I gave some of the same cruise advice for years, but I've recently revised some of my cruise tips, as they just don't work as well anymore. In this video I share the outdated cruise advice I no longer recommend, as well as what to do instead. We're all different, & so is our cruise experience, so cruise travel advice isn't one size fits all. However in this video I am sharing some of the ways I do things differently on a cruise, even from just a couple of years ago. If you're going on a cruise for the first time or are a seasoned cruiser looking for the last cruise information , this video is for you! Beginner cruises & anyone who wants to cruise line a pro will find these cruise travel tips helpful, as well as the cruise mistakes to avoid! 🛳 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER 🛳 Get the Life Well Cruised ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER ($10 off for a limited time). The printable planner includes 47 pages of checklists, packing lists, shore excursion forms & more! here: https://lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-... *Travel agency I recommend - MEI Travel (no fee): http://bookmeicruise.com/lifewellcruised *Newsletter sign up: https://lifewellcruised.com/free-pack... ______ The links in this description are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. As Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. CRUISE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Airplane pocket: https://amzn.to/4ct2ocB Over the door organizer: https://amzn.to/4e3lVRj Hanging toiletry bag: https://amzn.to/3Nb8fFY Compression packing cubes: https://amzn.to/3VPbPuI Magnet hooks: https://amzn.to/3yP2xXU Magnetic fan: https://amzn.to/4rsQO7C Flat fan: https://amzn.to/4anGtDX Passport wallet: https://amzn.to/3f6VqNW No surge power cube (with USB): https://amzn.to/3TGq8lY Travel adapter (fast charging): https://amzn.to/3MsJ4Dx European travel adapter: https://amzn.to/3NSWoBI Clear TSA toiletry bags: https://amzn.to/44PAoNq Cruise lanyards: https://amzn.to/3uNZBFb Cruise card holder: https://amzn.to/3EWtRUL Passport holder wallet: https://amzn.to/3f6VqNW Waterproof phone cases on lanyards: https://amzn.to/3iXCuT6 Portable charger w/cables: https://amzn.to/4rFkQVQ iWalk: https://amzn.to/4ra2ht2 Waterproof waist pouch: https://amzn.to/4iiYunH Towel bands: https://amzn.to/3S4bd3B Travel jewelry bag: https://amzn.to/2SY190s Night light (motion sensor): https://amzn.to/33eMEqP Bonine: https://amzn.to/3NE87zo Air tags: https://amzn.to/4cvYgru Cruise magnet decorations: https://amzn.to/3KCUKmt CRUISE LUGGAGE TAGS: Carnival, Princess, HAL, MSC: https://amzn.to/3Efz8JK Royal Caribbean, Celebrity: https://amzn.to/4jjZ7yU *LEVEL8 LUGGAGE (use discount code LIFEWELLCRUISED15 for 15% off): https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10115... *Nomad Lane carry-on bag (use discount code LIFE10 for 10% off): https://nomad-lane.myshopify.com/disc... *GigSky Cruise & Lan eSim: use discount code LIFEWELL20 for 20% off: https://plans.gigsky.com/227M44/2CTPL/ More Items we LOVE @ Life Well Cruised Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3QaoV29 _______ FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE - Some links found in the description box of my videos are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally like and trust. _______ *Business inquiries & media: please contact Ilana at [email protected] Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer. ABOUT ME Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams! Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking. ____________ Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic
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It’s always nice to see a new video from you. 😊 After maybe 4 years of watching your videos, I’m finally going on my first cruise next month!
As for the buffet, the main issue is the hygiene, not the food. On HAL, you have many options at the buffet that is freshly made and served to you by the crew. I tend to be mindful of the ustensiles.
The Buffets are impressive,it is the behaviour of some passengers which are not.i leave my passport in the safe but i have a picture of it on my phone
Packing light! I refuse to do it. Tried on my last cruise and didn't feel like I had enough clothes or shoes. Had multiple issues and no backups and ended up wearing my 15-year-old's shoes the entire trip (other than in the evening... then it was heels because that's all I had left)! My pajamas ended up having a modesty flaw I didn't see coming, so I ended up sleeping in a t-shirt (thankfully I packed a couple). I ran out of personal items after a SURPRISE visit (wasn't happy about that one) and then I ran out of Advil because I was only bringing enough for general aches and pains. I ended up washing my hair more often than planned, which meant I ran out of shampoo, and my hair was so gross by the end of the trip from using the ship's shampoo, I looked awful! So many little things that just made me uncomfortable. I have NO ISSUES overpacking and will gladly pack as much as I want from now on 🤣!!!
If you choose not to get internet, your emergency contact back home can always call Carnival and have a important message relayed to the ship you are on and you.
We don’t have “loyalty” to a specific cruise line. We choose our cruises by itinerary.
I go to the buffet but I bring disposable gloves bc I don’t trust where other peoples hands have been and so many people don’t wash their hands.
I have no use for wi fi as I am on vacation and don't care what's going on outside that cruise. I just want to enjoy myself. I do the same with my passport. It goes in the safe. I've used Shore Excursions Group with no issues a few times.
If there’s an “emergency “ at home I don’t want to know it’s happening! It would only stress me out & ruin my cruise experience & vacation. Nothing I could do from the middle of the ocean anyway!!
I’ve been on several cruises and never get the Wi-Fi package. I don’t need to be connected…nobody really needs it, they just want it. My daughters know which cruise I’m on and if they need me in an emergency, they know to contact the cruise line directly. You know, like the old days.
I like the flexibility of the buffet for breakfast and lunch but enjoy the experience of the dinning room for dinner.
Free Laundry changed the way we cruise. Seriously. It's so much easier to pack light. We did a 17-day cruise San Diego to Hawaii with carry-on only. I pick most of my cruises by the itinerary anyway.
Loved the historical perspective of this video! We do however avoid the buffets, not because of the quality but because of the behavior of other cruisers - hygiene, manners.
We are now very loyal to Holland America, we like being served at the Buffet. Their itineraries are great and the ships are smaller and not so crowded.
Buffets are always our last choice. We don’t like hustle and bustle and standing in multiple lines, especially if there are kids on board ship. Then trying to find a nice table. We like to be waited on.
I have to say that when I hit the loyalty level that got me free laundry was the one that keeps me going back to that cruise line.
We also bring our passports along on excursions whenever they offer passport stamping. It’s a fun little way to collect memories from all the places we visit. 🌍🍷
I enjoy dressing up for formal night. Silk takes up no room at all and weighs next to nothing. I have a great system of packing it so it doesn’t wrinkle. Getting ready for a Bermuda cruise next month to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We went there on our honeymoon. You better believe I’m bringing my silk!
Celebrity buffets are all excellent food for both variety and quality, but it’s the whole process where you break off individually get your own food, search for seats, and end up with cool food.
When renewing your passport, also order a passport card. They are the size of a credit card. Something you can always carry.