About 4 years ago, I was watching KZread videos and came across one of yours. At that time, based on zero knowledge or research, I was an avid never cruiser. But your videos were fun and good entertainment, even if the idea of me cruising was ridiculous. Yesterday we made final payment on our first cruise and our bucket list has at least 6 cruises on it.

@maryroberts2099

13 күн бұрын

You’ll love it !

@richardparmenter188

13 күн бұрын

We did our first cruise in 2021 and will embark on our 10th one in a few weeks. It’s very addictive!

@Adam_The_Archivist

12 күн бұрын

Good for you! I hope you enjoy your trip!! Have Fun!!👍🤙

@chriswilliams6568

10 күн бұрын

Good wishes, I hope you have taken Gary’s advise in that the No 1 thing to look at before booking is to get the right cruise line for you. We are all different and each line has its own character. Enjoy.

@deang1004

10 күн бұрын

@@chriswilliams6568 We think that our first cruise is one of the best cruise lines that fits our budget. We put a lot of importance on the ports, and also onboard food and drink. Of our top two choices, the itinerary tipped us to the cruise we chose. We are not slide or pool people and we looked for cruise line & ship combos that fit. We will cruise our second top choice assuming we enjoy our first enough to commit to another.

I was recently on a P&O Australia cruise that had a very large number pf passengers with a wide range of disabilities, including many members of the deaf community. There were 3 or 4 Auslan interpreters provided on the ship and they were at every show, trivia etc. I was also impressed that every staff member I saw had learned some basic Auslan and were using it.

@LSC10563

13 күн бұрын

😊 hi Judy, I was also on that cruise. Small world. 🛳️

@shellyvick6300

13 күн бұрын

Had to look it up: Auslan=Australian sign language; unique to Australia. I guess Australians, Irish and British have a few words that Americans don't understand. Also, Auslan uses two hands whereas ASL (American Sign Language) uses only one.

@DelphineDenton

4 сағат бұрын

Auslan and BSL both use two hands for most signs and finger spelling, though some ASL signs use two hands as well.

Additionally for medicine: not just make it known what and how much of it you are bringing aboard, but if your medication requires constant cooling, most cruise lines can put a mini fridge into your cabin. Just let them know in advance!

People who hide they're experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. Probably won't wash their hands at the buffets.

@kathybrem880

11 күн бұрын

No doubt!

@katesmiles4208

6 күн бұрын

people are gross. 🤣

Something I didn't realize, if you have had a knee replacement or any other joint replacement within 6 months, some shore excursions will ban you. I got kicked off one in Cozumel due to that, even though I felt fine and was completely mobile. It ended well, as they were able to pivot and get us on another shore excursion equally fun.

@kathybrem880

11 күн бұрын

I will never tell them about any private medical procedures-it’s not their business--are they going to throw you off with an attack of appendicitis ???

@robertstallard7836

9 күн бұрын

@@kathybrem880 Yes - on a medivac helicopter that they'll then charge to you!

One thing missed that got someone I once knew BANNED for Life…… arriving LATE and then still fighting the staff for them to be allowed to board even though the gates were closed!!

@Dan-oj4iq

8 күн бұрын

Acting out in any way (not just what you mentioned) will result in a lifetime ban on most ships. Make a scene and it will be your last cruise with this line.

I'm type 1 diabetic on insulin injections. On one of my first cruises the cabin steward said I should have told them because of the danger of used needles. I now tell them every time and they give me a sharps box for free and dispose also of it for me. (Carnival/Celebrity/Royal Caribbean/MSC)

You can request to get off a cruise early. Like you mentioned, you have to request the early disembarking ahead of time. My client just this week successfully did this on a Princess cruise in the UK

Gary, I am a wheelchair user who has been on many cruises and it baffles me as to why people would not be honest about their need and then be surprised when refused boarding!

@haylieg2780

12 күн бұрын

Here in the US that would be illegal, however

@rabbit_scribe

12 күн бұрын

​@@haylieg2780Not necessarily. If I try to check into a hotel without a reservation and their only wheelchair-accessible rooms are occupied (and you'd be surprised how few some places have) they're not breaking any laws by not renting me a room. Most wheelchair-bound travelers know that they have to plan every detail in advance, even more so than able-bodied people do. Even everyday tasks are at least a little more complicated, let alone travel. After a while it just becomes second nature. It surprises me that anyone would make such a rookie mistake, but I guess it happens.

@elainelouve

11 күн бұрын

People are usually asked about their allergies for a venue that is offering food. I've seen cases when some who have severe allergies will refuse to tell them beforehand, then be angry and disappointed when they get no food. I will always send my list, and last time we went through with it with the staff beforehand, and everything at the venue was great. I just overheard one woman ask if she can also get a special dessert (since I had special portions reserved for me), since she has a severe nut allergy, and can't eat the normal cake that was provided. Of course she got nothing, as the staff can't conjure ingredients out of thin air. I guess it's a form of being difficult by trying to act nice and conform. Trying to not make a fuss, but end up causing more trouble for everyone involved. My mom refuses to get a wheelchair, though she keeps complaining how she can't visit any museums or walk normal distances, though she'd love to be more active. She'll just get angry at me if I talk about mobility aids - which she 100% would need. Anyway I can see how she might refuse to tell about mobility aids (if she'd use one).

