Essential Cruise Tips

Gary Bembridge
  • 4.6 (74)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Cruise expert, YouTuber and author Gary Bembridge helps you discover, plan and enjoy unforgettable cruise vacations with his tips packed show. For more visit http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers and http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and look for his books including "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" and "Essential Cruise Tips".

  1. I No Longer Recommend These 4 Cruise Tips. Here's Why (Podcast #488)

    3D AGO

    I No Longer Recommend These 4 Cruise Tips. Here's Why (Podcast #488)

    For years, I've shared what I believed were the smartest cruise tips—strategies that worked time and time again. But on my most recent cruise, something surprising happened. By doing the opposite of what I used to recommend, I walked straight through embarkation with no lines, no waiting… and was in my cabin within minutes. It made me question everything. Are some of the most widely shared cruise tips now completely outdated? In this video, I take a hard look at several long-standing pieces of cruise advice—ones I've personally recommended for years—and reveal why they may no longer work the way they once did. Cruising has changed. Ships are fuller, demand is higher, and the way cruise lines operate is evolving fast. And that means some of the "rules" many cruisers still follow could actually be costing time, money, and even enjoyment. If you're planning a cruise—or already have one booked—this could completely change how you approach it. 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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    11 min
  2. If I Could Only Do 10 Cruises In My Lifetime, These Are The Ones I'd Do (Podcast #487)

    APR 22

    If I Could Only Do 10 Cruises In My Lifetime, These Are The Ones I'd Do (Podcast #487)

    If I could only cruise 10 more times in my life… these are the ones I would choose. After 20+ years and 128 cruises, I've discovered that not all cruises are created equal. Some are enjoyable… but others are truly life-changing. In this video, I count down the ocean cruises that stand above all others — the ones I believe every serious traveller should have on their bucket list. These aren't just popular itineraries. These are journeys that deliver unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, iconic maritime experiences, and moments that genuinely change how you see the world. But there's a twist. Along the way, I also reveal why three cruises most people think belong on a bucket list… actually don't — and what you should do instead. From dramatic glaciers and remote polar regions, to culturally rich destinations and one-of-a-kind ocean experiences, this is based entirely on what I've personally experienced — paying my own way, just like you. 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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    14 min
  3. I Won't Do These 7 Cruises. Here's Why You Shouldn't Either! (Podcast #486)

    APR 8

    I Won't Do These 7 Cruises. Here's Why You Shouldn't Either! (Podcast #486)

    After 128 cruises over two decades, I've learned that while most cruises are fantastic… some are simply not worth the money. In this video I reveal 7 cruises I regret taking and now actively avoid — even though many travellers still book them thinking they're getting a great deal. Some of these cruises look incredible in the brochure, others seem like obvious bargains, and a few are even considered "bucket list" sailings. But after experiencing them myself, I discovered why they can lead to disappointment, frustration, or simply poor value for money. In this video I explain: • The cruise that looks like the perfect way to try cruising — but often isn't • The extremely popular cruise many people dream about that didn't live up to expectations • The cruise timing mistake that can ruin an otherwise great itinerary • Why certain new ships and launches can disappoint early passengers • The itinerary issue that can leave you seeing far less than you expected • The booking situation that can quietly change the whole experience onboard • And the weather-related mistake many cruisers make without realising These are lessons I learned the hard way after spending years and a small fortune cruising the world. Hopefully they'll help you avoid making the same costly mistakes.   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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT • • Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    12 min
  4. Every Adult Cruiser Needs To Be Ready For This!(Podcast #485)

