I Revisited Silversea To See If The Latest Reviews Were True (Podcast #473)
Essential Cruise Tips
Is Silversea still ultra-luxury? After reading shocking new reviews calling it “shabby” and “not worth the premium,” I boarded Silver Nova to find out the truth. When I started reading recent reviews of Silversea Cruises, I was shocked. Loyal guests now call it “shabby,” “cut back,” “no longer luxury,” and “not worth the premium.” Having cruised six times with Silversea and always rated it highly, I had to see if things really had changed. So, I booked myself (and paid full fare) onto Silver Nova, their newest class of ship, to find out what’s really happening...
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All Cruisers Over 55 SHOULD Do This (Younger Ones Don’t Need To!) (Podcast #472)
Essential Cruise Tips
Cruising over the age of 55 brings unexpected challenges that younger cruisers don’t even - or need - to think about. I know — because I’ve learned the hard way after more than 100 cruises since turning 55. In this video, I reveal the real watch outs, traps, and opportunities for older travellers that most cruise advice never covers. From choosing the right itinerary, line, ship, and cabin, to avoiding mobility issues, scams, and bad weather seasons — these are the essential insights every over-55 cruiser should know before booking. I’ll also share how to find senior discounts, pick...
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Too Many Repositioning Cruisers Make These 6 Mistakes (Podcast #471)
Essential Cruise Tips
Repositioning cruises can offer unbeatable value — but they also come with big risks and hidden catches that could ruin your dream cruise. I share everything you need to know: what a repositioning cruise is, why they’re so cheap, who they’re ideal for, how to find them, and the common mistakes to avoid. I’ve done many of these unique one-way cruises, and I’ll reveal the insider tips and watchouts to help you decide if they’re right for you. Don’t book one until you hear this! Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams...
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Smart Cruisers ALWAYS Get Off The Ship in THESE Ports. Here's Why (Podcast #470)
Essential Cruise Tips
Are you missing out on what could be the best — and possibly last — experiences of your cruising life by staying on the ship on port days? In an earlier video, I revealed why more and more smart cruisers are choosing to stay onboard when docked. That sparked huge debate — so now I’ve gone back to question if I was wrong. Could skipping ports lead to one of your biggest cruising regrets? In this I explore the surprising reasons why you might want to rethink staying onboard, and why that “I’ll visit next time” mindset could mean missing out forever. Watch before your next cruise...
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The 4 Most Popular Cruise Lines: Who’s Best & Who to Avoid? (Podcast #469)
Essential Cruise Tips
Imagine booking your dream cruise on one of the world’s biggest lines—only to realise within hours of boarding it’s not for you. In this video, I break down the FOUR most popular cruise lines based on passengers carried—Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Carnival—so you can choose wisely and avoid an expensive mistake. I compare: What these “resort style” mega-ships all have in common What each does BEST and where each FALLS SHORT Fleet sizes, global itineraries and private islands Key fare differences and hidden costs Cabins: from budget inside rooms to...
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Dining Dos & Don'ts That SMART Cruisers Swear By (Podcast #468)
Essential Cruise Tips
Cruise ships offer many dining options, but I see many cruisers making common cruise dining mistakes that prevent them from having the best experience. I'm going to share my cruise tips and cruise dining tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy the cruise food to its fullest. These cruise tips for travellers will help you navigate cruise ship dining even if it's your first cruise or one of many. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: Offers: Get 10% any order of The...
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I've Cruised Europe’s Rivers 12 Times. Here’s What Nobody Warns You About (Podcast #467)
Essential Cruise Tips
I've cruised on European rivers 12 times and I am just back from a Rhine River cruise on Avalon Waterways. Once again, I met so many people who spoke about surprising and frustrating things they'd only encountered and realised once they were on the cruise because none of the lines, reviews, or commentators seem willing to talk about them frankly, or underplay them. Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and here’s what you need to know about European river cruising to avoid any disappointments, and make sure a river cruise is right for you. ** OFFER ** GET 10% OFF YOUR PERSONALISED "THE CRUISE...
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How To Cruise Like A VIP Without A "First Class" Price Tag (Podcast #466)
Essential Cruise Tips
Want to cruise like a VIP without paying “First Class” suite prices? In this podcast, I reveal 6 insider tricks that will let you enjoy luxury perks - all without breaking your budget. These are the same strategies I use to get a champagne cruise lifestyle on a beer budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, these tips will help you transform your future cruises into something much more special — without paying suite prices. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers...
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I Put The Highest Rated European River Cruise Line To The Test (podcast #465)
Essential Cruise Tips
After a five-year break, I returned to river cruising in Europe to see how the experience compared to my past trips. I chose the European River Cruise line with the highest ratings by recent passengers and boarded with high expectations. This video shares my thoughts on what they did both well and less well, and if I felt they deserve the ratings they are getting Links mentioned in the podcast: Avalon Food and Bar menus + Daily Programs: Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: ...
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6 Things River Cruises Do Better Than Ocean. And 3 They Don't! (podcast #464)
Essential Cruise Tips
Their fans paint river cruising as an idyllic, perfectly paced and immersive way to travel, but few talk about what you lose by choosing one. Having done 12 European river cruises and over 100 ocean ones, I've found the differences are bigger than most people think or expect. Some things river cruises absolutely do way better than ocean ships. But some things? They don’t. here's what river cruises and ocean cruises each do better than the other, and why. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers...
info_outlineGary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio
Important documents
Before you head off on a cruise, especially when you are travelling outside of your home country, scan in copies of all key travel documents. Take paper copies along with you - packed in a different bag to the one carrying the originals.
eMail a set to you and a trusted friend or family member or load them onto one of the online cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. After you have created the folder, simply send the link to your nominated emergency helper.
The documents should include copies of your passport, visas, prescriptions and bookings. If your original documents are lost, stolen or damaged you will have access to the copies to help facilitating and getting yourself out of the situation. By having a friend at home who can access the documents they can step in to assist if you are incapacitated or unable to get Internet access.
The advantage of using Dropbox or Google Drive is you can use that to keep key documents for as long as they are valid and do not have to remember do it for each trip. It is a bit of hassle to set up but may prove invaluable.