@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131

9 сағат бұрын

​@@elainelouve My dad's 96. He too starts hissing when we offer to wheel him around. He's got a wheelchair, but prefers to shuffle along, at the speed of a snail... We always bring the chair however, because after 10 minutes he's usually completely finished... 👴👣🦽 Love from Norway 🚢🇳🇴

We took a Carnival cruise out of New Orleans, and I took my cpap machine. I thought there might be a plug close to the bed. Unfortunately, there was none. I asked our steward if there was one we could use, and one of his staff brought one that I used the whole cruise. I brought an adapter that I could use for charging our phones and use my cpap machine. I had no problems with any of that equipment. When we would leave the cabin, I would unplug the cord at the receptacle.

4:00 I know people who got off a ship in Halifax when it was bound for New York. They had to tell the cruise line up front, pay for the trip to New York (i.e. they did not get a discount for getting off early) and they were Canadian citizens and the Canadian Government said they could get off as they were Canadian citizens.

For our last cruise with HAL, they provided the distilled water for my husband CPAP. It was sitting in our cabin for our embarkation day. We had no issues with plugging it as in was on one of their newest Pinnacle Class ship. We will advise about the CPAP in our upcoming cruise with them.

@iowa_don

14 күн бұрын

They supplied it? My experience is that it is for sale and you can buy it. $3 per gallon.

@CarboneCat

14 күн бұрын

@@iowa_don They do sell it but it’s easy to get it.

@jodeegu

14 күн бұрын

When we sailed on Princess, a gallon of distilled water was complimentary. We’re sailing on HAL next week and I had to purchase the water for about $3. Expensive, yes, but $3 certainly wasn’t going to break me and having it delivered to our room beat having to carry it during embarkation.

@PaulaBrahanCan

12 күн бұрын

My husband is a physician and has had a CPAP for about 8 years and has NEVER used distilled water in it. He uses tap water. Just fyi

@CarboneCat

12 күн бұрын

@@PaulaBrahanCan Depends upon anyone’s preference. Some doesn’t even put water at all. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks! I just booked my first solo cruise. Thank you for all your help in deciding which line to use. What I really learned though, is I can cruise on any line with the right attitude. You really helped me understand that different ships, at different times have a different vibe.

@tipsfortravellers

10 күн бұрын

Brilliant! And thanks for the super

@redfishswimming

7 күн бұрын

Wishing you a great first solo cruise Mattie! Sounds like you have it well planned!

In 2018 we had a port of call in Portland Maine on Anthem of the Seas. This port had a very popular potato doughnut shop and we weren't allowed to bring our doughnuts with us back on board (We had purchased a dozen to share with some friends we'd made on the ship). I had read the sign while disembarking that said no fresh fruits, veg, or meats allowed back on board but I wish I had checked with the crew about baked goods. I was really surprised since I usually sail Princess and had never had any issues taking baked good back on the ship with me. FWIW Royal Caribbean later clarified it was a US Customs restriction that had been put in place for them when I reached out to ask. In the end we ate what we could in port and offered the rest to random passengers as they were getting back onto the ship 😅

@kcgunesq

10 күн бұрын

Why would anyone want doughnuts made from potatoes?

@RusteyGuy

10 күн бұрын

@@kcgunesq They're made from potato flour.

@valeriepark9444

10 күн бұрын

​@@kcgunesq potato flour has less protein than wheat flour, so they are fluffier and lighter than wheat doughnuts. Delicious!

@kcgunesq

10 күн бұрын

@@valeriepark9444 I guess I'd have to try them, but even that description doesn't help as gluten is a protein and gluten is what makes bread, bread, including doughnuts,.

I worked as a passenger physician on Holland America Line two or three times a year for twenty years, and was always astonished to find out that many passengers who I had to disembark because of severe illness, did not have adequate insurance. On person who had to be repatriated to the USA from Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, had to pay thousands of dollars just for the transportation in an air ambulance, before any of the medical costs were added. Another person had been discharged from the ICU with severe cardiac failure, the day before boarding; he had a cardiac arrest the day after the cruise started.

@littleeva

14 күн бұрын

I'm not surprised. Many people will get on a cruise ship without being cleared by their doctor. I knew a person who went on a cruise a week after having open heart surgery, they were lucky that nothing bad happened on the ship because they had no travel insurance.

@cherifurr3935

14 күн бұрын

People are crazy to travel without travel insurance.

@sharonsmalls6846

14 күн бұрын

@@cherifurr3935 I began cruising in 1992, and I never thought to purchase travel insurance. My mindset was when I travel to Disney, resorts, etc. I never purchased additional insurance. Now, before cruising travel, insurance is on my to-do list.

@lepolhart3242

13 күн бұрын

What happens if the patient cannot pay? Are they just left to die?

@jow.6605

13 күн бұрын

⁠When I worked for HAL, the company would cover the initial costs and then chase the passenger for the money.

