Hey y'all -- the channel is almost to 80K subscribers. Would love to say this is the video that pushed it over that mark. If you like it, hitting subscribe would be awesome. Enjoy the video!

There is one tip for entree’s in the main dining room. When you have three choices for an entree, You can ask for one or two half size entree’s as appetizers. Then you can enjoy all of them at your meal.

@ShalandaDerbyshire

6 күн бұрын

*esluxs* The canvas tote actually reminds me of the Hermes Garden Party too. Thanks for making this video to suggest more budget friendly alternatives. love it!

The light from the balcony is good for anyone who suffers from depression, even if you dont use it at all.

Short or long cruise I cannot cruise without a balcony. I need to be able to just step outside in my personal space as often as I want. I like to get up in the middle of the night and go outside and listen to the sea.

@deeslifestyleloves

Ай бұрын

This!

@simonegruenig8361

5 күн бұрын

Same

@Aaron-nj4ou

5 сағат бұрын

I am too cheap for the balcony but the absolute darkness of the inside room is odd. When we go on the Alaskan cruise I will spring for the balcony.

Drink package for me is just about the convenience of not having to keep track of drink expenses not about getting the money back I paid for it .

@GlobalAdventurer

Ай бұрын

I feel the same, especially when you price the cruise with or without the drink package and then add it back in. I usually get a better deal by having it included, but not always. I don't drink that much but I like to drink carbonated water throughout the day and that's included.

@kuriusly23

27 күн бұрын

We have always found value with the drink package because we are coffee snobs and like all the other non alcoholic options.

@kuriusly23

27 күн бұрын

I would also add the convenience of not having to sign each and every time. That was a game changer!

@maryherje7120

8 күн бұрын

Agree. It is vacation so I don’t want to nickel & dime myself.😹

I'm an inside cabin cruiser. Can't justify paying 35%-50% more on a Balcony. I can use that money saved on other things on the cruise or excursions or even to go against another cruise. Drink Package for us is way overrated. We spend about $125 on alcoholic beverages on a 7 day cruise and we bring our own 12 pack sodas as we cruise Carnival and well it fits us just fine. Always enjoy your videos btw.

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

I think we cruise the exact same. A few drinks here and there, but never to a point where I'd come out ahead on a drink package even for a single day. And I love having a balcony, but realized I use it maybe 15 minutes a day just to step out and see what's going on. Much rather save the money.

@lokicooper4690

21 күн бұрын

We wanted a balcony for our Alaska cruise, but it was $1000 more for it. Needless to say, we don’t have a balcony room. The pricing is ridiculous! I would love a balcony fir that trip, but I’d rather save that money for other things on the trip (like 3 extra days in Vancouver & Victoria, BC).

@ShalandaDerbyshire

6 күн бұрын

Thank you for your recommendations.y love your taste and style always so chic. My faves would be the *esluxs* leather backpack and the Swarovski pave diamond ring so gorg. Thank you for your recommendations.

Great 411! Wife and I are cruising in 27 days. I love your work.

@ShalandaDerbyshire

6 күн бұрын

And YES, The *esluxs* Tote! I have in Candy Pink and I've been rocking my "Barbie" bag all summer. Yay!

lets not forget the non-alcohol drinks you get which I consider, like specialty coffee and bottled water or soda as a cost. I like having no bill at the end of the trip.

@KTrentLR

Ай бұрын

Yeah most of this guy's tips are bogus.

@megastormy497

Ай бұрын

The ships got coffee free.

@kayshabella2440

Ай бұрын

@@megastormy497trashy coffee…. it’s not Starbucks

@megastormy497

22 күн бұрын

@@kayshabella2440 the small ship I was on had Lavazza coffee dark roast I believe it was pretty good. I think Starbucks is paying for the label/name of it, always tastes watered down when I get it

@lokicooper4690

21 күн бұрын

As some who doesn’t drink alcohol, but my cabin mate has the package, obv. I had to get it. That’s how I’ll be spending it (mock cocktails, pop, other specialty drinks at the coffee shop as I also don’t drink tea or coffee). 🤷‍♀️ What can ya do?

