Essential Cruise Tips
406 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★ - 56 ratingsCruise expert, YouTuber and author Gary Bembridge helps you discover, plan and enjoy unforgettable cruise vacations with his tips packed show. For more visit http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers and http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and look for his books including "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" and "Essential Cruise Tips".
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Episodes
Cruise Bans Lifted : 8 Places You CAN Cruise Right Now
July 08, 2020 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MBThere are 8 places around the world that you can now cruise to as the cruising suspensions and bans are lifted. These include USA, Europe, Asia and some exotic islands. I explore the 8 places the cruising suspension has started to lift and look at your cruise options right now.
7 EU GUIDELINES FOR CRUISING To Resume You May Not Like
July 03, 2020 10:33 - 9 minutes - 18 MBIn a major cruise update, the European Union issued a 49-page document with guidelines for cruise lines for restarting cruising across Europe. This comprehensive set of cruising guidelines was developed with input from CLIA (Cruise Line Association) and over 30 Cruise lines executives. I discuss 7 areas of note that I think cruise passengers may have some issues with, including travellers over 65, itinerary proposals, screening, masks, dining, social distancing, pool, hot tubs and more
What Are Cruise Ships Doing During The Shutdown ?
June 25, 2020 12:00 - 8 minutes - 14.9 MBI look at the 5 things that cruise ships are actually are doing during the cruise suspension to date It has been 6 months since the cruise suspension took place, what are the almost 300 cruise ships actuially doing and where are they?
Listener Cruise Questions Answered #3 (Live Replay)
June 23, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBListener Cruise Questions Answered #3. Live Replay of my livestream event from 21 June where I updated on latest cruise news and answered pressing cruise questions asked by those watching.
Latest Cruise News Updates: Live Replay 19 June 2020
June 20, 2020 15:58 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MBListen to my the latest cruise news from my livestream on Friday 19 June on my Tips For Travellers YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers . Hear the very latest crusie news and updates
How To Stay Well On A Cruise. Avoid Cruise Ship Illness Outbreaks
June 18, 2020 12:00 - 13 minutes - 24.6 MBHow can you stay well on a cruise and cruise ship, and make sure (or at least give yourself the best chance) of avoiding any cruise ship illness outbreaks? Although unusual, and with lower overall chance than on land, when a virus illness like norovirus, influenza or more recently coronavirus breaks out it gets a lot of publicity and attention. Virus illness are spread in a. few key ways, and inI discuss what to look out for, the ways virus illnesses like flu, norovirus and coronavirus can ...
8 Ways Your Job Could Unlock Cheaper Cruise Fares!
June 15, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MBYour job, or the industry you work in, could mean you can cruise for less. Many cruise lines offer fare discounts or extra benefits, like on-board credit, for a wide range of jobs and industries. Your could be saving a lot of money on your cruises. I talk about the 8 main jobs and industries where you could get cheaper cruise fares, the cruise lines to focus on for each and 4 key tips on how to get discounts based on your job.
Cruise Line Loyalty: Pros and Cons Of Being Loyal To A Cruise Line?
June 11, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 17.5 MBWhat are the pros and cons of staying loyal to a cruise line? I explore the best and worst things to being cruise line loyal. Most cruise lines have a cruise loyalty program where you can build up tours and benefits based on the number of nights you cruise with them. But, is it really worth building up status on a cruise line, or are the perks and loyalty benefits not worth it? I explore the 2 worst things and the 6 best things, where the downsides could out-weight the upsides.
8 Big Cruise Downsides, And How To Deal With Them
June 08, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 16.6 MBWhat are the downsides of cruising? The worst things and negatives of a cruise vacation? I explore the issues that cruising causes and the challenges, hassles or issues that cruise passengers face - and how to best deal with them. Not everything about cruising is bad, of course
Should you Do Cruise Line Excursions? Yes or No?
June 01, 2020 12:00 - 7 minutes - 13.9 MBI look at the Pros and Cons of cruise line excursions, and look at the best reasons for booking and doing your port tours with the cruise line, and the reasons for not doing excursions with the cruise lines. Many travellers use cruise line tours as it is convenient and easy, and they like the guarantee that the ship will not depart until all of their tours are back, even if running late.
European Versus Mekong River Cruises. Just How Different Are They?
