I save money by eating at main dining room and buffet. No specialty restaurants. Plenty of good food to eat without paying extra.

@mikekoenning

Жыл бұрын

In terms of cost, yes, eating only included food will save money; however, the included food on RCL is bland, pre-packaged, and not fresh. Even the main dining room for all of its presentation has mostly mediocre food. The specialty dining is great, and I would recommend not skimping in this area. Thus, in terms of value, I would argue the unlimited dining package gives you the best experience at a reduced cost, especially for something you’re going to experience several times a day.

@lv2flip24

Жыл бұрын

exactly. especially not being a foodie or adventurous, basic food was good for me.

one thing is if your like me and like to swim at almost every location, pack your own mask and snorkel. A decent combo can be got for 30-40, and mask / snorkel rentals at coco cay for example are about $35. 1 purchase and you can snorkel at every destination and bring it back next time you go

@tduck828

Жыл бұрын

Agreed and they can be dirty!

@MomDocTravels

Жыл бұрын

Exactly what I’ve done for years!!!

Booking early is a great tip but to add to that, keep checking back on the cruise fares as the prices fluctuate all the time. If it gets cheaper, you can take advantage of the cheaper price. Sometimes that can amount to $1,000 or more in savings. As far as using Priceline, you have to be extremely careful using third party companies because the hotel could potentially not have a room for you and isn’t obligated to give you one. That’s on the third party company. I always recommend booking directly with the hotel as it means the hotel is directly responsible.

Don't buy the drink package its very expensive compared to other cruise companies, unless you can get a very good deal on it. I would even limit your purchase of alcohol because they are charging $9 for a beer at this point. They are trying to keep the headline rates cheaper but charging like crazy on the back end. They are not the only cruise company doing it but its getting out of hand. Inside cabins are a good money saver especially in the Caribbean when you dont really spend time in your room. However the guarantee option is usually not much of a saving. There are some ships where I will do a guaranteed cabin because I know there are not any bad ones in that category but other ships (older ships typically), I would always pick my cabin.

One way I’m saving money on my upcoming cruise is that I bought the coffee card instead of a drink package. It’s a great value, and I can’t imagine drinking enough to break even on any of the other packages. Also, as a New Yorker, I feel like specialty dining defeats the purpose of being on a cruise, but I see why those without access to great on-land restaurants do it.

@kevinnguyen4482

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! This info saved me from buying the other drink pacakages!

Booking early makes a huge difference. I just booked the Anthem of the Seas for December, and my travel agent had spaces left for her "group rate" which took 50% of the price on RC's web site and we got balcony rooms for my family at the same price as ocean view.

For some cruises, planning ahead 2 years is important- they are in such demand that the only time you get the base rate is the week they are scheduled to the public. Just booked a Greenland cruise in Sept 24 a week ago, and the price for our cabin has already gone up $200.

@Cory69

Жыл бұрын

wow i usually book a month in advance only lol

@alfamaize

Жыл бұрын

@@Cory69 If you want to do some of the more rare itineraries, that may be an issue- Panama Canal is sold out for 2024 already for the cabins we want.

@travelingbeyondboundaries

Жыл бұрын

Yep! We have 5 cruises booked up until summer 2024. We got great deals on some popular times by booking far in advance.

@tduck828

Жыл бұрын

@@alfamaize yep! I've done Panama canal and it's awesome

@melodyrose7971

Жыл бұрын

​@@travelingbeyondboundaries that's awesome!

We always book an inside cabin and we avoid all alcohol and after trying specialty restaurants in the past we now eat at the regular dining venues as we just didn't feel the charges were equal to the value. We probably seem cheap to many, but we prefer thrifty. You might be surprised how many of friends routinely ask how we travel so much...

I brought a 12 pack of soda on board the Independence for my kids. So much cheaper than any drink package! I would have brought some water, too, but drinking the tap water is just fine. Sugar free drink mix added to it is also very cheap, and the little packages take up practically no space. (The escape room is totally worth it, though, and so is Chops for an embarkation day lunch. I don't want to deal with the chaos of the Windjammer on that day!)

