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15 Cruise Bloggers Reveal Their Best Cruise Tips

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15 Cruise Bloggers Share Their Best Cruise Tips and Advice

The following advice comes from cruise travel bloggers, who specialize in different niches and each have their own unique perspective.

You’ll find awesome tips to help with cruise planning, saving money while cruising, cruise packing tips, cruise dining tips, luxury cruising tips and more!

Without further delay, here are the very best cruise tips from 14 expert cruise bloggers and vloggers!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

#1. Best Cruise Tips by: Jonathan Souza: Cruise Fever

Cruise Fever was founded by 2 brothers and is a huge resource of cruise tips, cruise reviews and cruise news. In addition to the website, you can follow Cruise Fever on Facebook .

1. On day one of your cruise try to explore as much of the ship as possible .  You will be tempted to just unpack your luggage and hit the pool or buffet, which is totally fine.  But some areas of the ship like the spa and thermal suite are open for tours during this time and you will be able to see all the ship has to offer.  I know some cruisers that didn’t realize certain features of the ship until the last day of a cruise.

2. Try a different dining venue each day , whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  This way you will not only know what kind of eateries are available, but you’ll know which one to hit again later in the week.

3. Arrive at the cruise port city a day early , and find a hotel that offers complimentary shuttle service.  There are usually several of these to choose from and it makes the trip slightly more hassle-free when your transfers are already taken care of.  Often these hotels will allow you to leave your car in their parking lot for the duration of the cruise as well, sometimes for a nominal fee.

#2 Money Saving Cruise Tips by : Jonathan Hyek –  Cruise Port Advisor

1. Don’t “buy” the hype!

Let’s face it –  cruise  lines know how to make money! From the time you set foot on a  cruise  ship, the entire experience is designed to help you part with more of your hard-earned money. Purchasing extra drinks, spa packages, low quality “luxury” watches and jewelry could end up costing you hundreds of dollars over the course of a week. Avoid the hype and allure of purchasing stuff you don’t need. Rarely is something sold on a  cruise  ship that you can’t get somewhere else for less money. Set your budget before you get on the ship and avoid spending on those incidentals. A little self-control could save you hundreds of dollars!

2. Explore on your own

Choose your destinations wisely so that you can explore on your own. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on excursions, many locations are safe enough to explore by yourself. Bermuda, USA, New Zealand, Japan, Europe, Canada as well as the  Cruise  lines private islands are safe and easy to explore on your own. There’s no need to purchase an excursion. Just use common sense as you would in any new city within Canada or the USA. Be careful in many Caribbean destinations though, as crime and theft is a real concern for tourists!

3.Stay “inside”

#3 cruise packing tips by: lucy williams – lucy williams global.

I love to follow Lucy’s travels (her photos are gorgeous) and hope you will too: Instagram @lucywilliamsglobal

1.Don’t over pack for a long cruise as on most cruise lines there are laundrettes that you can use yourself for a small charge. There are laundry detergent and fabric softener you can buy in the laundrette or you can bring your own or buy some ashore. Or you can take advantage of the the ship laundry service and have it all done for you.

2. Pack a capsule wardrobe for a long cruise, as you really do not need so much clothing as you think. If you stick to a few colours that coordinate you can make up lots of different outfits. Remember you can wash your clothes onboard and nobody remembers what you wore a few days ago.

3. People always bring too many pairs of shoes with them on a cruise and there is no need. For warm climate all you need are one pair of each; sports shoes, flip flops, ballet pumps, heels. For a cold climate; walking boots, sports shoes, ballet pumps, heels. If you bring neutral colours for ballet pumps and heels they will go with all your outfits.

#4 Cruise-ship Tips by: Annabel Cornall – Go and Cruise

Go and Cruise is a place where you can escape the day to day and be inspired to plan your next cruise and travel adventure. You’ll find wonderful cruise and port reviews and guides written by Annabel, as well as guest contributors. I think you’ll enjoy Go and Cruise on Instagram.

Choosing Your Cabin

Deciding on and choosing your cabin is a really exciting part of your cruise planning. Once you have decided upon a type of cabin that you would like; it is really worth putting into internet searches and YouTube the cabin number or type of cabin and ship. Many travelers will kindly upload videos of the cabin, detailing their features and layout, so you can gain a sneak preview.

Specialty  Dining

If you fancy trying the gastronomical delights of a specialty restaurant onboard your cruise ship, think ahead of when you are going to go. Why not start your cruise with a delicious delight; many ships will have great offers for the first night aboard. In addition, you can often book your dining preferences online before you embark, that way being able to plan your dining pleasures.

Port Days in the Spa

On your itinerary, there may be places that you have visited already and you might decide not to go ashore. What can you do with your time? I would suggest enjoying the amazing spa facilities that you find on cruise ships. On port days, spas will give you the best offers they have, often suggesting a package price for a number of treatments – go on treat yourself!

#5 Cruise Travel Tips by: Chris and Bradley: Chad Cruisers (You Tube Channel) 

I love watching Chris and Bradley’s cruise adventures and how they offer great tips all while keeping it real! In addition to their youtube channel, you can also follow on Instagram 

1.Save money and travel more often by booking inside staterooms.

We have experienced over 20 cruises, in balcony rooms, ocean view and even suites. We found that with the endless on board activities and venues on the ships, we were never spending that much time in the room. We now only book interior rooms, that way we can save our money for cruise excursions, on board spending and even future cruises!

2.Casino Benefits

The casino can be your ticket to future deals! We are suckers for the slot machines and enjoy playing on board. We bring a set amount of money to play with and enjoy the casino on sea days. We always make sure to insert our cruise card into the slots or give to the attendants at the tables, as you spend money at the casino we earn points, which can translate to future cruise offers and discounts plus free cash play for a future cruise.

3.Build Loyalty with Cruising with the same Cruise Line

We have sailed with Carnival, Royal Caribbean but mostly with Princess Cruises. We enjoy the laid back, quiet and relaxed atmosphere that Princess offers, as well as their variety of itineraries. We have enough Princess Cruises to enjoy such loyalty perks as free internet access, priority boarding, a Captain’s Cocktail party and some other good perks. Many other cruise lines offer incentives and programs for repeat cruisers.

#6 Cruise Tips/Budget Cruising by : Emma LeTeace – Cruising Isn’t Just for Old People/Emma Cruises

Cruising Isn’t Just for Old People is a cruise blog where you’ll find fabulous cruise information of all sorts. Emma also a vibrant group of young and young at heart cruisers in her Facebook group . 

1.Research the cruise line

My first  tip  for any  cruiser  would be to research the  cruise  line so that you can find the one that suits you best. I’m a firm believer in the idea that there is a  cruise  for everybody but there is no point picking a  cruise  line with strict dress codes if you don’t want to get dressed up. Proper research can ensure you make the most of your time onboard doing things that you want to do.

2.Book an inside cabin

To save money consider booking an inside cabin. I usually  cruise  in inside cabins and although balconies are nice I rarely end up spending much time in my cabin. An inside cabin not only saves you money but also encourages you to get out and explore the ship. One of my favorite things about  cruising  is always being able to find entertainment going on somewhere, whether that’s live music or something more interactive like a game-show.

3.Travel off-season

If you are able to do so consider travelling out of peak season. School holidays are much busier than other times of year and are generally more expensive too. If you are looking for a bargain months like November and January can be great options. A cruises around the Mediterranean or Canary Islands during winter are a particular favourite of mine, the weather is usually still relatively warm (compared to the weather in the UK!) and the prices are dramatically less.

Cruise More Often for Less

You may also want to consider taking this course by Emma from Emma Cruises, on saving money on a cruise. It is full of information to help save money on cruises, and will pay for itself with the first cruise you book.

Here’s the info if you want to check it out:   How to Cruise for Less (course)

#7 First-Time Cruise Tips by: Tanner Callais – Cruzely.com

I always suggest that passengers book an excursion in at least one port . Excursions can seem pricey, especially if you’re a frugal cruiser, but they are almost always worth the money and the memories. You’ll definitely remember the adventure you had years later compared to a day of simply sitting on the beach.

As well, if you forget anything from water shoes to cold medicine, wait until the ship gets into port. These items are for sale on the ship, but they are extremely expensive (we’ve seen cold medicine for nearly $18 a bottle). Every port has a small pharmacy and a number of other shops where you can pick up anything you forgot for cheaper.

Finally, don’t forget to bring an outlet adaptor . With all the electronics we carry these days, most cruise ships only have one or two outlets. An adaptor (make sure its not a surge protector and that its approved by the cruise line) that provides more plugs can be worth its weight in gold

# 8 Cruise Tips/Family Cruising by: Alyson – My Virtual Vacations

• Arrive to the port early

Unless you live a short drive away from your departure destination, consider arriving the day before. On the day of embarkation, you must be on board early and the check-in process can be lengthy. If flying to your cruise, there can be flight delays and you don’t want to stress about missing the ship. Arrive a day before and start enjoying the departure city right away.

2. Book your next cruise while onboard

Sometimes it’s hard to plan ahead but it’s not permanent. If your dates or plans change, you can easily cancel or move to a different date without penalty. But it’s all about the perks! You’ll typically get more free perks when booking on board (think drink packages, WiFi, or onboard credit) and often reduced deposits.

3. Bring your picky eater!

A cruise can be the best type of vacation for picky eaters.There are numerous choices and varieties of food on board. The buffets often have signage pointing to gluten-free or nut-free selections. Also, notify the cruise line ahead of time and the main dining-room will accommodate specific food preferences and allergies.

# 9 Cruise Advice and Tips by: Ilana Schattauer – Life Well Cruised

1.Book an excursion: If its your first time in a port, book an excursion with the cruise line or research on-line ahead of time. Whatever you do, don’t wing it! Most cruise ports require you to at least take a cab to the beach – and the port area will feel really “touristy” at best. The good stuff is out there, but you need to leave the port area and go and find it!

2.Get extra on board credits: On board credits (OBC) are extra money placed into your cruise account that you can use while cruising. This is a great way to “save” money by using it to book shore excursions, buy drinks, photos and even gifts at the shops. So, how do you get them?

• Book your cruise when the cruiseline has this type of promotion
• Book with a travel agent who may add additional OBC’s
• Book your next cruise onboard (you’ll be rewarded with OBC’s)
• Purchase cruise line shares (check the conditions, but this can be very advantageous)

3. Cruise complaints: If something isn’t right, don’t wait until you’re back home to complain about it. Cruise lines want you to have a great experience, so if you have an issue, bring it up politely with guest services and allow them the opportunity to get things resolved. It will help you avoid days of potential frustration and leave you with only good cruise memories.

4. Cruise Packing Tips

Here are some cruise packing tips , to help you get ready for your cruise.

#10 Cruise Tips/Dietary Needs Tips by: Sanna –  Vegan Cruiser

I love Sanna’s cruise reviews which provide a view into Vegan dining, as well as provide other helpful dietary and allergy information.  In addition to her blog you can also follow her Facebook page .

