her age) with a 3 day cruise while we are there. We both look forward to Sunday evening as we know there is a new Ben and David video and you guys are so much better than anything on T.V., enjoy your cruise guys and thank you. Stay safe
When are you two going to go on a Alaska cruise?
We try Vacations to Go first then look at what’s on offer directly from the cruise line. We get direct email offers, too. We’ve gotten free cruises after taking cash out at the cashier cage in the casino because it counts as money spent in the casino, too. And if the itinerary is right we will book however is easiest, too.
Never cruised always wanted to we are in our late seventies have recently came across your channel you make every fear that’s stopped us from cruising disappear bless you both I’m looking at cruises ! ❤️❤️💝🏴🏴🏴
I like carnival because of the spa rooms and price, but the passenger atmosphere is a bit hard. Carnivals policy is that they can’t control guests actions according to our last cruise, even if it illegal activity, so because of carnivals standards, we won’t cruise them anymore. Don’t cruse the Carnival Sunrise. That’s was the ship that doesn’t support their security staff or repeat cruisers.
Once you’re a VFIP member, Carnival has had deals as low as $35 per person for a 7 night Alaskan cruise.
I get interline discounts,retired airline crew, and get it at vacations to go.carnival is high. I'm going Rio to Lisbon,$296 solo.
We just got off a 5 day western Caribbean today on carnival and paid $90 PP $507 with taxes and port fees and last cruise we paid $45 per person for a 4 day in April. We went on royal last month and got a good deal and we enjoyed its however we love our carnival party ships as well and the crew remembered us and it was wonderful! The food far surpassed the food on royal Caribbean or at least the independence we were on last month! Hope you guys enjoy your first carnival voyage! Not my go to vacation or cruise line all the time It’s definitely super fun for a cheap getaway ❤️ the VIFP club is really good with their discounts
There is something else to consider, when looking at the very cheapest scroll down a few looking at the number of nights. I have been able to add a night or two for just a bit more money so average price per night actually goes down.
Have fun ! Our experience is a weekend cruise may well be a booze cruise, but let us know how it goes.
I will be Carnival Liberty July 15. With OBC, Carnival is practically paying me to go the cruise.
Hope you have a good time but personally Carnival is not one we like. The only way we would sail with them again would be on a new big ship (Mardi Gras) otherwise no way. Those prices are cheap for a reason.
This past Spring, found Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston, inside cabin, 5 nights, $25.00. And being just a 15 drive to the port, a no brainer to book it.
$25 per night? That's a great deal! I hope it was a nice trip.
@@GygaxGirl no, the whole cruise was 25.
@@ScooterB8 that's incredible! I've been searching for months and have never seen that.
I just got a RCL 5 day To Perfect day and Nassau for $500 each. In a large aft facing balcony. 4 of us are going. What a good deal. They are out there.
We are going on the Disney WISH for their Inaugural Cruise and Back to Back on there next cruise for DVC members. Hopping to see you guys, if your sailing on any one of them.
I just cruised on Liberty a few weekends ago. It was such fun! I did the steakhouse twice. The food was excellent! Guy's Burger Joint was quite good as was the tacos I tried. The pizza was very good! Customer service was very good to excellent. The drinks at the Alchemy Bar were amazing. The ship itself is UNIQUE to say the least. It looks way better in person than it does on video. Enjoy!
We are flying to NY from Florida, and then boarding our Princess ship from there. Sailing on up into Canada
Hi Ben and David! This sounds really interesting comparing to the other cruise lines. Heard you say your going to be on the Wish. That should be really cool seeing how you compare it to other Disney ships. Have a great day!
Tip..if u gamble on cruise, make sure to insert your card in machine..or give it to pit boss..the offers you'll get after u get home are quite good..
As a single person I would really like to find a week long cruise (soon), maybe Mediterranean, not expensive, maybe MSC, or similar. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :))
I found a good website for Vacations to go, which has many options for reasonably priced cruises worldwide. I was able to book a cruise as my transportation home to NZ, as well as being a 4 week holiday getting there!
