Essential Cruise Tips

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...

Celebrity Cruises are a premium cruise line with big ships, of around 2,800 passengers, in their fleet. Before you consider to go cruising with them, or of you have booked and are planning your cruise vacation, I share three major watch-outs and things you need to know before going. I explore what sort of cruise experience they offer, what the cruise fare covers and how that influences your on-boa...

What exactly does a butler on a cruise ship do? And what are the things they will refuse to do? Many cruise lines provide butlers for guests in their premium suites and many cruisers who have them are not sure what they can ask, or expect, them to do. Based on my experiences across several cruising lines and by interviewing butlers on board I share the 10 things that a butler will do for their cru...

On average cruisers report putting on between 5 and 10 pounds of weight on a seven-night cruise! I have 10 tips on how you can go on a cruising vacation, have loads of fun and still indulge and avoid piling on the pounds on a cruise. They are all things that work for me, and I come back from my many cruises (including some 7 weeks long) without putting on weight. They are all practical and simple...

Discover 9 things you absolutely need to know if you are considering or going on a cruise that includes Greece and the Greek Islands. The most popular cruising option is an Eastern Mediterranean cruise that travels between Venice and Athens, including some stops like Dubrovnik and Kotor. In the episode I look at things like the best time to go, your options of itineraries, the islands and excursio...

In this episode you will discover how you can cruise for free! There are at least 9 ways you can go cruising without having to pay. I give you tips on practical things you can do, look out for or do that will ensure you don't have to pay cruise fares to head out on a cruise ship. These apply to both ocean and river cruise. While there are some scams out offering "free cruises" they end up costing...

In this episode you will discover the 6 key things you need to know about Holland America Nieuw Statendam cruise ship that went into service in December 2018. I tour the ship and review things like the details of the ship, what the main innovations and focus areas are (Music Walk venues, Dining options and Excursions Central), accommodation options ranging from inside to suites, fitness and recrea...

Discover all you need to know about doing a European river cruise with AmaWaterways. In this video I explore the 8 Things you really need to know before cruising with them. Things like who they are, what type of river cruising experience they offer, what the fare includes and excludes, dress codes, facilities, dining options and excursion choices. Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my...

Should You Pay Cruise Gratuities? Should you pay cruise gratuities (or tips as some call them)? One of the most argued about and controversial charges and topics in cruising are the gratuity charges by cruise lines. In this video I look at six things about gratuities and tipping that every cruiser needs to know to make up their mind and also I suggest when you should or should not consider paying...

These are my suggestions for 12 must-have items and so perfect gifts to give anyone who is going on or loves cruising. These are all gifts that I have seen and know cruisers use, love and will be pleased to receive from you. Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions or for a first or next cruise. Many of these I wish I had been given before cruising (and had to buy many for myself!). So...