Get Your Saily e-SIM Here For Over 150 Countries saily.com/ourretirement 👍 We have used it successfully it's very affordable and safe, we used it on this transatlantic cruise.
Don't let anyone bully you about the Air Transit upgrade. You are showing what is possible with planning and travel research. You have that wonderful combination of both adventurous spirits and the analytical skills to figure out what is possible within your budget. At this part of your lives you should enjoy the fruits of your labors.
It was because of your willingness to take that business class trip on a recent video that we bid on a biz class upgrade on our our 13 hour return flight from Manila to SFO. We won our bid for @$1300 each. Like you we had always wanted to try business class and after seeing you guys do it we took the leap. Wow! So many benefits and the result was very minimal jet lag, more comfortable seats, we could lie all the way back and sleep, the service was great, less wait for rest rooms. Early boarding and much more. Definitely worth it for us. However it’s not something we can do all the time in good conscience due to our budgets. But on the way home next time we will bid again . Thanks Norm and Teena for giving us that extra confidence!
Comments about your lavish Air Transit flight - ha! If you can do it - why not?! At least you’re keeping it real. No one would have known had you not shared. Love your channel. Don’t change or second guess anything!!! Safe travels
Wow you two are the picture of retirees!! lol watch you all the time and I do learn a lot from your videos. I wish my retirement looked like yours, I’m a caregiver to my elderly mother and live vicariously through you lol.
I can relate...I help.my mom daily at our home. She's 89 years old as of May 1 and thankfully quite healthy, but I can't leave her for a vacation. It's definitely fun watching Tina and Norm enjoying life ♡♡
You know what I love about this channel? You are out doing what many folks just talk about. I am not retired just yet, but I can already see myself being scared to spend money even though I know I already have more than enough. I'm so used to saving saving saving and I rarely splurge on anything because, well, I don't really need much. But in the end, it's clear that you really should cherish and take full advantage of those go go and even slow go years. Build memories and see the world. 👍
We love to cruise and are boarding a cruise to Alaska in three days. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for spending your money on what you like! You show what can be done with planning and smart spending.
I agree with many people who have commented on here. It’s your retirement not anyone else’s. Fly whatever ever airline you want. Love your videos you really show what is possible!
I just found out about transatlantic cruises recently and by chance the Norwegian Europe cruise that I’ll be on in Nov24 was coming back to NYC so hubby and I decided to extend our cruise by staying on ship instead of flying back to Texas. We are big cruisers and I am learning a lot how to cruise on a budget…life is perfect!!! End of June heading to Alaska on Princess. We’ve travel mostly on Carnival but by year end we would complete trying out Royal Caribbean, Princess and NSC.
Tina and Norm! Great episode! I have to admit I’m one of those (apparently) decadent people who never fly economy. I’m 6’3,spent decades flying in economy. Now that I’m 50+? Forget that! I fly in the comfortable section where I can actually fit my carry on. Besides,there’s deals to be had to get upgrades! 🤩
I've done many Holland America cruises and they were wonderful; BUT! we took an Alaska cruise in May and it was awful!! We never knew when the buffet was open and the ship was over booked. We had to ask folks if we could join them at their table because there was just no where to sit in the buffet. We're switching to Princess.
Sorry to hear that Ken especially as we have just done a Princess cruise 🚢 and won’t be doing any more so many changes and not for the better ! , see our last video is cruising broken . Like you we have done many with Holland and America and our next cruise 🚢 is going back to them to Hawaii after that we are giving cruising a break Cheers 🍻🙂🚢
That's quite a nice cabin! We've only stayed in an inside cabin one time and decided never again! I think we tried a window cabin once but were disappointed to find that they don't open. Have always gotten veranda cabins since.They seemed to have room for 2 chairs but not much more.We started with Holland America years ago and were impressed with the food as well as service. We always had 3 people serving us at dinner. I guess that things have changed over the years. Carnival was a better experience than expected. Our choice on Cruise lines was based on where the cruises were going. We've always preferred casual dining, Hated those formal bights.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Not on Air Canada it isn't a given. When you're on an dingy old plane, even Business Class isn't particularly appealing. Was going to bid on an upgrade but when I boarded the flight, I was glad I didn't!!
Here's an idea. You should approach Princess about providing lectures on your RUclips journey in exchange for a free cruise. You have so many tips! It would be a really informative lecture.
Great to see you again, Tina and Norm. You both look wonderful and relaxed. Super deal on that cruise! Way to go Tina! Enjoy the rest of your cruise. ❤️🇨🇦
It's nice to see Tina looking so relaxed and happy! As a Tina booster, I'm wondering if maybe Norm could learn how to do laundry 😀Thanks for the great tips about the advantages of a mini-suite and the perks included on Princess.
I sailed on the Regal Princess last year. I ate at the dining room every night. Except for one night, I never dressed very fancy. Smart casual as they say, is fine. Just no shorts for men, almost everything else seemed to go. BTW, the deluxe balcony has a sofa. What a great deal you got. I think I will look into it for next year. Thank you for info on the E-SIM, I will be travelling to Norway and I was looking for one. 👍
I cruised transatlantic on nearly the same dates from Port Canaveral, following you across the Atlantic... then walking the Camino, until a nasty case of tendinitis stalled the hike. On our shared birthday no less, Tina!😢 sigh... (it's much better 2 weeks later, and Happy Birthday 🎉!!!) my adventures this round come to an end in another day or two when I simply have to return home. I'm a whopping silver status - and shareholder - with NCL- a little more budget friendly for a single occupancy cabin. I Absolutely agree with you about the drinks package..I don't even want to drink anywhere near half the cost of the packages. I only had an inside cabin.... I won't show you up on the incredible steal of a deal I got!