Once you're a VIFP member (Carnival's loyalty program), you will get special offers. I just sailed on Carnival Splendor to Alaska for $100 per person plus taxes and port fees. They gave us $200 onboard credit, so essentially our fare was free. 2 of us sailed in a large Oceanview cabin (2470) for under $950 total, not considering the onboard credit. 7 days to ALASKA. Unheard of. I booked it less than 2 months out. Not a luxury cruise, but we had a lot of fun and Alaska is simply amazing.
We cruised with Royal Carribbean on Granduer of the Seas for 10 nights in 2019 over Christmas, on a repositioning cruise from Puerto Rico to New York; £209pp in a balcony stateroom! Granduer was a small ship which, as we learnt, didn't really suit what we were after: for the cheap price, however, we really couldn't complain and it was still a great way to give the cruise line and ship a chance.
It was our first - and currently only - RCL cruise, but we're definitely looking at going on another one next summer in a bigger ship (would love an oasis class ship, but we can't compensate paying over £1000pp for it), so we're currently just checking the website most days just incase the price decreases at all!
I've sailed with them for $1 interior. I paid $400 for a suite on one cruise. I got a Balcony earlier this year on the breeze for $25PP. :) Cost me less than $100PP for round trip tickets from DFW to Houston. CCL is awesome! I've unfortunately or fortunately switched my loyalty to them from NCL.
My last cruise on the Breeze I paid $90 for a solo porthole cabin for 5 nights (not including taxes and port fees). Couldn't pass that up!
$800 for that flight now you definitely got lucky that is never going to happen again.
@@francoisedunne223 I just checked the flights to Houston. Still decent. 300 round trip with southwest.
Whoa! $1 & $25?! How was it?
@@Lori_L It was phenomenal. The BEST carnival cruises I ever had. Both were on the Breeze out of Galveston. One in October 2021, and the other in January 2022. And the Breeze has a decent spa. It's not like NCL but for that price.. OMG! I'm eagerly awaiting another deal like that. Right now I'm getting deals to Alaska for $25PP but with the cost of flying to Seattle from DFW being so high, its not worth it at all. I'll just wait for another one out of Galveston.
I have that Starbucks mug too! FYI I got cheaper cruise deals by scrolling AAA, Sams Club Travel, USAA members travel, and Costco Travel.
Love to see you on more river cruises ❤ the Christmas one was amazing.
Have you ever tried German cruise ships? For example German Carnival daughter “Aida” ist really good in my opinion. (Very chill and casual) or tui cruises.
Thanks for a really informative video! I love all your videos; it's good to have one that will help me to book our next cruise. Here is food for thought. For the third time Norwegian has cancelled our Asian cruise and we need to leave booking that one again for awhile. We had Norwegian book everything for us. Flights and hotel the night before and also we wanted a few extra days after the cruise as well. All taken care of. The bonus with that was that when the cruise was cancelled, we got our total refund all from one spot without delay. It might not work all the time, but this is the one time when an expensive cruise (travelling from Ontario, Canada) was seamlessly refunded back to us. Happy Cruising to both of you! :)
Ben- your drink looked so good and I kept waiting for you to take a sip!
I want to say something for Carnival. I understand some of you guys who were fans of Princess or other "better" cruise line did not have good time with Carnival.
As a new cruiser,I can not care if the ship is old because Carnival Miracle is just in the city where I live,which is a great chance to try. Okkk, I have to admit that although Miracle had been renovation few years ago, the choice of color and design of the inside look little bit old school. The food is not bad, but not surprising or impressing , which is like other people said. Then the crew members were great and nice, and I did not see any problems during my trip;therefore, my first and solo cruise trip was great.
Loving the number of views! You guys are great!
Ok I stumbled upon your channel and have been binge watching ever since. Information with humor is the perfect combination. Love you two. Happy Cruising!!!
I booked same cruises. Everyone was asking me how did i find it. Our was 5 day cruise from Tampa FL on Carnival Paradise 🎉
I love Disney Cruise line because they can help book everything with one person. We have an upcoming Royal Carribean trip and we are having to deal with so many people it's a nightmare. Also we learned that the fare we booked is non refunable and did not explain that while setting it up or we would have changed our minds. They are already getting a failing grade and the trip is't til January.
