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@Dingdong3696oyvey
6 ай бұрын
I ordered a whole cake and they asked me what I was celebrating…I told them I was celebrating having a whole cake.
@judithovers9652
6 ай бұрын
😂🎉
@nrgpokemon5158
5 ай бұрын
This simply makes me happy! You know how to live!
@annastory349
5 ай бұрын
That's awesome lol.
@sarahbailey6996
5 ай бұрын
I get you …love cake 🎉
@williamdarthard2855
5 ай бұрын
Never have used the Landry service. But would like to try
@chezniki
6 ай бұрын
Luxurious Travel Tip: Travel Alone! Not having to answer to anyone elses schedule while youre on vacay is the ultimate luxury. If you want to go, stop, rest, whatever, you can do so without having to explain, reschedule or argue. Also, the bathroom is ALWAYS free! Every eighteen months - two years, go on one vacay as a solo traveler. You can thank me later 😊
@donnaschmitt3615
4 ай бұрын
Even though my best friend and I travel together, we still have time to just ourselves to do our own thing, but still have someone to meet for meals and see a show or do an excursion.
@kenyattaclay7666
6 ай бұрын
You basically listed everything I would’ve said 🤨😊 however one thing I would add is to do at least one excursion that involves something you’d never do. To me when you go on a cruise, especially if it’s only once a year or two, this is a chance to do something other than go to a beach or bar crawling. You never know if you ever get another chance so taking advantage of being able to experience something different can create a special memory.
@donnabush7938
6 ай бұрын
I live an hour away from both Galveston and Freeport,Texas, both beach communities, so I’m not interested in hanging out at another beach on my vacation. Granted, the Caribbean beaches are a LOT prettier, but I’d rather explore and experience the local culture. Like you said, do something you’d never otherwise do! 😁
@victoriacaruso-mcdonald907
6 ай бұрын
We were on a Norwegian cruise last year and we used a free laundry service which came with our cabin. One recommendation I would make is to take a picture of the clothes you send to be laundered. In all the activity of the final days I didn’t realize that an item was missing., until I was unpacking at home. So to save this from happening again, I will spread out the clothes on the bed and take a picture of the items I send to be laundered. It’s an easy way to ensure that what you send out, all comes back.
@CrazyCanuckFitness
6 ай бұрын
Ordering breakfast on the balcony is such a luxury
@debiwillis9045
6 ай бұрын
Our balconies went completely unused...I would rather be out where I can people watch...
@hazelleblanc8969
6 ай бұрын
Can't say enough about how good the laudry experience has been on cruises. I once had a bottle of cough medicine leak, even though I had double bagged it, onto a formal night gown. I figured it was ruined but instead of throwing it out I decided to try the laundry. I was totally shocked when it came back without a single stain on it. Kuddos to the laundry staff! I gave them high marks on my post-cruise survey.
@sparklerainbowsun
6 ай бұрын
This is so helpful to me! My first cruise is coming up in a few months and we wanted to pack light and use the laundry service, but I was worried they might not take special care. This gives me so much peace knowing they are paying attention. :)
@rgruenhaus
6 ай бұрын
There was one time in an NCL ship that I did the free bag of laundry as a platinum and many items came back on hangers, but in the last two times one of them being the Prima the laundry was washed and dried and just folded wrinkled. Really sad. No iron in the room so couldn't wear them without putting them on a hanger in a closet. My next cruise is on the Pearl in an aft-facing penthouse suite with a large balcony and a butler and concierge, but the room is category SN so it is not a 24hr butler and they are vague about what the butler can do in the 12hrs we get them. Can't even be sure we are getting Priority Access because it's a suite, but not IN the Haven.
@nrgpokemon5158
5 ай бұрын
I loved this! Have done most of them. Here are mine: 1. Treat formal night as special … dress up, linger over dinner, go for a drink, take some pics, see a show 2. Take the real jewelry. I know people will balk at that but I honestly never wear the good stuff day to day. So I take a selection on every cruise and feel fabulous wearing them 3. Book and use the adults only area. Even if it’s for a couple of half days
@gatorguy7711
6 ай бұрын
Another great list! Your comment about not having to prepare meals or clean (do nothing) is my wife's number one comment on the why she likes cruising. I just like being at sea and relaxing on the ship. We always include a drink package, speciality dinning, and take advantage of onboard laundry. Another thing we do is stay at a luxury hotel pre-cruise and when we fly to a port, we book a town car for port transportation (it eliminates all the taxi issues). Take care....