NEW SUBSCRIBER: I've been watching your videos for a few weeks now and enjoy them very much. Thank you for this information. I will be going on my very first cruise as a solo cruiser and the information you provided is invaluable. Thank you!

@samcolt1079

8 күн бұрын

ARE YOU EVER IN FOR IT. GET YOUR MONEY BACK NOW

This is so interesting! Some of these are no brainwork’s but some I wouldn’t have thought of. Thanks!

Great information

Many good points. Well grouped on this video

Excellent informative video, learnt a lot. Thank you.

I'm quite glad that I long ago decided that ocean cruising was not for me. All that enforced jollity and all those rowdy people. We are doing a river cruise later this year, which is on a very much smaller scale in terms of both boat size and passenger numbers. We'll see how it goes.

@yellowfuchsia1

Күн бұрын

I have cruised many times with Fred. Olsen and have never experienced rowdiness or enforced jollity. I enjoy the classical concerts, lectures on a wide variety of topics and quiet places to sit and read, as well as good food and entertainment, and friendly passengers and crew.

another worth watching most in it i knew but i still always learn something your videos are always well presented and full of information i have watched other cruise videos but they all seem to want to be movie stars with a bit of info thrown in, thanks

thanks for this info as I had no idea a cpap needed prior notification to the cruise line. I knew about the distilled water and extension cord policies for cpaps, but it didn’t occur to me to let them know at booking rather than embarkation day.

As always, informative and helpful. Thank you.

I worked with a woman who decided to go on a cruise with her husband that departed from New Orleans. (It was a Panama Canal cruise.). As the husband had family near New Orleans, it was also an opportunity to visit them for a few days as well. They decided to drive down, with a gun in the car. (They had a carry permit from Virginia.). After visiting family, they drove down to the dock area in NO. The husband was denied boarding when the gun was discovered in his luggage. The wife was given the option to board and enjoy the cruise, which she refused. Don't know if they were offered refunds. That must have been one fun car ride back to Virginia!

@cherifurr3935

14 күн бұрын

😮

@choosewisely616

14 күн бұрын

Seriously?!?!? One of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard a gun owner do. He should have known better and because he didn’t, or was reckless, I’m glad he was refused. Guns are not toys. They are to be taken seriously. Oh, BTW, I’m a gun owner too.

@roriemcfadden6097

14 күн бұрын

​@@choosewisely616Thank you for sharing that! It reminds me of the recent arrests of 2 men & now 1 woman having a gun in their luggage. They are each facing 12yrs in prison.

@fabrisseterbrugghe8567

14 күн бұрын

Not guns, just stray ammunition was found in their bags. Why they use the same bags for hunting as travel.

@TomBetts-we4fb

14 күн бұрын

As they bloody should. Having a licence to carry a gun in Virginia doesn't mean you should think you can travel on a ship with hundreds of passengers, packing heat. Does he also carry his gun on flights?

I've never been on a cruise and don't plan to take one anytime soon but i love your videos! I have a friend who cruises with her in laws about once a year and I told her, you need to watch this guy before you go. I've been watching you for about 2 years so she'd only been once and all I knew was what i saw on the Love Boat as a kid lol.

This is a useful video.

Unbelievable! Constantly surprised!

Really useful tips. I had no idea about the first one, CBD, which I take for insomnia too.

Our last NCL cruise was on the Joy, which didn't have a regular outlet by the bed. I had to make sure that I brought a NON-SURGE PROTECTED extension cord, because the surge-protected ones can be a fire hazard. They did provide the distilled water, as I gave them plenty of notice. I've done the same for our upcoming transatlantic crossing on the Encore.

@cherifurr3935

14 күн бұрын

No cruise lines allow surge protectors.

Oh very interesting indeed Gary. My hubbie has a CPAP machine and we have 2 cruises booked, we will let them know. Thank you very much.

I think the CBD gummy lady should have had the gummies confiscated and maybe been prevented from boarding, but a lifetime ban seems a bit extreme for that. Unless there were other circumstances involved, like being disruptive at the terminal, etc.

@elimtevir1

13 күн бұрын

Yea, I call bs in that story

@PaulCashman

13 күн бұрын

@@elimtevir1 None of the reports I've seen have mentioned anything like abusive behavior or language from the lady cruiser, but it sure seems like there is more to the story.

@kathybrem880

11 күн бұрын

Seems ridiculous to me-she wasn’t a drug dealer!!!

@jahnacarlson3528

10 күн бұрын

Report indicates she had cruised multiple times with the cruise line. She should have known the terms and conditions. Perhaps it is her level of experience with the line that raised the le el of consequences.

@emilynordt153

7 күн бұрын

Under federal law they are still illegal even if she bought them in a state where they are legal. That is why it turns into an issue when you start trying to do anything that crosses international boundaries

In 2019 we were on the MS Prinsendam. There was a small (20ish) tour group that left the ship about halfway thru the cruise. I am sure this was pre-cleared with HAL.

Well done - another valuable message. When are you going on Queen Anne?