A balcony is a “must have” for me no matter how long my cruise is. I had one on my very first 4 day Disney cruise and I can’t do without it.

@ShalandaDerbyshire

6 күн бұрын

Amei todas as bolsas lindas e de muito bom gosto.Parabens *esluxs*

The drink package was honestly the best part of the cruise. The freedom to drink nearly whatever and dislike it was something great. Morning mimosas will be missed.

@brantthompson199

Ай бұрын

This is a great point regarding drink packages. It’s a chunk up front but def gives you the freedom to try different drinks and incur a bunch of individual charges and feel obligated to a drink you ordered that you didn’t care for.

@Gregory-Masovutch

Ай бұрын

If one wants to throw money away on drinks and hangovers.

@ashleynicholegibbs

Ай бұрын

@cockerspaniel4706 If you're too weak to handle some drinks, then that's on you. Hangovers are for chumps.

@Gregory-Masovutch

Ай бұрын

@@ashleynicholegibbs $59.95 per person per day. So for a couple on an 18 day cruise, $2,158. Lol waste.

@AshRektum

Ай бұрын

never considered a drink package for a cruise longer than 8 days lol. tbh thats too long of a cruise but to each their own. i imagine they would have a deal for you ​@Gregory-Masovutch

Very informative and useful as usual! I wrote the same comment already some months ago: I really love the way you're able to stand out doing cruise videos that are different from those from the other "big names" (Emma, Don, Tony, J, ... ). Way to go!

@catherineyagecic416

Ай бұрын

I really love your videos, fresh information that you're not going to see elsewhere

Def not hard on a week long cruise for the drink package, you are forgetting it includes EVERYTHING. Specialty coffees, water bottles, energy drinks, smoothies, soda. Not to mention you have the ability to try something and if you dont like it, get something else for free.

@mitchellmarcellacrank2170

Ай бұрын

Not all cruise lines have every type of drink included.

@julieb7882

Ай бұрын

If you're a bit of a klutz,like me, you don't even feel bad about spilling one. Other than for the crew needing to clean up your mess.

@loading...............

Ай бұрын

Our drink package also gave us the basic WiFi package and our drink package is usable on coco cay! Well worth it to us!

@AngelProjekt

19 күн бұрын

The drink package that includes cocktails on our ship is $60/person/day. Can we plausibly buy 3 $15 cocktails + 3 $3 sodas + 2 $5 coffees per person in a day - absolutely. But if we are trying to save any money on our trip, there is no way we would spend $840/cabin/week on beverages! We can get a lot of mileage from the “free” beverages. The point of the video isn’t to say that it’s a scam, just that you may not get your money’s worth.

@calebnation6155

17 күн бұрын

You still have to drink like 7+ specialty drinks a day to make it worth it at carnival prices. I've looked into it but I think, at least for me, paying for bottomless bubbles and purchasing specialty drinks a la carte is the better option.

On the drink package it should be pointed out that includes bottled water, soda, specialty coffees and shakes, etc and that should figure in to the analysis if it’s worth it or not.

@julieb7882

Ай бұрын

I just did the math for our 12 night cruise. We could have saved about $200 per person to drop to Royals refreshment package. However, even limiting ourselves to 2 alcoholic drinks we would be spending more than for the deluxe package. There are technically only 2 port days since private island is only other stop.

@otterpropertysolutions2835

Ай бұрын

What is included in the package varies by cruise line and some have different levels that include different things like premium beverages, bottled water, what wine is included, espresso…

@lodrigue420

Ай бұрын

This is true for carnival cruise lines that i know. As being someone who goes on a cruise regularly, having the drink package is worth the money when taking everything into account. It's not just for alcohol and yes take this into consideration

@tanyajones123

Ай бұрын

Worth it !!!

You should also count in the non-alcoholic drinks, and not just to calculations based on beer and cocktails. It's kind of stupid that almost all vloggers that talk about drink packages only take the alcohol in concideration.

@brittanyrussell727

Ай бұрын

Exactly! It usually includes fancy coffee drinks too which - for people like me- it really adds up!

