Thinking of going on your first cruise and relying on cruise influencers for tips and advice? You might want to think again. As a first time cruiser, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and take every travel tip at face value, but the truth is, some cruise influencers are not being entirely honest with you. In this video, we'll be revealing the real truth behind some of the most popular cruise hacks and travel tips being shared by cruise influencers, and what you can really expect from your first cruise experience. Whether you're looking for first cruise tips or just want to know the truth about the cruise industry, this video is for you. With years of experience in the travel industry, we'll be sharing our expert knowledge on how to make the most of your cruise, from booking to disembarkation, and everything in between. So if you're ready to learn the truth about cruise travel and get the best tips for your next vacation, keep watching. 00:00 Intro 00:20 Travel Insurance (but NOT the Cruise Line’s) 01:32 Third-Party Excursions - The REAL Rule 02:32 Book Onboard for the Best Deal 03:48 Always Book the Cheapest Cabin 05:33 Cruises Are the Cheapest Vacation 06:33 Magnetic Hooks Are a MUST 07:44 Casino Offers = Free Cruises 09:02 Suited Are 10/10 (When Sponsored) 10:37 You NEED a Travel Agent 11:56 The Gratuity Truth 14:18 Outro
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I appreciate the commitment required to make content like this. I especially noticed the financial cost involved for such a small channel. I really wish you well. However, I'm an experienced cruiser and very little of what is mentioned matches my experience. Take travel agents. There's good and bad ones. There's pros and cons of using one. Good ones do not charge fees for booking or cancellation. They do not add a bunch of extras, like cruise line insurance. They also suggest agency group rates that are genuinely good deals. Bad ones do not do these things. Another example is booking on board. It can be a good deal. The lower deposit means booking a cheaper non-refundable fare is much more attractive. The price is generally the same as the published prices on the website. That price may or may not go up or down between the booking time and the cruise. However, if it goes down and you live in the US or a few other countries you can reprice at the lower fare. You simply call your travel agent or the cruise line and ask for a reprice. Easy peasy.
I love interior rooms. Best sleep ever.
True with number 2. With very few exceptions, I booked with local vendors. Found out a number of them used to work for the cruiselines and branched out on their own. They are aware of the times and don't want the representation of people missing or close calls. They will also let you know if sometimes not feasible. In my last cruise during my Belize stop, there was some minor Maya ruins wanted to visit. The guide was honest that due to recent rains the roads were not good to ensure getting back to the boat on time and offer me a refund or another set of ruins closer. Now not going to say all will give a good tour, but in 30 years of cruises can count on one hand with fingers left of the bad 3rd party tours.
Not a single lie detected! You gained a follow.
What is that noise that constantly comes on? It's like the flash is running back and forth thru your video
Several cruise excursion companies automatically guarantee you will get back to the ship, including if it means getting to the next port of call.
I've been on over 100 cruises. Most of what she said I agree with. I research EVERYTHING !!! It's the best way to be financially well off. On average over the years I have paid approximately $800 for a 7 day cruise. Airfare paid with points. FICO=820. Favorite cruise line=Royal = Diamond plus. Least Favorite= MSC + NCL (due to misleading pricing) Fyi: Carnival has the best free food and best comedy shows. Mediocre buffet. Best buffet= Celebrity. Best buffet on embarkation day= Royals Icon class ships. Trip insurance = Allianz...One year unlimited trips for $280, can't beat that plus Allianz offers xlnt customer service. Magnetic wall hooks = Amazon = 10 hooks for as little as $6
The hacks that you are talking about, I have not heard any of the cruise vloggers talk about. The magnetic hooks hack, an influencer said go to Dollar Tree for a lot of the things they use on cruises.
Pitfalls in cruises for passengers are included when people rush to pay to get into a cruises for excitement and adventure.
I love using magnetic hooks. I use them to hang my lanyard, water pouch, wet bathing suit on the wall. 😂. Good advice though. And I book my excursions with locals, much cheaper and always back on time. I always book my own cruises.
Good info. Never stayed in a suite and don’t buy the drink special cause it does not add up. I just cruise basic 😊
I am so curious about the tipping and gratuities. I’d rather give cash to the servers, cabin steward, and kids club workers personally than that “fee”. I’ve cruised before and have usually just budgeted for the gratuities that are shown on my account statement at the end of the cruise. Honestly, I’d like to tip the ones I know really made a difference on our trip.
I wish I could like this video multiple times.
New sub! Thank you so much for honest unbiased info! New cruisers need more of this. 😊
The free cruise from the casino is a yes and no on your comment. Of course they get their money back, no wonder why Vegas has massive hotels because the casino always win but your math on the value is not always accurate. There are sites that you can do the formula and see what it will cost you to get a free cruise and its actually a lot less than $4,000, you just have to know the math and how to make it work for what you are trying to accomplish. If you go in thinking you are going to beat the casino, you probably should not be playing.
Finally. An honest review of the "Cruise Hacks" and other crazy information floating around. Thank you so much for making this! I'm an extremely basic, frugal, and cheap traveler and cruiser 😂. I always have a fantastic time each and every time!! 😂 The cruise is what you make it.
You look so good with your natural hair. Please ditch the fake stuff and show off your natural beauty.
Girl, don't talk about me and my magnetic hooks!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
I wish the cruiselines would do what they did 20 years ago with certain cabins. Those that were below or shared walls with the night club, the gym and kitchen offered these cabins at heavy discount rate but with you knowing why. Did a seven day on Carnival once with a cabin under the night club. Since I was at the club each night late, no issue and a great price
I booked my next cruise while I was on NCL Aqua. I wanted to go on NCL Aura in a solo cabin. It was sold out for the rest of 2026, 2027 and I got a balcony solo for 2028. When I got home to price compare everything was sold out.