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11 Things Cruise Lines Don't Tell First Time Cruisers

Optimal Cruising
Optimal Cruising
🥈Expert
👁️ 2K views📅 1 months ago⏱️ 15:11
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

One of the first things that comes to mind to people when they're going on a cruise is the buffet because they're usually pretty extravagant, massive, and huge with lots of options that please almost anybody.

If you've been researching cruises, you've undoubtedly been told that the only safe option for booking your excursions is to book directly with the cruise line. This is not true.

Once you book your cruise, most people book it and forget it and they are looking forward to that date and they don't think about the price again. But cruise industry pricing fluctuates frequently.

One of the three biggest reasons that people miss their ship at a port of call and get left behind is because they don't understand the difference between ship time and port time.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Fly in the day before your cruise to avoid missing it due to travel delays.
Avoid the buffet on embarkation day; use main dining rooms or less crowded cafes.
Pack smart and small with a backpack for day-one essentials.
Bring your own OTC and prescription medications to avoid high onboard prices.
Book excursions with local providers for discounts, except at tender ports.
Monitor cruise prices after booking and request a price match if it drops.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Missing the ship due to travel delaysFly in the day before and allow extra time if driving.
Overpaying for onboard extrasBook packages ahead of time for discounts; not all are necessary.
Time confusion between ship and portSet a watch to ship time and avoid relying on phone auto-adjust.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat are the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make?
QHow can I save money on my cruise booking and extras?
QWhat should I pack for a cruise?
QHow do I avoid missing my ship at a port of call?

Topics Covered

Embarkation1½ Happy BaconCrowd Capacity1 Happy BaconService Crew2½ Happy BaconValue Pricing2½ Sad BaconExcursions1½ Sad BaconSafety Medical3 Sad BaconBooking Process3 Happy BaconItinerary Route2½ Happy Bacon
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YouTube Video Description

Most first-time cruisers waste hundreds of dollars and miss out on the best parts of their vacation because the cruise lines don't tell them what they really need to know. In this video, I'm breaking down the 11 things cruise lines will never tell you before your first cruise — including the one phone call that could save you hundreds on your booking, and the time zone mistake that could literally leave you stranded at a port. Whether you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, or any cruise line, these are the insider tips that separate a Smart Cruiser from someone who gets taken advantage of on their very first trip. 💰 The Best Cruise DEALS You Can Book Right Now! Get your free copy here ➡️ https://forms.gle/Xo6ADM5uh7PEUVuC6 🌴 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 🛍️ Our Amazon Shop! Get Your Essential Cruise Items Here ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/shop/optimalcruising 🛳️ Shore Excursions Group GUARANTEES You Won't Miss Your Ship ➡️ http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1806165&data=garynancyward@gmail.com 🛡️ 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 00:44 - Arriving Late 02:06 - Eating at the Buffet 03:25 - Pack Everything 05:09 - Medications 06:20 - All Included 07:18 - Cruise Line Excursions 09:18 - Not Monitoring Pricing 10:33 - Not Understanding Ship Time 11:29 - No Research 12:39 - Not Understanding Gratuities 14:08 - Not Downloading the App 🔍 Hashtags: #FirstCruise #firsttimecruiser #CruiseTips #cruisemistakes #cruise 🎶 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!