@davidbrooks8809

Ай бұрын

Me and my wife is not an alcoholic Drinker what should we do!!??😢

@MikaTyni

Ай бұрын

@davidbrooks8809 most of the cruiselines also have drink packages that don't include alcoholic drinks. They are also a lot cheaper. Also you don't have to take any kind of package, just drink the complimentary stuff

@blair7484

28 күн бұрын

@@MikaTyniwhat can you typically get complimentary in terms of drinks? I was surprised to see that bottled water isn’t included. I usually carry my water bottle with me to refill. Are there juices, etc?

@Scarface1337_

26 күн бұрын

yes water, juice, coffee, tea ​@@blair7484

I will always choose a balcony cabin. I think Covid proved how important it can be if you get confined to your cabin. If I feel bad or get sick, I want to get some fresh air.

Don’t use the spa. They charge 3 times more than a massage at home before and after my cruise. Plus they high pressure you to buy things you don’t want. That ruined my massage having to say NO four times. I’m boycotting. I hate high pressure treatment.

We have never spent more than $150/week for drinks for the two of us on a cruise. Most of what we drink is free (coffee, teas, hot chocolate, mocha, milk, juice, flavored drinks, water and the occasional prosecco at events) on top of our 2 bottles of wine and dozen sodas. On a 2022 transpacific cruise the drink package would have cost us CAD $3600 (both need to get it plus mandatory "gratuities"). I realized that we were getting pretty close to enough cruise days for status. For CAD$2800 we booked a 9 night southern Caribbean cruise ($3100 including gratuities) which pushed us into diamond with 4 drinks each per day plus unlimited espresso (which we couldn't keep up with) for our transpacific. Saved $500 and got an extra cruise.

I would definitely take your lifestyle & personality into account when choosing whether or not to get the balcony, regardless of trip length. As an introvert and outdoorsy person, it is an absolute necessity for me to have a private outdoor getaway spot on a longer trip! (I also enjoy being able to pop outside and check the weather & watch the docking process from my room on port days.) If you are more outgoing & prefer to hang out by the pool, in the bars, casinos or such, it's probably not going to be as important for you to have a balcony.

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE having a balcony. I'd sail with one every time. But I also realized that I use it literally minutes a day. Longer trips I find myself out there more. Shorter trips? It's typically just pop in and out occasionally.

I just don't like the way *everything* is extra cost.

@StillPooh62

Ай бұрын

That’s the biggest reason I prefer land based all-inclusives.

@DEPUTYGETSOME

Ай бұрын

This confuses me. You eat breakfast in the mdr or buffet, lunch at whatever quick serve options the line has or the buffet, dinner in the main dining room, carnival has options for free specialty dining. You don’t pay for the shows. Don’t pay for a towel. What exactly isn’t included that you expect to be?

@R32R38

Ай бұрын

@@DEPUTYGETSOME Drink packages (even nonalcoholic ones), Wifi, shore excursions, specialty dining,

@DEPUTYGETSOME

Ай бұрын

@@R32R38 Wi-Fi and a non alcoholic drink package aren’t used by everyone? Why would they up prices to include things people don’t use? And I would never expect shore excursions to be included. When you book a hotel you don’t get included catamaran trips or river tubing. You said everything costs extra, when it clearly doesn’t and you can 100% have a great vacation without buying packages. Or go on virgin, no up charging 🤷🏻‍♂️

@Robin_S78

Ай бұрын

Then pay more and go on a luxury line. You can’t expect from a budget line to pay for your tours 😂😂

Fantastic tips!!! I'm actually going to try an interior on a 14 day transatlantic through RCI. I love the complete darkness at night in interior rooms and find I can always catch beautiful quiet views from a handful of places on any ship. I hope it's not a huge mistake! I completely agree about the drink packages. The only time I find a package worth it is those virtual coffee punch cards when I'm taking my daughters along with us on RCI. Thanks again, you've saved me a ton of money with your tips!!!

Thanks for the dinner any time. I dont like assigned times definitely gonna use this tip.

Good video. Learn a few things thx so much

Just pay as you go on drinks.