@juliewendt724

Жыл бұрын

I know this is a silly question, but having only sailed on Disney and NCL, we have never been able to bring soda cans onboard. Could you please tell me exactly how you carry it on with all of your other stuff? A tote bag, a backpack? Obviously, it would explode in your luggage if you give it to the porters. Thank you in advance!

@koransky1

Жыл бұрын

@@juliewendt724 I actually did pack it in my bag (it was in a 12 pack box, fresh from the store.) It didn't explode or anything like that, and I have soft sided luggage. It got to my room safely, and we just made sure to have a few cans in the fridge/in an ice bucket. I'm sure you could pack it in a backpack and carry it around with you, but I didn't want to drag around something that heavy. That sucks that Disney or NCL don't allow you to bring canned soda. I thought they all allowed it, like Royal does.

We'll be sailing on the Oasis on June 9th. We booked a gty ocean view in April of 2022, and repriced twice in May and July of 2022, saving close to $300. In January of this year, we put a minimum (as in, as low as you can book) Royalup bid, and a month ago were accepted into a Neighborhood Balcony for $130. So, $170 less than our initial fare by being prudent.

I don't get a drink package, internet, or do any specialty dining. I do buy excursions through the cruise line but usually because I love the convenience. Our next cruise we are only doing one short excursion because thanks to your videos I realized it wasn't worth trying to do Kennedy Space Center when we don't dock until 1 pm. Instead we will have a ship day.

@bostonwu123

Жыл бұрын

You can save half by booking independent excursions.

Great tips especially using inboard credit to book the specialty dining

I book my cruises more than 1 year in advance. I am traveling with a family of 7 and like to have the vacation paid off before we go.

Great content as always Matt. Thank you.

Excellent information...much appreciated!

Great content, as usual! The only tip I haven't used yet is the Priceline Express Deals. I will have to give that a try!

I booked 3 lunches on the Grandeur except Izumi, and found them to be much cheaper than dinners. However, I did get a good deal on the Izumi dinner at 30% off.

This is what i hate about cruises. Vacations are made for relaxing but these cruises make everyrhing so stressful and difficult. It takes the relaxing part out of vacay

Great tips. Thanks

Excellent video, but it’s important to note when booking independent excursions there’s always a chance you might miss the ship. Plan accordingly

@bostonwu123

Жыл бұрын

This is technically true. I always book independent excursions to save a lot of money. I find independent to be half the price for the same exact excursions. I wouldn't book one that runs up against the sail away time. The earlier in the day and shorter time frame should lead to no issues.

@jeffspoehr1757

Жыл бұрын

That is just fear mongering, and basically a crock these days. 1. Thanks to Yelp and other review services, a 3rd party tour operator that doesn't get you back in time, will be out of business soon 2. Most tours are only a half day, or so, of your time in port. You'll be back to the ship in PLENTY of time, to do even more stuff like shopping, or another side trip. 3. I'd skip a 3rd party trip to Chichen Itza from Cozumel, cuz it'll take all day, and then some. But that's about the only thing I can think of. I do 3rd party about half the time, and have never had a problem.

awesome! im going on a cruise! thanks mat

I’ve been on 15 cruises. Had a free upgrade to balcony twice, once and ocean and all other times we had an interior. Never had any issue, liked the cozy feel of an inside cabin and did not feel bad about it what so ever. We only sleep and get ready in there anyways. Only room I would not take again is a lower cabin near the engines because they your bed vibrates every night

@carolm4545

Жыл бұрын

That’s what we have done, too. We have also had interior cabins with a virtual balcony several times. I haven’t seen the free upgrade to a balcony in many years. The upgraded room we got was the aft balcony next to one of the large suites on Independence. Now that was an amazing view! The whole back of the ship was visible! 🏝️🚢

@lesvlogsdekalou1610

Жыл бұрын

@@carolm4545 yes I have not had an upgrade to balcony in 10 years! It was during my first 🚢

@carolm4545

Жыл бұрын

@@lesvlogsdekalou1610 Lucky! 🍀 My free aft balcony upgrade was back in 2015, and the regular balcony upgrade was in December 2021 for $200. Allure was at 50-70% capacity due to the pandemic. That was a great cruise, too!

