13 SNEAKY THINGS CRUISE LINES WON'T TELL YOU *unadvertised & fine print*

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  • Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
  • Planning a cruise and wondering what the cruise lines aren't telling you? In truth, many of these things aren't really cruise secrets, but they are things that may new cruisers (and even seasoned cruisers) just don't know. While not hidden, cruise lines keep this in the fine print and definitely don't share these things in ads or brochures!
    While this video is all in fun, you'll find out some awesome cruise tips as well that will help you to plan and have a better cruise!
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    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 travelers, 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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Комментарии • 343

  • @LifeWellCruised
    @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +13

    Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

    • @movingforward743
      @movingforward743 2 года назад

      Hi I am going on a cruise in July 2022. If there is a casino on board , will Carnival Conquest take regular money or does the funds need to be on a card? Thanks for the great video!

    • @shahid7094
      @shahid7094 Год назад

      @@movingforward743 hello mam

  • @joannechludzinski1805
    @joannechludzinski1805 2 года назад +253

    I am from Boston. A co-worker went on a Boston to Bermuda Cruise. She made friends with a women from Canada. It was the fall and the weather took a bad turn and they ended up in Nova Scotia. Her new friend, who had flown into Boston, said "Well Edie, I'm walking home to get a sweater, do you want me to get one for you?"

    • @roymaddocks3184
      @roymaddocks3184 2 года назад +15

      what a lovely story about Canadian hospitality

    • @dahnbieunbi
      @dahnbieunbi Год назад +26

      That’s funny and unfortunate for the friend who ended up going on a cruise to her own backyard

    • @ginamercer3321
      @ginamercer3321 Год назад +2

      😆

    • @dwayne7356
      @dwayne7356 Год назад +1

      Was on a flight from Brussels to Philadelphia and we were flying into a very bad head wind. Force to land in Banger Maine to take on extra fuel and nobody was allowed off the plane. Landed in Philadelphia and a couple missed their connecting flight back to Banger Maine. They had been travel for over 24 hrs from Nepal.

    • @mmorden9938
      @mmorden9938 Год назад +2

      Love this. Good time to do a load of laundry!

  • @judimardula8685
    @judimardula8685 10 месяцев назад +5

    The last cruise that my sister and I went on had a Santa Claus convention, great fun!

  • @joriturpin4603
    @joriturpin4603 Год назад +18

    I highly recommend purchasing the insurance. My family friend is young and healthy and usually NEVER buys the insurance and cruises often. This last cruise they went to Bermuda and he felt an inkling to get the insurance. Well he had a massive stroke on the cruise. The doctors did their best to help him on the cruise, and he stayed in the infirmary for a few days until they got to land . He ended up at a small island for a few weeks until he was well enough to fly home. Had he not bought the insurance it would’ve been literally hundreds of thousands of dollars.

  • @dirodriguez1646
    @dirodriguez1646 2 года назад +34

    Thanks for the great information. I strongly suggest getting the INSURANCE - my husband fell off his rented scooter while attempting to go down the walkway. His side hurt and they took him to the medical center. He was unable to stand up straight for the X-Ray machine that they had. They made us go to the hospital on the island. We had to take our important paperwork and a change of clothes, because they were LEAVING us on the island! The cruise had to go to the next port. We were taken by an ambulance to the hospital. It was dirty; no nurses. He had his xray but they didn't see anything. He was told that the xray machine was not as good as the American xray machines because theirs is OLD. That was it... I tried to get him released and finally was let out. We actually walked out. (We received the bills and the INSURANCE paid for everything, even the ambulance) The cruiseline had a person on the island make arrangements for a hotel room.... that's all! We took a cab to a bar/restaurant for dinner. We took a cab to the hotel. Let me tell you, those wonderful happy sunny islands get very scary at night. No street lights with all the shops closed. Even the cab driver had to check if we were legit! When we went to the "hotel" the gate was LOCKED and we had to wait for someone to unlock it. We were told that WE had to make our own arrangements to get to the next Port where we could get back on the ship!! We called the airport and found that only "1" plane was going to the next island. We woke up early and went to the airport, stood online and bought the LAST TWO TICKETS!! The plane was so small that People and Luggage had to be weighed and distributed evenly so that the plane would fly correctly. It was just like a roller coaster ride. We flew so low over the water that the small inhabited islands were easily seen. Well, we did make it to the next port safely. The cruise ship was there. No one checked for us, etc. We will never go on that Cruise Ship again. So the message of our saga is to BUY THE INSURANCE. We were reimbursed for ALL of our expenses. It was well worth the $139 each.

    • @lauradefriez9061
      @lauradefriez9061 Год назад +1

      Did you buy the insurance from the cruise line or from a 3rd party?

