Hi Lucy, we were on a cruise back in June. They canceled three of the ports that we specifically booked the cruise for Slovenia Venice,Teiste the only thing we got was a refund on port tax.
Another great video. Good job editing some footage of your personal videos into the video in pertinent places. As always, looking forward to the next one.
The WiFi on Harmony of the Sea in December 2023 was quite good (able to watch your CZcams videos on the sea). They use StarLink, which worked well. We were in the western Caribbean, so that helped (no losing signals due to fjords or extreme northern or southern global positioning). The price wasn’t cheap, and you’re spot on in that regard.
Great info! I really love your channel. I've been subbed for quite a while. I've been on one cruise so far, Caribbean with Holland America, last year. Unfortunately, I didn't find your channel until after my cruise. I ended up paying almost 100% of what I paid on my fare while on ship (a little embarrassed to admit). But, I had got some nice stuff, went on excursions, and had a great time! Thanks for your advice! Have fun on your cruise, and I'm looking forward to hearing about it!
I (well, I guess we, since you have to buy for all in the cabin) always buy the drink package if they have the non-alcoholic one that includes the Starbucks style coffees, sparkling and sodas and smoothies, etc.
Just got off Harmony of the Sea last month and have been watching your channel ever since! You are HILARIOUS and such a gorgeous girl! I will say I definitely skipped the Wi-fi package (because I didn't want to be glued to my phone) and opted to pay for one day to call my kids and get updated on some emails and check in for flights and stuff. Way cheaper and still got what I needed. I also tell folks to check their roaming packages and what not with their service carriers beforehand.
We've been on Symphony, Anthem, and Serenade all with Starlink and the wi-fi was fantastic. Hubby and I both had zoom meetings and also streamed CZcams and never had a moment's problem. Some people like to use the internet, some have to use the internet and it's great that the ships are improving their connections. If there wasn't great wi-fi we wouldn't be able to cruise as much as we do. Hubby can work when he needs to and since he's always remote with work he can be on a ship.
Lucy, as someone who has been watching for a while, I suggest that the best way to get yourself to fix the light switch is to make a video of yourself fixing it. We, your followers, will watch you fixing it even though we'll have no idea why we're watching it. 😺
I can hardly wait for your next videos. Lucy, they sound absolutely fabulous! Now I will go check out your vlog on excursions. I love all your helpful info and tricks to save money. Have a wonderful time at home and a wonderful time on your upcoming cruise.
Sorry but it baffles me that most of these aren't common sense. Ive only gone on one cruise and right away figured out they were just nickling and diming. Also, you don't HAVE to pay the gratuities at the end. I took mine off for my previous cruise and will take them off again for my next cruise in Feb. I Also purchased wifi on my first cruise and it was really good! I heard that cruise wifi wasn't the best but i was impressed. We'll see for my next cruise in february lol. .... it's really not that hard to cruise on a budget. You just have to know where you're going and what's available
They're buying the excursion from the exact same excursion companies . They don't charge an arm and a leg more than what you can get on your own. Where you can save a few bucks is booking a van and fill it up with bodies to split the cost yourself. Plus a van tour can often do a typical tour backwards and avoid the crush. Bus and walking tours are almost the same price ship vs dockside (vetted tours) .
I like to snorkel. I bring my own gear. I don’t prebook anything. I get off the ship with everyone else and just walk down the pier. I do some research ahead of time so I know where to go and the current rate. I also check reviews. I select a couple of vendors and see for myself which one looks the safest. I pay the fare, which is always lower than if I buy through the cruise line. Having my own gear means I’m in the first, out the water last, and I have good gear.
Thank you this was really helpful info. Ive been debating about buying a third drink package. We already have two, it came with our room package promotion. But I have been on the fence, because only one person drinks alcohol and soda. So the package would come with way more than would be used. I will skip that and save the money. 🙂
Sailed on HAL in Feb 2023 on Zaandam for full Panama Canal from Fl to San Diego. Lost a port and they did zero to make up for it. Not happy. OBC would have been nice. Thanks for sharing.