We know how you feel Susan we did find it hard to get back into travelling after Covid really had to push ourselves. Did a couple of days to the USA 🇺🇸, The Canadian train 🚂 trip , Then Amtrak then a cruise 🚢 but looking back glad we did . Hope you manage some trips 🙂
Cannot keep up with you guys anymore unless I retire now😊. After watching all you videos about Portugal, just made my first trip to the country, but you are at it again😮!
Have a great cruise! We had our gold medallions sent to us , here in Toronto. and are off to Fort Lauderdale for a few days before we sail. We got the plus package, we worked it out that though expensive, with wifi, casual dining, drinks etc was worth it. Looks like you got a great deal and we might have a re think next time. You sound so happy, I can't wait to be aboard ship looking out at the sea too !! Enjoy!
Norm and Tina, Thank you so much for all the great info. Especially, the discount of owning stock in Carnival. My wife and I are about 7 years from retiring and looking to travel and enjoy retirement together. Thanks for all the videos we appreciate them all.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and all the information you provided with it, thank you both for that. We didn't know you can bid in business class so that's a great tip.
Just wondering if Tina will share what travel site she watches the deals from ? Also I was always curious if the cruise is super rocky going days in open water. Thanks for sharing all your travel videos , just love them!
We found the cruise 🚢 pretty smooth , maybe one day you needed to hang on ! We look at Expedia , Vacations to Go as a start , then go to the cruise line direct and often they have better deals , we write the pricing down and then watch it . With this one the price dropped hugely when we got back from Portugal so we booked it ! Have also found deals on TravelZoo , and Cruise Companies in Vancouver where they put deals together good luck 🙂🚢
Hi guys. Looking great as always. I like the idea of bidding to get first - or business class seats at a discount. I don't have loyalty points with any airline, YET, but as I get travelling in earnest this year, following the death of my dad, I intend to explore all options to get travelling at reasonable cost where possible.....Keep enjoying retirement and stay safe and well, wherever you go!!!! 🙏
Norm , Tina, today is May 15, 2024 and we just disembarked from our transatlantic cruise on the Celebrity Apex! This was our second time cruising and it was lovely! If folks can afford it, cruising is a wonderful way to spend a vacation and be pampered at the same time, as second time senior cruisers, we in our 70s, hooray for cruising!
It’s lovely to see you two learning and trying new things such as bidding on an upgrade to business class and getting an eSIM card. These are things I’ve heard about but was hesitant to try but now that you’ve led the way, I just might give them a go for our next trip. 😊
Really enjoying your cruise hints videos, you’ve given some great ideas for Princess in particular. When you have room service breakfast do you tip the delivery person each day? Thanks
We're doing our first transatlantic in Oct/Nov (Virgin). I'm wondering if we should have waited to buy. But....then my husband would have chickened out LOL. We're thinking we might try to bid on an upgrade since we went with the guaranteed inside. I'm looking into doing an e-Sim card so your sponsorship is great to hear about. Our biggest issue is trying to find a flight to Barcelona. There isn't much choice for direct and non-direct scares hubby. Most drink packages also include things like coffees, fresh juice, etc; so if you drink those, the packages might be okay.
Depending on where you are flying from you may have to go to a hub, such as Icelandair, TAP Airlines or KLM, good luck and yes if it fits in your budget make a bid. Enjoy your cruise!
I have been looking at these cruises as an alternative to flying one way. Maybe a video on your favourite last minute cruise sites? There are so many to navigate. How last minute is the booking? Do you pay in CAD or USD? Are you paying for special coffees like lattes too? So many questions!
Hi Sandra, we paid Canadian dollars, bought the cruise two weeks before departure and yes we have bought regular coffee from the specialty coffee bars at $2.50 each.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thanks for the info! I was looking at the drink plans and they are definitely crazy. Who drinks 15 glasses of wine or beer in a day?? 😀
I didn't read through all the comments so someone might have already mentioned this, but the shareholder OBC does not depend at all on the category of cabin like you said. It only depends on cruise duration. I'm heading out soon on a 14-day cruise in a lowly inside cabin and I also get US$250. Enjoy your upgrades. It's your life and your money!
We have MSC, Princess Cruise and Holland America, mostly they are not worth much, the Carnival cruise shareholder benefit is worth it, the share price is still 60% less than what we paid.
Well done! You look like you are enjoying your cruise. Just flew home and snagged an upgrade, so understand the joy of J class! Have fun! And Happy Belated!!!
My wife and I are discussing this right now. She is retired, but I have 10 weeks vacation, so we can go at the drop of the hat. Really appreciate the info guys. 👍
We did that same ship transatlantic last fall Southampton to Ft Lauderdale. Our cost for the entire cruise was $690 for inside cabin. Great cruise/beautiful weather except for one rainy day. Enjoy!
Personally I am saving up money in retirement to fly and travel the why I choose! I work for my money and I can travel cheap or a bit more expensive and no one can say anything about it....unless they pay my way :) Have fun and enjoy what ever you wish! Love your videos!
Hope you are having smooth sailing and are having a great time. We love Princess and agree about the food vs. Holland America's abysmal offerings. You had a video long ago about your budget for retirement. I figure that if flying first class to Portugal and taking a transatlantic cruise are within your budget, then go for it and enjoy. We used an e-sim on a previous European trip and it worked very well. Enjoy your trip and keep informing us of your travels.