@anitariley7077

Ай бұрын

Best advice is know yourself and roommates. Some people it is better to pay as you go and some will spend more this way. Drink packages isn't just alcohol drinks.

Great info on the back of the ship pollution. Didn't know this.

Great video! A few i already do and a few I will start to do! They was all amazing tips. I got my carnival FIRENZY this summer. Can’t wait. They adding lots of new ones to the lbc port. And I live by it so it’s nice.. I been on the radiance a few times and panorama last summer. Can’t wait to see this Italian style fun. I been watching vids on the east coast version the Venezia lol

Thank you, very helpful.

P&O do pay attention to boarding times from Southampton. Plus you have no say in selecting your preferred boarding time. If you turn up early they make you wait outside the terminal. Only once they've finished processing those with earlier arrival times will they start letting those in the queue enter the terminal prior to their boarding time, but still in order of the passenger's boarding times. If you've 200 nights history of cruising with them you can rock up whenever you want.

@cafsixtieslover

Ай бұрын

We always turn up early at Southampton usually at midday even if our boarding time is 2.00 pm My husband is a wheelchair user and it takes ages to get out of the car, get it collected and then get the luggage loaded and him into the terminal. They have never sent us away yet and we get taken straight through.

@barnum4244

Ай бұрын

@@cafsixtieslover We encountered the outdoor queue on our Christmas sailing. I think it's comparatively new. Any who could not stand or handle the cold were sent to the arrivals hall which was under cover and had seats, but you'd not know if your boarding time was being called early. You also go there if you need the loo. Passengers with sufficiently high Peninsular Club points had "Priority Boarding" on their boarding cards and could jump the queue. Same for suite guests.

These are great tips! Especially the boarding call times and dining times. I was always afraid they were super strict about that stuff! Glad to know there is flexibility if we need it 👍

@dchenkin02

Ай бұрын

Fixed dining is only for those who really want the same table and waiter each evening. The disadvantage of not choosing fixed dining or NCL without any fixed dining option is you sometimes will be waiting over half an hour for a table.

@francesfox3913

Ай бұрын

Since we usually have several people, fixed dining suits us. Like the efficiency,and getting to know dining staff and they know our preferences. If we had to decide where and when to eat every day, we could starve before we all agree! Also love sailing past all those waiting in the "anytime" dining line!

I RECOMMEND getting the cheers package. Its a wonderful feeling not having to budget yourself! it's nice to just walk up to any bar (even at dinner) to have someone to MIX YOUR DRINK! LOL... ALSO please remember ! CHEERS PACKAGE includes other non- alcohol drinks!!! only problem I have purchasing the cheers package when you are traveling with others -why does everyone in your cabin that is 21 and over need to purchase the package - I DISAGEE with these policy -for example what if someone is pregnant, in recovery, or just doesn't drink! - it would be great if they could purchase the bubbly package in these cases... stamp on their VIFP card if they are CHEERs or BUBBLES Packages. Just a thought...

I definitely bring my own everything.

We like early dining at 5:30 then hit the Windjammer around 8 pm. I like the balcony because my husband snores. If it is just me and our daughter, we get an inside or porthole cabin. There have been a few times when we book a last minute cruise (3 weeks before it sets sale) and we get a late embarkation time. We fly in a day early and most hotels have a noon checkout time. We may be able to find some where to spend an hour but then we head to the port. We never ask to board early. They see us sitting there and they always ask us our boarding time. We tell them 2:30 and they say just to go ahead and board. This is when we go out of Miami.

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

Yes, the only time I've had to wait was being about 10 minutes early when it was also early in boarding. There were still a lot of people around. Usually no one even asks.

This is great! I'll be in Amber Cove next month on my cruise and we don't have an excursion booked - we're just going to enjoy the beach if the weather is awesome. :) This makes me feel better about that decision!

@rfamilyentertainment6236

Ай бұрын

Amber cove is beautiful but it’s not a private island owned by a cruise company so anything you do will cost money even to go to the beach because it’s not at the port! Lots to offer in DR though, enjoy!

