Essential Cruise Tips
There are five things I took for granted last year as a cruiser that have unexpectedly disappeared this year, the first massive one I experienced first-hand on a recent cruise. I was on the first leg of Silversea Silver Spirit’s 62-night Grand Voyage from Cape Town to Athens via the Seychelles, Dubai, and the Suez Canal. Find out what that was and the 4 others Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline I Put Cunard's Controversial Class-Based Cruising To The Test (Podcast #398)Essential Cruise Tips
Cunard has the reputation of being the most class-based cruise line sailing today, keeping alive the tradition of grand old ocean liners from the Titanic era had of giving First-Class passengers, or what Cunard now call “The Grills”, a more rounded and top-notch experience vastly superior to that of all other guests.But is that the reality. I reveal what it is really like and why Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline So Many Repositioning Cruisers Get These 5 Things Wrong (Podcast #399)Essential Cruise Tips
Cruise lines charge less per day for repositioning cruises than ANY of their other cruises, making them some of the most inexpensive and appealing to many cruisers. But I’ve met so many people on them discovering too late that being inexpensive alone is not a good reason for doing them, as they’d been caught out or fallen into some traps. The same ones I see repeatedly. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline I Test Norwegian's Latest Ships To See Why Cruisers So Unhappy (Podcast #397)Essential Cruise Tips
I met so many regular Norwegian cruisers on my Norwegian Viva cruise that disliked this new Prima class of Norwegian Cruise Line ships that I started wondering if Norwegian had actually gone out of their way to create a new type of ship they knew current cruisers wouldn’t like! Perhaps to attract different cruisers, perhaps cruisers like me. I’m not a regular Norwegian cruiser, largely because I’ve not been a fan of the Norwegian ships I’ve been on, but this ship did some things so differently it made me rethink my position, as you will hear. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and...
info_outline I Put The Newest First Class "Ship-Within-A-Ship" To The Test (Podcast #396)Essential Cruise Tips
Just before my much anticipated and costly $1,800 a night cruise in Norwegian Viva’s all-suite Haven, “Cruise with Ben and David”, one of the leading YouTube cruise channels, released a critical review raising many issues and complaints about it. So many that friends of mine suggested I cancel, as they knew that it was THE most expensive Mediterranean cruise I had ever booked. As it was so costly, I was really torn but in the end I decided to risk it hoping that as they'd been on the maiden voyage, things might have improved. This is what I discovered. Become a Tips For Travellers...
info_outline 4 Things You Should NEVER Buy From Your Cruise Line! (Podcast #395)Essential Cruise Tips
While Cruise lines make it easy and convenient to book and buy most things for a cruise directly with them, have you stopped to ask if it’s in your best interest? I have! Cruise lines are banking on us not shopping around and discovering that some non-cruise line alternatives not only cost less, but are better, safer, and more comprehensive. Including as you will hear, one that I think will totally surprise you. Join me, Gary Bembridge, as I help you get cruising right by knowing the 4 things you should stop buying through the cruise lines and why. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and...
info_outline Offbeat Cruise Tips ALL Seasoned Cruisers Swear By! (Podcast #394)Essential Cruise Tips
I reveal 5 tips, tricks and hacks that experienced and smart cruise passengers that I have met on recent cruises agree are ones that savvy cruisers all use and know about – but not everyone does to knows about! Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline Smart Cruisers NEVER Go It Alone In These Ports. Here's Why (Podcast #393)Essential Cruise Tips
I look at the four times I recommend cruise passengers take a cruise line excursion rather than any other alternative for exploring a cruise port like self-touring or independent tour guide or company Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline 5 Cruise Excursion Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Cruise (Podcast #391)Essential Cruise Tips
I look at 5 biggest mistakes that cruise passengers make with cruise excursions, often ruining not only their time in port but putting a huge dampener on their total cruise. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outline Changes EVERYONE Cruising in 2024 Needs To Know About (Podcast #392)Essential Cruise Tips
After listening to what cruise lines are telling investors they're doing this year, I'm convinced that in 2024 we are going to be facing five new and unwelcome challenges. But I also have some suggestions on how to work around these and get ahead of them, including one solution that you may not even realise is possible. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outlineIn another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is:
What is there to do at night?
You are usually going to be in port and off the ship during the day and sailing at night. As the ship departs for its next destination it comes alive, offering a myriad of things to keep you busy and occupied - throughout the night if you desire. Some new to cruise guests worry that they will feel trapped and bored at sea at night, but this is unlikely with the many options available.
Some of the things to do at night include:
- Dining. Food is an important part of the cruise experience and the evening meal is when the cruise line lay on the multiple-course gourmet meals that are included in the fare in their main in dining rooms. They are leisurely affairs served by attentive waiters and a chance to share your day’s experiences with your table companions.
- Production shows. Every night there will be at least one headline show or production show to attend. While many lines have their own theater companies that stage themed song and dance shows, others offer well-known Broadway and Las Vegas shows.
- Live music and karaoke. There will be bands, pianists or string quartets playing in many of the bars and lounges around the ship. There is also likely to be karaoke in one of the bars or a piano bar where you can watch or take part in showing off your singing skills.
- Theme night parties, dances and night club. If you enjoy dancing there will be many opportunities through your cruise, including theme night parties, more formal ballroom dancing in one of the lounges and a night club that will keep going until the last guest leaves.
- Watching movies. You will be able to watch movies on the television in your cabin, and if in a premium suite borrow DVDs to play on the in-room player. Most lines also run recent release films either on an open-air screen on warm itineraries or in a dedicated cinema or the theater.
- Activities and games. Depending on the ship you are cruising on there may also be facilities including bowling lanes, ice rinks, crazy golf courses and other sports facilities to use.
- Gambling. Once the ship is in international waters the casino can open and you can play the slot machines or tables.
Plenty to keep you busy and occupied at night. Of course you also need to find time to sleep!
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