    APR 1

    Every Adult Cruiser Needs To Be Ready For This!(Podcast #485)

    adults can cruise for far less than they think. In this video I cover: Adult-only ocean and river cruise lines, The surprising world of chartered "grown-up" cruises, How to find peace on family ships, Private island adult areas you might not know about, job-based discounts, and more Whether you cruise as a couple, solo, or occasionally with kids or grandchildren, these are the smart moves adult cruisers should know about.  ***** GET 10% OFF ANY OF THE CRUISE MAPS PRODUCTS AT HTTPS://WWW.THECRUISEMAPS.COM/TFT (OR USE THE CODE "TFT" AT CHECK OUT)   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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT • • Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    16 min
  5. I've Cruised All 5 "Small Ship Luxury" Lines. No-One Warns You About This! (Podcast #484)

    MAR 25

    I've Cruised All 5 "Small Ship Luxury" Lines. No-One Warns You About This! (Podcast #484)

    In the last few years, I've cruised on all five of the major Small Ship Luxury cruise lines — multiple times on each — and I discovered something most cruisers are never told. They may all be grouped together by the industry, but they deliver very different experiences. In this video I put the five head-to-head: Oceania Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Explora Journeys, Windstar Cruises, and Azamara I reveal: ✔️ Where each one genuinely shines ✔️ The weaknesses most brochures don't highlight ✔️ What catches Premium cruisers out when they "upgrade" ✔️ How they compare to Ultra-Luxury lines ✔️ Who should — and absolutely should NOT — cruise on each   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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT • • Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    17 min
  6. I've Done 5 Oceania Cruises. Here's What No-one's Warns You About! (Podcast #283)

    MAR 11

    I've Done 5 Oceania Cruises. Here's What No-one's Warns You About! (Podcast #283)

    I've sailed five times with Oceania Cruises across three different ship classes, most recently on a 19-night Sydney to Papeete voyage on Riviera. It's a cruise line I choose to return to and often recommend. But here's the truth. I regularly hear from viewers who board expecting something extraordinary… and leave wondering what all the hype was about. So in this video I'm being completely frank about five areas that are often misunderstood, where the expectations created by the marketing don't always match what people actually experience — and importantly where that really matters and where it doesn't.   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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    15 min
  7. Cruising This Year? Then You Need to Watch This! (podcast #282)

    MAR 4

    Cruising This Year? Then You Need to Watch This! (podcast #282)

    If you're planning a cruise in the next 12 months, be warned — cruising is changing, and some of the biggest shifts are happening quietly behind the scenes. Cruising this year is going to feel very different from what many of us are used to. In this, I unpack six major changes every cruiser needs to know, explain why they matter, and show you how they could directly affect your next cruise — whether you're booking for the first time or you've cruised many times before. These are the changes many cruisers won't realise until it's too late — and that's exactly why you need to watch this before you book or board. 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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    13 min
  8. 10 Cabin Checks Every Cruiser MUST Do BEFORE Unpacking. Here's Why! (Podcast 281)

    FEB 25

    10 Cabin Checks Every Cruiser MUST Do BEFORE Unpacking. Here's Why! (Podcast 281)

    Most cruisers walk into their cabin, throw their bags on the bed, and start unpacking. Big mistake. After more than 125 cruises, I've learnt – sometimes the hard way – that there are a handful of vital checks you should always do before you unpack a single item. In this video I take you inside a real cruise cabin and show you exactly what I personally check the moment I arrive on board. I also explain why it's absolutely critical to do these checks on embarkation day, when problems are far easier to fix, cabins are still moving around, and engineers are on full standby. Leave it until later in the cruise and you could be stuck with issues that never get resolved. If you want your next cruise to start smoothly – without nasty surprises, wasted time at Guest Services, or sleepless nights – these are the 10 cabin checks every cruiser must do before unpacking. 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   Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT

    18 min
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4.6
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

Cruise expert, YouTuber and author Gary Bembridge helps you discover, plan and enjoy unforgettable cruise vacations with his tips packed show. For more visit http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers and http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and look for his books including "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" and "Essential Cruise Tips".

Information

  • Creator
    Gary Bembridge
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    486
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gary Bembridge 2017
  • Show Website
    Essential Cruise Tips

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