Essential Cruise Tips

I Try Out Cruising In A Controversial Ship-Within-A-Ship

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I test out cruising in Yacht Club, a limited access "ship-within-a-ship" on MSC Cruises, to see if it really is better than cruising as a "regular" pa...

I Discover The Best & Worst Sides Of MSC CRUISES (Podcast #373)

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many rumours, beliefs, stories, and misconceptions about MSC Cruises with many drawn by their great fares but worried about the reports a...

People Keep Falling For These 7 Crafty Cruise Port Tricks! (Podcast #372)

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I expose and looks at common scams that I have seen cruisers, including my friends and even myself, fall for when in a port on their cruise so you can...

Questions I Wish I'd Asked BEFORE Cruising the Nile! (Podcast #371)

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Seven out of ten travellers told me they really want to do a Nile River cruise. But almost all said they were unlikely to do it, because they had too ...

Scams Cruisers Are Falling For BEFORE Even Leaving Home (Podcast #369)

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I looks at scams playing on cruise lovers eagerness to cruise right now, like my friend Helen, who almost fell for one of the four scams very active n...

Epic Highs & Unwelcome Lows I Had Cruising the Nile! (Podcast #370)

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I reveal the best and very worst things I experienced on my AmaWaterways Nile River Cruise and time in Cairo, and answer if all things considered is i...

Exploring Alaskan Ports Without Breaking The Bank! (Podcast #367)

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I was asked by a fan of the channel, Heather, "How can we make the most of our port stops when we can't afford any excursions or activities?". This is...

5 Crafty Tricks That Catch Alaska Cruisers Out (Again & Again) (Podcast #366)

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While there are many things that catch passengers out once they are are in Alaska on their cruise, I want to highlight some things that trip up many c...

9 Things Smart Cruisers Always Do In The Days Before A Cruise (Podcast #365)

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On recent cruise I met disappointed or frustrated passengers, while everything was going to great for me with no unpleasant surprises, and I realised ...

Cruising South America Wasn't What I Expected (Podcast #364)

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I cruised around the base of South America for 14 nights on Holland America Oosterdam, and in this video, I explore all the things I wish I had been t...

Way Too Many Cruisers Make These Cruise Dining Mistakes (Podcast #363)

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this video I look at the 8 cruise dining mistakes I keep seeing my fellow cruise passengers make these days. As things are changing constantly, it ...

6 Game-Changing "Cruise Weapons" That Transform My Cruises! (Podcast #362)

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are 6 "secret weapons" (hacks and tricks) I saw smart cruisers use before cruise that since I used have improved my cruises, and saved me money ...

Cruising Ultra-Luxury Taught Me 3 Eye-Opening Lessons!(Podcast #361)

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Realising it costs the same to cruise in a suite on most "regular" cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and so on) as it does to cruise on an...

Things That SHOULD NOT Happen On Luxury Cruises, But DO! (podcast #360)

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On ultra-luxury cruise lines I have been on I came across and experienced things that I really did not think I would when paying so much money. Here i...

6 Cruise Ships I Had No Idea This Happened To Them! (podcast #359)

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When I found out by chance a well-known cruise ship I was on had a murky past I went out to find out what other popular cruise ships have I been on, o...

Is A Disney Cruise REALLY Worth That Rather BIG Price Tag? (podcast #358)

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A Disney cruise can cost two- or three-times more than resort family lines, like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Lines, and often 40% m...

I Test Out The World's "MOST LUXURIOUS" Cruise Line! (podcast #357)

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I splashed out on a cruise on the "world's most luxurious line" (Regent Seven Seas) to test if it meets all the hype their fans say about them. This i...

Crafty Tricks That Catch Caribbean Cruisers Out (Again & Again!) (Podcast #356)

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After watching Caribbean cruise passengers getting hoodwinked in a port side market as I had been a year previously, it got me thinking about 5 of the...

I've Found 11 Absolute Best Cruises For Your Bucket List (Podcast #355)

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've been on 100 cruises and found that there are 11 that are so remarkable, memorable, and enjoyable that I suggest you beg, steal, borrow or more se...