@lesvlogsdekalou1610

Жыл бұрын

@@carolm4545 those half capacity cruises must have been sooooo nice

@carolm4545

Жыл бұрын

@@lesvlogsdekalou1610 it was such a treat! It was like having Coco Cay to ourselves! We put the masks on in the Windjammer and some public events. You had to scan every time you went to the buffet. They were keeping track of COVID. I don’t remember anyone being quarantined. Vision was docked next to us as a relief ship in Coco Cay, and it was filled only with crew who could be rotated in and out from both ships. It was surreal seeing Vision basically empty. It was the most unusual cruise we have been on.🚢😎🏝️

I had a rotten experience with a Guaranteed cabin, as we got the smallest cabin on the ship (based on looking at deck maps) and the smallest balcony (again, based on deck maps). We had booked cruise early, we were and still are Diamond level. Maybe for an inside cabin, they are pretty much the same, it might be alright. But if you want a Balcony room, DO NOT DO IT. I think the risk is too high, for the $100-$200 you save. Your other tips are pretty good. Especially on excursions. DO YOUR research. You can save big bucks.

Hi Matt! I did not know about Priceline Express. I would just add to be careful how far you book your hotel away from the cruise port or airport. I live and work in the Miami suburbs and can tell you that a 1-2 hour commute to downtown is not uncommon during rush hour, plus there are always construction issues. Take care. 🚢

Book last minute (within 1 month) will save $$!! We don’t do excursions and usually get wifi and a few small souvenirs only.

Great video ❤❤❤❤

We plan on booking early for our next cruise

Booked my cruise as soon as RC eased Covid restrictions. Same cruise now 3 grand higher. Did the RC picks the location option.

Hey Matt what is the best premium drink package price I can expect to see on WONDER OF THE SEAS for a 7 night cruise ?

For a tour we select a taxi driver for 1/2 day and split it with friends. better than and less expensive most port tours.

Not free activities, INCLUDED activities on board

Hi Joe much tip do you give your stateroom person in addition to the prepaid gratuities

How does the casino free play work? Does everyone get it or is it based on your crown and anchor status

I can remember cruising when they did not have specialty dining.

Never ever buy water! Bring an empty waterbottle and fill it everywhere. Yes the buffets say no filling water bottles so you fill glasses and transfer it at your table. Also, all the restaurants will fill them for you if you ask

@jlawrence0181

Жыл бұрын

And you can do the same with a reusable coffee mug.

I have a question in regarding specialty ding at lunchtime on embarkation day can you do that on the cruise planner before your cruise?

@elyseonlife8981

Жыл бұрын

I have been unable to book for either embarkation day or our port day in San Juan when we dock at 2 pm. I wish I could get those squared away now!

The biggest money saver I've used is with the two bottles of wine you can bring onboard. Prior to every cruise I drink the wine, save the bottles, fill them with rum and have them recorked for free at a wine store. Between that, buying a few drinks at normal price and sneaking white rum in a water bottle after a port day I can basically drink for next to nothing.

When using Priceline for a Miami hotel, which area should you select to be near port? Downtown maybe?

@VPJared

Жыл бұрын

Downtown is the most convenient. Wynwood or Midtown are also good choices. Be careful because certain blocks in Miami aren’t the nicest. One block can be nice and the next can be sketchy

good proof of concept video.

Y’all eat a lot🤣🤣I have family that eats all three meals plus snacks when we vacation too, I can never keep up with them

Most times an Airbnb is less expensive that a hotel especially for just an overnight stay.

