4:15 I was late to Carnival's Long Beach embarkation building (former domed hanger for Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose) because I left Las Vegas later than I wanted to and had two major slow-downs, one for an accident on I-15 and the other for an unexpected freeway exchange slowdown because I reached L.A. later than planned. No one is in the parking structure/passenger/luggage drop-off area. I park and start running to the embarkation line with NO people. I found out I misunderstood the COVID-19 testing requirement and had to get that done (luckily, they did it there, but it still took time (Another time, a different cruise line made me go to a pharmacy and get an expedited test and results). I finally finished up and headed on board 30 minutes before the ship slipped free of the dock. Only three people (two groups) got on board after I did. I know that they could have refused to board me, but I consider myself lucky they didn't.

Our last cruise was Harmony of the Seas October 2022. We live in Virginia and drove to Port Canaveral two days early. Spent an entire day at Kennedy Space Center with our “space nuts” grandsons (10 & 7) at the time. That first day is nerve racking for me because my husband is disabled (MS and uses a mobility scooter). Keeping up with EVERYTHING is crazy. Once I walk on that ship…I’m good, the shoulders relax and the vacation starts.

Hell we live in Michigan and cruise in winter- flying the day of is INSANE!

so i have only currently been on one cruise and planning my second already but one thing a friend that has been on several cruises told me to do and now i will do for every cruise i ever go on is to print two copies of every piece of cruise information possible that i may need as well as copies of my travel documents reason for this is so i can have one copy held onto by a close TRUSTED friend or co worker in case of some sort of emergancy where my documents get lost or stolen i have the copies as backup when i get home to be able to get them replaced.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

Great tip. So where are you going on that second cruise?

@remirez2k3

Ай бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 bahamas nassau trip

I always board early, 11 am by 12:30 I have a cold beverage in my hand sitting by the pool ! Great video, everyone cruising for the first time should watch this, going on my 4th cruise in May Adventures of the Seas and I have Utopia booked in November 2024

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and the kind words. We will be on Utopia in July. Stay tuned.

When the ships starts moving. EXHALE!! And have fun.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

Yes, that too. When is they next cruise?

@1PrinceJay

2 күн бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 my next cruise is in February on Carnival Horizon and I’m planning my 42nd birthday cruise on Virgin Voyages next October.

Great video. I am still old school when it comes to using my phone. I print 2 copies of everything needed for the cruise, when I get on the ship and in my cabin I text my kids and tell them I am on board. I then turn off my cell and lock it in the safe. I stay in suites so I usually have some internet minutes. So every 2 days I will email my kids with a quick update. I bring a digital point and shoot with extra sd cards to record my adventure.

Tbh, I’d rather have a printed copy of the daily schedule rather than having to squint at my phone.

@stacysmith4350

7 ай бұрын

Me too😅

@stevenshepard3495

7 ай бұрын

Then don’t squint 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

@chrisbasa3590

5 ай бұрын

Yup just get a bigger phone

@evawhite6974

4 ай бұрын

Totally agree!!

@lolal1026

4 ай бұрын

I'm on vacation....I turn off my phone. Believe it's a way to force you to buy wifi

Nice video with excellent tips. My tips would be to have paper copies of your important documents and excursions or packages that you have purchased especially if and when your phone dies, also you have physical proof when dealing with guest services if they don’t see you having something on your account that you are entitled to, like onboard credits or if you purchased a speciality dining or a drinks package. Also avoid the buffet like the plaque on embarkation day as that place will be a zoo with a lot of cruisers and their baggage.

@Utubesuperstar

27 күн бұрын

If you’re prepared paper copies are completely unnecessary. Charge your damn phone

You can use extension cords and power strips providing they do not have a surge protector built into them

@coz7891

Ай бұрын

Some ships still dont allow them. I think Royal Caribbean is one of them

Some excellent advice in here guys - I often see people at ports desperately trying to connect to port wifi to download the app - get it done before you head to the port!!😊

@Eatsleepcruise1

9 ай бұрын

Thanks.

@AL_goTrader

3 ай бұрын

Agree. You can tour the ship and use the app to match up your reservation. I like to view where the ship is currently

As a frequent cruiser. This is a excellent presentation and should be watch by any pre-cruise person. Excellent job putting this together.

@Eatsleepcruise1

9 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful. Happy cruising.