Here are 3  tips  for  cruising  – to save money and have a great  cruise  🙂

1) save money by booking with a  cruise  specialist travel agent, 2) do you have dietary needs and are worried cruises can’t cater.

3) Don’t get stuck in the rut and sail with one company only

It may gain you loyalty points on that brand but go experience the world our there! Different  cruise  lines have different things to offer – you could do the same itinerary but have a totally different  cruise  experience. Sister brands may recognize your loyalty status (Royal Caribbean & Celebrity do) and MSC will status match all major  cruise , airline and hotel loyalty program levels. Not every  cruise  line will suit everyone, but there are several that you might enjoy.

#11 Family Cruising Tips by: Claire – First Initial Sea

1.Do your research and find a ship that is right for your family

Most ships offer a pool and kids clubs at the very least. However, if you have two sea days or possibly more in a row, you might just need a little more than this to keep your children entertained. Cruise Lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Carnival offer an amazing array of fun features and almost endless entertainment for your children. Research opening hours and age ranges for the children’s clubs in your research as these tend to vary significantly with each cruise line.

2.Pack wisely

Whether you’re heading out to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords or the Caribbean, sea nights can see temperatures drop and the breeze pick up. If like us, you like to walk off your 3 course MDR (main dining room) meal and perhaps like to partake in a little top deck shuffle board or catch a movie under the stars. Your  children will thank you for packing a couple of cardigans or their favorite fleece.

Remember,  embarkation day is in fact day 1 of your cruise which you have paid your heard earned money on, enjoy this day and make the most out of it. Pack the swimmers in your handbag/travel bag. Sun cream and goggles too!

3.Cruise with extended family

Now this tip comes with a warning. I appreciate that not all of us are either lucky enough to have other family members around or who share a love for cruising, furthermore not all of us get along with extended family members. Thankfully and gratefully, we do. 

Grandparents are often keen to stay on board when we dock in a destination that they have previously enjoyed, thus resulting in them wishing to enjoy the ships facilities with their Grandchildren who can sometimes be reluctant to walk around exploring historic buildings and cultures for the day. Therefore they choose to spend the day together on the ship making those magical memories that last a life time together.

Consequently, this enables my husband and I to immerse ourselves fully in to experiencing various ports. Everyone’s a winner!

#12 Luxury Cruising tips by: Richard and Helen – Visit with Us 

If you’re interested in luxury cruising (and why not?), then I encourage you to check out their videos on your tube. These are genuinely some of the most engaging (and informative) vlogs I’ve seen. Visit with us can be found on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join their Facebook Group The Luxury Cruise Society .

1. All-inclusive benefits: The main thing we love about luxury cruising is the all-inclusivity of your cruise experience. For example, not having to produce your cruise card every time you go to the bar. However, not all of the luxury cruise lines are totally all-inclusive. While most have gratuities, drinks, specialty dining and WiFi included, some charge extra for these. A few even include shore excursions so it’s always best to read the small print.

2.Mainstream cruise “luxury” options: Luxury cruise lines tend to have smaller ships than most sailing the high seas these days. However, if you prefer the facilities and entertainment offered on larger family style shipst, don’ rule out luxury cruising. Many ships now offer a ‘ship within a ship’ experience for their suite passengers, which allows them to experience luxury on a larger ship, such as MSC’s Yacht Club and NCL’s Haven.

3. Luxury Cruise “deals”: Lastly, don’t exclude luxury cruising thinking it’s too costly. Many cruiselines offer ‘guarantee’ fares (unassigned cabins) which are less costly. If you aren’t bothered about choosing a specific room, this can be a very attractive offer.

#13 Cruise and Destination Tips by: Ryazan – Everything Zany

1.Be time wise

Time is gold. This is true, especially on cruising or within the maritime industry. Visiting a new port or city can be really fun and it’s easy to lose track of time. If you do, this can cause a major disruption to the trip. If you haven’t booked a cruise excursion without a guaranteed return to ship, you might risk the possibility of being left behind and having to make your own arrangements to get onboard the ship at the next port.

2.Research on your destinations

Researching your port of calls can be handy, especially if you only have a very limited time in each port. If you are planning to DIY your excursions, make sure you have handy information ready. Other than typical guide books, joining various online travel communities would be useful.

3.Take the stairs

Burn those calories! One of the best parts of cruising is tucking in to the tasty food onboard. Since buffets are available all the time, it is a good option to skip that lift and use the stairs. You get free exercise too.

#14 Family cruising/Cruise booking advice by: Alex – On Travel Mode

1. Book early – In my experience, you should book a cruise vacation as early as possible. Booking early means you usually get the best price. Cruise lines also like to sweeten the deal by offering freebies called Perks. Perks can come in the form of onboard credits, unlimited beverage packages, and Wi-Fi plans. Who doesn’t love freebies, right? Don’t forget to monitor for any price changes. If the fares go up, you can smile knowing that you got in at the right time. If they go down, the fares can be adjusted and you get to do a happy dance. If you’re looking to save money while on a family cruise I suggest taking advantage of free activities on board.

2.Daily Planner – Check out the daily flyer provided by the cruise line. There are so many things happening each day. In fact, so many that your family will never run out of things to do. We always take advantage of the many free activities onboard. We have watched demo cooking classes, learned how to dance salsa, sung Karaoke, and so much more thanks to our “Freestyle Daily” flyer. It is possible to have a lot of fun without having to pay for any onboard activities.

#15 Couples Cruise Tips by: Paul and Carole Love to Travel

Recap: 15 Expert Cruise Bloggers reveal their best cruise tips

I want to thank each contributor for sharing their personal cruise tips and advice. I hope you enjoyed reading the variety of tips and that some will be helpful to you as you’re planning your cruise.

If you’ve enjoyed this, you may enjoy reading about the the Most Frequenly Asked Questions by new cruisers  or Practical Cruise Packing Tips.

Have you taken a cruise? What’s the best cruise tip you can share? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you’ve found this post useful, I’d really appreciate if you could share it on social media (Pinterest and Facebook) so others can find it as well. Share buttons at the top. Thanks so much!

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22 Comments

Really enjoyed reading all the other bloggers tips and so please ours are included too! Great post!

Great to have your tips and thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

Real cool tipps from professional cruisers… very good, thank you for that list. There are some things I’ve never thought about before, but now I really do. Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive…

i’m so glad you found this list helpful! It’s true that there are ways that cruising can be so affordable – we cruised in an inside cabin for years when my kids were little (and often they were heavily discounted), and this way we could cruise more often.

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

One of the best tips I ever heard is to make sure everything works as soon as you can and report problems right away. I told my mom that TIP before her first Alaska cruise and indeed her hot water did not work. They moved her from a standard cabin to the Presidential Suite.

Hi Charles,

I think you’re 100% right! I never thought of checking everything right away, but you make a good point. And wow! A very lucky upgrade for your Mom. I’m not sure if that happens much these days, but nevertheless it’s a great tip!

Thanks for taking the time to comment,

Your blog really nice. Its sound really good. I am very time read your blog.Thanks for the sharing this blog with us.Keep it up.

Thanks for reading my blog posts and taking the time to leave a nice comment!

This is a great list and one that has many of the things I do when on a cruise. I am going on the MSC Belissima next month and can’t wait.

I’m so glad you liked it Edward. What a beautiful ship you’ll be on!

I have just returned from a cruise to St. Petersburg and one tip I would like to offer is research a plan B for a port destination. We arrived late at one port because of a medical emergency the night before and all shore excursions were cancelled. Luckily I had spotted a museum that looked interesting. Also Google to see if there is any thing interesting happening the day you are in port.

Thanks a great point. Although unlikely, it is good to have researched a port at least at a minimum to find an alternative plan. Very true that there could be a festival, free museum day and other interesting things to do and see.

I’m glad for you that you were able to see St. Petersburg and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

Oh, it’s great to know that most long cruises have laundry stations for you. I’m actually hoping to take European river cruise with my wife next year. It would be wonderful to see the European countryside sail by us.

Some ships have self service laundry, while others don’t. It’s always best to check with the cruise line or travel agent for specific information. That river cruise sounds phenomenal!

amazing collection for us, blog users.

Glad you enjoyed the list of tips from bloggers and vloggers! Thanks for taking the time to comment John!

I like Lucy William’s tips. Her advice will probably work for me. Because I always take a long time to prepare my belongings carefully before every trip.

That’s awesome! So glad Lucy’s tips were helpful! She has a wealth of knowledge about packing well for long cruises!

There’s so many great tips you’ve collected here, Ilana. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut when you’ve cruised a lot, so it’s good to learn from fellow cruises what their tips are. I’d agree that it’s good to explore other cruise lines – it can also give you a new perspective of what you like and help to identify or confirm what’s most important to you when you cruise.

I love that Steph! It’s true that confirming what you enjoy most and want out of your cruise vacation is important.

This really encourages all of us to be part of the cruise ship journey. Thank you for sharing.

Great to hear!

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Who Are The Top 50 And Cruise Vloggers To Watch?

by Gary Bembridge · May 24, 2021

Despite the cruise shutdown, cruise vlog channels on YouTube have been very active – with new ones launching too.

Earlier this year, I started to pull together a list of all the top cruise vlog channels I was following (or aware of) on YouTube, and I surprised myself how many there were – 57 and counting as of today. I am sure I have missed many off my list below (and if I have, please add a comment on this post and I will add them).

Hopefully, this list will help anyone interested in cruising to discover new channels to follow and to learn from the extensive, growing and diverse collection of cruise channels across YouTube.

I included channels on the list where at least 80% of the content looks to be cruise focused.

As I built the list, I started adding the number of subscribers and all-time views for the channels, with an aim to update them every 3 – 6 months. The subscriber count is visible on most channels (unless they have turned that option off in YouTube settings) and the all-time views are available on SocialBlade.

Below is the chart of all the channels and that data so far

Comparing the data I collected in February with that in May, there were three things I noticed:

• OVER 100,0000: There are now three cruise vlog channels with over 100,000 subscribers as Cruise With Ben and David passed that YouTube milestone number and earned the YouTube Silver Tablet (congratulations!!). That means that two of the three channels with over 100,000 channels are UK-based!! My channel Tips For Travellers (183,000) being the other UK-based channel. Don’s Family Vacations (108,000) who is Canada based is the other channel. At present, no USA-based channel is over 100,000 – though two are getting close and suspect they will be soon.
• MOST SUBSCRIBERS ADDED: The fastest growing channel in terms of subscribers since February was Emma Cruises (also UK!) who added 28,400 subscribers in the period between February and May.
• CREW-RUN CHANNELS GROWING FAST: Channels set up by current, or recently left, ship crew are ones to watch as a number have launched (I counted 6), and seem to be growing fast and adding subscribers and views quickly. The two fastest growing in this period have been (1) USA-based The Ship Life with 56,300 subscribers (making him the 9th largest cruise vlog channel in the world) and (2) UK’s Chris Wong Vlogs , who works on Royal Caribbean Ships, and only started posting a year ago and is already the 4th biggest UK-based creator cruise vlog channel based on subscribers (39,600 subscribers). I am really enjoying the various crew channels as they bring a new angle to coverage. In the next update I will make it easier to know which those channels are.

