10 Things I'm Loving and Hating About Cruising Right Now (+ Next Cruise Reveal)
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- I love cruising, but I have to be honest & say that there are some things I'm disliking right now. Some of these things may be what you love or hate about cruises too. In this video I share my personal experiences, including what I am struggling with right now, on cruise ships, on my channel & in my personal life.
I share my next cruise, which I'm really excited about, and why. I'd love to hear your cruise experiences, cruise travel loves & hates & your thoughts. This cruise talk video is great for experienced cruisers as well as first timers who enjoy cruise chats.
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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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I agree about not liking crowds. My husband and I went to Alaska last year for our first cruise. I love the early mornings. What I found was going for a sunrise walk. I meet the night shift workers and practically had the entire ship to myself. Watching the sunrise and listening to the whales was an amazing experience that I will always cherish.
Alaska, I don't know when, but I'm coming, lol!
I'm planning a solo cruise later next year to Alaska. I hate crowds so that is my biggest nervous point but I'm also very good at avoiding them. I just want to be on the ocean and see Alaska from that point of view. I know it will be amazing!!! And having my own cabin with a balcony is going to be pretty amazing too!!! Thanks for the info & God bless!!!
“Let’s get started” is probably my favorite phrase on RUclips lol.
Me too! It just makes me smile!
@@patticulver I know, lol. Really hard to explain, but you’re spot on.
Same! 😊
Ha ha I love that. Thanks so much for saying that 😂
Same!!!❤
There are two disadvantages to cruising today. The first is the horrable schedules of the airlines. The second is the increased number of kids and the growing sloppy attire of adults cruising.
Sloppy is unacceptable.
What does horrible schedules of airlines even mean 😂
This means the public cannot rely on posted schedules due to the airline managment, outside influences or out of control passengers.
Not just 2. Overrated, overpriced, soooo over the experience.
Horrible schedules of airlines example leaving on a 5 am flight 2 returning on a 10 pm flight😢
My totally most favourite thing about going cruising is the fact that once on board you unpack once and the holiday is for everyone. We all get to have a break.
Exactly. It's like you check into a hotel, and the hotel goes with you.
Perfect. This is what I love. Just unpack once. I get all new clothes for a cruise because I don’t want old clothes in any of my pictures.
I never take a 7 day cruise any more - because the last day comes too soon. 14+ days has been my default for the last 10 cruises.
I travel alone. I cruise at lest once a year, sometimes more. What I love is being looked after - from the cabin steward to the waiters, lovely food, bed made and cabin cleaned. It's lovely.
It's great you're thinking about work-life balance so you're not burnt out. This is important for self care, you deserve it.
My favorite moment of the cruise is the sail away, nothing can beat that excitement that is noticeable on the whole ship.
My first cruise to Hawaii, I would get up early and sit on the balcony and enjoy the sound of waves against the ship, so peaceful.
The evening before embarkation day is like Christmas eve night for adults. I actually go to bed early in anticipation of embarkation day. We like the mid size ships and been on a few multiple times.
@@TheRecon1a haha that’s a great analogy
I, pretty much , live alone (my son lives very close and comes to "check on me" at least once a day... I'm old AF) so I am often just in jeans and a tee shirt. So, I like being able to dress up a little when I'm on a cruise. I wear a nice sundress or my more upscale jeans/shorts and shirts, I change for dinner, and I might even put on a touch of lipstick! It reminds me that I used to do that on a daily basis when I worked and kinda liked it!
I agree! I do the same thing 😎🛳️🛳️
@@moogie42069 you’re too cute, well said 👏🛳️😂
It’s more fun when you don’t feel you HAVE to do it.
@@judithstrachan9399 I'm U.S.Navy retired and wore "dress" uniform about half the time. Then I worked in a Middle School and, though casual, I still looked professional. I no longer have a reason to dress up and a cruise makes me feel... I don't know... maybe a little special!