Chris, of the lines you have been on, which one do you think has the best daily buffet? thanks

Nowadays you can't find a good deal unless it's last minute and those are starting to go away too Black Friday Cyber Monday this year was not as great as the year before

GREAT INFORMATION THANKS FOR SHARING.

I quit the spa for good. Big heavy sale pressure. They had my sea pass and I couldn’t leave without it. Massage at home before and after the cruise.

@angelofamillionyears4599

20 күн бұрын

Please explain. This makes no sense.

Anytime dining is mandatory for us. Definitely planning on ordering the extra entree. As a rule I try the “rare finds” so I can experience new things. Would be nice to have a backup in case I were unable to eat it lol.

Thing with the sales is they can be complete BS. We recently got tickets for a cruise to Iceland and Greenland. On sale. Week or so later they had a 50% off sale. We checked that out in case it was better than what we purchased, nope. They cranked the base price so that even with 50% off, our cruise was still cheaper. We regularly check to see if there are deals or specials we can get. Definitely a good idea to get something at a good price, then change it later if a better deal comes along.

I am pretty sure the premium Royal Caribbean drink package also includes sodas and coffee’s made with espresso so it’s not just alcohol-especially if you like cappuccino’s or latte’s!

Boarding times are not really followed because the check in process has gotten much faster and therefore it just does not matter anymore

totally worth it for a short 3 or 4 day cruise if you enjoy top shelf liquor and expensive mixers like energy drinks.

Saw my cruise go up for sale this week so I went through all the steps to buy a similar cabin and the price was the same for a guaranteed cabin. When we booked, a guaranteed upgrade was part of the deal so I expect that to happen soon and more likely than not, whoever books a guaranteed cabin will wind up in my original choice. It's always good to watch the sales just to be sure but, you're likely to lose some of your benefits by rebooking just to save a very small amount of money

I can say that Royal Caribbean seems to at least give the appearance of enforcement of their check-in time ranges. We are always asked to show our Set Sail Pass outside the terminal, and then we're directed to the line for our assigned time. Now we've never arrived terribly far outside our assigned time, but I suspect we'd get at least some pushback if we did. I'm not saying that they'd deny us boarding, but I wouldn't be surprised if we were required to wait. Also, we do try to arrive close to our assigned time as we don't like getting stuck in huge lines ourselves.

Man I live on the balcony. I could sit there for hours.

I think each person is different. When we first started sailing , I thought , an inside cabin is perfect for me, because I hate the sun coming in when I have a migraine. But last time we got a free upgrade to a balcony and it was wonderful and I won’t cruise without it. I spent most of my time there. I like having an early set time for dinner. Everything is customized to you.

Neither of us drink so a drinks package is a waste of time for us. We drink what is provided for free, tea coffee and water, glass of bubbly on formal night and maybe the very odd drink at the bar. We would never make a drinks package pay.

Sensible advice!

Have you a vid on how to finance , 'lay away,' something to hold a Cruise? Newbie.

Carnival Venezia, restaurant employees are very generous. They do not charge an extra fee for food.

Please do not tell people to show up outside of their scheduled time. They schedule them for a reason and it causes back ups for people who are actually following the process. Absolutely do not follow this tip and show up when you’re supposed to. If you want an early boarding time, pay for priority boarding or stay up until midnight and make sure you get it. Don’t make other peoples day harder because you aren’t responsible.

@valerief911

Ай бұрын

Exactly!

When the drink package is bundled in with other things, the value is far greater. For example, Princess Plus ($60/day) and Princess Premier ($80/day) also include gratuities, WiFi, some extra-cost dining, and a few other perks. I have calculated that it only takes a couple of alcoholic beverages or one alcoholic beverage plus a couple of specialty coffees/sodas/juices each day to break even. I believe HAL has a similar package.

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

That Princess offer is a great one. I booked it last year even though I don't drink much. It was still a good deal.

They definitely check your boarding time on Disney cruises. Don’t try it 😂

@maeisab

Ай бұрын

They sure do

Are last minute cruise deals worth the wait? Thanks

I didn’t see a shop on carnival celebrations.