Here is the list, and please leave a comment if your channel or one you follow is missing so I can add it

I hope this list helps people find new channels to watch and support, as there is such a wide range of content and passions here.

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Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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13 Responses

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How generous are you to do this Gary! Typical of you! Thank you.

Thanks, I wasn’t sure about posting but I found (and keep finding) so many new channels to me – and many of these will be THE channels of the future… Going to be fun as cruising starts up watching all of these

Very useful – found lots of channels to follow, thanks Gary!

I love this list! There are some amazing people on here. My wife has a travel channel with a lot of cruising if you want to see if she would be a good fit for this list. Her name is @haleewithaflair

Hey Gary. Some of the vloggers I really enjoy veiwing weekly is The Tyler Show, Travel With Nick, The Cruise World and so many more

Americans love the British accent 😁!

Thank you! This is sooo inspiring. Time for me to start a YouTube channel! I’ve been on 71 cruises.

Hi Gary! I am recently new into the cruise vlogging world. Please do add me, thank you!

https://www.youtube.com/c/CruisingWithJT

Thanks, John T.

Hi Gary, I messaged yesterday but my YouTube channel is actually “Cruising With JT” — thank you!

https://www.youtube.com/c/CruisingWithJT/

Thanks! Will add you to the list!

Thank you so much Gary, appreciate it!! Everyone starts at the beginning and then the journey is incredible! I am up over 200 subscribers now and just announced my adventure 2 days ago! Let the fun begin! Going on 5 cruises the rest of this year and excited to capture and share content and my experiences!

Thanks, John aka Cruising With JT

Hi Gary, Hi it’s Jerry and Jill (the Cruising Canucks) enjoy your videos and reviews – it looks like you were on the Niew Statendam right after us a few weeks ago! We have cruised dozens of times but just started to do cruise vlogs on our return to cruising this past Christmas. We felt the same way as you about cruising during COVID. We are small but growing fast and would really appreciate a mention on your list. We will be vlogging Holland America this March and then a month of cruising in Europe for the first time ever this summer! We typically do 4-6 cruises each year and can’t wait to share our adventures with everyone. Our youtube channel can be found at… https://www.youtube.com/cruising_canucks Thanks! Jerry and Jill

Hi there! Fab!! Will add the channel on next update. Added it to my spreadsheet so don’t forget!

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Hey there! I’m Carrie Ann. I’m a lifelong travel fanatic and former flight attendant who actually used to be terrified of cruising . Really! You can read my story to find out what changed my mind.

Despite my initial fear, I fell in love with cruising on my very first sailing. Now I spend several months a year cruising and exploring cruise ports to bring you the best cruise tips and ideas on what to do in cruise ports around the world.

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Home » Best Cruise Vlogs to Binge Watch

Best Cruise Vlogs to Binge Watch

Last updated on January 29th, 2024 at 01:50 pm

As cruise lovers, we prefer to be on board in the middle of the sea than being on land, even virtually. But during those times we have to be away from the blue, we have modern-day storytellers that would bring us back right in the midst of the salty air–vloggers. Armed with cameras, microphones, tripods, and laptops, they tell stories that we love to immerse ourselves in.

Cruising is HOT and so are the Cruise Videos!

Now that cruising from the USA is moving full steam ahead, we’ve decided that 18 cruise vlogs just aren’t enough. We’ve added a few bonus channels to our list that we’ve found over the past year.

To help keep your bucket full, here’s a list of  the best cruise vlogs that are truly binge-worthy.

Jordan Bauth – Performer on Royal Caribbean

Don’s Family Vacations – Lots of great, up-to-date cruise-related content.

Chris Wong Vlogs – Cruise ship employee on Royal Caribbean

Cruise with Ben & David – Over 40 cruises under their belt!

Life Well Cruised – Their videos are coming close to 1 Million Views on YouTube.

Eat Sleep Cruise – The YouTube channel to go along with their popular blog.

Harr Travel – In-Depth ship tour videos created by a travel agent with extensive cruise experience.

Cruise Tips TV –  Sheri and her family started CruiseTipsTv in 2013. They are making astonishing progress, moving forward to 2020, having over 480 videos, more than 80,000 youtube subscribers, a Cruising academy, and almost 15 million viewers, their vlogs are treasure troves for both new and seasoned cruisers.

Sean & Stef  Updated 2021: Sadly Sean passed away after battling cancer in April 2021. Sean and Stef Mullen, are professional filmmakers who have won 3 Emmy awards, are producing informative but fun cruise vlogs that are topnotch.

Emma Cruises – Creator of the page “Cruising Isn’t Just For Old People,” Emma breaks the stereotyping of cruisers as old school. In her cruise vlogs, she features cabin tours, cruise booking tips, and tricks, ship reviews, and she genuinely sails the coolest ships making cruising hip for Millenials.

SoloCruiser – A solo traveller, Julia produces vlogs that present the reality of cruising, both good and bad. She started uploading videos on youtube in 2012 and shares her personal insights she has learned from various lines, which are extremely helpful for people who want to try cruising alone .

In The Loop Travel – John, the content creator of this innovative vlog, was able to integrate fitness into cruising. Their philosophy is to travel fit, travel happy, and travel often. He provided answers to health-conscious cruisers who do not want to miss out on both fun and fitness.

I Like Cruise Ships – This youtube channel launched a little over 3 years in creating video content and has been steadily gaining traction. Russell, who has worked on cruise ships for more than 20 years, is running this channel with the expertise we all need to know about cruising.

Cruising with Wheels – A channel that primarily focuses on everything about cruising and provides informative videos for accessibility on and off-board while cruising. To get the most out of your vacation, preparation is imperative when cruising with a disability , and watching vlogs of this sort is a massive help.

Cruise Radio – Cruise Radio has made it onto the list of both our favorite cruise blogs and now, one of our fav cruise vlogs. Their YouTube channel consists of over 26,000 subscribers and over 4 million total views on their videos. Since launching the website in 2009, founder Doug Parker has created exceptional content, whether that’s on the website, podcast or video.  Their ship tours are well done, informative and interesting.

Popular Cruising – Jason Leppert, the genius behind Popular Cruising, produces in-depth cruise reviews and tour views. He acquired his passion for cruising from his parents when he was just 2 years old, and after 130 sailings, I don’t think there’s stopping Jason from embarking . You’ll definitely love his behind-the-scenes cruise explorations, previews on upcoming ships and shoreside excursions.

Cruise Fever – Founded by two brothers who are passionate about cruising –Ben Souza and Jonathan Mark. These siblings made sure that their viewers are not just obtaining tips, reviews, and ship information — they keep their followers posted on the latest trends and news in the cruising industry. Their youtube channel has over 40,000 subscribers and about 17,000,000 views.

Paul & Carole Love to Travel – Paul and Carole have travelled to over 40 countries, tried different kinds of accommodations, and have been to 19 cruises. Now they want to give back to the cruising world by offering their honest opinions through their festive vlogs.

Griff & Alyssa – A lovely couple who adores cruising shares their adventures and provides informative videos with fantastic cinematography. Their content is perfect for cruise veterans and new cruisers alike who are looking for reliable information about their next travel.

Jim Zimmerlin – Jim has been running his own youtube channel since 2006 and has attained almost 300,000,000 views. People love him, he is an enjoyable person to watch with videos that offer varieties of fun – from cruising, trains, American Cocker Spaniel dogs to expensive toys.

La Lido Loca – Started uploading videos on youtube April of 2017, and they haven’t stopped since. In their lively vlogs, they generously share practical tips and realities of cruising that can help anyone in making informed decisions for their next cruise. To help out the cruising community, they created a Facebook community called La Lido Loca Community to help answer questions about cruising and provide a platform for wonderful travelling stories to be shared on.

Josh Hocum – Travel, Sleep, Repeat –that is Josh’s mantra. Though he seems laid back, he creates videos with thrilling cruise contents that transports viewers right at the very deck of each featured ship. If you are interested in the Carnival, you’ll love him more because a lot of the videos in his channel features the Carnival. His 3.8 million viewers are enough testament that he produces one of the best cruise vlogs out there.

Paro DeeJay – Since July of 2013, Jay and his wife Dee have been uploading content on youtube, which now has 685 videos and almost 2.8 million views. Besides the undeniable fact that they provide cruise tips, reviews, and tours of different cruise lines, what sets them apart is their amusing parody songs and cover tunes.

EECC Travels – An absolute must-watch vlog for families who enjoy cruising together. EECC Travels is composed of Alisa and Jason (Couple) and three sons. They make travelling as a family doable, especially for those who have children and haven’t tried cruising. You can check out their channel and be ready to be inspired to travel with the whole fam.

Trev & Chels – Viewers absolutely love this young couple on their travels, with the traction of over 56 million views, there’s a reason why cruisers are captivated by them. They create videos with superb editing and perfect voice-overs that feature their cruise experiences vividly, and it is keeping people hooked.

Talking Cruise – Equipped with the current news, cruise ship tours, and topics from around the world of cruising in a fun and unique format. Hosted by Chris Cardona, with 19 years of working in the cruise industry, his channel is a gem for anyone who’s planning to go on a cruise.

Before you start your vlog-watching spree…

Going on a cruise can be intimidating with all the preparation, booking, parking, finding the right ports, and so on and on, but these vloggers manage to contribute to the cruising industry by featuring and creating content that will genuinely make the process a bit uncomplicated. But hey! It’s all worth it, so I hope you’ll enjoy watching 19 of the best cruise vlogs.

And, don’t forget to check out our Top Cruise Blogs post too !

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

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Secrets of a Full-Time Cruise Blogger

by Prof. Cruise · Published December 10, 2021 · Updated December 10, 2021

My scrappy little cruise blog is about to turn three.  It’s been an exciting and strange and challenging and joyous and discouraging and hopeful three years of cruising and blogging and then not cruising and not blogging and then cruising and blogging again. 

I had no idea what I was jumping into when I quit my job as a college professor to become a full-time cruise blogger in early 2019 – I just shut my eyes and pinched my nose and belly flopped right in!  I loved to cruise and I loved to write, so I figured, why not try? Follow your dreams and all that.

Then there was a global pandemic that shuttered the cruising industry for over a year and I found myself, like so many others, temporarily under-unemployed.  The downward trajectory of daily views to my blog was only exceeded by my motivation to continue writing from dry land, trapped in a tiny downtown Seattle apartment with a 7-year old schooling from home, a husband working from home, and a geriatric dog farting from home.  It was a challenging time during which I essentially shut down my blog in solidarity with cruise ships worldwide and my favorite neighborhood watering holes.

