Cruise Tips
1,486 Cruise tips.
1,486 Cruise tips.
OK, not really . But I’ve watched hundreds of YouTube videos so you don’t have to. I’ve compiled hundreds of tips - or will, I just had the idea to start documenting them. This list includes tips to get the most of our your trip and mistakes to avoid so you can enjoy the best cruise possible.
Automatic gratuity. The charge may be automatic but it’s not required. ARTOC:E
Cruise myths
It’s “all-inclusive”. Nah, it’s very different from a real all-inclusive like you’d find on land resort. Extras include drinks, even sodas, specialty restaurants, many fitness and entertainment activities, etc.
Get cruise insurance. Ship doctors (who are contractors and not employed by the cruise line) are generally NOT covered by private insurance and Medicare and are VERY expensive. I’ve worked out the math on typical cruise insurance price vs. likely cost and probability of a medical visit, including even a minor emergency (bad cut, seasickness, etc.). It’s roughly breakeven and makes economic sense so you don’t have to worry about the one in a million serious accident. Plus there are other coverage benefits, such as flight problems, lost baggage, etc.
Get cruise insurance from a third party (search the Internet), not the cruise line. They provide significantly more (benefits, coverage) for typically less. One of the cruise ship insurance tricks - they may give you a credit instead of cash
They’re serious about the Port time. Make sure to always check actual ship/local time against the time on your watch or phone. You may cross time zones, even for a short Caribbean trip
They’re serious about the Port time, part 2. They’re very serious. If you’re even a few minutes late, you may be on the dock shouting - or cursing - at the ship as it pulls away.
They’re serious about the Port time, part 3. You really don’t want to miss your ship. If you do, you typically (flight schedule permitting) may meet it at the next port or two. But a quick fare like that may cost up to $2,000.
They’re serious about the Port time, part 4. Enough said about the consequences. The cruise ships use FOMTS (Fear of missing the ship) to market their excursions. The ship will wait for their own excursions. But you wouldn’t book a third party excursion that didn’t you get back to ship at least an hour early, would you?
Feel free to add your own below!