I wish my wife was ok with interior rooms. I do have to admit though that she spends 3 or 4 hours each day on the balcony. She starts her day by spending at least 2 hours on the balcony and then we usually end the day with another hour on the balcony.

@maeisab

Ай бұрын

I spend a lot of time on the balcony as well. I usually end up napping. But I don’t need one. My husband rarely sits on the balcony with me

Mile marker 0. Been to Key West several times but never been there on a cruise ship.

We got a good deal on our Royal Caribbean cruise. We got $50 a day for the Alcohol drink package AND internet. Also remember that specialty coffees, juice and soda are part of that also. Not all your drinks need to be alcoholic. I know my package was worth it, especially when you add the no worries about price once you're on board. I admit I am a bit of a lush, especially when it comes to my Guinness, but being able to add a shot of Baileys to my morning iced coffee is gold.

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

What? When? How? That's a killer deal.

@julieb7882

Ай бұрын

We got ours for a 12 night transatlanticin October on Adventure on Black Friday for $48 or $56 once gratuities were added.

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

Oh that Black Friday sail is legit. I got a jet ski drive and Thrill waterpark for about $100 for both combined.

@zombielovesquad8751

Ай бұрын

My friend got it for us on a 16 day sailing during the Black Friday sale. Still cost $800 but the math works out.

@lisachauvin

Ай бұрын

How did you do that? How long was your cruise?

I was on 20dy didn't get drink pkg, found 2/1 every night in 2 bars, carried 2drink to dining. Or was served 2nd later in eve. Purchase others as i wanted. O/v is fine for most cruises, inside i did 1x. Tv bow camera would give day sight

What do you think of the Royal Caribbean VIP The Key Pass. I just purchased it and it does include internet

@julieb7882

Ай бұрын

We've had the Key and enjoyed most of the benefits. We only buy it if not much more per day than the internet alone.

@nonnauu3977

27 күн бұрын

Waste of money.

Drink package is worth it but you gotta pace yourself. Here my schedule port days wake 6 am 4-5 mixed drinks before getting off the boat. Then hammer them when I get back on board. Remember you got 10 to drink before bedtime. At sea drink in hand from the time you wake up until you go to bed. Live like a true alcoholic for a week and see how the other half lives.

@staciepercell8454

Ай бұрын

😂my goal: you can't be an all day drinker if you don't start first thing in the morning 🌄

@Scarface1337_

26 күн бұрын

4-5 mix drinks and you're almost break even 😂

I get the smoothie and coffee package upgrade. I probably won’t have seven alcoholic beverages on a seven day cruise.

I plan on buying the bottomless drink package for my 11yr old daughter will they make me buy it too because I want to buy the cheers drink package for myself 😅 first cruise Jan 2025 😊

When drinks are included with other costs - such as gratuities and Wi-Fi - then the cost of the package can make more sense.

Can we get a drink card for unlimited specialty teas and coffees for non drinkers? thanks

What is cococay?

On drink package, if traveling with a non drinker you can buy a solo package, you just need to call them and explain travel mate doesn't drink.

@ab2396

Ай бұрын

On which cruise line did u do this on ? Please? I have my senior mom and adult kids 21 and they don’t drink but we are all in same cabin 😮? Thanks

@robertware5076

Ай бұрын

@@ab2396 royal carribean honored the request jan 2024.

Don't like drink packages. Not a big drinker. Maybe two drinks a day. Sometimes even a third, but, not often. Prefer the aft section of the ship. Cruise lines would like me. Big eater. Not a RCCL fan. Do like Celebrity though, or at least, used to. Bring a small pharmacy with me too. Like older ships myself. This is true. Not that much time is actually spent on the balcony. Not a fan of private islands. Some are okay. Crime is a big problem in Nassau. Yes, did learn a few things. Already subscribed and hit the like button.

@tanyakrumsky6887

Ай бұрын

Do you mind sharing why you prefer Celebrity over RCC?