@GeorgeNeeds2Travel
6 ай бұрын
Nice video Ilana. Love your channel. Good tips. We always enjoy a happy hour before dinner to unwind and relax and take advantage of the beautiful unique venue. One special thing we’ll do is go to the buffet before dinner and create our own cheese plate (olives, dry, fruit, crackers, as well) and a couple of glasses of wine, bring them back to our cabin, and enjoy a private happy hour on our balcony before dinner. Keep em coming. Thanks, Jorge.
@SipWatchTravel
5 ай бұрын
Same! (I also love Ilana)
@Nancy-w6f
6 ай бұрын
The best thing we have splurged on to make the cruise more luxurious is a cabana on the private island location. It is so relaxing to have the attendant bring drinks and lunch and not have to stand in line. The day already starts in true vacation mode when you know you have a great place reserved for you to relax and you aren’t walking around looking for a lounge chair and umbrella.
@capnsalty0200
6 ай бұрын
I like to rent a Tux for the cruise. My wife brings a party dress. It works for us.
@JaneBrihan
6 ай бұрын
We do a lot of the things you mentioned! Also, I keep a journal everyday of the cruise so that later we can look back and enjoy the trip all over again!
@davidhurwitz2291
5 ай бұрын
We are elite on Celebrity and some of the perks make it difficult for us to try another cruise line. We get one free bag of laundry each (up to 30 items per bag), 1 dry clean item each and 1 pressed item each. We also get a small base with fresh flowers in our cabin. We also get free drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol) between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. There are other benefits, but these benefits add to our enjoyment of the cruise. Loyalty pays off.
@Krypto64
5 ай бұрын
Fun video, I tell you, once we got to the loyalty level for free laundry with a certain cruise line they had us for life, I love seeing freshly steamed clothes in a wicker basket, only a puppy could make it better. I’m not so keen on a pedicure, I had one years ago, the therapist cut my big toenails square and from then on my they grew down and inwards, sooooo painful. I had to have them removed in the end.
@cbradyorganize
6 ай бұрын
We had a suite or loyalty level that included laundry, I don't know how many times before I used it. Once I used it, I'm hooked. It is nice to not need to pack so much and to have clean clothes for after cruise explorations and less return home laundry. Don't miss out on this luxury benefit, especially if you've paid or earned it.
@nat4288
5 ай бұрын
I would look for the specials they would put on the daily newsletters. There was a blowout special that included cut, blowdry, wash, keratin for only 69. That's luxury on a budget!
@ginnyanderson4892
6 ай бұрын
I like spending a little more and getting a balcony room, then I order breakfast and sit and watch the Sunrise and have breakfast. It is free on Carnival.
@fringeminoritymember
5 ай бұрын
I bought the HAL laundry package on an 18 day cruise, it was great! I always get a massage on either the first or second day, it helps me to relax and get into holiday mode, especially after all those flights to get any where from here.
@NicholasPyers
6 ай бұрын
We did the Chefs Table one cruise… absolutely amazing experience and so luxurious
@docsmctink
6 ай бұрын
We did that on several cruises….wonderful experiences!
@marcozaff6699
5 ай бұрын
We used Holland laundry service and it was great and got it as part of a casino deal.
@silverfox5732
5 ай бұрын
We have an upcoming cruise in May, we planned a cabana on board, and at Coco Cay, we ordered a cheese and wine tray for us in our cabin and last but not least a specialty dinner 😀 it's been a while since our last cruise, so we are treating ourselves also our kids and grandchildren will be cruising on this trip with us ❤
@Next_Cruise_Please
6 ай бұрын
Definitely the laundry package and the specialty restaurants. Behind the scenes tours are great, especially the visit to the bridge!
@sharonhinsley5335
5 ай бұрын
Satin Pilowcases: I bring 3 sizes - standard, queen, and king in different colors. I ask for a feather pillow and extra bed mattress pad.