    • @dirodriguez1646
      @dirodriguez1646 Год назад +2

      @@lauradefriez9061 I bought it through the cruise line. it was better since they have someone on each island that was a liasion and helped us with the hotel booking but NOT the travel. which was awful as you read. Thank God for miracles! This time Royal Caribbean cruise lines travel insurance is NOT good enough for New York laws, which is where I live. So we had to purchase coverage from a NY recognized travel insurance company.

    • @ilovebonjovi1992
      @ilovebonjovi1992 Год назад

      This is scary. I am going on a Carnival Cruise next month and I bought insurance through the Cruise line. They made it sound like everything is taken care of if we ever ran into trouble. Hopefully it's the difference in insurance. 😮

    • @Pete-jm8ps
      @Pete-jm8ps Год назад

      @@ilovebonjovi1992 I just booked my first cruise with Carnival and i too bought the cruise line insurance. 🤞

    • @mariebrooks5955
      @mariebrooks5955 Год назад +1

      Read the fine print! WE had excellent coverage through a third party insurance company. My husband needed emergency surgery just before we left home. Our travel insurance covered everything down to the penny - our airfare, prepaid hotel and cruise. WE were able to go six months later, but I will never travel without it. Most cruise company policies will not cover pre-existing conditions. Some will use a pre-existing condition (say high blood pressure) to get out of paying for anything at all, even a broken leg that has nothing to do with your pre-existing condition. Make sure to read the fine print! Phone the insurance company is you have any questions. The cruise lines each use an insurance company and the cruise telephone folks don’t know the details of the policies. Make sure you have what you need in writing!

  • @lorenadugan6355
    @lorenadugan6355 2 года назад +19

    We ended up on a cruise with a large polka group. We were celebrating my bilaw’s 40th. Since he was a Chicago Firefighter/medic, it was a blast. There so many parties beginning at 11am. They welcomed everyone. It was a P-A-R-T-Y!!
    Bonus, we polka’d our calories away.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +2

      Love this!! Glad you could make the best of it and even have a ton of fun 💃

    • @elouise5593
      @elouise5593 2 года назад +1

      That would be a nightmare for me! I hate polka music!

    • @sandiblohm6733
      @sandiblohm6733 4 месяца назад

      I would love that! I was raised on polka music. No wedding was without it. Reminds me of younger, and awesome times!!!❤❤❤

  • @user-cj7xz6yc2g
    @user-cj7xz6yc2g Год назад +20

    My family has a cruise with NCL Jade in August of 2023. We originally booked a 7 day cruise. Then we were notified that our curie line was extended to a 10 day cruise as the ship was chartered for a portion of the following week. Very excited to learn this.

    • @elizabethr9304
      @elizabethr9304 10 месяцев назад +1

      This happened to me with a flight trying to leave Venice. Due to strikes Europe-wide, we had an extra 3 days there… messes with my husband’s work days though

  • @KristiMaxwell0819
    @KristiMaxwell0819 Год назад +3

    Thank you so much for segmenting your videos! You do such a great job of allowing us to focus on the portion we find important.

  • @heathertardy9789
    @heathertardy9789 2 года назад +22

    Booked our first cruise in April 22. I am leaning so many things I need to know watch your videos. Big thank you :)

  • @joeo7693
    @joeo7693 2 года назад +17

    First cruise, hurricane changed Eastern Caribbean to a Western Caribbean. Still loved it enough to have cruising as our go to vacation.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +2

      That’s awesome! I had a hurricane itinerary change too on my first cruise and it definitely didn’t deter me either

  • @maryg4551
    @maryg4551 2 года назад +8

    Great video and tips! Am familiar with most of these tips (thanks to you!) but always good to have a refresher. Also, I love the tip about group cruises - always wondered about that! Thanks!

  • @dlkelly2010
    @dlkelly2010 2 года назад +1

    Thank you! #3- cruise airlines, and #8- non surge protector plugs.....EXCELLENT advise, thanks Ilana!

  • @patrickcleary7787
    @patrickcleary7787 2 года назад

    Loved the fact you packed in a lot of information in a sort time

  • @nancyhogan1780
    @nancyhogan1780 2 года назад

    Bravo, Ilana!!! That cruise planner you wrote is wonderful! Thank you so much.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      I’m so glad you like it Nancy! It’s my pleasure and thanks for your purchase:)

  • @VictoriaRankin-vs1hv
    @VictoriaRankin-vs1hv Год назад +1

    Just wanted to say I’m about to go on my first cruise soon and I am finding your videos SO helpful! You are so well-spoken and give great info! Also i am so jealous of your hair! 😀

  • @jesicaraymond6434
    @jesicaraymond6434 2 года назад +3

    Thank you so much for these tips!! They help out so much. As a first time cruiser there was a lot I was no mt aware of.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      I’m so glad these “tips” are helpful Jessica!