But, in all honesty, that hasn’t been the most difficult part of growing a successful cruise blog over the past three years. 

The Most Difficult Part of Growing a Successful and Profitable Cruise Blog

So what was it, you ask?  Sifting through oceans of information and never really finding answers to the specific questions I had about building and growing and monetizing a cruise blog.  

Sometimes it felt like there was a secret society of successful cruise bloggers, with ten-step handshakes to verify membership, blood oaths to never let baby bloggers see the man behind the curtain, and plants at Google and Instagram and Pinterest and Facebook and YouTube, programing algorithms to their favor. 

As such, one of the goals for my cruise blog was to always be transparent and helpful to other cruise bloggers, newbies and veterans alike! 

Which brings us to today’s post.  In honor of profcruise.com’s 3-year anniversary, I’m going to answer some of the most common questions I receive from new cruise bloggers.  Feel free to ask about anything I don’t address in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

Common Questions of New Cruise Bloggers Answered 

I want to write a cruise blog.  where do i start.

Three years ago I knew less about blogging than I did about the optimal cooking time for a medium rare steak (I’m a vegetarian) and fashion (I’m still resentful of that time I had to change out of my holey college sweatshirt and leggings to get married). 

And I thought the following about basic terms related to blogging:

Domain : The place I would be the master of if my husband and son didn’t live there.  As it stands I have to hide all my treats and fake digestive issues to get some time to myself on the throne.

Web host : Charlotte.

Plugin : The heated oil filled scent disperser offering up to 50 days of “fresh linen” my husband uses to mask the smell of my sweaty gym clothes.

Widgets : A fictional race of people from a L. Frank Baum children’s novel.

HTML : A word my son spelled phonetically on an assignment for Kindergarten that I tried desperately to figure out before finally giving up and gently inquiring, “what does this say, buddy?”  “Hot metal.” “Ooooooh.”

SEO : What I assume is a typo and appreciate as an opportunity to feed my ego, “I think you mean CEO?”

Affiliate links : A trendy new vegetarian sausage substitute (soy free!).

Don’t worry about any of that just yet though.  For now, start by thinking about some goals for your cruise blog . 

Jot down some general goals for your cruise blog.  Think big picture at first.  My initial goals were:

• Use my background as a professional educator along with my cruising knowledge and experience to inform my readers.
• Scratch a creative itch and entertain my readers by showcasing my best writing and infusing my posts with humor.
• Stay honest and transparent and true to myself.
• After building credibility, gradually begin to monetize my blog to make it sustainable financially. 

Once you have a list of clear goals for your cruise blog, you’ll want to more narrowly define your focus and choose a name for your blog.

Narrow the Focus of your Cruise Blog

When it comes to cruise blogging, if hits and monetization are important goals for you, you probably do not want to be a generalist.  This is one of those, “do as I say, not as I did” pieces of advice.  With thousands of cruise blogs out there already, you’re more likely to gain traction if yours is focused on a very specific aspect of cruising.  For example, a large proportion of hits to my blog are to posts related to cruising to Alaska (I live in Seattle and cruise there often).  Cruising Alaska!  There aren’t many blogs out there devoted to that.  That would make a great focus! 

In addition to focusing on a certain geographic location, here are some other ideas: 

A specific cruise line (or even class of ships or ship). 

A certain aspect of cruising like cruise dining, excursions, or onboard activities. 

A specific demographic of cruisers: solo cruisers, senior cruisers, LGBTQ cruisers, cruisers of a certain political persuasion, a specific racial or ethnic group, cruisers with certain dietary restrictions, special needs cruisers, cruising with babies (or husbands who act like babies), introverted cruisers (I’d definitely read that one on a Friday night alone in my bed), furries who cruise (I can think of so many fun names for that one!), etc.

Cruise history.

Cruise news.

Working for a cruise line.

Living on a cruise ship (I dream of starting that blog!).

Now that you have some general goals and a more specific focus for your blog, you need a name.

Choosing a Name for your Cruise Blog

Three things are important when choosing a name:

• Does it speak to your goals and focus?
• Is it short and catchy?
• Is the domain name available?

I chose Prof. Cruise because it was short, catchy, and easy to remember, said something about me (that I am a retired college professor turned professional cruiser), and spoke directly to my first goal (to use my background as a professional educator along with my cruising knowledge and experience to inform my readers).

Before you decide on a name for your blog, be sure the domain name (the actual web address for your blog – you want that to match your blog name exactly, mine is profcruise.com) is available.  You can check for availability HERE .

Feel free to drop your name ideas in the comments and I’ll give you some honest feedback on what I think. 

So now that you have some goals for your blog, a focus, and a name, the next step is to start building your website. 

Purchase Web Hosting, Register your Domain Name, and Start Customizing your Website

Your first steps will be to purchase a web hosting service, register your domain name, and start setting up your website with blogging software.  I use and recommend BlueHost for all three of those steps.  BlueHost makes it super easy and is affordable for new bloggers.  In fact, if you purchase a hosting plan through any link on my site, you’ll get special pricing of just $2.95 per month for basic hosting, free domain registration, free installation of WordPress blogging software, and 24/7 customer service.

Next you’ll need to design and customize your website.  This is where things can get tricky for those with social science degrees and no background in coding (before I was a Professor of Cruising, I was a Professor of Psychology).  When I initially designed and customized my blog, I turned to Scott Chow and, specifically, this YouTube video for step-by-step assistance.  Or you could just ask any 8 year-old – they can probably figure it out faster than you can.

Now comes the fun part, cruising!  And writing about cruising!

Start Adding Content to your Cruise Blog

Here are my writing tips for new cruise bloggers :

• Don’t agonize over your first posts because, to be candid, only 2-3 relatives are likely to read them.  Just get started with something obvious (but consistent with your goals and focus).  The more you write, the easier it will get. Just start somewhere.
• As you get going, focus on both quantity AND quality of posts.  In order to gain views to your site through organic search (people finding your post via a search engine like Google), you need to amas a LOT of content.  This will take some time and can be frustrating (after 3 years, organic search has just recently become the number one daily source of traffic for my site instead of other referral sources like social media).  But you also want to make sure you’re posting high quality, unique content to attract and retain followers. Don’t sacrifice quality in favor of quantity.
• Build it and they will (eventually) come.  Many will advise you to focus on SEO (search engine optimization).  In other words, packing your posts with key phrases that will help your blog rank high via search engines.  There are a lot of guides out there on how to do this, but I’ve never done it.  It stifles the creative process for me and makes my writing feel less authentic (because it is!).  Stay true to your goals and yourself and write with passion!  In my opinion, that’s the only way to really attract and retain followers and avoid burnout or giving up too soon (if you love and believe in what you’re doing, you’ll stick with it through the discouraging times). And sticking with it is the single most important thing that separates successful cruise bloggers from those who aren’t.

Begin to Monetize your Cruise Blog

Don’t worry about this right away because, honestly, even if you have your website set up to make money, you won’t make any for a long time (after 3 years, I’m just now starting to make enough to sustain my blog over the long-term).  Focus on building and writing for the first year or until hits to your blog really start picking up. 

When you’re ready to monetize your cruise blog, there are several ways to do it.  I’ll speak to the two I use and understand well.

Affiliate Links

Companies that sell travel and other services and products will pay you a small commission on items purchased through links you include in your posts.  I am a member of a number of affiliate programs, the most lucrative for me being:

Amazon’s Affiliate Program (for cruising related products sold through Amazon)

Viator’s Affiliate Program (for cruise excursions)

Travelinsurance.com’s Affiliate Program (for cruise insurance)

Booking.com’s Affiliate Program (for pre and post-cruise hotels)

BlueHost’s Affliate Program (if you purchased your web hosting plan through a link on my site, I got a small commission – THANK YOU!)

In staying consistent with my goals, I ONLY include affiliate links on my site to products I either have used myself and love or feel comfortable recommending based on extensive research.  To do otherwise will (rightfully) tarnish your credibility with your readers.  And don’t forget to always disclose in your posts that you make a commission on purchases through links on your site – it’s the law!

Google AdSense

Google AdSense will automatically add ads to your site and you’ll receive a small commission for clicks on those ads.  I resisted adding Google AdSense to my site for a long, long time because I hate how the ads chop up my posts.  But I finally gave in recently because it really is the only way I can sustain my blog over the long-term (as much as I love cruise writing, I can’t do it virtually for free forever).  To my long-term followers: I appreciate your patience with the ads!  I know they suck.  But clicking on any you’re interested in will allow me to keep writing the blog over the long-term.  Thank you!

So that’s the 411 on how I started my cruise blog and have begun to monetize it and how you can do the same.  However, you probably still have lots of questions.  I did too!  And I found it virtually impossible to get a straight, candid answer from any seasoned cruise blogger.  Here are some of the questions I had and my best attempt to answer them with my three years of experience as a full-time (I’ll let you be the judge of how successful) cruise blogger.

How Much Time Do You Spend On Your Cruise Blog?

I treat my blog as my full-time job and spend roughly the equivalent amount of time on it.  I do take vacations, but in a typical week I put in 30-50 hours.

What Do You Love About Cruise Blogging?

Telling stories through words and photographs, documenting my family’s travels – especially so we can look back and laugh at Mr. Cruise’s (more like my) fashion choices, meeting and learning from fellow cruise and travel addicts (thank you!), helping people plan memorable cruises and vacations, and high praise from my number one fan (hi mom!).

What Do You Hate About Cruise blogging?

I hate nothing about you (because you’re here, reading my blog, so you’re obviously awesome), but there are a few things I don’t love about cruise blogging. First, the blurring of vacation and work, “how many drinks have I had, because I could have sworn the cruise director just came on the intercom, ‘a very good morning,’ and threatened to toss me overboard if I don’t get my review of yesterday’s excursion posted by noon.”  And second, the tech, legal, and business sides of blogging.  Can’t I just travel and tell stories?  I don’t want to figure out what a rate sheet is.

Where do the Images on your Blog Come From?

A successful cruise blog will include a mix of images and text. Most of the images on my site that are directly cruise-related are my own. I used to use a fancy camera, but most of my current images were taken on my phone or a small point and shoot (I got sick of lugging around a heavy camera). For situations (like this post) when I need free stock images, I use Unspash . For creating Pinterest Pins, Instagram Stories, cruise memes, and headers for blog posts, I use Canva .

How Many Unique Visitors Did You Get To Your Cruise Blog In The First Three Years?

I had 321,981 unique visitors between late January 2019 and December 9, 2021.  Keep in mind that I wasn’t updating my blog at all during the Covid shutdown (for almost a solid year), so this number is really for more like two years.

How Many Page Views Did You Get To Your Cruise Blog In The First Three Years

And this indicates the total number of page views during the same time period.  Same caveat about Covid.