Really like the older smaller ships!. Less people and kids, maybe because we are older but kids running through the ship drives us nuts. really enjoy your videos.
Ilana, THANK YOU so much for your honesty!!! We all love what you do the feedback, suggestions, etc you provide for making our holiday/vacations as fantastic as possible yet YOU RECHARGE (including your family). I am a registered nurse and can totally relate to what you said about regrouping about yes you love what you do, but NO, no one can work all the time and keep it up. Self care is NOT selfish. THANK YOU for you content and your channel. Again, you have made our holiday/vacation wonderful and do what is needed to be kept up ;-) hugs!!
I love the hotel aspects of a cruise, ready and prepared food, special dinners, and ocean view! Meeting crew always a pleasure.
The best!
Abd, meeting nice people from all over!
Balance is super important.. maybe designating 2-3 cruises per year for VACATION.. no recordings, no taking notes, nothing .. just relaxation with the family ..
When we went on our last cruise, I did not get any wifi package and I really enjoyed going "off the grid" for the week.
Love that idea
Back in 2010 I went on an Alaska cruise with Carnival . I loved every minute of it , except for one thing . One day I was getting back in the cruise ship after a shore excursion and they were doing security checks , where you had to remove everything metal from your pockets . The you had to walk through the X-ray machine. Well , it kept beeping for some reason and then they frisked me like I was a criminal . But all in all I loved the cruise and on the last day when leaving the ship , I had to keep looking at it as I walked further away.
spend time with God on Sundays , going to church worship God is great time spent … God bless ..
@@stevengolden9009 That is what we do as well!
I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing the business side of your channel, Ilana. I'm genuinely impressed by how you've built yourself as a cruise expert and consistently deliver upbeat, informative, and helpful content. Your “navigation tips” are especially valuable, and I appreciate the effort you put into making your videos engaging and easy to follow. You’ve definitely anchored yourself in the cruise community! 👍🏻 🛳️
@@ChristopherB711 I’m a bit late on responding here, but just wanted to say thanks!
I love that you realize you work too much and are making changes! Take time for yourselves…on and off land!!
I love being on the ocean, no matter what the weather is doing. Embarkation day ranks near the bottom of my list. I enjoy getting up at the buttcrack of dawn and going up to the stern of the ship with some coffee. I never think about work, since I'm retired. If I was still working, I'd only have time for short cruises, and would worry about catching up, when I got back.
I agree just being near the ocean is amazing
Ditto! The Ocean is first….and 5:30 am coffee staring out at it.
I love going to dinner and taking an afternoon nap. So relaxing.
My God!!! Yes! Do take some time to travel on true vacation! Your content is super suuuper helpful and appreciated but do consider taking time for yourselves! Its only fair and humanly needed! Thank you! Thank you for everything you do! So in order for us to continue enjoying your channel we need you healthy and happy! Seriously ! Hehehe. Its only human! Wish you the best!
You’re super kind!! I truly appreciate your kind words & encouragement 😊
While watching this video I’m packing cruise essentials that you recommended. I love your videos and learned a lot. By the way, first time cruiser here and I’m so excited.
@@njm32Enjoy!
hey - good luck with the balance; try not taking sunday off. sundays suck. take off thursday or friday where everything is open and things arent busy.
What I love about cruising is the all inclusive. Sleeping arrangements, food, drinks entertainment. It’s all there. Of course you can upgrade and have adventures but the core is all there. I of course love a balcony as well. Nothing like the smell of the ocean and a good cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning. Hope you and your family have a wonderful next trip.