May 28, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 19.7 MBJust how different is a European River cruise and a Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia? I take a look at the key similarities and differences and the things that surprised me as I had expected them to be very different but were not. A Europe river cruise and Mekong river cruise are great travel and cruising experiences and this will help you understand what to expect from both.
7 Best Things About Cruising ?
May 25, 2020 12:00 - 7 minutes - 12.8 MBWhat are the best things about cruising, and why? With 77 cruises done to date, I share what I think good things, the pros and the positives are about cruising in my opinion, and why. I look at many aspects from who they cater for, where they go, what they offer and more. Do you agree with these?
Mekong River Cruise. 4 Key Things You Really Need To Know !
May 21, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 20.8 MBDiscover the 4 essential things you need to know about a Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia. I was invited by CroisiEurope to cruise on the Indochine II between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap on a classic Mekong River cruise itinerary. Along the way I discovered four things that I think anyone interested in, or considering doing, a Mekong River cruise needs to know. I explore what the river is, where it goes, best times to go, the main experiences and sights and what you can e...
Cruise Line Excursions: 6 You Should Take And 6 To Avoid
May 18, 2020 12:00 - 7 minutes - 13.7 MBWhich cruise line excursions should you take, and which not? I suggest 6 excursions that I would usually take with the cruise line, rather than with an independent tour company or self tour. I also recommend 6 that I would suggest you consider not doing with the cruise line, and how to do them yourself. The big advantage of going on a cruise line excursion is the ship will always wait for all their tours to return before leaving. They do not guarantee to wait fro late passengers on their ow...
8 Best Places In The World To Cruise To ?
May 14, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 18.3 MBI explore the 8 destinations and place that, in my view, are much better to cruise to than go on a land-based vacation. Around the world some places are easier and simpler to visit and explore on a cruising vacation than trying to do it by land. Discover the 8 places, times and destinations that I believe you should consider a cruise to than the land alternative.
Cruising And The Environment. What Are Cruise Lines Doing?
May 11, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 20.8 MBCruising and it's impact on the environment is becoming under more focus by cruise passengers, environmental groups and governments around the world. I explore the 5 things that I see and read that cruise lines are doing, and focusing on, to improve cruising impact on the environment. Some of these are about the ships, some about the ports and how passengers and ships interact with all of this. Find out what these are and what difference they should make to cruising and the environment.
Biggest Trends In Cruising
May 07, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 21.1 MBI explore the 6 biggest trends in cruising and how they could change your cruise and cruising experience. These cruise trends are things I am seeing and hearing the cruise industry talking about. These are the most important trends that I think will influence and change cruising as we know and experience it today. I look at who cruising is looking to attract on board and how the on-board offering may change, what is happening and will happen to cruise fares, ports and excursions, the enviro...
Best Adult Only Cruises And Cruise Lines
May 04, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 18 MBI look at the very best adult-only cruise lines and cruises. I explore four main topics: (1) Adult-Only Cruise Lines, (2) Adult Ships / Cruises, (3) Adult-Focused cruise lines (where you are less likely to find kids) and (4) how to choose a cruise that will have low or less chance of finding kids on board. I really enjoy adult-only cruising and these are the tips and guidance that I use to find these.
7 Reasons To delay Booking a 2021 Cruise Now
April 30, 2020 12:00 - 12 minutes - 23.8 MBMany travellers, including me, are looking forward to getting back to cruising when it is safe to do so. Lots are looking at 2021 as the key time to return to cruising and looking at booking 2021 cruises now, so they have something to look forward to. However, as I looked at and thought about booking a cruise in 2021, I had at least 7 reasons to pause and delay booking a cruise in 2021 right at this moment. In this I explore those watch-outs and things to consider before you book 2021 cruis...
Norwegian Cruise LIne Fare Watch-Outs
April 23, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 18.6 MBI explore a key watch-out if you are planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line: what is and (more importantly) is not going to be included in your cruise fare. Armed with this knowledge you can budget and plan for your Norwegian Cruise Line cruising vacation knowing you can take part and enjoy the things you want to. There is a huge amount of choice on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, especially the larger ones. many of the features you may see advertised may involve extras costs to enjoy, s...
How To Get More On-Board Credit
April 16, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 18.3 MBOn-Board credit is bonus or "free" money that you can get to spend on your cruise. it is a credit that you can allocate to different things on your cruising vacation. I explore what it is and, more importantly, the 8 best ways you can get more on-board credit on your next (and future) cruising vacations. I then also explore some key watch-outs and what you can and cannot spend it on. These are key to ensure you do not lose any of your on-board credit and spend it in the mist effective and b...