What Have Been The Most Popular Posts On Your Cruise Blog?

Here are the ten most popular posts on my blog.

It seems all people want to do on a cruise is eat! I can’t really disagree with that.

How Do You Market Your Cruise Blog?

I don’t, really.  I mean, I tried my hand at a campaign slogan, drawing inspiration from Old Spice, ”Prof. Cruise, Smell Like A Man, Man,” and Nike, “Prof. Cruise, Just Do Her,” but I my ads kept getting flagged as lewd. Other than that, I participate in some cruising and blogging groups and forums where I share my content if it’s relevant to posted questions or discussions.  And I do minimal social media stuff – I have an Instagram page , a Facebook page and group , a YouTube channel , a twitter account and a business Pinterest account.  Most of my traffic comes from loyal followers who share my content on Facebook, Pinterest, or Cruise Critic (thank you!) and organic search (Google, etc.). Here’s a more detailed breakdown of where referrals to my site came from over the past 3-years:

How Much Money Do You Make From Your Cruise Blog?

Since adding Google AdSense to my blog just a month ago, my total earnings have doubled.  I generally make around $500 per month through affiliate links and expect to make around that same amount per month from Google AdSense with current levels of traffic.  So, roughly $12,000 a year.  It’s not much, but it pays for my cruises!

Do You Receive Any Free Travel Or Cruise Related Products In Exchange For Your Reviews?

No, but if you want to offer me some or give me some tips…

What Are Your Long-Term Goals For Your Cruise Blog?

I hope I’ll continue to improve as a writer and would like to revamp the design of my site to be cleaner, simpler, and more professional looking. And eventually I’d like to make enough money to support myself independent of my husband’s income (but that’s a longer-term goal and not a primary or realistic one right now).

Do You Offer Guest Blogging Opportunities?

Writing a guest post for a well-established cruise blog can be a lucrative way to market your own blog.  I’m always open to hearing from other cruise bloggers and content creators with ideas on how we might collaborate and I do occasionally accept high quality, unique guest posts that are consistent with my goals (reach out to me in the comments or through the e-mail found on the “PRESS” tab on my website).   

What’s Your Best Tip For Someone Interested In Starting Cruise Blog?

Do it!  And share it with me!  If there’s one thing I love less than cruising (no offense), but even more than writing about my own cruises, it’s reading about other people’s cruises!

And with that…

Pay no attention to that woman behind the curtain! The Great Prof. Cruise has spoken! 

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Have questions about cruise blogging that I didn’t answer?  Post them to the comments and I’ll try my best to answer them. And if you’re already a cruise blogger, share your own best tips for newbies. Let’s help and learn from each other!

*I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you on purchases made through links on my site. Thank you for your support!

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4 Responses

• Pingbacks 0

Wow – it is really generous and awesome of you to share all of this. I wish I could remember how I heard about your site but I think it was that someone left a comment on Facebook mentioning it … and now I do the same! I love the blog because you are so (cleverly) funny!! I actually don’t care about menus but I read the posts anyway because I know I am guaranteed at least a chuckle. Now you just need to figure out how to get on The Today Show … or how to get Oprah to post a comment! hahahaha. And my kids think everything you need to know is on TikTok … they can get like 50,000 views of a video they make and post in 5 seconds. Crazy world. It must have caused you some amount of anxiety to leave your job and do this – I think that’s awesome and wish you the best of luck! Cruising as a job … you are a genius!!

Thanks so much for your generous words and for reading the blog. You’re so right about Oprah. That’s long been my dream – way before starting a cruise blog. Sadly, I have a better shot at attracting the attention of Dr. Phil – “On today’s show, a husband who feels he’s losing his wife to a cruising.” And I don’t know about all this TikTok business. It’s huge, but it really isn’t for me. I have a face for radio and a voice for newspaper, and the writing skills for a subpar blog. I’m best to stay in my lane. LOL. Thanks again – I so appreciate your support and encouragement. Happy Cruising!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Reader's Digest

I’ve Worked on Cruise Ships for 10 Years—These Are 18 Mistakes Every Traveler Should Avoid

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

Cruise tips for the perfect trip

For more than a decade, I have worked on some of the best cruise lines , and for the last six years, I've been a cruise director. It’s a dream job: I am the face and voice of a 3,600-person-capacity ship, organizing entertainment around the clock for guests, creating the master schedules, coordinating excursions, hosting special events and so much more. I've been on  hundreds  of cruises and live on a ship for most of the year, so it’s safe to say that I know a few cruise tips you’ll find useful.

I also know a thing or two about the mistakes people make when it comes to cruises, whether they’re first-time cruisers or regulars, and whether they’re taking an  adults-only cruise , a singles cruise or a family cruise . From creating a smart cruise packing list to knowing the  things you  can't do on cruises anymore to finding the best deals at sea, this insider information will ensure that you have the best trip possible.

*Danielle asked that we use her first name only and not identify the cruise line she works for.

Get  Reader's Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter  for more travel tips, tech, humor, cleaning and fun facts all week long.

Booking too late

It is true that if you're very flexible with your travel plans and/or you live near a popular port-of-call (like Miami), you can get some great bargains on cruises by booking at the last minute. But those opportunities are harder to come by these days, thanks to sophisticated computer algorithms that do a great job of adjusting prices to fill bookings earlier.

What to do inste ad: If you're sure you want to book a particular cruise or your travel plans aren't flexible, book as early as possible—as in, the date bookings open. Prices will be at their lowest then, but if for some reason they do drop, you can ask customer service to match the new lower price. Just be aware that price adjustments need to be made before the "final booking window," when all rates are locked in, usually one to three months before departure.

Not asking for an upgrade

Post-pandemic , a lot of ships are sailing at low capacity, so there are often plenty of open rooms. People are often nervous to ask for an upgrade, but those rooms will just be left empty if they're not filled by departure time. We love making guests happy, and as long as you're polite and phrase it as a question, not a demand, we'll do our best!

What to do instead: When you arrive, talk to any of the employees greeting guests about rooms available for upgrades. Different cruise lines have different policies, and the employees will know how to help you. And in case you were wondering, you can ask for an upgrade regardless of how you purchased your tickets. If you're there for a special event, like a milestone anniversary or a honeymoon, definitely mention it—even if you can't get an upgrade, they will find other ways to make your cruise special.

Some cruises also allow you to "bid" for an upgrade, meaning that you can offer an extra amount of money for that nicer cabin. This is still a good deal, since even with the extra fee, it's still cheaper than if you had paid the original rate for that room.

Not packing a carry-on bag

This is one of those cruise tips you'll really be glad you know before your next trip. Many people overpack their main luggage and don't give enough thought to what they're toting in their carry-ons. Remember: It takes several hours minimum to get your luggage to you. Luggage times can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on staffing levels and your cabin location. This is why it's essential to have a day pack with anything you'll need right away—and don't forget the fun stuff!

What to do instead : Pack a roomy carry-on with medication, contact solution, a change of clothing, a swimsuit , sunscreen , sunglasses , sandals or other items you'll want to have immediate access to.

Being rude or cold to the crew

We're here to help you, but we're not slaves. I've seen passengers have full meltdowns over everything from not being able to get prescription medication from the first-aid station, to the buffet not having a dish they ate on a different cruise line, to their towels being folded instead of shaped, like they saw on Instagram. Regardless of your demeanor with us, we'll always do our best to help you, but we won't be motivated to go above and beyond for you. Keep in mind that some events, such as dinner with the captain, are by invitation only or are not advertised, and having a crew member to help you get your name on the golden ticket could make your cruise experience something out of this world.

What to do instead: Be polite and kind to the crew. To be clear: You're allowed to complain, and we definitely want to know if something isn't right or if it could be better, but just remember that we're people too—often operating on very little sleep.

Not taking advantage of flash deals

During booking or before boarding, many cruises offer limited amounts of "flash deals" for things like entertainment shows or drink packages. Many people wait, thinking they can just decide once they're on board, but you won't find those same deals on the ship. And these deals are worth it: Purchasing a flash deal ahead of time could get you half-off discounts for food and alcoholic beverages, an VIP excursion or priority seating at shows. Talk about an easy way to get perks and  save some serious money !

What to do instead : If they're offering something you know you'll use, it's almost always cheaper to purchase it through a flash deal. Flash deals are publicized through a cruise's site and via email, but the fastest way to be alerted is by installing the app for your cruise line and registering your trip. And be sure to purchase quickly, since many deals are available only for a short time and/or in limited quantities.

Using the internet a lot

Internet on cruise ships can be overpriced and unreliable. This is because ocean-going ships have to use satellite systems for internet, and they are slower and tend to lose service more easily. And expect to pay for the privilege of slower service—older ships still sell internet by the minute (50 to 75 cents), while state-of-the-art ships offer day passes. Day passes average about $25 per device, per day. This can add up faster than you realize. So while it's technologically possible to stream a Netflix movie to your cabin, it may not be the best use of your time or money.

What to do instead: See it as a gift! My advice would be to switch off completely while at sea and save your money. Cruise ships are equipped for maximum entertainment, and you should take advantage of all the fun we have on board. (Plus, in a cruise tip that doubles as a life tip, it's good for you to do a mini digital detox and take a break from social media every once in a while.) If you do need to use the internet—say, to check your work emails or contact family—it will be cheapest and fastest to wait until you're at port and find a Wi-Fi hot spot. Otherwise, just plan to use the ship's internet strategically; have a plan before logging on rather than just surfing.

Not signing up for the free loyalty program

All major cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer real perks, including discounts on tickets, free meals, free internet, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and even free cruises. If you don't sign up, you're missing out. While the perks will depend on what "tier" of the loyalty program you sign up for, top-tier loyalty programs are the best deal for serious cruisers. That's where you'll be treated like royalty, with upgrades, special events, free or heavily discounted tickets, priority booking and lots of other extras.

What to do instead: The base programs are free to sign up, and you'll want to register for them as soon as possible because you can start earning points immediately. Higher-tier programs are fee-based, but they can be a great deal depending on what amenities you want and how often you plan to cruise. You will be offered the chance to sign up or upgrade during the booking process, but if you miss it, you can sign up at check-in or at any point during the cruise—even when disembarking.

Depending on the package and loyalty tier, some of your points will be available immediately for use on your current cruise. Some major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have partnerships with major credit cards that allow you to use your card to rack up loyalty points throughout the year. (Editor's note: Here are some Disney cruise secrets you'll want to know about too.)

Sticking to the buffets

Yes, buffets are fantastic because they offer a wide variety of popular foods, and it's all-you-can-eat around the clock. But if you're only eating at the buffets, you're missing some of the best food on the cruise! The restaurants are designed to give you a full dining experience and offer regional or specialty cuisines that can't be found on the buffet. Plus, you can order according to your taste and special-order dishes if you have particular dietary concerns. Many restaurants offer extras like dining with the chef, watching the food be prepared or special entertainment events.