I would love to work for RCblog.... how would i do that? 🤔

Here are a couple of negatives: I booked 5 months early on HAL and the price dropped several hundred dollars 2 months ahead. I did a guarantee inside on Carnival and got one just below and near the main stage, so had to listen to the lousy music of the terrible shows even though we did not attend.

Just found out Royal changed their policy in February on their best price guarantee or whatever its called where if your room rate drops they give you the difference in on board credit up to 48 hours before you sail, they officially changed it to 48 hours after you book, so now if 49 hours after you book the room drops 300 bucks, you are SOL.

@sarasays...850

Жыл бұрын

Wow that’s crappy

@lucyd4456

Жыл бұрын

I booked with Royal Caribbean and then found that the price dropped 54 hours later. Called and they still repriced it for me. And it wasn't onboard credit, we just pay less when the final payment is due! Saved $256. I guess it depends on who you talk to for customer service!

@metakoll

Жыл бұрын

Dang, yea, they didn’t even bother with mine, I think it was 3 days after I booked, it only dropped like 50 bucks per person, so it is what it is I guess

Hey Mat. Is everything ok? I didn't see you streaming last night.

@moonbeammimi

Жыл бұрын

He was having trouble with the wifi on Wonder, so he's streaming on Thursday instead. (He posted a message.)

@ModernMyths

Жыл бұрын

@@moonbeammimi Thanks for the heads up. I didn't get the message for some reason, but I just found it.

you can send me & my husband on a cruise and ill give you feed back from Australia lol😀

It’s great to save money but this might be taking it too far. What exactly is the point of vacation if you are too consumed with saving money?

@bostonwu123

Жыл бұрын

It's not like these take much time, effort or planning

Do they have Izumi Teppanyaki Hibachi at lunch?🇨🇦

Never bother with the Elemis sales lounge - sorry, I mean the spa! (Seriously ALL they are interested in is selling you Elemis products, and it's pretty hard sell, at that!)

A few years ago some one suggested that if you go to the office and complain about the change at the end of the cruise they will cancel your charges. They did but this was about 7 years ago. I think maybe they don't like the embarrassment of having this discussion while other customers are listening. This was cruise add on many years ago.

@JasonShawOfficial

Жыл бұрын

Making charges and then making a public spectacle of trying to say you didn’t make them is disgusting. This isn’t a money saving strategy.

@dsimpson7862

Жыл бұрын

@@JasonShawOfficial it wasn't like that these were add ons by the cruise company at the time .this was about seven years ago. Now you get on board spending and if you spend and don't pay they won't let you off the ship so don't get to exited on your moral high ground.

Let me know how to get sent on a cruise for you for "research purposes" 😂

Does playmakers sells chicken wings?

@mistermena8204

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Playmakers is very good.

Did not purchase any pictures, and stayed away from the shops

who is Jamie You keep saying? Jamie?

@chrishowell5637

Жыл бұрын

Jamie's Italian ( Jamie Oliver )

A great tip is to bring liquor hidden in a wine bottle, will save u a ton on shots

@nancybusch4486

Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂😂

You speak so fast that i sometimes can't understand you. I watch a lot of your videos as we're doing a transatlantic next April.

Has Matt gone to the dark side and now doing ads for travel companies??? Not sure I would trust Priceline as not knowing what hotel brand I am working with concerns me as to really what the hotel is like. A 3.5 Star hotel is a very broad range of what could be bad.

First

The way that I save money is not go on a cruise any more with all of the changes and price gouging

@tduck828

Жыл бұрын

Yea pricing and nickel and dining you is getting out of hand!

@lyramidsummer5508

Жыл бұрын

Going on my first RC cruise. The price is crazy. We are in an inside cabin too. No drink package. Will be my first and last I think.

@bobbrander927

Жыл бұрын

Rcl has priced me out of their ships. I find their pricing ridiculous. They seem to be only cheaper than Disney when you search for cruises. It’s sad because I love royal caribbean

@tduck828

Жыл бұрын

@Bob Brander honestly just depends. I just went on an 11 day and it cost $800 all in. Although it was an older ship and would have spent more for a better one!