@bobbiwillmer7491
5 ай бұрын
Just finished a Celebrity Edge cruise to New Zealand. We loved the extra space with our infinite balcony. It was a cooler climate cruise. Celebrity charged $59.99 for a bag of laundry now. Used to be $30. Also they really pressed us a number of times as soon as we boarded attempting to book the pay restaurants. We waited until the end and got them to cut the fees in half for the steak house. My advice don’t rush to book them. We had a choice of 4 restaurants without paying and it was enough. Eden wanted $102 per person. Not worth that in my opinion. Love your videos.
@jillroles8060
6 ай бұрын
im going on my 1st cruise onSympathy of the Seas on April 6th from Fort Lauderdale
@donnaschmitt3615
4 ай бұрын
My first cruise was in 1993. As a nurse who only wore uniforms/scrubs, the formal nights were wonderful. Now that we are light years away from that, i still like getting dreesed for dinner. My cruise partner is my best friend and we do have some "shared" outfits or accessories to change up the looks. We are both at a loyalty level to get laundry services and currently planning back to back 12 day cruises, so therefore hoping to pack less. Several of these luxuries will be used. And for us, just the fact that no cooking, no cleaning, no worries, and no one to ask us to do something for them is the luxury.
@LifeWellCruised
4 ай бұрын
Love that!
@justinepousen8144
6 ай бұрын
I took a cruise on HAL last year and we had the laundry package. Was completely spoiled. Wish Princess offered this.
@zaidagarcia8369
6 ай бұрын
Loooove it!! And totally agree with you and your suggestions. I was criticized by my mother-in-law not very long ago for taking a “dressy” attire for my night dinners to a Dubai cruise with NCL. I really wanted to make that cruise special ❤ Her comment was “people dont dress up anymore” I respect her comment but my response was “i want to dress up for this cruise” 🥰
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Love that! You’re dressing up for you, not fur other people, right?
@monikaliebold4225
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for video. I always look out for a new video from you. All your videos are very helpful - even for me as an experienced cruiser. So, my must have luxury is always whole cruise Thermal Suite Spa Pass - for me it's definitely worth the money. I'm a spa/sauna lover and at my home I don't have a spa to visit (only extremely overpriced hotel spas, even for residents). So I have already booked the Thermal Suite Spa Pass for Alaska cruise on 10th October 2024 with my beloved Norwegian Jewel. I'm lucky - other luxury things come with my Sapphire loyalty status - free laundry bag, specialty dinings, chocolat covered strawberries, free behind the scenes ship's tour, dining with officers, discounts. So, there is no need to spend "luxury" additional money. When solo travelling without family I'm in solo inside cabin or solo studio (only higher category when cruising with family/friends) - being by my own outside from home, that's my own very personal luxury 😉, relaxing at spa or sitting anywhere on ship reading, going on excursion or not, simply just doing what I like to. Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴🏖😎🇵🇫🇫🇷🇪🇺
@janeduffy5188
6 ай бұрын
Great list, Ilana! I always get great ideas from your videos!
@Hmmbird271
5 ай бұрын
At Jacks
@NinjaPuppy.2
6 ай бұрын
I have used the laundry service and it was great. Everything cane back in beautiful condition, ready for a second round of wear. I also scored the service on a great reduced price, so keep an eye out for specials.
@reniedavisson8532
6 ай бұрын
We received a complimentary load of laundry on our NCL cruise with the Club Balcony Suite. VERY HELPFUL after our hike in the D.R. mud...😊
@veronicashine1812
6 ай бұрын
Great tips. I always get the laundry package. It is a delight to have the items pressed and looking great. Also, I love coming home and just hanging up the items without having a basket full of laundry waiting. I prepay as much as possible with specialty dining, beverages and even place funds on my on-board account months in advance. This way if I don't have a drink package, or see something I would like to purchase, have a spa treatment, I don't have to give it a second thought about paying out of pocket during the cruise. We have booked suites in the past because we are a family of three. We also love the perks and space. However, after watching your shows, we tried two balcony cabins and it worked out well. We are now doing it for our next 3 cruises. I think though if I were on a scenic cruise, I would book a suite again for that type of journey.
@davidweissman7050
6 ай бұрын
I'm a Elite member on Celebrity. I get 1 free bag of laundry per cruise. The bag isn't paper but cloth so I was really able to get alot in. It's nice to have the laundry done and pack less.
@jorgetrevino6368
4 ай бұрын
What options do they offer for honeymooners & Anniversaries?
@harlanabraham7772
6 ай бұрын
Howdy Ilana, already subscribed and hit the like button. Usually do laundry on ship, but, still do laundry when come home. No matter what still will have dirty clothes when leaving the ship. Usually order something for when I get on the ship. Usually like to have a drink with dinner not before. Usually get balcony staterooms, but, thinking of inside next. Depends on where I go. Used to do this when my wife was alive. Not a big drinker. Usually book at least one dinner at a specialty restaurant. Do order a cake for anniversary and/or birthday.
@JUAN75001
6 ай бұрын
I'm Sorry for your loss man 😢
@harlanabraham7772
6 ай бұрын
@@JUAN75001 Thank you.
@andrewthom5
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for the extra info, I pre-shopped last year. I think this year I’ll do a little like you and do more on the ship. They had so many clothes to buy for every event on the ship. Also want to add on this video, I your hair color looks great. 👍
@gailcarsten7903
6 ай бұрын
Can you do self service laundry as well as paying to have it done? Can you put it on your cruise card?
@MariaReyes-vy6ue
6 ай бұрын
Did not know they have fresh flowers on a ship
@deeannlett-neal3325
4 ай бұрын
Holland American famous for their flowers onboard.
@danacasey8543
6 ай бұрын
My big luxury is sleeping late!
@matthewjoshuacohen
6 ай бұрын
Don’t be afraid of ordering multiple items per course! If you can’t choose between two entrees, order both!
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Good one 👏
@sandysandona8484
6 ай бұрын
Can’t believe people would actually lie about their birthdays or anniversaries to get cake (Isn’t there already enough cake available in the buffet?) or champagne, etc. I would feel sleezy!
@mimijulene6307
6 ай бұрын
You pay for it! I think Ilana was joking when she said to lie! She meant lie to yourself! 😂
@arlenebaker2416
6 ай бұрын
While I have watched your videos for a while now, I am curious as to why you have never taken and/or reviewed a Viking ocean cruise? Viking includes so much for the price, it would be interesting to see how they compare to other luxury lines etc. and your thoughts. Thanks.
@akeolsson8020
6 ай бұрын
Booked a suite on the Azamara Quest and have never sailed with them before. When I check what is included in the package that ticks every luxury box you mentioned...
@rgruenhaus
6 ай бұрын
I'm getting FAS PLUS on my next cruise, but I hope I'm not disappointed that the ship runs out of the top shelf liquors.
@hushpuppy3
6 ай бұрын
I am not a drinker, so an all inclusive package seems a waste of money to me. However, I do try to get everything paid off before I step foot on the ship. Prepaid gratuities, excursions, specialty dining, and also on board credit/cruise cash. It is nice getting back home and not having a large charge to pay off at that point. They probably look at me and go "Oh boy, he has a fresh wallet!" while ringing their hands side to side. Nope, I usually have less that $10 of credit left on my account, or a very minimal charge. I also order a cake to be delivered to my stateroom on embarkation day and I have a portion of it every night of the cruise before bed. Not a fan of room service. I've ordered a breakfast sandwich that was over cooked and rock hard, and also the same with chicken tenders at night. Waste of money in my opinion.
@joanevans3872
2 ай бұрын
Love your comments and videos. but lounge Hogs get me, as am over 60 cruiser, the LAST thing I want to do it spend hours on a lounger in the sun....I travlleled on a princess cruise and swam in the adults only pool, all loungers taken, I chose a chair up in the upper area (still within 3=4 metre from the pool ..left my bag and towel there, and after a georgeus swim - came and got my things, dried off, and went to the buffet for lunch..WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO SPEND HOURS AND HOURS IN THE BLISTERING SUN..there are plenty of activities provided in the afternoon ..away from the sun...I am still amazed by people who choose to lie in the sun and not partake of the activities provided....SIGNED ...NON SUN LOUNGER
@amandaregis313
6 ай бұрын
The first day of our cruise this summer is our 39th anniversary, so as part of the Have it All package, we'll be celebrating at the Pinnacle Grill. I'm sure we'll be taking advantage of the room service and laundry service. 81 days to go.
@SassyGrkGrl24
6 ай бұрын
I love to take 2 days off from work before we leave for the ship or airport. I do all of my packing on my first day off, errands, final check around the house, clean out the fridge, make our grocery list for when we get back. Do any last minute cleaning. The day before we leave, I get a mani/pedi and hair touch up roots, trim the ends and style, it's a me day.
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Really love that!! I definitely should do it more
@sf3413
6 ай бұрын
For me, just not having to plan, prep, cook, clean-up is such an amazing luxury that at this point I'm already thrilled with the cruise basics. That could very well change once our youngest is off at university. Then, we'll probably do the suite and specialty dining options. 😃
@ashleyc6511
6 ай бұрын
We always like to dress a little more “luxurious” even if the clothes aren’t designer labels. It just feels like we are traveling back in the day when people dressed for occasions.
@debiwillis9045
6 ай бұрын
Alot of these things were important to me in my 30s, but i. 65 now and i just want to relax and be comfortable, dont care about all the extra crapola...done 27 cruises
@emilyserafamanschot800
6 ай бұрын
Now that we are a bit older and can afford it, we have a car pick us up at home, drive us to the airport, and pick us up at the airport and drive us home. I'd rather do this than get a suite. We're so tired and a bit sad when the cruise is over, and it's so good to see Oleg, our regular driver, in the luggage claim area. He helps us when our baggage comes in, and delivers us to our front door.
@jenprice861
6 ай бұрын
We get a balcony, prepay everything, and I usually buy something new to wear. Last cruise we got the thermal suite- highly recommend!!!
@Tazzitta
6 ай бұрын
I will ONLY get a balcony suite from now on. I've been on several cruises but it wasn't until my honeymoon in 2003 that I had experienced my first balcony suite and I was hooked forever. I actually sit out there on sea days and take the best naps ever, the sea air, sound of the water and rocking, it's THE BEST combination ☺️
@tinacutright1133
5 ай бұрын
We love ordering breakfast room service. We are going on our cruise in June for our 35th wedding anniversary. I am ordering the champagne and chocolate strawberries.
@christineshields1714
6 ай бұрын
Because we enjoy cruising more not less, we often book an inside stateroom. However, we still splurge. We start every cruise with either champagne and chocolate covered strawberries or wine and a cheese plate. We generally will pre-book at least one night of specialty dining. We have room service deliver coffee every morning and sometimes even continental breakfast. We often sleep in or take an afternoon nap.
@elisaastorino2881
6 ай бұрын
Sleeping in and/or napping is the ultimate luxury for me! 😉
@nrgpokemon5158
5 ай бұрын
This is me. Our last 2 cruises I booked inside cabins because the balcony was 2-3x the cost… and frankly we are both neat and don’t mind inside cabins on Princess. I’ve heard other lines might be smaller cabins. The trade-off was getting the Plus package - and doing a few of these wonderful things Ilana mentioned.
@reneeblack2783
6 ай бұрын
We have an aft facing suite on our 28 day Mediterranean cruise 🚢 It will be a dream come true!❤
@Hawkeye2001
6 ай бұрын
I've ordered a dozen roses for my wife for sail-away for our cruises. Something she truly enjoyed. I'm planning on using HAL laundry services on our next cruise. We have a 24-day cruise and there is no way we could pack enough clothes.
@zoescott3178
6 ай бұрын
We had a load of laundry done on HAL and they were brilliant!
@Hawkeye2001
6 ай бұрын
@@zoescott3178 Thanks for the heads up.
@jfriedlander1
6 ай бұрын
Love getting a coffee at Cafe Al Bacio on Celebrity in the early morning and taking a stroll around the ship.
@kyls73
6 ай бұрын
Hoping to make that my routine in November!
@arielherman3505
6 ай бұрын
My favorite place!
@marcospark2803
6 ай бұрын
Early morning I love to be sleeping
@SipWatchTravel
5 ай бұрын
(Kinda off topic 😝) Have you been to Le Petit Chef? That’s one of my “loves” as well.
@NicholasPyers
6 ай бұрын
To complement the Pre-Dinner Drink, have a Post-Dinner Port or Liqueur with dessert… or a Liqueur Coffee or Hot Chocolate. Maybe order that second dessert, or the cheese board… maybe even share with someone… and sit and relax while you have that and sip your Port
@elizabethhouse2910
4 ай бұрын
Ooh, a hot chocolate before bed! Great idea!
@dianephelon6981
6 ай бұрын
We are four star mariners on Holland America......we always say the best perk is free laundry 😅😊
@adacotto1873
6 ай бұрын
I do mani/pedi pre cruise, wear make up, go to Bingo at least once, go to dance, and I feel like a million buck myself 😂😂😂😂 I cruise at least every 2 year. But I really enjoyed the whole experience. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@PattiMiller-l4y
5 ай бұрын
Carl and I book Reserve Classs on the Princess Cruises. All the pampering in the Private dining room is fantastic!!! Carl and Patt Miller
@susancook1448
6 ай бұрын
Bring a bottle of champagne each on lined that allow. Our luxury is just going on the cruise!!
@amandamoore175
6 ай бұрын
I travel with my two sisters. We split everything so we can splurge on a mini suite and nice hotels, and we leave our husbands at home lol.
@RebeccaCampbell33
6 ай бұрын
I treated myself to a week-long thermal spa pass when I was on NCL Escape in January. I loved it and will definitely splurge on that again.
@Vanhockeymom
5 ай бұрын
I leave Friday for a 22 day Pacific Ocean cruise (San Diego to Mexico to Hawaii then home to Vancouver). I booked the chocolate covered strawberries as a treat and my travel mate booked a bottle of champagne. We cannot wait. We booked a veranda cabin and saw it was on 4 aft, but just found out we were bumped up to a spa veranda on 10, now we get to embark first instead of last. Just so pumped! HAL is amazing. I love cruising with them ❤️ we took the have it all option so we get three fancy dinners. I will definitely be getting a laundry package. We did it in during an Alaska cruise and it was such a treat to come home with all my laundry already done! Now I want to order flowers too lol I bought a new set of luggage and because I get to walk off at home I’m taking all three pieces and packed clothes for dressing up for dinner as well as a change of clothes for party time afterward lol Getting a blowout sounds amazing! I’m a pool lover though I wonder if that would be a waste for me. Shopped til I dropped for this trip and have paid everything off, including the end of trip gratuities. All I have to do is relax. Thanks for these new suggestions :)
@amydawson1279
6 ай бұрын
We always do early embarkation & go to the International Cafe first thing. We get a little bite to eat with a Prosecco & enjoy our surroundings. Great time to people watch. We also always do 1 night in a speciality restaurant & always pre pay tips, internet & drink packages. It’s wonderful not worrying about a final bill. Happy cruising! Love your videos.
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Love that embarkation routine
@sabriniiih3475
6 ай бұрын
Hi Amy, how and when do you prepay tips? I am going on my first cruise in 6 months and would like to prepay all tips as well. Thank you!
@elizabethreed5957
6 ай бұрын
I love the International Cafe idea!
@barbarahallowell2613
6 ай бұрын
Champagne and international cheese tray for embarkation day. Thermal suite on NCL Transatlantic. Laundry service on the same. Solo traveler, on NCL Balcony, ask your steward to remove the 2 chairs and table and replace with 1 lounger. TOTAL GAME CHANGER 😊❤😊 And YES on the bathrobe ❤ Save those Starbucks gift cards and bring them.
@LongTimeCruisers
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for these great tips for living our best lives on a cruise ship! Things I do to make my cruise more comfortable is to bring a favorite freshly washed blanket from home to use on the balcony and for napping. Also, I request wine/cocktail glasses from the cabin steward and an ice bucket each day. This way, I can make an easy/quick beverage in the cabin using drink packets like peach tea or fruity lemonade that I bring from home. I also always ask for an additional pillow. The little things make such a big difference for me. 💜🚢
@andrewgross4445
6 ай бұрын
One year ago we sailed in a suite for the first time, for our 25th anniversary. This summer we’ll again sail in a suite. We loved the larger living space and extra benefits.
@marilyna597
6 ай бұрын
I was going to be 2 weeks in the Mediterranean between the cruise and other countries to visit. I used the laundry service on Virgin, and to me, it was well worth it. It was so nice to come back and see your clothes clean and folded. Also, i didn't have to worry about laundry for the rest of the trip. To me, that piece of mind was worth it. Thank you for your videos. They helped me so much on my first cruise last year and planning for my next Mediterranean one, hopefully, next year.
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Love that! Thanks for sharing 👏
@SipWatchTravel
6 ай бұрын
My 2c: 1. Book the suite even if you have to cruise less often (we only go on 1-2 cruises a year because we only do suites). 2. Never book an inside cabin. 3. Never book a massage. It’s never relaxing because they are selling products all the way through. 4. I agree re speciality dining, we do every day speciality but I say at LEAST one. If you’re on Celebrity do La Petit Chef. If you’re on Royal do Tuscan Grille. 5. Agree re drink packages. If you drink, get the premium. Sidebar: always get the WiFi package pre-cruise (if you need WiFi).
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Love these! Thanks for sharing
@chrisw.9841
6 ай бұрын
Hi, Just wondering why getting wifi ahead of cruise makes any difference then just doing it in embarkation day? Perhaps you know something I dont?
@caolkyle
6 ай бұрын
@@chrisw.9841often is cheaper pre cruise for wifi.
@caolkyle
6 ай бұрын
I’d say depends on your personality. I’m just off the Tokyo> Seoul trip from NCL and we went with an inside cabin (put minimum bids for balcony/suites but didn’t expect to get them) and wound up just getting an accessible inside cabin (both physically fit, young couple. Called both NCL and our agent that we don’t need the room but both said to contact each other) we only stayed in the room to sleep really. Rest of the time spent around the ship, mostly chilling having a cocktail as package included the free at sea (NCL drinks package) and personally I wouldn’t pay an extra 300-700/per person just to have a window/balcony
@nicolesheppard5881
6 ай бұрын
It's cheaper with most cruise lines when purchased ahead. @@chrisw.9841
@NicholasPyers
6 ай бұрын
Another Honourable Mention: Stay on board on a Port Day! You’ll fell like the ship is yours and yours alone. The staff will usually give even more attentive service, or arrange a little they can can’t do when they have 5,000 others guests on board eg dishes of olives when sitting in a lounge
@janicecroissiert9116
6 ай бұрын
Cruising in May on the Norwegian. Flying to Honolulu, staying 4 days, then cruising the islands for a week. Yes. Balcony! Champagne, and dressing up every night for dinner. Celebrating our 30.5 wedding anniversary. ❤. Oh, breakfast on the balcony. Specialty dining - soooooo worth it.
@michellevincent8338
6 ай бұрын
Happy Anniversary
@gilbertj1969
6 ай бұрын
🎉🎉🎉 Happy Anniversary 🎉🎉🎉
@MadeNCda
6 ай бұрын
This was fabulous, Ilana, thank you! I love the idea of ordering a fresh bouquet of flowers. 💐
@juliemolthop8980
6 ай бұрын
Nice video Ilana. But wait? Dressing up? Makeup? Facial masks? I'm awaiting my first ever cruise and will not be doing those as I will be busy doing nothing but eating, drinking and relaxing. 😊
@LifeWellCruised
5 ай бұрын
Sounds awesome! Everyone has their own idea of a vacation & eating, drinking & relaxing sounds perfect to me 😂
@donnahampton3632
5 ай бұрын
Do you have a video for folks who have never been on a cruise ? Watching all these cruise videos makes me not want to go. It sounds stressful and makes me anxious. There's so many things to do differently than staying in a hotel. I have a lot of anxiety about this. I have a cruise planned for March 2025 with my daughter on HAL.