My wife and I are approaching 80 and have been cruising over 35 years. In all of that time our mantra has been that the worst dining room dinner on a cruise has been better than the best that we've had at an all-inclusive resort. At this point, with my wife in a wheel chair, all we really go for is the peaceful relaxing in the warmth and good food. This all changed however on our last December cruise on the Rotterdam. The menu has been greatly reduced and for the whole 12 days the main dining room service was like a chinese fire drill. As a result, we have agreed that we are finally at an end of cruising. The days of meeting new people to enjoy a relaxing dinner have passed. It has evolved to the point that there is just no attraction anymore.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and I’m sorry that your last cruise in December was more disappointing.  I hope that it was just a one off and that maybe if you do go back to a cruise, you will have a better experience in the future
THANK GOD FOR THE MEMORIES TAKE CARE AND LOVE💕 EACH OTHER DANCE AT HOME EVEN IF YOUR QUEEN👑 IS IN A WHEELCHAIR SPIN HER IN IT TO MUSIC.🕺👩🦽 THIS THING CALLED LIFE IS BITTER SWEET AS WE AGE. ❤ BUT GOD WE MADE IT 🙏🏼 MUCH LOVE REAL SUPERWARRIORS 💪🏼🤺💪🏼🤺 KING👑QUEEN👑 JUST EMBRACE PEACE 💕IN YOUR LIVES PRAYING FOR YOU FROM WASH,DC🙏👑👑💕👏🤺👏🤺🌹🌹👏🏻👏🏻
We just got off the Royal Princess and the food was bad in general. Crown Grill and Sabatini's were both okay but nothing worth paying for separate from a package. Our best meal was our balcony dinner where our anniversary was treated as special and all of the food cooked very well.
Please don't let one disappointing cruise end your love of cruising. I think everyone who cruises has had a not so enjoyable cruise experience. Try again. Maybe you can try a different cruise line. Good luck
Try Viking. If you are feeling this way…..you need to find much smaller cruises now.
I've only recently started cruising on ships that I've already been on before, and I really LOVE it! I think that I love it because, as a RUclipsr, I don't have any pressure to run around and capture the ship itself if I've been on there before!
Great summary, Ilana, as always!
lol, that’s a great reason too 😂
Embarkation day!!! YES!! The feeling of freedom after stepping onto the ship from the gangway is the best in the world!
YES!!!! That exhilarating gangway walk. ❤❤❤
@@anitaclue9868 "So close... One more turn... Up the ramp... Ahhhhhhhhhh."
I love port days in the carribean. When everyone else gets off, and I enjoy the ship almost to myself. No matter how busy the ships can be, there is always a place where no one is
first let me say that you are my go to person for cruise prep .I have learned so much from you. I agree with everything in this video. going to the main dining room each night is one of the high points each day. I enjoy dressing for the evening. nothing fancy. its just a nice feeling. a long with the restaurant feel. those of us who work a 9 to 5 can go on vacation and leave the work life behind and its a wonderful relief. you need to just take a cruise for relaxation all about you. Don't pick up the camera or make any videos for us at all. You deserve it. thank you for everything that you do to help us have great vacations.
@@Belinda-BJ sounds like we have a lot in common 😉
I am self employed and been in my industry for 30 years working like you say daily. About 5 years ago I stopped answering emails outside of my 9am-5pm and take two full days off a week. Seriously it has changed my life and my family’s life and my business when I return each week I am revitalized and have a fresh outlook. Congratulations on taking the steps to balance. ❤ yes ncl all the way! Jewel in October!
That’s awesome. I really appreciate you sharing that
My favorite part of the cruise is the unlimited food, the great customer service from the crew, the friendly people around the world. I enjoy cruising a lot since my honeymoon and me and my wife have been going on a cruise every year with our friend group. Were about to go on harmony of the seas this August. So super stoke.
We also hated the last full day until we learned a trick. If we are on a long cruise with a full sized luggage bag we just put all our dirty laundry in a large compression bag and put it in the luggage for outside the door.. Takes only a few minutes and it keeps dirty smell confined. Then we have enough room in our carry-ons for the rest that we pack in the morning and carry off.
What is smart tip - love that
Great tips, thanks
LOVE BERMUDA & LOVE NORWEGIAN!!!! We went in 2016 & 2017 on the Breakaway. Have to go on a different ship this next time in May 2025 but know the crew will be fantastic and the ship will be very clean!