What to do instead: Ask your host about special dining events, like the chef's table, or to help you get reservations for a specialty meal—for instance, a Brazilian steakhouse meal or a five-course tasting with wine pairings. These dining experiences usually cost extra, but they're totally worth it. Try to book two or three if you can.

Not using room service enough

When you're staying at a hotel, you might forgo room service because it can get pricey—or because you can't order whatever you want, whenever you want it. That's not necessarily the case on a cruise. Post-pandemic, you can order anything off the menu through room service, 24/7 ... but not all the food is free. You may have to pay extra for that cheeseburger at 3 a.m.

What to do instead :  While what's included in room service varies from cruise line to cruise line, as well as what package you've booked, breakfast will likely be free—no matter what. Make the most of this cruise ship secret , and you never have to leave your room for breakfast again if you don't want to! One etiquette-based cruise tip, though: While tipping isn't necessary, if you do order room service in the middle of the night, consider tipping the staff a few dollars when they bring it.

Not reading the ship's insurance policy

If you enjoy doing adventurous activities like ziplining and surfing, make sure you know the risks and what you are covered for in case of an emergency. The ship's insurance policy covers only the very basic things—those that are directly the cruise line's responsibility, like canceled cruises or lost luggage. But anything related to your health or other travel issues won't be covered, so you'll need to rely on personal policies.

What to do instead : Make sure to read through the insurance policy and ask your cruise host or travel agent if you have questions. Check with your personal insurance provider to see exactly what they cover for cruises and/or out-of-country trips. And it's never a bad idea to purchase separate travel insurance .

Going to Medical for seasickness

Cruises are required to have a certified doctor on the ship, but it costs money to get medical care onboard . Doctors bill an hourly rate—often around $100 per hour—plus fees for any services or extra supplies. Cruise-ship medical bills can range from $50 to thousands of dollars if you end up needing to be helicoptered out. However, many medical items are available for free through the customer concierge, so save those medical trips for illnesses or injuries that really require a doctor's attention.

What to do instead: Seasickness pills and other over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, are free through guest services, as well as things like Band-Aids, heating pads and wraps. Stop by the host station, ask any staff member or call directly from your cabin. Pro tip: If you're prone to seasickness, ask for a cabin on a low deck and mid-ship, since they pitch the least in relation to the rest of the ship.

Not tipping your waiter

It's true that tipping isn't the same on cruises as it is in other places—after all, most cruises are all-inclusive. But there are different levels of "all-inclusive." Luxury all-inclusive cruises don't require or expect tipping at all, while "regular" all-inclusive cruises don't require tips for basic services ... but it's a nice gesture, particularly if the staff member went above and beyond to help you.

What to do instead: It's still polite to tip your waiter $5 and your bartender $1 per drink at the restaurants. You can add it to the check or to your room tab, but cash tips are preferred. Bring at least $100 in cash with you onboard for tips and incidental expenses.

Taking sketchy DIY excursions

This really depends on the location, but in lesser-known areas, it is generally wise to stick to the ship-sponsored excursions as opposed to relying on sales pitches from locals, taking internet advice or just winging it. After all, you want to make sure you don't get taken advantage of, you're safe and the ship doesn't leave without you if the excursion runs late!

What to do instead: Stick to reputable excursions. Your cruise director will have a list of ship-sponsored excursions and will also be able to advise you on local companies that the cruise line has worked with. It also never hurts to do research before setting sail, looking up your particular ports-of-call and seeing what excursions you might want to ask about.

Going too far from the ship

It's fine to go ashore independently and find your own adventures, but I've seen too many guests end up losing track of time or distance, and then end up waving the ship goodbye from shore. If this happens, you'll have to find your own travel to the cruise ship's next port of call.

What to do instead: Instead of driving yourself, find a local taxi driver who knows the area well. Just be sure to negotiate the price and time before hopping in. If you do decide to go it alone, stay fairly close to port, watch the clock and build in extra time for things like traffic jams. Make sure to get back to the boat at least 30 minutes before boarding time.

Underestimating how windy it gets at sea

Anytime you're outside on the ship, make sure to secure all your belongings. Hold on tightly if you're walking around, and if you're putting your items down, place them in a zippered bag attached to a chair or table, or tether larger items (like blankets) to furniture. It doesn't take much wind to launch your cellphone, hat or glasses into the ocean. This happens far more often than you might think!

What to do instead: I recommend that guests always bring towel clips for securing towels, clothing, flip-flops and other flighty items. Your ship may come equipped with some anti-wind protections like special shelters by the pool, lockers or wind breaks—just one of the hidden cruise ship features you may not know about.

Not honoring cruise traditions

Ships, cruise lines and even cruising culture in general have their own traditions. The most popular one on all cruise lines is the " Cruising Duck ." Never heard of it? Guests bring a rubber duck and hide it around the ship to be discovered by others. But there are many more traditions based on individual cruise lines, travel routes or themes (say, a Disney cruise), and part of the fun is getting to discover them. You can read up about them on online forums or just wait to be surprised.

What to do instead : Participating in these little traditions will make it more fun for you on your trip, and it's a great way to integrate yourself into the cruising community. It's especially fun if you're doing a themed cruise .

Not following current health protocols

Health protocols change often, especially post-pandemic. For instance, most cruise ships now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Some are still doing rapid tests before boarding. Most prefer (but don't require) you to wear a mask if you develop any symptoms of illness while aboard. If you test positive for an infectious illness, you'll be quarantined. And remember, it's not just COVID they're concerned about: Outbreaks of norovirus and influenza are common in the close quarters of cruise ships.

What to do instead : Stay up to date on the current rules, and do your best to follow them. This information should be given to you the week before your cruise, via email or your online portal. You can also check the website, call customer service or talk to a host during the boarding process. But please don't argue with us—we don't make the rules. If you need clarification or an exception, speak to the ship's doctor.

Not booking your next cruise while you're still on the ship

This may sound crazy, but it's one of the smartest cruise tips. Booking your next cruise while on your current cruise is a terrific way to make the most of free onboard credit and loyalty points. Once you leave the ship, the deals they're offering will be gone.

What to do instead: Ask your host about what deals they are offering before you disembark. This is the best time to get a great deal on your favorite cruises —and ones that won't be available at a later date. Cruise lines really want you to book your next cruise while you're still there and excited, so they may offer you a cheaper upgrade to a higher tier of the loyalty program and/or nicer perks on your next cruise. If you can book at this time, you definitely should.

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• APR 22, 2024

5 Cruises You Should Stay Away From These Days. And Why (Podcast #485)

I told my friends not to book the cruise as it was one that I keep warning cruisers to stay well clear of as they almost always disappoint. But they insisted and sadly, three days before they were due to depart, what I feared would happen did. It was cancelled. I’m Gary Bembridge and I’m here to warn you about this and 5 cruises I suggest you NEVER book, along with tips of what to do instead - or how to reduce your risk if you really do want to do them. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

• APR 15, 2024

I Put The 5 Leading First Class "Ship-In-Ships" To The Test (Podcast #484)

Although most cruise reviewers say there are five, there are strictly speaking only two cruise lines that truly have a “ship-within-a-ship”. A fully self-contained world where passengers paying at least $500 per person a night for a suite are given the special entry card to a door that lets them step out of the regular cruise ship and into an exclusive VIP (Very Important Passenger) one. I have stayed on all 5 of them though and review and rank them. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

• APR 8, 2024

I Cruise Silversea To See If Its New Owners Have RUINED It (Podcast #483)

Four years ago, Royal Caribbean, best known for huge, good value resort ships, surprised many by buying Silversea known for ultra-luxury small ship cruising. Having cruised on it before the takeover, I decided I should return to see if the online reviews from other pre-takeover cruisers saying things like, "Not the same Silversea” and “Before it was sold, we thought Silversea was superb, well run, with delicious food. Not now” were right or not. So, I booked myself on Silver Spirit for a two-week cruise, and this is what I found. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

• MAR 31, 2024

5 Things You Won't Be Able To Do On Cruises This Year! (Podcast #482)

There are five things I took for granted last year as a cruiser that have unexpectedly disappeared this year, the first massive one I experienced first-hand on a recent cruise. I was on the first leg of Silversea Silver Spirit’s 62-night Grand Voyage from Cape Town to Athens via the Seychelles, Dubai, and the Suez Canal. Find out what that was and the 4 others. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

• MAR 25, 2024

6 Things "Polite" Passengers Do That Drive Cruise Crew Crazy! (Podcast #481)

I used to think of myself as a considerate cruise passenger, trying to be polite and help make the crews’ jobs simpler, easier, and more pleasant. But I’ve had to reappraise what I was doing after a crew member discreetly told me on this cruise that I am on that some were having the opposite effect, and could get them into trouble with their boss, affect their ability to get a promotion, and even whether their contract would get renewed. Surprised by this, I asked the cruise director, waiters, shore excursion staff, guest services, guest entertainers and speakers, and of course my stateroom attendant, what well-intentioned things I was doing on a cruise that I should stop, and importantly be doing instead. The answers were eye-opening. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

• MAR 18, 2024

I Put Cunard's Controversial Class-Based Cruising To The Test (Podcast #480)

Cunard has the reputation of being the most class-based cruise line sailing today, keeping alive the tradition of grand old ocean liners from the Titanic era had of giving First-Class passengers, or what Cunard now call “The Grills”, a more rounded and top-notch experience vastly superior to that of all other guests.But is that the reality. I reveal what it is really like and why Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

• © Gary Bembridge 2024

Customer Reviews

113 Ratings

Helpful tips; a bit cruise centric lately

I love the truly practical tips, especially for anyone who’s done little travel. One of the best tips is the DK eyewitness travel guides. They are spectacular! Most episodes lately have seemed overwhelmingly cruise centric, which is ironic considering how late he came to the cruise game, but again the tips are extremely helpful and practical. Love the English accent but would also find it helpful if the information was a bit less Eurocentric. Overall, keep up the good work.

I just recently discovered Gary and I have to say, I love his content! I’ve listened to a lot of travel podcasts, and I agree with other reviewers who find him refreshing in a saturated market of self-aggrandizing.

This is the best source for tips on cruising

Gary is extremely knowledgeable about cruising & I feel fortunate that he shares all of that knowledge with us. Thank you Gary for sharing yourself, your knowledge & your personal cruise time making notes, filming, and producing these tips.

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Cruise ship worker explains the seven must-have gadgets you need to have when you're at sea

They're items that people 'wish they would have known to bring', says one cruise ship worker.

Tom Earnshaw

Preparing properly for a holiday means you're far more likely to have a stress-free experience.

And that's no different for a cruise , with one cruise ship worker sharing some essential advice on seven things you should get your hands on before boarding.

Lucy Southerton, who runs the Cruising At Crew YouTube channel, is behind the advice.