Cruise Agents Want Us To Know About this! (podcast)

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When I learned that three quarters of all cruises are booked by cruise travel agents, I asked them to reveal the things they see cruise passengers rep...

What's Got BETTER & WORSE Since I Started Cruising? (Podcast #353)

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I explore what has got better, worse and stayed the same since my first cruise in 2004 and the 100th cruise that I recently did. Looking back some of ...

Going On 100 Cruises Taught Me 7 CRUCIAL Cruise Tricks (Podcast #352)

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I have just taken my 100th cruise and I have been asked by so many cruise passengers and cruising fans what are the biggest things I have learnt about...

Cruising At Christmas Was NOT What I Expected. Here's Why (podcast)

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I love cruising and I love Christmas, and so putting them together sounded like a perfect combination. But was it? Discover what I found out about cru...

I Run Rings Around The Latest CRUISE RIP OFFS (You Can Too) (Podcast)

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now more than ever cruise lines are looking how to get more money from cruise passengers than ever before. I look at 10 things they are doing to extra...

I Took A Cruiser Back On A Line He HATED First Time! Here's How It Went (podcast)

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I took my partner (Mark) back on a cruise line he is not a fan of at all based on our Alaska trip 4 years ago, hoping he will like the changes they've...

6 Unwelcome Changes Cruise Lines Making This Year (podcast)

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, I look at six mind-blowing cruise changes that are have or are going to happen this year. These changes will majorly affect every cruis...

Solo Cruising How Do I Do It Cheaper, Smarter & Better? (Podcast)

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As 9 put of 10 of my cruises are as a solo passenger, I am frequently asked to share my tips on how to travel cheaper and avoid the large 100% supplem...

Cruise Ship Casinos: What You Need To Know BEFORE Playing (Podcast)

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I delve into gambling in cruise ship casinos to discover how to play, what to focus on and how cruise passengers use gambling to unlock perks, freebie...

Cruise Main Dining Room: What to Do (And What NOT to Do)!! (Podcast)

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at dining in the Main Dining Room on a cruise ship, and the many watch outs, must knows, tips and tricks. It is not straight-forward as many cr...

Cunard: 8 Things You Didn't Know You Needed To Know! (Podcast)

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I discuss the things about Cunard Cruise Line that I kept finding people misunderstand, or do not realise about the cruise line. There are many cruisi...

8 Unwritten Cruise Rules You Need To Know

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at some unwritten, and unspoken, rules that cruise passengers need to know as they are what makes a cruise run smoothly and make it more enjoya...

9 Scarce Cabins Those In The Know Always Grab First

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at 9 highly-sought after, and rare, cruise cabins that everyone wants for their cruising vacations because they have something unique, rare, or...

These 7 Things Throw NORWEGIAN FJORD Cruisers Every Time!

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I take a look at the 7 things I find on every Norwegian Fjords cruise I've been on that keeps surprising, shocking or throwing Norwegian Fjord cruise ...

13 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Going On My Disney Cruise

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I learnt a lot going on my first Disney Cruise Line cruise. And that many of the cruising tips that apply to other cruise lines do not apply, or work,...

I See If Disney Cruises Is Great For Adult Cruisers

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I booked myself onto Disney Cruise Line as an adult without kids to put it to the test to see if it really is the top-notch premium cruising vacation ...

I Look At What Celebrity Cruises Is REALLY Up To (Podcast)

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at how Celebrity Cruises is fast changing as a cruise line and the challenges that creates for both existing and new cruisers considering a Cel...

Cruise Lines You Should Stay Far, Far Away From (Podcast)

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This video delivers on a promise I made in a past podcast about lines that I recommended to make a video of cruise lines avoid and think other cruiser...

Only A Select Few Get To See These Cruise Ship Oddities (podcast)

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I show you 7 remarkable things on a cruise ship that most cruisers will never get to see, but I have managed to by hook or crook. And I am NOT talking...

