5 Things Smart Cruisers ALWAYS Do (And 1 They Argue About)!

Editorial Summary

Gary Benbridge shares advice gathered from experienced travelers on how to optimize the cruise vacation experience. He identifies five common practices among smart cruisers, beginning with booking strategies. He recommends booking during new itinerary releases to secure the lowest prices and maximum perks, or utilizing flash sales to find significant discounts and upgrades. Regarding accommodations, he advises selecting specific cabins rather than relying on guaranteed fare allocations, suggesting travelers choose locations away from high-traffic areas and avoid interconnecting doors to minimize noise. Benbridge also emphasizes calculating the port-to-port cost rather than just the headline fare, noting that inclusive luxury lines can sometimes be more economical once onboard expenses like Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities are factored in. To ensure a smooth trip, he suggests pre-booking dining, excursions, and spa appointments online, arriving at the port city a day early, and maintaining travel insurance. Finally, he addresses a point of contention among experienced travelers: whether to book directly with cruise lines or use a travel agent. While some prefer cutting out the middleman, Benbridge argues that agents provide essential support during travel disruptions and can sometimes secure better deals or price matches.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.