After spending a decade working on the ships, the Birmingham native often shares her expertise, tips and tricks when it comes to cruising so that the ordinary person can have as best an experience as possible.

Lucy has previously spoken about the one vital question you should ask crew members . She's also revealed the worries among staff about STIs , but that's a different conversation for another day.

Here are her top tips when it coming to packing for your trip:

Portable power bank

The first thing you need is a portable power bank , according to Lucy.

And she says, it is for crew members and passengers alike, with it needed by pretty much everyone.

She says: "On a cruise, you're obviously going to be out in port and if you don't do an excursion then you're most likely going to be using Google Maps to try and navigate your way around the port.

"Or if you don't buy the internet package when you are on board, when you get off the ship in these ports you're going to want to find a little internet cafe and use the Wi-Fi, so I always recommend taking a portable charger because there's nothing worse than getting halfway through your day and your phone is on 10% battery.

"Even worse if you're using your phone for Google Maps and then it does because you're winging it now. So, if you take a portable charger it just means that you're not going to run in to this issue.

Travel first aid kit

Next up is a travel first aid kit , which you should fill up with specific stuff that is thankfully easily available.

Lucy says: "While in this first aid kit I would take bandages and plasters and you know, everything you find in a traditional first aid kit. I would absolutely take seasick tablets, I would take some Imodium, I would take some painkillers. Anything that you might need because, although the shops on board will always have a supply, they've got you haven't they.

"You're a captive audience so the price is going to be ramped up."

Lucy said a packet of seasickness tablets could be more than triple the high street price. We're talking $10 instead of $3.

Waterproof phone case

For Lucy, she thinks it's really important to pack that waterproof phone case .

The thing with a cruise ship holiday is that you're often surrounded by water; whether that be sitting on the pool or a day on the beach after your ship arrives at a port.

"If you're going to go on a boat trip or an excursion or even if you like to lie by the pool area on a cruise ship because you know that's where everything's going on," Lucy says.

"I had a friend who was on a vacation she was lay by the pool because she liked to people watch and see everything going on. They did the belly flop competition and she wasn't really thinking about where she was in relation to the belly

flop competition, so they did the belly flop competition, my friend was absolutely engrossed in what was going on and didn't realise that her phone was actually in the splash zone.

"Half an hour of belly flop fun had gone on before she realised that her phone was actually soaking wet. So, if you know that you like to position yourself by the pool, maybe you've got the kids and you need to keep an eye on them while they're playing, waterproof phone case will never not be useful."

Noise cancelling headphones

This one relates to noise and more specifically, blocking it out.

Noise cancelling headphones are the essential item here, although how much they're needed 'depends on what cruise ship you are going on', Lucy says.

"Some ships, you just can't get away from [the noise]," she says.

"So, Icon of the Seasons, you're on this huge cruise ship, because they're so large you're able to go to the quiet zone and you can't hear anything that's going on in the pool area."

But the smaller ships are obviously more compact, meaning it's just more difficult to get some R&R without heading back to your cabin.

Lucy says: "A good set of headphones, noise cancelling headphones, is a great idea because it just means that you can plug yourself in and pretend you're on your own and you're in a serene environment."

Being prepared is essential here, so make sure you're taking a decent enough backpack with you.

"Even if you're a handbag girl or you don't think you'll need it when you out in port, you do want to go out prepared," Lucy says.

"If I'm talking to the mums or the dads you have to have everything for the kids but if you're going on a couple's holiday then I just want to warn you that when you get off the ship, you are going to want to take sunscreen, a bottle of water. You're going to want to prepare for every eventuality and also you're going to want your hands free to just explore the ports.

"I think that's a lot easier if you have a little backpack that you can chuck everything in."

Universal adapter

Labelling this one as 'one of the best purchases she has ever made', Lucy says it's time to get that universal adapter secured.

"Instead of taking a European adapter, an American adapter, an English adapter, blah blah blah, you can just take one adapter and it will have you sorted for all eventualities," she says.

Lucy said that a lot of cruise ships are 'still a little bit behind' and lack USB ports, meaning this is more important than ever.

Pre-load your gadgets

For Lucy, she said pre-loading your phone or tablet with the apps you need is essential before getting on board.

She said: "If you think you're going to need any apps to help you navigate the port or help you navigate your time on the cruise then please make sure that you've downloaded these before you get on the cruise even if you're going to buy the Wi-Fi package when you are on board the cruise, the Wi-Fi will not be strong enough for you to download stuff you don't want to be running around in port to find Wi-Fi to download an app."

Topics:  Cruise Ship , Holiday , Technology , Travel , UK News , World News , YouTube , Health

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

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I’ve Been on 50+ Cruises, and These Are the 15 Things I Never Sail Without

Add these game-changing products to your packing list ASAP.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

For most people, a cruise is a long-awaited vacation on the high seas. But for me, it’s a lifestyle — in fact, it’s my profession. My love of cruising began years ago when I studied abroad on a world cruise through the Semester at Sea abroad program in college, and it’s safe to say I’ve been infatuated with the idea of sailing ever since. There's just something about being out on the ocean and waking up to a different destination every day that creates such a perfect dichotomy of traveling by land and sea. 

I’ve now been reporting on the cruise industry professionally for more than a decade and have embarked on my fair share of cruises (at least 50 so far!), each one with its own unique packing list. I’ve sailed on the planet’s largest cruise ships , as well as some of the smallest on rivers, lakes, and oceans, even crossing the equator. I’ve packed for an Alaska sailing on a cruise line that required formal dress every night and, last summer, I survived with just a carry-on bag for a three-week, back-to-back trip that began in Milwaukee and ended in Stockholm. 

While every cruise is different, and every itinerary has its own packing requirements, there are a few items that I find myself always tossing in my bag regardless of where I’m headed. From versatile travel bags and waterproof apparel to game-changing gadgets and toiletries, these are the 15 must-have things you'll always find on this avid traveler's cruise packing list . 

Sorel Out N About III Waterproof Sneakers

Sure, warm-weather cruising is a haven for flip-flops and sandals, but I've found that sneakers are a must-pack item for almost any cruise. Whether you’re considering taking a hiking or biking excursion, or you’re thinking about trying out the onboard rock-climbing wall, go-kart track, or ropes course, closed-toed shoes are required for all the above. I really like my Vessi Everyday Classic sneakers for cruising because they are wildly comfy and supportive. They're also lightweight if I need to pack them and totally waterproof. 

Another solid — and slightly cheaper — option are Sorel’s Out N About III Waterproof Sneakers . They’re super stylish and come in four neutral colors, offering ankle support, removable insoles, and sleek leather trims to make them more stylish and comfortable than your average athletic kicks. In addition to being waterproof, which is useful if you’re caught out in one of Florida’s famous sun showers, these shoes are also certified for sustainability. 

Supergoop Play Sunscreen

In the wise words of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mary Schmich, “Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.” I must heartily agree. It doesn’t matter if your cruise is in Alaska or Antigua, Hawaii or Holland — the sun shines everywhere. For this reason, a reliable sunscreen is a vital item for any trip, and especially a cruise. Between long days spent exploring in port and sea days out on deck soaking up the rays, the last thing you want to worry about on your vacation is a nasty sunburn. 

Sunscreen has had somewhat of a glow-up in recent years, offering high SPF protection in reef safe and more skin-friendly formulas. These are just a few of the qualities that keep me reaching for Supergoop’s Play Sunscreen , which offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 for the body and face in a non-greasy lotion. Not only is it water- and sweat-resistant, but I can snorkel and swim confidently with a recipe free of oxybenzone and other chemicals known to harm reefs (some ports of call, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, have gone as far as to ban any sunscreen that’s not deemed reef safe).

Supergoop carries a naturally pleasant scent from sunflower and rosemary extracts that doesn’t scream “I’m wearing sunscreen!” from across the beach. I also like that there are a variety of sizes, so I can grab my little 2.4-ounce. bottle if I decide to go carry-on only for my next cruise. 

LifeStraw Go Filtered Water Bottle

If you do one thing for the planet this year, please buy a reusable water bottle and leave the plastic ones behind for good. Cruise lines have been doing a pretty solid job of reducing single-use plastics across their fleets in recent years. Many river cruise lines have long provided filtered water in each cabin, along with a keepsake reusable water bottle to refill around the ship and to bring with you in port. However, this varies from ship to ship. When traveling from home to your next cruise, it’s best to have your own reusable water bottle on hand. After all, staying hydrated is key to surviving long travel days and jet lag.

LifeStraw has been providing advanced filtration technology for about 25 years, originally developing its filtered “straw” as a humanitarian effort to remove contaminants from water in Guinea. This system has evolved from gear for hikers into a range of everyday products, from pitchers to personal bottles. I have an ungodly amount of water bottles in my possession, but I keep coming back to my LifeStraw because of its built-in filter. Though the chances I will be stranded by the Amazon River are slim to none, this water bottle ensures that I can safely fill up anywhere with peace of mind.  And, rather than shell out money for an overpriced plastic bottle while at sea, my LifeStraw Water Bottle makes me feel more comfortable drinking from the tap. 

Travel + Leisure / Brittany Chrusciel

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set

This item is for cruisers that love taking advantage of the water activities. If you’re planning to book a snorkeling, diving, or kayaking excursion during your next voyage, you might want to consider packing some dry bags. These Sea to Summit waterproof bags essentially seal any items that you want to keep safe and dry, whether it’s on a catamaran in the Caribbean or a kayak trip for up-close whale watching in Mexico. Having dry bags handy puts my mind particularly at ease on expedition cruises that require “wet landings” from the ship to the shore via inflatable water crafts. I’m always going to be tempted to bring a “real” camera (not just my iPhone) on wildlife-rich sailings such as the Galapagos or the Arctic, and keeping that equipment dry and intact makes me feel much better about lugging it to the ends of the Earth. 

Having a set of different dry bags is helpful so you only grab the size you need for the afternoon; the Sea to Summit bags come in 3-, 5- and 8-liter options, and in a trio of bright, easy-to-spot colors. These lightweight, nylon bags also come with a lifetime guarantee, but you also want to make sure to add a waterproof phone case to your order just to be safe. Similar to the idea of protecting my pricey DSLR camera, I also don’t want to accidentally drop my smartphone into the Sea of Cortez. Waterproof cases like these are also a game-changer because they keep out moisture but still allow you to use the touchscreen and camera through the plastic. Having it hanging around my neck won't make me look like the coolest cat, but if I’m being splashed and bounced around and still getting the shot, I'll feel like a smart cookie. 

Lohas LED Dimmable Night Light

This one might have you scratching your head, but trust me on this. Cruise cabins can get very dark at night with all the curtains drawn — not to mention that there are some with no windows at all. While plenty of cruise ships employ something like a night light, typically in the bathroom, I’ve found this is the exception and not the rule. Be prepared by adding this dimmable night light to your carry-on. Take my word for it, your un-stubbed toes and un-bumped legs will thank you since you won't have to stumble around an unfamiliar room at night.