Small Ship Cruise Line Cruising Wasn't What I Expected (Podcast)

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at the reality of cruising on smaller ship lines versus the many misconceptions and things I was warned about by other cruisers about them. I d...

What's Up With Princess Cruises These Days? (Podcast)

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Has Princess Cruises lost its way? Or is it just a temporary blip as it gets back to speed? I've been asked this increasingly by cruisers coming off r...

8 Cruise Cabin Checks Everyone Should Do BEFORE Unpacking (podcast)

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

10 Must-Know Tips If Doing A Cunard Transatlantic Crossing (podcast)

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

10 must-do and tips for anyone considering or planning doing a Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing

River Cruise Lines Don't Like Talking About These (Podcast)

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I've been on several European river cruises, and I've had a good time, however I keep stumbling across things I don't think are made crystal clear or ...

So Many Alaska Cruisers Get These 7 Things Wrong (podcast)

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You need to get your Alaska cruise right as for most it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip and the stakes are high, and as they cost more than many alternati...

What Smart Cruisers ALL Do On CRUISE DISEMBARKATION DAY (Podcast)

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I keep seeing cruise passengers making the same cruise disembarkation mistakes and have looked at what smart cruisers do to make it easier, less stres...

8 Secrets The Cruise Lines Are Hiding In Plain Sight (podcast)

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at 8 things we cruise passengers see all the time on cruise ships but don't realise they are there, what they mean nor the significance of them...

The Problem With Cruise Gratuities Today (podcast)

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at the issue of cruise gratuities and how tipping cruise ship crew has become more complicated and what the lines are really using them for, an...

Are The Recent Critics Right About Cunard Queen Mary 2? (podcast)

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I cruised on Cunard Queen Mary 2 to see if the ship is as rundown and poorly maintained as many recent critics have claimed, and explore what the ship...

I Face Everyone's Fears On A Cunard Transatlantic Crossing (podcast)

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I explore the 3 biggest concerns and fears people tell me they have about doing a Transatlantic Crossing on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 between Southampton ...

Not Getting CRUISE CABIN UPGRADES? You've Not Tried This Then (podcast)

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are 9 ways to get upgraded on a cruise. I talk about how I don't use the ways most cruise passengers try to get upgraded on a cruise, and the te...

I Try A Cruise Line People Say Is Going DOWNHILL Fast (podcast)

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I booked a cruise on this line that everyone told me is going downhill quickly since they have been sold to new owners. Here is what I discovered

I Sent My Friend To The Worst Mediterranean Cruise Ports. Why? (podcast)

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I was helping my friend Winnie plan her first Mediterranean cruise. She said she wanted a cruise that went to the best ports and avoided the worst. It...

People Still Fall For These 5 Mediterranean Cruise Traps! (podcast)

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I explore the 6 Mediterranean cruise traps and blunders that cruise passengers fall into when thinking of cruising in the Mediterranean. Inspired by w...

12 Things You Must NEVER Do In Your Cruise Cabin (Podcast)

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are 12 things we are not allowed to do, or get up to, in our cruise cabin. Here is what they are and why

7 Worst Cruise Advice Cruisers Are Given All The Time (podcast)

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

l look at the 7 worst pieces of cruise advice that I hear, or see, being given to cruise passengers all the time – and what I you should do instead,...

I Went From 2 To 10 Cruises A Year. Here's What I Did (podcast)

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I looks at how I manage to cruise so often, and although mine is an unusual situation, all the tips and tricks I discovered and use that any cruiser c...

Don't Even Think About Packing These For Your Cruise (podcast)

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The worst packing mistakes that I see cruise passengers make and cruise packing mistakes to avoid as they could get you into trouble, have you disemba...

4 Cruise Lines Running Rings Around Their Competitors! (PODCAST)

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I look at the best cruise lines in each of the 4 main cruising categories and why they are the best choice right now, and why smart cruisers are choos...

Viking Ocean Cruises Is NOT All I Thought It Was (Podcast)

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to Viking Ocean Cruises, I discovered 4 things I hadn't appreciated last time, making me rethink and reappraise Viking Ocean cruises. It had...