  • @darlenemattingly5552
    @darlenemattingly5552 2 года назад +27

    My group of 11 got bumped due to a charter about 5 years back. We all were moved to another cruise with an upgrade in cabin and cruise credit. Then our 2nd cruise was chartered as well. All 11 of us got a 2nd upgrade to another cruise with another credit. 🤣😂😀. Unbelievable deal.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +1

      Haha crazy!! At least that worked out well for you all 👌

  • @virginieholmes813
    @virginieholmes813 2 года назад +2

    Wow. New things I've just learned. Thanks, Ilana.

  • @gracegonzales9839
    @gracegonzales9839 2 года назад +10

    I've cruised with an affinity group multiple times. Between 70 and 400 people depending on the musical artists that year. Are private parties tend to start around midnight and during the day when spaces are typically not being used by regular passengers. We always tip our wait staff extra since they are working outside of their normal hours.

  • @juliejensen7370
    @juliejensen7370 2 года назад

    Excellent information!

  • @user-by6oh4rs5f
    @user-by6oh4rs5f Год назад +2

    We were on a cruise out of Galveston TX in February. Cold front hit warm air. We were stuck on ship 11 miles out from Galveston for 8 hours before we could dock. Yes - there was a line of the next cruisers since we didn’t dock until 4 pm - the time they were supposed to sail away. We had to leave our rooms at 8 am as planned. Everything was closed up. Around lunch time, they did bring sandwiches out & other food. Luckily we drove to port so no big deal. Friends had flights that they had to change. That taught us to go in a day early and stay a day later if we fly in.

  • @annsuematthews
    @annsuematthews Год назад

    I have enjoyed your videos. They are very helpful and not do long. 10-13 minutes has been very practical and not too much information at one time.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

  • @linda319
    @linda319 2 года назад +1

    California Linda shares great newsletter. 👍 The 75 travel hacks are tools that many cruisers have heard or use, however having these tips in one blog location is an awesome and extremely helpful reminder for cruisers.

  • @kathymills1959
    @kathymills1959 2 года назад

    Thanks for the tips and/or reminders!!

  • @sweetypatnett6123
    @sweetypatnett6123 2 года назад

    Thanks, You are well informed. I enjoyed watching your video. It's a lot to retain, but necessary. I'm planning a cruise soon! Haven't cruise in over 10 years. Thanks for the tips!God bless you and your family!😍🙏😍🙏

  • @PeetLouw-pm4ul
    @PeetLouw-pm4ul Год назад

    Thank you for the tips and advice Ilana. Greetings from sunny South Africa.

  • @JNTravels
    @JNTravels 2 года назад

    I knew all these but they are great tips. Thanks for the info.🐸

  • @drexellking8931
    @drexellking8931 2 года назад +42

    First thing I learned, is to just go with the flow when cruising and things can change. I was just told that Venice still doesn’t have a permanent cruise port there and that we’ll be leaving from Ravenna. So we plan on getting there a day in advance to travel and then stay an extra day so we won’t be rushed.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +5

      This is the best advice! It’s very true, things can change and if it’s out of your control, no point in stressing

  • @terriewinkates4009
    @terriewinkates4009 Год назад

    Thanks for the heads up!

  • @SmartMarketingBuz
    @SmartMarketingBuz Год назад

    We flew in to Puerto Rico 2 days early because so many ships were leaving the same day and we were glad we did.
    Had a great time and no problem getting to the cruise on time

  • @maryannzeller3751
    @maryannzeller3751 2 года назад

    Very informative and well done as usual.
    .
    . Thank you

  • @saramorgan3456
    @saramorgan3456 Год назад +2

    I bet I have watched just about every one of your videos & some twice & I take notes. This will be our 1st time cruising and I'm learning so much valuable information. I did purchase your "Ultimate Cruise Planner" and it is very helpful. Little problem though; I paid twice for it. I couldn't get it transferred from my phone to my pc, so I just ended up ordering it again. Anyway, thank you so much!

  • @joanwilliams6695
    @joanwilliams6695 15 дней назад

    Hi Illana, we love watching your very informative videos. Just wanted to mention something many cruisers may not know about. My husband, Chris wears prescription glasses. We were able to get his prescription from his eye doctor and sent it into the company he ordered his snorkel gear from, they were able to build his prescription into his snorkel goggles...he really enjoys snorkeling more now that he can actually see under water. Ok enjoy your day and we look forward to all your viideos

  • @volleypandas
    @volleypandas Год назад

    We recently sailed on Celebrity and we were so happy they started the “everything included” fares.