I love that you are treating yourselves and living the good life! If you can afford it, why not? Life is supposed to be fun! Air travel is such a grind these days so anything we can do to make it more bearable is worth it. It’s so crazy that people are lecturing you on the way you choose to spend your money. With regard to your guaranteed room, I have always shied away from that because I’m afraid I’ll get seasick if my cabin is not midship. If your cabin is in the front or back of the ship, do you do ok?
Hi Guys, great video and very informative. We are taking a 14 day Mediterranean cruise with Princess next month. We have a small YT channel and I wanted to ask what camera gear would you recommend we bring. We typically travel light and use a GoPro (primary) and our iPhone (secondary). Is there anything else you recommend we either take or leave behind. Thanks for the great content and safe travels.
Good morning ☕️ if your IPhone is pretty recent you could look at a OSMO mobile 6 Gimball to give hand held shots a tripod look. Also take a suction cup with tripod mount which you can stick on patio doors . We hope you have a great cruise 🚢 we love ❤️ Princess all the best for your channel Cheers 🇺🇸🌺🇨🇦🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thank you for the advice. We just ordered the gimbal 📦 and we’re excited to try it out during our trip ✈️. Cheers and Safe travels 🙂
We did the same crossing but the other way round last November. The only downside was that we got quite bored with the view because we were not following a coastline. So it was just open sea. Plus one of our ports was cancelled because of bad weather so we had 10 days at sea.
Hey 👋 Norm & Tina, I thought after Hurricane Lee last Fall, your cruising days were over. Crossing the Atlantic is quite an adventure! Hey, it’s your money, your getaway. Live it up! 🌊 🚢 🛳️🍻🐟🍤🐳🦈Enjoy!
We thought we needed to give cruising 🚢 another chance Eric and so glad we did we loved this and our room was amazing really added to the trip Cheers 🇺🇸🚢🇨🇦🍾
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I hear ya. Many great moments back on our ship Norwegian Escape last September, until Lee. We got rerouted, felt we were held captive in NYC, got Covid too, but the adventure and going places unknown was fantastic! But then the prices skyrocketed. You were saying they came down, or, you got a great deal? I’m study painting the sea at this very moment. It always active, never the same- a moving target to paint. Glad you’re enjoying yourselves!
So happy for you to bid and win your upgrade! I hope you ignore any of the comments suggesting you don't live your best life lol. Put your money towards whatever makes you happiest, you seem to know how to get the best out of all your spending! Would love to know what you had to pay for the upgrade but understand completely if you're not wanting to bring on that kind of debate again! Did you get bored or feel stuck at any time on board, 16 days seems like a lot, but maybe...
No we were not bored during the cruise, we met many wonderful people, our Air Canada upgrade bid was $900 plus tax each which was additional to our original ticket price.
Happy Saturday Norm and Tina! Great informative video. We did a Mediterranean cruise with Princess and although we didn’t pack only a carry on - we sure looked like we did! We’re not posh clothes types either so ate all our meals in the buffet area. Suited us just fine and we liked the variety. Looks like you made out like bandits in terms on value on this cruise. Thanks for sharing your insights!
@@ThisIsOurRetirement You do find the deals and you are so generous to share your knowledge and methods for doing so. We did a Baltic cruise and highly recommend - it’s a breathtaking part of the world. Happy Trails!
Hi Tina and Norm, how Wonderful and exiting, thats the way to live.😊 I was born on Faial island in the Azores. Hope you got to make a stop there. I live in Winnipeg Canada . My parents emigrated here after the 1957 Caplinhos volcanic eruption. Anyway Carryon cruising just like the old time English comedy… take care .
All looks good. I am too scared 😱 to cross the Atlantic on a cruise ship 🚢. I always think of the Titanic. Enjoy your trip. You both look relaxed but tired.
I’ve done two transatlantic cruises….after many other cruises, it was on my bucket list…..would love to do it yearly! It’s just special….. Don’t worry about the crossing, it was perfect ( both of them)….. came home in a terrible storm a few months ago from the Caribbean, the worst I have ever been in, but we were fine, so you never know. Just try it, you won’t regret it, I promise!
Thanks for posting. We are sailing on the Regal out of Southampton in June. 12 nights around the British Isles. Ireland, Scotland, France and England. Hope you will post more while on the ship. Happy sailing!
Wonderful! So nice to have a lovely vacation at a bargain price. By the way, thank you for your opinions on the buffets on Holland America and MSV (?). Good to know. Smooth sailing!
We have been on MSC and the buffet was fine and they have the best pizza imo also just been on HAL in November and same buffet was great especially they have a fantastic salad bowl bar and great sandwich area - they do serve you however (not sure if this is a permanent thing). As with all cruise lines food can vary however even sometimes from one day to another. We always find some amazing hidden foods
The E SIM card deal is great. I have some experience using a different company but the concept was the same. I much prefer buying the SIM cards that way over getting into a foreign country and trying to get a sim card
Your videos and advice have been invaluable to me. Each time I watch, I'm inspired to pursue my dreams of retiring and savoring life's moments. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and motivating me towards my goals.