Best And Worst Cruise Cabins
April 09, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 17.9 MBHow can you get the best cabin on a cruise, no matter what grade you choose to cruise in. There are good and bad cabins what ever the category: Suite, Balcony, Oceanview and Inside stateroom. Not all cruise cabins are equal due to the design and nature of cruise ships and how they work. I share the 5 things you must do to ensure you get the best cabin and 5 things to check and insist on to avoid getting the worst cabin. Have a great cruise by following these tips. These are things I always ...
Oceania Cruises Pros And Cons
April 02, 2020 12:00 - 15 minutes - 27.6 MBWhat are the pros and cons of cruising with Oceania Cruises? I explore what the line does best, well and also what things to watch out for and consider when choosing an Oceania Cruise. Finding the right cruise line for you is key to having a great cruising vacation. This should hopefully help you decide if Oceania is right for you. I explore the type of cruise experience, ships, dining options, fare inclusions and exclusions, type of cruise passenger best for and more.
Cruise Shutdown Questions #1: What To Do About Cruise Bookings And Plans?
March 23, 2020 08:30 - 10 minutes - 19.3 MBWith the developments we are facing, I will not be posting regular cruise tips and cruising until it looks like life and the way we live is returning back to more normal, and the cruise shutdown is able to be lifted safely. However, as I am getting many questions and asking for my opinion about what travellers should be doing or thinking about related to the cruising shutdown which I have been answering by email and online, I am going to post videos occasionally which includes these answers...
Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion Review
March 06, 2020 12:00 - 8 minutes - 15.2 MBPrincess Cruises were the first cruise line to introduce the Ocean Medallion smart wearable device that is supposed to change the way you cruise. It helps you board the ship faster, find your way around the ship, order food and drink to wherever you are on the ship, gamble and play games , locate your friends and more. But how does it really work? What are the pros and cons? Find out my thoughts, take and review of the Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion.
8 Cruise Services Changing Way People Cruise
February 28, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MBYou're about to discover eight services that I think could change the way you cruise forever! In this, I talk about eight amazing, innovative and sometimes unusual services that I think could help travellers think about and cruise very differently . Some will help people cruise when they thought they could not. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise Gary Bembridge's Tips For ...
Solo Cruise Tips
February 21, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 18.7 MBHow can you cruise better and cheaper as a solo cruise passenger? I often cruise solo and have 8 tips and things you can do as a single travellers to have a great cruise experience and find ways to do it cheaper. Cruising solo can be costly as most lines charge up to double occupancy rates even for a single occupancy of a cabin. Find out the best lines, where to book, times to go, what to do once on board and other tips I have discovered on my cruising journey to date. SUPPORT THE CHANNE...
Things Not To Hide From The Cruise Line, and Why
February 14, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 21.1 MBThere are at least 9 things you should never hide from your cruise line when booking, embarking and once on your cruising vacation. Some may seem obvious but some are less well-known but could cause you problems, stress and difficulty on your cruise if you try and hide or withhold these from the cruise line. Find out what I have discovered as being the things not to hide.
Who Really Owns and Operates The Well-known Cruise LInes
February 07, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 19.6 MBWho actually owns and operates the most popular and your favourite cruise lines? Be prepared for some surprises as I take a look at who the biggest cruise lines in the world are based on number of passengers carried, and then who owns and controls the lines. Although there are many cruise lines, they are all pretty much owned by three large cruise corporations. Discover who owns and operates the cruise lines you have heard of, love or considering cruising with. Follow Tips For Travellers...
11 Cruise Cabin No-Nos
January 31, 2020 12:00 - 12 minutes - 22.8 MBWhat are the things you should never do in your cruise cabin and stateroom? I explore the 11 big things that you should never do and why. Some of these are about being respectful of the crew and other passengers, but some could get you into trouble and even have you disembarked from the cruise. Are you guilty of any of these? SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStoreBooking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise Gary Bembridge...
12 Cruise Disembarkation Day Blunders To Avoid
January 24, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MBDiscover the 12 biggest cruise disembarkation day mistakes and blunders that you need to avoid. These are things that I have seen, heard from other cruisers they did and even did myself. There are 12 top tips and things to watch out for and do to make sure you have a smooth, stress free and good embarkation from your cruise. Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To ...
