10 'Hush Hush' Cruise Tips No One Else Will Tell You

There are cruise tips that anyone will tell you... and then there are those that are much more hush hush. They go against the grain, may not be bright and cheery, or they are just different from what you normally hear.

I’m talking about snagging a table when reservations are full… why cruise lines really offer discounts before the cruise, why most people should care less about loyalty programs.... and much, much more.

Links mentioned in the video:

[sf]

7 was surprising to me based on my husband and my experience. We do our best to milk everything we can from what's included in our base fare. We have a blast every time! We really don't spend any money outside of the onboard credit we score from deals and owning stock. Maybe Royal just offers a bunch? Lol, maybe we can have a great time just about anywhere though. haha

[richardmacdonald]

Fewer kids: did an 18 day circle Hawaii from San Diego on HAL Konnigsdam in early February. Maybe 4-5 kids on entire ship. Of course being 68 and 64 we slightly lowered the average age when we boarded.

[tammystreasures]

I’m a fairly seasoned cruiser, but I learned a couple of things. I agree with everything except #7. I am a very conservative spender. I prepay as much as I can and try not to have a balance at the end. I’ve been on ship excursions and private ones. I’ve bought things from the gift shops. However, I can’t say I have ever had more fun when I spent more. I’m almost always very happy with my cruise. I think it could be true for some people, but everyone is different.

[cruisecrazy]

When an insurance claim was made for a missed cruise, Princess immediately refunded the Taxes and Port Fees to the travel agency. I got all my money back. Thank you, Princess.

[DonnaHolmes-jshm]

We have a lot more fun NOT coming home with a big bill! Our last cruise was inexpensive with the Plus package and we came back with a $10 USD charge due to 1 on board purchase. There were no excursions that interested us enough to do them and we either explored the ports ourselves or enjoyed what the ship had to offer.

[christineshin]

I have hear, d (have not tried it out) that you can connect to ship wifi while in the terminal...so if you need to book shows or dining reservations (which cant be booked until "onboard"), you may be able to do it while in the terminal waiting to embark.

[richardgotshall]

We were cruising in the Mediterranean a couple of years ago when one of our stops was canceled because of rough seas -p it was a tender port. We were rerouted to Marseille. It turned out to be a great change. We had a wonderful day touring the city.

[nascarmadman]

We are NOT cruise vets by any means (7 with another coming up). BUT, we DO know that you DON'T fly in the DAY OF the cruise (Although on our first 2 night shorty, we did). Having said that, ALWAYS do the insurance. We had to cancel a cruise from about 2 1/2 years ago but it was because FiL (who was traveling with us) passed away. I sent a copy of the death cert and we got a full refund.
"Full wallet" concept. INTERESTING! On our last 2 cruises we did the NCL Free at Sea and the HAL Have it ALL. Included are drinks, wi-fi, 2 nights specialty dining (10/16 night cruises) and shore excursion credit (practically paid for it). If you drink, it's worth it. BUT everyone 21 or over MUST buy it.
This is the first vid of this guy I have watched. I'm not sure, despite - what, HOW many cruises under his belt? 25 or more? - he understands cruises. Book specialty dining in advance. HELLO!
I prefer the smaller ships.
There are fewer kids on my ships - there are fewer kids that see the end of a cruise than see the beginning 'cause I pitch them overboard every chance I get. Ok, that's a JOKE!

[julieb]

We pre purchase almost everything before we cruise. Our final bill is under $100. That means we already have reservations for our 1 or 2 specialty dining experiences at a reduced price.
I have hopes of packing flight carry-on for our next cruise. It means doing some laundry but less stuff navigating the airport.

[uncaboat]

That's one advantage sailing out of the west coast. We don't get that many hurricanes!!

[kims.]

Carnival has just changed that free drink to any day, so that's a little better now

[christinemarino]

We purchase all the things we want and can afford before we sail. My goal is to not have a bill getting off the ship. The best one was a refund of a few dollars due to a port fee change. One was $15.00, and we purchased a shirt. We dWhen we first started cruising, we would have a large bill at the end. Sometimes, as much as the cruise itself.
We don't get a drink package, we are Dimond, and we purchase a coffee card ahead. All extras are paid ahead now.

[amyb]

I was thrilled when our bill at the end of the cruise was only $3! 😂 Just tax on drinks when we were in port in boston.

[monarusch]

One of my fav ships is the NCL Spirit - the oldest (?? almost oldest) in the NCL fleet. Small and the referb was amazing.

[subarugirlsubaru]

Ecstasy was my first cruise from Galveston back in 2005.

[JasonMorford]

Again stuff I had never heard. Thanks.

[ralphg]

July 21 I missed Margaritaville islander cruise. The IT screw up caused my Sunday 7am flight should have no problems. Oh. A two hour delay kept getting longer. When it passed 11am. I gave up and cancelled. Plane flew at 12:23pm. Bags at baggage claim 3:05pm. We would have never made it. Glad I canceled, took Delta four days to get my bags back to JFK. They delivered them. BUT. Margaritaville let me keep my money I spent as credit in my wallet for a $150.00 fee. Ok I have a year to rebook. Delta is refunding all airfare.

[davee]

ask the food venue, if they could squeeze you in, or they will ask you to come back a bit later, so does not hurt to ask

[uncaboat]

I'm too old and fat for the roller coasters and water slides, so no loss there.

[tinybrownin]

When I cruised Mardi Gras in February I had FTTF. I got on at 11 n my room was ready. Only a few rooms in my hall had there envelopes at the doors. Just another tip.