All The Things I Get Free On A Cruise Just By Asking (podcast)

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I guarantee there are loads of freebies and free stuff you, and other cruise passengers, are missing out on your cruise. Free Things you can get on a ...

5 Small Changes That Made A HUGE Difference To My Cruises (Podcast)

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are a few small things I do that significantly transform my cruises, including one tiny thing I did this week for my next cruise that took me le...

What Smart Cruisers All Do On Cruise EMBARKATION DAY (Podcast)

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the things that smart and experienced cruise travellers have found works best to make for a stress-free, smooth and successful embarkation da...

I Keep Cruising On Oceania Despite These Issues (Podcast)

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I review and explore Oceania Cruises and looks at what they do the same and different to other similar lines – and why I like them and keep going ba...

The Dos And Don'ts Of PANAMA CANAL CRUISES! (Podcast)

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Most people will do a Panama Canal once in their lifetime and, based on the multiple trips I have been fortunate to do, I have theses Do's and Don'ts ...

Which Premium Cruise Line Is Top Of Their Game Right Now? (Podcast)

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have revisited the 4 main classic premium cruise lines (Princess Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard Cruise Line) to see how they...

I Cruised On A Non English-Speaking Cruise Line. Here's How It Went (Podcast)

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I booked myself on a 3-week cruise on a foreign cruise line and started worrying about it. As it came closer, I grew increasingly apprehensive having ...

I Had Not Expected This When I Cruised Antarctica (Podcast)

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

3 Big Issues With Holland America (Podcast)

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are 3 big issues many cruise passengers have with Holland America Line. I explore them to see 

Who Should (And Should Not) Do A River Cruise (Podcast)

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have found that a river cruise is not for everyone, but it is a great option for some. So let me explain who I believe it is and isn't for. It could...

Expedition Cruising Was Not What I Expected. Here's Why (Podcast)

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Before going on the expedition cruise to Antarctica I am just back from, I rather naively thought that an expedition cruise was basically a regular cr...

4 Critical Things You Need To Do BEFORE Cruising in 2022 (Podcast)

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are planning, or wondering if you should, cruise this year in 2022 with everything going on and all the uncertainty and changes, I have 4 essen...

River Cruising Wasn't What I Expected. Here's Why (Podcast)

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

European River Cruising Wasn't What I Expected. I had not expected European River Cruising to be full of so many differences to any other form of crui...

I Found The BEST DECK To Stay On A Cruise !

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Where is the best place on a cruise ship to have your cabin? I'm changing the way I choose my cruise cabin after realising I had not properly factored...

What Does It Cost To Live FULL-TIME On A Cruise Ship? (podcast)

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I explore what it takes and costs to live (or retire) full-time on a cruise ship by looking at the people who have done it, and the options we have fo...

Cruise Ship Crew Want Us To Know These 6 Things (Podcast)

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You are about to discover 6 genuinely surprising cruise tips and cruise ship watch-outs I have been told about by talking to crew members on cruise sh...

The 5 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Cruising! (podcast)

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are 5 things that I hear about cruising frequently from regular cruisers, cruise sceptics and people interested in cruising but have never been....

Is There Really A Right Size Of Ship To Cruise On? (podcast)

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Which is the best cruise ship size, and why? Big cruise ship or small cruise ship? There is a perfect cruise ship size for your cruising vacation. Dis...

Secrets The Cruise Lines Don't Like Talking About (podcast)

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are a number of topics and issues that cruise lines do not want to talk about, or are reluctant to, with cruise passengers. I think these 7 thin...

Too Many First-Time Cruisers Still Get This Wrong (Podcast)

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When I started cruising, I made many mistakes and on every cruise I go on I see first-time cruisers still making those very same mistakes I did on the...

Key Gripes And Issues With Princess Cruises (Podcast)

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These are some gripes and issues I have with Princess Cruises having been in a few recent cruises with them, I review them and discuss if they are rea...