8 Offbeat Questions About Cruise Ships Answered
January 17, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 21.6 MBI give the answers to 8 of the more offbeat, unconventional and unusual questions that many passengers, including me at one time, were afraid or embarrassed to ask. I explore everything from what water is in the toilets to how many people die on a cruise and what happens to the body and what waste is (and is not) out into the ocean. Find out the answers to some of the more offbeat questions many cruise passengers have about cruise ships and cruising. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Crui...
Saga Cruises Need-to-Knows
January 10, 2020 05:00 - 11 minutes - 20.1 MBIs Saga Cruises the best cruise line for your cruise vacation? In this I explore what I think Saga Cruises do better, the same or worse than other premium cruise lines. I also look at who they are and who they are most suited for and why. Saga Cruises is a UK-based line with a different take on a number of areas of cruising, which you will discover... Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line a number of times over the last few years before making this video SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:...
8 Things You Can Do Free On Norwegian Encore
January 03, 2020 05:00 - 10 minutes - 19 MBWhat are the 8 best things you can do on Norwegian Encore cruise ship for free, as they are included within your cruise fare? Norwegian Encore launched in November 2019 and, like the rest of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, has lots of choice and facilities. However, many of these do costs a fee above your cruise fare to use, including some restaurants, activities and facilities. So, I reveal what the very best things you can do on board Norwegian Encore that you do not have to pay extra to ...
Tips On Having A Great Cruise On Princess Cruises
December 27, 2019 05:00 - 12 minutes - 22.3 MBDiscover the 10 tips I have for making sure you have the very best cruise possible on Princess Cruises. I have cruised with Princess Cruises a number of times and these are the things that `I have learnt make for having the best cruising vacation with the cruise line. Hope these help make your Princess Cruise a great one. Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line a number of times before making this video. Princess Cruises had no input on the content of this video. SUPPORT THE CHAN...
Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes
December 20, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutes - 21.7 MBWhat are the 9 worst cruise packing mistakes cruisers can (and Do) Make? I discuss the main things that cruise passengers get wrong when packing for their cruise vacation, along with watch-outs and things to be careful of based on where you are cruising to. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious t...
Cruise Rip-Offs To Watch Out For
December 13, 2019 05:00 - 12 minutes - 22.1 MBDiscover the 10 biggest cruise rip offs that you need to watch out for, and tips on how to avoid or overcome them. There are a number of things that, if you are not careful, you could find you are being ripped off and spending too much on. These are the 10 main rip offs that I have seen and watch out for when I go cruising. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise Gary Bembridge...
Princess Cruises Pros and Cons
December 06, 2019 05:00 - 12 minutes - 23.1 MBWhat are the pros and cons of cruising on a Princess Cruises cruising vacation. I explore the best and worst things about a cruise with Princess. The things you need to watch out for and be aware of, as well as the great things about cruising on Princess Cruises. This luxury / premium cruise line is the Thord most popular line based on number of passengers they carry every year. Only Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean lines carry more. So, want are the Princess Cruises Pros and Cons? SUP...
How To Avoid The Crowds In Cruise Ports
November 29, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutes - 20.9 MBAs cruise ships get larger and cruising becoming more popular, cruise ports can get very crowded with cruise passengers. There can be between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers arriving at a port one any one day. What can you do to avoid the crowds and have a great time in a cruise port away from the mass of other cruising people there too? Over the many cruises I have done, over 73 at time of making this, I have found 8 great and proven ways to avoid the crowds in a cruise port. Hope these help y...
11 Costly Cruise Mistakes
November 22, 2019 05:00 - 12 minutes - 23 MBDiscover the 11 Costly Cruise Mistakes that cruise passengers make most often, And how you can avoid making them. Drawing on the 73 cruises I have done to date, and the mistakes that I either made or seen other cruisers make, this is the list of things you need to be aware of to make sure you do not waste money, spend too much or have to fork out a lot of extra money when cruising. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore Booking your next cruise with CRU...
10 Reasons To Stay On Board The Ship In Cruise Ports
November 15, 2019 04:00 - 7 minutes - 13.8 MBThere are at least 10 good reasons, and times, that you should stay on board your cruise ship when it is in port. Discover the times, and why, you should consider enjoying what your cruise ship has to offer rather than venturing on to land to explore. Cruising is, of course, about seeing places but you are also spending money for a ship that has lots to offer. Find out what and (importantly) when you should stay on board the cruise ship in port. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-...