Not to mention that the standard lights in cabin bathrooms are bright and unforgiving, which can lead to disrupting your sleep or waking up your entire party. For less than $10, these small, plug-in LED night lights will guide the way to the toilet without the feeling of staring into the sun. A sensor in the light automatically turns it on or off, depending on the brightness of the room, so you don’t have to remember to flip a switch. You can even adjust the level of brightness emanating from the nightlight with two settings. 

A word of advice: Check the status of the outlets on your ship; most have U.S.-style outlets, but you might need to bring an adapter. 

Yalikop Beach Towel Chair Clips

By now, I’ve been on dozens of cruises, and I admit that I once cringed at the idea of using a towel clip. Whose idea was it to bring oversized plastic clips on their vacation that look like they should be keeping a bag of potato chips fresh? As it turns out, tons of frequent cruisers swear by them, and they are definitely on to something. These towel clips, ubiquitous with the pool decks of mega-ships, serve in form and function. Clipping your towel to your lounger prevents it from blowing away while you’re taking a dip in the pool or the dreaded slippage as you’re reading or napping the day away. 

Another thing that I will admit is that chair clips have gotten increasingly cuter in recent years — like this adorable tropical-themed set from Yalikop . They’re also small enough to toss in a tote and bring with you for a beach day in port. And, if you’re sailing on a large ship, especially on a day when everyone is onboard, there might be more rows of deck chairs than your frozen cocktail will allow you to keep track of. So, a cheeky cactus, or watermelon, or flamingo sticking up from your seat in a sea of identical towel-clad loungers might help you better locate your place in the sun.

Stur Electrolyte Powder Packets

Included beverage options on cruise ships can be limited, unless you book a drink package or sail on an all-inclusive or luxury cruise line. And, if you’re sailing with the kids on a major cruise line, you might only have watered-down lemonade or juice available in terms of cold, complimentary drinks. Luckily, powder drink mix packets are not only a breeze to pack, but also pump up your water with sustaining vitamins and dehydration-fighting electrolytes. 

My sister-in-law brought these Stur drink packets on a trip to LegoLand for my nephew’s birthday — in July — and we avoided paying theme-park prices for drinks by tossing these in our water bottles. Despite having zero sugar, I didn’t notice an aftertaste from the artificial sweetener, and I really liked the fruit punch flavor. I also love the Stur mixes because they keep me hydrated walking around Barcelona or the Bahamas and cost about half the price of the leading electrolyte packets. Even if you do opt for a drink package, you’ll still be reaching for these babies the morning after a bit of alcoholic overindulgence. 

Bonine Motion Sickness Tablets

I don’t want to scare anyone off cruising by including a seasickness remedy on the list, but the truth is motion is an undeniable byproduct of the ocean. Most of the time, you will barely notice that you’re at sea at all, especially on large cruise ships. But even as an avid cruiser, I’m not immune to a little motion sickness, especially if I’m sailing a transatlantic voyage during the winter or in an area known for rough seas like the Cape of Good Hope around South Africa. 

There are all sorts of remedies for seasickness, from weighted wristbands to acupuncture patches, and even noshing on green apples and ginger candies. But, I prefer Bonine Chewable Motion Sickness Tablets because they make me way less drowsy than other popular medicines like Dramamine, and are also less intense than prescription patches that can cause vivid nightmares when combined with alcohol consumption. And, when you're off your cruise ship, boat rides to go snorkeling or fishing trips in Alaska can easily get a bit choppy. So, it’s better to chew a raspberry Bonine tablet before embarking on one of these excursions (or even before setting sail on your cruise ship), rather than suffer through a wave of seasickness.

Cheap and effective, this small bottle of 16 tablets should be enough for almost any cruise. Just remember that the best time to take a pill is before you even feel sick. 

G4Free Foldable Lightweight Daypack

A daypack should be separate from your hand luggage or your travel backpack. This bag’s sole purpose is to carry all of your essentials for each destination, and maybe haul a few souvenirs back from port. It should be able to fit a water bottle, extra jacket, towel, and other useful items, but also light enough that it doesn’t weigh you down during a day of sightseeing. 

Create your easy-to-pack bag for all your cruising port visits with the G4Free daypack that costs less than $20 and comes in plenty of eye-catching colors and patterns. These bags are especially useful because they fold down into a 5-inch by 6-inch pouch that takes up about the same space as a wallet, so you can pack it to your luggage without adding extra bulk. It's also made with water- and tear-resistant polyester fabric, which means that this backpack is durable enough to withstand a Dunn’s Falls climb in Jamaica.

Epielle Korean Face Sheet Masks

I could recommend obvious items like a hat or sunglasses, but the truth is I’d rather convince you to try these adorable animal-face Korean masks on your next cruise. Hear me out: Shipboard spa treatments like facials can be expensive, so why not have your own pamper party in your stateroom? (Is it really vacation if you don’t pack at least one impractical thing?) Soothe your skin after a busy day of roaming around Rome with Epielle's nourishing and rejuvenating formulas, which feature ingredients like papaya and citrus or cranberry and witch hazel. In addition to a glowing complexion, you'll also get plenty of laughs from the animal faces on the sheet masks. 

I’ve surprised friends — male and female — with these masks during voyages, and the reactions have always been positive. Your skin really does glow immediately after using them — though you may have also gained a few laugh lines in the process. What's more, these individually wrapped masks are super easy to pack and are not considered liquids, so they can also go in your carry-on. 

Bounce Wrinkle Release Spray

Fire is the most serious hazard at sea, so anything with a heating element, including irons, is banned from passenger cabins. Most cruise ships offer laundry pressing and dry cleaning services, or even self-serve launderettes with an ironing board. But, I am lazy and prefer to spritz out my wrinkles with this handy Bounce spray , using the steam from my shower as a de-wrinkling catalyst. 

The game-changing spray has a three-in-one formula that simultaneously removes wrinkles, lifts stains, and infuses your clothes with a fresh, clean-smelling scent. I like that this anti-wrinkle spray comes in a TSA-approved sized bottle, making it perfect for on the go usage. You’ll look put together for the captain’s Champagne reception in no time.  

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan

I don’t step foot on a plane, train, or cruise ship without a cozy sweater like this super-soft cardigan from Barefoot Dreams. Even if you’re sailing around the tropics, ships can be heavily air-conditioned, and you never know when you’ll want to snuggle up in something comfy. This long, loungy open-front cardigan not only looks incredibly luxe, but it's also machine washable — unlike cashmere or other high-end fabric blends — and comes in five neutral shades.

Men can opt for a zip-front version of the same cardigan to get their cozy on while at sea. It’s still buttery soft, but fits more like a jacket without the draping of the women’s design.  

Anker Portable Power Bank

Your smartphone is working overtime on a cruise, staying in touch with messaging apps and social media over the ship’s Wi-Fi (if you paid for it), and taking hundreds of the same sunset photo or helping find your way around in each new place using Google Maps. You’ll find that even if you left the ship in the morning on a full charge, your phone might need some extra juice while you’re out in port. 

This Anker Portable Power Bank is an incredible value for money, with reliable batteries at a wallet-friendly price tag. My husband is in IT, and he swears by these portable chargers, claiming that Anker also offers superb customer service if something goes wrong with your device. The battery pack listed here is compliant with Apple and Android devices, and it provides about five full charges for the average smartphone and half that amount for iPads and tablets. 

Sockwell Compression Socks

It might sound weird, but compression socks are currently having a bit of a moment. They’re no longer considered a stocking for the elderly, instead gaining momentum as wellness wardrobe essentials for all ages. I’m in my thirties, and let’s just say I can’t stand on my feet all day like I used to. Thankfully, there are these snug, supportive Sockwell compression socks that relieve pressure on hard-working feet, whether you're on a long-haul flight or know you'll be doing lots of laps around the ship.

Sockwell's compression technology maximizes circulation and reduces swelling in your tootsies, but incorporates merino wool and rayon from bamboo for a soft and moisture-wicking blend. The brand offers men’s and women’s compression socks in a selection of grades (light, medium and firm), as well as tons of colors and patterns. If your mood is saying, “lotus flowers with a touch of burnt sienna,” there is a pair for that. Socks that climb to your knees aren’t exactly suited for beachy shorts and coverups, but I usually wear them on travel days for flights or during hikes or long walking tours. 

Open Edit Strappy Midi Dress

The LBD, also known as the “little black dress,” has long been fundamental to any closet, and it should also come with you on your cruise. A hallmark of traditional cruise vacations is the formal night, which is one or two nights of your voyage where the entire ship is asked to dress their best and parade through the promenade in their finery. These nights are *chef’s kiss* for people-watching and bringing out a sense of occasion across the ship, usually complemented by a special menu in the main dining room and plenty of opportunities for portraits. 

While dress codes have relaxed across the cruise industry in recent years, it’s still a good idea to pack something a bit nicer to wear to a specialty restaurant or for a night out. I always prefer to be overdressed than underdressed, so this assignment is never lost on me. But if you’re the type of person who wants your suitcase full of clothes to work hard for you, I highly recommend this midi  dress from Open Edit .

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How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.

• I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships.
• For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view.
• I thought I'd feel cramped in the room, but it had everything I needed and left no space unused.

In April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas . At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world , but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas .

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas .

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.

My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms , which have no window. It's a category below staterooms with a balcony , and two steps below a suite.

My cabin was on the same deck as Central Park, an outdoor space with 20,000 plants.

I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship, so I enjoyed being close by.

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I was surprised at how big it felt.

Right away, I thought the cabin made great use of a small space.

To operate most of the electricity in the room, I had to insert my room key into a slot on the wall.

I appreciated the energy-saving system.

On one side of the room, I had a mirror and a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports.

I thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events.

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

The desk drawers were mostly empty aside from a hair dryer, which I didn't end up using.

Across from the desk, I had a couch positioned in between two closets.

Inside each closet, I found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe. I thought it was plenty of space for a weeklong journey

Next to the couch and desk area, a small bathroom used clever storage hacks, like placing the trash can and toilet paper under the counter.

In the bathroom, there were two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

At the top of the shower, a pullout clothing line was useful for drying my bathing suits.

Each night, my stateroom attendant replenished towels and brought flyers and schedules for the next day.

Sometimes, the towels were folded creatively to look like animals.

I noticed that my king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together.

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration, according to its website , so they may be separated for additional guests. I often woke up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed with storage hooks below.

Skinny nightstands on either side of the bed held lamps, charging ports, and a room phone on one side.

Because I booked an ocean-view room, I was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above my bed.

The window was equipped with an electronic shade that could be opened during the day for grand views and closed when I was ready to sleep.

While I thought the room might have been a tight space for a couple with a lot of luggage or a family, it was just right for me.

And watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea from the comfort of my room was the best part.

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