Gosh, couldn’t agree more re the drinks package. I used my on board spending money for one on the first cruise I went on, I nearly broke even based on the full price, as I chose not to drink alcohol. Second time round I went for the cheapest drinks package with alcohol. I stuckreligiously to drinks my package allowed me to. I was drinking at least 2 Proseccos a day, and a couple of pints and a few softies and a coffee a day! And still didn’t come close to breaking even. On my best day, I was £8 off using my daily allowance, most days well over £10-12 a day! Now I get 5% off all my on board spend including drinks and have no intention of buying a drinks package. The watch seminars were interesting but they were brands I already had several watches in so the sales pitch was lost on me. The thing I was interested in was the duty free prices on the watches which means if they’d had the model I wanted, I’d have spent the money.
On my upcoming Celebrity cruise, the included drinks package is just standard drinks and the included wi-fi is the basic wi-fi which is awful! But when I do decide to purchase a drinks package, it's because it includes everything and I don't feel like keeping track of what I'm spending. I could drink four drinks spread out throughout the day, along with many bottles of water, some soda and coffee. Even if I lose a little bit of money, at least I don't have to worry about what I'm spending because I already know. My friend and I noticed the crooked light plate but were too polite to mention it.
I've been looking at applying for a cruise contract. I'm an estehtician and makeup artist and didnt realize there were MACs and other makeup retailers on board. I might have a much better chance now knowing that there are other options besides the hotel side which is what I went to college for.
Keep in mind that NCL doesn't allow you to use OBC for gratuities. We walked away from our last cruise, leaving behind $250 in unused OBC because we assumed they would credit it toward gratuities.
The last few cruises we been on a drink packages and tips has been included in the price, there is no way, me and my parents get through that many drinks per day, I seen the menu of prices, and premium prices
Hi Lucy, I’ve been on Anthem of the Seas since Sunday. It’s my first cruise. I’ve thought of you often in the last few days. I’m surprised at how much stumbling around people do when the ship is at sea. Does it make any difference if I tell people I’m a CZcamsr? Or do the crew just roll their eyes?
Great video Lucy. Interested in your views on gratuities as a ship employee. We have been on nearly 20 cruises and always removed them from our account. I feel it is a cultural thing as MSC and P&O include them in the price but American lines have them separate. I think it is up to the company to pay correct wages. We never feel we are getting poorer service for removing them. Do the cruise staff know who has removed them? Thanks.
@@annabm95 Hi. It is quite simple, you go to reception and ask for the gratuities to be removed from your account. As far as I am concerned the cruise line has no right to refuse as they are discreationary. Some ask why, and I reply that I will tip the people I want with the amount I want.
Another great video. Lucy. I'm looking forward to your cruise vlog from the Queen Victoria. Safe and happy travels!
Hi Lucy, we were on a cruise back in June. They canceled three of the ports that we specifically booked the cruise for Slovenia Venice,Teiste the only thing we got was a refund on port tax.
Another great video. Good job editing some footage of your personal videos into the video in pertinent places. As always, looking forward to the next one.
great video, didn t know about these things
The WiFi on Harmony of the Sea in December 2023 was quite good (able to watch your CZcams videos on the sea). They use StarLink, which worked well. We were in the western Caribbean, so that helped (no losing signals due to fjords or extreme northern or southern global positioning). The price wasn’t cheap, and you’re spot on in that regard.
I believe she was on that cruise in November...I was on Harmony on December 3-10th. Star loft Suite. We had a great time!
Agreed. I sailed on Harmony right after Thanksgiving 2023 and never once did I have problems uploading/downloading, streaming or connection issues.
Great info! I really love your channel. I've been subbed for quite a while. I've been on one cruise so far, Caribbean with Holland America, last year. Unfortunately, I didn't find your channel until after my cruise. I ended up paying almost 100% of what I paid on my fare while on ship (a little embarrassed to admit). But, I had got some nice stuff, went on excursions, and had a great time! Thanks for your advice! Have fun on your cruise, and I'm looking forward to hearing about it!