Hi Norm and Tina !! What an awesome video, and what a great deal you got !! Definitely interested .. as we’ve only ever done one mini cruise on Carnival in 2006 and then on Norwegian (which we loved) in 2013. Think it’s high time we treated ourselves again but will look out for a great deal, as you did. We’re in Western Canada so of course airfares are more expensive to get to Fort Lauderdale, but we’ll just watch out for some good prices ❤
There are lots of cruises that leave from the West Coast especially out of LA, there are also repositioning cruise across the Pacific. Thanks for watching.
We did we bid on our return flight ✈️ to get Business class and won our bid and came back at a fraction of the cost it was amazing 🙂we have a photo on our community page and a video will follow . Have a great weekend Cheers 🙂
Get Your Saily e-SIM Here For Over 150 Countries saily.com/ourretirement 👍 We have used it successfully it's very affordable and safe, we used it on this transatlantic cruise.
check your mobile phone supports use of e-sim before proceeding
still plentry of android models not offering this opton today
Don't let anyone bully you about the Air Transit upgrade. You are showing what is possible with planning and travel research. You have that wonderful combination of both adventurous spirits and the analytical skills to figure out what is possible within your budget. At this part of your lives you should enjoy the fruits of your labors.
Great comment thank you Will 🙂🍻🍾
It was because of your willingness to take that business class trip on a recent video that we bid on a biz class upgrade on our our 13 hour return flight from Manila to SFO. We won our bid for @$1300 each. Like you we had always wanted to try business class and after seeing you guys do it we took the leap. Wow! So many benefits and the result was very minimal jet lag, more comfortable seats, we could lie all the way back and sleep, the service was great, less wait for rest rooms. Early boarding and much more. Definitely worth it for us. However it’s not something we can do all the time in good conscience due to our budgets. But on the way home next time we will bid again . Thanks Norm and Teena for giving us that extra confidence!
Awesome so pleased for you!
I booked 1-1/2 months before sailing and booked a mini suite for myself. What a treat! Loved the room.
Mini suites are awesome! 🥳 🚢
Mini suites are awesome! 🥳 🚢
Comments about your lavish Air Transit flight - ha! If you can do it - why not?! At least you’re keeping it real. No one would have known had you not shared. Love your channel. Don’t change or second guess anything!!! Safe travels
Thanks Anna glad you enjoy our channel we really appreciate your support Cheers 🚢🙂🍷
Exactly! 😀
While living in rent controlled housing.
Seams fair to others…..
Love you both! Just retiring from a job at U of G and so looking forward to living the same life! Cheers
Congrats 🥳 and welcome to the world of travel!Merry Christmas 🚢🎄🍷✈️
Wow you two are the picture of retirees!! lol watch you all the time and I do learn a lot from your videos. I wish my retirement looked like yours, I’m a caregiver to my elderly mother and live vicariously through you lol.
We are so pleased Connie that you and your Mom enjoy our videos, thanks so much for your continued support 💕🌺
I can relate...I help.my mom daily at our home. She's 89 years old as of May 1 and thankfully quite healthy, but I can't leave her for a vacation. It's definitely fun watching Tina and Norm enjoying life ♡♡
I’m very envious of Tina and Norm as I love to travel too. My mom is almost 94!!
You know what I love about this channel? You are out doing what many folks just talk about. I am not retired just yet, but I can already see myself being scared to spend money even though I know I already have more than enough. I'm so used to saving saving saving and I rarely splurge on anything because, well, I don't really need much. But in the end, it's clear that you really should cherish and take full advantage of those go go and even slow go years. Build memories and see the world. 👍
It is a big problem in retirement Eddie to go from saving to spending your money 💰 Cheers 🙂☕️
I love your comment
We love to cruise and are boarding a cruise to Alaska in three days. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for spending your money on what you like! You show what can be done with planning and smart spending.
Have a wonderful cruise 🚢🍷
I agree with many people who have commented on here. It’s your retirement not anyone else’s. Fly whatever ever airline you want. Love your videos you really show what is possible!
Thank you so much 🙂🍷🍻
I just found out about transatlantic cruises recently and by chance the Norwegian Europe cruise that I’ll be on in Nov24 was coming back to NYC so hubby and I decided to extend our cruise by staying on ship instead of flying back to Texas. We are big cruisers and I am learning a lot how to cruise on a budget…life is perfect!!! End of June heading to Alaska on Princess. We’ve travel mostly on Carnival but by year end we would complete trying out Royal Caribbean, Princess and NSC.
Sounds great 🍷🚢
Tina and Norm! Great episode! I have to admit I’m one of those (apparently) decadent people who never fly economy. I’m 6’3,spent decades flying in economy. Now that I’m 50+? Forget that! I fly in the comfortable section where I can actually fit my carry on. Besides,there’s deals to be had to get upgrades! 🤩
Thanks Derek 🍻🙂
We always try to fly business for flights more than 12 hours….
A transatlantic cruise is something we're going to do. Thanks for sharing.
Good luck!
Glad you didn’t give up on cruises, thought after last cruise where you got sick wouldn’t see u on a cruise for a long time. Enjoy!
Hi Yolanda, it was touch and go about future cruising so we decided to give it another go and it was wonderful 🚢
We did that transatlantic cruise, first stop Azores, disembarked in a Barcelona , fantastic , amazing cruise
We loved ours glad you had a great time 👍🚢🌺
Please show us what you can get into your carry on. Maybe a packing show and tell. Thanks
Thanks for the idea Barb , as long as you have access to Laundry 🧺 you don’t need a lot clothes Cheers 🙂🚢🍷
I've done many Holland America cruises and they were wonderful; BUT! we took an Alaska cruise in May and it was awful!! We never knew when the buffet was open and the ship was over booked. We had to ask folks if we could join them at their table because there was just no where to sit in the buffet. We're switching to Princess.
