Essential Cruise Tips

What are the unusual, surprising and even rude theme cruises that you can go on? I look at 9 of the theme cruises on the seas that you could go on (if they appeal!). Many groups and organisations charter entire cruise ships and run themed cruise vacations - some of which you may find very remarkable. Discover the 9 types of theme cruises many travellers may find surprising and unusual. ** Buy my C...

Paul Gauguin cruises sail out of Papeete Tahiti around the French Polynesian islands on 7 to 14 night cruising vacations. I travelled on a 7-night Society Islands cruise and spent time exploring what Paul Gauguin have to offer. In this I explore who they are, what they do well in my view, some watch-outs about the line and who I think they are best for and why. To find out more about what to expec...

I reveal my top and best cruise hacks, tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your cruising vacation in 2019 and 2020. These cruising tips are things that I have learnt to help me get better cruise fares, save money on board a cruise ship, pack better and smarter, find the best cabin, find and save money on excursions and lots more. These are all proven and should help you. Enjoy thes...

Saga Cruises launched Spirit of Discovery in July 2019, the first of two sister cruise ships (Spirit of Adventure in 2020). These are the first new-build ships for cruising ever for Saga, why had previously bought and refurbished existing cruise ships. The Spirit of Discovery holds 999 passengers and in this I discuss the 8 things that I think are best about the ship, and show and explain why. I a...

Do you have a cruise or travel bucket list? If so, should a French Polynesia cruise be on that list? In this I discuss the Tahiti and French Polynesia region and review what I think are the 4 pros and the 4 cons of cruising that I believe you should consider as you consider this as a cruising vacation option. I travelled to the region, which is pretty remote to explore. It takes well over 8 hours...

Celebrity Edge is the third class, or type, of ship in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet. The first ship was Celebrity Edge in 2018, followed by Celebrity Apex in 2020. After spending time on the ship, and talking to cruise passengers, I review this new class of ship and discuss what is new and different, and what is good or poor about the ship - and who I think it is best for. This should help you deci...

People often tell me their cruise cabin is not important as its just a place to sleep and get ready, until they have a bad experience of a noisy cabin that disrupts and affects enjoyment of their cruising vacation. I share 5 key steps to finding and ensuring you get a great cruise cabin on a cruise ship. Discover how to find the best cruise staterooms and exactly how to choose a cruise ship cabin....

Discover 12 habits and things cruisers do on a cruise that annoy other cruise passengers the most. Things I have seen on my many cruises, watch cruise fans discussing on cruising forums and reading complaints about. 12 common practices, habits and things cruise guests do that drive other passengers crazy. Are you guilty of any of these? Do some or all of these drive you crazy? Or, do you not see w...

Discover the 9 most important packaging tips for your next cruise. The things you need to think about, what to take and also what you should and can leave behind on your cruising vacation, and why. In this I also look at what you should be packing and taking in your hand luggage and check in bags, and why. These are the 9 most important things you need to prepare and do when packing for your next...

Discover the (sometimes surprising!) things you can no longer do on a cruise and cruise ship. How many of these did you know about? Got any to add that I missed? I look forward to you listening (or watching the video version: https://youtu.be/zas6F4wMD0Q )

There are (at least) 9 things that you used to be able to do on a cruise that you are not able to do any more. Discover what things cruisers are not allowed to do on a cruise ship. Whilst some may be obvious, there are quite a few surprises. These cruise tips, secrets and facts will, hopefully, entertain as well as inform you. How many things did you not know you are not allowed to do on your crui...

Interested in river cruising in Europe? I discuss the 8 things that anyone considering a European river cruise needs to know before they go. Based on my numerous river cruises I discuss tips including how it compares to ocean cruises, how to choose the right river cruise line, why the fares at first look seem expensive, what to focus on when selecting the best itinerary, which rivers to focus on,...