6 Top Cruise Tips for Over 50 Travellers (Podcast)

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I was tired of seeing cruising tips that don't understand and reflect the reality of cruise passengers like me in magazines, newspapers and online. Th...

Should You Cruise On Celebrity Or Princess Cruises? (Podcast)

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I am often asked is Princess Cruises or Celebrity Cruises better? Both of these premium cruise lines are popular and attract similar cruise travellers...

5 Things Cruise Passengers Should Stop Doing, And Why (podcast)

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how to have a more enjoyable cruise vacation every single time. How? By avoiding these 5 cruise mistakes I see cruise passengers repeatedly d...

Are Luxury Cruises Really Different To Regular Cruises?

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After going on one, I take a look at whether going on a luxury cruise felt and was much different to a "regular" cruise - or basically just the same b...

Unusual (But CRUCIAL) Cruise Tips For You! (Podcast)

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I have 4 out-of-the-ordinary pieces of cruising advice that you are unlikely to have heard before - certainly put this way. These are 4 cruise tips th...

Cruising In These Cabins Taught Me A Very Valuable Lesson (podcast)

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I just learnt a valuable lesson about cruising, the costly way when I decided to experiment cruising differently to how I usually do. decided to see i...

I Cruise On Virgin Voyages To See Who It's Really For (podcast)

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most cruise passengers think Virgin Voyages has been created for young people and young cruisers. But is that really who Virgin Voyages it trying to a...

Celebrity Cruises Are Not What They Used To Be (podcast)

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It had been 2.5 years since I had cruised on Celebrity Cruises, and knew they had changed many things. I was not really full prepared for just how muc...

Are You Doing The 7 Things Smart Cruise Passengers Do? (Podcast)

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are 7 things that I have seen people I consider to be smart cruisers do every time they go on a cruise to ensure an unforgettable cruising vacat...

All The Virgin Voyages Reviews Gloss Over 6 BIG Issues (Podcast)

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Virgin Voyages has had a rush of cruise reviews but there are, in my view, 6 issues that most Virgin Voyages cruise reviews have under-played or gloss...

Are The 5 Changes Princess Cruises Made Any Good? (Podcast)

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Princess Cruises has made 5 big changes to the way they do things. I test out if the changes to cruising made by Princess Cruises work for us as cruis...

I Try Out 7 Things SMART CRUISERS Say They Always Do! (podcast)

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are 7 things that I have seen people I consider to be smart cruisers do every time they go on a cruise to ensure an unforgettable cruising vacat...

Cruising On British Cruise Lines Is Different. Here's Why (podcast)

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why don't more international cruise passengers choose to cruise on British cruise lines? Why do most stick to American and European cruise lines? Crui...

5 Things That Also Make No Sense On A Cruise Ship! (Podcast)

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Discover some more things seem to make no sense on a cruise ship, and the reason on why it has been done that way. I look at things I have seen on cru...

Going On An Over-50s Cruise Taught Me 3 New Cruise Tricks (podcast)

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I went on a cruise where you had to be over-50. This over-50s only cruise taught me three big lessons about cruising that I had not thought about befo...

I Test Out If Viking Cruises Lives Up To All The Hype (podcast)

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I review Viking Ocean Cruises and put the cruise line to the test to see what they offer, what they do different to other cruise lines - and to find o...

I Put Post-Covid Cruising To The ULTIMATE Test ! (podcast)

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Can a Post-Covid Shutdown cruise be fun, or are you paying for a much reduced cruising experience and should you wait until things are fully back to n...

Cruise Solo Without Paying For Two! How Do I Do It? (podcast)

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Solo Cruising can be costly, as you often have to pay the same as two people. I explore how I cruise solo without paying too much. My solo cruise tips...

How To Meet The Most Interesting People On A Cruise (podcast)

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Who is the most interesting person I have met on a cruise ship? A Celebrity? One of the crew? The captain? Or someone else? I talk about what I think ...

You're Paying More Than You Need To For Cruises (Podcast)

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You are almost certainly paying more for your cruise than others in the same grade of cabin in the same place on the ship. Cruise passengers often com...