When are you going on the Disney Wish? I’m on one in July. Would love to see you guys!
Hello Ben and David, just watched your mean comments video.
I THINK YOU BOTH ARE GREAT, your Ausie friend Peter.
It’s probably on one of their older, broken down ships. Good luck.
I've sailed on Norwegian, Holland America, Royal Caribbean older ship, Princess Alaska. I'd take the Carnival Vista or Breeze any day over the Cocoon Alaska Princess Cruise I took out of San Francisco where the average age had to have been over 70 yo.
First, my husband and I really like your channel. Your videos are very fun and informative. Now, about Carnival... If you cruise with Carnival a few times and play a little in the casino (I'm not a big gambler), you will be surprised at the deals you get, especially this year. We've been getting offers for $40 per person for a 12-day cruise that leaves from Barcelona. We booked two $25 per person cruises this year, one 5-day out of Florida on the Carnival Spirit (a very cool boat) and a 4-day out of Charleston, South Carolina. Those were great because the capacities were less than 50%. They are still sending free cruise offers for Alaska out of Seattle, WA for six and seven-day cruises. Last year we sailed for seven days on Mardi Gras (all of their specialty restaurants are free) for a total (including taxes, port fees, AND gratuities) of $629, plus we had $200 onboard credit. Except for the Mardi Gras, the Carnival vibe is a little different than Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, etc., but they definitely send good offers for their loyal cruisers. I hope you enjoy the Carnival Liberty. Even though it's a smaller boat, it's one of my favorites in the Carnival line. Oh, and don't forget to try the Guy's Burgers and Carnival Melting Cake in the dining room. ;-) Have fun!
Ben and David, you are so right about cautioning people to get on the right cruise for them. Otherwise it can be a total disaster.
My folks took their first (and last) cruise a number of years ago and it turned out to be horrible. It was early February and they were cruising to Hawaii... meaning they would have a lot of days at sea. It was a 15-day cruise... not the best for a first cruise. My folks were in their mid-70s at the time, still quite agile and fun... but also older adults.
The cruise turned out to be a "switch over" cruise... where Carnival had bought the ship they were on from the line they thought they were sailing with... meaning it was the last cruise for the old company and the first one for Carnival for that ship. Because of the switch-over status, the whole cruise had changed... right from ports to entertainment. My folks weren't told any of this before they sailed.
Much of the entertainment sounded like they were figuring it out "on the fly", so to speak... disorganized and rushed. The entertainment my folks had been told about was not what they got. The crew were unhappy with what was going on. People who had cruised with the old line for years weren't happy either.
They had a lot of things that my folks didn't care for... like belly flop contests and a wedding conga line that everyone was expected to join. The one port that my Mom really wanted to see was cancelled... so the whole cruise was a bust for her. They also nearly froze when the cruise people decided to open the big window thing over the pool and let in all of the cold air. As I said, it was February... and they'd left from Vancouver, Canada. People were hauling out their winter jackets to sit outside.
If my folks had done a bit of research instead of relying on the travel people at Costco to do it all, things might have turned out better. But they bought the cruise for what they were told was a "good price". It was not great... nearly $10,000 Canadian. There are no shore excursions in that price... or anything else... just the cruise.
On a Sky Princess cruise to Norway...Yesterday I tested positive so now isolated for a week till we return home. My wife may join me if her test today is positive. The biggest shock is that 2 days into the cruise a directive was printed and put in every stateroom asking people to wear masks whilst moving about and to socially distance. In the 4 nights since that directive the Theatre had been jam packed with 80% not wearing masks....not one announcement telling people to mask up and no seats cordoned off to help with social distancing. The lifts s packed with no signs on limits. I am bitterly disappointed with Princess....how can you issue a directive and not act upon it?
Great tips. Thank you. We booked Royal Caribbean from Haifa to Cyprus and the Greek Islands for September. Saw the price online and called RC UK office and they gave us a much better price. So it’s worth calling the cruise line to see if their prices are better than the online price. We were very pleasantly surprised.