I (well, I guess we, since you have to buy for all in the cabin) always buy the drink package if they have the non-alcoholic one that includes the Starbucks style coffees, sparkling and sodas and smoothies, etc.
Just got off Harmony of the Sea last month and have been watching your channel ever since! You are HILARIOUS and such a gorgeous girl! I will say I definitely skipped the Wi-fi package (because I didn't want to be glued to my phone) and opted to pay for one day to call my kids and get updated on some emails and check in for flights and stuff. Way cheaper and still got what I needed. I also tell folks to check their roaming packages and what not with their service carriers beforehand.
We've been on Symphony, Anthem, and Serenade all with Starlink and the wi-fi was fantastic. Hubby and I both had zoom meetings and also streamed CZcams and never had a moment's problem. Some people like to use the internet, some have to use the internet and it's great that the ships are improving their connections. If there wasn't great wi-fi we wouldn't be able to cruise as much as we do. Hubby can work when he needs to and since he's always remote with work he can be on a ship.
WiFi on the Queen Mary 2 was pretty bad, I barely got connection in my cabin. And I paid the higher package too.
Lucy, as someone who has been watching for a while, I suggest that the best way to get yourself to fix the light switch is to make a video of yourself fixing it. We, your followers, will watch you fixing it even though we'll have no idea why we're watching it. 😺
Yeah that's a great idea. Do a full video and a short of you fixing the light switch who knows, it might go viral.
Hahah that's so true. I'm a semi retired youtuber and subscriber accountability is absolutely a legitimate and strong motivator
She fixed it…. Moved the camera.
Thanks, Lucy. Loved the Fly Trap analogy! Safe travels ❤
I can hardly wait for your next videos. Lucy, they sound absolutely fabulous! Now I will go check out your vlog on excursions. I love all your helpful info and tricks to save money. Have a wonderful time at home and a wonderful time on your upcoming cruise.
Sorry but it baffles me that most of these aren't common sense. Ive only gone on one cruise and right away figured out they were just nickling and diming.
Also, you don't HAVE to pay the gratuities at the end. I took mine off for my previous cruise and will take them off again for my next cruise in Feb.
I Also purchased wifi on my first cruise and it was really good! I heard that cruise wifi wasn't the best but i was impressed. We'll see for my next cruise in february lol.
.... it's really not that hard to cruise on a budget. You just have to know where you're going and what's available
They're buying the excursion from the exact same excursion companies . They don't charge an arm and a leg more than what you can get on your own. Where you can save a few bucks is booking a van and fill it up with bodies to split the cost yourself. Plus a van tour can often do a typical tour backwards and avoid the crush. Bus and walking tours are almost the same price ship vs dockside (vetted tours) .
I like to snorkel. I bring my own gear. I don’t prebook anything. I get off the ship with everyone else and just walk down the pier. I do some research ahead of time so I know where to go and the current rate. I also check reviews. I select a couple of vendors and see for myself which one looks the safest. I pay the fare, which is always lower than if I buy through the cruise line. Having my own gear means I’m in the first, out the water last, and I have good gear.
On Carnival, you only need to drink 5 cocktails a day to get your money’s worth. ($60 a day for drink package and cocktails are now up to $14).
Thank you this was really helpful info. Ive been debating about buying a third drink package. We already have two, it came with our room package promotion. But I have been on the fence, because only one person drinks alcohol and soda. So the package would come with way more than would be used. I will skip that and save the money. 🙂
Sailed on HAL in Feb 2023 on Zaandam for full Panama Canal from Fl to San Diego. Lost a port and they did zero to make up for it. Not happy. OBC would have been nice. Thanks for sharing.
Gosh, couldn’t agree more re the drinks package. I used my on board spending money for one on the first cruise I went on, I nearly broke even based on the full price, as I chose not to drink alcohol.