  • @DCYote1
    @DCYote1 Год назад +21

    To your point about possibly encountering niche groups on a cruise, the last cruise I took with Princess in Alaska, had actually been booked by a bunch of "furries" and there were people in animal costumes running around everywhere on the ship. They were super friendly and cool though, so there wasn't any problems I was aware of. But man do I have some great photos of me with giant dogs/wolves etc. against the Alaskan scenery LOL

    • @emileepini2311
      @emileepini2311 11 месяцев назад +1

      What an odd experience 🙃

    • @ThestuffthatSaralikes
      @ThestuffthatSaralikes 10 месяцев назад

      I’ll bet that was one of those “surreal yet amazing” moments in life you only get a few of..! What FUN!!

    • @melissahanna4327
      @melissahanna4327 9 месяцев назад

      My niece is a "furry". She is an outer space puppy. I have been with her to 1 convention, in Dallas. I didn't know about furry cruises. We will have to check it out

  • @mjtunstall1976
    @mjtunstall1976 Год назад

    good tips and i remember when boarding the pacific dawn ship during the pacific islands east of australia, the captain was announcing about anzac day service in the morning and also said: "in these area if you like, you can stay up to watch some active volanco and night and may see some orange glow but i cannot guarantee these mountains may erupt at anytime" we all were in shock when the captain said and everyone was surprised what he said and we did see some active volcano spewing lava, it was awesome to see it first time

  • @richardklapper1731
    @richardklapper1731 2 года назад

    Ilana, Really nice job on this one. As a frequent cruiser you really this one one the head. Really helpful info.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      Thanks Richard! So glad you found the info helpful. It means a lot especially from an avid cruiser :)

  • @bobkrakovich1851
    @bobkrakovich1851 2 года назад +10

    Hi Ilana, the helpful tips you give are always educational for long time cruisers, as a refresher course, and as a check list to help new cruisers. Hope to see you and Frank on the Lido deck one day. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Bob & Jill! We’ll definitely meet one day on a celebrity cruise 😉

  • @vilmaguevarra3899
    @vilmaguevarra3899 2 года назад

    thank you for explaining fine print for us .

  • @yusselfaveljl
    @yusselfaveljl 2 года назад

    Excellent points. Thank you.

  • @lap8329
    @lap8329 Год назад +4

    I spent some time in Santorini a couple of years ago - we dreaded the hours the numerous cruise ships were in port. The quiet little lanes suddenly jam packed, restaurants and shops overflowing, photo op spots quite spoiled. You could, quite literally, not turn around in some of the narrow lanes. Frankly, I don’t see how it could have been much fun for the cruisers. Ferried in on those little boats, climb those endless stairs to the town, only to have to line up and wait for everything, then back down those stairs and back to the ship, possibly without lunch as you couldn’t get in anywhere. I think many of the cruisers would have been very disappointed - their day would have been nothing like the expected Santorini experience. I think it would really pay as a potential cruiser to have a careful look at ports of call ahead of time to see how large the town is and how many different day excursions are on offer to various places. If they are like Santorini - very small tightly-packed towns with no other options for day excursions to spread out over several locales - know what you are in for, and don’t let picture-postcard expectations spoil your day.

  • @matgoodman2632
    @matgoodman2632 Год назад +1

    We arrived a day in advance of departure and another day after we got back so plenty of time to spare for arriving and departing. That way there's no panic moments.

  • @jaydeguzman764
    @jaydeguzman764 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for posting your videos, it really helped us to get ready on our first cruise. Ok the thing the we did not made sure was the free specialty dinning,free premium beverage, free excursion, free flight for 2nd person, free wifi. When got onboard, first hour of the ship I ordered a cocktail drink and was told by the bar tender that it's not showing that we have that package. He suggest to go to the service desk and we were told that those offer are free but we have to choose for one only. But before the cruise, we saw that the beverage package was purchased, so we assumed that's what they do when they say it's free. They said it showed that we chose the free excursion, we did not, but we did book an excursion and what happens is in every excursion $50 is discounted on my wife's fee because she was the one that book it and I pay full price. So no free wifi, no free beverage package, no free excursion, no free flight because we did not have to fly, no free specialty dinning. We should have talk to someone before the cruise. We learned.