That great information! I’ve cruises 17x on 4 lines but ya never know! My wife & I both use CPAPs & have never had issues with cruise lines HAL or Princess. We don’t use water but I have the non-surge protected cruise ship safe socket extensions

my first cruise was in 2012. I had the flu one week before cruise so when filling out health questionnaire I was honest and ticked yes. I had to answer a few extra questions but was cleared to board. just before cruising shut down due to covid a port official was telling people to tick no to both health questions on form, even if they should be ticking yes so that they could still get on cruise. it is no wonder covid was spread so easy on cruise ships when people lie on health form.

Hey Gary, I never thought about it until your video, but my CPAP has a heating element in it. I've never been asked about it and I never considered it. I will mention it before my Alaska cruise in July, thanks for the video!

@nicolepare1646

10 күн бұрын

I travel worldwide and also use a CPAP machine. I always make it known to cruise line in advance and request Distilled water. In my experience most cruise lines provide distilled water. As a CPAP is deemed a medical device I have never had a problem.

@noelreynolds4861

10 күн бұрын

@@nicolepare1646 Congratulations

Thank you for the video

My wife and I just completed a Tokyo-to-Dubai cruise on Oceania's Riviera. My wife has mobility problems and brought along her walker. Many other passengers used canes and other mobility devices. One guy had a cart that split into two parts so it could be easily carried. Also, because the cruise with extensions was more than 30 days long, we had to complete a form to bring more than 30 days of prescription drugs into Japan. It was hard to complete, but we got it done. However, Japanese customs did not ask for the form.

@samcolt1079

8 күн бұрын

THATS JUST THE KIND OF CRAP YOU GET.

@lizzybearstar1661

7 күн бұрын

​@@samcolt1079Why are you being so rude about it??

We need an extension cord for mobility scooter charging. A request to our cabin steward always got us a loaner extension cord.

Thanks!

@tipsfortravellers

14 күн бұрын

Thanks ! Much appreciated!

My wife is a licensed amateur radio operator. She wanted to take a voyage from the USA where her license is issued to the EU (where it's legal for her to operate). The cruise lines nowadays for reasons unclear prohibit radios. We asked if they would hold her radios and then give them back to her when she reached the destination, and they said no. They said they'd confiscate her radios and she'd not get them back. This seems mad to us. There should at least be some way to check items that you won't need on board and then reclaim them at the end of the voyage.

@StreakyP

13 күн бұрын

It looks like there is no commonality between lines. I'm UK licenced too. Years ago I was on a CTC cruise around Norway from Tilbury & took my 2m handheld & not only could I use it ashore but went to the radio room & they gave permission to use it even from the rear deck when sailing. I've not tried but I have heard that Holland America is quite amateur radio friendly. We were also on a Fred Olsen last year (again to Norway & Spitzbergen) & met someone there on desk listening with an amateur set (VERY public area, right by the bar so they certainly weren't trying to be "under the radar" given the staff visibility so it seems like it can be worth checking with your specific line beforehand).

@kastandlee

13 күн бұрын

@@StreakyP Thank you. All of those lines with which we checked (admittedly we didn't check them all) insisted that radios were absolutely forbidden, would be confiscated, and (this was the part we found particularly galling) would not be returned under any circumstances. I assume this is what the people who answer the emails are told to say, but there's no way that I know of to get to anyone above that. Pre-pandemic, we probably would have tried cargo ship travel (we don't need round-the-clock entertainment like a cruise; it's just the transportation without having to fly for which we're hankering), but apparently after COVID-19, all of the carriers stopped offering it and there's no sign of it coming back.

@jamiesuejeffery

13 күн бұрын

KB7QOD here. Unless something has changed recently, the rules are very, very clear, and she should know this by taking her tests. The first thing you need to do is to clear them with the cruise line and then, once on board, get permission from the captain of the ship to make sure that any HF signals at sea will not disturb the radio communications of the ship. Often, when in port (you still have to get permission) UHF/VHF low watt transmissions are permissible assuming the radio operator also has a valid reciprocal agreement with the port country. Dot your I’s and cross your T’s. And don’t forget…don’t talk about politics or religion on the ham bands.

@knownothing5518

13 күн бұрын

To me it sounds like the cruise line didn't wanna bother with the risk of interference and does not have storage facilities for things by customers that need to be locked away from them aside from the space much needed for consfiscated items that needs to be available instead of being used at leisure. The cruise line's word is final here.

@AlexejSvirid

12 күн бұрын

The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. This is the reason why Hitler got the power, but Christ was executed as "blasphemer" and "rioter" by denunciation of clergy. That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom. Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our beloved ones again! :-)

My husband is likely months away from needing at-home dialysis and I was planning on taking him on a Disney cruise before that (he loves all things Disney). However, it sounds like it would be best not to even consider a cruise just in case the treatment needs to begin sooner or if his symptoms were to worsen just prior to the trip. 😕 Maybe in a year's time when he settles in to the nightly treatments we can reconsider if the line accepts it.

Tony (La Lido Loca) just talked about the P&O cruiser who was denied boarding because he didn't mention his wheelchair in advance. I can see the line's point of view, but I looked at their website and the requirement to disclose it in advance is so obscure that I can also understand why he didn't fill out the form. I've always been a "why didn't you read the T&C?" type of guy but in this case, at least, the requirement wasn't the slightest bit clear (maybe it was in the T&C, but since I wasn't doing a booking I didn't get that far). Absolutely nothing in the FAQs, which is the first place I'd look.