@auntydale

8 ай бұрын

A few cruise vloggers do talk too quickly. The guy who does the Royal Caribbean blog talks really fast. “Royocarribinbog” 😂

We are going on our first cruise next March, so we really appreciate these tips. Our only problem is that the sound seems to fade in and out on a few of your videos. We are in our seventies and in the UK so that may be the reason. Thank you for your very useful channel.

Hey Kathy, congratulations on completing the 100 envelope challenge. You did great with that challenge 🌈

I agree so much nicer to look at your daily program

Don’t forget to put your phone in airplane mode.

@jodirose922

2 ай бұрын

Why is this?

@amandaregis313

Ай бұрын

​@@jodirose922, you'll be charged an arm and a leg in roaming charges by your phone company.

Very helpful! Thanks for the great info! I will be going on my very first cruise later this year. 😊

As a soon-to-be first time cruiser, I enjoy your videos. Very informative and clearly laid-out. Thanks for the tips!

@AL_goTrader

3 ай бұрын

I hope you enjoy yourself. I remember my first cruise and I absolutely loved it. Good luck!!! Watch a few more videos for first timers to get some more ideas of what to expect - packing tips, extra things to bring, etc.

You do a great job with your videos!! Many thanks!

@Eatsleepcruise1

9 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

Bravo. Well done. Thank you for your well done video!

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

Thank you too!

I will always bring my own luggage on...I delay boarding until my room is ready.

@BeefromSC

7 ай бұрын

Great idea

@patticlark9548

Ай бұрын

I always prefer the opposite. I don't need my luggage until later, I want to be on board having fun ASAP

I enjoyed video, great tips!

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Very informative!

@Eatsleepcruise1

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

It isn't true that extension cords are not allowed. We brought one on a recent Norwegian cruise and it came in handy.

I’m a new subscriber. Glad I found your site. Very informative. Thank you.

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the sub! Happy cruising.

Good tip about the wine! But i don't understand why it matters whether it's in your carry-on or checked bag. They allow you to bring 1 bottle of wine.

@Eatsleepcruise1

3 ай бұрын

It has to be in the carry on so they can ensure it is a bottle of wine and not something else. Most cruise lines will confiscate it if packed in checked luggage.

Great top list

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

Would NEVER cruise on a super sized ship

If there's any problem with your stateroom, you want to deal with it on embarkation day

Some cruise lines allow you to drop off your carry ons in your cabin if you have a suite, upper level status or in the case of Carnival FTTF (Faster To The Fun)

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

If you pay for those upgrades then yes, that is a perk

Great video but could be louder. but great

@Eatsleepcruise1

4 ай бұрын

Thanks glad you enjoyed. We will pump up the volume next time. lol. When’s your next cruise?

Great tips… but what about ADA tips? I use a scooter am I able to use it on the ship?

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

Yes, you can use it on the ship. Happy cruising.

@reneeblack2783

6 ай бұрын

Yes! Of course ❤They have handicapped accessible cabins, if needed.

Can you recommend the luggage tags...I will be going on my first cruise in December

@mmw55122

11 күн бұрын

Just got off an NCL cruise 3 days ago. Before I left home I purchased plastic tags on Amazon. Tags come in different sizes to accommodate each cruiselines' tags' differing sizes. So look for tags to match your cruiseline and you should be good to go.

We dont think earlier is the way to go at all you will run into large large lines if your cruise is full...we have found that leaving last is by far the easiest way to avoid the lineups to get on the boat.

My wufe and i have been on multiple cruises. Tbh i knew most of these. But there were some very helpful tips that i didn't think about because i have my routine come cruise. Thanks for the great video. CRUISE LIFE!!!

Your home port is Boston??? Any plans to sail Princess when she starts sailing from Flynn terminal this summer? We're waiting until Majestic in 2025, but excited to not have to fly to a cruise!

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

Very excited that Emerald Princess will be here this summer. 🤞we get onboard. Have you sailed on NCL from Boston?

@tracyf.1148

Ай бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I have not. But Emerald Princess was my first cruise way back in 2007. I tend to sail mostly Royal Caribbean and Princess.

Do you know if a “heating pad” is allowed onboard?

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

We suggest you check with the cruise line, but odds are it will not be allowed on the ship. Happy Cruising.