Agree with packing FOR a cruise vs packing to come home. Its like the old expression: You cant appreciate a Friday night, without a Monday morning!!🙂
Ha ha this is true
You need a video on your recommendations of where to cruise too. Maybe a top 10 destinations.
Fun, I could definitely do this!
I’m going on my first cruise this November and really appreciate your videos. I feel very prepared as far as what I need to bring. I can’t wait to see your upcoming Bermuda video! That’s my next year destination as well!!!
I actually like the planning. Finding the cruise, the hotel, the plane etc....
I agree with Embarkation Day!! So much fun even when you’re going to the gangway. Also love balcony cabins! We like to be able to get away from people and just sit down and relax on it. Packing is fun when you’re going coming home not so much 😂. I so appreciate you and these video’s. But you do have to think about your well being too!
Ha ha packing just feels completely different when you’re packing to go home
@@LifeWellCruisedAND stuff never goes back the same way 😂😂
We vacillate between self assist debarkation and letting the cruise company handle our bags. It all depends on our travel arrangements. If we’ve driven to the port, we’ll just take our bags with us. That way we can go when we are ready and don’t have to worry about finding our luggage. But if we are either taking a transfer to the airport, we’ll let the cruise line take our bags and check them into our flight. That’s worth the extra cost to be able to skip struggling with luggage through an airport.
good for you Ilana ! You HAVE to have days off / time off for yourself or you will grow to hate what you love. it's awesome that you are doing this!! enjoy your time off. For us, our favorite time is the beginning of the cruise, opening up the balcony door and just letting any stress escape and leave. Unpacking and knowing we're going to see a bunch of wonderful new places, without having to pack and move, is incredible !!
i love getting dressed up and going to thee main dining room for dinner :) but embarkation day on a new ship is the most exciting thing ever, rushing around from deck to deck, end to end of the ship exploring a new ship, thats the most fun exciting thing to ever do.
We just came back from Norway on Royal. OMG! There are no English words to describe the Fjords, midnight sun, etc. it literally took my breath away. We did a 14-day out of Amsterdam, with 3 pre-cruise stay and 1 post stay.
@@jeffreywagner5234 wow, you’re so right
My favorite right now is these videos I’m actually getting married on our next cruise and these videos make me so excited everyday. My hate would probably be people not watching your kids I understand the camps but some let their kids run wild. Which is why we lean towards the older ships it tends to be a smaller and older crowd.
Congratulations!!
@@LifeWellCruised thank you so much!! Our family loves your videos thank you for making them!
I like to think of myself as practical and thrifty. I worked at a hotel on the oceanfront in my city, and people would pay more per day for an ocean-facing room than I do for a two person balcony room. On top of this, they’d have to 1] buy all their meals separately, 2] find entertainment separately, and 3] look at the same view from their rooms for their entire stay! Cruising is much more than all that, in my opinion.
Each has its merits. We usually don't spend extra on the view from the room at a resort because we tend not to spend a ton of our waking hours there. Conversely on a cruise, a cabin with a balcony means a lot more. On a cruise you see a bunch of different places in a single week, but most of the islands have more things to do than can be done in one day. On top of that, if you're staying on land you don't have to worry about getting back on time.
I personally think if the cruise like a sampler platter - get a quick experience of different places to see which you want to return to and get the full experience.
I hope you and your family can take some time for yourselves. I personally really enjoy your videos but please don't burn out.
I ❤Norwegian!!! My line of choice, I can't wait to see your footage and I am trying to convince my husband to go to Bermuda (so far all my trips have been with my parents). He doesn't like big "boats" so I think the video will help immensely! He doesn't quite understand that a cruiseship is an entirely different experience. Have fun and don't work too hard...we don't want you guys burning yourselves out!!!😊
I too dislike crowds, pool, food line etc. I love unpacking once. Eat when I want, dress how I want (NCL).