@sodorflubbs5000

12 күн бұрын

I can’t see why he wouldn’t have declared it anyway. I know that sometimes people forget things like that because it’s a part of life it just makes sense to tell people.

Can you do a video on the gyms on ships. This can cover the type, quality and range of the equipment found.

we always travel with our medication in their original bottles and got a letter from the doctor for additional that is not available by prescription

Some months back I was looking at one cruise where they advertised a croquet court - presumably a much-reduced size! - and I wondered if they'd let me bring my croquet mallet, so thanks for addressing that.

I went on a week long Carnival cruise in mid April and came home with a gnarly chest cold and cough. In mid May, I'm still dealing with some mild symptoms. I really wish people would take those screening questions seriously and respect other people enough not to board a cruise with a contagious illness (or at least take precautions not to spread it). Carnival actually didn't have screening questions that I recall, but people can still be respectful of others.

This is an interesting topic. There are things here that I’ve never heard of or thought about. I haven’t cruised in over two decades, so I’m not aware of the current rules and regulations, but it seems that some of these weren’t in place when I last cruised. I have several chronic illnesses that I’ve had since childhood, and I have to travel with all sorts of medications. I was never asked to fill out any paperwork that listed my medical conditions or medications. All my medications were in my carry-on backpack, which was searched each time I boarded the ship, but no one ever asked a single question about any of it. I’m now disabled, which includes a mobility impairment, so I guess I’d have even more paperwork to fill out. While I’d never travel alone, it strikes me as a little odd that people with certain disabilities aren’t allowed to solo travel. I know people who are wheelchair-bound who live alone, can drive a car, hold a regular job, and completely care for themselves, so it seems odd that they’re not allowed to travel by themselves. The same for people with some vision impairments. I guess it’s the cruise lines’ right to set their own rules, though.

@susan7775

11 күн бұрын

The cruise lines are concerned with passenger safety. If in the event you were unable to use your wheelchair, they might not have anyone available to aid you

Great to hear that the companies are accommodating towards Austium Spectrum Disdorders.

@jimzakany3900

14 күн бұрын

They aren't THAT accommodating. The kids program staff are mostly, if not entirely, young adults without children. They don't have the experience and skills.

@redhatbear1135

14 күн бұрын

⁠​⁠@@jimzakany3900My niece started babysitting at 13 fit the neighbor whose triplet had autism. She had a training course too. When she got to college she had several parents in awe when in just a few weeks she got the kids doing things no one had manage in 3 + years! She now has a PhD that includes autism as a specialty, and she still doesn’t have her own children! Having children in general doesn’t bestow experience or skills about autism. And Gary said some are trained. I’ve been on a couple of cruise where they had a specialize event for a group of autistic children. Great cruise.

@KateandBree

14 күн бұрын

@@jimzakany3900Hi, I’m an adult with Autism and this is not my experience. Both Silversea and Regent were extremely great at making sure my needs were met. My nephew is also Autistic and Silversea made sure his cruise in Alaska was great.

@josephbennett4236

14 күн бұрын

@@jimzakany3900 I'm sorry - are you saying that you can only understand how to look after young people with autism and other conditions if you have children? If so, then you are insulting many people out there (such as myself) who are highly trained and experienced in teaching and caring for children in all kinds of Special Needs situations.

@GrandDuchessAniya

13 күн бұрын

What about adults on the spectrum?

Well the blindness issue just killed any chance of me every cruising. This is the first time I have seen this and that includes on the cruise line Web sites. Thanks for letting em know before I wasted time and money pursuing a cruise only to be turned away at the last moment.

@jacegallagher8589

14 күн бұрын

LMAO

@KateandBree

14 күн бұрын

It makes a lot of sense to travel with a partner if you have low vision or are blind. I have my eyesight and I got lost!

Gary, can I bring my trebuchet?

@scottsmith6487

14 күн бұрын

This is Gary. Go ahead. I bring mine on every cruise passing by pirate waters.

Amateur radio is a global hobby. We radio amateurs have almost blanket world wide reciprocal licensing but I understand amateur radio gear - which I might want to use ashore & in port for ‘Parks on the Air,’ ‘Summits on the Air’ activities - is banned on some cruise lines. The intention is not to use it under way; the intention is to enjoy the hobby/use the gear ashore. You might talk about this in some future video. Thanks & 73 de W8IJN

From what i understand it's fairly common for Canadian citizens to disembark in Victoria from round trip Alaska cruises based out of Seattle, since the itineraries usually just include a token stop on the final day for PVSA compliance and going back to Seattle requires another international border crossing to get home. That said, PVSA compliance is probably the most likely reason a request to disembark from a cruise early might be denied, at least for cruises with US ports.

If you intend to downline (get off a ship at an interim port) make sure your cruise agent notifies the line well in advance and gets approval. We downlined at a Japanese port on a cruise from Vancouver to Shanghai, China, and were allowed to disembark only at 8 AM or 4 PM. You can't just waltz off. Get all your ducks in a row well in advance, be aware of any inconveniences you may encounter, and you should be OK.

This is a truly superb video that we all can make a note of. Your articulation and depth of knowledge is second to none.

@tipsfortravellers

12 күн бұрын

Thank you kindly! Great to hear!!!

I suppose it is important to tell on before hand if you need / want a special diet. Also if that is due to allergic reactions or simply religious diets. I always will tell any accomodation, even restaurants, that I'm sensitiv for natrium glutaminat. My tolerance is far lower than average. Yes I check all bought food products on the ingredients list for this substance (flavour enhancer. ), It is added to a lot of meat products

One way too think about the drugs, is that the cruise ship is private property, and if the "landlord " says no, than that's that..

@redfishswimming

13 күн бұрын

Or just dock in a country where possessing those items carries a life sentence in squalor or the death penalty. People just don’t think.

We've left two cruises early. The first time we cleared it with the cruise line before embarkation, the second time we requested it onboard at Guest Services. No problems, but if you do the latter, have a Plan B in case you aren't allowed to leave (and wish to cruise again).

We were.on a cruise that had a fridge in the room. We went to lunch in Port and had leftovers. They would not let us bring the food on the ship.

@retirementpirate3665

5 күн бұрын

It's against regulations to take food off the ship or to bring food on the ship.

We just got back from an Oceania cruise from Istanbul to Rome and there's some respiratory bug going around that had everyone coughing. It also didn't help that there was also a Sirocco which brought dust/sand from the Sahara and made for miserable air quality particularly in Malta. Luckily, the Oceania medical team was very well prepared to support anyone who's coughing became bad.

To sum up, when travelling (especially by air or ship), take ONLY what you need.

Hi Gary can you please recommend Medical Insurance co based in the USA or any other with the highest rating but affordable thanks, for the great info on ever changing cruise regulation.

That list is pretty interesting. No ham radios. You have to respect those things that you are told not to bring. I suggest copying it, just in case.

Gary, do I have to declare my love for you when getting on a cruise ship too?

@EclecticRealist

14 күн бұрын

This is funny!😂😅

@docsmctink

14 күн бұрын

Yes!

Although oxygen tanks are not allowed on board, oxygen concentraters are, but have to be declared ahead of time.

Funny enough I just got off a 15 day transatlantic cruise and on the message boards people posted about norovirus and we both got upper respiratory infections. As someone disabled the cruise line dropped the ball when notified of my need for wheelchair assistance, etc. People need to be very vigilant when cruising with any disability. Thanks Gary!

@sarahann530

13 күн бұрын

It's not up to the cruise line to wheel you around

@Adam_The_Archivist

13 күн бұрын

@@sarahann530 kind of is when you’re disabled and need to board the ship. Please go back under the rock you crawled from.

@sarahann530

12 күн бұрын

@Adam_The_Archivist How did you get off your 15 day cruise if you couldn't get onboard the ship . ?

I have diabetes and wear a pump and a CGM. This can cause issues at airport security ( the pump can not go through the x ray device). Are there similar cruise related issues?

@debrathomson252

14 күн бұрын

My daughter has these and has problems with airlines and has to argue with them about not having her pump scanned although she has information from the company re not to x-ray but when we went on QE last year no problem at all.

You mentioned that heating elements are usually not allowed on board. What about a collapsible electric kettle with an adapter.? I understand you can get the hot water from various venues on board or room service but if I were to bring the kettle, would it be allowed by the cruise lines? Thanks in advance!

@potstech

14 күн бұрын

No it is not allowed as it is a heating device.

@cherifurr3935

14 күн бұрын

No!

Tips for travellers, we love your girthy mushroom tip!!

@scottsmith6487

14 күн бұрын

Mushroom tip or mushroom head?

I went to Alaska brought an ax which was allowed on the ship however it was confiscated once I got on board and was returned to me once the cruise had ended

@JC_le_Canadien

13 күн бұрын

Really?

As many know, cruise ship passengers had to disembark in Norfolk, instead of Baltimore, after the Key Bridge collapsed. The cruise lines then transferred the passengers back to Baltimore by motor coach. Could any of the passengers choose to stay in Norfolk if it was more convenient for them?

Do you have a video of things you have to take on a cruise or be denied boarding?

@shellyvick6300

13 күн бұрын

Passport and a credit card?

We cruised a B to B to B on the QM2 last year (2023) and both of us use CPAP machines. We were provided distilled water at no extra cost. We were in Britannia Club not sure if that makes a difference.

I plan to travel with my father. he cant stand or walk for long so should I tell in advance. for instance if we need to wait in line, he is going to need a chair we also need to use the buffet instead of the resturants as he needs a long time to eat, a botched surgery has made it difficult to swallow.

@lorna_md

14 күн бұрын

Yes, tell the cruise line. If he uses any aids - walking frame or similar - let them know that too. Safe sailing!

@reedaharris1341

14 күн бұрын

You may want to bring a small wheelchair or a rollator for him.

@debrathomson252

14 күн бұрын

Please tell them in advance. A family member has issues with Fatigue so we take a collapsible wheelchair which can be stored in your cabin and does not require an accessible cabin as only used if needed when she goes out around ship or to and from ship. You can purchase a small heavy round plastic stool which collapses up to the size of a dinner plate and can be carried like a handbag over your shoulder. These are also useful as shower stools or if he goes anywhere and needs to rest. Just google it.

@bcaye

11 күн бұрын

Why do you even ask? Of course they need to know! Also, get Dad a rollator. It's a walker with wheels that can lock and a seat. Good stability/support for walking and when you get tired/hurting, instant seat! Until my arthritis got bad I never noticed, great big stores have nowhere to sit down. Maybe one place in the whole huge store.

I take liquid vitamins daily, about a tablespoon a day. Would those be allowed to bring on board? Do I need to keep them in their original bottle?

@arbonneladyTN

9 күн бұрын

Yes! Original bottle!

@jerisullivan1290

8 күн бұрын

Thankyoi.

I understand that power bars with surge protectors are not allowed because cruise ships are wired differently than your house is and they present a risk, but I have seen small power strips with a modest extension, 4 outlets and importantly, NO surge protector, advertised as "cruise friendly.". Any thoughts on whether this is actually OK?

@reedaharris1341

14 күн бұрын

It's best to check with your individual line but usually as long as it doesn't have a surge protector you should be fine. You can also get a long extension cord.

@cherifurr3935

14 күн бұрын

I’ve had no problem with cords that have no surge protectors.

Gary. Read HAL contract. It doesnt mention the so called required gratuities. Its also not mentioned at all when booking. As a point of law i raise it each time to have it waived. They still havent learned. Why would i pay something i didnt agree to. So many do !!

What about service dogs, real service dogs, not ESAs? I have one for PTSD from my military service and was wondering about policy and accommodations for "potty" times.

sometime people tell cruise line the day or better two if you planning to leave to get to another island or country. some cruise line will let you drink if you 19 or 20 sign by waiver by your parent.

I have a CPAP, and discovered that you CANNOT bring an extension cord. THEY will supply a certified (electrically) one if required. I also have a certificate from my doctor for the CPAP, as well as a list of drugs that I am taking. SO FAR, only the pills (at LAX airport, not cruise) have been questioned.

@arbonneladyTN

9 күн бұрын

My hubby uses a CPAP as well, we cruise about every 18 months. We brought a cord the first time, learned that they supply them. We make sure though when we do our notes on needs (e/cord needed etc) to the ship’s info on us. Never had a problem, but just to be sure🤷‍♀️

I have a quick question-we’re setting sail from Southampton in June to England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Should we tip in: US dollars, euros or British pounds? Thank you so much for your help!

@davidslee1085

13 күн бұрын

Tipping! Ridiculous American habit

@stevewilson6390

12 күн бұрын

Be careful? Some cruise lines will automatically bill you at the end of your cruise for your gratuities. If you are tipping with cash it dosen't really matter because crew can exchange any tips with the cruise line.

@oneluxelife

12 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@susan7775

11 күн бұрын

@@davidslee1085 I whole heartedly agree!

The really important thing to realise is that although something is legal and acceptable in your country its not necessarily on a cruise ship. The main reason why is because the cruise ship is registered in different country to the departure country. For example a P&O vessel isn't necessarily uk registered despite p&o being a uk based company. The country of registration and the flag the ship flies under is the laws the ship operates under.

Like it or not the companies own their ships and make the rules; if you don't like their rules, don't cruise...you can't get on a plane with CBD products either...I suspect itis easier overall just to ban it...many countries do not allow it...I use the gummies at home and I must admit that I sleep well! I am grateful that curling irons are allowed; you can use it to remove some rinkels from clothes in a pinch!

@ArthurvanH0udt

14 күн бұрын

that's apples & pears. On an airplane - which is transport - the carrier is responsible that you can leave the airplane at destination. On a boat the only real problem would be you leaving on a location were CBD would not be alowed and you taking that outside. It would be perfectly OK to go from A (boarding) to B (disembark) where on both locations CBD is allowed. So allowing it is much more a choice by the operators. Similar with passports. An airliner MUST check the validity because they are responsible and have to take you back if you're not allowed in. On a ship passing more than one harbour, it "technically" would be feasible to pass thourgh harbours where some guests could not go off board to go out because of their passports because the final destination is ok with that status. Also here it is a choice by the operators to not do that. The later of course is also a management thingy. And would make the controling life much harder so it IS undertandable that they do not do it. SImilar with the CBD. Of course you have the "stupid" traveler going off board WITH the gummy bears and caught by customs and put in prison, now the shipping company has an issue. SO saying NO makes their life much easier.

3:10 - Passau 🙂

How do cruise lines handle the issue of service dogs? I do not have one yet, but the VA is talking about getting me one.

@mandypratley9723

13 күн бұрын

Was a service dog on our last cruise. Princess in Australia 14 day cruise

@susan7775

11 күн бұрын

Cruise lines have a limit of service dogs allowed on a ship at anyone time. Passengers need to state at the time of booking if they’ll be bringing one. If you get a service dog, you will be responsible for it and required to clean up after it

What about a criminal record? I've heard people getting turned away at US,Canadian,Australian and New Zealand borders by Immigration officials then being put on the next available plane to their home country. Some for minor crmes as children

I think those rules are common sense, although that should be called rare sense, as not many folks seem to have it. I take CBD for pain, I live in Canada so it is legal all across our country. I do know it is also legal in some USA states. But even though BC and Washington state are next to each other, I know that the border control is federal, therefore one cannot cross the border with it. I know not to take it out of my country. Why on earth anyone else would not know this boggles my mind, especially those who ingest it. Ignorance being the reason. Folk should read the terms and conditions of a cruise contract, as when one pays the cruise line one is virtually agreeing to this contract. Unfortunately for me, when I leave Canada I have to take another heavy pain killer that is worse for me than cannabis is. Thank you Gary for a good coverage of these important points.

I use a CPAP machine. I have never put anything in it but tap water. I just bring an ordinary extension cord. I have done a couple of cruises on Vista Class Ships. never had a problem with the power cord of my machine reaching from the power outlets on one side of the room, to the bedside table on the other

I am a sever migraine sufferer and have several prescriptions for pain, nausea and sleep, would the ship’s doctor keep the medication or does it stay in the room? I may not need it, but I can’t take a chance of having a migraine and not having medicine and yes my neurologist can give me the required paperwork.

@susan7775

11 күн бұрын

You are allowed essential medications with you. I’ve never had a problem

@user-vl4ej3io6d

5 күн бұрын

Keep all meds in original bottle. Also if a narcotics have dr rx or note.

That really sad about blind people I was on a p&o cruise in April and there was a blind man travelling alone and he did it without any help he used his white stick and crew where very respectful abd helpful.there is no reason why a person who manage at home alone cannot do this on a cruise. There should be some sort of discrimination laws that stops this behaviour. P&O seem to be a more aware cruise company

Do you have any information about accommodations for adults with autism?

I can't believe cruises are so popular. Wait in lines, everything is crowded, you're on a strict schedule. Not for me.

Suppose you want to buy some bottles of rum in a Caribbean port and don't intend to open them during your trip, can you bring them into the cruise ship and keep them? Will the crew confiscate them?

@cwcamper9091

14 күн бұрын

They won't let your bring them to your room. At boarding, one cruiseline confiscated mine and didn't give it back. But if you buy at port, they will take and store it for you till end of cruise. Some cruises allow you to bring a bottle of wine. And some will charge you to bring that wine. Check with your cruise.

@jacquelyns9709

14 күн бұрын

You can buy liquor at ports of call but must turn them over to security when you return to the ship. They will be returned to you the last night of your cruise. At the port of Galveston, you must pay the Texas taxes on it. If you are within the duty-free amount, you won't be paying federal taxes, however. I would only purchase liquor that is only available outside the US when cruising from Galveston.

@reedaharris1341

14 күн бұрын

On my last cruise we bought a bottle of alcohol in port. We went to the table to turn it in and my son asked if we could keep it. The person said yes and we went on to our cabin!!!

@dancooper41

14 күн бұрын

I bought a bottled of liquor in St. Kitts last month, fully expected they would take it and hold until the last night, but they didn’t, they didn’t seem to care and just let me take it to my cabin.

@paulgerrard9227

14 күн бұрын

Most store it until you depart. Duty could be payable however on arrival. Ask before leaving at the port and security on gangway will tell you.

On our recent cruise the people on the balcony next to us were smoking weed. The smell was horrendous. I said to my husband “don’t worry you can’t do that all day”. Turns out you can 😂. I told the cabin attendants but they were too shy to do anything about it, fair enough.

@user-ek1fn9vw1l

14 күн бұрын

We had same issue and reported it to security. Within 2 days, after they had been monitoring and checking cabin, occupants were removed from ship.

@paulgerrard9227

14 күн бұрын

Cruise security retain the right to search cabins and passenger property. Refuse you are removed and dumped on wharf. Find anything they can turn you over to police to deal with.

@Paul_Wetor

13 күн бұрын

Cabin attendants probably don't want to see their income reduced by reporting guests.

@MB-uy5kh

13 күн бұрын

Never mind reporting it to room steward. Go straight to security and they will take care of anything illegal. The people in the next cabin smoked on their balcony and after three warnings, they were put off the ship in the next port. It was a great three last days of the cruise with no noise or smoke smell coming from next door.

@rexiioper6920

13 күн бұрын

@@user-ek1fn9vw1l narc

If someone gets Banned from lets say Carnival Cruises for Life can They use like Princess Cruiselines or Royal Caribbean Cruises or is it just Carnival Cruises????

Can cruise lines tell the difference between CBD gubbies and vitamin gubbies?

@yesterdayseyes

14 күн бұрын

The drug dogs can if they have them

i know some river cruise and island have their own drones .

Did that lady have the gummies in a cbd marked container??? If she didn't, how could they tell they were cbd?

On my last cruise with Royal Caribbean. The casino confiscated my money and wouldn't give it back.

@nikolaik4579

14 күн бұрын

😂😂😂😂

@susan7775

11 күн бұрын

That’s harsh 😊

@jahnacarlson3528

10 күн бұрын

LOL!