@harlanabraham7772

Ай бұрын

@@tanyakrumsky6887 Celebrity Cruise Line has better food than does RCCL. Celebrity Cruise Line has better service than does RCCL. When my wife wanted to go to the Johnny Rockets restaurant the wait staff wanted my room key. They held onto it for more than 30 minutes. When I asked for it back the waitress had a fit. I thought she would quit when I asked for steak sauce. They brought my wife's food and not mine, then they brought mine when my wife was finished with hers. The only time I saw someone so drunk they couldn't sit in their seat in the MDR was on a RCCL ship.

@davidbrooks8809

Ай бұрын

I don't drink.. should I get the drink package or not.. all I drink is soda..iced tea and O.J...and regular water..😮

@harlanabraham7772

Ай бұрын

@@davidbrooks8809 You could always ask the cruise line what is included in the drink package. On Princess Cruises I like the specialty coffees.

@reedaharris1341

Ай бұрын

​@@davidbrooks8809 No

We do not purchase a drink package: promotes over consumption mentality which is not healthy IMO! Getting your monies worth vs healthy enjoyment is a no brainer for us! I purchase bevies as I like and find my bill is not outrageous. I agree on the boarding time indifference….we’ve not had a problem on-boarding at all. I like the portion sizes in the dining room…you can always find food! Thanks Tanner! 😊

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

You're welcome! And yes, there's always something to eat somewhere.

It made no sense to arrive when boarding opens before they started scheduling times. I always targeted after 1:00

All ships' drink packages are not priced the same. Ours was on the cheaper end. Four cocktails per day makes it worth it.

Virgin Voyages make you wait for your boarding time!

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

When I sailed, there was nobody entering the terminal. There was a short line at check-in, but nobody checked boarding times.

I have saved money with the drink package every single cruise I have been on. That being said, if it were longer than a 7 day cruise I could see it. But I always go on 5, 6, or 7 nights and have always saved money.

@davidbrooks8809

Ай бұрын

So you do you recommend that I get the drink package even though me and my fiance don't drink we going on a 5 day cruise??

@francesfox3913

Ай бұрын

If you don't drink alcohol, 😢what else is included in the package? Most offer a non alcohol package at a reduced price. Other things to consider-how many port days, some private island stops don't honor the drink packages. Price of package may increase your insurance charge if added to your cruise fare.

It typically is easy to spot when near exhaust on most ships. The exhaust has hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) which smells like rotten eggs.

I whole heartedly disagree with your drink package opinion. It’s includes specialty coffees, smoothies, etc. 80 is 8-10 drinks. It’s vacation. Better than getting a 6-700 bill at the end.

Thank you for these wonderful and helpful tips!! Random question - where did you get that tiny carnival whale tail that’s on your left side, on the top of the picture frame?

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

On board a cruise. It's a Christmas ornament and I just took the loop off.

@tamarajoneshill4037

Ай бұрын

@@Cruzelycom thank you for the quick response!!! 😁

On Carnival cruise the 2nd entrée is free. Passengers are charged for the 3rd entrée.

My fiance and I really don't drink should we buy the package anyway??.. taking a cruise in August

@proudmoon3

Ай бұрын

I don't know what cruise line you are sailing, but they should probably have a non-alcoholic drink package of some kind (with things like soda) that you can choose to buy instead. But there will always be some drinks (water, perhaps tea, lemonade, etc.) which are free, so you might find you don't need to pay extra for drinks at all. When we sailed Royal Caribbean recently, we didn't purchase a drink package at all, but just paid individually for the occasional extra-cost drinks we did have. It worked out way cheaper for us!

@genoramayle902

Ай бұрын

i would not if you don't drink heavy . waste of money

@andreaferreira3738

Ай бұрын

there are many other drink packages that don't include alcohol, if you enjoy coffee or teas, juices, etc, you could get those. But if you really don't mind, just forget the packages and order as you go. A tip: you can check the prices of beverages from your cruise and do an estimate of how many drinks you and your fiance could order (realistically) per day and check if the drink packages are worth it. Also consider how many ports you´ll visit (since you will be out of the ship for many hours, you won't be able to drink as much as you would on sea days)

What’s the cheapest way to just have filtered water? I’m assuming the free water is tap?

