Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

What are the best cruises and cruise lines for families with kids and multi-generational cruising vacations? In this episode I talk about the things you need to consider, including the cruise regions to consider and what to exclude. I also discuss the eight lines that are best for families with kids and why they are most suitable: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Disney Cr...

Greece and the Greek Islands is a wonderful cruising destination, with many cruises starting and ending in Athens and Venice, known as Eastern Mediterranean Cruises. But when you are looking at which cruise line and itinerary to go on your Greek Islands cruise vacation, make sure you are going to the best, most beautiful and interesting islands and ports. Many only go to a few and very busy ones,...

In this episode you will discover 7 things you really should know before cruising with Azamara Club Cruises on a cruising vacation. I discuss things like who they are, who they compete with, who they are best for, what they do different to other cruise lines, what their fares cover and do not, the sort of facilities and entertainment, range of accommodation and more. Azamara Cruises is a small cru...

In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com , visits Turku in Finland and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.   Turku is the oldest city in Finland, at over 800 years. It is a fascinating...

In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com , talks about the 10 things you need to know if you are considering doing a European river cruise on Titan Travel's M/S Serenade river cruise ship. The ship sails on some of the main European rivers during the season and is unique in many ways. The podcast explores why. The episode covers the following: Who it is designed for....

In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com , talks about something that could end up being one of the best decisions you make - to take out travel insurance. In the episode he talks about the potential costs you could be facing if something goes wrong whilst travelling - and recounts some real life things he and others have faced. The episode covers the following: Four...

  In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com , shares his thoughts on 10 things that you really need to know if you are thinking of cruising with Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises is one of the largest ocean cruise lines based on number of passengers carried, ships and destinations. But is being big and popular mean that they are right for your cruise? There is much mo...

In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com , takes you on board Windstar Cruises and gives tips and advice on how to make the most of your time on the ship. What to expect, things to do and what you will need to budget and pay for. The episode covers the following tips: On board experience. Excursions. Fare inclusions and exclusions. Dining options. Tender and docking p...

In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com , tips for travellers on what to expect, how to prepare and get the most from a game drive whilst on a safari (including answering the question about what happens if you need to go to the bathroom!). Whilst focusing on a Tanzania safari the tips and advice apply to going to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and other African safar...