My first cruise (at 63) was with my oldest son and daughter-in-law on the Carnival Magic 😁 Loved it 🥰
You're on the right track. Find that work life balance. Time doesn't get given back to you; once it's gone, it's gone. Enjoy your time off and take it as often as you can.
I appreciate that - thanks so much
We also love to cruise and cruise NCL. They treat me and my wife so great. Their food is fabulous. The biggest thing I love about them is I am a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran and they go the extra mile for me and have recognized me more than once. They also give a nice military discount. I am very dedicated to them. I am also a great fan of yours.
Thank you for Your Service
Thank you for your service
🤝 ❤ 🇺🇸
I’m so glad to hear your experiences! Thank you for your service and I really appreciate you watching 😊
You and other veterans absolutely deserve every freebie, perk, and discount that any company is willing to give you. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated and not forgotten.
Thank you for your service
I’m on team “new.” Give me a new ship, new ports, even a new cruise line. While I would probably enjoy going back and visiting “old friends,” the lure of new always wins out.
@@billcook4768 there is something exciting, well explained
American current residing in Bermuda here. I'm happy to share good alternatives to Horsehoe Bay or any of the other more crowded, touristy beaches.
Oh, please do!
@@juliehall2893I just listed a few places in the OP comments section. Let me know if you want more. 😊
@@sharonlandry5057 thanks so much! Please do, if there are facilities that would be helpful too. My purpose is to share with other cruise travellers & I know this is important to many :)
we are going on the Gem out of Boston to Bermuda I do love being able to stay Sunday - Tuesday!
I sailed that itinerary last year on the Pearl! Take advantage of Norwegian's free shuttle to go to St. George for the day.
My wife and I had breakfast on our balcony in Glacier Bay and it made our cruise!
Just went to Bermuda on the Norwegian gem. Take Norwegians free shuttle boat to St. George’s and then walk over the hill to tobacco Bay Beach. It is not that crowded and it’s beautiful.
I was there last year on the Pearl. That free shuttle was great - St. George is charming!
We cruised to Bermuda in May for our 30th anniversary, out of Cape Liberty, NJ. We sailed on Celebrity Eclipse, which also docked at Bermuda for 3 days. We loved that itinerary! Several sea days to enjoy the ship, and three days to explore Bermuda. Perfect in its simplicity.
I sailed that same itinerary on the Summit a few years ago. Wonderful!
As a “Yank” I know I absolutely don’t know enough about your country. Have you thought about a cruise featuring the beautiful places in Cananda? I would love it ❤❤
Great suggestion! I do have a couple videos on Halifax, Vancouver & Charlottetown PEI, as part of a Canada New England group of videos. I do think they’re good 😉😂
13:48 I am so glad to hear you plan to rest. God crested rest for us and set the example of resting on the 7th day. It really doesn’t matter what day of the week you set aside as long as you rest. I really enjoy your content and videos. I have learned so much that helps me be prepared for our cruises. Thank you for all the hard work you put into your video and blogs. The quality is fantastic.
I appreciate that so much 😊
Life balance is very important for our mental health! Glad you realized that some changes need to be done. Thanks for sharing!
I also work from home and it ABSOLUTELY is incredible AND has draw backs. The main one is that the average person (myself included) tends to overwork. There's no straight line between work and home, so it's easy to work 7 days a week and into the night. Building a separation between work and rest is essential. It must be even harder for you because your vacations (for me a break) are still work for you! Don't EVER feel bad about balancing your life. Thanks for your awesome videos, always make me feel good.
I absolutely agree with all your thoughts and feelings. We’ve also cruised for over 20 years. When we first started cruising we did do inside cabins a couple of times. When we started booking balcony cabin we could not go back to an inside cabin. We just love hearing the ocean and love the views.
My husband & I are new to cruising, but want to know more about Bermuda, since you’ve been there & are going there next. I agree , packing at the end is sad.