If you go on a Viking River Cruise in Europe you are going to be on one of their Longships. All are the same size, layout and design. On a few rivers in Europe, like the Douro, there is a scaled down version but on the main rivers you will be on one of these ships. I talk and show you through 4 things you need to know about, like what they are and what is consistent, the range of cabin options, th...

Viking River Cruises is probably the best known European river cruising company, and has a wide range of river cruise options in Europe. Before you decide to go on a European river cruise with Viking River Cruises, I share with you 6 important watch outs and things I think you need to know. All things I would like to have known in detail before I did a river cruise with them. I explore things like...

Discover 8 important watch-outs and things you need to know about doing a cruise to Antarctica. It is on many traveller's bucket lists, and it is a magnificent experience. However, there are at least 8 things that the brochures and websites encouraging and advertising Antartica cruises do not always talk about or make clear to potential cruisers. I share the 8 things that I think you really need t...

Celebrity Cruises is a large and popular premium cruise line. But, cruise lines are not perfect. In this I explore what is good and what is bad about Celebrity Cruises, especially versus other premium cruise lines they compete with. Discover if the bad outweighs the good and if I think I would (and you should or should not) cruise on Celebrity. Note: I paid for the cruise I made this on myself. My...

Discover the most important watch-outs and things you need to know about Silversea Expeditions before you cruise on an expedition cruise with them. Expedition cruises are costly and you need to make sure, before spending a lot of money on one, if Silversea Cruises is right for your expedition cruising vacation. Be it the Arctic, Antartica, Galapagos or some other part of the world. In this I explo...

What is the worst things about going on a cruise to Antarctica? Discover the 5 most important issues and challenges you will face and experience if you want to do an Antarctica cruise. And find out if these should make you reconsider visiting Antarctica. Also watch my "5 Best Things About An Antarctica Cruise" video: https://youtu.be/99HANPY2TSU Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my s...

An Antarctica cruise and visit is a dream or goal for many travellers. It is a unique and special experience. I discuss the 5 very best things that you will feel, see and do if you go on an Antarctica cruise. I show you the sights, wildlife (including penguins, whales, seals and birds) and the range of expedition activities you can expect. The five very best things you can expect on an Antarctica...

Silversea Cruises Silver Cloud was converted into an expedition ship from as regular cruise ship in 2017. I went on the shop to Antarctica and I share my thoughts about the ship, what I liked and what thought had some opportunities. I take you on a tour of the ship and a Verandah suite (the main class of suites on the ship), and discuss the facilities, features and the choices available on this lu...

Cruise upgrades to a better cabin is something that most cruisers hope they will get. However, have you ever considered that an upgrade could ruin your cruise. All upgrades are not going to make your vacation better. I explore the 8 reasons and times that an upgrade could be wrong and where and why you need to think carefully before you look for or accept one. I also look at some pitfalls and watc...

Shopping in Caribbean cruise ports while cruising the region is (reportedly) the biggest single activity by travellers. It is likely that everyone will buy something in at least one of the ports they are calling on. It can range from expensive watches and jewellery through to alcohol and cigarettes or clothing. There are a range of different Caribbean cruise port shopping options and with so many...

Celebrity Cruises are a premium big ship cruise line and part of the Royal Caribbean group of cruising lines. I explore who they are, what they do better, the same and worse than other premium cruise lines like Princess, Holland America and Cunard and, importantly, who I think they are most suited for. Discover some key watch-outs and tips to help you decide if you should consider Celebrity Cruise...

The Caribbean is the most popular region for cruising. But, what are the good and bad things about going on a cruising vacation to the Caribbean,. I explore the 5 best and 5 worst aspects to a travelling around the Caribbean on a cruise ships. Some watch-outs and things to plan for. I love cruising the Caribbean and would recommend it despite the good and bad - but it is good to know before you go...

50% of cruise passengers will need some sort of medical attention, according for Dr Deb Mills of the Travel Medicine Alliance. That means one of every couple cruising will have some sort of medical need. Many are minor and by packing your own personalised first aid kit for your cruise to deal with the 10 main medical things that can happen to you or your family on a cruise, you can have less stres...