TIPS for everybody! 1. ALWAYS wash your hands!! 2. RESERVING SHOWS, ACTIVITIES, ETC: You can access the cruise ship's internet while in the Terminal. This helps if you're trying to get a reservation for a show on, say, Virgin Cruise Lines. (This is what Ilana found out and reported on her KZread feed 'Life Well Cruised'). Hey, I just thought of something! I wonder if you can use that cruise app in the terminal to reserve space for the babies/kids??!!! 2. I always have hard copies of all my cruise 'stuff' in a small binder. This includes our trip insurance cards and info: medical cards and info: things I think I'd like to do based on prior newsletters: dinner menus and what I want so I don't dither around. Yeah, I'm a little OCD but I HATE to be surprised, especially if I'm surprised by mySELF not bringing something! 2a. Speaking of ship's newsletters, I WANT a hard copy!!! I also look at prior sailings' newsletters. 3. I bring a waterproof cell phone lanyard. In port, it'll hold the phone, cruise pass, passport, ID, CC, and any extra $$, AND keep them waterproof. This lanyard goes under my shirt. Aboard ship, it'll just hold my phone and cruise card. 4. Regarding the beverages you can bring aboard: sometimes the cruise line will change the limits and/or types of containers of non-alcoholic beverages you can bring aboard. E.G.- Cruise Mummy's info on Jul 11, 2023, regarding single-use water bottles not allowed for Carnival Cruises, Holland,and Virgin Cruises: "Guests are allowed to bring a small number of non-alcoholic beverages onto their cruise, including water, but it can't be packaged in plastic or glass. Instead, you're asked to only bring cans or cartons - a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans or cartons no bigger than 12 ounces/354 ml each." You CAN bring a water reusable Hydro Flask or whatever. Some cruise lines don't even have water fountains available, though! Costa, MSC, and NCL cruises don't allow a guest to bring water on PERIOD, except for medicinal purposes, such as distilled water for a CPAP. You'd need to get in touch with the cruise line for any of your special water or medicinal needs. www.cruisemummy.co.uk/can-you-bring-bottled-water-on-a-cruise/#:~:text=Guests%20are%20allowed%20to%20bring,12%20ounces%2F354%20ml%20each.

Can you bring on board a portable cell phone charger?

@jimhudson1737

7 ай бұрын

Of course…..

I wanted to buy my photo package I cannot Carnival because I did pixel cash I have to do when I get on board that sucks

Why wouldn't the rooms be made up before the cruise boarding. I'd better be the new ceo 😂

@nataliescott5594

9 күн бұрын

Because the previous passengers just left their rooms at 8am, and there are so many rooms to turn over - it takes hours to do so. But the boarding begins early to allow the new passengers a shorter line, and to process through that many people.

Can’t find Amazon link

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

Our apologies. Here is the link to our Amazon store with all the cruise essentials. www.amazon.com/shop/eatsleepcruise/list/3ET6UUG03B6L?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfeatsleepcruise_BV3VCQQW2CENB95M9989

They told my husband he can take a picture of his birth certificate and bring it with him.

@Eatsleepcruise1

8 ай бұрын

We wouldn’t recommend that. He should take an original birth certificate.

@mtjohn125

8 ай бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 so last month they took his birth certificate when he went to get his passport and said they will mail all the documents back. Of course it’s not here in time and he called the cruise line, and they informed him he can bring a picture on his phone.

@jblkcns

6 ай бұрын

Never! Always have the real certificate. Not the one with the baby feet, the one from the government.

@reneeblack2783

6 ай бұрын

Get a passport! If you get stuck in a port, a birth certificate is not going to help you.

@mtjohn125

6 ай бұрын

We are all good you all! We went w/his picture birth certificate on his phone as they allowed. We had a blast and got home safe! Praise God!!!!🙏🏾

It made me kind of sad to see the baby cribs in the child care room. Going on a family vacation and then leaving your little one with a sitter is very sad indeed. The child is living the same life as they do at home. Spending all day at child care while mom and dad go to work. 😢

Informative, but -ignoring all the spelling mistakes on the KZread subtitles ! - maybe just turn your recording volume up + 40% and everyone should be able to HEAR what YOU were trying to state !!!!!!

@lynneshapiro3248

8 ай бұрын

It's AI, closed-captioned. Even the major networks have that prob.

This whole thing sounds friggin awful.

That dance move with the two guys and one lady in blue just turned me OFF. Was this a rated R show?

nothing new, THe Most boring Cruise forum Vlog i have experienced, lets keep this going with a woman or old guy or twor gay guys narate future cruises vlog on KZread. Geeks and Millennials, KZread is not your place for cruise ship forums. Move on to something non cruise like. This Eat Sleep Cruise does the opposite of inspiring to go on a next cruise.

@Eatsleepcruise1

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching.