My favorite part of the cruise is having breakfast on the balcony with my daughter in the mornings in our robes. It’s so peaceful, and quite a view. We wouldn’t cruise without a balcony, so for us it’s well-worth it!
@thomasdosborneii
3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic!
@happytraveller2122
2 жыл бұрын
We just discovered ( prior to covid) that princess do included breakfast room service. We never went yo the MDR or buffet again. What a luxury
@sharonsmalls6846
3 жыл бұрын
I'm a balcony and suite cruiser. Everyone has their preferences and we should do what makes our cruise the best experience for you.
@davidh9844
3 жыл бұрын
Interesting point regarding the suites. We had the pleasure of booking suites on two cruises with our favorite line Azamara. Then their prices launched into the stratosphere, and I could not possibly justify the jump from their "standard" balcony cabin. Perhaps it's different with other lines, but for us, it was purely wasted money that could have been a deposit on a second cruise.
@SandyToes75
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidh9844 Oh I agree with you David. When I am booking any cruise, I check all options for cabins and then decide if I want one so much that I have to give up another cruise later in the season. Only one time did I book something so special that I “lost” a later cruise due to the cost. I can’t say I will never do that again but I surely don’t plan on it.
@lisawilson7889
3 жыл бұрын
We’ve been balcony people since our second cruise. On our last cruise, we splurged for a “grand suite” on Royal, and that may have been a mistake, because we really enjoyed the extra space, nicer patio loungers, and specialty breakfast venue. Uh oh!
@SandyToes75
3 жыл бұрын
@@lisawilson7889 You are in trouble now! Hard to go back when you were treated to Royal accommodations.
@bradsikkema4865
3 жыл бұрын
How much more are suites? I’ve never been on cruise. But I’m planning one now…
@LednacekZ
3 жыл бұрын
simple rule, if it is being pushed and heavily promoted by the cruise line and the crew, it is over-rated. and if not over-rated then it is definitely over-priced.
@shepwillner7507
3 жыл бұрын
Drink packages are already overpriced, like the drinks themselves. I'm trying to recall how much I used to pay for a freshly made strawberry daiquiri back in the '80s that didn't include the souvenir hurricane glass it was served in--less than 5 bucks? That drink is no longer freshly made: it's a pre-mix beverage poured from a gallon jug into those same souvenir glasses or a mason jar mug and it costs 3x as much. I'd rather buy a $5 bottle of Bud Light instead of that daiquiri! Wines are way overpriced, and you can be tricked into buying a bottle you thought was priced at 48 bucks but when the bill comes, the price turns out to be 3x higher. That situation happened to me aboard the Celebrity Solstice 11 years ago. I was so mad I stormed out of the MDR. I was later mollified by the wine steward who reduced the price over 90 bucks. The lesson I took from that situation was to pre-purchase 3- bottle wine packages that will last during a 2 week sailing: I've already paid for the vino and won't get billed an arm-and-a-leg for it except for the tip for serving it.
@peterbechard1900
3 жыл бұрын
So true. Great observation.
@weston407
2 жыл бұрын
@@shepwillner7507 i got a drink package on my last cruise and i really liked it - there’s no way i got enough drinks each day to justify it monetarily but it was awesome not having to think about it (and getting patron, grey goose, jameson, etc) in every one of my drinks
@kevingormley9161
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for video. so to summarize- the constant “upsell” is the issue. Cruising used to be seen as a relaxing experience and one could pay one price. It appears stress now comes from trying to NOT spent too much. I understand once one ship has something new ( art gallery, slides, fancy casinos, etc.) others need to get them. Smaller ships prob have less opportunities to spend more than larger which may be good.
@Dave_Sisson
3 жыл бұрын
All those upsell things are highly profitable, the cruise lines make a *LOT* of money from them. So the profit they make from upselling things to the typical passenger is built into the fare, which is cheaper than it would be if they didn't expect to make extra money from art auctions, gambling, stuff bought at the spa, etc. Therefore, while I don't ever use any of them (unless I score a free basic drinks package), I like that those things are on board, as my cruise fare is cheaper because they expect to upsell things to more impulsive passengers.
@Amadea27
3 жыл бұрын
@@Dave_Sisson that's a really good point!
@kjwinston77
3 жыл бұрын
This is why we went from RCL to Celebrity. More relaxing and it felt like a cruise not an Activity driven machine.
@shepwillner7507
3 жыл бұрын
I agree with you. The upselling starts as soon as you board the ship with questions about whether you want to upgrade your drink package to the Premium level, photo packages, internet packages, casino chips and slots packages, wine packages; specialty restaurant visits; spa visits; and other upgrades. The trick you need to be able to perform is resisting these efforts to get you to spend more money on whatever you're already spent to enhance your cruise. Not easy, especially if I'm a single guy who has an eye for pretty ladies making a persuasive case for an upsell on photo packages, drink packages, or specialty restaurant deals.
@LTRegulate
3 жыл бұрын
I understand some of the points, but like you completely disagree with balcony being overrated. Its so enjoyable to go out and relax enjoying your own private space. My wife would disown me if I booked otherwise. I like the drink packages because I worry much less about spending on board. I'd rather just pay ahead and relax, not think about every purchase. We also really enjoy the specialty dinning, the food is typically tremendous for the most part. Worth it to us if you have the money.
@Juschillin2024
3 жыл бұрын
Same!
@kjwinston77
3 жыл бұрын
The drink package is NOT over-rated. If you drink anything, Specialty Coffee, OJ, Champagne, Bloody Mary's, Wine for dinner, that night cap, Soft drinks, Juices, (Some cruises bottle water, write down what you think you will drink, X2 for each, why? It is going to be hot or you will still drink more when you have it available to you. Drinks are usually $9 or $12. Even Soft drinks are $6 or $8 specialty Coffee's. When figuring it remember the tip will be added on. For each there own but if you get it, no surprises at the end.
@lotstodo
3 жыл бұрын
@@kjwinston77 I agree. My huz and I aren't drinkers but we got lots of iced drinks and that made it worth while.
@nichtsistkostenlos6565
2 жыл бұрын
@@kjwinston77 I totally agree, you don't even have to be a big drinker to make the drink package worth it, people just do it wrong. You can make up the drink package by just trying things. I feel so reserved whenever I'm on a cruise without the drink package, but when I buy it, I just get whatever I want. If I want to try a cocktail or something I've never heard of, if I don't like it, it doesn't matter. Instead of getting whatever juice they're offering on the Lido deck, I get the specialty juices which are generally better and more varied. I'm a big coffee drinker, so getting specialty coffee drinks is always fun. It's such a stress-free way to enjoy a cruise.
@svetlanashubina4745
3 жыл бұрын
Best part of the day - wake up and step out to the balcony to see sunrise and smell fresh ocean air :)
@MikeThepiper
3 жыл бұрын
I'm really surprised onboard photographers didn't make the list
@Grovelaar
3 жыл бұрын
Probably just got forgotten, since barely anybody cares about them :P
@snerdterguson
3 жыл бұрын
I care about them... They're the ones blocking the stairs when I'm trying to get to my dinner reservation.
@Rich22C
3 жыл бұрын
@@snerdterguson And don't forget them blocking the exit from the ship when everyone's trying to get ashore.
@dons123111
3 жыл бұрын
We like the photographers. Since we only cruise about every 18 months our formal nights are special to us and we always hope for professional photos but we don't always get them. When we can't get one we do complain at the end of our trip to the pursers desk.
@SandraWuerthner
3 жыл бұрын
@@dons123111 I like them - we didn'T see them at MSC - it was a curise in winter - but with NCL we got some amazing pictures.
@craigwalz6508
3 жыл бұрын
I like Balconies, cruise ships are busy and its important to me to have a private outdoor space to relax when I want to be away from the action. Totally agree with spas and casinos, these are things I can do at home for a fraction of the cost/much more favorable rules.
@Juschillin2024
3 жыл бұрын
Same about the balcony! I got my husband hooked on balconies on his first cruise! I don't think he'd be happy with an inside stateroom!
@dann952
3 жыл бұрын
I'm the same as you both, only ever did a balcony, everyone says save money and get inside and cruise more, but I have a greater ability to cover the cost of a balcony then I have time to cruise more often. My next cruise is all port days, so I am trying out an Oceanview, but my cruise after that is back to a balcony.
@thomasdosborneii
3 жыл бұрын
I love your channel, you are so thorough and thoughtful! I would not do any upgrade...I like to pick everything about my cabin and do not want to change it. I LOVE having the balcony, it's actually my favorite place on the ship. Enjoying the ocean from the decks is usualy too crowded and noisy and loaded with reserved chairs...very bad. I am not interested in specialty dining--the main dining room is great for me! On my last cruise I cruised alone and was assigned to a table with lots of other singles. We like our combradery and the specialty dining would interrupt that...plus why pay more, the dining room food is delicious! I wouldn't want to have all the water slides and stuff taken away, so many young people like them, but I have no use for them myself. I am clastaphobic inside those closed water-filled tubes! Regarding private islands, I would rather stop at a real country's port. However, if I lived in southern Florida (which I don't), I would like those weekend cruises from Miami that JUST go the private islands. That could be something I would do as another fun thing, not be part of a bigger cruise. I am bored by shopping and especially dislike the art auctions. The spas are a waste of time and money. I can do that at home, why waste doing that when on a ship! The drinks packages, I can't fathom them! I will drink two liquor drinks a day and wine at dinner. What do people use with those huge packages--get a liquor drink once an hour? I want to experience my cruise, not be drunk all day! Regarding the casinos, I am not really a gambler, but when I visit my brother and his wife wife live in Las Vegas, when I visit them, we will go play then. Better ods in Vegas than on a ship. Something I miss that I thought every ship SHOULD have is an expert talking about some of the designations. Maybe the last few cruises I was on that did not have this was an anomaly, but that would NOT be someting overrated for me! What I enjoy on the cruises is being on the ships themselves, leaving and arriving in port, meeting new people, the great food, trying out various bars, relaxing on the balcony, swimming in every pool, exploring ports, the shows, dirty comedies, some of the music groups, and dancing the night away! Oh, and simply walking and walking and walking all around all the decks, exploring every inch of the ship. Looking out to sea and seeing other ships in the distance, or at a neighboring slip at a port. I'm crazy for cruise ships just for themselves!
@maggiebee5261
3 жыл бұрын
Having discovered balcony cabins on our last cruise, we will never again book anything less. Also on our last cruise, we visited a private island for the first time, and found it pleasant, but hardly something to write home about. Totally agree that the spa and drinks package are overrated - and a ripoff to boot. Most of the other items on your list are a matter of personal preference - what cruise line one chooses, and what activities one does once on board. Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
I agree that Spa treatments are outrageously priced, but my hubby always pays for a pass to the steam rooms, he loves them. Usually around $199 for a 2 week cruise. Then he can go anytime, need to get the pass as soon as you board, as they limit the number.
@Ice43Man
3 жыл бұрын
Spa treatments are over priced (except on port days) but idk how anyone cruises without the drink package. My wife and I prob save at least $500 getting the package than if we just paid for each drink individually
@curetiamhices289
3 жыл бұрын
I go with a balcony. Love that cup of coffee at sunrise and sometimes a nightcap.
@chefmichaelt
3 жыл бұрын
Balcony is NOT overrated! Why would someone think an inside cabin is just as good? Only for travelers that are NEVER in their room.
@ilovesparky13
3 жыл бұрын
You answered your own question. I’m never in the room other than sleeping and bathing, so I’d rather get the cheaper inside cabin.
@user73958
3 жыл бұрын
I literally am never in my room except for a quick change so I don't get balcony rooms myself. If I wanted to stay in my bedroom on a vacation, I would stay home.
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
People with inside cabins are never in their room. Ehy? Because there is nothing to do in an inside cabin. A balcony? That's heaven!
@alisonsmith4060
2 жыл бұрын
I stayed in an oceanview cabin on my most recent cruise and loved it. Words can't fully express how much joy I got from seeing the turquoise water of the Caribbean through that window. Now, I don't think I can ever go back to an inside cabin.
@rmtmiller
3 жыл бұрын
Before I ever took my first cruise ever I saw those commercials with adults sliding down those chutes to the pool. Well. let me tell you, I was in superb shape and got into one of those enclosed slides to the pool and, guess what? I was stuck. Just a trickle of water going through. Tried moving every way possible. Forced myself to finally reach the end and everyone let out a big cheer with applause. Never again!
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
I would be claustrophobic in those tunnels, especially if like you, one did not slide along.
@frana6121
3 жыл бұрын
We were offered an upgrade to a suite on a long Asian cruise....there were 3 of us traveling so the cost was spread over 15 days and 3 people....sooo worth it. Came with lots of bells and whistles...best $$ we spent on a cruise.
@eileen1400
3 жыл бұрын
I sat through 2 hrs of a champagne art auction one time and never again! I even won the final raffle for "a valuable, fine piece of art". I had to make an appointment to go to the sales office and the wonderful piece of art was my choice of three small framed prints. The three prints were very unremarkable and would not even fit in the decor of my home. I finally chose one only to find out that I could not take that item. I had to have a rolled-up copy emailed to me from the Dallas warehouse for $35. I was Furious! So I told them they could keep their lousy piece of artwork. I will never go to one of those again. And, the champagne was really terrible. What an awful experience.
@eileen1400
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I meant "mailed" to me. This was on Princess.
@AdamsMom921
3 жыл бұрын
Agree… Art auction onboard is a complete ripoff. My unopposed $90 bid for a print turned into $400 with all the auctioneer fees, frame, shipping and certificate! Then after a few years, the print has turned a blue tint from slight sun exposure in our family room. A complete scam!!! I am still angry that I fell for it.
@marcigitler3187
2 жыл бұрын
I love balcony cabins. Really enjoy having my coffee and light breakfast out there. Find myself out on the balcony almost anytime we are in the cabin.
@jeanettebarr9090
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, you do have many videos and I really appreciate and enjoy them. Thank you. We, (my husband, daughter and 3-year-old grandson), just returned from a 4-night, (itinerary was changed due to Covid restrictions but we managed), cruise on the Disney “Wonder”. We embarked and returned to San Diego. My daughter and I have cruised a couple of times before this one. This one was the first for my husband and, of course, my grandson. As a pretty novice cruiser I realize I don’t have a lot of experience; however, since my first cruise a balcony is a must. Like you sitting out there with morning coffee or afternoon tea or cocktail is one of the best experiences. I look forward to you videos. Again. Thank you
@tipsfortravellers
2 жыл бұрын
Agree! Great to hear you enjoyed Disney. I’m looking forward to my trip on them next year
@gwenmarshall587
3 жыл бұрын
I like doing the excursions with the transfer so that I can spend some time in the place where we depart as opposed to just getting on the plane and leaving. I usually prebook my Shore excursions and often start with first pre booking the excursion for after the trip. I have a trip coming up this spring where I'm planning to take the transfer excursion to the airport and since I'm on a back to back trip I'm then going to take the airport shuttle back to the ship. I agree with you on the other items that you listed but some of those items helps make the cruise cheaper for those of us who don't get into that sort of thing like the drinks and the gambling and such. I prefer to go on ships the don't have all that amusement ride stuff all over the deck because I feel like we are having to pay for that stuff even when we don't use it besides the fact that it takes up space. I prefer cruise ships that look like ships and not like a box on a barge with tubes sticking out all over it.
@shepwillner7507
3 жыл бұрын
That's all good planning ahead for things and experiences you want to do.
@cpardun
3 жыл бұрын
To me, a balcony experience depends a lot on who is occupying the cabins on either side of you. I've had balcony cabins where I can't really enjoy being on them because my neighbors are on the balcony all the time, yakking and yakking. I was on a two-week cruise once where the people next to us were ALWAYS on their balcony when we went on ours--and the guy tended to WHISTLE. Seriously. Try to enjoy a sunset (or sunrise) while listening to bad whistling.
@traceybartlam7737
Жыл бұрын
If I had a whistler next to me he’d have gone overboard 🤣🤣
@CuriousFrog
2 жыл бұрын
The greatest feeling is having the balcony door open a bit while laying back in bed and hearing the waves and feeling the sea breeze come in, also the smell
@brianellison3525
2 жыл бұрын
If food is already paid for, eating at a restaurant would end up causing you to pay double for your meals. I thought the cruise lines pride themselves on there good food. Now I'm confused. I just want a ticket across the ocean in a nice comfy boat with no screaming and decent people to talk to. Have fun
@Dangic23
3 жыл бұрын
I got a balcony cabin on a Disney Cruise, and it was a really large one towards the back of the ship. Total time balcony was used in a week , between my kids, Wife, and myself..... About 10 minutes. Never booked one again. We like to be on the ooen deck when approaching a port, and when looking at our surroundings. We didn't like the limitation a a balcony cabin.
@Clearbrite
2 жыл бұрын
We are getting a balcony. Room is still small but I don’t mind ,for having even a little balcony area! P&O had a special on too..pay for a window room and get a balcony
@kevinxxx8093
2 жыл бұрын
In a former life I was a merchant mariner. I'd cruise to go to sea, and a balcony would be essential. OTOH most of the drink and fancy food not so much.
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
I don't like it when people say things are overrated. These are personal preferences. What I like and you like can be totally different but that doesn't mean you or I are wrong.
@sharzoe
3 жыл бұрын
I agree that the balcony is overrated. The only time we are in our room is if we are "sleeping" or getting dressed for the night. I love the hot tubs. My wife, not so much. We love, LOVE, the cruise line owned islands. We don't go on cruises very often to actually see the country being visited. There just isn't enough time. The cruise line owned islands generally allow us to use our drink package for drinks and the food is also covered. LOVE 'EM. The SPA is overprice, to be sure, and sometimes involves a hard sell. Drink packages are definitely NOT overrated. If you drink, get the package. It's worth it. Casino's on cruise ships are a BLAST. If you like meeting new people, the Casino is the place to be. All the fun people are there.
@vtroach
3 жыл бұрын
In my cruise journey, I am beginning to realize that short cruises (less than 9 days) are overrated as being enough time to relax. Trying to cram a lot of experiences and airport transfers in a few days leads to a hurried vacation.
@michaelrennie4589
3 жыл бұрын
Great video Gary. Spot on !!
@pamelacrowell2007
3 жыл бұрын
I don't like inside cabins as I can't get acclimated. But love oceanview cabins. I do like a balcony but find I don't use it much as I really prefer to be out on a deck. I think the hot tubs are too hot and not a fan unless it's really cool outside. I don't enjoy the cruise line islands. I want to see foreign ports . I use those port days to explore the ship and have a laid back day. HATE THE SMOKING IN THE CASINO!!!!
@kjwinston77
3 жыл бұрын
I have wondered that did someone make a survey and found out Smokers loose more than Non Smokers?????
@sandrahertel6282
2 жыл бұрын
We were incredibly lucky and were upgraded to a balcony cabin and it was amazing. Cruising the Mediterranean with a balcony cabin made it even more amazing. I have been on an inside stateroom and it was not as nice.
@tipsfortravellers
2 жыл бұрын
That is awesome upgrade!
@sandrahertel6282
2 жыл бұрын
@@tipsfortravellers it really was. I’m more concerned about getting the only room left on a river cruise. It’s the French balcony at the back of the ship. I’m hoping it’s not too noisy. Your videos were an excellent source of information for preparing me for my first river cruise this December.
@RMCMichigan
3 жыл бұрын
Wow, balcony cabins to me are worth every penny. That privacy you can have outside, a quiet spot of your own....love it.
@JuliaARubin
2 жыл бұрын
One huge point of cruise shopping, including art, is most of purchases being duty free. Un US taxes are high and shopping on cruises saves a lot of money without breaking the laws, if you know the rules.
@tysonhuanh4641
3 жыл бұрын
one persons over rated experience is another persons must have.
@popcorn1064
3 жыл бұрын
I love the balcony rooms. I don't think I'll ever book anything else again. It is so nice to step outside and watch the ocean or sit with a book.
@mikesayshiTORONTO
3 жыл бұрын
I love balcony cabins, some of the specialty dining is worth the money.
@karisheets2323
3 жыл бұрын
After what happened last year, I always want a balcony. Who wants locked in a room foe days/weeks? At least you can get fresh air if you have a balcony.
@deetw6470
2 жыл бұрын
My first cruise we got a inside cabin in a good location, but for the sake of fresh air I'd absolutely get a balcony cabin next time
@russellyeley2561
3 жыл бұрын
Love Balcony cabins and love sitting at the beach on a private island.
@thefozzybear
Жыл бұрын
Love your expertise, we should call you the Cruise Professor.
@chefmichaelt
3 жыл бұрын
I LOVE the private islands!!!! NOT OVERRATED!
@alisonsmith4060
2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree! Where else can you enjoy a day of bliss in tropical heaven?
@micheleroyalty4092
2 жыл бұрын
I agree with all the points made. We cruise with Regent, are 75, I am active but my husband needs a walker. Next cruise is from Miami to Lisbon, I really look forward to that. We stop in the Azores, where my great grandfather was born. He got a job on a ship going to California age 15. I can hardly wait to see the Azores. We will stay over in Lisbon. Fly back to Los Angeles first class. Everything is included, like specialty restaurants which we enjoy. We chose our cabin, surrounded by other cabins, and has a giant shower that accommodates a wheelchair. We are totally vaccinated with the latest, so no problem with Covid. We enjoy sharing dinners with new people, Regent is good for us in retirement.
@jpbpds
3 жыл бұрын
I love the balcony to go outside first thing in the morning, check out the weather, the sunrise, watch as we go into port and the dock workers prepare to welcome the ship. The water slides and roller coasters are not for me - I’m on a cruise to be at sea. Massages are vastly overpriced and overrated. Art auctions are wasted on me. I do like a drink package if it’s rolled into the cost of the cruise.
@lorigrimaldi194
2 жыл бұрын
NCL has an excellent free at sea option. We did it on our last cruise in 2019 and are taking advantage of it again in November. If you do the math, it's a no brainer
@amyph
3 жыл бұрын
I declined an automatic upgrade option for our cruise based on your videos!
@kimadams2479
3 жыл бұрын
I don’t agree with every item on the list, but to each his/her own! Thanks for another cruising video!
@DGsa1661
2 ай бұрын
I prefer a balcony but on our last cruise we had very loud neighbours and seemed to ALWAYS be on their balcony. We avoided our balcony bc of the noise 😢
@rickcudmore8156
3 жыл бұрын
Cruise lines make their money on the casino, photo gallery, spa, drinks package and shore excursions. Now that we have gone through covid, we will be opting for a balcony. Can't image being stuck in an inside or ocean view cabin with covid.
@slamdancer1720
3 жыл бұрын
Balcony is a must.
@xqueenfrostine
3 жыл бұрын
Whether or not a balcony cabin is worth the money really hinges on how much time you spend in your cabin and how much you value private outdoor space. If you’re the sort of cruiser who is never in your room and prefers the full sunshine and people watching opportunities of the upper decks to a quiet, shaded verandah, then sure, a balcony’s not going to have much value for you. But as someone who really enjoys a quiet spot to read outside and watch the sea go by, a private balcony is a luxury I adore. I spend a ton of time onboard out on mine. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I wouldn’t cruise if all I could afford was an indoor stateroom, but it’s definitely important to me especially on less port intensive cruises. I could probably deal without one in Alaska, as I did prefer the top deck and the lower promenade decks for soaking up the scenery than I did on my balcony which offered a more limited view.
@linus98765
3 жыл бұрын
Personally, I find balcony overrated. I'm almost out most of the time attending sports activities, trivia or bingo and by the time I'm back in the room, it's almost night time and there's nothing else to see outside. Maybe a different experience if I travel with a company.
@mariebrooks7341
3 жыл бұрын
I like a balcony if it's not too expensive and I use it HOWEVER I will take an ocean view cabin over an inside. I have to have a view of the outside. As long as I can go onto the decks and view, an ocean view is a great cabin instead of a pricey balcony.
@melvinjacobs2328
3 жыл бұрын
I won't go without a balcony. Everything is subjective.
@WagesOfDestruction
2 жыл бұрын
Your videos are very good, I am thinking of experimenting with a cruise so thank you
@2000konnie
3 жыл бұрын
I've been going on cruises: Celebrity, Royal, Carnival, Princes, HAL for 25 years, and am surprised that art auctions are still being done. Even more so, that new cruise ships are being built with dedicated art auction areas. Do people really buy the art? The area always looks like of dead, and the type of art they sell is not appealing to me. I guess I would need to hear from someone who is into it. The cruise lines wouldn't be doing them if they didn't make money. Interesting!
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
The ships make a fortune on the art auctions. The art auction manager is one of the highest earners on the ship. You can make 6 figures. The art department is actually run by Park West on the ships. They aren't even our employees. I have seen people by $30,000 in art.
@2000konnie
3 жыл бұрын
@@burningblue1254 That is fascinating. There must be some sort of collectors for that type of art. I'd love to see who buys it.
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
@@2000konnie It surprises me too. Because they purport that the art is undervalued when it is sold and will go up in value yet there is evidence that it is in fact overvalued when it is sold. As well, I have seen people buy $25,000 pieces of jewelry in the EFFY shop. I don't think they have any idea whether they are paying a fair price or not. BTW the gift shops on cruise ships are run by outside companies too. They are not owned or staffed by the cruise line. Same with the Spas. The gift shop managers make a lot of money too. One told me she made $5,000 commission on a 10 night cruise. The port shopping guides too, make bundle.
@kjwinston77
3 жыл бұрын
@@burningblue1254 all is to Cater to the rich, or want to be rich. Every thing in the shops use your expensive WiFi and find what you can buy it for somewhere else. Why buy shirts, when you can get two for the same price on shore. I would never buy anything thill the store has a sail or look at a price of art before the auction.
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
@@kjwinston77 I agree with you for the most part. However if you want a cruise line logoed shirt, or mug etc. then you are stuck. As the cruise goes on the sales get better. First its 10% off then 15% etc.
@rheaa1400
2 жыл бұрын
Balcony. Always. 💗
@marybarnum437
3 жыл бұрын
You just listed everything on a cruise, over rated or not. If all of those things you just listed were not on a cruise, what would be??
@crescentmoonchild4031
2 жыл бұрын
I love the balcony too
@jgesselberty
3 жыл бұрын
My experience has been that the hot tubs seem to attract the lushes. They sit for hours just drinking and getting, sometime, quite obnoxious.
@a.hostling7254
3 жыл бұрын
hubby luvs no limit hold'em poker tournaments on board
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
you poor dear.
@johnnagustafson9996
3 жыл бұрын
On my last cruise... March 2020 ...my husband and I both had $100 credit to use on board. We had never bought a drinks package and decided that the credit could be used to buy drinks. I ended up buying a bottle of perfume to use up the credit. I did have a couple pina coladas buy the pool.
@travelwithdebandnick
3 жыл бұрын
I haven't been on a cruise yet, but I have two booked and multiple cancelled. Some of those things you mentioned would be my favourite part of cruising :) the hot tubs for one :) (although I'll be shattered if each one of them is full of kids and I can't use it), I cannot swim in any of the pools as need the water temp to be at least 30o minimum plus I cannot physically climb down a ladder...... The casino I will use :) well the gaming machines (pokies) and I'll allow myself a maximum spend per day..... And bingo I'd love to play :) .... I also love shopping, so lots of stores are good for me :) things like water slides don't interest me but other things like dodgem cars etc would. (Although only water slides on the Aus P&O ships they don't have all the extras. But sadly they have a 100kg maximum weight limit so my fiance wouldn't be able to use them, and if he's not then neither am I..... speciality dining I might try one or two restaurants :) and the spa, even though crazily expensive, a massage or facial might be nice :).... And the drinks packages, as I very rarely drink alcohol (will have a few cocktails maybe but no beer, wine or spirits. But we're going to get the drink package on our cruises that includes soft drinks, juice, water , mocktails and barista made coffee :) at $19 day if bought before the cruise or $25 a day onboard (we will pre-purchase before we leave, I def think we would use our money worth :) each to there own but some of those things will be my favourite part of the whole cruising experience :)
@oldgoldtopgoldtop6039
2 жыл бұрын
Seems most cruisers enjoy having a balcony and is likely the main reason they are included in the vast majority of cabins on the most popular modern cruise ships.
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
I woldn't have anything but a balcony.
@kenroberts177
Жыл бұрын
Speciality dining offers better food that approaches very good restaurants at home Its quieter with more personal service and away from the crowds One of a few get away from 6000 other people
@kittiew260
3 жыл бұрын
You obviously don't have a family to say that amenities are overrated like golf, flowrider, coasters and hot tub.
@cmowers9
2 жыл бұрын
I would love to do the Casion but having asthma I can't spend more than five minutes in one because of the smoking.
@ravenstormchild6491
2 жыл бұрын
I think that any activity I can do easily on shore, i.e. gambling, is something that I would not need on a cruise…
@supercoolbrian5929
3 жыл бұрын
I am surprised the new programs like The Key on RC didn't make this list!
@MsMasondixonline
3 жыл бұрын
When you are on Seabourn which is the only choice I will ever make, none of this matters!
@DarthDaddy-cg6ro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks.
@tixximmi
3 жыл бұрын
All of the above. As for the balcony it's better if you know how to use it. Coffee at 7, dinner at the other 7 can be fun. I might add that the food is starting to get a little overrated. The same food all the time. And the enforcement of that 30 minute lounge chair is also overrated or non existent.
@Ice43Man
3 жыл бұрын
A lot of the items/experiences on this list surprised me cause many of them are some of the most fun staples of cruising, especially the drink packages. I wouldn’t even want to look at my bill after a 5 night cruise if I didn’t already have the drink package lol
@beckyhalvorsen2126
3 жыл бұрын
I love a balcony cabin too!
@broccanmacronain457
6 ай бұрын
I was wondering when someone was going to bring up cruise-owned islands.
@mattnelson154
3 жыл бұрын
I only go on balcony cruises when it is a casino deal and the same price as an interior or oceanview
@davidsavage6227
2 жыл бұрын
How do the cruise lines handle food allergies like soy or gluten? Are any cruise lines better about food allergies, since food is such a big part of cruising?
@TheCristallo83
3 жыл бұрын
I'm a balcony only cruiser. So many people want a mall at sea experience and I want to be left alone to read or listen to music in my own private area and actually see the ocean.
@lucyjermyn1442
3 жыл бұрын
Special dinning is awesome also would never sail without a balcony
@burningblue1254
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed and the price is minimal for the food and service.
@davidburnell904
2 жыл бұрын
Why don't we all just sit in our inside cabin and not do anything. Thats to me sounds like a wonderful cruise. WOW
@adrianne7882
3 жыл бұрын
One thing with number 4 is weight restrictions. You need to make sure you are not over their weight limit or else it would just be a big wast of money because you can’t enjoy or use those extra features.
@Semiam1
2 жыл бұрын
I hear a lot about spas. Are there chiropractors on cruise ships?
@melweathers91
3 жыл бұрын
Balconies are overrated for me. We've booked them and it was pretty much unusable because of neighbor smokers. Plus we got the best sleep in our interior cabin. Love good specialty dining options. Also drink packages are good depending on the person. We did the numbers and it worked out for us, plus not having to keep tabs about how much we were spending on the ship for each drink. The spa experience I had with a pedicure was not good, especially for the price.
@LinusCello75
3 жыл бұрын
One of my fondest memories of a cruise hot tub was on Cunard (so fewer kids), sailing from Canada to the US along the coast, and looking for whales. Only thing that would have made whale watching better was a glass of champagne. Agree with what others have said about “art” auctions. But on Celebrity when there was glass blowing, I was tempted to get a glass sculpture.
@LinusCello75
3 жыл бұрын
One more point on drink packages. I don’t believe they include tips. Even if there’s an incentive to get your money’s worth and get lots of drinks, you’ll have to factor in the extra $ for tips.
@jacquelyns9709
3 жыл бұрын
@@LinusCello75 On Carnival's website they say cost for drinks packages include the 18% tip. Check with your cruise line. Don't make assumptions about drinks packages since they do differ. Find out the specifics. How many drinks a day allowed., upper limit on the cost of a particular drink (usually the highest priced brands are not included), when does the "day" start and end. Also check which day of the cruise the package kicks in. For example, Texas has some liquor laws that don't allow alcoholic packages to start immediately when you board. (And you have to pay state sales tax on alcohol and cigarettes you bring back from your ports of call. Port of Galveston has the details on their website.) The rest of this goes beyond tip question and is for everyone especially an inexperienced cruiser. The real question is are you going to drink enough alcohol, sodas, specialty coffee, etc. to make the cost worthwhile. Is your cruise port intensive? Are you going to drink a lot ashore? Do you want to drink top shelf alcohol? If you are OK with drinking lower priced alcohol, will the drinks served at The Captain's Reception or other events suit you? Are you bringing any allowable sodas and wine on board with you. (Different cruise lines have different policies on this and different amounts if they do allow it.) And some of the more expensive lines include wine and beer with lunch and dinner. You really have do the research and read the fine print. Or find yourself a really good cruise travel agent to do it for you. And if you decide to get the drink package buy it ahead of time. You save money if you get before you board the ship. And policies and prices change. Check and double check, prices especially. Remember that usually every adult in the same cabin has to buy the drinks package. A cruise line may grant an exception on a case by case basis. For instance, a pregnant woman or other medical condition. No guarantee on this. And you have to contact the cruise line ahead of time. The earlier the better.
@WrightWorld
3 жыл бұрын
Having only been on one cruise so far, and having an inside cabin with 3 people, I'd normally still book an inside, though with 2 adults tops. However, in the age of COVID or even norovirus or other outbreaks which can and do occasionally occur, the thought of an extended quarantine in an inside cabin or even an oceanview and not getting fresh air is rather concerning. I might still book an inside if cruising solo. If we were on lockdown I could still lose myself in books, movies, or whatnot. While the idea of sharing ~150sqft 24/7 for a few days makes me wonder if we'd get on each others' last nerve. I think a balcony is overrated on a cruise comprised of mostly sea days (transatlantic, Bermuda, etc.) But is probably worth it in general for scenic cruising (Panama Canal, Alaska, etc.)
@Bahamut_Mega
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry i'm one of those guys that loves the art auctions and the casinos. If you have a history with Park West ( the big art auction company ) they will treat you like royalty and the prices can always negotiated. :) So if you like to play the long game a lot of the time you can get fine art for well under market value, and lots of other nice things from the company.
@shepwillner7507
3 жыл бұрын
What's overrated? As an experienced cruiser, I can tell you: 1.The North Sea pod, or whatever that thing is on Quantum Class ships; why? if you visit London, you can get on the London Eye and see all of the city below you. You can do the same in Vegas on the High Roller Ferris Wheel, or here in the DC area, you can do the same thing on the Capitol Wheel in National Harbor; 2. Beach Break: why do you need to pay 30 bucks to go to some bloody beach when you take a taxi to do the same thing? 3. Rock wall climbing: RCCL has these on many of their ships; it looks interesting, but do you need to go on a cruise to do that? Aren't there places in your neck of the woods to do this activity? 4. Atlantis submarine excursion: one of most contrived things ever created by an entrepreneur who probably bought one of Disney's subs from their old ride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and shipped it to wherever the Atlantis subs are available, e.g., Grand Cayman, Cozumel, St. Thomas, etc. 5. Shopping tour: like the Beach Break, another dumb idea to take people from the ship to visit favored shops that give kickbacks to the cruise lines in exchange for bringing pax to their stores. 6. The ATV or 4X4 jeep adventure rides: another idea to take people who probably have no driver's licenses--like me--to drive these vehicles on rough terrain; as for the 4X4 Jeep ride, I've been on one of these on Kauai in Hawaii, riding through Fern Gully and wrenching my spine with every bump. 7. Zip line rides: heck, everywhere you go in the Caribbean and Central America,, wherever a cruise ship docks will have these rides. Are they worth the money? Not sure, because I'm scared to death of being in high open spaces, and that probably includes riding a zip line aboard RCCL's Oasis Class ships! 8. The Flow Rider thing on RCCL's Freedom and Oasis Class ships: why cut a check or whip out a credit card to board a ship to do this ride when you can do the same thing at your local beach? 10. The Alcove experience on Celebrity's Solstice Class ships: a true waste of money I've probably described elsewhere. 11. The Galley Tour: another contrived activity where you enter the Galley (the ship's kitchen), see a bunch of chefs leaning against their grills, see and taste some goodies on trays, and then leave the space. I did exactly that once on aboard Costa's Carla C in '91 and refused to do it again. What's the point of doing this so-called tour if nobody points out where your steaks, lobster, veggies, desserts, soups, etc., are cooked and otherwise prepped? I want to see: here's where servers drop off and retrieve their orders; here's where cooks get their raw ingredients from the store rooms and then start cooking your order; and here's where the breads and pastries are baked and set out to be served in baskets. I want to go out on THAT kind of tour, not this BS nonsense. In contrast to host Gary, there are at least two experiences that are worth the money: balcony rooms and specialty restaurants. Balcony rooms provide the extra space in your cabin so that you don't need to go above to the higher open decks to see the ocean and island views. Specialty restaurants such as Qsine,, Chops Grille, Lawn Club Grille, and Brazllian Churrascurias aboard Celebrity and RCCL ships are special experiences and really should not be missed. Let me talk about the Lawn Club Grille and Qsine. First, there's the Lawn Club Grille; found on Deck 15, these venues are found aboard Celebrity Silhouette and Reflection; you can either cook your chosen meats on the open flames or you can ask a chef to cook if for you if you have no experience as a grillmeister-like me--. The venue is outside but within a glass hut; there's a lot of food made and served to you so come hungry. Qsine is on many Solstice-class and Millennium Class ships, and offers whimsical ways to present your food, which you order on iPads, e.g., spring rolls inserted into actual bedsprings, marshmallow skewers placed in fake grass panels, desserts ordered on Rubic's Cubes; and filet mignon served in an painter's palette dish. All of your food is prepared and served to you by your own "personally assigned" chef.
@gordons.raskin358
3 жыл бұрын
Another wonderful video. True confesssions: I find your voice to so pleasant I sometimes keep you in the background at work. Taking the right cruise is on my wish list. Thank you ever so much (fellow Litvak!)
@michaelvoisey8458
3 жыл бұрын
We came back today from a 4 day cruise on Britiana long the South coast , could only do an inside cabin but for 4 days that was OK I liked one of the celebrity restaurants the Glasshouse lovely steak only £9 extra but that extra price depended on what was ordered .But all the points mentioned in your video are really person; choice , to me drinks packages are too expensive pay as you go is cheaper . Are you going to do video on these staycation cruises?
@wolkowicki1
3 жыл бұрын
i love the go-karts type of things. I think all starbucks and designer coffees are overrated
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
It is not designer coffees, but real coffee, based on espresso, drip coffee is garbage. This is why ships charge more, like a coffee shop, for the real stuff, but let you have the drip stuff for free.
@wolkowicki1
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 they can toss all coffee off the ship and formal nights with it.
@hoytoy100
2 жыл бұрын
These are all reasons why I stay away from cruises. I feel like a prisoner on the boat and can’t get away from people and things that want to grab my wallet and my time. We create my own vacations on land and go where We want when We want.
@thrasherx9319
3 жыл бұрын
Another great topic with interesting and entertaining insights. Thanks Gary.
@designdoctor247
3 жыл бұрын
Speciality dinning 🍽 ...one of the saddest memories of my life...food burnt my toung on the first bite...it was called a tomatoe soup bite, waitress pushed EXTRAs Harder than a car salesman. Miserable meal 😪
@davidinger961
3 жыл бұрын
My wife likes cruises I tolerate them , it annoys me to think you have to pay extra to get better food ! Overrated holiday best thing is get a balcony, the only thing I liked was the entertainment at night gets boring if your on sea to long, and personally I don't like dressing up for captains nights also not at portion enough some places need two days
@designdoctor247
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidinger961 agree w u ...my fav place to avoid the crowds was the spa and gym. I skipped half the meals and ordered smoothies from the gym. I enjoyed the shows as well ...did NOT like dressing up either
@DenaInWyo
3 жыл бұрын
I'd never take an "upgrade" I didn't know the details of over a cabin I picked myself. Actually, I'd feel pretty unsure about booking a cabin I didn't choose myself right from the start, even if it was a good deal money wise. I'm pretty picky about where I stay on the ship and want to make that choice myself. I have tried lots of different types and locations, just to see what they're like, but I wouldn't trust that decision to anyone else. Sure, might end up with something amazing, but not a risk I want to take when the alternative is something directly under the galley or nightclub. I have had some amazing meals in specialty dining, and the price is usually nominal compared to a land based restaurant. That factors in to the same reasoning for balcony cabins. We all know they advertise cruises as being very affordable, but anyone who has any experience cruising knows the cost of the actual cruise is a drop in the bucket compared to the flights (or parking), hotel rooms, port transportation, excursions, casino money...that's the real expense. It makes what you spend for a balcony over an inside, or a few meals at specialty dining seem like a lot less of a big deal. To me at least! We all have things we enjoy that we're willing to pay for!
@ProfGREvans
3 жыл бұрын
Two days before this was posted, a couple intending to go on a cruise for their honeymoon posted this question on the Reddit r/cruise sub: "Balcony ... is it worth it?" By far the most responses said "yes," but more revealing were the "like" votes for the "yes, get a balcony" argument [76 votes] compared to the like votes for "no' [5 votes]. Many of the answers were "it depends" and those weren't counted. But even most of the 'it depends" leaned toward the balconies.
@Inthatday-endtimewordBlogspot
3 жыл бұрын
This grandma go on the water slides
@damianleah6744
3 жыл бұрын
I wouldn’t go on a cruise without a balcony.
@cjtramm8
3 жыл бұрын
Always balcony
@navyman1st
3 жыл бұрын
We always get a balcony cabin
@lizjoyce4846
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent good information thank you so much love your videos
@cherylsemrau4375
3 жыл бұрын
Are there educational cruises? I would like a balcony room.
@kimpulsipher647
3 жыл бұрын
There are cruses that have education refreshers for medical professionals, and there are cruses that are just educational. You have to look online and book through the company that hires the teachers.
@travelwithdebandnick
3 жыл бұрын
Does anyone know what type of prizes they usually give out for bingo? Is it vouchers to use on-board, merchandise, money etc? Or are there no actual prizes at all?
@tipsfortravellers
3 жыл бұрын
It usually is cash. A few lines may have some extras like free cruise vouchers for thew last day (but that is more rare)
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