Bermuda is my annual cruise!!! Wish I could meet you. I was on the Jewel in May and will go back again in 2025
Sailed there twice - it would be a dream to go every year!
We always do self embarkation, even with having to wait for a few elevators to get on, we certainly prefer this method. We avoid the crowds.
Good for you for realizing you need more balance in your life. Nothing more important than taking care of yourself. Thank you for reminding others that it’s ok to do so. IMO balance is the key to great health and happiness.
There is no better vacation than cruising!
I’m going to Bermuda for the second time in September. Gorgeous Island and very friendly people.
@@sueboyer1656 it sure is
The #1 thing I hate about cruising is the first week back at work after the cruise is over.
@@tdalej haha truth
Many self employed have the same issues. I know I did. Gaining balance is the only way to survive long term.
You’re right, managing your own time & energy & both the best & worst parts of self employment 😂
My husband and I have a home business and we have found the same thing about balance. We agreed about 2 or so years ago to take at least Sunday off and if our orders are not to overwhelming, we take Saturday too. It is hard for me because I want to do it all which would mean I’d work nonstop.
I hate the last day also. It depresses me a little. I have started packing up early in the day, right after breakfast because once I’ve done that I feel like I can enjoy the rest of the day more.
Sounds like we have something in common. Thanks for sharing this :)
Love planning and packing for a cruise, love embarkation day, love balcony mornings. Very unhappy that there's been an attire change for formal nights in the MDR - it made the whole thing so special and now it's just a disappointment, I really looked forward to it. I figured out a better way to the last day packing - since I use packing cubes, I keep them at the bottom of the closet. As I take clothes off, I put them a cube, when a cube is full, I put it in the suitcase, by the end of the week, the clothes are packed it's just the toiletries and anything needed for that last day that have to be packed. So much easier. If a cruise line participates in Luggage Express, I always use that service.
Love embarkation day and balcony cabins. Love walking the track in the mornings. I am 61 and my husband is 71. We carry our bags off ourselves and have never had a problem doing so. We’re looking forward to a Bermuda cruise in September on Royal Caribbean. Love your channel and your helpful tips!
Happy to hear your going for balance and some down time. I like long cruises, ha and love packing and unpacking settling in, but that last day is so hard and sad. So I pack the night before the last day, almost everything ( my sister thinks I am crazy) but I don't like having my last day to be about packing and if will fit and wiegh right for plane home. I want to do all the things I might have missed doing, I just want to enjoy it and then I just throw the last few bits in just before luggage is put out.
Enjoy your next cruise. I hope you find your balance and occasional solace. Give yourself some grace :)
Love the Norwegian Joy. Took the Bermuda cruise on the Joy in June and had a fantastic time! Enjoy!
I love the balcony peaceful time. I meditate daily and look Forward to the quietness and pure sounds of the ocean! You are the best. Thank you for what you share, and please do find time to checkout from work and rest.
I love that it is easier to visit multiple locations. We cruise to experience different people, their culture, their foods and architecture. The ship is nice in that is it a familiar place at the end of a day of exploration, a traveling home.
Love your videos! 🚢 🧳
It *is* a lot of work! It is hard to do both…business and work. We live on a lake, and same issues arose for us. So we figured out how to step away as well. Fantastic that y’all made this decision! I’ll watch your videos whenever you can post them.
I love NCL! I'm sailing with my 37 year old son in 20 days, on the Jade. You're right about the relaxation. My son really needs a break from raising his 3 kids on his own (one a teenage girl!) I booked a beach club excursion for us, and when I told him what it was about, he said "Awesome to lay on the beach and have servers bring me food and drinks! I want to have someone take care of my needs for a few hours." But, I know that by the 3rd day, he'll be missing the kids!
That is awesome!
I hate the last day as well ! The same as you ! Haul our luggage or put outside ! 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ We have been cruising for over 30 years as well ! Flight crew here, retired but we love to cruise ! No hotels. restaurants rental cars and you wake up in a new it’s every day ! ❤ life is good 😍!