Sorry to hear that Ken especially as we have just done a Princess cruise 🚢 and won’t be doing any more so many changes and not for the better ! , see our last video is cruising broken . Like you we have done many with Holland and America and our next cruise 🚢 is going back to them to Hawaii after that we are giving cruising a break Cheers 🍻🙂🚢
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I too am getting ready to back off cruising; the nickel and diming and continued price increases are starting to "wear me out"!
We just completed a repositioning cruise from Florida to California. You would probably enjoy that one too.
That’s sounds great 👍🚢
That's quite a nice cabin! We've only stayed in an inside cabin one time and decided never again! I think we tried a window cabin once but were disappointed to find that they don't open. Have always gotten veranda cabins since.They seemed to have room for 2 chairs but not much more.We started with Holland America years ago and were impressed with the food as well as service. We always had 3 people serving us at dinner. I guess that things have changed over the years. Carnival was a better experience than expected. Our choice on Cruise lines was based on where the cruises were going. We've always preferred casual dining, Hated those formal bights.
Thanks for sharing we also enjoy balconies and getting fresh air Cheers 🚢☕️🙂
looks amazing, good job!! And FYI, those seats dont look like economy to us...they look like FIRST CLASS..you go guys!! Love it!!
Thanks so much! Cheers Eileen 🙂🍷
I say if you can afford priority / business seating, go for it. It’s a luxury but oh so nice! 😊
We totally agree! it was great 🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Not on Air Canada it isn't a given. When you're on an dingy old plane, even Business Class isn't particularly appealing. Was going to bid on an upgrade but when I boarded the flight, I was glad I didn't!!
Thank you for taking us along!
Our pleasure! glad you can enjoy our journey Patty 🙂🍷🚢
For the OBC you now have to use an app instead of filling out a form. The app is stockperks and you now have to use this for all Carnival Corp ships.
You can still email them too , we booked within two weeks so it wouldn’t work on the App Cheers 🌺🙂🚢
Here's an idea. You should approach Princess about providing lectures on your RUclips journey in exchange for a free cruise. You have so many tips! It would be a really informative lecture.
Thanks for the tip! have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🙂🍻
How great is an adventure that has none or very little problems or issues. Bravo on your success at living your BEST life
Thanks Patty we are trying Hard to do that😂 , have a lovely weekend 🍷🙂🌺
Great to see you again, Tina and Norm. You both look wonderful and relaxed. Super deal on that cruise! Way to go Tina! Enjoy the rest of
your cruise. ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you so much!
It's nice to see Tina looking so relaxed and happy! As a Tina booster, I'm wondering if maybe Norm could learn how to do laundry 😀Thanks for the great tips about the advantages of a mini-suite and the perks included on Princess.
So Beth, Norm would be doing the laundry, he already cooks all our meals and films, edits etc 😂😂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Ah, got it. Thanks for the reply!
Booked a guaranteed cabin for the 1st time. Hope we get upgraded like you did!
We hope so too!
I sailed on the Regal Princess last year. I ate at the dining room every night. Except for one night, I never dressed very fancy. Smart casual as they say, is fine. Just no shorts for men, almost everything else seemed to go.
BTW, the deluxe balcony has a sofa.
What a great deal you got. I think I will look into it for next year.
Thank you for info on the E-SIM, I will be travelling to Norway and I was looking for one. 👍
That is awesome! enjoy your trip 🙂🍷
Thanks for the introduction to your cruise! Fantastic cabin. Greetings and have a nice day! // Bertil.
Our pleasure! have a great weekend Bertil Cheers 🍻🙂
I cruised transatlantic on nearly the same dates from Port Canaveral, following you across the Atlantic... then walking the Camino, until a nasty case of tendinitis stalled the hike. On our shared birthday no less, Tina!😢 sigh... (it's much better 2 weeks later, and Happy Birthday 🎉!!!)
my adventures this round come to an end in another day or two when I simply have to return home. I'm a whopping silver status - and shareholder - with NCL- a little more budget friendly for a single occupancy cabin.
I Absolutely agree with you about the drinks package..I don't even want to drink anywhere near half the cost of the packages.
I only had an inside cabin.... I won't show you up on the incredible steal of a deal I got!
Sorry to hear the hike didn’t go according to plan happy belated birthday 🥳🍾
You two are an inspiration! Haven't traveled much after covid (I'm 75) but I'd like to get back out there.
We know how you feel Susan we did find it hard to get back into travelling after Covid really had to push ourselves. Did a couple of days to the USA 🇺🇸, The Canadian train 🚂 trip , Then Amtrak then a cruise 🚢 but looking back glad we did . Hope you manage some trips 🙂
We love the Azores. Congratulations on the Transatlantic crossing. I have done three transatlantic crossings and we absolutely love them!
Cannot keep up with you guys anymore unless I retire now😊. After watching all you videos about Portugal, just made my first trip to the country, but you are at it again😮!
Hope you liked Portugal 🇵🇹 the cruise 🚢 was too good not to do 😂😂
You guys are living the life! Others can only dream of.
We went without for a long time in our life
Thank you for your Hospitality 🛳
Our pleasure!