  • @wendykoek6757
    @wendykoek6757 2 года назад

    That was so interesting 🤔 to hear about all those things

  • @sweetjaybaby
    @sweetjaybaby 2 года назад +10

    🤠 Wait! What? Cowboys on a cruise! Sign me up! 🤠 🚢 🍹 ♥️ 😂

  • @robertasinift1555
    @robertasinift1555 2 года назад +14

    Oh My Lord!! Thank You Ilana for putting the Cruise Planner together!! Absolutely 💘 it!! I have 12 cruises under my belt and this would have definitely made it much easier. I'm sure it took a lot of adventures and goof ups to get this materialized!! Thanks for all you do! We sure do benefit from your "pain"😅

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +2

      Thanks Roberta! Lol I think the planner started off at about 25 pages and just grew over the year+ we were “paused” 😂. So glad that you find it helpful, especially as a seasoned cruiser!!
      Would it be ok if I use your comment in future as a testimonial. I’m gathering a few to use in a little while :)

    • @robertasinift1555
      @robertasinift1555 2 года назад +1

      @@LifeWellCruised Absolutely!! Glad to help!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      @@robertasinift1555 thank you!! 😊

  • @MrJeffMaloney
    @MrJeffMaloney 2 года назад +1

    Excellent thank you

  • @keyman6689
    @keyman6689 Год назад +2

    My sister was late on embarkation day for a Disney cruise and they waited for her cuz she was on cruise line transportation. It wasn't too terribly long, which is probably why they allowed it. They pulled away as soon as she boarded. We were so relieved.

  • @bryanwhite4845
    @bryanwhite4845 2 года назад +1

    GOOD STUFF. WELL DONE 😎

  • @dianacocchia9829
    @dianacocchia9829 2 года назад +1

    You have alot information thank you

  • @stacythomas1587
    @stacythomas1587 Год назад +1

    When travelling to certain Caribbean ports, be prepared to see some impoverished areas outside of the tourist areas on the islands. It was quite a shock when I visited St. Kitts and Maartens.

  • @annamartinez7031
    @annamartinez7031 Год назад

    I’m thankful our captain took us away from the hurricane. We missed Belize but had an 8 day cruise with an extra sea day instead of a 7 day!

  • @equalizer1946
    @equalizer1946 Год назад

    Good Video

  • @themole1944
    @themole1944 2 года назад

    Thanks Ilana Canada has your good self and here in the UK we Have Emma cruising both impeccable sources of top class information

  • @crabbygirl62
    @crabbygirl62 2 года назад

    Great video!!

  • @kittyku6619
    @kittyku6619 2 года назад

    Love your channel

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      Thank you! Really appreciate you being here & watching :)

  • @iteachmy3
    @iteachmy3 Год назад

    This year will be our 3rd attempt to get to Curacao on a cruise. The last two times we got rerouted because of weather and because of that, we got to see Grand Cayman 3 times now. It's beautiful and we're thankful for the opportunity many don't get, but there's SO many islands in the Caribbean we still haven't seen.

  • @LifeWellCruised
    @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

    Have you ever experienced any of these things? What other things do the cruise lines not really tell us 🤫

  • @amandaregis313
    @amandaregis313 7 месяцев назад

    I'm really enjoying the tips and tricks you've given during the videos. As much as the river cruise hubby and I took (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Ottawa to Kingston) was an adventure and neither of us had expectations of grandeur, we've booked a Boston to Montreal on board the MS Volendam this summer and i can say for sure it's an upgrade from our previous accommodations. Your videos have shown there are definite differences, but a few similarities. Thank you for sharing your advice.

  • @SmartMarketingBuz
    @SmartMarketingBuz Год назад

    We also had to do early self disembarkation and run for our plane because my sister that books everything for us had booked our plane tickets too early at the end of our cruise.

  • @kathleenfillingim8300
    @kathleenfillingim8300 Год назад +1

    Hi, I’ve learned so much from your channel while planning our cruise! Have you ever had a problem with putting your chargers, surge protectors and/or converters in your carry-on while flying on a plane?

  • @salty_lizard
    @salty_lizard 2 года назад +4

    As Floridians, we KNOW to roll with itinerary changes... hurricanes. 🥴🙃

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      I’m sure you must!! I hope you stay safe the next few weeks

  • @a.turner8813
    @a.turner8813 Год назад

    Going on msc in April 2023..been watching your videos like binge level 😆🤪😃

  • @keymihaiburks801
    @keymihaiburks801 9 месяцев назад

    Me and my Hubby is going on a cruise in two week. This is our first cruise and we are on a budget.

  • @rebeccawilson7953
    @rebeccawilson7953 2 года назад +1

    When hurricane Sandy happened, our trip to Roatan got canceled. We were refunded a small amount but it was because our trip was shortened by a day due to delay.

  • @dougb.2627
    @dougb.2627 2 года назад +8

    I purchased cruise insurance (the Universal Cruise Plan from Nationwide) which apparently will pay us $100 pp in the case of a change in cruise ports. I was mainly looking for insurance against a covid shutdown and evacuation and wasn't even thinking about a rerouting when I bought the insurance, but I have already received notice that our upcoming cruise has been rerouted due to the Cayman Islands refusing cruise ships, so I plan to claim for this.