Ben and David...... I use vacationstogo......for cruises....... I got one to Alaska....7nights......balcony....carnival.......for 364 plus tax..... I have seen them down to 50......for a 7nights....so good luck.....lady mary
Always great watching your videos. Well was on the NCL Cruise in Hawaii. Staff are nice most of them and they have never seen a person who is blind. They do not speak different languages. Careful with the cruise as you have to pay for so many things. Before i went on i went swimming with the Dolphins and it was nice, however i got stun by baby jelly fish and i puffed up twice my size due to been allergic. Half of the time was spent in medical then in my studio. When it came time to leave i was to get a wheelchair and asked the day before and that day. Staff did not bother to help me or help with my luggage as i hurt my hand . To remind that you have to pay for so many things on the cruise. I would never go with that company again after what they did as i am in an air cast boot and blind. Look forward to watching more videos from you. 😀cheers. !
That was a terrible time for you. Total lack of manners not to help. I hope you are better now 🏴
@@remove574 Thank You for your concern. Not sure I ever want to cruise again after this. And trying to get off was so hard for me on top of been blind as well. Still have bandages on my arms as well from been stun by jelly fish. I asked a few times and they knew I needed a Wheelchair Lack of respect.Stay safe.Cheers.!
Can you do a video on what to pack and what not to pack?
Oh I am actually looking forward to you guys doing this cruise! I didn’t consider this line when booking our first cruise this year!
I just got off the Carnival Panorama. It was incredible for the price. I was shocked by how much fun it was!!!! I’m a Carnival fan now!!!
We like to go on the Vacations to Go website, and then click on the 90-Day Tickler icon. It will bring up cruises sailing in the next 90 Days. It's broken down by where you are traveling. Most cruises are 75% off, some as much as 90%. You will be amazed at the prices!!
I feel so much better with what I just paid for a 7 night cruise for this Dec. I paid $468 for 2 people including port fees and taxes. I was ok with an interior room on deck 7. Also got $200 OBC.
Carnival!? Omg; Interested to see how this compares to your MSC experience lol
The food will b better on carnival..😋 but msc ships prettier..🤩
@@blanchegiunta4316 No the food isn't good either. (carnival Legend 5/22)
@@barbaragillespie393 The Legend is DATED!!!!!
Excellent stuff thanks guys 😊👍 from Bris Aus
Our pleasure!
Hi guys. The advantage that you guys have is that you can cruise anytime. For us living in Florida, even though we are driving distance from all ports, we have our child that it’s still in school and we have to cruise around his free time. In addition, we like certain type of cabin on a certain area of the cruise ship and therefore we do not take any cabin which is another way of getting a last minute deal.
Brilliant video Thankyou. I’m currently looking to book my first cruise.
With Carnival I recently booked a 9 day cruise from Dover, England with balcony 2 people for $740 including taxes. This is the cheapest cruise I have purchased
You guys are my hero's have fun...I miss my days I could click and go. You guys I'm sure are aware of Carnivals puke til you drop issue. My first cruise was a Carnival cruise we had a lovely time, and I'd won the cruise I wanted a little longer cruise so I booked a 4 day I paid for the 1 day more than the 3 day I'd won.. Had a great time. Funny part was, it was one of the coldest fall days ever recorded when we for off the plane in Miami. But, loved the whole trip. Go with the flow attitude helps. Can't wait for the live but being a California, I'll probably be at work when it happens. But I always watch whatever you post. 👍👍
When are you going to try Holland America cruises? I'm sailing on Nov. 5-19 on the Statendam. Come join us. They are having great prices, and the food is delicious!
When going to Florida we always find it so cheap and so easy to combine cruises as the availability and frequency is amazing. The best cruise deals are from Florida ports guys and find the best time to book between Christmas and march for the whole years multiple cruises. Our next cruise on the beyond has went up £950 for exactly the same package we booked in march sailing this July
Carnival is a fun ship🛳😀
I mentioned this before, our 2023 cruise on Princess was upgraded for free from a balcony room to a mini suite and they did it for us when I asked how much more it would be. We cannot wait and this probably means we will not be satisfied with a room with a balcony on future cruises. We will now want a mini suite. 😂
As someone mentioned, like RCL, I would suggest trying their newer classes ie. Vista and Excel Classes. This will give a better perspective of the cruise line. Unlike DCL, the maintenance of the older ships is not the same. Make sure to cruise at least 3 times before making a judgement 😉 Mostly so you can experience, and we all can watch. 😂
Spot on, with the tips on booking! We booked a guarantee, once on RC Brilliance of the Seas. Leaving Dubai, for 7 days, ended up with the owners suite! We've done 66 cruises! Plus 15 River cruises. Leaving on Snake , Colombia River cruise July 10th! Can't wait! Would love to see a few more exotic destinations from you, in the future. Carribean cruises are getting to get old with everyone you tuber doing the Carribean. Just a thought! Vickie from SE Pa USA
I cruised the same itinerary on Carnival Liberty earlier this year. It was a great weekend trip.