You two are a wealth of information! You are enjoying your retirement.very encouraging. Thank you for sharing!❤❤
Thank you so much! 🙂
Have a great cruise! We had our gold medallions sent to us , here in Toronto. and are off to Fort Lauderdale for a few days before we sail. We got the plus package, we worked it out that though expensive, with wifi, casual dining, drinks etc was worth it. Looks like you got a great deal and we might have a re think next time. You sound so happy, I can't wait to be aboard ship looking out at the sea too !! Enjoy!
Have a great trip Pamela!
Norm and Tina,
Thank you so much for all the great info. Especially, the discount of owning stock in Carnival. My wife and I are about 7 years from retiring and looking to travel and enjoy retirement together. Thanks for all the videos we appreciate them all.
Our pleasure!Happy Sunday Neil Cheers ☕️🍻🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and all the information you provided with it, thank you both for that. We didn't know you can bid in business class so that's a great tip.
Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it Cheers 🙂🚢
Love the mini suite! Enjoy your cruise!
Thanks so much!
Thank you for eSIM tip we are heading to Greece enjoy your cruise.. wow what a deal
Our pleasure! 🙂
Looks like the Royal Princess! We had the same type of cabin. They are nice and spacious!
Regal Princess
Just wondering if Tina will share what travel site she watches the deals from ? Also I was always curious if the cruise is super rocky going days in open water. Thanks for sharing all your travel videos , just love them!
@@debiwillis9045 thanks for all your the answers but my question was directed to Tina . And hoping she will answer when she has time .
It was special as it was FREE lots of lines now charge a fee for meals in cabins . HAL charges for many breakfast items ours were all free 🌺
We found the cruise 🚢 pretty smooth , maybe one day you needed to hang on ! We look at Expedia , Vacations to Go as a start , then go to the cruise line direct and often they have better deals , we write the pricing down and then watch it . With this one the price dropped hugely when we got back from Portugal so we booked it !
Have also found deals on TravelZoo , and Cruise Companies in Vancouver where they put deals together good luck 🙂🚢
Thank you for answering , I appreciate it 😀
Hi guys. Looking great as always. I like the idea of bidding to get first - or business class seats at a discount. I don't have loyalty points with any airline, YET, but as I get travelling in earnest this year, following the death of my dad, I intend to explore all options to get travelling at reasonable cost where possible.....Keep enjoying retirement and stay safe and well, wherever you go!!!! 🙏
Thanks so much it’s always good to look at all options that might come your way , have a great weekend Cheers 🙂
Norm , Tina, today is May 15, 2024 and we just disembarked from our transatlantic cruise on the Celebrity Apex! This was our second time cruising and it was lovely! If folks can afford it, cruising is a wonderful way to spend a vacation and be pampered at the same time, as second time senior cruisers, we in our 70s, hooray for cruising!
Wonderful glad you had a great time 🚢
Must say, you both look really well, rested, and younger! WTG!
Thank you 🙂
You two are adorable! It's Your money! Don't change who you are or what you do for your audience! xo from the West Coast!
Thank you Dawn🙂🍷
It’s lovely to see you two learning and trying new things such as bidding on an upgrade to business class and getting an eSIM card. These are things I’ve heard about but was hesitant to try but now that you’ve led the way, I just might give them a go for our next trip. 😊
Our pleasure! we are all learning every day Cheers 🙂
Really enjoying your cruise hints videos, you’ve given some great ideas for Princess in particular. When you have room service breakfast do you tip the delivery person each day? Thanks
Not every day but we did tip them as we got the same person most days Cheers 🌺🙂🚢
We're doing our first transatlantic in Oct/Nov (Virgin). I'm wondering if we should have waited to buy. But....then my husband would have chickened out LOL. We're thinking we might try to bid on an upgrade since we went with the guaranteed inside.
I'm looking into doing an e-Sim card so your sponsorship is great to hear about. Our biggest issue is trying to find a flight to Barcelona. There isn't much choice for direct and non-direct scares hubby.
Most drink packages also include things like coffees, fresh juice, etc; so if you drink those, the packages might be okay.
Depending on where you are flying from you may have to go to a hub, such as Icelandair, TAP Airlines or KLM, good luck and yes if it fits in your budget make a bid. Enjoy your cruise!
I have been looking at these cruises as an alternative to flying one way. Maybe a video on your favourite last minute cruise sites? There are so many to navigate. How last minute is the booking? Do you pay in CAD or USD? Are you paying for special coffees like lattes too? So many questions!
Hi Sandra, we paid Canadian dollars, bought the cruise two weeks before departure and yes we have bought regular coffee from the specialty coffee bars at $2.50 each.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thanks for the info! I was looking at the drink plans and they are definitely crazy. Who drinks 15 glasses of wine or beer in a day?? 😀
I didn't read through all the comments so someone might have already mentioned this, but the shareholder OBC does not depend at all on the category of cabin like you said. It only depends on cruise duration. I'm heading out soon on a 14-day cruise in a lowly inside cabin and I also get US$250.
Enjoy your upgrades. It's your life and your money!
Yes a slip of the tongue by us filming
Is there a cruise rewards program you use more?
The shareholders benefits are nice if you buy at the right price 😉 👍
We have MSC, Princess Cruise and Holland America, mostly they are not worth much, the Carnival cruise shareholder benefit is worth it, the share price is still 60% less than what we paid.
Well done! You look like you are enjoying your cruise. Just flew home and snagged an upgrade, so understand the joy of J class! Have fun! And Happy Belated!!!
Thanks David, glad the upgrades work for you!