Second time round I went for the cheapest drinks package with alcohol. I stuckreligiously to drinks my package allowed me to. I was drinking at least 2 Proseccos a day, and a couple of pints and a few softies and a coffee a day! And still didn’t come close to breaking even. On my best day, I was £8 off using my daily allowance, most days well over £10-12 a day! Now I get 5% off all my on board spend including drinks and have no intention of buying a drinks package.
The watch seminars were interesting but they were brands I already had several watches in so the sales pitch was lost on me. The thing I was interested in was the duty free prices on the watches which means if they’d had the model I wanted, I’d have spent the money.
I've never been on a cruise (I'm not sure I can afford it!) but I always enjoy watching your videos #cruisingascrew
Exciting! Can’t wait to see and hear all about it!
Lucy, the internet will get better on cruise ships, more lines are switching to Starlink.
On my upcoming Celebrity cruise, the included drinks package is just standard drinks and the included wi-fi is the basic wi-fi which is awful! But when I do decide to purchase a drinks package, it's because it includes everything and I don't feel like keeping track of what I'm spending. I could drink four drinks spread out throughout the day, along with many bottles of water, some soda and coffee. Even if I lose a little bit of money, at least I don't have to worry about what I'm spending because I already know. My friend and I noticed the crooked light plate but were too polite to mention it.
wow, so exciting for you, a cruise on queen victotIA :) Cant wait ti hear what you think of it :)
I've been looking at applying for a cruise contract. I'm an estehtician and makeup artist and didnt realize there were MACs and other makeup retailers on board. I might have a much better chance now knowing that there are other options besides the hotel side which is what I went to college for.
How about a video with a clip of the light switch getting fixed?
LOL🤣🤣
Awesome info 🎉Enjoy your cruise 🚢 also if you could do a video on value for the money spent on a cruise ✅
love this and the last video.. so much good advice for just traveling even
I actually spend way less on a cruise versus a land vacation
Happy sailing on queen Victoria. ❤ tomorrow she is in Southampton to go on world voyage 🎉
She giving us the scoops!!
Hey I applied for Virgin Cruise Line again. Hopefully I hear from them before they hire full staff.
Starlink has fixed the Wi-fi
Great Vlog!
So glad I am NOT like most people. I don't spend anything on board. I even use my OBC for gratuities. Hate the scams they try to pull.
Keep in mind that NCL doesn't allow you to use OBC for gratuities.
We walked away from our last cruise, leaving behind $250 in unused OBC because we assumed they would credit it toward gratuities.
Enjoy QV. Did you watch the brass band in the Queen's Room before sailaway?
I would give my right arm to meet up with Lucy on a cruise 😍🥰
The last few cruises we been on a drink packages and tips has been included in the price, there is no way, me and my parents get through that many drinks per day, I seen the menu of prices, and premium prices
Very sneaky, close up video so we can't see if the light switch has been fixed.
Maybe Josh will get it done.
He is in Austalasia at the moment
Hi Lucy, I’ve been on Anthem of the Seas since Sunday. It’s my first cruise. I’ve thought of you often in the last few days. I’m surprised at how much stumbling around people do when the ship is at sea.
Does it make any difference if I tell people I’m a CZcamsr? Or do the crew just roll their eyes?
Welcome! I'm also a first-time cruiser, I was on Grand Princess late last year. I LOVED it, but yes, I also found it new and a bit strange.
Princess has decent wifi.
It’s a strategy to basically extract what they can from you……….! 😂
Why is the wifi so bad on cruises? Is that purposeful too?
Great video Lucy. Interested in your views on gratuities as a ship employee. We have been on nearly 20 cruises and always removed them from our account. I feel it is a cultural thing as MSC and P&O include them in the price but American lines have them separate. I think it is up to the company to pay correct wages. We never feel we are getting poorer service for removing them. Do the cruise staff know who has removed them? Thanks.
How can you remove the tips? What cruise line allow it?
@@annabm95 Hi. It is quite simple, you go to reception and ask for the gratuities to be removed from your account. As far as I am concerned the cruise line has no right to refuse as they are discreationary. Some ask why, and I reply that I will tip the people I want with the amount I want.
ist it true some ships has dialysis
First!