Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Essential Cruise Tips
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| Smart Cruisers ALWAYS Get Off The Ship in THESE Ports. Here's Why (Podcast #470) | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:09:53 | |
Are you missing out on what could be the best — and possibly last — experiences of your cruising life by staying on the ship on port days? In an earlier video, I revealed why more and more smart cruisers are choosing to stay onboard when docked. That sparked huge debate — so now I've gone back to question if I was wrong. Could skipping ports lead to one of your biggest cruising regrets? In this I explore the surprising reasons why you might want to rethink staying onboard, and why that "I'll visit next time" mindset could mean missing out forever. Watch before your next cruise — it could change how you see port days forever.
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| The 4 Most Popular Cruise Lines: Who's Best & Who to Avoid? (Podcast #469) | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:12:55 | |
Imagine booking your dream cruise on one of the world's biggest lines—only to realise within hours of boarding it's not for you. In this video, I break down the FOUR most popular cruise lines based on passengers carried—Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Carnival—so you can choose wisely and avoid an expensive mistake. I compare: What these "resort style" mega-ships all have in common What each does BEST and where each FALLS SHORT Fleet sizes, global itineraries and private islands Key fare differences and hidden costs Cabins: from budget inside rooms to luxury suites (including ship-within-ship concepts) Dining styles and quality Entertainment and onboard activities Who each line is REALLY best for—and who should steer clear Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you match the right line to your travel style and budget.
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| I Tried the New Princess Megaship and Here's What Happened! (Podcast | 02 Aug 2025 | 00:15:32 | |
Princess Cruises have entered mega-ship cruising with the launch of their 4,300-passenger Sphere Class ships, Sun and Star Princess. Hearing it was totally different to their other ships, reading very divided reviews, and seeing many asking if Princess were abandoning loyal guests to attract a different type of passenger, I had to test it out for myself. And this is the good and bad news I found. And I will reveal, as past frequent Princess cruiser, if I will I cruise on these ships again….or not
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| Questions I Wish I'd Asked BEFORE Cruising the Nile! (Podcast #371) | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:13:41 | |
Seven out of ten travellers told me they really want to do a Nile River cruise. But almost all said they were unlikely to do it, because they had too many questions and concerns. Having done one, I have discovered the answers to those questions, and a few they should be asking but aren't.
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| Scams Cruisers Are Falling For BEFORE Even Leaving Home (Podcast #369) | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:13:03 | |
I looks at scams playing on cruise lovers eagerness to cruise right now, like my friend Helen, who almost fell for one of the four scams very active now catching cruise passengers while at home thinking or planning a cruise. This is the first of a two-part series about scams targeting cruise passengers right now, the other looks at scams in cruise ports
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| Epic Highs & Unwelcome Lows I Had Cruising the Nile! (Podcast #370) | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:15:16 | |
I reveal the best and very worst things I experienced on my AmaWaterways Nile River Cruise and time in Cairo, and answer if all things considered is it worth taking this trip. It's complicated
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| Exploring Alaskan Ports Without Breaking The Bank! (Podcast #367) | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:12:25 | |
I was asked by a fan of the channel, Heather, "How can we make the most of our port stops when we can't afford any excursions or activities?". This is what I recommended they do in each port based on my various trips there to still ensure an amazing and memorable time on their Alaskan cruise. Download my "Alaska Ports On A Budget" eBook at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/AlaskaPorts or https://www.dropbox.com/s/pqesif229a5ycdw/Alaska%20on%20Budget%20PDF%20May-23.pdf?dl=0
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| 5 Crafty Tricks That Catch Alaska Cruisers Out (Again & Again) (Podcast #366) | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:12:16 | |
While there are many things that catch passengers out once they are are in Alaska on their cruise, I want to highlight some things that trip up many cruisers before they go, including my good friends Graham and Pete - as I explain....
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| 9 Things Smart Cruisers Always Do In The Days Before A Cruise (Podcast #365) | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:11:43 | |
On recent cruise I met disappointed or frustrated passengers, while everything was going to great for me with no unpleasant surprises, and I realised it was due to some checks and things I learnt from smart cruisers to do in the the weeks and days before a cruise. So, here are 9 things that will transform and improve your cruise by doing them in the run up to leaving Links mentioned in the video: * My packing list: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/packinglist
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| Cruising South America Wasn't What I Expected (Podcast #364) | 31 May 2023 | 00:15:30 | |
I cruised around the base of South America for 14 nights on Holland America Oosterdam, and in this video, I explore all the things I wish I had been told me before going that would have meant I was better prepared and got even more from the trip.