  • @melissajomama7815
    @melissajomama7815 Год назад +2

    I remember when soda was included. Now its not. I guess there is 18% gratuities tacked on as well. There was Drink of the Day and you could save but now 18% is tacked on to everything. Glad I did cruises years ago when it was truly an experience. My fav Princess Cruises to South Pacific Tahiti and islands and no nickel & dime. Awesome cruise. Ty for a great video too.

    • @elizabethr9304
      @elizabethr9304 10 месяцев назад

      20 percent now, as far as I understand.

  • @careym3901
    @careym3901 2 года назад +10

    I actually had a cruise ship wait several hours for us on embarkation day! We were delayed on our connecting flight when one of the baggage handlers fell from the baggage compartment and broke his leg in Toronto! We were delayed for over 4hrs while every possible agency came to investigate. It was Sunday so we had to wait as they all came from home! Anyways I call trip interruption and was resigned to flying to the next port. Ended up being about 20 of us on the same flight & there was a delay with departure, so the ship decided to wait for us. We sailed at 7:30pm instead of 5:00pm. The 14 day cruise was later cut short by an outbreak of Norwalk. The ports were skittish as Covid was just emerging, so I spent the last 3 days in Ft Lauderdale! It was Feb.2020 Quite the trip!

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      Oh my goodness!! Very eventful!! Crazy but lucky start and what a finish

  • @kimberlytate2623
    @kimberlytate2623 Год назад

    THANK YOU FOR SHARING 🙏 ✝️❤👸

  • @Mj-CWO4
    @Mj-CWO4 2 года назад

    I’d like to know more about drink packages and what upgrading your room gets you

  • @lorrajulian8622
    @lorrajulian8622 2 года назад +3

    I've just recently started flying to the ship vs driving, but we are "dare deviling" it by flying in day of. We did Atlanta to Nassau without problems and now will be doing Atlanta to Miami next month. I will ONLY fly Delta nonstop, so with a 2 hour flight, I make sure we land 6-8 hours before sail away. I just can't afford the extra time off from work and hotel stay in order to arrive the day before. I do book via Air2Sea as well.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +1

      Sounds like you’ve got a good plan. You’re really not too far away :)

  • @TracieLemmers-iu3lw
    @TracieLemmers-iu3lw 8 месяцев назад

    1:27

  • @susankilstrom6852
    @susankilstrom6852 Год назад +3

    I really like this realistic view of cruising. It's very helpful to hear these things. Thank you!

  • @crisstomjohnson8591
    @crisstomjohnson8591 2 года назад

    Hi. I love your channel. Lots of helpful info!! We are going on Royal to Eastern Caribbean this month. Is there any way to get info about theme nights prior to cruising? Thx!!

  • @jmr1703
    @jmr1703 2 года назад +24

    I've booked my flight through the airline for the first time. It's a learning experience and you are 100% correct. I paid a fee to fly in the day before. I'm still on the fence but in C19 world, I figured booking through the cruiseline might give me added benefit.
    1. Check the luggage allowance "suggestions" or rules. Carnival only allows checking bags up to 2 hours before sailing and weight limit 50 pounds per bag. And unlocked... so read EVERY POLICY.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +4

      How interesting- I wasn’t sure if carnival enforced the luggage policy, but true good to check

    • @jmr1703
      @jmr1703 2 года назад

      @@LifeWellCruised I fly into the port so I'm essentially compliant so not sure. I'd say that being more restrictive or adhering to policy is coming.

    • @chrisbond756
      @chrisbond756 2 года назад +2

      Llĺ

    • @valeriecrawford6081
      @valeriecrawford6081 Год назад

      @@jmr1703 9os9

    • @Clothed-with-His-Glory
      @Clothed-with-His-Glory Год назад

      I’m leaving my bag unlocked. They can call me down to open it.