Love your channel 🥰!
Enjoy Bermuda. Love it there !
Been to Bermuda twice on Royal out of Canaveral. First time had 3 port days. Booked the 2nd trip assuming it would be the same itinerary, wrong, they cut it down to 2 days. First trip took ferry from port to town and then public bus up to St. Georges. Came back to town,walked around a bit and ate lunch at the Hog Penny. Last day toured the fort. Next trip was only 1-1/2 days and couldn't do what we wanted. Love Bermuda. Public trans is cheap, reliable and takes you everywhere. Might go back in 26.
Hidden gems would be a great vlog!
@@jennekern2473 👏👏
Balance is so important! I’m so happy that y’all have decided to work less! I Love having a Balcony too! 🤗
Ilana - agree with you on how great it is to cross over from the gangway to the ship. It almost gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. And seeing new ports of call and going to dinner NEVER gets old. And I also agree with you that the last full day can be very sad😢. Great video.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about dining. You can eat to live or live to eat! Cruising offers the latter.
Just wanted to say that I've finally finished buying everything for my Cruise and brought about 90% from your list so Thank You for helping me making my packing easier. (I know it doesn't go with your theme today but just wanted to Thank You) ❤
@@rachelcocoa sounds like you’re ready! Please let me know how it goes - I’m excited for you 🛳️
@rachelcocoa Same here and bc of Ilana my 9 day NCL cruise was a breeze. I even purchased the level 8 set and I have no regrets. Got many compliments on my luggage & even my Uber driver asked if he could have them 😂.
I appreciate that you have acknowledeged your need to make changes to balance your work life and add more essential personal time! I enjoy the exciting ritual of packing and getting ready for the cruise and finally taking those last few steps onto the ship. The last day of the cruise is a bittersweet day knowing that the cruise will too soon be coming to an end...but, on the bright side, I'll be planning for my next cruise when I get home!!
You are blessed to have a life of cruising with your husband! Enjoy! (So very fortunate!)😎😎😎 (My darling husband died of Pancreatic Cancer very quickly - & only got to have 1 shared cruise with me. It never feels the same any more……😌😌😌) Cruising is only part of life…….I want (& do) travel to o/s places - with time & space = that is not cruising!
Disembarkation: I have also tried it multiple ways, but more recently I have preferred assisted disembarkation, putting my large bag (s) out for collection the night before and choosing a late time to get off the ship. I prefer to have breakfast in the dining room that day. It just makes it easier not to be in a rush. If I have to fly home, I prefer to spend that day in the port and depart the next day.
We sailed to Bermuda in June on the Joy. Absolutely loved the ship and Bermuda.
this new tiered cruising categories. Suite areas only, etc. Reminds me of old fashioned 1st. 2nd. and 3rd class voyages. Each section separated
I just went on my first ever cruise and I can’t thank you enough Ilana for all the great videos and suggestions! You made my experience so much better than it would have been without all the things I learned from you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We're quite new to cruising and have only been on NCL but love the relaxed atmosphere. We found the breakfast buffet could be hectic and we thought O'Sheehan's was a great alternative. The Waterfront on Escape was great too. There is something very calming about standing on deck and listening to the sea.
On my last cruise, I went to O'Sheehans more than any other venue. Great service and good food.
I took my first cruise back in January, on one of Princess’ smaller, older ships. Reflecting back on it now, there are some impressions that leap immediately to mind. On the positive, is the Reserve Dining Room where I felt like a Queen every time I walked through the door. On the negative side is the cabin. I went mad and purchased a Reserve Mini Suite, which at solo rates was truly a crazy thing to do. So what do I remember of that room? The standout was the grubby, cramped little bathroom, with the plastic shower curtain that made my skin crawl every time I showered. The black mould growing down a corner wall behind the toilet sticks in my mind, as does the filthy and disintegrating grout and rust stains around the metal pieces. It reminded me of back in the 70s, young and not well-off, staying in really cheap motels on our budget vacations. …The room, with its sloppily patched holes in the walls and those preposterous shelves left over from antiquity when TVs were a big as your garage. ..The balcony, which would have been a pleasure to sit on where it not for a rather unpleasant smell-not sea water, but something more like mouldy damp.
