Cruise Lines Make Solos Pay Double. I’ve Found 7 Ways Around It! (Podcast #587)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Cruising solo can be frustratingly expensive, with fares sometimes the same as what two people would pay for the same cabin. But I’ve found that some of the most commonly recommended ways to save money as a solo cruiser are not always the best ones. In this video, I share seven tactics I use to find better-value solo cruise fares and avoid paying more than I need to. I also look at ways to spot deals, where I search for them, and some less obvious approaches that experienced solo cruisers use to bring the cost down. If you cruise solo, or are thinking about trying it, these are the...
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These 4 New Cruise Scams Are Frighteningly Convincing! (Podcast #586)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Cruise scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and some are now targeting experienced cruisers using information that can make the approach seem remarkably genuine. In this video, I look at some of the cruise scams I’m seeing and hearing about most often right now, and I also explain how scammers can sometimes know an alarming amount about your upcoming cruise — including your ship, sailing date, itinerary and travel plans — and the surprisingly simple ways they are getting that information. I also share the warning signs I look for and the steps I take to check whether a message,...
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Celebrity Cruise Mistakes No-One Realises They're Making (Until It’s Too Late!) (Podcast #585)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Celebrity Cruises promises “modern luxury” and says “nothing comes close”, but I see cruisers boarding Celebrity with expectations that can lead to disappointment. Having recently sailed Celebrity again, I’ve identified six mistakes cruisers make when choosing, booking and sailing with Celebrity Cruises — including some that even experienced Celebrity guests can get caught out by. In this video, I look at why understanding exactly what kind of cruise line Celebrity really is matters, how dramatically your onboard experience can change depending on the cabin and ship you choose, and...
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The Truth About a Queen Mary 2 Crossing: What They Don't Tell You (Podcast #584)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
A Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing is unlike almost any other voyage — and many first-time passengers arrive with completely the wrong expectations. After crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2 six times, I reveal the surprises, misunderstandings and easily avoided mistakes that can dramatically affect your experience. From choosing the wrong cabin and underestimating the North Atlantic to unexpected costs, daily life onboard and what really happens when you reach New York, this is what I wish every first-timer knew before boarding. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive...
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Celebrity Cruises Is Changing And Not Everyone Will Like It. Here’s Why (Podcast #583)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Celebrity Cruises has changed — and depending on the kind of cruiser you are, you may think those changes are exciting or feel the Celebrity you once knew is disappearing. In this video, I look at how Celebrity Cruises has evolved from the more traditional premium cruise experience I first knew into something rather different. I explore who Celebrity appears to be trying to attract today, how the newer Edge Class ships have helped reshape the brand, and why cruising on different Celebrity ships can now feel surprisingly different. I also look at the growing differences between the experience...
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I Found Out How Cruise Lines REALLY Pick Cabin Upgrade Winners (podcast #582)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
If you've ever been invited to bid for a cruise cabin upgrade, you probably assumed (like me) that the highest bid wins. But, that's not how it works at all. After losing an upgrade to another passenger who had bid less than I did, I decided to investigate what was really going on behind cruise line upgrade bidding. What I found completely changed how I approach the process. In this video, I reveal what I discovered. Starting with something staring me in the face but had not spotted that that unites every cruise line when it comes to cruise cabin upgrade bidding. This video will help you...
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7 Cruises You Should Avoid. No Matter How Tempting They Look! (Podcast #581)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Some cruises look perfect on paper. The ship, the itinerary, the price, the promise. But after more than 130 cruises, I’ve learned there are some cruises I would never book again — or would only book under very specific conditions. In this video, I reveal the seven types of cruises I now avoid, and why. All but one of these I’ve tried myself and found they simply did not suit the way I like to cruise. The other comes with risks, traps, or compromises that many passengers do not realise until it is too late. But this is not just about saying “never book these.” For each one, I also...
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Cunard Is NOT What Most Cruisers Think It Is. Here's Why (Podcast #580)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Cunard is one of cruising’s most famous names—but much of what people believe about it is outdated, exaggerated, or simply wrong. After 270 nights aboard Cunard ships, I reveal six persistent misconceptions about its luxury credentials, passengers, dress codes, class system and very different ships. I also explore the recent changes that could reshape the Cunard experience—and why some loyal passengers may not like what comes next. 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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I’ve Done Panama Canal 6 Times. Here’s What NO-ONE Is Telling You! (Podcast #578)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
I’ve transited the Panama Canal six times, and I am still completely obsessed with it. In this video, I take you with me on a full Panama Canal transit from the Pacific side across to the Caribbean / Atlantic side, showing what really happens across the day — the thrilling parts, the surprising parts, and the hot, sweaty, wearisome parts that many cruisers do not expect. I explain how the Panama Canal works, what happens inside the Locks, and how the newer 2016 locks changed the way ships transit the canal. Along the way, I show the reality of a full transit: the very early start, the long...
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5 Unexpected Ways Sailing Ship Cruises Are Different To "Regular" Ones! (Podcast #579)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
After 100+ regular ocean cruises, I finally tried a sailing ship cruise — and almost everything I assumed going in turned out to be wrong.I sailed with Windstar on their 342-passenger flagship Wind Surf, an 8-night Venice to Rome itinerary on a five-mast sailing ship. In this video I cover what I discovered including: * How similar (and different) the onboard experience actually is to a regular cruise ship * The truth about sailing with sails * Cabin trade-offs and issues * Itinerary upsides, downsides, and risks * Whether the premium price is worth it * and who this type of cruise is really...
info_outlineGary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
- You either love Dubai or you hate it!
