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10 Secrets Cruise Lines Don't Want You To Know

Optimal Cruising
Optimal Cruising
🥈Expert
👁️ 3K views📅 9 months ago⏱️ 17:40
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I've been cruising for decades. I've talked to thousands of passengers and many crew members, and I'm about to reveal to you the 10 biggest secrets cruise lines don't want you to know.

If you simply just book your basic fair and don't buy any extras, you're really getting a great deal cuz you're not even making money for the cruise line.

If your itinerary includes one of the cruise lines private islands in the Bahamas or the Caribbean, you really don't need to book any shore excursion, you can keep that money in your pocket.

The secret that the cruise lines don't want you to know is that some of these cruise lines actually will match loyalty status.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book basic fare and avoid extras to get a great deal.
Skip shore excursions on private islands to save money.
Check the ship's medical center for forgotten medications.
Compare loyalty program benefits across cruise lines.
Order room service from the main dining room menu for a single fee.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Forgetting prescription medicationCheck with the ship's doctor or medical center; they can often provide medication if you have a prescription on your phone.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow can I save money on a cruise?
QWhat are the secrets cruise lines hide from passengers?
QHow do loyalty programs work across different cruise lines?
QCan I get medication on board if I forget it?
QIs it worth buying a drink package?

Topics Covered

Crowd Capacity1½ Sad BaconShip Condition2½ Happy BaconValue Pricing3 Happy BaconLoyalty Program1½ Happy BaconDrink Package2 Sad BaconExcursions3½ Happy BaconPort Destination3 Happy BaconDining Room Service2½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Bahamas3½ Happy Bacon
Top: Private island visit
Caribbean3½ Happy Bacon
Top: Private island visit
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

I'm revealing 10 insider secrets cruise lines desperately try to keep hidden from you. After decades of cruising, we’ve discovered tricks to save you hundreds and unlock experiences most cruisers never know exist. 🌴 Plan Your Cruise Like a Pro: 🧭 Book with My Recommended Cruise Travel Agent ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11926423 🛳️ Shore Excursions Cheaper and Better with Viator ➡️ http://vi.me/xqeDJ 🛡️ Travel Insurance I Personally Recommend ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11454010 ⚠️ These are affiliate links, which help support the channel at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’ve used or truly believe in! 👍 SUBSCRIBE for weekly cruise vlogs, tips, secrets, savings, and reviews from our cruising family. 🎥 Watch more videos from @OptimalCruising — we’re here to help you cruise smarter, save money, and have more fun at sea! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:37 - Spend More Please 02:24 - Free Private Islands 03:45 - Prescription Hack 05:36 - Loyalty Programs 07:41 - Embarkation Rules 08:52 - Room Service Hack 10:53 - Breaking The Rules 13:17 - Big Ship Small Ship 14:58 - Internet Hack 16:18 - Drink Package 🔍 Hashtags: #CruiseSecrets #CruiseHacks #CruiseTips #RoyalCaribbean #Carnival #Norwegian #CruiseLife #TravelSecrets #CruiseDeals #VacationHacks#FirstCruise #CruiseVlog #CruiseTips #CruiseShipLife #DayInTheLife #CruisingForBeginners #CruiseVacation #CruiseLife2025 #CruiseHacks #CruiseNews 🎶 Music Credit: Music by Gary Ward @GaryWardMusic 📢 Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!