@Cruzelycom

23 күн бұрын

On most lines, the only water available in the room is from the bathroom faucet. You can bring on a small quantity, however. If you don't bring water, you can head to the buffet or a bar to ask for a glass.

@JayaLove

23 күн бұрын

@@Cruzelycom thanks! I’m curious specifically about filtered or bottled water. Can I get that for free from a bar or anywhere or do I need to pay or purchase a drink package for it?

You really don't have to drink that many alcoholic drinks if you make the most of the drink package by getting the specialty coffees, mocktails, juices, bottled waters, etc. People forget that the drink package includes all of those drinks also. I am a very light drinker but if I watch the price drops on the package pre cruise it is usually worth it.

Asian countries like Singapore do not allow loose pills (as in a weekly pill case). If searched, they’ll want to the bottles.

IMHO, short cruises are a waste. By the time I pay the airfare to get to the port and go thru the hassle of flying, I may as well stay awhile. Also, long cruises can often be more cost effective, especially if they are repositioning cruises. Very funny....when I am booking a cruise, my cruise partner finds a balcony to be essential....but when her fiance's family invites her, an inside is just fine. One place I do feel a balcony is essential is on Virgin Voyages. Sorry, but that hammock is glorious and I do spend time on the balcony.

I dunno about anyone else but drinking 6 cocktails a day would not be a problem at all for me or anyone I know.

@andreaferreira3738

Ай бұрын

my exact thought! I can drink 3 daiquiris or piña coladas in a short time JUST sitting in the pool. I could easily drink more during the rest of the day (it is a vacation after all). That is what the drink package is for. If you really don't drink much and 2-3 drinks per day are enough for you, or you have kids to take care of, then the drink package obviously is not for you. You don't have to do the math to know you'll lose money if you purchase it. Just order as you go

I love older ships .

I always treat the 'special' packages as a challenge ......... paid for it going to keep going .... even if it kills me ...

@AshRektum

Ай бұрын

what does this even mean

@tonyadeney1245

Ай бұрын

special packages unlimited fizzy drinks - have paid for so will keep drinking them --- not difficult really to understand .... who are you exactly ..

I have always gotten my moneys worth with the drink package. Its really not that hard to do.

Hahaha, I don't drink liquor . Just enjoy the food at the restaurant. And relax in the balcony.

Remember if everyone gets the drink package ie Norwegian the lines at every bar are ridiculous.....won't do another cruise that everyone gets the package

6 cocktails a day starting at breakfast is easy some of them are tiny with barely anything in them

6 drinks a day is done by noon. This is ilght work at sea level.

Your great.

Boarding times came out of covid and I think they are over it.

6 cocktails in a day? 6 can easily be done in 2 hours.

Private islands often have free food

@angelofamillionyears4599

20 күн бұрын

Please explain

@vincent412l7

20 күн бұрын

@@angelofamillionyears4599 on most cruise lines' private islands, they set up a barbecue / buffet where you can get food and drinks for no charge, as you can at the buffet on the ship.

I'd rather get the drink package instead of paying $14 a drink plus gratuity each time I want a drink. I'm one for paying upfront and not have a big bill at the end of the cruise. Folks keeping up the 8-10 drinks a day for a 7-day cruise is no biggie for some cruisers I've sailed with.

Dude..I can do $75 a day..EASY and no bartender follows me to my seat...and btw..I travel solo Balcony. And mixed drinks are ALWAYS half the strength. Drink IPA

People don’t have a hard time drinking 7 drinks a day for a week lol

My husband wanted the drink package on our last Royal Caribbean cruise. We were told that we both had to get the package. I don’t drink. But because we were both of drinking age, if he got it, I had to get it too.

Forgot my deodorant- got it onboard for $14 for travel size …….ouch

@Cruzelycom

Ай бұрын

Woof.

a drinks package of $94 per day .. RCI are definitely taking the p**s there.

Balcony is overrated

@GlobalAdventurer

Ай бұрын

People don't consider that depending on the time of the year, most people would never sit on the balcony. Either TOO hot, too much wind/cold and not even going to mention the smokers throwing cigarette butts over the rail hitting your balcony deck. I personally like the ocean view. Private with a good view.