My wife and I are discussing this right now. She is retired, but I have 10 weeks vacation, so we can go at the drop of the hat. Really appreciate the info guys. 👍
Good luck
We did that same ship transatlantic last fall Southampton to Ft Lauderdale. Our cost for the entire cruise was $690 for inside cabin. Great cruise/beautiful weather except for one rainy day. Enjoy!
That is awesome! a great deal Barbara glad you enjoyed it Cheers 🚢🙂
Well, it was an inside room and not a mini suite though.
good see you are keeping busy. and healthy ...
Thanks 🍷🙂🚢
Thank you for telling about the timechange on midday! We will try this. 🙂
Our pleasure 😊
Personally I am saving up money in retirement to fly and travel the why I choose! I work for my money and I can travel cheap or a bit more expensive and no one can say anything about it....unless they pay my way :) Have fun and enjoy what ever you wish! Love your videos!
Sounds great! we agree 🙂🍷🌺
Thanks!
Thanks so much 🌺🙂
Thanks for the insights, especially buying stock;😢 just for the perks. 2025 I will take a trans for my 60th Bday
That’s great 🚢🌺
Hope you are having smooth sailing and are having a great time. We love Princess and agree about the food vs. Holland America's abysmal offerings. You had a video long ago about your budget for retirement. I figure that if flying first class to Portugal and taking a transatlantic cruise are within your budget, then go for it and enjoy. We used an e-sim on a previous European trip and it worked very well. Enjoy your trip and keep informing us of your travels.
Sounds great! enjoy your weekend Cheers 🚢🙂🌺
I love that you are treating yourselves and living the good life! If you can afford it, why not? Life is supposed to be fun! Air travel is such a grind these days so anything we can do to make it more bearable is worth it. It’s so crazy that people are lecturing you on the way you choose to spend your money. With regard to your guaranteed room, I have always shied away from that because I’m afraid I’ll get seasick if my cabin is not midship. If your cabin is in the front or back of the ship, do you do ok?
Actually we have booked lots of cruises 🚢 as a guarantee and they have all been good 🙂
Hi Guys, great video and very informative. We are taking a 14 day Mediterranean cruise with Princess next month. We have a small YT channel and I wanted to ask what camera gear would you recommend we bring. We typically travel light and use a GoPro (primary) and our iPhone (secondary). Is there anything else you recommend we either take or leave behind. Thanks for the great content and safe travels.
Good morning ☕️ if your IPhone is pretty recent you could look at a OSMO mobile 6 Gimball to give hand held shots a tripod look. Also take a suction cup with tripod mount which you can stick on patio doors . We hope you have a great cruise 🚢 we love ❤️ Princess all the best for your channel Cheers 🇺🇸🌺🇨🇦🙂
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thank you for the advice. We just ordered the gimbal 📦 and we’re excited to try it out during our trip ✈️. Cheers and Safe travels 🙂
We did the same crossing but the other way round last November. The only downside was that we got quite bored with the view because we were not following a coastline. So it was just open sea. Plus one of our ports was cancelled because of bad weather so we had 10 days at sea.
That can happen Stephen we remember we missed Key West on a cruise 🚢 due to weather !! Cheers 🚢🙂🍻
This video is filled with a lot of good information. Thank you. Happy travels!
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Hi Norm and Tina, hope you had a wonderful trip. Hopefully we get to see some of it! Stay well
Hi Tina& Norm great video and I’m pleased you did so well on the deal .
Regards. C Barker
Thanks so much Christopher, good to hear from you, thanks for your continued support.
Hey 👋 Norm & Tina,
I thought after Hurricane Lee last Fall, your cruising days were over. Crossing the Atlantic is quite an adventure! Hey, it’s your money, your getaway. Live it up! 🌊 🚢 🛳️🍻🐟🍤🐳🦈Enjoy!
We thought we needed to give cruising 🚢 another chance Eric and so glad we did we loved this and our room was amazing really added to the trip Cheers 🇺🇸🚢🇨🇦🍾
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I hear ya. Many great moments back on our ship Norwegian Escape last September, until Lee. We got rerouted, felt we were held captive in NYC, got Covid too, but the adventure and going places unknown was fantastic! But then the prices skyrocketed. You were saying they came down, or, you got a great deal? I’m study painting the sea at this very moment. It always active, never the same- a moving target to paint. Glad you’re enjoying yourselves!
Prices just dropped Eric so we thought let’s go 🙂
You two are my spirit animals! Great video.
You are so kind Carol 💕
Sounds fabulous, you two. Hope u had fun x
It was a great trip 🚢🍷
I’m jealous of that shirt Norm, mine are all so ratty I started using them for shipping cushioning. Enjoy!
Gotta keep stocking up 😂😂
So happy for you to bid and win your upgrade! I hope you ignore any of the comments suggesting you don't live your best life lol. Put your money towards whatever makes you happiest, you seem to know how to get the best out of all your spending! Would love to know what you had to pay for the upgrade but understand completely if you're not wanting to bring on that kind of debate again!
Did you get bored or feel stuck at any time on board, 16 days seems like a lot, but maybe...
No we were not bored during the cruise, we met many wonderful people, our Air Canada upgrade bid was $900 plus tax each which was additional to our original ticket price.
Great T-Shirt 👕 Norm ✌️🎸🤘
Thanks
great video, i always tell the wife we can spend it on ourselves or leave to the kids
You can do both as you will never spend it all 🙂
One benefit of full retirement is that you can take advantage of last-minute deals. How wonderful for you. Have a great time.