Cruise Embarkation Day Watch-Outs and Tips
November 08, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 19.6 MBDiscover the 9 top tips and tricks to make your cruise embarkation day fast, stress-free and sets you up for the most enjoyable cruise vacation you can have. I explore the watch-outs and things to focus on drawing on my experiences of setting off on 73 cruises to date. I have learnt, sometimes the hard way, on the things to watch out for, to be ready for and how to make cruise embarkation day easy and get you into your cruise as quickly as possible. Once you have watched this, why not watc...
4 Things You Need To Know About Seabourn Cruises
November 01, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutes - 21.7 MBWhat are the 4 Things You Really Need To Know Before Cruising with Seabourn Cruises? I explore the ultra-luxury Seabourn Cruise Line and discuss for essential things about them to help you decide if this is the best, or right, cruise line for your cruising vacation, including what Seabourn is, what they do better and the same as other ultra-luxury cruise lines, what your fare really gets (and does not get you) and who the line is best for. Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line be...
Seabourn Cruises Encore Ship Review
October 25, 2019 05:00 - 9 minutes - 17.9 MBDiscover the 7 essential things you need to know about Seabourn Cruises Entire cruise ship. Things you really need to know if you are interested in cruising on this luxury cruise ship. I tour all aspects of the ship and share my views on what os good and works less well. I explore many aspects of the ship including dining options, bars and lounges, fitness, entertainment, facilities and experience. Seabourn Cruises is one of the ultra-luxury cruise lines and Seabourn Encore was the first of ...
Differences between European Canal Barge And Regular River Cruise
October 18, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 18.8 MBWhat are the main differences between a European canal hotel barge cruise and a river cruise? I think there are 8 key things you need to know that makes a canal cruise different to a river cruise. By understanding how they differ you can better decide is a river cruise or canal hotel barge cruise is best for your next European river cruising vacation Note: I travelled as a guest of CroisiEurope on a 6-night hotel barge cruise in France before making this video Croisieurope had no input int...
Cruise Drinks Packages. 8 Big Watch-Outs
October 11, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 15.9 MBCruise drinks packages are becoming increasingly popular. Most cruise lines offer them, and actively promote and encourage cruising passengers to buy one. However, is a drinks package right for you? I explore 8 reasons and times that a drinks package on a cruise ship is probably not worth buying. Cruise lines often have different levels and types of drinks packages, such as lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity, and what should you be thinking about if dec...
Sneaking Alcohol On A Cruise. 7 Most Common Ways Cruisers Do It.
October 03, 2019 04:00 - 7 minutes - 13.7 MBI am not suggesting, or recommending, you should sneak booze on your next next cruising vacation as you could, in worst case, risk being refused boarding if caught. However despite this, there are cruisers who use surprising and unusual techniques to smuggle alcohol on to a cruise ship to avoid having to buy drinks on board. In this video I explore the different ways that people are using to sneak their alcohol onto their cruise ship. The cost of drinking on a cruise is increasing, and with ...
5 Ways A European Hotel Barge Cruise Is Better Than A River Cruise
September 27, 2019 04:00 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MBIs a hotel barge cruise better than a river cruise in Europe? I explore 5 times, and types of travellers, where a European barge hotel cruise is likely to be the best way to cruise through Europe. River cruising in Europe has become very popular, but less travellers know there is an alternative way to cruise the European Waterways - hotel barges that cruise the canals and rivers of Europe. Discover if they are a better option for your European vacation Note: I travelled as a guest of Crois...
6 Things You Can Get Free On A Cruise (By Asking)
September 20, 2019 04:00 - 10 minutes - 18.4 MBHow can you get free things on your next cruise, and get much more bang for your cruising bucks? I discuss the 6 main areas of cruise freebies that are available, if you go and ask for them or seek them out. They are not things that cruise brochures and websites usually reveal, or talk about. I tell you the things to focus on and how to get as many free things as you possibly can, including drinks, special food, gifts, spa treatments, better and improved cabins and more. ** Buy my Cruise T...
6 Best European River Cruise Lines
September 13, 2019 04:00 - 10 minutes - 19.3 MBWhat are the best European river cruise lines? I discuss the 6, based on my numerous river cruises through Europe that I recommend that you consider for your first or next river cruise in Europe. I review and discuss lines ranging from premium to more value, and those in between. These are the 6 best river cruise lines to consider. Which one sounds right and best for you? ** Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore ** USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://...