What else around the ship? The Lido deck with those ornate pools that would have seemed to be a parody, except they took themselves a bit too seriously. The hot tub I thought I would try a couple of times, only to find it drained every time I thought to visit. The ship-wide air conditioning that completely died for several days mid-voyage. The difficulty in finding someplace quiet to sit and enjoy my book in peace. The bars were crowded and noisy, and there were unpleasant “entertainers” who made me feel very uncomfortable by trying to make me join into activities I wanted no part of. There was a pleasant little Library, but it was often taken up by group activities. Sitting outside was pleasant at some times of the day, but very hot much of the time.
Overall, the main feeling I’m left with is buyer’s remorse. I really blew my budget for what I expected to be a top-shelf luxury treat, a maybe once in a lifetime experience. Now i find myself thinking what rally interesting travel experiences I could have had for the dame or considerably less money.
Would I cruise again? Maybe. Parts of the experience were good, but next time I will pay a great deal more attention to the details of what I am getting, and not just assume that top dollar meant top accommodation and experience.
Relaxing is my up most that i love about cruising and meeting people but that can have positive and negative about meeting people. Some are not so friendly. We only have gone out of balitmore so it don't bother me going on the same ship. Agree the first day getting on the ship. The excitement is overwhelmingly. And we get balcony no i hate the last day getting off the cruise going to the lido is so packed and lucky to get a spot to sit. Ready to go home and see family. Any cruise is a good one
You hit the nail on the head. All of your dislikes are the major reasons why I haven’t been on a cruise yet. Glad you’ll be taking some down time. I’m seeing many creators doing this now.
For sure, I’ll actually actually have a video coming out where I compare the different Cruise lines not because any are bad but just to share realistically what the experience is like on each. I have a feeling that you’ll enjoy cruising if you find the right ship and Cruise line for you.
Agree 100% on all your comments. But as we've become older, and wife's mobility has declined. We've switched from the inside to the balcony, realizing we may not be able to cruise for much longer, so spending the money for nicer cabins. Same with older, smaller ships. Just easier for us to get around. Last day isn't as bad as we used to make it. We're taking less, so less to pack up and we're not as careful as when we pack to go. Have never self-embarked. We're very Happy to let someone else do it for us.
we both work and our holidays are usually go go go all the time. We did a holiday (not cruise) to an island resort (adults only) and did absolutely nothing. Sitting by the pool, having a drink or 2, taking a nap during the day. everything was so slow and relaxed. Similar to your upcoming cruise to Bermuda but on a larger scale. Look after yourself, and its ok to be selfish to have a few days off for the both of you.
Keep up the awesome work you are doing.
You'll probably cover it in your video, but as someone who hasn't made it to Bermuda yet, I'd really like to hear what the favorite things to do and places to eat are.
Perfect, will do
Bermuda is wonderful! There are a lot of good videos on YT that will tell you pretty much everything. I also got the Fodors guide, which was very helpful. Once you dock, there's a lot of information for tourists and the Bermudians are very kind and helpful.
I enjoy the familiarity of a ship too. For that reason I'm taking a cruise on a new (to me) ship next year so that a much longer cruise on the same ship in '26 will seem like 'home'.
I cruised with my daughter on brand new, at the time, ships like P&O Brittania, Oasis OTS and Celebrity Solstice. Now the thought of going on their newer and much larger ships as a solo is rather intimidating for the crowds and pure size of the ships. It would be hard finding your own group/niche on those ships.
I agree with just about everything you have stated. One thing I would add that isn't directly related but is such a huge part of the trip, is the air travel. I sure wish there was some way to make that a more enjoyable experience (without doubling the price of the trip!)