  • @KelleysQuiltsandCruises
    @KelleysQuiltsandCruises 2 года назад +3

    Excellent advice as usual Ilana! I’ve only been a travel consultant since February 2019. Bad timing I know! I’ve been a cruise fan since the late 90s though.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +2

      Lots more time in the coming years at least :)

  • @kcsopinionsterriblevideoskill
    @kcsopinionsterriblevideoskill 10 месяцев назад

    I've gotten the hang of it now but when I was new to cruising. I think The thing that surprised me the most was that it advertised places as stops when actually they could be several hours away from where the cruise ship actually stopped. For instance it might list that the stop is in Florence italy but it's actually in Trieste and that's several hours away and there may or may not even be an excursion going there. Parentheses make a difference when seeing where your cruise is going. 😅❤

  • @stevebartley8594
    @stevebartley8594 2 года назад +3

    Not cruising related, but sea shipping. In my import/export class, the professor asked the class if they should read the shipping contract. Of course the class answered. No the prof replied. No need to. You can’t change anything in it. Every line has been in it forever and adjudicated long ago.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      Lol it’s true for cruising too. You’re right you can’t really refuse

  • @kimpritt9559
    @kimpritt9559 Год назад +20

    The only major itinerary change in the 10 cruises I've done: I did a transatlantic cruise that when I booked it the original itinerary was Azores and three stops in Ireland - Cork, Waterford, and Dublin with 8 days crossing…..and only one day in Cork. A few weeks before the cruise, I started looking at excursions and noticed the itinerary had changed to Azores, two days in Cork, Liverpool England, and Dublin with 7 days crossing --- I was so excited, I called them to make sure it wasn't a mistake on the website --- when the lady I spoke with confirmed that we were indeed going to Liverpool, I told her she made my day - no made my year!!! I'm a huge Beatles fan!!! LOL So....it was a wonderful change!

    • @johnlavery6116
      @johnlavery6116 Год назад

      Hello. Do you have any advice for a 1st time cruiser....are port stops added to the bill on leaving the ship...thank you.

  • @christinecichowski9885
    @christinecichowski9885 Год назад

    Another thing I do is bring bedbug spray. That’s the first thing I do when I go to the cabin. I spray the bed and carpet

    • @madchatteress
      @madchatteress Год назад +1

      Never heard of bed bug spray ... Where can you purchase that?

  • @flushtheglobalists7962
    @flushtheglobalists7962 Год назад

    I booked my own cruise and flight (with the help of my wife) for our first cruise- the only mistake we made was not booking the same hotel for disembarkation as for embarkation;other than that,it went smooth.

  • @joriturpin4603
    @joriturpin4603 Год назад +1

    My parents just got back from a cruise and missed quite a few days of it. First, the waters were too rough to port in Jamaica so they missed that day there. Then, when they were out to sea the next day a man had a heart attack and needed to get to shore for help. They flipped the boat around to the nearest island (Jamaica) and had to have a smaller tug boat come out to get him because the waters were still a bit rough. They missed their second port of call too. 🤷‍♀️

  • @ericsoderquist3969
    @ericsoderquist3969 Год назад

    Could you please do a fun video on insane cruiser complaints? 😳🤪🤗

  • @JaniceCrowell
    @JaniceCrowell 2 года назад +3

    I’ve found 3rd party insurance is not only cheaper but covers more.

  • @jenn2442
    @jenn2442 2 года назад

    Ilana, thank you for all the great tips and information you provide in your videos. If we purchase the Cheer package and paid the gratuities will we still get hit with tips on our closing bill? Thank you

  • @princesskkay221
    @princesskkay221 Год назад +5

    If my cruise has a clown convention onboard I’ll literally die 🤡

  • @surlywithfabshoes
    @surlywithfabshoes Год назад +1

    My cellular provider actually blocks the use of cellular data on cruises. And all streaming except RUclips is blocked once in international waters, and that is only if you use the premium option. I did get the premium package and it was well worth it. There are no plans that support Disney Plus, Netflix or Apple TV unless you download shows before you leave.

  • @AlexanderSauerPlaysWithHeroJr
    @AlexanderSauerPlaysWithHeroJr 2 года назад

    thanks

  • @RVPartsGerald
    @RVPartsGerald 2 года назад +5

    We used a cruise line air option one time and never again. They did not believe in customer service.
    Our return air trip got canceled by the airline and the cruise air staff would not do anything. We did
    make it home thanks to being Skymiles members. Thank you Ilana for what you do.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      Oh no! That sounds like an awful experience. Thanks for sharing

    • @madchatteress
      @madchatteress Год назад

      Was that NCL by any chance? After consulting with their air department for my upcoming cruise, I felt uneasy as they said if there are delays, I would need to work with the airline to get to the next port. I decided to book my own air with a two-day pre-cruise stay. Not worth the stress.

    • @RVPartsGerald
      @RVPartsGerald Год назад +1

      @@madchatteress We sailed with Captain Kate on Celebrity.