@elizabethhouse2910
4 ай бұрын
kzitem.info/news/bejne/znqBrX6DomifnIY
@MrWatlow
6 ай бұрын
When on Carnival, we always get a Cloud 9 spa balcony. That way we have access to the thermal suite and when we sail Royal Caribbean we always buy the thermal package. I am going to surprise my wife with the chocolate covered strawberries on embarkation day 😊
@lynnfranklin5098
6 ай бұрын
Teach your adult kids (you use to pay for their cruises) how to order gifts. I trained well we usually have sail away apps in our cabin or a specialty dinning waiting for us ❤🎉
@annastory349
5 ай бұрын
Now that's the best kind of teaching!
@findingmiriam581
6 ай бұрын
I wouldn't book a suite. I just do not spend enough time in my room. I love being out and about in the ship. Honestly, I feel a little wasteful booking a balcony but my husband loves a balcony so that's what we book. I do dress up for dinner. It feels more special even if it is the MDR.
@brucefrytz8611
6 ай бұрын
If you're on Princess, spring for the Ultimate Balcony Dinner. I surprised my wife on our last cruise, we both loved it.
@larryfinkel4102
6 ай бұрын
I always book a Reserve Collection mini suite. I only cruise every 3 or 4 years so staying in a mini suite feels great
@suselim499
6 ай бұрын
The Thermal spa on our HAL cruise was so worth the money! We booked it and then thought that on a warm weather cruise we might not use it so much- Wrong!!! We would take a before dinner soak and those "old bones" felt so much better. We are adding the spa to our next booking. Take the plunge!!!
@michellefreedman9265
6 ай бұрын
I like the making up an event. We're going on a cruise for our 30th wedding anniversary. The actual date is in October, but our cruise is September, so I'm going to unofficially move it forward a couple of weeks.
@LifeWellCruised
6 ай бұрын
Happy anniversary!
@bobettern
6 ай бұрын
It has been a tradition to order a Bloody Mary at the airport before the flight to the port or the precruise destination. While on the cruise, I especially enjoy a specialty coffee in the am and a pre-dinner drink at one of the bars.
@lorimasterson8427
6 ай бұрын
Since sailing on our first balcony about 25 years ago, we now only do balcony cabins. I would love a suite, but 1. It's usually so expensive, and we would rather cruise more often in a balcony than less times in a suite. Although, if there was a great deal, we would try it. 2. If we book a suite, we may not want to go back to a regular balcony cabin.
@leslieoconnell2051
6 ай бұрын
We go in between a balcony and suite. We love the mini suite or comparable cabin. It has more room, a better sitting area and usually a tub/ shower combo.
@sundancersbellydance7252
6 ай бұрын
We always use laundry service! Nothing beats unpacking clean clothes after vacation.
@emilyserafamanschot800
6 ай бұрын
Another idea--take a picture of a wine that you enjoyed on the cruise. Our local wine shop carried our favorite, Conundrum, a California red blend, and it was a nice surprise for my husband! The wine is as smooth as satin!
@hideyable
6 ай бұрын
Interesting that seemingly the only way to make it "more luxurious" is unfettered consumerism.
@stefanmarchione6757
6 ай бұрын
Hi Ilana, always love your content and watch your channel for all things "Cruises" NEVER have been on a cruise, but love vicariously through your channel! Love your commentary, as well as your well-thought out tips, reviews, etc. One thing I would do is take at least ONE specialty picture by the professional photo studio. It would be the perfect keepsake, and would be of better quality than a 📱 I hope to take a 🚢 in the near future, until then, I enjoy your travels. Stay safe and Blessed 😁✌️🗽
@NicholasPyers
6 ай бұрын
Sitting at the bar itself… and trying drinks you normally wouldn’t try… you might be pleasantly surprised at what you do actually like..l I was never a Scotch drinker… turns out I just had cheap rot gut before… but step it up just a little notch and decent Scotch is actually pretty good 😮
@Triple.7
6 ай бұрын
Great tips, I didn't know about ordering fresh flowers, omg,so awesome. I do recommend at least (if you have money to spend) Book one specialty dining
@coffofcuppee
6 ай бұрын
We have absolutely used the laundry package. Worth every penny!
@christalarmstrong300
6 ай бұрын
I agree dressing up every night, even if I am eating in the buffet. I don't dress up much at home so it definitely adds to the overall enjoyment of a cruise!
@billjohnston882
6 ай бұрын
I had my laundry done on Carnival. Very happy with it and didn’t pack dirty clothes to take home.
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