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| Way Too Many Cruisers Make These Cruise Dining Mistakes (Podcast #363) | 24 May 2023 | 00:12:17 | |
In this video I look at the 8 cruise dining mistakes I keep seeing my fellow cruise passengers make these days. As things are changing constantly, it is easy to slip out, get caught out and not quite get dining right.
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| 6 Game-Changing "Cruise Weapons" That Transform My Cruises! (Podcast #362) | 20 May 2023 | 00:11:07 | |
There are 6 "secret weapons" (hacks and tricks) I saw smart cruisers use before cruise that since I used have improved my cruises, and saved me money too. I thought it was time to share these so you can also try them out and see of they make a big difference too.
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| Cruising Ultra-Luxury Taught Me 3 Eye-Opening Lessons!(Podcast #361) | 10 May 2023 | 00:11:19 | |
Realising it costs the same to cruise in a suite on most "regular" cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and so on) as it does to cruise on an ultra-luxury line (like Regent, Seabourn & Silversea), I look at which is better and why. And when you should stick on a "mainstream" line rather than go on an "ultra-luxury" cruise line.
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| More Cruisers Are Being BUMPED From Cruises Than Ever. Here's Why! (Podcast #459) | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:12:15 | |
I decided I should investigate why so many cruisers are being bumped of cruises right now after seeing in just one day, it happening to so many. Including Carnival bumping many passengers off several up-coming Carnival Conquest sailings, upset people in a Seabourn Facebook group reporting being bumped off one of three back-to-back cruises they had booked, and P&O Cruises cancelling and bumping thousands off a 35-night sailing to the Caribbean In this I am exploring seven reasons it's happening more these days, what you should watch out for, and how to protect yourself.
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| Things That SHOULD NOT Happen On Luxury Cruises, But DO! (podcast #360) | 03 May 2023 | 00:11:33 | |
On ultra-luxury cruise lines I have been on I came across and experienced things that I really did not think I would when paying so much money. Here is what they were and why.... Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
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| 6 Cruise Ships I Had No Idea This Happened To Them! (podcast #359) | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:11:40 | |
When I found out by chance a well-known cruise ship I was on had a murky past I went out to find out what other popular cruise ships have I been on, or plan to go on, also have crazy, mysterious or shocking hidden pasts. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
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| Is A Disney Cruise REALLY Worth That Rather BIG Price Tag? (podcast #358) | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:12:15 | |
A Disney cruise can cost two- or three-times more than resort family lines, like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Lines, and often 40% more than other premium lines, like Celebrity, which Disney is more like. Is it worth it.....?? Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
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| I Test Out The World's "MOST LUXURIOUS" Cruise Line! (podcast #357) | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:11:37 | |
I splashed out on a cruise on the "world's most luxurious line" (Regent Seven Seas) to test if it meets all the hype their fans say about them. This is how it went, where I thought my high fare was (and wasn't going) Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
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| Crafty Tricks That Catch Caribbean Cruisers Out (Again & Again!) (Podcast #356) | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:10:55 | |
After watching Caribbean cruise passengers getting hoodwinked in a port side market as I had been a year previously, it got me thinking about 5 of the biggest mistakes Caribbean cruisers fall for all the time Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
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| I've Found 11 Absolute Best Cruises For Your Bucket List (Podcast #355) | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:13:46 | |
I've been on 100 cruises and found that there are 11 that are so remarkable, memorable, and enjoyable that I suggest you beg, steal, borrow or more sensibly (like me) scrimp and save to do as many of these as you can! Spoiler: 2 of the most popular are not in the best list! Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
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| Cruise Agents Want Us To Know About this! (podcast) | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:13:21 | |
When I learned that three quarters of all cruises are booked by cruise travel agents, I asked them to reveal the things they see cruise passengers repeatedly get wrong or make mistakes about and the 9 things they want us to know as they are guaranteed to make our cruising experiences so much better
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| What's Got BETTER & WORSE Since I Started Cruising? (Podcast #353) | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:13:09 | |
I explore what has got better, worse and stayed the same since my first cruise in 2004 and the 100th cruise that I recently did. Looking back some of the changes surprised even me who lived through them! This is one of a series of three videos drawing on all the experience form doing 100 cruises. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Going On 100 Cruises Taught Me 7 CRUCIAL Cruise Tricks (Podcast #352) | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:12:31 | |
I have just taken my 100th cruise and I have been asked by so many cruise passengers and cruising fans what are the biggest things I have learnt about cruising over all those trips. Here are the 7 biggest ones. Some may surprise. I hope so. This is the first of a series of videos I have made to mark hitting this milestone.
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Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Cruising At Christmas Was NOT What I Expected. Here's Why (podcast) | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:11:06 | |
I love cruising and I love Christmas, and so putting them together sounded like a perfect combination. But was it? Discover what I found out about cruising over the Christmas holidays!