    • @karenfazlurrehman2691
      @karenfazlurrehman2691 Год назад

      MSC has there own private small island. I am “older” and while on the island I had to walk a great distance to the bar to ask them to refill my water bottle. I had mistakenly left my room key back with my belongings. The bartender refused and said I had to buy water. Absolutely no customer service and they don’t care. Water is a necessity and would have not cost them a single penny to refill my water bottle. I will never go with MSC again for this reason. A little bit of kindness goes along way. Too much penny pinching

  • @amydawson1279
    @amydawson1279 10 месяцев назад

    Knock on wood, haven’t had many issues with changes. We did experience not being able to get into a Caribbean port because of rough seas. Was disappointed but Princess had so many activities on the ship we still had a great day & Princess refunded our excursion price.

  • @NCsoulsigma
    @NCsoulsigma Год назад +4

    I agree with #1! My last cruise was in 2014. I took a cruise to Mexico, in the middle of the cruise the itinerary was switched, we went to Nassau, Bahamas....The problem is, I am from Nassau, Bahamas 🇧🇸...I took a plane to Miami, to take a ship back to Nassau ON MY BIRTHDAY....I was pissed! Hence 2014 was my last time cruising...

  • @cynthiaj.9770
    @cynthiaj.9770 Год назад +1

    I’m lucky my bestie owns a travel agency and he got us a great package including beverages and Wi-Fi for each of us for one device

  • @drexellking8931
    @drexellking8931 2 года назад +2

    Having never been on a cruise or not knowing what actually happens on a cruise, do you have a video that talks about how a cruise vacation works?

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +1

      This is a really good suggestion. I have videos with cruise tips, packing, embarkation and more, but not really how it works. You may find the playlist “first time cruise tips” has some helpful info in the meantime

  • @juanjvalentin1968
    @juanjvalentin1968 Год назад +1

    Do you have a video about travel insurance? Any particular Co you prefer?

  • @user-lr4dj8fs6e
    @user-lr4dj8fs6e 11 месяцев назад

    Twice I got an extra day on a cruise because of fog. Personally it was a win/win for me (free extra day), but some people who have lives were NOT happy.

  • @chemreger
    @chemreger 2 года назад +13

    One can also check the port schedule to see how many cruise ships will be in port they day you are scheduled to be there. This maybe helpful in determining the excursions you might want to take and their departure times.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +2

      This is an amazing tip!!!

    • @cyhomer
      @cyhomer 2 года назад +1

      How do we find our cruise line’s port schedule…(NCL…). Ty

    • @chemreger
      @chemreger 2 года назад +7

      @@cyhomer Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. The answer just do in internet search for whatever port you want example: Miami cruise port schedule for Dec 4th or Roatan cruise port schedule for whatever date. Hope you find my answer helpful.

    • @cyhomer
      @cyhomer 2 года назад +1

      @@chemreger ..thanks much!

  • @vtroach
    @vtroach 2 года назад +7

    They won’t tell you that there is a class system on the ships. They also won’t tell you that there is not enough time or availability to partake in every activity offered during a sailing. There is limited capacity for taking elevators, booking specialty restaurants, cabanas, nightly shows, etc. If you wait until embarkation day to schedule your activities, you will most likely spend your cruise a little disappointed.

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +1

      Do you mean the suites and the suite only area on some cruise ships? Good point about making sure to reserve what you can before the cruise or and/or show up early to shows and events

    • @eminiarvii
      @eminiarvii 2 года назад +1

      I always reserve certain venues ahead of time, except this up coming cruise they have not figured out what is wrong with my app…it is not the app itself it is something with Princess as the solutions navigator and IT people can not resolve the issue…so i am nervous as i cannot oder medallion or anything…especially at this point no one can book the Thermal suite and i am thinking there will be a mad rush and because my app is not right i might be left out😖

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад

      @@eminiarvii uggh that’s annoying. It sounds like you’ve called them, but can they manually reserve you to help?

  • @SmartMarketingBuz
    @SmartMarketingBuz Год назад

    We had a stop cancelled before a cruise because the crime had gotten too bad on one of the Islands we were supposed to stop at, so the cruise line cancelled all stops to that Island until they could get their stuff together.
    So we had an extra sea day on that cruise.

  • @dobsondesign
    @dobsondesign 2 года назад +3

    Some “included air” you can not choose your own flight like NCL. RCCL air2sea let’s you choose what is right for your family

    • @LifeWellCruised
      @LifeWellCruised  2 года назад +2

      That’s true. I wouldn’t take it if I couldn’t choose my flights and fly in a day early

    • @madchatteress
      @madchatteress Год назад

      Yes ... I will only book air with a cruise if I can have input on the selection of my flights. Connections (especially in foreign countries) give me anxiety so I always do a long connection window in the event of a delay. I also fly at least 1 day prior.

  • @smsff7
    @smsff7 2 года назад

    For items that charge off of USB would it be ok to bring a powered USB hub? I use that for charging some stuff and so it might be a good alternative for my phone and watch and maybe tablet if I bring it.