Thanks Debbie
Happy Saturday Norm and Tina! Great informative video. We did a Mediterranean cruise with Princess and although we didn’t pack only a carry on - we sure looked like we did! We’re not posh clothes types either so ate all our meals in the buffet area. Suited us just fine and we liked the variety. Looks like you made out like bandits in terms on value on this cruise. Thanks for sharing your insights!
We did think it was a great deal Libbyann now busy looking for the next adventure 😂😂🚢🍾✈️
@@ThisIsOurRetirement You do find the deals and you are so generous to share your knowledge and methods for doing so. We did a Baltic cruise and highly recommend - it’s a breathtaking part of the world. Happy Trails!
Hi Tina and Norm, how Wonderful and exiting, thats the way to live.😊 I was born on Faial island in the Azores. Hope you got to make a stop there. I live in Winnipeg Canada . My parents emigrated here after the 1957 Caplinhos volcanic eruption. Anyway Carryon cruising just like the old time English comedy… take care .
We have an ambition to visit each island of the Azores, thanks for watching we appreciate your support. 🇵🇹🇨🇦
What a fantastic cruise and price! Very interesting to hear all about your travels, thank you.
Our pleasure! 🙂
e-SIMs are a fabulous option. I've used them for several trips now in the past year. Way cheaper!
And they use the big telecom carriers in the country you are visiting.
All looks good. I am too scared 😱 to cross the Atlantic on a cruise ship 🚢. I always think of the Titanic. Enjoy your trip. You both look relaxed but tired.
No icebergs in April
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Amen 🙏
I’ve done two transatlantic cruises….after many other cruises, it was on my bucket list…..would love to do it yearly! It’s just special…..
Don’t worry about the crossing, it was perfect ( both of them)….. came home in a terrible storm a few months ago from the Caribbean, the worst I have ever been in, but we were fine, so you never know.
Just try it, you won’t regret it, I promise!
OMG!! YOU ONLY PAYED THAT!!! AMAZING!! where did you book? Have a great trip!!!
Saw the price at Princess website, then told our local agent to book it!
I love you guys , especially my new Mr. Rogers , It’s a pleasure to watch you guys .
Sounds like great fun! 😮Have a wonderful time. Keep up the good work.-Mike from Ottawa❤🍻🏒🥅
It was a great cruise 🚢 Mike definitely a lot of fun have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🚢🙂🍻
@@ThisIsOurRetirement ❤️
Love this trip on my list
Wow that’s amazing price. Great video.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for posting. We are sailing on the Regal out of Southampton in June. 12 nights around the British Isles. Ireland, Scotland, France and England. Hope you will post more while on the ship. Happy sailing!
Sounds great! have a wonderful time Martin 🍻🚢
Really enjoy your videos...thanks for doing them!
Glad you like them! we appreciate you watching Cheers 🙂🚢🍷
Wonderful! have fun on the Princess and in Azores- Stay safe and enjoy!
Thank you! Will do! 🙂
Congrats! How soon before sailing did you book to snag this awesome deal? Travel safely, Marie-Louise
Two weeks 🚢🙂
Wonderful! So nice to have a lovely vacation at a bargain price. By the way, thank you for your opinions on the buffets on Holland America and MSV (?). Good to know. Smooth sailing!
Our pleasure! we agree being able to get food 24hours a day is a huge plus it’s “MSC “Cheers 🍻🙂
We have been on MSC and the buffet was fine and they have the best pizza imo also just been on HAL in November and same buffet was great especially they have a fantastic salad bowl bar and great sandwich area - they do serve you however (not sure if this is a permanent thing). As with all cruise lines food can vary however even sometimes from one day to another. We always find some amazing hidden foods
What a great deal! Is the Princess ship going to the Azores? Or is it going to Southhampton, UK?
Going to both!
The E SIM card deal is great. I have some experience using a different company but the concept was the same. I much prefer buying the SIM cards that way over getting into a foreign country and trying to get a sim card
Having done this we are sold on the e-sim, we know people who have bought sims online that didn’t work when they arrived in Europe.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I’ve used travel ESIM from a company called Airalo
Your videos and advice have been invaluable to me. Each time I watch, I'm inspired to pursue my dreams of retiring and savoring life's moments. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and motivating me towards my goals.
Your very welcome glad you enjoy them 🚢🙂
Norm and Tina:
Thank you so much!
This is a great idea...
Thank you for this fun and informative video!
Our pleasure! 🚢🍷🙂
Amazing price for what you have....enjoy your cruise.
Thank you! Will do! 🚢🍷🙂
Hi Norm and Tina !! What an awesome video, and what a great deal you got !! Definitely interested .. as we’ve only ever done one mini cruise on Carnival in 2006 and then on Norwegian (which we loved) in 2013. Think it’s high time we treated ourselves again but will look out for a great deal, as you did. We’re in Western Canada so of course airfares are more expensive to get to Fort Lauderdale, but we’ll just watch out for some good prices ❤
There are lots of cruises that leave from the West Coast especially out of LA, there are also repositioning cruise across the Pacific. Thanks for watching.
Wow! Super deal on your cruise! Did you also get a good deal on your return flight?
We did we bid on our return flight ✈️ to get Business class and won our bid and came back at a fraction of the cost it was amazing 🙂we have a photo on our community page and a video will follow . Have a great weekend Cheers 🙂
But aren't one-way flights more expensive?
Yes they are but on a cruise it’s only one way home 🙂