We got a balcony on the Radiance in late April for only $450 plus gratuities. Great deal for a great ship.
My husband and I decided to try out Carnival (we usually cruise with Princess) back in 2019 with a 3-day cruise to Ensenada out of Long Beach on the now-scrapped Imagination. Had an absolute blast! Yes, it was a bit of a booze cruise, with lots of bachelorette parties and birthdays.
I recommend heading to the Lido Deck upon embarkation and grabbing a Guy's Burger. So yummy! Also, make sure you get a breakfast burrito or "regular" burrito from Blue Iguana. Late night comedy shows are adult focused and usually very funny. Also, don't miss the deck parties.
Hello Ben and David! Absolutely love your videos they are beautiful produced and very informative. During Carnival’s 50th Celebration week I received an amazing offer for a Cloud 9 balcony Spa Room on deck 17 Lido deck of the Celebration going to Amber Cove, San Juan and Saint Thomas US Virgin Islands for $1,400 total for everything including port fees and prepaid gratuities. I also booked the room next door under my husband’s offer with $1,000 OBC for $2,200 for everything. Bonus it leaves on my birthday. This will be our 4th Carnival cruise and definitely not our last. Enjoy your cruise
we paid $800 for the 2 of us on carnival in November for a balcony 7 days. a few months ago for 7 days we paid around $600 last year during the pandic we paid around $500. this is all on carnival cuz it appears to be the cheapest cruise line. we went on 3 cruises last year. now the prices have really gone up so we don't think we will find those prices again
Awesome video! I just subscribed. Thanks!
As a person who only has cruise via Disney. This helped a lot and has me leaning towards starting to cruise other lines.
Well I didn't learn anything new I'm getting a cheaper fare, but you did confirm I'm doing everything the right way so thank you for that. Living near fort Lauderdale and having family near Port Canaveral it's very easy for me to take advantage of these last minute offers
I was just waiting for your Doorbell to ring!!
We have found that you get what you pay for. We also like inclusive as well
My cheapest cruise was 250 leaving out of the baltics on NCL. It was 15 day's...
This a great video for anyone who hasn't cruised before or someone looking at other cruise lines!. Thanks.
Thanks guys that was very helpful 👍
Just wanted to say I love you guys so much. Just recently started binge watching your videos. Went on my first cruise a couple of weeks ago with Carnival and we’re planning on going again next year. Royal and Carnival have really good deals for December cruises right now. I’ve been looking every day at the websites for deals. We want to go with carnival again, I became a VIP member and have an option to pay on the cruise before we go. That’s great because with four grown kids and 3 big dogs that’s a nice option. Plus we can get a balcony room and choose where our room will be. Kind of hate that most of the deals are out of California or Florida. We live in Memphis and New Orleans isn’t that far away so we wouldn’t have to fly.
Interesting
Instead of cheapest should talk about the best value
Always recommend a travel agent They will get the same price as any website plus can move u into a group perhaps with OBC that u can’t get
Very helpful, thank you so much!
When we have booked cheap cruises, found they are usually older/run down ships, bad food, etc. Weng on a NCL cruise and it basically rained in the dining room when the ship when through a storm. Went in a cheap RC cruise and the food was horrible. Could have broke a window with the rolls, they were so hard.
You guys are so adorable I love your content, thank you both for everything!
I live in Iowa so the cruising isn’t always the greatest amount. The flights are crazy. I just spent more on a flight and the hotel than I’ve spent on a short cruise.