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| I Cruised Princess Cruises Despite Saying Never Again! (Podcast #458) | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:15:43 | |
It's been three years since I was last on Princess Cruises, when I vowed to never return after going on three underwhelming cruises in the space of 12 months: Sky and Regal Princess in Europe and Majestic Princess in Alaska. I felt Princess had lost its way, and they had slipped behind their competition in the premium category. In fact, I made a video after those cruises, which is entitled "My Last Time? Issues I Have With Princess" about my feelings. But I relented because I wanted to go on a Group Cruise hosted by my vlogger friends "Paul and Carol Love To Travel" which was on Sky Princess. So, I decided to go back and see if they'd improved. Here's what I found. Good and bad.
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| I Run Rings Around The Latest CRUISE RIP OFFS (You Can Too) (Podcast) | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:14:34 | |
Now more than ever cruise lines are looking how to get more money from cruise passengers than ever before. I look at 10 things they are doing to extract more cash from us today that I think are rip offs and what I do to reduce or avoid them so all you can too.
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| I Took A Cruiser Back On A Line He HATED First Time! Here's How It Went (podcast) | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:11:55 | |
I took my partner (Mark) back on a cruise line he is not a fan of at all based on our Alaska trip 4 years ago, hoping he will like the changes they've made since then so I don't always have to cruise solo on them! Here's how it went - and what I learnt about Holland America and taking cruisers back on lines they've not fans of!
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| 6 Unwelcome Changes Cruise Lines Making This Year (podcast) | 09 Feb 2023 | 00:10:55 | |
In this video, I look at six mind-blowing cruise changes that are have or are going to happen this year. These changes will majorly affect every cruisers' vacation plans, so make sure you are in the know! From new ships to updates to onboard experiences, these changes are going to radically change the way cruisers travel. Watch this video to find out what's coming your way this year! These are 6 changes that are happening to cruise ships and cruising that I think will change the way we cruise this year and into next. Some of them are big and obvious and had a lot of coverage, but others are not being spoken about much and are quietly shifting but will accelerate and could impact the way you and I find our cruises in the next 12 – 24 months
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| Solo Cruising How Do I Do It Cheaper, Smarter & Better? (Podcast) | 28 Dec 2022 | 00:17:18 | |
As 9 put of 10 of my cruises are as a solo passenger, I am frequently asked to share my tips on how to travel cheaper and avoid the large 100% supplement most lines charge, how to avoid being left out or feeling lonely and make the most of cruising as a solo traveller. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Cruise Ship Casinos: What You Need To Know BEFORE Playing (Podcast) | 21 Dec 2022 | 00:13:35 | |
I delve into gambling in cruise ship casinos to discover how to play, what to focus on and how cruise passengers use gambling to unlock perks, freebies, heavily discounted and free cruises – without seemingly gambling much money. Whether you are a small and timid player of slot machines or a big fan of playing the tables, you will discover all you need to know before playing. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
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| Cruise Main Dining Room: What to Do (And What NOT to Do)!! (Podcast) | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:10:35 | |
I look at dining in the Main Dining Room on a cruise ship, and the many watch outs, must knows, tips and tricks. It is not straight-forward as many cruisers think Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Cunard: 8 Things You Didn't Know You Needed To Know! (Podcast) | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:12:15 | |
I discuss the things about Cunard Cruise Line that I kept finding people misunderstand, or do not realise about the cruise line. There are many cruising myths about Cunard among cruise passengers that I discuss, dispel, or explain why they may be only partly right. Cunard is not what most people think it is. I discuss topics including why despite being a very British line they use the US dollar and not the British Pound. Find out why and 7 other things you didn't know you needed to know. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| 8 Unwritten Cruise Rules You Need To Know | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:09:49 | |
I look at some unwritten, and unspoken, rules that cruise passengers need to know as they are what makes a cruise run smoothly and make it more enjoyable Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
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| 9 Scarce Cabins Those In The Know Always Grab First | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:14:18 | |
I look at 9 highly-sought after, and rare, cruise cabins that everyone wants for their cruising vacations because they have something unique, rare, or have added quirks or perks that make them more attractive than the others. So, which ones you should be quick off the mark to bag?
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| These 7 Things Throw NORWEGIAN FJORD Cruisers Every Time! | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:12:17 | |
I take a look at the 7 things I find on every Norwegian Fjords cruise I've been on that keeps surprising, shocking or throwing Norwegian Fjord cruise passengers. Here is what anyone thinking of going on a Norway Fjords cruising vacation really needs to know
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| I Put 8 Underrated Cruise Tips To The Test! Here's What Happened (Podcast #457) | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:12:25 | |
I'm just back from a 7-night Sky Princess Scandinavian cruise where I challenged myself to test out eight cruise tips I think cruisers massively under-estimate, including one that I have seen totally wreck entire trips – and almost created a massive problem for me.