Some say : Surreal, bizarre , draconian, soulless, superficial
Others say : dynamic, bold, modern and adventurous - Mix of conservative and liberal with lots of inconsistencies (e.g. full burka wearing women next to skimply dressed ones and lack of alcohol tolerance but heavy drinking in hotels).
- Seen as a shoppers paradise although I am not sure prices are that amazing despite being duty free nature.
- Mix of nationalities in the population of around 2,5 million with less than 20% of the population being UAE nationals.
- Safe and not lot of petty crime
History
British controlled the area until 1971 when 6 other states formed UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ajman,Fujairah , Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain). Each has lots of autonomy though is a Supreme Council of Rulers that overseas total UAE
Dubai has biggest population and 2nd in size after Abu Dhabi - oil was discovered in Dubai in 1963 turning a quiet pearl diving, fishing and trade port into wealthy oil producer - but unlike neighbours like Abu Dhabi it does not very large reserves and as will run out the ruling family (Constitutional Monarchy ruled by the Al Maktoum family) has invested into creating a major hub for finance, transport, trade and tourism and went on vast ambitious program of infrastructure building. It almost came undone in the 2008 crash but neighbouring Abu Dhabi bailed them out.
Best time to go
Hot pretty much all year round
Best time Sept to May
Getting there
Possibly best airline hub in the world !
Cruise lines increasingly calling here and the port is close to town
Where to stay
Jumeirah Beach areas - where most resort hotels with beaches are
More business hotels are on Sheikh Zayed road
Getting around
- Drivers generally are poor!
- Metro - modern, cheap, air conditioned , easy to work out - smart card tickets - get day pass - ticket machines / signs / on-board voice also in English - some carriages of women and children only at peak times
- Monorail from base of the Palm Atlantis - not connected to the metro.
- Taxis are cheap and efficient to use - though traffic can be bad at all times of day and night.
- Busses best left to locals.
- Cross Dubai Creek on small boats called abras (water taxis).
- Hop-on Hop-off bus operated by Big Bus includes tickets into attractions like Dubai Museum, Al Maktoum's house, Arabian dhow, water bus ride and some walking tours
General tips
- Remember you are coming to an Islamic country.
- Wear respectful clothing (avoid shorts, exposed shoulders and ankles ).
- Topless suntanning not allowed.
- Avoid public signs of affection like hand holding kissing.
- Same sex affection real taboo.
- Illegal to drink or be drunk in public - drink driving will get you in prison.
- Drugs and pornography laws very draconian and strict - even some prescription drugs are illegal.
- Restrictions on some publications and affiliations like Jehovah Witness.
- Take care what photograph - do not photograph women in traditional dress without prior permission.
- English widely spoken.
- Western-style toilets are not everywhere - but are in malls
Tips on must do things to see and do
Visit the new iconic buildings
Burj Khalifa
When opened in 2010 became tallest man made structure - viewing platform on 124th floor. Pre booking is much cheaper but need to do well in advance. Fast Track on the day for immediate entry 400 Dhiramas (about £60 or $100).
Burj Arab Hotel
Most luxurious hotel in world - designed to resemble a sail and has heli-pad above 27th floor. Entry only with a reservation - afternoon tea is classic - strict dress code of smart casual.
The Palm and Atlantis
Man made reclaimed land - visible from space - 4000 villas each with own beach front - 5000 apartments - restaurants -sports facilities - cinemas - Marina docking
Atlantis Hotel - based on original Bahamas hotel billed as a "watery world of wonder" - aquarium with 21 water exhibits including lost Chamber and waterpark
Activities
- Wild Wadi Waterpark - in my view the best in the world!
- Ski Dubai is -4 degrees C with a big ski slope, tabogan run and ski lift - entry includes gear except hats and gloves which can be bought.
- Four-Wheel Drive Sand Dune expeditions - high speed rides which also take you desert camps to do camel rides and dune surfing
Historical
Al Faheidi Fort
Dates from 1800s - oldest surviving building in city - now popular museum opened in 1970 - tells story of development of UAE life and history with models and exhibitions.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house - former ruler who died in 1958 lived here - built around central courtyard in 19century around 30 rooms and traditional wind towers (old fashioned air conditioning system )
Grand Mosque - near the museum
(though the Jumeirah mosque is more impressive building
Shopping
- Explore the famous and traditional Souks - traditional ones all close to each other in Deira area across Dubai Creek (get there by traditional boat, metro or taxi ). Gold (priced by weight with small charge for work done to craft into an item) and Spice are the most impressive. Haggling expected!
- Malls - lots of them - huge air conditioned and up market. Three of note in my view:
- Dubai Mall - sometimes referred to as biggest in the world - ice rink and also massive aquarium - go through to get to Burj Khalifa - free wifi - fountain show at night (like Bellagio Las Vegas).
- Mall of the Emirates - more dated - Dubai Ski based here.
- Emirates Towers Boulevard - luxury boutiques and reputation for being the most expensive and prestigious.
Other things to do
- Helicopter or seaplane trips.
- Arabian Dhow evening cocktail cruises on Dubai creek
- Catamaran tours along beaches and around The Palm
- Explore the Dubai Marina area