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| 13 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Going On My Disney Cruise | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:15:14 | |
I learnt a lot going on my first Disney Cruise Line cruise. And that many of the cruising tips that apply to other cruise lines do not apply, or work, going on a Disney cruising vacation. These are the 13 things that I found cruisers on a Disney Cruise Line need to know as it will make their cruise better – and ensure they do not miss out on
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| I See If Disney Cruises Is Great For Adult Cruisers | 03 Nov 2022 | 00:14:18 | |
I booked myself onto Disney Cruise Line as an adult without kids to put it to the test to see if it really is the top-notch premium cruising vacation and option for travellers like this as most fans of the line say it is. Discover if I had a Disney dream or Disney nightmare at sea.....
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| I Look At What Celebrity Cruises Is REALLY Up To (Podcast) | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:14:21 | |
I look at how Celebrity Cruises is fast changing as a cruise line and the challenges that creates for both existing and new cruisers considering a Celebrity Cruising vacation. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Cruise Lines You Should Stay Far, Far Away From (Podcast) | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:13:02 | |
This video delivers on a promise I made in a past podcast about lines that I recommended to make a video of cruise lines avoid and think other cruisers should too * Check out my T-Shirt range: http://bit.ly/TFTStore * Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Only A Select Few Get To See These Cruise Ship Oddities (podcast) | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:12:06 | |
I show you 7 remarkable things on a cruise ship that most cruisers will never get to see, but I have managed to by hook or crook. And I am NOT talking about things like rollercoasters, go-kart tracks that thousands get to see every week. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
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| Small Ship Cruise Line Cruising Wasn't What I Expected (Podcast) | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:12:20 | |
I look at the reality of cruising on smaller ship lines versus the many misconceptions and things I was warned about by other cruisers about them. I discuss what I found to be the at the 5 upsides and the 5 downsides of small ship cruise line cruising Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 96 cruises I have done to date. | |||
| What's Up With Princess Cruises These Days? (Podcast) | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:14:38 | |
Has Princess Cruises lost its way? Or is it just a temporary blip as it gets back to speed? I've been asked this increasingly by cruisers coming off recent Princess cruises. Based on my 3 recent trips here's 4 things they're getting very wrong 4 things they're getting very right.
ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 95 cruises I have done to date. Check out my T-Shirt range: http://bit.ly/TFTStore SUPPORT Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| 8 Cruise Cabin Checks Everyone Should Do BEFORE Unpacking (podcast) | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:10:13 | |
| 10 Must-Know Tips If Doing A Cunard Transatlantic Crossing (podcast) | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:15:14 | |
10 must-do and tips for anyone considering or planning doing a Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing | |||
| River Cruise Lines Don't Like Talking About These (Podcast) | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:13:12 | |
I've been on several European river cruises, and I've had a good time, however I keep stumbling across things I don't think are made crystal clear or as up-front as they should be to travellers like you and me. ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 95 cruises I have done to date.
Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers | |||
| Things We Can't Do On A Cruise This Year, But Could Last Year! (Podcast #456) | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:12:50 | |
I'm just back from a Sky Princess cruise to Scandinavia, and during that I realised there are a surprisingly large number of things I cannot do on cruises this year that I could last year. For example, as on last year's Princess cruise, I bought the "Princess Plus" package. While it still includes a Drinks Package, unlike last year, this year they've now excluded canned sodas from that package, only allow me one drink per order, and have banned double measures. While this may seem not a huge change, it is an unwelcome change from last year and got me thinking about others. So, welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and here's eight, yes eight, big things you cannot do on a cruise this year that you could last year!
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT | |||
| So Many Alaska Cruisers Get These 7 Things Wrong (podcast) | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:15:17 | |
You need to get your Alaska cruise right as for most it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip and the stakes are high, and as they cost more than many alternative cruises the stakes are higher. These are the mistakes I see people cruising to Alaska keep making - so you can avoid them ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 94 cruises I have done to date. | |||
| What Smart Cruisers ALL Do On CRUISE DISEMBARKATION DAY (Podcast) | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:13:15 | |
I keep seeing cruise passengers making the same cruise disembarkation mistakes and have looked at what smart cruisers do to make it easier, less stressful and successful - making disembarkation more fun and not a wasted day - and these are the 7 things that they all do ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 94 cruises I have done to date. | |||
| 8 Secrets The Cruise Lines Are Hiding In Plain Sight (podcast) | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:14:42 | |
I look at 8 things we cruise passengers see all the time on cruise ships but don't realise they are there, what they mean nor the significance of them. | |||